Larab is the official revolutionary mass publication of the Eastern Visayas region.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
CPP/Larab | August 8, 2020
Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 25, 2020): Larab | August 8, 2020
Larab is the official revolutionary mass publication of the Eastern Visayas region.
Larab is the official revolutionary mass publication of the Eastern Visayas region.
CPP/Ang Katipunan | August 2020
Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 25, 2020): Ang Katipunan | August 2020
Sa ngalan ng milyun-milyong magsasakang nagsusulong ng Rebolusyong Agraryo, pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at malawakang pulang saludo ang pinapaabot ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid kay Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis, martir at bayani ng uring magbubukid at masang maralita.
Ang Katipunan, is the official publication of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid.
Sa ngalan ng milyun-milyong magsasakang nagsusulong ng Rebolusyong Agraryo, pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at malawakang pulang saludo ang pinapaabot ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid kay Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis, martir at bayani ng uring magbubukid at masang maralita.
Ang Katipunan, is the official publication of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid.
Ang Bayan Special Issue: Critique of the Trotskyite attacks on the CPP and the Philippine revolution
Ang Bayan Special Issue (Aug 25, 2020): Critique of the Trotskyite attacks on the CPP and the Philippine revolution
Critique of the Trotskyite attacks on the CPP and the Philippine revolution
Interview with Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairperson
Communist Party of the Philippines
1. It is well-known that Joseph Scalice has been attacking your writings and you personally in violent anti-communist and anti-Stalinist language since 2017. Why did you criticize him only this recently? If you were aware of him before, what has been your view of him?
Jose Maria Sison (JMS): My attention to Joseph Scalice was called recently by a Filipino artist friend, Max Santiago, who complained that his art work had been stolen by Scalice for a malicious purpose. The art work carried my and Duterte’s images in order to encourage peace negotiations in 2016. Scalice used the art work to dish out the following lies: that the peace dialogue was a betrayal of the people and that the CPP and I supported Duterte for two years from the time he assumed the presidency in 2016.
I have been aware of the rabid anti-communist and anti-Stalinist writings of Scalice for quite sometime, long before now. I have ignored him because American comrades and friends have told me that he was already well-exposed as a Trotskyite and as a paid agent of the Central Intelligence Agency, paid to focus on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and my writings and make a career out of attacking and misrepresenting these.
They have told me that the distortions and lies he makes to attack the CPP and me are so obviously false, illogical and unbelievable that they are ineffective propaganda and patently supportive of counterrevolution. Thus, I thought that I would devote my time to far more important tasks than to spend time writing to debunk Scalice.
2. How do you respond to his claim that engaging in peace negotiations with the Duterte regime is a form of betraying the people? And what about his claim that the CPP supported Duterte’s war on drugs and the extrajudicial killings?
JMS: Only a Trotskyite can interpret peace negotiations between two warring parties as support for Duterte and betrayal of the people. It is also an outright lie that the CPP supported the Duterte regime and his extrajudicial killings of poor people for two years. The peace negotiations practically came to an end in August 2016 when Duterte released only 19 political prisoners and reneged on his promise to amnesty and release all political prisoners.
As early as July 2016, the CPP and New People’s Army (NPA) condemned Duterte’s war on drugs when it became utterly clear that it was butchery aimed at the poor people and intended to intimidate the broad masses of the people. On their own independent account, human rights organizations and legal democratic forces promptly addressed and denounced the “kill, kill, kill” program of Duterte. It also became obvious that the bogus war on drugs was meant to aggrandize the Duterte crime syndicate and install Duterte as the supreme drug lord.
3. Why is it that various groups of Trotskyites and crypto-Trotskyites, including those who quarrel among themselves, have united to accuse the CPP of having enabled Duterte to become the President and commit all the grave crimes that he has committed? Why do the Trotskyites attack the CPP and all the patriotic and democratic forces at a time when they are intensifying the struggle against the Duterte tyranny and building a broad united front against him?
JMS: Trotskyites are special agents of US imperialism. They have played that role since Trotsky betrayed the Bolshevik party and the Soviet Union. They have always specialized in attacking communist parties engaged in revolutionary struggle more than their formalistic and ritualistic denunciations of capitalism.
It is not a surprise at all that they attack the CPP and the national democratic movement most viciously because in a sneaky way they support the brutal but futile campaign of the US and the Duterte puppet regime to destroy the CPP and the revolutionary movement. The Trotskyites, the US imperialists and Duterte share a common hatred for the CPP and the revolutionary movement of the Filipino people.
4. Scalice holds the view that the old Communist Party of the Lavaite revisionists and the Communist Party of the Philippines guided by Marxism-Leninism-Maoism must betray the people as a matter of course because they are supposed to be similarly Stalinist. Is it valid for Scalice to equate the Lavaite party supporting the Marcos dictatorship with the blatant lie that CPP has enabled and supported the Duterte tyranny?
JMS: Scalice boasts of himself as a Philippine historian. He is a big fake. He does not even know that the Lavaite party was already revisionist and anti-Stalinist like the Trotskyites when that party supported the Marcos fascist dictatorship from its start in 1972 to its end in 1986. I have already exposed the big lie of Scalice that the CPP was the enabler and supporter of Duterte for two years after he assumed the presidency.
It is a matter of public knowledge that the people’s war led by the CPP has never been ended, in contrast to the perpetual prattle of the Trotskyites. But I wish to clarify that the CPP admires Stalin for building socialism in the Soviet Union and defeating fascism among his great achievements. But the CPP is critical of Stalin for presuming the end of classes and class struggle in 1935 and for mistakes in the handling of contradictions within socialist society.
In the case of Trotsky, he deserved to be expelled from the ranks of the Bolsheviks for his counterrevolutionary position. Lenin has criticized Trotsky so many times as an unpredictable petty bourgeois subjectivist and opportunist. Lenin and Stalin forgave many of the muddled ideas and flip-flops of Trotsky. But Trotsky exhausted the tolerance and patience of the Bolsheviks when he became brazenly counterrevolutionary and opposed the socialist revolution and construction in the Soviet Union because he had the crazy notion of having to attain first a permanent seamless world revolution.
5. In the Trotskyite World Socialist Web Site, a certain Peter Symonds echoes the claim of Scalice that you have threatened his life with your criticism of him as a “pathologically rabid anti-communist and CIA psywar agent posing as an academic Trotskyite?” And in this connection, he goes into the overstretch that the CPP kills dissenters among its ranks just like Stalin supposedly did.
JMS: Why should I threaten the life of any sick guy I have ignored for so long? He can wallow in his own saliva. The CPP stopped the unjustified killings done by the Trotsky-type commandists and adventurists after they failed with their scheme of premature regularization of the entire people’s army. The Second Great Rectification Movement repudiated and criticized the mistakes and crimes of those Trotsky-type rascals. It was a campaign of ideological and political education.
6. What do you say about the claim of Scalice and other Trotskyites that the CPP and its “front organizations” supported the fascistic Duterte when he won the presidency in 2016 and staged rallies in his support? Is it fair for Scalice to refer to the patriotic and democratic mass organizations as front organizations of the CPP?
JMS: The BAYAN and other patriotic and democratic organizations held rallies to ventilate and present what they called the People’s Agenda and the social, economic and political reforms that ought to be taken up in the peace negotiations. They were acting as peace advocates on behalf of the people. It is malicious and mendacious of Scalice to present their peace advocacy as supporting Duterte. At the same time, he exposes himself as a red-tagger, communist-baiter and anti-communist agent by calling them front organizations of the CPP. Scalice is as vociferously malicious as that tin can General Parlade.
7. Is it true that Rafael Mariano, chairman emeritus of the Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP) and Joel Maglungsod, vice president for Mindanao of the trade union umbrella organization Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) were CPP nominees to the Duterte cabinet? And by the way, are not the Trotskyites engaged in red-tagging for the benefit of the Duterte death squads?
JMS: The CPP did not nominate anyone as CPP representative to any cabinet or sub-cabinet position in the Duterte administration. I told Duterte publicly that he could appoint anyone on his or her individual merits for patriotism, competence, honesty and diligence but that he could not appoint anyone as CPP representative while the people’s war and the peace negotiations were still going on. In this regard, Scalice is both a liar and incorrigible anti-communist agent of imperialism and reaction. Indeed, he is practically a wild informer for the benefit of the Duterte death squads.
8. How true is the claim of the Trotskyites that the CPP is not really a communist party but a mere nationalist organization of Stalinism and that its adherence to “two-stage theory” is aimed at putting socialism off the agenda and making the working class and peasant masses support the “progressive wing” of the bourgeoisie?
JMS: The CPP is a proletarian revolutionary party and is both patriotic and proletarian internationalist. In accordance with Lenin’s teaching, the CPP carries out the people’s democratic revolution with a socialist perspective and under the leadership of the working class against US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. At the basic completion of the people’s democratic revolution through the seizure of political power, the stage of socialist revolution begins in the same manner as the Great October Socialist Revolution did in 2017 and the Chinese socialist revolution did in China in 1949.
The Trotskyite notions of permanent revolution that oppose socialist revolution and construction in one country after another and denies the need for the two-stage revolution in underdeveloped countries like the Philippines, without an industrial capitalist foundation, are complete nonsense and bankrupt. The Trotskyites also do not understand the need of the national united front policy and tactics of relying mainly on the basic alliance of workers and peasants, winning over the middle forces and taking advantage of the splits among the reactionaries.
The Trotskyites are sneaky supporters of the imperialists and big compradors against the legitimate and benign aspirations of the middle bourgeoisie and the rest of the people for national industrialization. Thus, the Trotskyites will continue to be cultist grouplets and never gain any significant following. They can make only make false theorizing and propaganda against the revolution.
9. What do you say about the assertion of Scalice that your classic work, “Philippine Society and Revolution” (PSR), is not a Marxist work but a nationalist tract?
JMS: A Trostkyite is not in any position to make the judgment whether my work is Marxist or not. PSR is so Marxist-Leninist that the Trotskyites have made it a major occupation to attack it in their futile attempt to sabotage the Philippine revolutionary movement.
Genuine communists in the Philippines and abroad have long recognized the PSR as an analysis of the history and concrete circumstances of the Filipino people and the product of the application of the Marxist-Leninist materialist-scientific outlook and materialist dialectics.
It is futile for the Trotskyites and other counterrevolutionaries to try to discredit this book because it has generated further writings along the proletarian revolutionary line and more importantly it continues to guide and motivate Filipino revolutionaries to wage revolution and make great achievements.
10. How true is the claim of the Trotskyites that the CPP no longer commands the respect and support of broad layers of working people in the Philippines that it did in the 1970s and 1980 and that it has fragmented into rival parties that compete with each other to ally with one or another faction of the Philippine bourgeoisie in return for crumbs of privilege and power?
JMS: The great achievements of the CPP are not something to sneeze at by the Trotskyites. Their imperialist masters and reactionary mates in the Philippines still consider the CPP and the revolutionary movement as the main threat to the rotten semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system, after more than five decades of trying to destroy the revolution.
The CPP has tens of thousands of members, deeply rooted among the toiling masses and highly motivated to wage revolution. It has built the New People’s Army with thousands of Red fighters, augmented by people’s militia with tens of thousands of members and self-defense units of mass organizations in hundreds of thousands. It has developed mass organizations of various classes and sectoral categories whose members total in the millions. It has built alliances of various types under the auspices of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. It has led local organs of political power, which comprise the People’s Democratic Government.
There are now two governments in the Philippines: one is the revolutionary government of workers and peasants and the other is the counterrevolutionary government of big compradors, landlords and bureaucrats. After several decades of trying in vain to sabotage the revolution and assist the counterrevolution, what have the Trotskyites accomplished in the Philippines ideologically, politically and organizationally? Nothing but being an occasional nuisance like a scavenger fly.
Critique of the Trotskyite attacks on the CPP and the Philippine revolution
Interview with Jose Maria Sison
Founding Chairperson
Communist Party of the Philippines
1. It is well-known that Joseph Scalice has been attacking your writings and you personally in violent anti-communist and anti-Stalinist language since 2017. Why did you criticize him only this recently? If you were aware of him before, what has been your view of him?
Jose Maria Sison (JMS): My attention to Joseph Scalice was called recently by a Filipino artist friend, Max Santiago, who complained that his art work had been stolen by Scalice for a malicious purpose. The art work carried my and Duterte’s images in order to encourage peace negotiations in 2016. Scalice used the art work to dish out the following lies: that the peace dialogue was a betrayal of the people and that the CPP and I supported Duterte for two years from the time he assumed the presidency in 2016.
I have been aware of the rabid anti-communist and anti-Stalinist writings of Scalice for quite sometime, long before now. I have ignored him because American comrades and friends have told me that he was already well-exposed as a Trotskyite and as a paid agent of the Central Intelligence Agency, paid to focus on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and my writings and make a career out of attacking and misrepresenting these.
They have told me that the distortions and lies he makes to attack the CPP and me are so obviously false, illogical and unbelievable that they are ineffective propaganda and patently supportive of counterrevolution. Thus, I thought that I would devote my time to far more important tasks than to spend time writing to debunk Scalice.
2. How do you respond to his claim that engaging in peace negotiations with the Duterte regime is a form of betraying the people? And what about his claim that the CPP supported Duterte’s war on drugs and the extrajudicial killings?
JMS: Only a Trotskyite can interpret peace negotiations between two warring parties as support for Duterte and betrayal of the people. It is also an outright lie that the CPP supported the Duterte regime and his extrajudicial killings of poor people for two years. The peace negotiations practically came to an end in August 2016 when Duterte released only 19 political prisoners and reneged on his promise to amnesty and release all political prisoners.
As early as July 2016, the CPP and New People’s Army (NPA) condemned Duterte’s war on drugs when it became utterly clear that it was butchery aimed at the poor people and intended to intimidate the broad masses of the people. On their own independent account, human rights organizations and legal democratic forces promptly addressed and denounced the “kill, kill, kill” program of Duterte. It also became obvious that the bogus war on drugs was meant to aggrandize the Duterte crime syndicate and install Duterte as the supreme drug lord.
3. Why is it that various groups of Trotskyites and crypto-Trotskyites, including those who quarrel among themselves, have united to accuse the CPP of having enabled Duterte to become the President and commit all the grave crimes that he has committed? Why do the Trotskyites attack the CPP and all the patriotic and democratic forces at a time when they are intensifying the struggle against the Duterte tyranny and building a broad united front against him?
JMS: Trotskyites are special agents of US imperialism. They have played that role since Trotsky betrayed the Bolshevik party and the Soviet Union. They have always specialized in attacking communist parties engaged in revolutionary struggle more than their formalistic and ritualistic denunciations of capitalism.
It is not a surprise at all that they attack the CPP and the national democratic movement most viciously because in a sneaky way they support the brutal but futile campaign of the US and the Duterte puppet regime to destroy the CPP and the revolutionary movement. The Trotskyites, the US imperialists and Duterte share a common hatred for the CPP and the revolutionary movement of the Filipino people.
4. Scalice holds the view that the old Communist Party of the Lavaite revisionists and the Communist Party of the Philippines guided by Marxism-Leninism-Maoism must betray the people as a matter of course because they are supposed to be similarly Stalinist. Is it valid for Scalice to equate the Lavaite party supporting the Marcos dictatorship with the blatant lie that CPP has enabled and supported the Duterte tyranny?
JMS: Scalice boasts of himself as a Philippine historian. He is a big fake. He does not even know that the Lavaite party was already revisionist and anti-Stalinist like the Trotskyites when that party supported the Marcos fascist dictatorship from its start in 1972 to its end in 1986. I have already exposed the big lie of Scalice that the CPP was the enabler and supporter of Duterte for two years after he assumed the presidency.
It is a matter of public knowledge that the people’s war led by the CPP has never been ended, in contrast to the perpetual prattle of the Trotskyites. But I wish to clarify that the CPP admires Stalin for building socialism in the Soviet Union and defeating fascism among his great achievements. But the CPP is critical of Stalin for presuming the end of classes and class struggle in 1935 and for mistakes in the handling of contradictions within socialist society.
In the case of Trotsky, he deserved to be expelled from the ranks of the Bolsheviks for his counterrevolutionary position. Lenin has criticized Trotsky so many times as an unpredictable petty bourgeois subjectivist and opportunist. Lenin and Stalin forgave many of the muddled ideas and flip-flops of Trotsky. But Trotsky exhausted the tolerance and patience of the Bolsheviks when he became brazenly counterrevolutionary and opposed the socialist revolution and construction in the Soviet Union because he had the crazy notion of having to attain first a permanent seamless world revolution.
5. In the Trotskyite World Socialist Web Site, a certain Peter Symonds echoes the claim of Scalice that you have threatened his life with your criticism of him as a “pathologically rabid anti-communist and CIA psywar agent posing as an academic Trotskyite?” And in this connection, he goes into the overstretch that the CPP kills dissenters among its ranks just like Stalin supposedly did.
JMS: Why should I threaten the life of any sick guy I have ignored for so long? He can wallow in his own saliva. The CPP stopped the unjustified killings done by the Trotsky-type commandists and adventurists after they failed with their scheme of premature regularization of the entire people’s army. The Second Great Rectification Movement repudiated and criticized the mistakes and crimes of those Trotsky-type rascals. It was a campaign of ideological and political education.
6. What do you say about the claim of Scalice and other Trotskyites that the CPP and its “front organizations” supported the fascistic Duterte when he won the presidency in 2016 and staged rallies in his support? Is it fair for Scalice to refer to the patriotic and democratic mass organizations as front organizations of the CPP?
JMS: The BAYAN and other patriotic and democratic organizations held rallies to ventilate and present what they called the People’s Agenda and the social, economic and political reforms that ought to be taken up in the peace negotiations. They were acting as peace advocates on behalf of the people. It is malicious and mendacious of Scalice to present their peace advocacy as supporting Duterte. At the same time, he exposes himself as a red-tagger, communist-baiter and anti-communist agent by calling them front organizations of the CPP. Scalice is as vociferously malicious as that tin can General Parlade.
7. Is it true that Rafael Mariano, chairman emeritus of the Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP) and Joel Maglungsod, vice president for Mindanao of the trade union umbrella organization Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) were CPP nominees to the Duterte cabinet? And by the way, are not the Trotskyites engaged in red-tagging for the benefit of the Duterte death squads?
JMS: The CPP did not nominate anyone as CPP representative to any cabinet or sub-cabinet position in the Duterte administration. I told Duterte publicly that he could appoint anyone on his or her individual merits for patriotism, competence, honesty and diligence but that he could not appoint anyone as CPP representative while the people’s war and the peace negotiations were still going on. In this regard, Scalice is both a liar and incorrigible anti-communist agent of imperialism and reaction. Indeed, he is practically a wild informer for the benefit of the Duterte death squads.
8. How true is the claim of the Trotskyites that the CPP is not really a communist party but a mere nationalist organization of Stalinism and that its adherence to “two-stage theory” is aimed at putting socialism off the agenda and making the working class and peasant masses support the “progressive wing” of the bourgeoisie?
JMS: The CPP is a proletarian revolutionary party and is both patriotic and proletarian internationalist. In accordance with Lenin’s teaching, the CPP carries out the people’s democratic revolution with a socialist perspective and under the leadership of the working class against US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. At the basic completion of the people’s democratic revolution through the seizure of political power, the stage of socialist revolution begins in the same manner as the Great October Socialist Revolution did in 2017 and the Chinese socialist revolution did in China in 1949.
The Trotskyite notions of permanent revolution that oppose socialist revolution and construction in one country after another and denies the need for the two-stage revolution in underdeveloped countries like the Philippines, without an industrial capitalist foundation, are complete nonsense and bankrupt. The Trotskyites also do not understand the need of the national united front policy and tactics of relying mainly on the basic alliance of workers and peasants, winning over the middle forces and taking advantage of the splits among the reactionaries.
The Trotskyites are sneaky supporters of the imperialists and big compradors against the legitimate and benign aspirations of the middle bourgeoisie and the rest of the people for national industrialization. Thus, the Trotskyites will continue to be cultist grouplets and never gain any significant following. They can make only make false theorizing and propaganda against the revolution.
9. What do you say about the assertion of Scalice that your classic work, “Philippine Society and Revolution” (PSR), is not a Marxist work but a nationalist tract?
JMS: A Trostkyite is not in any position to make the judgment whether my work is Marxist or not. PSR is so Marxist-Leninist that the Trotskyites have made it a major occupation to attack it in their futile attempt to sabotage the Philippine revolutionary movement.
Genuine communists in the Philippines and abroad have long recognized the PSR as an analysis of the history and concrete circumstances of the Filipino people and the product of the application of the Marxist-Leninist materialist-scientific outlook and materialist dialectics.
It is futile for the Trotskyites and other counterrevolutionaries to try to discredit this book because it has generated further writings along the proletarian revolutionary line and more importantly it continues to guide and motivate Filipino revolutionaries to wage revolution and make great achievements.
10. How true is the claim of the Trotskyites that the CPP no longer commands the respect and support of broad layers of working people in the Philippines that it did in the 1970s and 1980 and that it has fragmented into rival parties that compete with each other to ally with one or another faction of the Philippine bourgeoisie in return for crumbs of privilege and power?
JMS: The great achievements of the CPP are not something to sneeze at by the Trotskyites. Their imperialist masters and reactionary mates in the Philippines still consider the CPP and the revolutionary movement as the main threat to the rotten semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system, after more than five decades of trying to destroy the revolution.
The CPP has tens of thousands of members, deeply rooted among the toiling masses and highly motivated to wage revolution. It has built the New People’s Army with thousands of Red fighters, augmented by people’s militia with tens of thousands of members and self-defense units of mass organizations in hundreds of thousands. It has developed mass organizations of various classes and sectoral categories whose members total in the millions. It has built alliances of various types under the auspices of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. It has led local organs of political power, which comprise the People’s Democratic Government.
There are now two governments in the Philippines: one is the revolutionary government of workers and peasants and the other is the counterrevolutionary government of big compradors, landlords and bureaucrats. After several decades of trying in vain to sabotage the revolution and assist the counterrevolution, what have the Trotskyites accomplished in the Philippines ideologically, politically and organizationally? Nothing but being an occasional nuisance like a scavenger fly.
CPP/IB: Duterte’s killing spree exposes desperation to cling to power
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2020): Duterte’s killing spree exposes desperation to cling to power
INFORMATION BUREAU
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 25, 2020
The worsening state terrorism exposes the US-Duterte regime’s desperation to cling to power in the face of rising and widening calls for Duterte’s resignation or ouster. In its August 21 editorial, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) publication Ang Bayan asked: “What other aim does this crime hope to achieve other than drive a stake of terror on the people’s hearts?” The editorial said that the regime is using “the worst forms of fascism to terrorize the people, silence their protests and suppress their struggles.”
The CPP, however said, “no amount of political killings and militarization will daunt the Filipino masses who are ever ready to fight and defeat fascist terror.”
The month of August saw consecutive killings of Anakpawis Chair and NDFP peace consultant Randall Echanis and Negros activist and human rights worker Zara Alvarez. The CPP pointed to the “monster Duterte’s fascist animals” as responsible for the killings.
Both have been red-tagged by the military and implicated in the armed revolutionary movement without legal bases. Both were accused of being “terrorists” in the regime’s original 2018 proscription case against the CPP. Echanis faced trumped up charges of multiple murder, while Alvarez’s name has been printed in fliers and posters circulated by state forces accusing her of being a leader of the New People’s Army in Negros.
The killings target known personalities and patriotic and democratic forces active in the open mass movement. “These individuals are the most vigorous in exposing and fighting the anti-people Duterte regime and advancing the democratic mass struggles,” Ang Bayan said.
While political killings run unabated in the cities, militarization also besets the countryside, pointed out the editorial. It said military and police repression “is even more virulent and savage” in the countryside because media attention is very minimal and information runs so slow. At least 264 peasants have been killed under Duterte.
All these comprise state terrorism under Duterte, Ang Bayan added.
“Duterte employs the worst forms of fascism to terrorize the people, silence their protests and suppress their struggles,” the CPP said further. “As the regime bungles the Covid-19 response, worsens corruption and theft of public funds, fleecing and oppressing the people, their determination to fight intensifies,” it added.
https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-killing-spree-exposes-desperation-to-cling-to-power/
The worsening state terrorism exposes the US-Duterte regime’s desperation to cling to power in the face of rising and widening calls for Duterte’s resignation or ouster. In its August 21 editorial, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) publication Ang Bayan asked: “What other aim does this crime hope to achieve other than drive a stake of terror on the people’s hearts?” The editorial said that the regime is using “the worst forms of fascism to terrorize the people, silence their protests and suppress their struggles.”
The CPP, however said, “no amount of political killings and militarization will daunt the Filipino masses who are ever ready to fight and defeat fascist terror.”
The month of August saw consecutive killings of Anakpawis Chair and NDFP peace consultant Randall Echanis and Negros activist and human rights worker Zara Alvarez. The CPP pointed to the “monster Duterte’s fascist animals” as responsible for the killings.
Both have been red-tagged by the military and implicated in the armed revolutionary movement without legal bases. Both were accused of being “terrorists” in the regime’s original 2018 proscription case against the CPP. Echanis faced trumped up charges of multiple murder, while Alvarez’s name has been printed in fliers and posters circulated by state forces accusing her of being a leader of the New People’s Army in Negros.
The killings target known personalities and patriotic and democratic forces active in the open mass movement. “These individuals are the most vigorous in exposing and fighting the anti-people Duterte regime and advancing the democratic mass struggles,” Ang Bayan said.
While political killings run unabated in the cities, militarization also besets the countryside, pointed out the editorial. It said military and police repression “is even more virulent and savage” in the countryside because media attention is very minimal and information runs so slow. At least 264 peasants have been killed under Duterte.
All these comprise state terrorism under Duterte, Ang Bayan added.
“Duterte employs the worst forms of fascism to terrorize the people, silence their protests and suppress their struggles,” the CPP said further. “As the regime bungles the Covid-19 response, worsens corruption and theft of public funds, fleecing and oppressing the people, their determination to fight intensifies,” it added.
https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-killing-spree-exposes-desperation-to-cling-to-power/
CPP/CIO: Reject Duterte fanatics’ push for palace coup
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2020): Reject Duterte fanatics’ push for palace coup
MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 24, 2020
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) urges the Filipino people to reject the campaign of Duterte’s fanatics calling for a palace coup to justify the establishment of a Duterte-led terrorist junta and railroad a new constitution that will pave the way for the perpetuation of the Duterte fascist regime.
The zealots who call themselves the “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee” disguise their fascist agenda by calling their proposal a “revolutionary government” to confuse the people. There is absolutely nothing revolutionary in perpetuating Duterte in power. They are employing the tired old tactic of demagoguery used by Duterte to misrepresent the interests of the people in order to serve the self-serving interests of the corrupt and fascist ruling elite.
Their rhetoric echoes the language of Marcos’ “democratic revolution from the center” and Hitler’s “national socialism.” They despicably appropriate for themselves the language of change to conceal their true aims of preserving the oppressive and exploitative system under the despicable tyrant.
The pro-Duterte fanatics are peddling the so-called revolutionary government at this time to condition the minds of the people and make them accept the possible extraconstitutional maneuvers of the Duterte ruling clique to perpetuate itself in power. They want to preempt the possible need for constitutional succession which will have Vice President Leni Robredo succeed the presidency in the event of Duterte’s death or permanent disability before May 2022 or ouster through a popular people’s uprising.
They form part of and serve Duterte’s overall scheme to establish a fascist dictatorship either through rigging of the 2022 elections to put into position his selected successor; constitutional change to remove term limits or give him continuing powers in the transition period; or staging a palace coup in the form of outright declaration of martial law.
Duterte’s schemes are bound to fail in the face of the people’s rising resistance and demand for an end to the regime’s corruption, treachery, state terrorism and mendacity especially in the face of its incompetence and bungled response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://cpp.ph/statements/reject-duterte-fanatics-push-for-palace-coup/
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) urges the Filipino people to reject the campaign of Duterte’s fanatics calling for a palace coup to justify the establishment of a Duterte-led terrorist junta and railroad a new constitution that will pave the way for the perpetuation of the Duterte fascist regime.
The zealots who call themselves the “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee” disguise their fascist agenda by calling their proposal a “revolutionary government” to confuse the people. There is absolutely nothing revolutionary in perpetuating Duterte in power. They are employing the tired old tactic of demagoguery used by Duterte to misrepresent the interests of the people in order to serve the self-serving interests of the corrupt and fascist ruling elite.
Their rhetoric echoes the language of Marcos’ “democratic revolution from the center” and Hitler’s “national socialism.” They despicably appropriate for themselves the language of change to conceal their true aims of preserving the oppressive and exploitative system under the despicable tyrant.
The pro-Duterte fanatics are peddling the so-called revolutionary government at this time to condition the minds of the people and make them accept the possible extraconstitutional maneuvers of the Duterte ruling clique to perpetuate itself in power. They want to preempt the possible need for constitutional succession which will have Vice President Leni Robredo succeed the presidency in the event of Duterte’s death or permanent disability before May 2022 or ouster through a popular people’s uprising.
They form part of and serve Duterte’s overall scheme to establish a fascist dictatorship either through rigging of the 2022 elections to put into position his selected successor; constitutional change to remove term limits or give him continuing powers in the transition period; or staging a palace coup in the form of outright declaration of martial law.
Duterte’s schemes are bound to fail in the face of the people’s rising resistance and demand for an end to the regime’s corruption, treachery, state terrorism and mendacity especially in the face of its incompetence and bungled response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
https://cpp.ph/statements/reject-duterte-fanatics-push-for-palace-coup/
CPP/CIO: Isalikway ang ginaduso nga “kudeta sa palasyo” sa mga panatiko ni Duterte
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2020): Isalikway ang ginaduso nga “kudeta sa palasyo” sa mga panatiko ni Duterte
MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 24, 2020
Ginaawhag sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ang katawhang Pilipino nga isalikway ang kampanya sa mga panatiko ni Duterte aron ipanawagan ang usa ka “palace coup” (pagbulag sa sistema sa gubyerno ug pag-angkon sa tanang gahum) aron tukuron ang usa ka teroristang hunta sa pagpanguna ni Duterte ug pagratsada sa usa ka bag-ong konstitusyon nga maghawan sa dalan sa pagpabilin sa pasistang rehimen ni Duterte.
Aron libugon ang katawhan, “rebolusyonaryong gubyerno” kuno ang pasistang adyenda sa maong mga panatiko nga nagtawag sa ilang kaugalingon isip “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee.” Walay unsa mang kinaiyang rebolusyonaryo ang pagpabilin kang Duterte sa gahum. Ginagamit nila ang karaang taktika nga desperadong gigamit ni Duterte para linglahon ang katawhan aron tagbawon ang kaugalingong interes sa mga kurap ug pasistang nagharing hut-ong.
Ginasubli sa ilang retoriko ang lenggwahe ni Marcos nga “demokratikong rebolusyon gikan sa sentro” ug ang “nasudnong sosyalismo” ni Hitler. Walay hinungdan ang ilang paggamit sa lenggwahe sa kausaban aron tabunan ang tinuod nilang laraw nga ipabilin ang madaugdaugon ug mapahimuslanong sistema ilalum sa talamayon nga tirano.
Ginabaligya karon sa mga maka-Duterteng panatiko ang ginatawag nga “rebolusyonaryong gubyerno” aron ikundisyon ang hunahuna sa katawhan ug ipadawat kanila ang posibleng ekstra-konstitusyunal nga mga maniobra sa nagharing pundok ni Duterte aron ipabilin ang kaugalingon sa gahum. Gusto nilang unhan ang posibleng konstitusyunal nga pagpuli ni Bise Presidente Leni Robredo isip presidente sa kasong mamatay o permanenteng mabaldado si Duterte ayha mag-Mayo 2022 o mapalagpot pinaagi sa malukpanong pag-alsa sa katawhan.
Kabahin ug nagsilbi sila sa pangkinatibuk-ang iskema ni Duterte nga magtukod og usa ka pasistang diktadurya pinaagi sa pagpanglimbong sa eleksyon 2022 aron ipalingkod sa pusisyon ang iyang gipiling sumusunod; o pag-usab sa konstitusyon aron tangtangon ang kinutuban sa termino o hatagan siya sa walay kinutubang gahum sa panahon sa transisyon; o paglunsad og “palace coup” sa dagway sa dayag nga deklarasyon sa balaod militar.
Siguradong mapakyas ang mga iskema ni Duterte atubangan sa nagkakusog nga pagsukol sa katawhan ug panawagan aron tapuson na ang kurapsyon, pagtraydor, terorismo ug pagpanglingla sa rehimen ilabina atubangan sa kainutilan niini ug sa iyang palpak nga pag-atubang sa pandemyang Covid-19.
https://cpp.ph/statements/isalikway-ang-ginaduso-nga-kudeta-sa-palasyo-sa-mga-panatiko-ni-duterte/
Ginaawhag sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ang katawhang Pilipino nga isalikway ang kampanya sa mga panatiko ni Duterte aron ipanawagan ang usa ka “palace coup” (pagbulag sa sistema sa gubyerno ug pag-angkon sa tanang gahum) aron tukuron ang usa ka teroristang hunta sa pagpanguna ni Duterte ug pagratsada sa usa ka bag-ong konstitusyon nga maghawan sa dalan sa pagpabilin sa pasistang rehimen ni Duterte.
Aron libugon ang katawhan, “rebolusyonaryong gubyerno” kuno ang pasistang adyenda sa maong mga panatiko nga nagtawag sa ilang kaugalingon isip “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee.” Walay unsa mang kinaiyang rebolusyonaryo ang pagpabilin kang Duterte sa gahum. Ginagamit nila ang karaang taktika nga desperadong gigamit ni Duterte para linglahon ang katawhan aron tagbawon ang kaugalingong interes sa mga kurap ug pasistang nagharing hut-ong.
Ginasubli sa ilang retoriko ang lenggwahe ni Marcos nga “demokratikong rebolusyon gikan sa sentro” ug ang “nasudnong sosyalismo” ni Hitler. Walay hinungdan ang ilang paggamit sa lenggwahe sa kausaban aron tabunan ang tinuod nilang laraw nga ipabilin ang madaugdaugon ug mapahimuslanong sistema ilalum sa talamayon nga tirano.
Ginabaligya karon sa mga maka-Duterteng panatiko ang ginatawag nga “rebolusyonaryong gubyerno” aron ikundisyon ang hunahuna sa katawhan ug ipadawat kanila ang posibleng ekstra-konstitusyunal nga mga maniobra sa nagharing pundok ni Duterte aron ipabilin ang kaugalingon sa gahum. Gusto nilang unhan ang posibleng konstitusyunal nga pagpuli ni Bise Presidente Leni Robredo isip presidente sa kasong mamatay o permanenteng mabaldado si Duterte ayha mag-Mayo 2022 o mapalagpot pinaagi sa malukpanong pag-alsa sa katawhan.
Kabahin ug nagsilbi sila sa pangkinatibuk-ang iskema ni Duterte nga magtukod og usa ka pasistang diktadurya pinaagi sa pagpanglimbong sa eleksyon 2022 aron ipalingkod sa pusisyon ang iyang gipiling sumusunod; o pag-usab sa konstitusyon aron tangtangon ang kinutuban sa termino o hatagan siya sa walay kinutubang gahum sa panahon sa transisyon; o paglunsad og “palace coup” sa dagway sa dayag nga deklarasyon sa balaod militar.
Siguradong mapakyas ang mga iskema ni Duterte atubangan sa nagkakusog nga pagsukol sa katawhan ug panawagan aron tapuson na ang kurapsyon, pagtraydor, terorismo ug pagpanglingla sa rehimen ilabina atubangan sa kainutilan niini ug sa iyang palpak nga pag-atubang sa pandemyang Covid-19.
https://cpp.ph/statements/isalikway-ang-ginaduso-nga-kudeta-sa-palasyo-sa-mga-panatiko-ni-duterte/
CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Singilin si Duterte sa dumaraming kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga manggagawa
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2020): Singilin si Duterte sa dumaraming kaso ng COVID-19 sa mga manggagawa
ARMANDO CIENFUEGO
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 24, 2020
Pabaya, inutil at walang kwenta si Duterte sa pagharap sa krisis ng COVID-19. Sa kabila na ang Pilipinas ang nagpatupad ng pinakamahabang lockdown sa buong daigdig, hindi napigilan bagkus patuloy sa pagtaas ang bilang ng mga kaso at pagbilis ng paglaganap nito sa bansa, lalo sa hanay ng mga manggagawa. Wala na ngang maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan at subsidyo, isinasapeligro pa ni Duterte ang buhay ng sambayanan sa pagpapabalik sa kanila sa trabaho nang wala man lang maayos na programa sa pagsasansala sa sakit at bigyan ng proteksyon ang mamamayan.
Isang napakalaking hangal ni Duterte para magtaka kung bakit higit na tumaas ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa Pilipinas at naging numero uno pa sa may pinakamaraming kaso nito sa Timog Silangang Asya. Sa buong bansa, umabot na sa 187,249 ang kaso ng ng nagkasakit ng COVID-19 at 2,966 ang namamatay batay sa naitala nitong Agosto 22.
Sa Laguna pa lamang, lumagpas na sa 4,000 ang kaso ng COVID-19, katumbas ng 55% ng kabuuang tantos ng mga kaso sa CALABARZON. Karamihan sa mga naitalang may kaso nito ay mga manggagawa.
Tigas-mukhang sinisisi ni Duterte ang mga Pilipino sa pagkalat ng COVID-19 at pagdami ng kaso dahil diumano’y walang disiplina sa panahon ng lockdown. Nais pagtakpan ng rehimen na kagagawan ni Duterte ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 sa bansa. Kapalit ng kikitain ng gubyerno mula sa industriya ng turismo at pasugalan, pahintulutan ni Duterte ang pagpasok ng 500,000 turistang Tsino na ang karamihan ay nagmula sa Wuhan, China gayundin ang operasyon ng mga POGO na pag-aari ng mga sugarol na Tsino.
Minaliit lamang ni Duterte ang panganib ng COVID-19 sa pampulikong kalusugan at walang ginawang seryosong paghahanda para patibayin ang imprastruktura at serbisyong pangkalusugan ng bansa para labanan ang pandemya. Ipinagkakait ni Duterte ang mass testing at libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mamamayan habang kabi-kabilang ninanakaw ang pondo ng bayan ng pamilyang Duterte at kanyang mga kroni sa pamamagitan ng mafia na na nasa Deparment of Health at PhilHealth.
Ginawang gatasan ng mga burukrata-kapitalista at pangkating Duterte ang mahigit isang trilyong badyet ng Bayanihan to Heal as One (BAHO) na mas nabibigay ng pabor sa interes ng malalaking negosyo kaysa kolektibong kagalingan ng mamamayan.
Maaga pang nalantad ang mga maanomalyang transaksyon sa pagbili ng personal protective equiptments (PPE’s) at mas mahal na rapid testing kit mula ibang bansa na di mapagkakatiwalaan ang resulta sa kabila na may mas mura at epektibong testing kit na pinaunlad ng UP. Dinadambong din ang ilandaang bilyong pondo na laan para sa Social Amelioration Program ng DILG at DSWD at katulad na programa ng DOLE para sa mga manggagawa at OFW.
Partikular sa sektor ng manggagawa, mas inuna pa ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang interes ng mga kapitalista na makabawi sa bumagsak na ekonomiya kaysa sa kalusugan ng mga manggagawa. Naunang nagpataw ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno at mga kapitalista ng iskemang “no work, no pay” na nagresulta para mawalan ng kabuhayan ang mga manggagawa noong lockdown. Imbes na makaluwag, naging mas problemado ang mga manggagawang nakabalik sa pagawaan dahil mas bulnerable sila ngayong mahawahan ng COVID-19. Patuloy ang pagbingi-bingihan ng administrasyon sa kanilang daing na mass testing at pagkakaloob ng mga personal protective equipment (PPE) bago bumalik sa trabaho. Nagdulot naman ng dagdag na risgong magkahawahan ng sakit ang pagbabawal sa pagbyahe ng mga jeep dahil nagresulta ito sa kakulangan ng mga sasakyan at pag-ipon sa kalsada ng mas maraming taong walang masakyan.
Kamakailan, binawi pa ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ang kanilang kautusan na nag-oobliga sa mga kapitalista na ipa-swab test ang lahat ng mga manggagawang nagtatrabaho sa kanilang pagawaan. Tiklop ang tuhod ng DOLE sa reklamo ng mga kapitalistang ayaw gumastos para sa mga manggagawa at gustong mapreserba ang kanilang tubo.
Sa Laguna kung saan nakakonsentra ang pinakamalalaking engklabong industriyal, hindi ipinapatupad ng mga kapitalista ang mga hakbanging pangkalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19. Hindi inoobliga ng lokal na gubyerno at lokal na ahensya ng DOLE ang mga kapitalistang sundin ang mga health protocols sa mga pagawaan. Napakabagal ng DOLE at 73 pa lamang sa 2,428 pagawaan sa probinsya ang kanilang nagawan ng inspeksyon.
Noong Hulyo 30, naiulat na may 290 manggagawa ng Nidec Philippines ang nagpositibo sa rt-PCR tests. Masaklap pa, iniulat na walang plano ang Nidec para sa mga manggagawang ito liban sa isang 24-oras na temporary shutdown para sa general disinfection. Naiulat din na may mga positibong kaso ng COVID-19 sa Gardenia Bakeries Philippines, Inc., F. Tech Philippines Manufacturing, Inc., Alaska Milk Corporation, Coca-Cola FEMSA Santa Rosa, Imasen Philippine Manufacturing Corporation, Technol Eight Philippines Corporation, Optodev Inc., Interphil Laboratories, Edward Keller Philippines, Toshiba Philippines, at Nexperia Philippines.
Sa harap ng pandemya, naoobliga ang mga manggagawa na suungin ang panganib na magkasakit para lamang kumita. Walang ibang dapat panagutin kundi ang rehimeng US-Duterte na ang tanging isinusulong sa gitna ng pandemya ay ang malupit na lockdown sa ilalim ng kanyang tiranikong paghahari.
Sa harap ng krisis at kahirapan sa bansa na pinalala pa ng COVID-19, lumalakas ang pagkakaisa ng masang anakpawis para labanan ang militaristang mga patakaran ng rehimen at igiit ang kanilang karapatan sa serbisyong panlipunan. Ang mga manggagawa ang nangunguna sa pakikibaka ng bayan para singilin si Duterte sa kanyang kriminal na pagpapabaya at labanan ang itinatayong diktadura ng rehimen. Buung-buong sinusuportahan ng Pulang Hukbo ang pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa para sa pangangalaga sa kanilang kapakanan at kalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19 at sa matagal na nilang laban para sa sapat na sahod, regularisasyon at mga serbisyong panlipunan.
Nananawagan ang Melito Glor Command – New People’s Army Southern Tagalog sa mamamayang Pilipino na magkaisa para lutasin ang krisis dulot ng COVID-19. Suportahan at isulong ng masang anakpawis ang digmang bayan na lalagot sa pagsasamantala at pang-aapi ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa tagumpay ng armadong rebolusyon, mawawakasan ang paghahari ng imperyalismong US at mga lokal na naghaharing-uri tulad ni Duterte at kanyang mga kasapakat. Itatayo natin ang demokratikong gubyernong bayan na magtataguyod sa interes ng mga manggagawa at lahat ng aping uri.###
https://cpp.ph/statements/singilin-si-duterte-sa-dumaraming-kaso-ng-covid-19-sa-mga-manggagawa/
Pabaya, inutil at walang kwenta si Duterte sa pagharap sa krisis ng COVID-19. Sa kabila na ang Pilipinas ang nagpatupad ng pinakamahabang lockdown sa buong daigdig, hindi napigilan bagkus patuloy sa pagtaas ang bilang ng mga kaso at pagbilis ng paglaganap nito sa bansa, lalo sa hanay ng mga manggagawa. Wala na ngang maayos na serbisyong pangkalusugan at subsidyo, isinasapeligro pa ni Duterte ang buhay ng sambayanan sa pagpapabalik sa kanila sa trabaho nang wala man lang maayos na programa sa pagsasansala sa sakit at bigyan ng proteksyon ang mamamayan.
Isang napakalaking hangal ni Duterte para magtaka kung bakit higit na tumaas ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa Pilipinas at naging numero uno pa sa may pinakamaraming kaso nito sa Timog Silangang Asya. Sa buong bansa, umabot na sa 187,249 ang kaso ng ng nagkasakit ng COVID-19 at 2,966 ang namamatay batay sa naitala nitong Agosto 22.
Sa Laguna pa lamang, lumagpas na sa 4,000 ang kaso ng COVID-19, katumbas ng 55% ng kabuuang tantos ng mga kaso sa CALABARZON. Karamihan sa mga naitalang may kaso nito ay mga manggagawa.
Tigas-mukhang sinisisi ni Duterte ang mga Pilipino sa pagkalat ng COVID-19 at pagdami ng kaso dahil diumano’y walang disiplina sa panahon ng lockdown. Nais pagtakpan ng rehimen na kagagawan ni Duterte ang pagkalat ng COVID-19 sa bansa. Kapalit ng kikitain ng gubyerno mula sa industriya ng turismo at pasugalan, pahintulutan ni Duterte ang pagpasok ng 500,000 turistang Tsino na ang karamihan ay nagmula sa Wuhan, China gayundin ang operasyon ng mga POGO na pag-aari ng mga sugarol na Tsino.
Minaliit lamang ni Duterte ang panganib ng COVID-19 sa pampulikong kalusugan at walang ginawang seryosong paghahanda para patibayin ang imprastruktura at serbisyong pangkalusugan ng bansa para labanan ang pandemya. Ipinagkakait ni Duterte ang mass testing at libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mamamayan habang kabi-kabilang ninanakaw ang pondo ng bayan ng pamilyang Duterte at kanyang mga kroni sa pamamagitan ng mafia na na nasa Deparment of Health at PhilHealth.
Ginawang gatasan ng mga burukrata-kapitalista at pangkating Duterte ang mahigit isang trilyong badyet ng Bayanihan to Heal as One (BAHO) na mas nabibigay ng pabor sa interes ng malalaking negosyo kaysa kolektibong kagalingan ng mamamayan.
Maaga pang nalantad ang mga maanomalyang transaksyon sa pagbili ng personal protective equiptments (PPE’s) at mas mahal na rapid testing kit mula ibang bansa na di mapagkakatiwalaan ang resulta sa kabila na may mas mura at epektibong testing kit na pinaunlad ng UP. Dinadambong din ang ilandaang bilyong pondo na laan para sa Social Amelioration Program ng DILG at DSWD at katulad na programa ng DOLE para sa mga manggagawa at OFW.
Partikular sa sektor ng manggagawa, mas inuna pa ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang interes ng mga kapitalista na makabawi sa bumagsak na ekonomiya kaysa sa kalusugan ng mga manggagawa. Naunang nagpataw ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno at mga kapitalista ng iskemang “no work, no pay” na nagresulta para mawalan ng kabuhayan ang mga manggagawa noong lockdown. Imbes na makaluwag, naging mas problemado ang mga manggagawang nakabalik sa pagawaan dahil mas bulnerable sila ngayong mahawahan ng COVID-19. Patuloy ang pagbingi-bingihan ng administrasyon sa kanilang daing na mass testing at pagkakaloob ng mga personal protective equipment (PPE) bago bumalik sa trabaho. Nagdulot naman ng dagdag na risgong magkahawahan ng sakit ang pagbabawal sa pagbyahe ng mga jeep dahil nagresulta ito sa kakulangan ng mga sasakyan at pag-ipon sa kalsada ng mas maraming taong walang masakyan.
Kamakailan, binawi pa ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ang kanilang kautusan na nag-oobliga sa mga kapitalista na ipa-swab test ang lahat ng mga manggagawang nagtatrabaho sa kanilang pagawaan. Tiklop ang tuhod ng DOLE sa reklamo ng mga kapitalistang ayaw gumastos para sa mga manggagawa at gustong mapreserba ang kanilang tubo.
Sa Laguna kung saan nakakonsentra ang pinakamalalaking engklabong industriyal, hindi ipinapatupad ng mga kapitalista ang mga hakbanging pangkalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19. Hindi inoobliga ng lokal na gubyerno at lokal na ahensya ng DOLE ang mga kapitalistang sundin ang mga health protocols sa mga pagawaan. Napakabagal ng DOLE at 73 pa lamang sa 2,428 pagawaan sa probinsya ang kanilang nagawan ng inspeksyon.
Noong Hulyo 30, naiulat na may 290 manggagawa ng Nidec Philippines ang nagpositibo sa rt-PCR tests. Masaklap pa, iniulat na walang plano ang Nidec para sa mga manggagawang ito liban sa isang 24-oras na temporary shutdown para sa general disinfection. Naiulat din na may mga positibong kaso ng COVID-19 sa Gardenia Bakeries Philippines, Inc., F. Tech Philippines Manufacturing, Inc., Alaska Milk Corporation, Coca-Cola FEMSA Santa Rosa, Imasen Philippine Manufacturing Corporation, Technol Eight Philippines Corporation, Optodev Inc., Interphil Laboratories, Edward Keller Philippines, Toshiba Philippines, at Nexperia Philippines.
Sa harap ng pandemya, naoobliga ang mga manggagawa na suungin ang panganib na magkasakit para lamang kumita. Walang ibang dapat panagutin kundi ang rehimeng US-Duterte na ang tanging isinusulong sa gitna ng pandemya ay ang malupit na lockdown sa ilalim ng kanyang tiranikong paghahari.
Sa harap ng krisis at kahirapan sa bansa na pinalala pa ng COVID-19, lumalakas ang pagkakaisa ng masang anakpawis para labanan ang militaristang mga patakaran ng rehimen at igiit ang kanilang karapatan sa serbisyong panlipunan. Ang mga manggagawa ang nangunguna sa pakikibaka ng bayan para singilin si Duterte sa kanyang kriminal na pagpapabaya at labanan ang itinatayong diktadura ng rehimen. Buung-buong sinusuportahan ng Pulang Hukbo ang pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa para sa pangangalaga sa kanilang kapakanan at kalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19 at sa matagal na nilang laban para sa sapat na sahod, regularisasyon at mga serbisyong panlipunan.
Nananawagan ang Melito Glor Command – New People’s Army Southern Tagalog sa mamamayang Pilipino na magkaisa para lutasin ang krisis dulot ng COVID-19. Suportahan at isulong ng masang anakpawis ang digmang bayan na lalagot sa pagsasamantala at pang-aapi ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa tagumpay ng armadong rebolusyon, mawawakasan ang paghahari ng imperyalismong US at mga lokal na naghaharing-uri tulad ni Duterte at kanyang mga kasapakat. Itatayo natin ang demokratikong gubyernong bayan na magtataguyod sa interes ng mga manggagawa at lahat ng aping uri.###
https://cpp.ph/statements/singilin-si-duterte-sa-dumaraming-kaso-ng-covid-19-sa-mga-manggagawa/
CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Ibaling sa rebolusyonaryong katapangan ang paggunita sa alaala nina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar, mga martir ng Laguna!
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2020): Ibaling sa rebolusyonaryong katapangan ang paggunita sa alaala nina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar, mga martir ng Laguna!
ARMANDO CIENFUEGO
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 24, 2020
Nakatanghal ang mga sandata ng lahat ng yunit ng Melito Glor Command-NPA ST bilang pagdakila kina Dioscorro “Ka Termo” Cello, Alex “Ka Omar” Perdeguera, at Rey “Ka Danny” Masinas, mga magigiting na Pulang kumander at mandirigma ng NPA na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay sa labanan sa Sitio Balatkahoy, Barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna noong Agosto 4. Tunay silang mga bayani ng rebolusyon at sambayanang Pilipino na buung-buong ibinigay ang kanilang sarili sa adhikaing maitatag ang isang masagana, malaya at makatarungang lipunan. Inspirasyon ang kanilang kagitingan at matapat na paglilingkod sa rebolusyon sa lahat ng nakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya.
Naging magigiting na tagapagtanggol ng sambayanang inaapi sina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny dahil sila mismo ay nagmula sa uring inaapi.
Si Ka Termo ay namulat sa pamilyang magsasaka na kalauna’y naging mala-manggagawa. Sumapi siya sa NPA noong 1992. Mandirigma pa lamang ay nakitaan na siya ng mga kasama ng potensyal at hindi nagtagal ay naging isa sa mga Pulang kumander ng probinsya ng Rizal. Pinamunuan niya ang ilang matatagumpay na taktikal na opensiba na nagkumpiska ng armas mula sa kaaway at naggawad ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya sa mga abusadong pulis at militar. Iginagalang siya ng mga kasama bilang pinuno at malapit sa masang kanyang nakakasalamuha.
Matatag na itinaguyod ni Ka Termo ang mga simulain ng armadong pakikibaka saanmang larangan siya italaga ng Partido at sa harap ng bangis ng kaaway. Halos 30 taon ng kanyang buhay ang inilaan sa NPA kasabay ng kanyang pagpapamilya. Kahit na magkalayo sila sa napakahabang panahon ay labis siyang minamahal ng kanyang naiwang dalawang anak at isang apo.
Isa ring huwaran ng tapat na pagrerebolusyon si Ka Omar, isang maralitang magsasaka na tubong Buenavista, Quezon. Hindi makakalimutan ng mga kasama ang kanyang kapursigehan sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka. Napatunayan ito sa dalawang beses na pagkakahuli at pagkakakulong sa kanya ng kaaway. Matapos lumaya mula sa pasista ay kaagad siyang bumabalik sa Hukbo upang muling humawak ng armas at magpatuloy sa pakikibaka.
Dahil salat sa buhay, hindi nakatungtong sa burges na paaralan si Ka Omar at sa loob na ng Hukbo natutong magsulat, magbasa at magkwenta. Pinaunlad niya at hinubog ang sarili hanggang sa maging opisyal ng Pulang Hukbo. Mahalaga ang kanyang naging papel sa pagpapalawak at pagpapalalim ng baseng masa sa Gitnang Quezon.
Kahanga-hangang katatagan din ang ipinakita ni Ka Danny, isang magsasaka mula sa Atimonan, Quezon. Nagpasya siyang sumapi sa Hukbo sa kabila ng kanyang matandang edad at pisikal na limitasyon. Naging modelo siya ng mga kabataan sa kanilang lokalidad na sumunod sa kanyang yapak at sumampa rin sa Hukbo. Humarap siya sa mababangis na operasyon ng kaaway na nagparanas sa kanya ng pambihirang hirap at sakit. Sa kabila nito’y nagawa niyang magtagal sa Hukbo hanggang sa huling patak ng kanyang dugo.
Kasabay ng pagsaludo kina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar, naghuhumiyaw ang rebolusyonaryong mamamayan at hukbong bayan na bigyang katarungan ang pataksil na pag-atake ng AFP-PNP sa yunit ng tatlong kasama at paglapastangan ng mga pasista sa kanilang mga labi. Napaslang ang tatlo sa isang strike operation na isinagawa ng 1st IBPA at PNP-Laguna sa direksyon ng 2nd ID sa gitna ng pagtugon ng Pulang hukbo sa daing ng mamamayan ng Laguna kaugnay ng militaristang lockdown at pagkalat ng COVID-19.
Mariing kinukundena ng MGC ang ginawa ng AFP-PNP na pagsasalaula sa labi ng tatlong kasama at pagkakait sa kanilang pamilya ng pagkakataong maipagluksa ang pagkamatay ng kanilang kapamilya at mabigyan ng disenteng libing. Napakatagal na hinanap ng mga kaanak ang labi ng tatlong kasama matapos nakawin mula sa pinaglagakang punerarya sa Calamba, Laguna ng mga tauhan ng Camp Vicente Lim, itago mula sa naghahanap na mga kapamilya at paghiwa-hiwalayin na inilibing sa magkakalayong lugar. Agosto 13 na nang matagpuan ang katawan ni Ka Danny sa Antipolo, Rizal, habang noong Agosto 20 lamang nakuha ang kay Ka Omar sa parehong sementeryo sa Rizal. Walang maayos na damit at nakabalot lamang sa plastik ang katawan ng mga kasama nang mahukay mula sa sementeryo. Samantala, natunton naman noong Agosto 21 ang pinaglibingan kay Ka Termo sa isang di minarkahang libingan sa isang sementeryo sa Tuy, Batangas.
Ang di-makataong pagtrato sa labi ng tatlong napaslang na kasama at pagpahihirap sa kanilang mga naiwang pamilya ay mga dagdag na karumaldumal na krimen ng pasistang estado. Nilalabag nito ang pandaigdigang makataong batas, ang CARHRIHL, at Protocol 1 at 2 ng Geneva Conventions na tumutukoy sa pagrespeto sa labi ng mga taong nasawi dahil sa gera sibil. Napakalupit ding presyur at parusa sa mga nagluluksang pamilya ang pagpapaikot-ikot sa kanila at paghingi ng kung anu-ano pang rekisitos para lamang maiuwi ang labi ng kanilang kaanak. Binabalewala nito ang dignidad bilang tao ng mga nasawing NPA bilang isang pwersang belligerent.
Nais naming iparating sa pamilya nina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay at pangakong hindi mapupunta sa wala ang sakripisyo ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Ang rebolusyong pinag-alayan ng buhay ng ating mga mahal na martir ay patuloy na mag-aalab at susulong hanggang ganap na tagumpay. Hindi kayang hadlangan ng karahasan at kapalaluan ng kaaway ang pag-abante ng rebolusyon, laluna sa kasalukuyang panahon ng tiranya ni Duterte na nagpataw sa sambayanan ng walang kaparis na kahirapan.
Pinalala ng rehimeng Duterte ang malaon nang pananalasa ng salot na imperyalismo, burukrata kapitalismo at pyudalismo sa bansa. Nananatili at sumasahol ang sabwatan ng imperyalismo at lokal na naghaharing uri upang kamkamin ang likas na rekurso ng bayan at pumiga ng supertubo mula sa masang anakpawis. Inaagawan nila ng lupa ang mga katutubo’t magsasaka, pinagsasamantalahan ang mga manggagawa, at pinagkakaitan ng serbisyo at karapatan ang mamamayan. Instrumento nila ang mersenaryong AFP-PNP sa pagpapataw ng kanilang mapagsamantala at marahas na paghahari sa lipunang Pilipino. Sa paglitaw ng pandemyang COVID-19, sumidhi ang nararanasang kahirapan ng mamamayan dahil sa kriminal na kapabayaan ng rehimen at pagbulusok ng dati nang atrasadong ekonomya ng bansa.
Ganap lamang na malulutas ang suliranin ng lipunang Pilipino kung maipagtatagumpay ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan na pinangungunahan ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Pangunahing anyo nito ang armadong pakikibakang isinusulong ng NPA sa higit nang limang dekada. Tungkulin ng NPA na durugin ang armadong pwersa ng naghaharing uri hanggang sa ganap na mapabagsak ang bulok na estado at maitayo ang tunay na gubyerno ng mamamayan. Ito ang dakilang tungkulin na tinupad nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny. Hanggang may pang-aapi at pagsasamantala, patuloy na dadami ang tulad nilang anakpawis na sasapi sa NPA.
Kasingbigat ng Sierra Madre ang mga buhay nina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar dahil inilaan ang mga ito sa paglilingkod sa masang inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan. Nagluluksa ang Pulang hukbo at rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa kanilang pagkawala, ngunit higit rito ang nararamdaman nating paghanga sa kanilang pagpapasakit, walang pag-iimbot na paglilingkod sa masang api’t pinagsasamantalahan at determinasyong ipagwagi ang digmang bayan. Magsisilbi silang inspirasyon ng NPA sa pagbigo sa imbing layunin ng rehimeng Duterte na durugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan bago matapos ang termino nito sa 2022. Itataas natin ang ating mapanlabang diwa at patamaan ng maraming bigwas sa ulo at katawan ang palalong kaaway. Mananatiling buhay at nag-aalab ang rebolusyonaryong diwa nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny sa bawat tagumpay na iaambag ng MGC sa demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan.
Mabuhay sina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny!
Mabuhay ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong martir!
Digmang bayan, isulong hanggang tagumpay!
https://cpp.ph/statements/ibaling-sa-rebolusyonaryong-katapangan-ang-paggunita-sa-alaala-nina-ka-termo-ka-danny-at-ka-omar-mga-martir-ng-laguna/
Nakatanghal ang mga sandata ng lahat ng yunit ng Melito Glor Command-NPA ST bilang pagdakila kina Dioscorro “Ka Termo” Cello, Alex “Ka Omar” Perdeguera, at Rey “Ka Danny” Masinas, mga magigiting na Pulang kumander at mandirigma ng NPA na nagbuwis ng kanilang buhay sa labanan sa Sitio Balatkahoy, Barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna noong Agosto 4. Tunay silang mga bayani ng rebolusyon at sambayanang Pilipino na buung-buong ibinigay ang kanilang sarili sa adhikaing maitatag ang isang masagana, malaya at makatarungang lipunan. Inspirasyon ang kanilang kagitingan at matapat na paglilingkod sa rebolusyon sa lahat ng nakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya.
Naging magigiting na tagapagtanggol ng sambayanang inaapi sina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny dahil sila mismo ay nagmula sa uring inaapi.
Si Ka Termo ay namulat sa pamilyang magsasaka na kalauna’y naging mala-manggagawa. Sumapi siya sa NPA noong 1992. Mandirigma pa lamang ay nakitaan na siya ng mga kasama ng potensyal at hindi nagtagal ay naging isa sa mga Pulang kumander ng probinsya ng Rizal. Pinamunuan niya ang ilang matatagumpay na taktikal na opensiba na nagkumpiska ng armas mula sa kaaway at naggawad ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya sa mga abusadong pulis at militar. Iginagalang siya ng mga kasama bilang pinuno at malapit sa masang kanyang nakakasalamuha.
Matatag na itinaguyod ni Ka Termo ang mga simulain ng armadong pakikibaka saanmang larangan siya italaga ng Partido at sa harap ng bangis ng kaaway. Halos 30 taon ng kanyang buhay ang inilaan sa NPA kasabay ng kanyang pagpapamilya. Kahit na magkalayo sila sa napakahabang panahon ay labis siyang minamahal ng kanyang naiwang dalawang anak at isang apo.
Isa ring huwaran ng tapat na pagrerebolusyon si Ka Omar, isang maralitang magsasaka na tubong Buenavista, Quezon. Hindi makakalimutan ng mga kasama ang kanyang kapursigehan sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka. Napatunayan ito sa dalawang beses na pagkakahuli at pagkakakulong sa kanya ng kaaway. Matapos lumaya mula sa pasista ay kaagad siyang bumabalik sa Hukbo upang muling humawak ng armas at magpatuloy sa pakikibaka.
Dahil salat sa buhay, hindi nakatungtong sa burges na paaralan si Ka Omar at sa loob na ng Hukbo natutong magsulat, magbasa at magkwenta. Pinaunlad niya at hinubog ang sarili hanggang sa maging opisyal ng Pulang Hukbo. Mahalaga ang kanyang naging papel sa pagpapalawak at pagpapalalim ng baseng masa sa Gitnang Quezon.
Kahanga-hangang katatagan din ang ipinakita ni Ka Danny, isang magsasaka mula sa Atimonan, Quezon. Nagpasya siyang sumapi sa Hukbo sa kabila ng kanyang matandang edad at pisikal na limitasyon. Naging modelo siya ng mga kabataan sa kanilang lokalidad na sumunod sa kanyang yapak at sumampa rin sa Hukbo. Humarap siya sa mababangis na operasyon ng kaaway na nagparanas sa kanya ng pambihirang hirap at sakit. Sa kabila nito’y nagawa niyang magtagal sa Hukbo hanggang sa huling patak ng kanyang dugo.
Kasabay ng pagsaludo kina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar, naghuhumiyaw ang rebolusyonaryong mamamayan at hukbong bayan na bigyang katarungan ang pataksil na pag-atake ng AFP-PNP sa yunit ng tatlong kasama at paglapastangan ng mga pasista sa kanilang mga labi. Napaslang ang tatlo sa isang strike operation na isinagawa ng 1st IBPA at PNP-Laguna sa direksyon ng 2nd ID sa gitna ng pagtugon ng Pulang hukbo sa daing ng mamamayan ng Laguna kaugnay ng militaristang lockdown at pagkalat ng COVID-19.
Mariing kinukundena ng MGC ang ginawa ng AFP-PNP na pagsasalaula sa labi ng tatlong kasama at pagkakait sa kanilang pamilya ng pagkakataong maipagluksa ang pagkamatay ng kanilang kapamilya at mabigyan ng disenteng libing. Napakatagal na hinanap ng mga kaanak ang labi ng tatlong kasama matapos nakawin mula sa pinaglagakang punerarya sa Calamba, Laguna ng mga tauhan ng Camp Vicente Lim, itago mula sa naghahanap na mga kapamilya at paghiwa-hiwalayin na inilibing sa magkakalayong lugar. Agosto 13 na nang matagpuan ang katawan ni Ka Danny sa Antipolo, Rizal, habang noong Agosto 20 lamang nakuha ang kay Ka Omar sa parehong sementeryo sa Rizal. Walang maayos na damit at nakabalot lamang sa plastik ang katawan ng mga kasama nang mahukay mula sa sementeryo. Samantala, natunton naman noong Agosto 21 ang pinaglibingan kay Ka Termo sa isang di minarkahang libingan sa isang sementeryo sa Tuy, Batangas.
Ang di-makataong pagtrato sa labi ng tatlong napaslang na kasama at pagpahihirap sa kanilang mga naiwang pamilya ay mga dagdag na karumaldumal na krimen ng pasistang estado. Nilalabag nito ang pandaigdigang makataong batas, ang CARHRIHL, at Protocol 1 at 2 ng Geneva Conventions na tumutukoy sa pagrespeto sa labi ng mga taong nasawi dahil sa gera sibil. Napakalupit ding presyur at parusa sa mga nagluluksang pamilya ang pagpapaikot-ikot sa kanila at paghingi ng kung anu-ano pang rekisitos para lamang maiuwi ang labi ng kanilang kaanak. Binabalewala nito ang dignidad bilang tao ng mga nasawing NPA bilang isang pwersang belligerent.
Nais naming iparating sa pamilya nina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay at pangakong hindi mapupunta sa wala ang sakripisyo ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Ang rebolusyong pinag-alayan ng buhay ng ating mga mahal na martir ay patuloy na mag-aalab at susulong hanggang ganap na tagumpay. Hindi kayang hadlangan ng karahasan at kapalaluan ng kaaway ang pag-abante ng rebolusyon, laluna sa kasalukuyang panahon ng tiranya ni Duterte na nagpataw sa sambayanan ng walang kaparis na kahirapan.
Pinalala ng rehimeng Duterte ang malaon nang pananalasa ng salot na imperyalismo, burukrata kapitalismo at pyudalismo sa bansa. Nananatili at sumasahol ang sabwatan ng imperyalismo at lokal na naghaharing uri upang kamkamin ang likas na rekurso ng bayan at pumiga ng supertubo mula sa masang anakpawis. Inaagawan nila ng lupa ang mga katutubo’t magsasaka, pinagsasamantalahan ang mga manggagawa, at pinagkakaitan ng serbisyo at karapatan ang mamamayan. Instrumento nila ang mersenaryong AFP-PNP sa pagpapataw ng kanilang mapagsamantala at marahas na paghahari sa lipunang Pilipino. Sa paglitaw ng pandemyang COVID-19, sumidhi ang nararanasang kahirapan ng mamamayan dahil sa kriminal na kapabayaan ng rehimen at pagbulusok ng dati nang atrasadong ekonomya ng bansa.
Ganap lamang na malulutas ang suliranin ng lipunang Pilipino kung maipagtatagumpay ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan na pinangungunahan ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Pangunahing anyo nito ang armadong pakikibakang isinusulong ng NPA sa higit nang limang dekada. Tungkulin ng NPA na durugin ang armadong pwersa ng naghaharing uri hanggang sa ganap na mapabagsak ang bulok na estado at maitayo ang tunay na gubyerno ng mamamayan. Ito ang dakilang tungkulin na tinupad nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny. Hanggang may pang-aapi at pagsasamantala, patuloy na dadami ang tulad nilang anakpawis na sasapi sa NPA.
Kasingbigat ng Sierra Madre ang mga buhay nina Ka Termo, Ka Danny at Ka Omar dahil inilaan ang mga ito sa paglilingkod sa masang inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan. Nagluluksa ang Pulang hukbo at rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa kanilang pagkawala, ngunit higit rito ang nararamdaman nating paghanga sa kanilang pagpapasakit, walang pag-iimbot na paglilingkod sa masang api’t pinagsasamantalahan at determinasyong ipagwagi ang digmang bayan. Magsisilbi silang inspirasyon ng NPA sa pagbigo sa imbing layunin ng rehimeng Duterte na durugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan bago matapos ang termino nito sa 2022. Itataas natin ang ating mapanlabang diwa at patamaan ng maraming bigwas sa ulo at katawan ang palalong kaaway. Mananatiling buhay at nag-aalab ang rebolusyonaryong diwa nina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny sa bawat tagumpay na iaambag ng MGC sa demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan.
Mabuhay sina Ka Termo, Ka Omar at Ka Danny!
Mabuhay ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong martir!
Digmang bayan, isulong hanggang tagumpay!
https://cpp.ph/statements/ibaling-sa-rebolusyonaryong-katapangan-ang-paggunita-sa-alaala-nina-ka-termo-ka-danny-at-ka-omar-mga-martir-ng-laguna/
Pemberton's bid for early freedom through GCTA now underway
From Rappler (Aug 25, 2020): Pemberton's bid for early freedom through GCTA now underway (By LIAN BUAN)
If the US Marine has a perfect record, and he is deemed entitled to all credits, Pemberton could walk free this year or next
If the US Marine has a perfect record, and he is deemed entitled to all credits, Pemberton could walk free this year or next
US Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton, convicted of killing a Filipino transgender woman, has started the process of availing of his deducted sentence perk and could be walking free soon.
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete confirmed Tuesday, August 25, that the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 has started hearing Pemberton's motion to avail of his Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
"I understand the Bureau of Corrections has been asked by the court to compute credits and allowances due to Pemberton under the GCTA law. In the end, however, it will be the court which will decide the proper computation of those allowances and credits," said Perete.
Perete withheld comment on the question of whether Pemberton was eligible for GCTA anyway, given the Department of Justice's new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
The DOJ's new IRR excluded heinous crime convicts from the newer GCTA law or Republic Act 10592. Those convicted of heinous crimes are only entitled to the lesser GCTA under Revised Penal Code.
But asked whether homicide, the charge which Pemberton was convicted of, was considered a heinous crime, Perete said: "On that narrow question, the answer is no."
Homicide by itself is not included among the crimes listed in the repealed death penalty law – the law which the DOJ based its definition of a heinous crime.
The GCTA was revised by the Duterte-administration DOJ because of anomalies found inside prisons, where there were allegations that this was being sold to convicts. This scandal prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to haul back to jail thousands of already-freed convicts, killing some of them in the process because of dire prison conditions.
GCTA
After Laude was killed in October 2014 in Pampanga, Pemberton was immediately detained. He was convicted a year later, in December 2015, and sentenced to 10 years for homicide. The Court of Appeals has affirmed the 10-year sentence.
Under RA 10592 or the GCTA Law, if Pemberton has a perfect record, his GCTA slashes around 3.5 years from his sentence. He can also have 1 year worth of Credit for Preventive Imprisonment (CPI), or the jailtime served before conviction.
All these computed, 4.5 years could be cut from his 10-year sentence, half of which he already served. This means the American Marine could walk free this year or the next.
Pemberton has been detained in a restricted facility at the military headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, a perk he enjoys because of the still standing Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US.
The DOJ, however, still has not released its GCTA uniform manual.
Will Pemberton be allowed to avail of GCTA without a uniform manual?
"This is among the questions to be resolved by the court," said Perete.
Pemberton withdrew last June his appeal in the Supreme Court.
He was found guilty of homicide for killing Laude by arm-locking her and dunking her head on the toilet bowl. Pemberton was supposed to have sex with Laude but fumed upon discovering she had male genitals.
https://rappler.com/nation/pemberton-early-freedom-gcta
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete confirmed Tuesday, August 25, that the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 has started hearing Pemberton's motion to avail of his Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA).
"I understand the Bureau of Corrections has been asked by the court to compute credits and allowances due to Pemberton under the GCTA law. In the end, however, it will be the court which will decide the proper computation of those allowances and credits," said Perete.
Perete withheld comment on the question of whether Pemberton was eligible for GCTA anyway, given the Department of Justice's new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
The DOJ's new IRR excluded heinous crime convicts from the newer GCTA law or Republic Act 10592. Those convicted of heinous crimes are only entitled to the lesser GCTA under Revised Penal Code.
But asked whether homicide, the charge which Pemberton was convicted of, was considered a heinous crime, Perete said: "On that narrow question, the answer is no."
Homicide by itself is not included among the crimes listed in the repealed death penalty law – the law which the DOJ based its definition of a heinous crime.
The GCTA was revised by the Duterte-administration DOJ because of anomalies found inside prisons, where there were allegations that this was being sold to convicts. This scandal prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to haul back to jail thousands of already-freed convicts, killing some of them in the process because of dire prison conditions.
GCTA
After Laude was killed in October 2014 in Pampanga, Pemberton was immediately detained. He was convicted a year later, in December 2015, and sentenced to 10 years for homicide. The Court of Appeals has affirmed the 10-year sentence.
Under RA 10592 or the GCTA Law, if Pemberton has a perfect record, his GCTA slashes around 3.5 years from his sentence. He can also have 1 year worth of Credit for Preventive Imprisonment (CPI), or the jailtime served before conviction.
All these computed, 4.5 years could be cut from his 10-year sentence, half of which he already served. This means the American Marine could walk free this year or the next.
Pemberton has been detained in a restricted facility at the military headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, a perk he enjoys because of the still standing Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US.
The DOJ, however, still has not released its GCTA uniform manual.
Will Pemberton be allowed to avail of GCTA without a uniform manual?
"This is among the questions to be resolved by the court," said Perete.
Pemberton withdrew last June his appeal in the Supreme Court.
He was found guilty of homicide for killing Laude by arm-locking her and dunking her head on the toilet bowl. Pemberton was supposed to have sex with Laude but fumed upon discovering she had male genitals.
https://rappler.com/nation/pemberton-early-freedom-gcta
Alleged finance officer of NPA caught in Surigao Sur
From the Mindanao Times (Aug 25, 2020): Alleged finance officer of NPA caught in Surigao Sur (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)
AN ALLEGED finance officer of the New People’s Army was arrested in Marihatag, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on Friday.
The suspect was identified as Sarvina Rivas Quijano who was arrested at a checkpoint while onboard a multi-cab with plate number YCZ 583 driven by Jovencito P. Lozada.
1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, the civil-military operations officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said soldiers and police officers manning the checkpoint noticed in plain view some rifle grenades inside the vehicle.
A thorough check of the vehicle led to the discovery of two improvised explosive devices, a blasting cap with detonating cord, three rifle grenades, five analog cellular phones, one laptop computer, subversive documents, numerous SIM cards, external drive, and a memory card allegedly owned by the suspect.
Punsalan said that Quijano is the party wife of Marcelino Tampos Navarro alias Marsing, the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee’s deputy secretary and head of education and propaganda who was killed in an encounter with government forces in Sitio Panukmoan, Diatagon, Lianga on July 7 this year.
Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, the commander of Joint Task Force Diamond and of the 4th Infantry Division, in his previous statement, urged the business sector in Northern Mindanao and Caraga to help end insurgency by not giving in to the NPA’s extortion demands.
“If we do this, coupled with our relentless military operations, hopefully, the insurgency will significantly weaken to a negligible level before the President’s term ends,” he said.
Meanwhile, Quijano is now in the custody of the 1st Police Force Mobile Company for documentation and filing of appropriate criminal charges.
AN ALLEGED finance officer of the New People’s Army was arrested in Marihatag, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on Friday.
The suspect was identified as Sarvina Rivas Quijano who was arrested at a checkpoint while onboard a multi-cab with plate number YCZ 583 driven by Jovencito P. Lozada.
1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, the civil-military operations officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said soldiers and police officers manning the checkpoint noticed in plain view some rifle grenades inside the vehicle.
A thorough check of the vehicle led to the discovery of two improvised explosive devices, a blasting cap with detonating cord, three rifle grenades, five analog cellular phones, one laptop computer, subversive documents, numerous SIM cards, external drive, and a memory card allegedly owned by the suspect.
Punsalan said that Quijano is the party wife of Marcelino Tampos Navarro alias Marsing, the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee’s deputy secretary and head of education and propaganda who was killed in an encounter with government forces in Sitio Panukmoan, Diatagon, Lianga on July 7 this year.
Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, the commander of Joint Task Force Diamond and of the 4th Infantry Division, in his previous statement, urged the business sector in Northern Mindanao and Caraga to help end insurgency by not giving in to the NPA’s extortion demands.
“If we do this, coupled with our relentless military operations, hopefully, the insurgency will significantly weaken to a negligible level before the President’s term ends,” he said.
Meanwhile, Quijano is now in the custody of the 1st Police Force Mobile Company for documentation and filing of appropriate criminal charges.
2 suicide bombers behind daring Jolo attacks
Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 25, 2020): 2 suicide bombers behind daring Jolo attacks
Two female suicide bombers and not one as earlier reported by the military, carried out daring attacks in the southern Philippine province of Sulu that left dozens of casualties, mostly civilians.
The aftermath of Monday's twin bombings in Jolo town. And pictures of soldiers who died in the suicide attacks. (Photos by 11th Infantry Division)
Two female suicide bombers and not one as earlier reported by the military, carried out daring attacks in the southern Philippine province of Sulu that left dozens of casualties, mostly civilians.
The aftermath of Monday's twin bombings in Jolo town. And pictures of soldiers who died in the suicide attacks. (Photos by 11th Infantry Division)
This was confirmed Tuesday by Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, saying one of the bombers was an Indonesian widow of Abu Sayyaf suicide bomber Norman Lasuca, who blew himself up outside a military base and killed 8 people in Sulu’s Indanan town last year.
The other suicide bomber was the wife of an Abu Sayyaf explosives expert Talha Jumsa, who was also slain in a clash with soldiers in Patikul town, also in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, on Tuesday said that a parked motorcycle rigged with explosives was detonated near two military trucks in the capital town of Jolo. And the second suicide bomber detonated her explosives while soldiers and policemen were rushing to the scene to aid the victims.
“As per initial investigation, the first explosion emanated from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device whereby two of our military vehicles parked in the area were partially damaged,” Vinluan said, adding, “while troops were cordoning off the bomb site, a suicide bomber attempted to penetrate the area and blasted himself near the Development Bank of the Philippines, in front of New Trading along Sanchez Street.”
Vinluan said the military's anti-terror Joint Task Force Sulu “assures the public that they will continue to sustain the security efforts for peace and stability in the province. Ground troops continue to establish the circumstances and identify the perpetrators behind this inhumane attack,” he said.
The 11th Infantry Division in Sulu said 8 soldiers and one policeman were killed and 24 soldiers and six policemen were also wounded in the bombings. It said six civilians also died and 48 others were injured in the attacks. “The severely wounded individuals were airlifted to Zamboanga City for more extensive medical care,” it said.
The Joint Task Force Sulu also imposed stricter security in Jolo following the daring attacks. “The Joint Task Force Sulu is implementing more stringent security measures to prevent further atrocities. We urge the public to remain calm and be vigilant for suspicious individuals,” it said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of soldiers, policemen, and civilians who perished and offered the ultimate sacrifice. Rest assured that we will bring into justice those who are responsible in these twin bombing incidents,” it added.
Condemned
Sulu Reps. Samier Tan and Shernee Tambut both condemned the bombings.
“I call on all concerned agencies to exercise the full force of the law to drag those responsible to the bars of justice and be meted out with punishment commensurate to the terror they wreaked. I condole with the families of all victims, both soldiers and innocent civilians. They do not deserve to lose their lives through senseless violence,” Tan said.
“I call on the people to remain calm and sober. Let us leave the matter to competent agencies to get to the root of the incident. Remain vigilant always against those who wish us harm,” he added.
Tambut said: “Such dastardly acts have no place in a civilized society and so I urged the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct a thorough investigation, and file appropriate charges against the perpetrators of this cowardly act.”
Stricter security
Gov. Sakur Tan convened a Crisis Management Committee (CMC) meeting with Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division; and Col. Michael Bayawan, the provincial police chief; Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan and Dr. Fahra Omar, the provincial health officer; and other stakeholders to discuss security measures in Sulu.
The other suicide bomber was the wife of an Abu Sayyaf explosives expert Talha Jumsa, who was also slain in a clash with soldiers in Patikul town, also in Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, on Tuesday said that a parked motorcycle rigged with explosives was detonated near two military trucks in the capital town of Jolo. And the second suicide bomber detonated her explosives while soldiers and policemen were rushing to the scene to aid the victims.
“As per initial investigation, the first explosion emanated from a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device whereby two of our military vehicles parked in the area were partially damaged,” Vinluan said, adding, “while troops were cordoning off the bomb site, a suicide bomber attempted to penetrate the area and blasted himself near the Development Bank of the Philippines, in front of New Trading along Sanchez Street.”
Vinluan said the military's anti-terror Joint Task Force Sulu “assures the public that they will continue to sustain the security efforts for peace and stability in the province. Ground troops continue to establish the circumstances and identify the perpetrators behind this inhumane attack,” he said.
The 11th Infantry Division in Sulu said 8 soldiers and one policeman were killed and 24 soldiers and six policemen were also wounded in the bombings. It said six civilians also died and 48 others were injured in the attacks. “The severely wounded individuals were airlifted to Zamboanga City for more extensive medical care,” it said.
The Joint Task Force Sulu also imposed stricter security in Jolo following the daring attacks. “The Joint Task Force Sulu is implementing more stringent security measures to prevent further atrocities. We urge the public to remain calm and be vigilant for suspicious individuals,” it said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of soldiers, policemen, and civilians who perished and offered the ultimate sacrifice. Rest assured that we will bring into justice those who are responsible in these twin bombing incidents,” it added.
Condemned
Sulu Reps. Samier Tan and Shernee Tambut both condemned the bombings.
“I call on all concerned agencies to exercise the full force of the law to drag those responsible to the bars of justice and be meted out with punishment commensurate to the terror they wreaked. I condole with the families of all victims, both soldiers and innocent civilians. They do not deserve to lose their lives through senseless violence,” Tan said.
“I call on the people to remain calm and sober. Let us leave the matter to competent agencies to get to the root of the incident. Remain vigilant always against those who wish us harm,” he added.
Tambut said: “Such dastardly acts have no place in a civilized society and so I urged the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct a thorough investigation, and file appropriate charges against the perpetrators of this cowardly act.”
Stricter security
Gov. Sakur Tan convened a Crisis Management Committee (CMC) meeting with Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division; and Col. Michael Bayawan, the provincial police chief; Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan and Dr. Fahra Omar, the provincial health officer; and other stakeholders to discuss security measures in Sulu.
Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan gestures as he speaks with police and military commanders, and Jolo Mayor Kerkahr Tan and other officials following twin bombings in Jolo town on Monday that killed and wounded dozens of people. (Photo by Jean Alfad)
Members of the CMC have agreed to tighten security in the province and enforce a stricter curfew hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tan also ordered the Coast Guard and the Maritime Police to strictly inspect cargoes of vessels.
Residents passing military and police checkpoints will now have to lower their face mask for proper identification, but observe physical distancing to avoid Covid-19 infection. And all public parking areas will now be on the right lane only and closely guarded by security forces.
Tan said the provincial government will shoulder the hospital cost of all the blast victims and provide them with financial assistance.
Residents passing military and police checkpoints will now have to lower their face mask for proper identification, but observe physical distancing to avoid Covid-19 infection. And all public parking areas will now be on the right lane only and closely guarded by security forces.
Tan said the provincial government will shoulder the hospital cost of all the blast victims and provide them with financial assistance.
Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu, the regional police chief, is welcomed by Jainab Abdulmajid, a spokeswoman for the Sulu Task Force Covid-19 on Tuesday in Jolo town. Abu is to attend a multi-stakeholders meeting called by Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan. (Photos by Jean Alfad)
Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu, the regional police chief, arrived Tuesday in Jolo town to attend a multi-stakeholders meeting called by Tan. The whole town of Jolo is now under lockdown and no vessels - cargo or ferry – are allowed to enter or leave the town while authorities continue its investigation into the deadly bombings. (Zamboanga Post)
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/08/2-suicide-bombers-behind-daring-jolo.html
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/08/2-suicide-bombers-behind-daring-jolo.html
AFP builds road, school for IP community in Bukidnon
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): AFP builds road, school for IP community in Bukidnon (By Norven Jay Garcia, CMO, 88IB, 4ID)
The Philippine Army’s 524th Engineering Construction Battalion works on the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer farm-to-market road in Purok 8, Magsaysay, Quezon, Bukidnon. (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA)
The Philippine Army’s 524th Engineering Construction Battalion works on the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer farm-to-market road in Purok 8, Magsaysay, Quezon, Bukidnon. (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA)
MARAMAG, Bukidnon, Aug. 23 (PIA)—Aimed at helping indigenous peoples (IP) children hurdle the daily woes in going to school on foot for three hours, the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion (88IB) of the Philippine Army together with Quezon local government unit (LGU) and 524th Engineering Construction Battalion, build an IP school in Purok 8, Magsaysay, Quezon, Bukidnon.
The Engineering Battalion also worked on the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer farm-to-market road in barangay Magsaysay, which is in response to the IP community’s needs based on the validation and assessment by the Community Support Program (CSP) team of 88IB.
The said two infrastructure projects were funded by Quezon LGU and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Philippine Army will soon turn over this two-classroom school building to the Department of Education.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB, disclosed that the Engineering Battalion started the construction last April 6 after the community denounced their support to the New People’s Army (NPA). He said this task also led other government agencies to converge and do their share in achieving peace and development in identified Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).
He added that the Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) is helping local government in the conduct of rapid ‘needs assessment’ for projects that will alleviate the living condition of residents and identify the needs of the populace, thus, bringing development in the area.
The Engineering Battalion also worked on the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer farm-to-market road in barangay Magsaysay, which is in response to the IP community’s needs based on the validation and assessment by the Community Support Program (CSP) team of 88IB.
The said two infrastructure projects were funded by Quezon LGU and the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Philippine Army will soon turn over this two-classroom school building to the Department of Education.
Lieutenant Colonel Franklin Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB, disclosed that the Engineering Battalion started the construction last April 6 after the community denounced their support to the New People’s Army (NPA). He said this task also led other government agencies to converge and do their share in achieving peace and development in identified Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).
He added that the Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) is helping local government in the conduct of rapid ‘needs assessment’ for projects that will alleviate the living condition of residents and identify the needs of the populace, thus, bringing development in the area.
Aimed at helping indigenous peoples (IP) children hurdle the daily woes in going to school on foot for three hours, the Army’s 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion, 524th Engineering Construction Battalion, Quezon LGU, and DSWD build a two-classroom school building at Purok 8, Magsaysay, Quezon, Bukidnon. (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA)
The CSP team’s validation report showed that the absence of school and farm-to-market road in the area were used by CPP-NPA as propaganda in recruiting IPs to join the terrorist movement and in radicalizing the community.
In 2019, the 88IB dealt with the influx of NPA rebels from said community who surrendered and availed of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). These former rebels (FRs) then provided vital information on the whereabouts of other communist-terrorists in the area that resulted in the series of the government troops’ successful encounters, incapacitation of the terrorist leaders, seizure of NPA hideouts, and capture of numerous firearms and war materials.
In fact, a former rebel and a newly graduated CAFGU Active Auxilliary a.k.a Toto, said in dialect “Dako kaayo ko ug pasalamat kay daghan nabag-o sa akong kinabuhi paghuman namo ug surrender. Natagaan ko’g assistance ug gitagaan pa gyod ko ug trabaho. Pasalamat pud ko kay gitagaan pa mi’g dalan ug eskwelahan. Tanan namo nga lakaw padulong sa sentro sa barangay kay dali na. Imbis tulo ka oras, karon tunga nalang sa oras. Dako sad ko ug pasalamat kay gihimo-an na gyud ug skwelahan among mga bata. Dati, pag abot sa barangay, kung asa ila eskwelahan kay manga-on na dayon tapos matulog. Walay klaro ang pag adto nila sa eskwelahan. Pero karon kay naa na dapit sa among duol. Maka-eskwela na gyud sila ug tarong. (I thanked the government for the help. After we submitted ourselves to the authorities, my life has changed. The government gave me livelihood assistance and a CAA job. Our kids will no longer have to walk for hours from home to school because of the newly built two-classroom building. And finally, the three-hour walk from home to barangay proper now takes only half an hour (via motorcycle) because of the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer farm-to-market road).”
In a statement, Mayor Pablo Lorenzo III of Quezon town said “Mapasalamaton ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa lungsod sa Quezon tungod sa pag-atiman ug pag-ayo sa dalan sa Purok 8, barangay Magsaysay. Usa kini ka bililhong gasa alang sa pagsiguro sa kahapsay ug kalinaw sa lungsod. Padayon nga nakig-alayon ang lokal nga kagamhanan sa Quezon para sa maayong kaugmaon sa katawhan.
Lt. Col. Fabic, likewise said, “Let this be the start of a new life in your village. These projects and programs are proofs of the government’s commitment in winning the peace and attaining development in far-flung communities. Let us protect these projects for a bright future of our younger generation." (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)
In 2019, the 88IB dealt with the influx of NPA rebels from said community who surrendered and availed of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). These former rebels (FRs) then provided vital information on the whereabouts of other communist-terrorists in the area that resulted in the series of the government troops’ successful encounters, incapacitation of the terrorist leaders, seizure of NPA hideouts, and capture of numerous firearms and war materials.
In fact, a former rebel and a newly graduated CAFGU Active Auxilliary a.k.a Toto, said in dialect “Dako kaayo ko ug pasalamat kay daghan nabag-o sa akong kinabuhi paghuman namo ug surrender. Natagaan ko’g assistance ug gitagaan pa gyod ko ug trabaho. Pasalamat pud ko kay gitagaan pa mi’g dalan ug eskwelahan. Tanan namo nga lakaw padulong sa sentro sa barangay kay dali na. Imbis tulo ka oras, karon tunga nalang sa oras. Dako sad ko ug pasalamat kay gihimo-an na gyud ug skwelahan among mga bata. Dati, pag abot sa barangay, kung asa ila eskwelahan kay manga-on na dayon tapos matulog. Walay klaro ang pag adto nila sa eskwelahan. Pero karon kay naa na dapit sa among duol. Maka-eskwela na gyud sila ug tarong. (I thanked the government for the help. After we submitted ourselves to the authorities, my life has changed. The government gave me livelihood assistance and a CAA job. Our kids will no longer have to walk for hours from home to school because of the newly built two-classroom building. And finally, the three-hour walk from home to barangay proper now takes only half an hour (via motorcycle) because of the rehabilitation of the four-kilometer farm-to-market road).”
In a statement, Mayor Pablo Lorenzo III of Quezon town said “Mapasalamaton ang lokal nga pangagamhanan sa lungsod sa Quezon tungod sa pag-atiman ug pag-ayo sa dalan sa Purok 8, barangay Magsaysay. Usa kini ka bililhong gasa alang sa pagsiguro sa kahapsay ug kalinaw sa lungsod. Padayon nga nakig-alayon ang lokal nga kagamhanan sa Quezon para sa maayong kaugmaon sa katawhan.
Lt. Col. Fabic, likewise said, “Let this be the start of a new life in your village. These projects and programs are proofs of the government’s commitment in winning the peace and attaining development in far-flung communities. Let us protect these projects for a bright future of our younger generation." (CMO, 88IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)
DILG-Bukidnon releases anew P1.7M financial assistance to 38 ex-rebels
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): DILG-Bukidnon releases anew P1.7M financial assistance to 38 ex-rebels (By Raymund Bago, DILG Bukidnon/Rezza Mae B. Tolinero, DILG 10)
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Aug. 25--The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bukidnon released another round of Livelihood and Immediate Assistance worth P1,720,000 to 38 former rebels (FRs) through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) last August 13 at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, Malaybalay City.
This is shortly after the release of P2.5 Million-worth of assistance to 67 former rebels in Bukidnon last July 20—sustaining efforts in providing a complete package of assistance benefitting ex-rebels and their families.
“We really want to fast-track this effort so that we could provide all the necessary assistance to our former rebels the soonest time possible, despite this pandemic,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe.
With the E-CLIP providing financial assistance to those rebels who are willing to surrender, RD Agabe said that now is the best time to return to the folds of law and start a new life.
The E-CLIP financial assistance is one of the strategies of the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” to end local communist armed conflict which aims to address the root causes of insurgency and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government.
With this, DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique B. Libot pledges the continued support of the DILG to end local communist armed conflict and sustain its gains in the province.
“We aim for more rebels to surrender and we commend all our partner agencies for making all of these possible,” he said.
Checks were awarded by Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria R. Zubiri, Jr, together with DILG PD Libot and 4th Infantry Division Commander Major General Andres Centino of the Philippine Army.
Further, along with the encashment of checks of the FRs, as facilitated by Landbank-Malaybalay City Branch, is a meeting with the E-CLIP Committee and TESDA-Bukidnon Provincial Director Elcid H. Castillo and DTI-Bukidnon MSME Unit Head Jose D. Maureal to improve the current profiling procedure for the FRs.
The committee agreed to have a pilot testing activity where the profiling process will be a One-Stop-Shop for other agencies to determine the needs of the FRs to be capacitated.
Also discussed are the status of the Halfway House construction and its operational manual; avenues in accessing assistance in the civil registration and issuance of identification cards of FRs; reconciliation of the correct spelling of names of FR in the JAPIC and profiling/enrollment forms; actions taken for the fast-tracking of the valuation of surrendered firearms; and plans of the remaining E-CLIP funds still with DILG-Bukidnon. (DILG 10, Bukidnon/PIA Bukidnon)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051211
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Aug. 25--The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Bukidnon released another round of Livelihood and Immediate Assistance worth P1,720,000 to 38 former rebels (FRs) through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) last August 13 at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, Malaybalay City.
This is shortly after the release of P2.5 Million-worth of assistance to 67 former rebels in Bukidnon last July 20—sustaining efforts in providing a complete package of assistance benefitting ex-rebels and their families.
“We really want to fast-track this effort so that we could provide all the necessary assistance to our former rebels the soonest time possible, despite this pandemic,” said DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe.
With the E-CLIP providing financial assistance to those rebels who are willing to surrender, RD Agabe said that now is the best time to return to the folds of law and start a new life.
The E-CLIP financial assistance is one of the strategies of the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” to end local communist armed conflict which aims to address the root causes of insurgency and other armed conflicts and threats by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government.
With this, DILG Bukidnon Provincial Director Carmelo Enrique B. Libot pledges the continued support of the DILG to end local communist armed conflict and sustain its gains in the province.
“We aim for more rebels to surrender and we commend all our partner agencies for making all of these possible,” he said.
Checks were awarded by Bukidnon Gov. Jose Maria R. Zubiri, Jr, together with DILG PD Libot and 4th Infantry Division Commander Major General Andres Centino of the Philippine Army.
Further, along with the encashment of checks of the FRs, as facilitated by Landbank-Malaybalay City Branch, is a meeting with the E-CLIP Committee and TESDA-Bukidnon Provincial Director Elcid H. Castillo and DTI-Bukidnon MSME Unit Head Jose D. Maureal to improve the current profiling procedure for the FRs.
The committee agreed to have a pilot testing activity where the profiling process will be a One-Stop-Shop for other agencies to determine the needs of the FRs to be capacitated.
Also discussed are the status of the Halfway House construction and its operational manual; avenues in accessing assistance in the civil registration and issuance of identification cards of FRs; reconciliation of the correct spelling of names of FR in the JAPIC and profiling/enrollment forms; actions taken for the fast-tracking of the valuation of surrendered firearms; and plans of the remaining E-CLIP funds still with DILG-Bukidnon. (DILG 10, Bukidnon/PIA Bukidnon)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051211
Misinformation drives former rebels to defy gov’t – Governor Yu
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): Misinformation drives former rebels to defy gov’t – Governor Yu (By Jayson R. Aucensillo)
Zamboanga City, August 25 (PIA) – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and Zamboanga Del Sur Governor Victor Yu believe that Former Rebels (FRs) defy the government because of misinformation about it and its programs, during the recent 1st Western Mindanao FRs Summit held at the 102 Brigade Compound, Ipil Town, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Governor Yu said FRs were totally misguided by wrong information. “I know, you merge with other combatants because you have many reasons and misconceptions about the government but I believe it leads to coalesce because all of you were misguided and misinformed,” Governor Yu said.
A testimony from Peewee [not his real name], a former rebel leader was also being heard.
Peewee, (not his real name), a former rebel said “masasabi ko ngayon na mali ang paniniwala at iniisip ng mga nasa bundok na kapag ikaw ay sumuko, sasaktan ka. Saksi ako at nakita ko na taliwas ito sa kanilang paniniwala at hindi ako sinaktan dito”. [I can now say that those in the mountain believe and think that when they surrender, they will be hurt. I am a living witness and I saw that this is contrary to their beliefs and I was not harmed at all].
Governor Yu also emphasized that the government is doubly working hard to give the best for the Filipino people.
“You have already experienced that as former rebels on how you were treated nicely by the national government now and we need your help to make insurgents realize that they have a better future here than fighting there in the uplands,” Governor Yu appealed.
On the other hand, the governor also committed to compensate “P20,000 incentives for those rebels who will surrender and P10,000 will be given to an individual FR who will be able to convince their comrades to go back to the folds of law”.
Moreover, the regional agencies and departments of the RTF-ELCAC shared their plans and programs for the FRs such as a housing program from the National Housing Authority (NHA), jobs and opportunities being offered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), free technical education and trainings from the Technical Educations Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and many more.
In spite of the conflicts between the New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines (NPA-CPP) and the government, “we still encourage them to be one with the government and help us stop the spread of misinformation to their fellow combatants”, Yu disclosed. (JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051149
Zamboanga City, August 25 (PIA) – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and Zamboanga Del Sur Governor Victor Yu believe that Former Rebels (FRs) defy the government because of misinformation about it and its programs, during the recent 1st Western Mindanao FRs Summit held at the 102 Brigade Compound, Ipil Town, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Governor Yu said FRs were totally misguided by wrong information. “I know, you merge with other combatants because you have many reasons and misconceptions about the government but I believe it leads to coalesce because all of you were misguided and misinformed,” Governor Yu said.
A testimony from Peewee [not his real name], a former rebel leader was also being heard.
Peewee, (not his real name), a former rebel said “masasabi ko ngayon na mali ang paniniwala at iniisip ng mga nasa bundok na kapag ikaw ay sumuko, sasaktan ka. Saksi ako at nakita ko na taliwas ito sa kanilang paniniwala at hindi ako sinaktan dito”. [I can now say that those in the mountain believe and think that when they surrender, they will be hurt. I am a living witness and I saw that this is contrary to their beliefs and I was not harmed at all].
Governor Yu also emphasized that the government is doubly working hard to give the best for the Filipino people.
“You have already experienced that as former rebels on how you were treated nicely by the national government now and we need your help to make insurgents realize that they have a better future here than fighting there in the uplands,” Governor Yu appealed.
On the other hand, the governor also committed to compensate “P20,000 incentives for those rebels who will surrender and P10,000 will be given to an individual FR who will be able to convince their comrades to go back to the folds of law”.
Moreover, the regional agencies and departments of the RTF-ELCAC shared their plans and programs for the FRs such as a housing program from the National Housing Authority (NHA), jobs and opportunities being offered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), free technical education and trainings from the Technical Educations Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and many more.
In spite of the conflicts between the New People’s Army-Communist Party of the Philippines (NPA-CPP) and the government, “we still encourage them to be one with the government and help us stop the spread of misinformation to their fellow combatants”, Yu disclosed. (JRA/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051149
Pandemic can't stop PMA cadet exams in Bicol
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): Pandemic can't stop PMA cadet exams in Bicol (By Casandra E. Balala)
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)—The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will adapt to the “New Normal” in conducting its entrance exam for cadets from Bicol come August 26 to 29 in this capital city of Albay.
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)—The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will adapt to the “New Normal” in conducting its entrance exam for cadets from Bicol come August 26 to 29 in this capital city of Albay.
Major Aldrin Abique, PA-Team 3 PMA Entrance Exam 2020 officer-in-charge, ensures the safety of aspiring PMA cadets in the upcoming entrance exam come August 26-29, 2020 at NAVFORSOL, Rawis, Legazpi City. (Photo by Danica Caballero)
“The objective of this examination is to choose from among our youth the best and the brightest, to become future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Major Aldrin Abique, officer in charge of the Philippine Army's Team 3 PMA Entrance Exam 2020, said.
He added that they will be strictly implementing the health protocols and standards such as wearing of face shield and facemask, and social distancing to ensure the safety of the examinees.
“They [applicants] are also required to submit their medical certificate and they need to secure a travel pass from their barangay which allows them to move from their house to the testing center,” Abique said.
He also explained that there will be a separate batch of examinees for morning and afternoon to ensure the physical distancing. For the morning batch, the processing time will start at 6 a.m. and the exam will begin at 9 a.m..
On the other hand, the afternoon batch will start at 1 p.m.
Abique said applicants who registered online may check their schedule at the official website of PMA.
“We will still accept walk-in applicants. They just need to ensure that they bring with them the complete requirements,” he said.
“The objective of this examination is to choose from among our youth the best and the brightest, to become future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Major Aldrin Abique, officer in charge of the Philippine Army's Team 3 PMA Entrance Exam 2020, said.
He added that they will be strictly implementing the health protocols and standards such as wearing of face shield and facemask, and social distancing to ensure the safety of the examinees.
“They [applicants] are also required to submit their medical certificate and they need to secure a travel pass from their barangay which allows them to move from their house to the testing center,” Abique said.
He also explained that there will be a separate batch of examinees for morning and afternoon to ensure the physical distancing. For the morning batch, the processing time will start at 6 a.m. and the exam will begin at 9 a.m..
On the other hand, the afternoon batch will start at 1 p.m.
Abique said applicants who registered online may check their schedule at the official website of PMA.
“We will still accept walk-in applicants. They just need to ensure that they bring with them the complete requirements,” he said.
Major Aldrin Abique, Phil. Army-Team 3 PMA Entrance Exam 2020 Officer-in-Charge
Abique said the requirements aside from medical certificate and travel pass include the duly accomplished application form, photocopies of birth certificate and transcript of records or report card, ID picture in white background, and pencil.
Qualified applicants are those 17 to 22 years old natural born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single, at least high school graduate, has no administrative or criminal case, and has a minimum height of five feet for both male and female.
Those who will pass the screening will get free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, monthly salary and allowances, guaranteed job after graduation and a progressive career as an officer in the army, navy or airforce.
“It is a privilege to serve our country. So, we are inviting those qualified applicants to take the examination for PMA cadet, and reach your dream,” Abique stated.
Meanwhile, there will be also a PMA cadet examination in Naga City scheduled on September 2 to 5, 2020. (PIA5/CEB)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051148
Abique said the requirements aside from medical certificate and travel pass include the duly accomplished application form, photocopies of birth certificate and transcript of records or report card, ID picture in white background, and pencil.
Qualified applicants are those 17 to 22 years old natural born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single, at least high school graduate, has no administrative or criminal case, and has a minimum height of five feet for both male and female.
Those who will pass the screening will get free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, monthly salary and allowances, guaranteed job after graduation and a progressive career as an officer in the army, navy or airforce.
“It is a privilege to serve our country. So, we are inviting those qualified applicants to take the examination for PMA cadet, and reach your dream,” Abique stated.
Meanwhile, there will be also a PMA cadet examination in Naga City scheduled on September 2 to 5, 2020. (PIA5/CEB)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051148
Amid chopper's roar, government sets foot in Mindoro's remotest areas
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): Amid chopper's roar, government sets foot in Mindoro's remotest areas (By PA 2ID DPAO)
Abount 800 Mangyans belonging to the Buhid Tribe benefit from the government programs and services brought by the Retooled Community Support Program Team of Occidental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo: PA 2ID DPAO)
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Aug 25 (PIA) — Once again utilizing military choppers, the Retooled Community Support Program Team of Occidental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict set foot in one of the island’s remotest villages on Aug 16.
The two-day immersion in Sitio Mansay of San Jose’s Barangay Monteclaro was in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a whole of nation approach in addressing issues within the community and insulate the people from the NPA's terroristic actions.
Col Jose Augusto V Villareal, Commander of the 203rd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro, said “the absence of a 14-kilometer road going to the village should not and will never be an excuse for the government not to deliver basic services to our constituents.”
It usually takes the locals two days to reach the city proper by foot.
Col Villareal added that “the use of military choppers is not only a testament to our firm resolve to end insurgency but, more importantly, it is a manifestation of our sincere intentions to help our countrymen since what used to be tools of war are now becoming symbols of peace and hope for our people” in the far-flung areas.
Per reports received by the 2nd Infantry Division, around 800 Mangyans belonging to the Buhid Tribe were able to register in PhilHealth and Philippine Statistics Authority. These are on top of the free medical and dental services as well as Basic Farming Training by the Department of Agriculture which was followed by awarding of farm tools.
Relief goods from DSWD were also distributed following the discussion of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP for NPA terrorists who will return to the folds of law.
The two-day immersion in Sitio Mansay of San Jose’s Barangay Monteclaro was in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a whole of nation approach in addressing issues within the community and insulate the people from the NPA's terroristic actions.
Col Jose Augusto V Villareal, Commander of the 203rd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro, said “the absence of a 14-kilometer road going to the village should not and will never be an excuse for the government not to deliver basic services to our constituents.”
It usually takes the locals two days to reach the city proper by foot.
Col Villareal added that “the use of military choppers is not only a testament to our firm resolve to end insurgency but, more importantly, it is a manifestation of our sincere intentions to help our countrymen since what used to be tools of war are now becoming symbols of peace and hope for our people” in the far-flung areas.
Per reports received by the 2nd Infantry Division, around 800 Mangyans belonging to the Buhid Tribe were able to register in PhilHealth and Philippine Statistics Authority. These are on top of the free medical and dental services as well as Basic Farming Training by the Department of Agriculture which was followed by awarding of farm tools.
Relief goods from DSWD were also distributed following the discussion of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP for NPA terrorists who will return to the folds of law.
Mangyan children belonging to the Buhid Tribe pose for a photo op during the Retooled Community Support Program Team of Occidental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict two day immersion in Sitio Mansay, Barangay Monteclaro, the island's remotest area. (Photo: PA 2ID DPAO)
Col Villareal ended his statement by assuring the people of Mindoro that “this second RCSP deployment will definitely not be the last and that, under the leadership of the two Provincial Task Forces ELCAC, basic services will be delivered and the government’s presence will be felt even in the farthest portion of this island."
The RCSP Team of Occidental Mindoro’s PTF-ELCAC was first deployed in the same community last July 13.
Gov Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for "allowing us to use your military assets thereby helping us in fulfilling our mandate of delivering basic services and reaching out to the people whom we have sworn to serve."
“Our close collaboration, coordination and partnership will be the game-changer in our quest for lasting peace, prosperity and development which Filipinos living in this part of the country truly deserve”, ended Gov Gadiano.
Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Army's 2nd Infantry Division, expressed his optimism that "through the active response of the different local government units toward PRRD's directive for a 'whole-of-nation nation approach', the inevitable demise of insurgency in Southern Tagalog will happen sooner than later.”
“Under the banner of good governance, your soldiers will be unrelenting in assisting our local government units and chief executives in addressing the root causes of insurgency so that never again will our people be deceived, never again will our people be agitated and never again will our people be used to promote terrorism”, ended Maj Gen Burgos.
Per the military’s records, 44 RCSP Teams have been deployed across Southern Tagalog since May 2019. Five more teams are scheduled to be deployed in Rizal and Batangas provinces within the month. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051087
Col Villareal ended his statement by assuring the people of Mindoro that “this second RCSP deployment will definitely not be the last and that, under the leadership of the two Provincial Task Forces ELCAC, basic services will be delivered and the government’s presence will be felt even in the farthest portion of this island."
The RCSP Team of Occidental Mindoro’s PTF-ELCAC was first deployed in the same community last July 13.
Gov Eduardo Gadiano of Occidental Mindoro expressed his gratitude to the soldiers for "allowing us to use your military assets thereby helping us in fulfilling our mandate of delivering basic services and reaching out to the people whom we have sworn to serve."
“Our close collaboration, coordination and partnership will be the game-changer in our quest for lasting peace, prosperity and development which Filipinos living in this part of the country truly deserve”, ended Gov Gadiano.
Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Army's 2nd Infantry Division, expressed his optimism that "through the active response of the different local government units toward PRRD's directive for a 'whole-of-nation nation approach', the inevitable demise of insurgency in Southern Tagalog will happen sooner than later.”
“Under the banner of good governance, your soldiers will be unrelenting in assisting our local government units and chief executives in addressing the root causes of insurgency so that never again will our people be deceived, never again will our people be agitated and never again will our people be used to promote terrorism”, ended Maj Gen Burgos.
Per the military’s records, 44 RCSP Teams have been deployed across Southern Tagalog since May 2019. Five more teams are scheduled to be deployed in Rizal and Batangas provinces within the month. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051087
Soldiers, police recover NPA arms cache
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): Soldiers, police recover NPA arms cache (By PA 2ID DPAO)
Three M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition are recovered from an NPA-designated cache at Barangay Burgos in Mulanay, Quezon by combined elements of soldiers and police August 21, 2020. (Photo: PA 2ID DPAO)
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, August 25 (PIA) --Combined elements of soldiers and police recovered three M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition after a former rebel led them to an arms cache in Quezon Province on Friday.
Lt Col Emmanuel Cabahug, Commanding Officer of 85th Infantry Battalion, identified the former rebel as alias Shasha, a former full time member of the NPA’s Platoon Japson operating in Bondoc Peninsula.
He added “the rifles were buried in an NPA-designated cache in Brgy Burgos, Mulanay, a location where they hide firearms whenever they evade our forces and recover them after government troops leave the area.”
Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Southern Quezon, said “in his own volition, the former rebel led our forces to the arms cache after he felt our sincerity and heartfelt desire in helping him reintegrate to mainstream society through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that will allow him to live a peaceful life with his family.”
He described alias Shasha’s cooperation as a “manifestation of the sweeping demoralisation and disenchantment across the NPA terrorists’ ranks, a result of their fast-eroding mass bass support as well as the prevailing paranoia due to series of unprecedented debacles they suffered in this part of the country.”
BGen Tolentino ended his statement with assurance that “all NPA terrorists who will turn their backs from armed conflict will be treated by our soldiers humanely and with dignity similar to the way we treated alias Shasha, contrary to what the underground movement has been indoctrinating their members, however, those who will insist to stay on the path of terrorism must be ready to face the full force and might of the duly constituted government.”
Under E-CLIP, former rebels can avail up to Php 700,000 worth of grants including immediate and livelihood assistance as well as firearms remuneration and housing benefits, among others.
Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, expressed optimism that “digging arms caches will be the new normal in Southern Tagalog considering our 604 surrenders over the past two years are now realising and deciding to answer our citizens’ call for national healing and unity so our country can finally move forward as a nation.”
Based on military records, about 117 firearms have been turned-over to the government by former rebels since the E-CLIP’s maiden implementation in 2016.
Maj Gen Burgos confirmed that “2ID is now in the final stages of validating the dismantling of the NPA unit which operates in the boundaries of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon and Bulacan after the enemies of the state suffered decisive blows from our focused military operations that are based on near real-time intelligence provided by the people living in those communities.”
He ended his statement by calling on "the few remaining NPA terrorists to follow the path of their former comrades by choosing the path of peace over violence so we may be able to finally live the peaceful and prosperous lives that every Filipino citizen truly deserves.” (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051229
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, August 25 (PIA) --Combined elements of soldiers and police recovered three M16 rifles with magazines and ammunition after a former rebel led them to an arms cache in Quezon Province on Friday.
Lt Col Emmanuel Cabahug, Commanding Officer of 85th Infantry Battalion, identified the former rebel as alias Shasha, a former full time member of the NPA’s Platoon Japson operating in Bondoc Peninsula.
He added “the rifles were buried in an NPA-designated cache in Brgy Burgos, Mulanay, a location where they hide firearms whenever they evade our forces and recover them after government troops leave the area.”
Brigadier General Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Southern Quezon, said “in his own volition, the former rebel led our forces to the arms cache after he felt our sincerity and heartfelt desire in helping him reintegrate to mainstream society through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that will allow him to live a peaceful life with his family.”
He described alias Shasha’s cooperation as a “manifestation of the sweeping demoralisation and disenchantment across the NPA terrorists’ ranks, a result of their fast-eroding mass bass support as well as the prevailing paranoia due to series of unprecedented debacles they suffered in this part of the country.”
BGen Tolentino ended his statement with assurance that “all NPA terrorists who will turn their backs from armed conflict will be treated by our soldiers humanely and with dignity similar to the way we treated alias Shasha, contrary to what the underground movement has been indoctrinating their members, however, those who will insist to stay on the path of terrorism must be ready to face the full force and might of the duly constituted government.”
Under E-CLIP, former rebels can avail up to Php 700,000 worth of grants including immediate and livelihood assistance as well as firearms remuneration and housing benefits, among others.
Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, expressed optimism that “digging arms caches will be the new normal in Southern Tagalog considering our 604 surrenders over the past two years are now realising and deciding to answer our citizens’ call for national healing and unity so our country can finally move forward as a nation.”
Based on military records, about 117 firearms have been turned-over to the government by former rebels since the E-CLIP’s maiden implementation in 2016.
Maj Gen Burgos confirmed that “2ID is now in the final stages of validating the dismantling of the NPA unit which operates in the boundaries of Rizal, Laguna, Quezon and Bulacan after the enemies of the state suffered decisive blows from our focused military operations that are based on near real-time intelligence provided by the people living in those communities.”
He ended his statement by calling on "the few remaining NPA terrorists to follow the path of their former comrades by choosing the path of peace over violence so we may be able to finally live the peaceful and prosperous lives that every Filipino citizen truly deserves.” (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051229
PNP outreach activity serves 80 families in Asipulo village
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): PNP outreach activity serves 80 families in Asipulo village (By Marcelo B. Lihgawon)
Ifugao Provincial Mobile Force Company commander Lt. Col. Ayson Tenenan gives assorted relief packs to a resident of Maloy during the outreach activity in said place that served 80 families. (MBL, PIA CAR, Ifugao)
ASIPULO, Ifugao, Aug. 25 (PIA) - - The Ifugao Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPFMC), in partnership with the Company Advisory Council, continue to bring government closer to the people especially in remote areas even at this time of COVID-19 pandemic.
Their recent outreach activity benefited about 80 families in sitio Maloy, Cawayan in the municipality of Asipulo.
Through the fundraising activities conducted by the personnel of the IPMFC and other stakeholders to generate funds, they were able to buy assorted goods for the beneficiaries, IPMFC commander Lt. Col. Ayson Tenenan said.
Police personnel also provided free hair cut to some children.
Their recent outreach activity benefited about 80 families in sitio Maloy, Cawayan in the municipality of Asipulo.
Through the fundraising activities conducted by the personnel of the IPMFC and other stakeholders to generate funds, they were able to buy assorted goods for the beneficiaries, IPMFC commander Lt. Col. Ayson Tenenan said.
Police personnel also provided free hair cut to some children.
Little boys line up for free haircut with Uncle Pulis.
“More than 10 children were also provided snacks and free haircut with their own choice as part of the conducted activities in support to the programs to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Tenenan added.
Personnel of the IPMFC also oriented the attendees about their mandates, programs on anti-terrorism and recruitment schemes of terrorist groups while the Philippine Information Agency – Ifugao and the National Police Commission also shared their programs and services.
The residents of Maloy thanked the IPMFC and CAC members for conducting an outreach in their place which is many kilometers away from the town proper. The group walked almost three hours in rugged terrain to reach the place.
The given assorted goods and the lectures conducted are of great help to the community because we are informed of the bad consequences of terrorism, of being a member of anti-government organization and about illegal drugs, they said.
They assured to share to their families the knowledge they had acquired during the activity to avoid being misinformed and misguided.
Cawayan is previously a rebel- infested barangay and an ELCAC area, however, government forces have cleared the area. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)
“More than 10 children were also provided snacks and free haircut with their own choice as part of the conducted activities in support to the programs to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Tenenan added.
Personnel of the IPMFC also oriented the attendees about their mandates, programs on anti-terrorism and recruitment schemes of terrorist groups while the Philippine Information Agency – Ifugao and the National Police Commission also shared their programs and services.
The residents of Maloy thanked the IPMFC and CAC members for conducting an outreach in their place which is many kilometers away from the town proper. The group walked almost three hours in rugged terrain to reach the place.
The given assorted goods and the lectures conducted are of great help to the community because we are informed of the bad consequences of terrorism, of being a member of anti-government organization and about illegal drugs, they said.
They assured to share to their families the knowledge they had acquired during the activity to avoid being misinformed and misguided.
Cawayan is previously a rebel- infested barangay and an ELCAC area, however, government forces have cleared the area. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)
Maloy residents bring home their assorted goods from the outreach activity.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051179
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051179
More NPA rebel’s firearms recovered in Ilocos
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): More NPA rebel’s firearms recovered in Ilocos (By Freddie G. Lazaro)
VIGAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) - - Government troops belonging to the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade have recovered more high-powered firearms during their continuous operations against the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) bandits in the southern part of Ilocos Sur.
This brings to at least 25 firearms recovered from the NPA bandits, including the seven rifles surrendered by the Milisyang Bayan members over the weekend in the province of Ilocos Sur.
Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia, the commander of the army’s 702nd Brigade, said the capture of these firearms leads to the eventual disintegration of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Ilocos Sur.
“NPA bandits lead by AKA ‘Nero’ should realize that the government forces, with the full support and cooperation of the peace-loving people of Ilocos Sur, are seriously dismantling their terrorist group by all legal means," said Pasia.
On August 17, 2020, according to Pasia, the joint elements of army’s 69th IB, 70th IB, and 81st IB have recovered three M16 rifles and one M14 rifle during their operations in Barangay Palali, Santa Lucia town, and in Barangay Namitpit, Quirino town, respectively.
On August 19, 2020, the operating army troops also recovered two M16 rifles in Barangay Poblacion, Suyo town, and another two M16 rifles in Barangay Pidpid, Santa Cruz town.
At least 10 firearms of the NPA bandits were seized by the army troops during their successful combat operations in Barangay Suagayan, Santa Lucia town on August 8, and in Barangay Alfonso, Gregorio del Pilar town on August 14.
The said firearms are now under the custody of the army for proper documentation and disposition.
Aside from the firearms, the army troops also recovered several explosive devices and subversive documents during their operations.
In a press statement, Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr., the commander of the army’s 7th Infantry Division, cited that the series of successful law enforcement operations of the army’s 702nd Brigade had caused the crippling of the CTG in Ilocos Sur.
“We wanted the Ilokano communities to have a peaceful life and free from the NPAs harassments, thus, my firm instruction to our troops is to eradicate the NPA group in Ilocos Sur by all legal means, ” said Rosario. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051075
VIGAN CITY, Aug. 24 (PIA) - - Government troops belonging to the army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade have recovered more high-powered firearms during their continuous operations against the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) bandits in the southern part of Ilocos Sur.
This brings to at least 25 firearms recovered from the NPA bandits, including the seven rifles surrendered by the Milisyang Bayan members over the weekend in the province of Ilocos Sur.
Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia, the commander of the army’s 702nd Brigade, said the capture of these firearms leads to the eventual disintegration of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the Ilocos Sur.
“NPA bandits lead by AKA ‘Nero’ should realize that the government forces, with the full support and cooperation of the peace-loving people of Ilocos Sur, are seriously dismantling their terrorist group by all legal means," said Pasia.
On August 17, 2020, according to Pasia, the joint elements of army’s 69th IB, 70th IB, and 81st IB have recovered three M16 rifles and one M14 rifle during their operations in Barangay Palali, Santa Lucia town, and in Barangay Namitpit, Quirino town, respectively.
On August 19, 2020, the operating army troops also recovered two M16 rifles in Barangay Poblacion, Suyo town, and another two M16 rifles in Barangay Pidpid, Santa Cruz town.
At least 10 firearms of the NPA bandits were seized by the army troops during their successful combat operations in Barangay Suagayan, Santa Lucia town on August 8, and in Barangay Alfonso, Gregorio del Pilar town on August 14.
The said firearms are now under the custody of the army for proper documentation and disposition.
Aside from the firearms, the army troops also recovered several explosive devices and subversive documents during their operations.
In a press statement, Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr., the commander of the army’s 7th Infantry Division, cited that the series of successful law enforcement operations of the army’s 702nd Brigade had caused the crippling of the CTG in Ilocos Sur.
“We wanted the Ilokano communities to have a peaceful life and free from the NPAs harassments, thus, my firm instruction to our troops is to eradicate the NPA group in Ilocos Sur by all legal means, ” said Rosario. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051075
7 Milisyang Bayan members with firearms yield to the army in Ilocos
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25, 2020): 7 Milisyang Bayan members with firearms yield to the army in Ilocos (By Freddie G. Lazaro)
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 23 (PIA) - - At least seven members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) surrendered voluntarily last week with their firearms to the soldiers belonging to the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB) based in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
The said surrenderees were reportedly supporting the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya - South Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Army Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commander of the army’s 81IB, confirmed on Sunday the surrender of the seven MB members but real identities were withheld for security reasons.
On August 21, 2020, according to Mariñas, four MB members voluntarily surrendered to his troops belonging to the Community Support Program (CSP) - Red Area Team operating in the second district of Ilocos Sur.
The MB members surrendered with them the three M16 rifles, one rifle grenade, eight long aluminum magazines, one long plastic magazine, four short aluminum magazines, 248 assorted bullets, and four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with two detonating switches, one 9 volts-small battery, instruction manual and one piece of electrical tape.
On August 20, 2020, the other three MB members voluntarily yielded to the army’s CSP with their three M16 rifles with two long aluminum magazines, one short magazine, and 67 bullets.
According to Mariñas, the MB members are the geographical supporters of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) in a particular area of their operations.
“The increasing numbers of surrendering NPA supporters is indeed a good indicator that the people are recognizing that supporting the CTG will not bring good to them but rather gives a life full of miseries, lies, and deception,” said Mariñas.
He said the government will continue to welcome anybody, whether supporters or regular members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA if they sincerely turn their back to atrocities and return back to the mainstream of the society to embrace peace and reconciliation.
“It is now high time to denounce the CPP-NPA and remove their flawed influence among our people and communities,” said Mariñas.
According to the MB surrenderees, the firearms and war materials they surrendered were issued to them by the following: Avelino Cruz Jr. (TN) AKA Junel, the Platun Lider of Platun North, KLG SIS, ICRC; Jerry Loreto (TN) AKA Dindo, Platun Lider of Platun South, KLG SIS, ICRC; late “Ka Guyo, the former Secretary KLG SIS, ICRC who was killed while joint elements of the police and army troopers were serving the Warrant of Arrests in Brgy Namatican, Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur sometime in February 2020; and AKA NERO, the leader of the KLG SIS, ICRC.
The surrenderees revealed that since these firearms and explosives are in their custody, they have been living in fear with tremendous pressure.
They hide these firearms as the CTGs indoctrinated them that if the police or the army would find it out, they will be out-rightly shot or killed. However, according to them, this was a brazen lie as they were peacefully welcomed by the army when they voluntarily surrendered with their firearms.
They also claimed that they were deceived of believing in the lies that the CTGs indoctrinated to them after seeing Former Rebels (FRs) living peacefully, with the support of the government through its various programs, which includes the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
According to them, supporting the CPP-NPA group is a big mistake because it would never prevail against the government.
The MB surrenderees encouraged other supporters to immediately stop supporting the CPP-NPA for the sake of the good future of their children and for achieving lasting peace and development.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson called on the other supporters and the remnants of the KLG-SIS to surrender, and to join him in making the province a peaceful and best economically viable place to live-in. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051070
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 23 (PIA) - - At least seven members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) surrendered voluntarily last week with their firearms to the soldiers belonging to the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion (81IB) based in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.
The said surrenderees were reportedly supporting the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya - South Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Army Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas Jr., the commander of the army’s 81IB, confirmed on Sunday the surrender of the seven MB members but real identities were withheld for security reasons.
On August 21, 2020, according to Mariñas, four MB members voluntarily surrendered to his troops belonging to the Community Support Program (CSP) - Red Area Team operating in the second district of Ilocos Sur.
The MB members surrendered with them the three M16 rifles, one rifle grenade, eight long aluminum magazines, one long plastic magazine, four short aluminum magazines, 248 assorted bullets, and four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with two detonating switches, one 9 volts-small battery, instruction manual and one piece of electrical tape.
On August 20, 2020, the other three MB members voluntarily yielded to the army’s CSP with their three M16 rifles with two long aluminum magazines, one short magazine, and 67 bullets.
According to Mariñas, the MB members are the geographical supporters of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) in a particular area of their operations.
“The increasing numbers of surrendering NPA supporters is indeed a good indicator that the people are recognizing that supporting the CTG will not bring good to them but rather gives a life full of miseries, lies, and deception,” said Mariñas.
He said the government will continue to welcome anybody, whether supporters or regular members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA if they sincerely turn their back to atrocities and return back to the mainstream of the society to embrace peace and reconciliation.
“It is now high time to denounce the CPP-NPA and remove their flawed influence among our people and communities,” said Mariñas.
According to the MB surrenderees, the firearms and war materials they surrendered were issued to them by the following: Avelino Cruz Jr. (TN) AKA Junel, the Platun Lider of Platun North, KLG SIS, ICRC; Jerry Loreto (TN) AKA Dindo, Platun Lider of Platun South, KLG SIS, ICRC; late “Ka Guyo, the former Secretary KLG SIS, ICRC who was killed while joint elements of the police and army troopers were serving the Warrant of Arrests in Brgy Namatican, Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur sometime in February 2020; and AKA NERO, the leader of the KLG SIS, ICRC.
The surrenderees revealed that since these firearms and explosives are in their custody, they have been living in fear with tremendous pressure.
They hide these firearms as the CTGs indoctrinated them that if the police or the army would find it out, they will be out-rightly shot or killed. However, according to them, this was a brazen lie as they were peacefully welcomed by the army when they voluntarily surrendered with their firearms.
They also claimed that they were deceived of believing in the lies that the CTGs indoctrinated to them after seeing Former Rebels (FRs) living peacefully, with the support of the government through its various programs, which includes the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
According to them, supporting the CPP-NPA group is a big mistake because it would never prevail against the government.
The MB surrenderees encouraged other supporters to immediately stop supporting the CPP-NPA for the sake of the good future of their children and for achieving lasting peace and development.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson called on the other supporters and the remnants of the KLG-SIS to surrender, and to join him in making the province a peaceful and best economically viable place to live-in. (JCR/FGL, PIA 1)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051070
NPA medic surrenders, yields firearms in Davao de Oro
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25, 2020): NPA medic surrenders, yields firearms in Davao de Oro (By Che Palicte)
NPA SURRENDERER. Alias JJ, a former medic of the 'weakend' Guerilla Front 2 and a squad leader of the sub-regional guerilla unit of the communist New People's Army, surrenders to government forces in the Davao de Oro town of Mawab on Monday (Aug. 24, 2020). JJ's surrender came after six of his colleagues also yielded to the Army, citing hardships and other difficulties encountered within the communist rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of 71IB)
NPA SURRENDERER. Alias JJ, a former medic of the 'weakend' Guerilla Front 2 and a squad leader of the sub-regional guerilla unit of the communist New People's Army, surrenders to government forces in the Davao de Oro town of Mawab on Monday (Aug. 24, 2020). JJ's surrender came after six of his colleagues also yielded to the Army, citing hardships and other difficulties encountered within the communist rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of 71IB)
A medic of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in the Davao de Oro town of Mawab, the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) reported Tuesday.
"JJ", a former medic of the "weakened" Guerilla Front 2 and a squad leader of the sub-regional guerilla unit (SRGU) of the communist rebel group, also surrendered two high-powered firearms and ammunition to the 71IB on Monday, the Army unit said.
“I'm very tired of the extreme hardship I experienced there, much more now that many of my former comrades successively surrendered to the government,” JJ was quoted in the dialect by the 71IB as saying.
As of this posting, JJ was in the custody of the 71IB and would be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), under which the former rebel is expected to receive more than PHP200,000.
According to 71IB, six of JJ's comrades surrendered ahead of him and are now living a peaceful life through the help of the Davao de Oro provincial government.
"The successive surrender of the NPA members bespeaks the forthcoming collapse of the NPA operating in the 2nd District of Davao de Oro as it successively loses valuable manpower and firepower," said Lt. Col. Sonny E. Gonzales, 71IB commander. "The goal of ending local armed conflict in their locality is already at hand."
The 71IB operates in the municipalities of Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan and four barangays of Nabunturan, all in Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113294
"JJ", a former medic of the "weakened" Guerilla Front 2 and a squad leader of the sub-regional guerilla unit (SRGU) of the communist rebel group, also surrendered two high-powered firearms and ammunition to the 71IB on Monday, the Army unit said.
“I'm very tired of the extreme hardship I experienced there, much more now that many of my former comrades successively surrendered to the government,” JJ was quoted in the dialect by the 71IB as saying.
As of this posting, JJ was in the custody of the 71IB and would be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), under which the former rebel is expected to receive more than PHP200,000.
According to 71IB, six of JJ's comrades surrendered ahead of him and are now living a peaceful life through the help of the Davao de Oro provincial government.
"The successive surrender of the NPA members bespeaks the forthcoming collapse of the NPA operating in the 2nd District of Davao de Oro as it successively loses valuable manpower and firepower," said Lt. Col. Sonny E. Gonzales, 71IB commander. "The goal of ending local armed conflict in their locality is already at hand."
The 71IB operates in the municipalities of Mawab, Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan and four barangays of Nabunturan, all in Davao de Oro, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113294
Army, ex-rebels hold 1st Sinagtala Farm Harvest Fest
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25, 2020): Army, ex-rebels hold 1st Sinagtala Farm Harvest Fest (By Jason De Asis)
HARVEST FEST. Government soldiers and former communist rebels hold the 1st Sinagtala Farm Harvest Festival in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Tuesday (Aug. 25, 2020), which showcased the various vegetables and fruits they planted and harvested together. Witnessing the event was Governor Gerardo Noveras (center). (Photo by Jason de Asis)
HARVEST FEST. Government soldiers and former communist rebels hold the 1st Sinagtala Farm Harvest Festival in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Tuesday (Aug. 25, 2020), which showcased the various vegetables and fruits they planted and harvested together. Witnessing the event was Governor Gerardo Noveras (center). (Photo by Jason de Asis)
BALER, Aurora – Military troops and former rebels celebrated on Tuesday the 1st Sinagtala Farm Harvest Festival showcasing the wide array of vegetables and other agricultural crops they planted and harvested together in a one-hectare land in Barangay Calabuanan here.
Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB), said the Sinagtala soldiers and surrendered rebels started to plant 4,500 chili pepper, 1,000 eggplant and 150 papaya seedlings last June 4.
“We harvested over 50 kilos of chili peppers. We are happy for the opportunity to promote the harvest of our former rebels,” Rubio said.
He said the activity manifested that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is indeed effective due to the strong partnership and close collaboration with the provincial government of Aurora (PGA) and other national government agencies (NGAs) in support of the national government's “Plant, Plant, Plant” program.
“We are very grateful of the support and services provided by the government, both local and national, to address the needs and aspirations of our former rebels who are beneficiaries of our Sinagtala farm,” Rubio said.
Governor Gerardo Noveras commended the 91IB for its efforts in helping former rebels become productive members of the society.
"The program is a big success. Helping our farmers from zero income, now they have bountiful harvest. If you give them a fish, your feed them for one day, if you teach them how to catch a fish, you feed them for a lifetime,” Noveras said.
The governor also advised the former rebels to embrace the programs espoused by the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Agriculture, among others.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113325
Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB), said the Sinagtala soldiers and surrendered rebels started to plant 4,500 chili pepper, 1,000 eggplant and 150 papaya seedlings last June 4.
“We harvested over 50 kilos of chili peppers. We are happy for the opportunity to promote the harvest of our former rebels,” Rubio said.
He said the activity manifested that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is indeed effective due to the strong partnership and close collaboration with the provincial government of Aurora (PGA) and other national government agencies (NGAs) in support of the national government's “Plant, Plant, Plant” program.
“We are very grateful of the support and services provided by the government, both local and national, to address the needs and aspirations of our former rebels who are beneficiaries of our Sinagtala farm,” Rubio said.
Governor Gerardo Noveras commended the 91IB for its efforts in helping former rebels become productive members of the society.
"The program is a big success. Helping our farmers from zero income, now they have bountiful harvest. If you give them a fish, your feed them for one day, if you teach them how to catch a fish, you feed them for a lifetime,” Noveras said.
The governor also advised the former rebels to embrace the programs espoused by the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Agriculture, among others.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113325