Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 10/26/20

Monday, October 26, 2020

CPP/NDF-KM-Negros: Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. is a hog-tied fascist with nothing up his sleeve

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 26, 2020): Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. is a hog-tied fascist with nothing up his sleeve

MARIA LAYA GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN (KM)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 26, 2020

Kabataang Makabayan today expressed repugnance at what they called Lt. Gen. Parlade’s “red-tagging spree that reeks of desperation and fright.”

Much to Parlade’s dismay, the DOJ today dismissed the cases filed against members of the Makabayan bloc and progressive youth organizations for alleged links to the underground CPP-NPA-NDF.

“The ruling on the case of progressive lawmakers Neri Colmenares and Sarah Elago, along with other youth leaders, show how desperate yet futile the state’s tactics are to silence dissenters and critics,” said Maria Laya Guerrero, KM national spokesperson.

According to Guerrero, KM meets with highest condemnation the Duterte regime’s relentless empty accusations that legal progressive organizations are in cahoots with the underground movement—to which the KM is a part of.

“Not only is this obviously meant to harass, it is also meant to blatantly undermine and attempt to intimidate the ever-growing number of democratic forces ready to fight Duterte’s fascist dictatorship,” Guerrero added.

Kabataang Makabayan at the same time maintained that the recent trend in red-tagging is indubitably but state forces’ panicked reaction to recent reports of overwhelming victories by the CPP-NPA in the countryside.

Guerrero states, “Parlade knows he is grasping at straws but nonetheless continues does so—wasting millions in taxpayers’ money through the unconscionable NTF-ELCAC funding.”

https://cpp.ph/statements/lt-gen-antonio-parlade-jr-is-a-hog-tied-fascist-with-nothing-up-his-sleeve/

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 26, 2020):

Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. is a hog-tied fascist with nothing up his sleeve

MARIA LAYA GUERRERO | SPOKESPERSON | KABATAANG MAKABAYAN (KM) | NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
OCTOBER 26, 2020

CPP/NDF-KM-Negros Island: Kondinahon ang mahigko nga iskema sang kabutigan kag propaganda sang AFP kag rehimen US-Duterte! Ubos-kusog nga paslawon kag batu-an ang terorismo sang estado!

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 26, 2020): Kondinahon ang mahigko nga iskema sang kabutigan kag propaganda sang AFP kag rehimen US-Duterte! Ubos-kusog nga paslawon kag batu-an ang terorismo sang estado!

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN-NEGROS ISLAND

NDF-NEGROS ISLAND

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 26, 2020

Sa atubang sang nagasaka nga kaso sang Covid-19 kag naga-usmod nga ekonomiya sa pungsod, todo-larga nga nagaratsada ang mahigko kag madinugu-on nga gyera sang mersenaryo nga AFP-PNP batok sa pumuluyo sa mandu sang tiraniko apang tagumatayon nga rehimen US-Duterte.

Nagapakig-isa ang Kabataang Makabayan (KM-Negros) sa tanan nga mga pamatan-on, lider-estudyantie kag mga kabataan sa mabaskog nga pagkondina sa sistematiko nga atake kag pagsabwag sang mahigko nga eskima sang kabutigan kag maitom nga propaganda sang mga berdugo nga pwersa sang estado sa pagpanguna sang NTF-ELCAC sa mga “lecture” sa eskwelahan paagi sa NSTP nga programa.

Nagapakita sang tuman ka desperado sang AFP-PNP agud hinabunan ang brutal nga krimen sang dugu-an nga rehimen batok sa pumuluyo. Ilabi na nga nagadamu ang isip sang mga pamatan-on, mga artista kag iban pa nga mga personalidad nga kritikal kag muklat sa kabulukan sang pasista nga rehimen Duterte nga ginahari-an sang despotiko nga agalon mayduta, dalagko komprador burgesya kag burukrata kapitalista.

Imbes nga hatagan sang pagtamud ang pagtapna sang pandemya kag magdihon sang mga tikang paano solbaron ang malala nga gutom kag kapigaduhon sang mga pumuluyo, prayoridad sang tiraniko nga rehimen ang pagpatuman sang madinugu-on nga gyera. Nagtigana ini sang P19.1 bilyon nga badget sa NTF-ELCAC-ahensya nga nagapanguna sa pagsabwag sang kalakasan, kakugmat, maitom nga propaganda kag pasismo sa pumuluyo.

Diri sa Negros, wala sang kalinong ang kaumhan, padayon nga naga-ilig ang dugo sang mga pumuluyo kag nagataas ang numero sang biktima sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung tuga sang wala-untat nga militarisasyon, harassment, illegal nga pagpangdakop sa patu-patu nga mga kaso base sa mga peke kag ginpangtanom nga mga ebidensya, intimidasyon kag pagpamatay sa hanay sang mga mangunguma, lider-masa, mga progresibo nga grupo kag mga sibilyan. Sa idalum sang rehimen Duterte kag sang ginpatuman ang MO 32 kag EO 70 diri sa Isla, naglab-ot na sa 93 ang biktima sang ekstra-hudisyal nga pagpamatay kag masobra 120 ang biktima sang patu-patu nga kaso.

Sa pag-apruba sang IRR sang Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 lauman nga labi pa ang ka bangis kag todo-larga ang terorismo sang estado. Klaro nga kasangkapan ang terror law batok sa mga demokratiko nga progresibo nga hanay nga ang katuyu-an amu nga pukanon ang nagakusog nga paghimakas sang pumuluyo kag pahipuson ang mga kritiko sang administrasyon.

Isa ini sa mga rason nga nagtudlo sa mga rebolusyonaryo nga mga kabataan nga usuyon ang dalan sang armado nga rebolusyon agud bag-uhon ang dunot nga sistema sang malakolonyal kag malapudal. Amu man ini ang isa sa mga kabangdanan kung ngaa padayon nga nagakusog ang armado nga paghimakas sa kaumhan bangod sa nagadamo nga numero sang mga isganan nga mga pamatan-on ang nagapakigbahin agud maangkon ang matuod-tuod nga hustisya.

Padayon nga bulag kag bungol ang AFP-PNP kag ang rehimen Duterte sa kamatuoran nga sila mismo ang rason kung ngaa madamo sang mga pamatan-on ang nagapakigbahin sa armado nga paghimakas kag nagapatapu sa NPA. Gani imbes nga solbaron ang kabangdanan sang armado nga komplikto nga naka-ugat sa kahuwad-on sang duta, kahuwad-on sang trabaho kag malala nga inhustisya, pagpang-redtag, kapintas kag pagpamatay ang sabat sang tiraniko nga rehimen.

Sa panahon nga malapnagon ang kabutigan, pagpaniplang kag pasismo sang estado, nagakadapat nga mag-isa ang hanay sang mga pamatan-on agud ibuyagyag ang pasulit-sulit nga iskema sang kabutigan sang rehimen. Kolektibo nga pamatukan kag ibasura ang NTF-ELCAC kag isaylo ang P19.1 bilyon nga badget sini para sa edukasyon, ikaayong lawas kag iban pa nga serbisyo sosyal.

Upod sa indi-malingkang nga paghimakas sang pumuluyo, determinado ang malapad nga sektor sang mga rebolusyonaryo nga mga pamatan-on nga isulong ang pungsodnon demokratiko nga rebolusyon agud paslawon kag batu-an ang terorismo sang estado. Bitbit ang makasaysayan nga papel bilang paglaum sang pungsod padayon nga magahimakas ang mga pamatan-on tubtob maangkon ang hustisya kag mapasabat ang rehimen US-Duterte sa ila mga krimen batok sa pumuluyo. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/kondinahon-ang-mahigko-nga-iskema-sang-kabutigan-kag-propaganda-sang-afp-kag-rehimen-us-duterte-ubos-kusog-nga-paslawon-kag-batu-an-ang-terorismo-sang-estado/

CPP/News: 83rd IB executes CamSur worker red-tagged as NPA

Propaganda news article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 26, 2020): 83rd IB executes CamSur worker red-tagged as NPA

NEWS STORIES
OCTOBER 26, 2020

The 83rd IB murdered a construction worker in Barangay Mangga, Bato town of Camarines Sur. About 30 armed men barged into the residence of Marpiga family in the early hours of October 18 and shot Joan Marpiga more than ten times, killing him on the spot.

“I will go with you Sir! Don’t kill me! I will surrender safely!” Marpiga pleaded with the soldiers, according to a fact finding mission conducted by human rights group Karapatan-Bicol in October 22. He has just recently returned from Manila where he worked as a construction worker. His family is known as local leaders in their barangay.

The military claimed that Marpiga was being arrested for his alleged involvement in a 2018 ambush in the same town by the New People’s Army (NPA).

NPA-Camarines Sur spokesperson Ka Ramona Caceres condemned the brutal murder of Marpiga. “In Bicol region, the tokhang-style of execution is a modus operandi of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) against alleged supporters of the NPA,” she said.

“This is to cover-up their killings of peasants including the massacres of civilians in Barangay Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon and Barangay Alas Mandaon, Masbate just this September,” she added.

The soldiers allegedly seized a grenade and a small gun in Marpiga’s residence. They stole the family’s seven roosters amounting to atleast P21,000 and two cellular phones. They then proceeded to the neigboring house and mauled the owner.

Marpiga’s family, especially his 3-year old son, is traumatized by the incident. The child covers his ears whenever he hears unrecognized voices, according to Karapatan-Bicol.

The 83rd Infantry Battalion has occupied Mangga’s barangay hall for four months under the so-called Retooled Community Support Program.

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/26/83rd-ib-executes-camsur-worker-red-tagged-as-npa/

CPP/NDF-Negros: NDF-Negros calls on all Filipino people to courageously defend freedom and democracy

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 26, 2020): NDF-Negros calls on all Filipino people to courageously defend freedom and democracy

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS ISLAND

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 26, 2020

The National Democratic Front – Negros (NDF-Negros) vehemently abhors Gen. Antonio Parlade, the fascist commander of Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) and consequently the spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as he continues to red-tag and harass various cause-oriented groups and even celebrities. Everything that comes out of the General’s mouth is an affront to democracy.

Parlade, in an interview, outrightly mentioned that he will use the Anti-Terror Act to hunt activists in Negros. He cited the testimonials of “former rebels” Jason Durimon to back his claims. Just like Jiesel Castin, it is unfortunate that these “former rebels” are coerced to parrot rehashed lies and the usual red-tagging to comply with the AFP/PNP narrative of demonizing critics.

The misogynist and fascist regime is deathly afraid of women who courageously stand up for human rights. Take the case of renowned human rights activist Zara Alvarez who was gunned down in the streets of Bacolod in the evening of August 17.

The bravery of the likes of Liza Soberano, Catriona Gray, Angel Locsin and all other Filipino women must be emulated for a woman’s place is indeed in the struggle.

In the desperation of the executioner and mercenary AFP and PNP to decimate armed struggle in the country, they pick on innocent civilians, activists, critics and dissenters of the regime resulting to unbridled violations of human rights and an endless flow of blood.

Duterte need not openly declare Martial Law as terrorism cloaks the island with Memorandum Order 32, Executive Order 70 and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020.

The aim of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2020 is to quell opposition and dissenters against the fascist US-Duterte regime. The issuance of the implementing rules and regulations of the ATA by the Anti-Terrorism Council proves how Duterte’s favored armed mercenaries will further suppress and stifle the growing mass movement against his regime. This is worrisome as even without the ATA 2020, the fascist regime unleashed a massive crackdown of legal activists in Bacolod and Escalante on October 31, 2019 resulting to the arrest of 57 individuals.

The US-Duterte regime is effectively isolated from the Filipino people. The masses are angered and disgruntled, are now more determined to fight back. In the face of Duterte and his lackeys outright fascism, we will not cower. We will not be deterred and we will continue to intensely resist.

Duterte and his minions’ intensified fascism will only compel more and more people to tread the path of resistance and join the just cause of the national democratic revolution.

Our demands are clear: defund the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and rechannel the funds to social services, abolish NTF-ELCAC and resist Duterte’s laws and rules on state terrorism.

It is but right for all revolutionary forces to intensify the national democratic revolution with the purpose of making Duterte and his clique accountable for the crimes they have committed against the broad people. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-negros-calls-on-all-filipino-people-to-courageously-defend-freedom-and-democracy/

Army’s 3ID: Ex-Bayan Muna solon ‘hallucinating’

From Panay News (Oct 27, 2020): Army’s 3ID: Ex-Bayan Muna solon ‘hallucinating’ (By Ruby Silubrico)

PANCITO

ILOILO City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) described former Bayan Muna party-list congressman Siegfred Deduro as “hallucinating” after the latter claimed he was publicly alleged as a leading officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA).

Deduro filed a petition for a Writ of Amparo at the Iloilo Regional Trial Court on Oct. 22 against AFP’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) led by Major General Eric Vinoya alleging that he was red-tagged.

Deduro also released a statement to the media denouncing the aforementioned accusations made by the 3ID and called for a halt to the military’s vilification of him and fellow activists.

The 3ID spokesperson, Army Major Cenon Pancito III, however, reiterated that Vinoya never tagged Deduro as a ranking member of the rebel movement.

According to Pancito, Vinoya was not part of the June 19 meeting of the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at Casa Real (old Iloilo provincial capitol building).

“I would like to inform former congressman Deduro that General Vinoya is not part of the PPOC. He is hallucinating. Hindi nya talaga alam kasi wala si Sir Vinoya sa PPOC; provincial meeting ‘yan, hindi regional,” Pancito said.

Pancito also denied that the Army was threatening Deduro.

“It is not our job to threaten a person. Hindi gawain ng Army ‘yan. Natatakot ka lang sarili mong anino,” Pancito stressed.

Deduro is a founding member and the vice president for Visayas of the Bayan Muna party-list and also of the Makabayan Coalition until today.

He wrote to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., the chairperson of the PPOC, requesting for, among others, information on:

* the identities of the military officers who gave a presentation and discussion before the peace council

* the directory of the members of the peace council

* status reports of the peace council prepared and/or submitted in relation to the June 19, 2020 meeting of the said body.

He was a representative of Bayan Muna in the 12th Congress.

Deduro also worked as manager and later on as management consultant for the Panay Fair Trade Center and its predecessor, the Panay Fruits & Trading Corp.

He was also the first secretary-general of the Madia-as Ecological Movement.

https://www.panaynews.net/armys-3id-ex-bayan-muna-solon-hallucinating/

It may mean life or death: Activists beg Supreme Court to stop anti-terror law now

From Rappler (Oct 26, 2020): It may mean life or death: Activists beg Supreme Court to stop anti-terror law now (By LIAN BUAN)

An injunction 'may even spell the difference between life and death for individuals in the crosshairs of those intolerant of dissent and divergence'

Activists sent another pleading to the Supreme Court on Monday, October 26, asking the justices to stop the implementation of the anti-terror law as soon as possible, saying it "may even spell the difference between life and death."

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) said in a motion submitted on Monday on behalf of activist petitioners that this is especially so "for individuals in the crosshairs of those intolerant of dissent and divergence."

The pleading asks for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a preliminary injunction.

With the release of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), the feared anti-terror law would now be implemented full-swing.

Look at Parlade

The activists brought to the Supreme Court's attention the recent intensive red-tagging campaign of military general Antonio Parlade Jr not only against known activists, but also against celebrities like Angel Locsin, Liza Soberano, and Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

Miffed by Soberano's participation in an online webinar by women's group Gabriela, Parlade posted a social media statement warning that the young actress may "suffer the same fate" as Josephine Ann Lapira, a young activist who was killed in 2017.

"The petitioners, their organizations and party-lists, and members thereof have been consistently red-tagged and labelled without any due process and sans competent, credible and admissible evidence as either 'terrorists' or 'terrorist front organizations' by the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict), most viciously by one Gen. Parlade," said the NUPL.

According to the pleading, if there's no relief soon, the petitioners would become "vulnerable targets."

(READ: On social media, PH military declares war vs rights defenders)

"We are now in receipt of verified information that individuals were already recently arrested, charged and remain detained up to the present time on the basis of, among others, the Anti-Terror Act even before its IRR was issued," said the NUPL.

Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta said that the Court would be able to decide by the middle of November when they would schedule the oral arguments.

It has been 3 months since the anti-terror law became effective; there had been 37 petitions filed since, but Peralta said the justice-in-charge would still have to identify the common issues among the petitions to come up with a grouping that would make the oral arguments orderly.

The NUPL said that injunctions do not determine the merits of the case. The lawyers pleaded the Supreme Court to issue an injunction for it to "protect its ability to render a meaningful decision."

For the NUPL, even if the petitioners eventually win the case, if the anti-terror law is not stopped now, the possible victory would still be "at a great and terrible cost."

"Indeed, such a resolution – even if favorable to the petitioners – would be one reached at a great and terrible cost if it were to come only after people have already been arrested without court- issued warrants, detained without charge, prosecuted and convicted for exercising civil and political rights, or have had their privacy intruded into or their properties seized, all without even the basic rudiments of due process," said the NUPL.

(READ: In battle for civil liberties, Supreme Court is needed now more than ever)

Red-tagging

The anti-terror law authorizes the powerful anti-terror council (ATC) to designate groups and people as terrorists, for the purposes of freezing their assets. But some petitioners fear that designation would be used to arrest and detain those people and groups – as warrantless arrest and detention are also powers of the council.

Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said the anti-terror council would be more careful than the NTF-ELCAC in making its decisions.

Sugay said that as far as he knows, Parlade does not serve any capacity in the anti-terror council. But National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr, who is the NTF-ELCAC's vice chairman, is also the vice chairman of the anti-terror council.

"Kapag sa NTF-ELCAC kasi I don't know maybe that's a propaganda thing, I don't know, PR whatever, but dito kasi once they start designating, yung ATC, matindi na 'yung legal consequences nun eh, marami nang kasunod, so I would like to think that in this case, the ATC will really be very deliberate and will do its work carefully," Sugay said over Rappler's podcast Law of Duterte Land. (With the NTF-ELCAC I don't know maybe that's a propaganda thing or I don't know, PR or whatever, but here when the ATC starts designating, the legal consequences are very grave and a lot of things will follow so I would like to think that in this case, the ATC will really be very deliberate and will do its work carefully.)

Activists have earnestly been trying to prove to the Court that red-tagging by the military is directly linked to the harassment and murders of their members. But courts usually refuse to acknowledge the direct link. This has prompted mounting calls to strengthen the rules on extraordinary writs of amparo and habeas data.

Recently killed activist Zara Alvarez was viciously red-tagged and was included in a Department of Justice proscription for a terrorist case. She failed to get a protective writ from the Court before her murder.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/activists-plea-tro-injunction-supreme-court-stop-anti-terrorism-law-implementation

'Red-tagged' Gabriela official arrested in Cordillera town

From Rappler (Oct 26, 2020): 'Red-tagged' Gabriela official arrested in Cordillera town (By RAMBO TALABONG(

Gabriela regional council member Beatrice 'Betty' Belen is arrested after cops searched 13 houses in Lubuagan town, Kalinga

A Gabriela official was arrested in a Cordillera town on Sunday, October 25, for illegal possession of firearms and explosives – a charge rights advocates said were "fabricated" after she was red-tagged by the military.

According to a report from the Kalinga Provincial police obtained by Rappler, Gabriela Cordillera council member Beatrice "Betty" Belen was arrested for possession of 3 rifle grenades in Barangay Uma in Lubuagan, Kalinga.

A composite team of intelligence, Special Action Force, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), regional mobile force battalion, provincial, municipal, and special action company policemen served a total of 13 search warrants, which led to Belen's arrest.

Belen was placed under the custody of the local CIDG and is set to face complaints for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Rights group Karapatan said Belen is a victim of red-tagging by the military before she was arrested. Soldiers allegedly told people in Kalinga that Belen was working for a front of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People's Army.

Gabriela is a left-leaning women's rights group but it is neither militant nor revolutionary.

"The recent arrest of Beatrice Belen is a very clear example of the dangers of red-tagging, resulting in violations to the right to life, liberty, and security of human rights defenders," said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay.

Belen's arrest came after the military, led by Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr, went on a red-tagging spree out of celebrities that triggered condemnation against its propaganda methods for its goal to tend the local communist insurgency, which is the oldest in Asia.

"The Duterte administration’s contempt for women human rights defenders, both publicly-known personalities such as journalist Maria Ressa and Senator Leila de Lima and those who work in communities, is shown through its harmful and sexist rhetoric, including red-tagging, and through judicial harassment by way of trumped-up charges," Palabay added.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/gabriela-official-beatrice-belen-arrested-cordillera-october-2020

Parlade says Leftist lawmakers under surveillance

From Rappler (Oct 26, 2020): Parlade says Leftist lawmakers under surveillance (By RAMBO TALABONG)

Lawmakers challenge the military to show proof of the Makabayan bloc's involvement with the armed movement

The 6 lawmakers in the Makabayan bloc are under the surveillance of the Philippine military, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr said on Monday, October 26.

"It’s all the members of the… Makabayan bloc being members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). They are card-bearing members of the CPP," Parlade said in an interview with ANC.

Aside from the Makabayan bloc, Parlade said former congressman and human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares was also under their watch.

He said the surveillance was because of the passage of the anti-terror law, which the government earlier said would target terrorists.

Under the Duterte administration, the CPP - New People's Army was declared a terrorist group following attacks on soldiers and policemen.

The general did not offer definitive proof of the lawmakers' involvement in the armed revolutionary movement. He only said the military obtained incriminating information against them from communist surrenderers.

Who is the Makabayan bloc?

The Makabayan bloc is a group of 6 lawmakers belonging to Left-leaning political parties, namely:

Bayan Muna Representatives Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, and Ferdinand Gaite
Gabriela Women's Party Representative Arlene Brosas
ACT Teachers Representative France Castro
Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago

The members of the bloc are staunch critics of the government and have been slamming the military for its allotment of billions-worth of funds to end local insurgency instead of spending the money on responding to the pandemic.

(READ: The generals’ pork? Duterte eyes P16.4-B fund for anti-communist task force)

The bloc's members have long been red-tagged by the government. The military's propaganda earned the ire of the public after Parlade red-tagged popular actress Liza Soberano for speaking at an online forum on women's rights that was organized by Gabriela.

The Makabayan bloc's defense

The bloc slammed Parlade for red-tagging and surveilling them without basis.

"They pushed for the terror law, that they are now salivating to use against the opposition and critics of the anti-people policies of the Duterte administration.," the bloc said in a statement.

The bloc added: "We are just defending human rights."

In a statement, House Minority Leader and Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative Stephen Paduano reminded Parlade that under the Anti-Terrorism Law, being a communist does not constitute a crime unless one has committed a terroristic activity.

He added that the government cannot conduct surveillance of any individual without authorization from a court.

(READ: What you need to know about state surveillance)

"He better file a case in court or shut up if he has no evidence to show," Paduano said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/afp-parlade-says-leftist-lawmakers-under-surveillance

DOJ junks kidnapping, war crimes suit against activists in student recruitment case

From Rappler (Oct 26, 2020): DOJ junks kidnapping, war crimes suit against activists in student recruitment case (By LIAN BUAN)

Prosecutors make a categorical statement that, at least for this case, there is no link between activists and communist rebels

The Department of Justice (DOJ) junked kidnapping and war crimes complaints against known activists, including Sarah Elago and Neri Colmenares, over the case of a student who left home because of family problems.

Assistant State Prosecutor Noel Antay Jr junked for lack of probable cause the complaints against Kabataan Representative Elago, former Bayan Muna representative Colmenares, Anakbayan president Vencer Crisostomo, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, Chary Delos Reyes, Bianca Marie Gacos, Jay Roven Balais, Rinoa Duero, Einsten Recedes, Alex Danday, Al Omaga, and Shitte Sharine Amerol.

Relissa Lucena, with the police's Criminal Investigation and Detection (CIDG) unit, accused the activists of radicalizing and then kidnapping Alicia Jasper "AJ" Lucena, then a senior high student of Far Eastern University (FEU).

By red-tagging the groups Kabataan, Gabriela, and Anakbayan, the complaint also accused the activists of committing a war crime through recruitment under Republic Act No. 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

Mrs Lucena and the CIDG sued the activists under Section 4(c)(24)(ii) or war crime through the recruitment of minors to join hostilities.

"Anakbayan is just a comprehensive national mass organization of the Filipino youth that is advocating for jobs, land reform, education, rights, and justice. There is also no evidence presented showing that Anakbayan is the recruiting arm or somehow connected to the CPP-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (NDF)," said the resolution dated October 15 and approved by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Fadullon and Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento.

This resolution comes amid an intensifying red-tagging campaign by the military against activists, made against the backdrop of a feared anti-terror law.

AJ has repeatedly gone on record about her family problems, and that she was not kidnapped by Anakabayan which she joined, but the police and military still used her story to brand activists as communists out to recruit minors.

Noting AJ's mother's story that the young activist still occasionally went home, the DOJ said "complainants failed to show that the (activists) were entrusted with the custody of (AJ) and that they deliberately failed to restore/return her home."

Mrs Lucena has also failed to get an extraordinary writ from the Supreme Court as justices last month junked the petition and said AJ was old enough to make her own decisions. AJ is now 19 years old.

No link

The CIDG used the confession of two self-admitted rebel returnees, who swore in an affidavit that they were recruited by the groups League of Filipino Students, Kabataan, and Gabriela Youth to become members of the NPA.

This was the CIDG's way to link the progressive groups to communist rebels, but the DOJ said that the returnees' confessions were mere testimonies "on matters that they know through their personal knowledge and perception."

It does not establish probable cause, said the DOJ.

"It is likewise worth mentioning the failure of the complainants and their witnesses to present evidence showing the connection of Anakbayan to LFS, Kabataang Makabayan and Gabriela Youth, or Anakbayan to CPP-NPA-NDF. They also failed to present any evidence that would connect the respondents with the CPP-NPA-NDF," said the prosecutors.

There is no law that criminalizes communism in the Philippines.

Lawyer Tony La Viña, who represented Elago in the case, said the DOJ's "categorical statement" that there was no link between the groups and the CPP-NPA-NDF is a welcome development.

"The former are legal organizations and work accordingly. It does not matter if they have the same ideals, positions, or even ideology as other groups. Our constitution guarantees freedom of political belief," said La Viña.

But La Viña said "it would have been better if resolved quicker as this was a Damocles sword on good people and great organizations." The case was brought to the DOJ in August 2019 or more than a year ago.

"The issues also are pretty simple," said La Viña.

In a statement, Kabataan Party-List said: "These trumped-up cases filed by agents of Duterte's fascist government have once again proved to be inutile and nothing more than empty ramblings of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/doj-decision-kidnapping-war-crimes-vs-activists-october-2020-aj-lucena

PUBLISHER’S NOTES | 2002 Malaysian `Handover’ of MNLF chair Nur Misuari

Posted to the Mindanao Times (Oct 26, 2020): PUBLISHER’S NOTES | 2002 Malaysian `Handover’ of MNLF chair Nur Misuari (BY JESS DUREZA)

IN 2002, I was tasked by President Gloria Arroyo to fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia following Malaysia’s relayed intentions to hand over to the Philippine government Moro National Liberation Front ( MNLF) chairman Nur “Maas” Misuari. (“Maas” means a respected elder).

A year earlier in 2001, MNLF attacked Jolo, the capital town of Sulu. After the attack, he fled to Malaysia but authorities arrested him as soon as he entered Malaysian territory just across Sulu on board his fast sea craft.

Misuari once had maintained a camp in Sabah, Malaysia which served as sanctuary of MNLF fighters whenever they launched attacks against Philippine government authorities. This was allowed or “tolerated” by the Malaysian leadership during those times.

The following year, in 2002, the Malaysians, in a gesture of goodwill, decided that they would turn over or “hand over” Misuari to the Philippine government authorities. President Arroyo called me one day and said: “ Jess, go get Misuari in Kuala Lumpur.” So, off I went!

WHAT HAPPENED — Here’s my previously written recollection of that incident:

“The angst and anger of Nur against the Malaysians got worse when he was arrested in 2001 after a failed MNLF attack of Jolo. I recall that after escaping from Sulu, he landed by boat in his usual Malaysian hideaway thinking and confident, albeit erroneously, that he was still enjoying “sanctuary”status. The Malaysians promptly intercepted him as soon as he landed on Malaysian soil and took him into custody. He was dumped in a detainee’s cell and cut off from the rest of the world for sometime. I was secretly dispatched to Malaysia (on board a C-130 plane in the middle of the night ) to fetch Nur and fly him back to a waiting, specially prepared prison facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna. I recall he spent almost the whole five (5) hours of flying time from Kuala Lumpur to Manila relating to me how he was badly treated by the Malaysians. (And to think that many of us thought he was luxuriously billeted in some plush hotel or villa). He was once Malaysia’s “fair haired boy”. I speculated that Nur did not expect such new treatment from the Malaysians who were his patrons and supporters during his rebellion days against Philippine authorities. Malaysia, in fact, was the arms supply depot and staging point of MNLF rebels at the height of his rebellion. However, Malaysia and the Philippines had since established closer relations. NUR was oblivious or perhaps just ignored, “THE PARADIGM SHIFT” in the international scene.”

FLIGHT TO KL —I was flown to Kuala Lumpur with only a few AFP security officers on board a huge C-130 Philippine Air Force plane from Manila. (C-130 planes were rickety huge cargo flying machines, part of the United States’ “give-aways” to poor Philippines! So sorry for saying this out loud.)

I remember it was a long and bumpy flight. When we were already within Malaysian airspace, I heard the pilots complaining that the plane’s GPS or directional instrument system appeared not functioning. It was cloudy at the time. The plane was literally “flying blind” for sometime.Then after a while, (which seemed like eternity for the few of us who were on board) the descending plane broke through the clouds with the airport runway lights suddenly in full view. “Thank god”, I whispered to someone seated next to me.

NUR IN THE DARK- I was later told that Misuari, while under detention by the Malaysians was not aware where he was being detained. He was rarely allowed to go out of his cell but within the detention facility just to get the morning sun. He also did not know of his planned “handover” to the Philippine government. When I arrived in Kuala Lumpur, I was informed that he was secretly transferred to the old airport where our C-130 plane had landed earlier. When he suddenly saw me approaching, he was so surprised, saying: “Jess, what are you doing here?”

I simply replied: “I am taking you home, Maas!”.

DECOY — Bringing Misuari home was to be a “ top secret operations.” We landed in an airstrip somewhere outside Manila and not at the Manila International Airport. A “decoy” convoy of vehicles ( without Misuari on board) was set up so media reporters who were tipped off would follow that “decoy” convoy while Misuari and I would later disembark from the plane without anyone noticing and merrily motor our way to his detention cell in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, outside Metro Manila.

Whew! Recalling that top secret “handover” still gives me the shivers up to now!

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/26/publishers-notes-2002-malaysian-handover-of-mnlf-chair-nur-misuari/

PNP joins TESDA in providing skills trainings to Butuan’s RCSP priority villages

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): PNP joins TESDA in providing skills trainings to Butuan’s RCSP priority villages (By TESDA Agusan del Norte)

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) joins with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in providing skills training to residents of Brgy. Antongalon here.

This development came after TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva has discussed on October 22, 2020 in a meeting with Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Director PCol. Canilo Fuentes, Antongalon Brgy. Capt. Epefania D. Antoquia, and some police officers of this city on the possible interventions to be given to residents of the said barangay.

Director Cueva said that one of the skills trainings that are lined-up is the Organic Vegetable Production which is being pushed by TESDA Sec. Isidro S. Lapena to allow the local community to obtain self-sufficiency in food production.

Other livelihood trainings that are put in place are: rug-making, soap-making, floor wax-making, banana chips, cake, buko pie and buko halo-halo-making. “By teaching the local residents of these trainings, we are hoping that this can help the community in their livelihood,” Cueva said.

Barangay Antongalon is one of the 14 barangays of this city that is given priority by the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

The CSP is a program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) dubbed as “Kapayapaan,” which is a multi-stakeholder and community-based peace and development effort aimed to establish and protect a conflict-affected community. It aims to identify issues of the communities and introduce developmental interventions to resolve these issues that the community itself identified. However, the CSP is limited with resources in addressing issues and gaps due to limited resources and participation of other National Government Agencies (NGAs).

Thus, the RCSP was formulated in order the strengthen the CSP initiatives of the military and making the effort of Local Government Units driven. With the implementation of the RCSP, Local Chief Executives will be the champions of the RCSP through their programs, projects and activities (PPAs) that are geared towards institutionalizing sustainable peace and development. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA Agusan del Norte, PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056864

Milisyang bayan surrenders to Army, reveals arms cache

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Milisyang bayan surrenders to Army, reveals arms cache (By 71st IB)

MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO - The 71st Infantry "Kaibigan" Battalion discovers arms cache after the revelation of a milisyang bayan (MB) in Brgy. Libay-libay, Maco, Davao De Oro, on October 21.

Alyas Toto, a former member of the milisyang bayan who surrendered yesterday to the Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) of Delta Company,71IB which was immediately turned over to the headquarters of 71st IB revealed that a certain alyas Jeg, CO of Weakened Guerilla Front 2 (WGF 2), SRC 2, SMRC, left in his custody three (3) high-powered firearms where he later divulge its location.

Upon the revelation of the location of the arms cache, immediately Lt. Col. Sonny E Gonzales tasked this unit's Intelligence Officer to organize the Intel Operatives for a joint operation, composed of members from the army and the Philippine National Police whom proceeded to the area and captured one (1) AK47 rifle with one (1) magazine loaded with 24 7.62mm live ammo, one(1) M16 rifle with one (1) long and one (1) short magazines and one (1) M14 rifle with one (1) magazine loaded with 11 7.62mm live ammo.

The recovery of these firearms will have significant impact to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as to the reduction of their firepower capability.

The Kaibigan Battalion recorded 247 surrenderees, capture/recovered 20 high-powered firearms and 22 low-powered firearms and eight (8) Improvised Explosive Devices or IEDs.

"This turn of events have significantly affected the morale of the red fighters as most of them returned to the folds of the law and are now beneficiaries of the ECLIP and are now living peacefully with their families." Lieutenant Colonel Sonny E Gonzales Commanding Officer of 71st IB said. (71IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056850

55EBde strengthens info drive, publishes 1st magazine

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 27, 2020): 55EBde strengthens info drive, publishes 1st magazine (By Christine Lyn G. Viajante)

ILIGAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) –– As the 55th Engineer "Mangumpiya" Brigade (55EBde) celebrates its 22nd founding anniversary Monday, October 26, at its headquarters in Balo-i town, Lanao del Norte, the unit also published its first magazine packaging feature articles on the efforts, accomplishments, and unique stories of its troops.

Entitled 'The Mangumpiya Chronicles', they named the magazine after the brigade's moniker 'mangumpiya', derived from a M'ranao word which means 'builders of progress'.

"From almost nothing to something, this is how I describe the 55th Engineer Brigade from its reactivation until today. The brigade had truly experienced birthpains from the moment it was reactivated. But these challenges turned into opportunities that pushed us to perform our duties as 'builders'," said BGen. Nestor I. Abando, 55EBde's brigade commander.

The cohesive endeavor of its publishing team spearheaded by Abando started every single detail of its publication from scratch.

With the help of its officers and some enlisted personnel (EP), they've covered, written, captured, and gathered significant events that harnessed the skills of 55EBde's troops in nation-building through infrastructure and civic-efforts.

Contents including the struggles and gradual success of the brigade's rehabilitation in war-torn Marawi city, the plight of the COVID-19 pandemic, community-building, and in keeping their sworn duties in achieving sustainable peace within their area of responsibility (AOR).

Meanwhile, as the guest of honor in the celebration of the unit's anniversary, Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA), in his speech cited that empowering the people by providing them the 'needed information' will enhance the mobilization of security as a shared responsibility.

"We have to come up with a good information operations so that the level of awareness among our people is high," he remarked.

In appreciation of the unit's mark in its fight and sacrifice for a peaceful Mindanao, CGPA emphasized the role of the army engineers in nation-building and making their efforts known to the public.

"55EBde, maraming salamat Mangumpiya troopers, ipinagmamalaki ng Philippine Army and inyong mga programa para maingat and kapakanan ng mga mamayan, lalo ngayong sa panahon ng pandemya. Ipagpatuloy din ninyo and pagsuporta sa ating kasundaluhan at mga kababayan sa Hilagang Mindanao," the CGPA expressed. (CLGV/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057062

CGPA to army engineers: Let us build the nation to win the peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 27, 2020): CGPA to army engineers: Let us build the nation to win the peace (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

ILIGAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) - The commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA) underscored on Monday, Oct. 26, the crucial role of army engineers in winning the peace.

"While the Army's combat units destroy the enemy, the army engineers place a premium on nation-building through infrastructure and civic efforts," said Lieutenant General Cirilito E. Sobejana.

Addresing the men and women of the 55th Engineer Brigade during the 22nd founding anniversairy of the unit, LtGen Sobejana emphasized that the role of army engineers means Establishing the Nation's Growth by Introducing Novel, Efficient, and Excellent Response.

He said the support provided by the 55th Engineer Brigade to national flagship projects enable the Western Mindanao Command to advance its peacebuilding initiatives in the Bangsamoro region as well as regions 9, 10, and 12.

The army engineers helped construct elementary school buildings, provided engineer support to other AFP units, and helped local government units in road clearing operations during tropical storms. They provided assistance to Task Force Bangon Marawi in the clearing of unexploded ordinance and demolition of dilapidated buildings in preparation for the rehabilitation phase.

Moreover, they entered into a Project Partnership Agreement with UN-Habitat for ground development and construction of 50 permanent shelter units in Brgy. Kilalla, Marawi City intended for internally displaced families.

While he commended the accomplishments of the 55th Engineer Brigade in uplifting the well-being of government troops through base development support to AFP units, the CGPA also instructed them to continue helping in the rehabilitation of Marawi stressing the need to accelerate and fast track the recovery of the city.

"Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagsuporta sa ating kasundaluhan at mga kababayan sa Hilagang Mindanao lalo na Marawi City. Itong Marawi ay kailangan natin tuonan ng pansin dahil sa trauma na na-experience ng ating mga kababayan dito," he said.

LtGen Sobejana further reminded the Army Engineers to be guided by the PA's core values of honor, patriotism, and duty while constructing roads and buildings.

"As you celebrate another year of service, remember that where the road ends war begins. The more we open roads the less we provide maneuver space for the terror groups, be it communist terrorist groups or local terrorist groups," he noted.

With the theme ,"Team 55E @22: Kaagapay at Katuwang sa Pagharap ng Bagong Normal Para sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bayan, the Brigade's 22nd anniversary celebration was highlighted by with the awarding of medals to its outstanding personnel and units as well as recognition of civilian partners and stakeholders.

LtGen Sobejana expressed appreciation to the civilian partners and stakeholders and cited their involvement as vital in attaining peace and security.

"Para maisulong natin ang kapayapaan kailangan everybody should be involved because security is a shared responsibility," he said.

The CGPA also pointed out that unity and cooperation is needed in attaining sustainable peace and progress.

"In the name of public service, your Philippine Army is not above you nor below you. We are always beside you so we need to work together," he added. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057063

PRLEC team launches AKKAP in TF-ELCAC focused barangays in E. Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): PRLEC team launches AKKAP in TF-ELCAC focused barangays in E. Samar (By Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA)—The Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) launched the Agrikultura at Kabuhayan tungo sa Kaunlaran at Pangkapayapaan (AKKAP) on October 22, 2020, in barangays Boco and Balagon, Can-avid, E. Samar.

It did not matter that the government troops that served as the advance party were ambushed by the NPAs two days before the event.

The army reported then that three government soldiers were wounded in the skirmish along Brgy. Salvacion in Can-avid town, merely three barangays away.

The team was led by no less than the 801st Brigade Commander Camilo Ligayo, 52nd Infantry Battalion Commander Joven Bugarin, Can-avid Mayor Gil Norman Germino, TESDA Provincial Director Antonio Waniwan, with representatives from PIA, PCA, CENRO-Dolores, NIA, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) that sailed for four long hours via the Can-avid River.

In the AKKAP launch, TESDA initially distributed 60 scholarship slots for skills training for Electric Installation and Maintenance and another 60 slots for agricultural production in the two barangays.

Ligayo urged the residents of Balagon village to veer away from the armed group and embrace the programs and projects from the government.

Mayor Germino said that the team cannot easily be threatened by the ambuscade.

"We have nothing to fear if we deliver public service," Germino told PIA.

TESDA Director Waniwan informed the barangay constituents that the team is offering livelihood opportunities and distributed seeds to the Balagon Upland Farmers Association led by Nerissa Gales.

In Brgy. Boco, two peoples organization received the seeds for vegetable production.

NIA through Engr. Gregorio Anguren, Jr. promised to bring solar power pumps to the two Can-avid barangays to provide the needed water for their plants.

The other representatives also talked about the different services their agency offers.

To facilitate the program of the PCA Participatory Coconut Planting Project (PCPP), Germino offered one casual employee to Eric Madeja, the PCA representative.

Punong Barangay of Balagon, Bernard Gales, requested PCA to fast track the process so that his fellow coconut farmers will be given the promised incentives.

He added that his people longed for government workers to visit them to make them feel they belong.

"Bisan kun may nahitabo, waray kamo kahadlok, tatagan namon hin maupay nga kabatunan ini nga iyo mga hatag, diri namon kakawangon." (Despite the firefight days earlier, your team did not cower, we will give you the best response, we will nurture the gifts and blessing you delivered to us.)

In Brgy. Boco, an hour later, residents also filled the barangay plaza to meet the guests.

Mayor Germino told them about the projects under PAMANA and the evacuation center to be funded by Sen. Bong Go.

Roberta Obingayan, 65 a senior citizen said that during heavy rains, their barangay is flooded that they built their houses two-stories high.

"Kinakarawat namon, kun ano an iyo mga proyekto, nagpapasalamat kami. An amon mga hingyap nga pakabuhi, iyo unta kami matagan," (We accept the programs and projects you will give us, thank you for addressing our desired livelihood projects) said Punong Barangay Juanito Obingayan in his response.

For his part, 52nd Batcom Joven Bugarin urged the 532 Boco residents to support the programs of the government towards peace and development. He promised to stand by them until the time they learn to fend for themselves. (nbq)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057021

Philippine Army installs new commander for 302nd IB

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Philippine Army installs new commander for 302nd IB (By Jennifer C. Tilos)

BGen. Noel Baluyan (center) hands over the flag to MGen. Eric Vinoya (right) for the turnover of comannd to the new commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade, Col. Leonardo Peña (left). (PA/PIA Negros Oriental)

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has installed Col. Leonardo Peña as the new command head of 302nd Infantry Brigade (IB).

Peña officially installed on Oct. 22 in a change of command ceremony held at the headquarters of the 302nd Brigade, Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City.

Peña succeeded BGen. Noel Baluyan who was promoted as the new Assistant Division Commander of the 3ID at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

Peña is a former chief of Unified Command Staff (CUCS) of the Western Mindanao Command, while Baluyan has served as the 302nd IB commander for one year and two months.

In his message, Baluyan described his stint in the command as “the most socially enriching, fulfilling, rewarding and exciting assignment” he ever had.

He thanked all the stakeholders, the governor, local chief executives, Philippine National Police (PNP) counterparts, his troops, and the higher headquarters that he has worked with for helping him achieve the mission and vision of the brigade.

Baluyan requested them to give the same level of support, if not more, to the incoming Brigade commander.

On the other hand, Peña, in his acceptance speech, said, “God has a plan and vision for me to fulfill as I humbly assume this position to be of service to the Filipino people of Visayas, particularly, Negros Island.”

He assured the Negrenses that he will do his best to achieve peace and progress in his area of responsibility.

“Peace requires the integration of an encompassing approach, one that demands the employment of military and non-military solutions and leaves no sector behind. With this in mind, we shall converge and harmonize our efforts to attain our comprehensive security template," he continued.

Peña pronounced that the Brigade continues to strengthen cooperation with government agencies and partner stakeholders to realize inclusive peace and pursue localized peace initiatives and community support programs.

He further stressed that the 302nd Brigade “will remain a force to be reckoned with not by mere weapons but by deeds.”

MGen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the Joint Task Force Spearhead and the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, was the keynote speaker and presiding officer of the ceremony.

In his message, he congratulated and thanked Baluyan for the remarkable services he has rendered to the 302nd IB.

He also welcomed Peña, stating that he has his full trust and confidence that he will lead the brigade with the same enthusiasm and commitment. (jct/PIA7 Negros Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057048

7 rebels surrender to CL police

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): 7 rebels surrender to CL police (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Oct.26 (PIA) -- Seven rebels returned to the folds of government Monday.

Police Regional Director PBGen. Valeriano De Leon disclosed that they voluntarily submitted themselves to the joint operatives of Angeles City Intelligence Unit and Regional Intelligence Unit 3.

They are former members of the CNT Milisyang Bayan under KLG Front 1, Tarlac PCOM.

“Your police and member-agencies of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 3 will continue this whole of sector approach against communist terrorist to achieve peace and national unity,” De Leon emphasized.

“This is also in line with the nine-point agenda of Police Chief PGen. Pancratius Cascolan which is the Bayanihan Spirit and the Community Service Oriented Policing for stronger partnership and active engagement with communities in ensuring peace and order and to sustain the gains against crime and violence with maximizing police visibility in areas,” he added. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057050

Sec Galvez calls for continuing partnership for peace and progress in CAR

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Sec Galvez calls for continuing partnership for peace and progress in CAR (By Carlito C. Dar)

LA TRINIDAD Benguet, Oct. 26(PIA) - - Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr called for continuing partnership for peace and progress when he graced the ceremonial destruction of 444 firearms turned in by the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army at the Police Regional Office – Cordillera at Camp Bado Dangwa here on Friday.

The destruction of the firearms is under the normalization program of the Government of the Philippines - Cordillera Bodong Administration – Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (GPH – CBA – CPLA) Peace Process, also known as the Mt. Data Peace Accord signed on September 13, 1986. The agreement also paved the way for the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region under Executive Order No. 220.

“Mula nilagdaan ang Mt. Data Peace Accord noong Sept 13, 1986, ang pamahalaan at ang CBA – CPLa ay patuloy na nagtutulungan upang makamit ang ating nag-iisang layunin - ang pag-buo ng isang tahimik, maayos at progresibong Cordillera” (Since the Mt. Data Peace Accord was signed on Sept. 13, 1986, the government and the CBA-CPLA are continuously working together to achieve the single objective- to establish a peaceful, orderly and progressive Cordillera), he said..

“Ngunit hindi po dito natatapos sa okasyong ito ang prosesong pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng CBA – CPLA, sa halip inaasahan po natin na mas titibay pa ang samahan na ito dahil sa iba pang kasunduan na ating ipapapatupad,” he added.

Galvez outlined that for 24 years, numerous socio – economic development programs were already implemented under the peace accord including the reintegration of several members of the CBA – CPLA in the Philippine Army and employment of others as “Bantay Gubat” or forest guard of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as enrollment to Philhealth and education assistance.

There were also provision of livelihood assistance, assistance in the organization of 10 people organizations plus various different development projects in the communities such as farm to market roads and tribal houses among others, he added.

Galvez assured the continuing implementation of all the agreements under the peace accord. Through OPAPP and under the guidance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Galvez said they will continue to implement under the GPH – CBA – CPLA Peace Accord and will review if there are more government assistance they can provide

At present, OPAPP is pushing in Congress the inclusion of around P225.42 million in the OPAPP budget for calendar year 2021 for the funding of other socio – economic development projects under the peace accord, he added.

Joining Galvez in the ceremony were Assistant Secretary for Reconciliation and Immunity Andres Aguinaldo Jr., Philippine National Police Peace Process and Development Center Chief PBGen. Walter Castillejos, Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Commander MGen. Arnulfo Burgos Jr., Philippine Army 503rd Brigade Commander Henry Doyaoen, Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Police Regional Office – Cordillera officials headed by Director PGen R’Win Pagkalinawan.

Also present were members of the Peace Accord Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee headed by Chairperson PA 5th Infantry Division Commander MGen Arnulfo Burgos Jr. and Vice – chairperson Andres Ngao-i and other former officials and elders of the CBA – CPLA. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056915

Weapons as art: A memento of successful peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Weapons as art: A memento of successful peace talks (By Liza Agoot)

DESTRUCTION. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) leads the destruction of high-powered firearms and explosives during a ceremony that is part of the normalization program related to the Mount Data peace agreement in 1986. The firearms were turned in by former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army, then led by rebel priest Conrado Balweg, as a sign of their commitment for continuing peace in the region. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Firearms are usually associated with conflict, but what better way to use it in a less destructive way than as art.

Brig. Gen. R'Win Pagkalinawan, regional director of the Police Regional Office Cordillera, on Sunday said firearms surrendered by former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) will be used as materials for art pieces to serve as reminder that peace can be achieved thru dialogues.

“To emphasize the importance of this activity and the peace that we have given to the people of Cordillera, we have a proposal that these de-milled firearms be given to artists to be made as an artwork which we will place at Mt. Data Hotel in commemoration of the peace that Cordillera introduced to the country," he said.

Pagkalinawan said he has submitted a proposal to an artist who will do the piece.

“Kailangan lang na makita niya 'yung itsura ng naputol na mga baril para maka isip siya ng magandang artwork (he just needs to see how the guns were cut so that he can think of a good artwork),” Pagkalinawan said.

The surrender of firearms is part of the agreement in one of the successful government-initiated peace talks in the country's history.

A total of 355 of the 444 high-powered firearms and 27 explosives surrendered by the former CPLA members as a result of a subsequent agreement in 2011 for the inventory and disposition of firearms were demilitarized on Oct. 23 as part of the normalization plan under the Government of the Philippines- Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (GPH- CBA-CPLA) Peace Process.

The GPH-CBA-CPLA peace process resulted in the peace agreement between former President Corazon Aquino and rebel priest Conrado Balweg in 1986 done the indigenous way, or what was called as the “1986 sipat agreement” and “Mt. Data Sipat agreement” that happened in Mount Data Hotel, Bauko, Mountain Province.

It was marked with an exchange of peace tokens between the parties.

The idea of an artwork using the firearms was approved by the Philippine National Police headquarters in 2016 to commemorate the Cordillera struggle, the pieces to be donated as materials.

Continuing talks for peace

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Friday said it is President Rodrigo Duterte’s dream to attain peace and despite the challenges the country is facing these days, achieving peace is always a priority of the administration.

“While I am the national implementer for Covid (Coronavirus disease 2019), he does not want me to set aside my being the OPAPP chief,” he said.

Galvez said the President has committed to honor the past peace agreements entered into by the government and wants to thresh out issues to be able to pursue and give the deliverables to the former fighters in the Cordillera.

“With the creation of the JEMC (Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee), we will ensure that our commitment, with the Duterte administration, we’ll be honor-bound to implement all the agreed agreements,” Galvez said.

“Ang ating napag kasunduan ng Sipat noong 1986 at sa ngayon po ay tuloy-tuloy na po (what was agreed upon during the Sipat in 1986 and now continues),” he added.

The destruction of the firearms is part of the continuing commitment between the parties to sustain the peace effort started more than 30 years back.

Leonardo Bun-as, one of the CPLA fighters during the actual exchange of peace tokens in 1986 said he is still hoping that the clamor for self-determination would be achieved during Duterte's term.

He said the government has delivered some of the demands during the peace negotiations such as the integration of former CPLA members to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, hiring of several members as forest guards, creation of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit and provision for livelihood.

Bun-as said the peace talks in 1986 happened because of the desire for peace, to which Galvez assured has the full support of the present administration.

Pending the passage of an enabling law for the autonomous region of the Cordillera, Galvez said they continue to desire to improve the condition of the former fighters.

“May mga plano na po talaga kami na socio-economic livelihood programs na para sa kanila na prinopose namin na more or less 200 to 300 million na para sa kanilang mga community, at yun po ang pinag uusapan po namin (we already have plans for the socio-economic livelihood programs where we proposed PHP200 to PHP300 million for their communities and that is what we are now talking about),” Galvez said.

Some flaws were seen in terms of the socio-economic normalization program and should not only be about integration and the short-term plans, Galvez said. The normalization program plan should be for at least three to five years, he added.

“Iyan po ay susuportahan po natin, commitment po natin 'yan na magkaroon po tayo ng kaganapan na tinatawag natin na talagang real, genuine autonomy sa Cordillera (we will support that because it is a commitment to have a real, a genuine autonomy in the Cordillera),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119670

37 NPA supporters yield

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26, 2020): 37 NPA supporters yield

Ednar Dayanghirang, Davao Oriental Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Vice-Chairman (Contributed photo)

DAVAO ORIENTAL – More members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their mass supporters have been yielding to the government as they heed the government’s call for genuine peace-building and development.

Following the surrender of 40 NPA members and mass supporters in mid-October, another batch consisting of 37 NPA mass supporters surrendered on Oct. 20.

The latest batch of surrenderers came from Sitio Bahawan, Barangay Marayag, and Sitio Malig, Barangay Don Mariano Marcos in Lupon town.

They were personally welcomed by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Vice-Chairman Ednar Dayanghirang at the Provincial capitol where a dialogue with the group took place.

Dayanghirang said the massive surrender of the communist terrorist group members over the recent months is among the effects of the localized implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70 through Governor Nelson Dayanghirang’s Executive Order 13.

The national directive that mandated the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, pools all government agencies and local government units together to provide development programs in vulnerable communities, especially the marginalized sectors that include active NPA members and their families, former rebels, and mass supporters in “white areas”.

Insurgency, he said, is not just a mere issue of poverty but the relationship between the government with the people.

He added that the NPA yielding to the government en masse is a testament to how effective the implementation of the EO70 is on the ground. He said that while the NPA heavily depends on its mass supporters, drawing them back to the government means huge damage to the operations of the NPA.

One of the mass supporters who surrendered named Dodong said he surrendered because he does not want to live in fear anymore.

“I want to live in peace with my family,” he said, adding that what strongly drew him to surrender is seeing the sincerity of the government in building genuine peace and ushering development in the province that would benefit all.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119701

Army exec lauds private sector aid for IP school in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Army exec lauds private sector aid for IP school in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

SUPPORT TO TRIBAL SCHOOL. Tribal school teachers in the Surigao del Sur town of Marihatag receive the more than 100 school bags from the GMA Kapuso Foundation that were formally handed over by 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan (2nd from left), the civil-military operations officer of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion, and Nilson D. Malasarte (right), the president of Andap Valley Eagles’ Club. The school is among the two learning facilities constructed by the Army’s 544th Engineer Construction Battalion for the indigenous peoples in the province. (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

A top Army official in Surigao del Sur has commended the private sector's assistance to the schoolchildren of an indigenous people (IP) school in Marihatag town.

Lt. Col. Joey B. Baybayan, commanding officer of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), said Monday that education among the children of the Manobo tribe in Marihatag would shield them from the "influence, manipulation, and recruitment of the communist New People’s Army (NPA)".

The IP school in Marihatag is accredited with the Department of Education (DepEd) and was recently turned over to the Manobo community in Sitio Locnodon, Barangay Mahaba.

“Education is the best way to counter the NPA recruitment among the IP youth and children in Surigao del Sur,” Baybayan said.

He added that the Balik ARAL Project of various private groups implemented at the IP school in Marihatag indicated the "shared responsibility of all stakeholders for the future of the IP children in Marihatag and the rest of Surigao del Sur".

On Oct. 24, more than 100 school bags from the GMA Kapuso Foundation were distributed to the pupils of the IP school in Sitio Locnodon, Mahaba through the groups Propelling Our Inherited Nation through our Youth, Inc.(POINTY) and the Andap Valley Eagles’ Club of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

The activity was also supported by the 3SFBn, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Marihatag, and the Liga ng mga Barangay.

Each bag contains pencils, crayons, pad papers, notebooks, sharpeners, and erasers. A printer ink and bond papers were also donated by the Andap Valley Eagles’ Club to help teachers produce learning modules.

The donated items were received by the teachers and the parents of the IP schoolchildren in the area.

The IP school in Marihatag is among the two IP schools constructed by the Army’s 544th Engineer Construction Battalion. The other IP school was constructed in Sitio Simowao, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119749

PNP to deploy 2 choppers in Davao Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26, 2020): PNP to deploy 2 choppers in Davao Region (By Che Palicte)

An H 125 helicopter. (File photo courtesy of PRO-11)

Two H 125 helicopters will be stationed in Davao Region next year, a police official said Monday.

Police Maj. Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of Police Regional Office in Region 11 (PRO-11), told the Philippine News Agency that the two units can be expected in February 2021.

Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, PRO-11 director, said the deployment is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s instruction to deploy air assets of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

"It will further assist in law enforcement operations; conduct of tactical, search and rescue, disaster relief, and urgent field or staff flight operations," Escobal added.

Escobal said they recently conducted an aerial inspection of the proposed location for an air station in the Davao region.

In preparation for its operationalization, Escobal also vowed to facilitate the usufruct agreement between the local government of the Island Garden City of Samal, where the proposed Air Unit station will be established.

"By having said helicopters, police operation, especially those that need urgency and speed, and aerial support could be performed faster and efficiently. Furthermore, airlift support would be readily available if needed,” Escobal added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119761

Senate committee OKs Maguindanao split

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Senate committee OKs Maguindanao split (By Noel Punzalan)

Maguindanao 2nd District Represenative Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Mangudadatu's office)

The Senate Committee on Local Government has supported the proposal to divide Maguindanao province into two areas, a Maguindanao lawmaker said Monday.

This, as the Senate committee, chaired by Senator Francis Tolentino, approved on the same day House Bill (HB) 6413 that seeks to divide Maguindanao into Northern and Southern Maguindanao provinces pending the recommendation by the Technical Working Group (TWG) to determine the center of government in the “would-be” Southern Maguindanao.

The bill, which has hurdled its third and final reading in the House of Representatives, designates Buluan town as the provincial seat of government for the South while Datu Odin Sinsuat town will represent the North.

After the recommendation of the TWG, a Senate committee report will be submitted to the plenary, and it will be used as a basis for a bicameral meeting before the anticipated passing into law of the proposition.

HB 6413 is sponsored by Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu along with Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Villanueva and Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Roonie Sinsuat Sr. while Senate Bills 1714 and 1824 were filed by Sen. Cynthia Villar and Tolentino, respectively.

In his manifestation to the Senate committee, Mangudadatu urged the Senate leadership to support House Bill 6413 by adopting a substitute bill following the content and design of HB 6413 and SB Nos. 1714 and 1824 concerning SB No. 1274 filed by Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr.

All three legislations similarly seek the creation of Northern and Southern Maguindanao provinces, including the naming of Buluan and Datu Odin Sinsuat as provincial seats of government, while SB 1274 filed by Revilla pursues the creation of Western Maguindanao instead.

“While we respect and appreciate Sen. Revilla for sponsoring and filing a counterpart SB towards the realization of an empowered Maguindanao, we would like to request Sen. Tolentino that our prayers and provisions illustrated in HB 6413 be adopted in a substitute bill,” Mangudadatu said in a statement Monday.

Mangudadatu said that with a smaller province, local resource management and the delivery of basic public services would be more efficient as most local government officials and employees will work and focus on programs that will best serve the interests of their constituents.

He said the division of Maguindanao aims to make public service more accessible and closer to the people.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119711

Gapay seeks closer ties with Muslim leaders in Metro

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26, 2020): Gapay seeks closer ties with Muslim leaders in Metro (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MEETING WITH MUSLIM LEADERS. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay (3rd from right) poses for a photo opportunity with muftis, imams, and madrasah (Islamic schools) officials in a meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (Oct. 26, 2020). The meeting is part of the AFP's partnerships with imams and Muslim organizations in preventing and countering violent extremism and programs that give emphasis on stakeholder engagements and local government participation. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Monday met with National Capital Region-based muftis, imams, and madrasah (Islamic schools) officials as part of efforts to foster closer ties with Muslim communities.

"I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Muftis and Imams based in NCR for gracing us with their presence on this great opportunity for an extensive dialogue between our organizations in order to fortify our efforts in fighting against lawless elements that threaten our fellow Filipinos," Gapay told the Muslim leaders in their meeting at AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

These Muslim dignitaries were NCR Grand Mufti Dr. Al-Sheick Abdeljabar M. Macarimbor of the Filipino-Arab Alliance and united Muslim Ummah Federation for Socio-Economic and Peace Development; Grand Imam Alem Maguid A. Tahir; Aleem Ahmad Kudarat; Aleem Abubacar Talib Manamping; Datu Umbria P. Mama; Aleem Hanip Sarip; Aleem Aliasgar Abolais; Mohammad Alioden Manalinding; Aleem Nashroden Alamada; Alihasan Taha; Aleem Khalid H. Matling; Aleem Abdulhamid Mustapha; Hismam H. Sedic; Abdul Malik Calauto; Almanzor I. Hajishaq; Abobacar T. Manampen; Sherwina Ali; Secretary to the NCR Grand Mufti Alex Y. Lebria; Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman.

“There is a need for better collaboration between our groups and the AFP. We are happy that this meeting is a promising start to have a more lasting partnership with the AFP to further improve our Madaris and sustain this as a pillar and institution of peace. Everything happens for a reason and that this may be Allah’s way for the government to further look into and act on the many challenges of the Madaris throughout the country,” Al-Sheick Macarimbor said.

Also present in the meeting were members and representatives of the Joint, Personal, and Special Staff as well as officers from the AFP Wide Service Support Units.

Gapay initially requested a meeting with the Islamic dignitaries at their convenience. However, the leaders expressed their willingness to pay him a courtesy call instead.

The meeting also served as a venue for Gapay to reiterate the AFP’s position in protecting the madaris from terrorist exploitation. Madrasah (madaris in plural) refers to an educational institution that teaches Islamic studies and Arabic literacy.

Gapay said it was an honor and privilege to be accorded the opportunity to gain knowledge and insights from highly educated scholars and experts.

He praised them for their expertise in multiple facets of peace and socio-economic development and wide knowledge of the true essence of Islam which can be utilized to craft comprehensive and eclectic methods of military operations.

Gapay said the dialogue was just an initial meeting and that there will be sustained and future interaction that will involve other stakeholders from both the government and other institutions in strengthening partnership with the madaris.

The AFP has ongoing partnerships with imams and Muslim organizations in preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE), and programs that give emphasis on stakeholder engagements and local government participation.

PCVE activities contribute to protecting vulnerable communities and facilities such as primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, madrassah, and torils/orphanages.

Programs such as the National Youth Leadership Summit and the National Indigenous Peoples’ Leaders Summit are regularly conducted to strengthen the youth and IP sectors and protect them from radicalization and extremist recruitment.

“As mandated defenders of the peace and security of our land, we in the AFP remain staunch in intensifying our peace and security operations to slowly but surely reach our goal of uprooting the source of manpower, firepower, and finances of these local terrorist groups that have been disrupting the peaceful living of our citizens,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119723