Kalinaw News: Seguridad sa lalawigan ng Sarangani, tinututukan ng commander ng central Joint Task Force

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 6, 2020): Seguridad sa lalawigan ng Sarangani, tinututukan ng commander ng central Joint Task Force

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Bumalangkas ng mga hakbang panseguridad ang pamunuan ni Major General Juvymax R. Uy, ang Commander ng 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division at Joint Task Force Central para sa lalawigan ng Sarangani. Ito ang tinalakay sa pagbisita ng Commander ng JTF Central kay Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon sa kapitolyo ng probinsiya sa bayan ng Alabel nitong ika-4 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Iprinisinta din ni Maj. Gen. Uy kay Governor Solon ang bagong Commander ng Joint Task Force Gensan na si Col. Galileo Goyena Jr. at 603rd Brigade Commander Col. Eduardo Gubat. Dagdag pa dito ang bagong nasasakupang lugar ng 38 Infantry Battalion.

Sa nasabing pagpupulong, pinag-usapan ang ilan pang mga lokal na elemento na naging banta sa seguridad sa probinsya ng Sarangani, ang ‘radicalization’ ng ilang mga paaralan at ang papel ng religious sector para masawata ang terorismo sa lugar.

Suportado din ni Maj. Gen. Uy ang mga ipinapatupad na health protocols ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Sarangani kung saan katuwang ang mga sundalo ng 6ID bilang mga frontliners sa panahon ng pandemya.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/seguridad-sa-lalawigan-ng-sarangani-tinututukan-ng-commander-ng-central-joint-task-force/

Kalinaw News: Trust in government leads to the surrender of two NPA’s in South Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 6, 2020): Trust in government leads to the surrender of two NPA’s in South Cotabato

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Two rebel returnees from Lake Sebu, South Cotabato have cited that their renewed trust in the government led them to turn their backs from the armed struggle of the Communist – New People’s Army-Terrorist (CNT) after they surrendered on November 3, 2020.

The former rebels, whose identities are withheld for security reasons, surrendered in Sitio Traan Kini, Brgy Lamlahak of Lake Sebu town following a series of negotiations with the troops of 5th Special Forces Battalion, under Joint Task Force Central headed by Major General Juvymax R. Uy, the Commander of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division.

The two are previously under Platoon Central, Guerrilla Front Musa of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) operating in the hinterlands of Lake Sebu and the neighboring municipalities.

“We were made to believe in their lies. They told us that we were recruited because the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) is winning the revolution and that the movement will eventually give better lives to our families. While we are inside the movement, we found out that their promises made by our former leaders were all lies,” said by the two returnees.

Both former rebels voluntarily yielded along with their firearms: one Colt M16A1 5.56mm Rifle and one Bushmaster M16A1 5.56mm Rifle.

“Almost everyone in the said movement were grumbled by the lies of the CNTs, reason – they are going back because they trust the program of the government. They are experiencing hardship in the hinterlands of South Cotabato hence they come back to the folds of law and live peacefully with their families”, said Major General Juvymax R. Uy.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/trust-in-government-leads-to-the-surrender-of-two-npas-in-south-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Former Milisyang Bayan turned full-time NPA member surrenders to government troops, reveals firearms and other war materials

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 6, 2020): Former Milisyang Bayan turned full-time NPA member surrenders to government troops, reveals firearms and other war materials

MATI CITY, Davao Oriental – A former New People’s Army (NPA) Militia that was later on recruited as a fulltime NPA member voluntarily surrenders to the troops of 28th Infantry (KAMAGONG) Battalion under the leadership of Lt Col Alexander D Banatao last November 01, 2020.

Alyas Junjun (not his true name) voluntarily surrendered to the intelligence operatives of 28IB after finding a slim opportunity to escape and separate himself from the NPA terrorist group somewhere in the hinterlands of Brgy Marayag of Lupon Town. After a diligent interview to alyas ‘junjun’, he revealed the location of two arms caches allegedly belonging to the Weakend Guerilla Front 18 of the New People’s Army.

Immediately thereafter, Lt Col Banatao, ordered a retrieval operation that led to the recovery of twenty two (22) long steel magazines, ten (10) short steel magazines, live ammunitions of several caliber, four (4) units of motorola hand held radio chargers, handcuffs and two (2) bandoliers at Sitio Sigang, Brgy Maragatas of Lupon.

In a separate incident, kamagong troopers were also able to recover one (1) M4 Rifle with one (1) M203 grenade launcher attached somewhere in Sitio Banhawan, Brgy Marayag still in the town of Lupon.

In a follow up interview, Alyas Junjun said that he surrendered to the government after hearing from his family that they now felt the sincerity of the government in providing services and programs to their community. He also expressed his frustrations and bad experiences within the armed group that includes hunger, lack of sleep and feeling of uncertainty. ‘Puro kaguol ug kagutom ra ang akong nasinati ddto sa armado. Unsaon makatabang sa katawhan nga kulang man gane ang pagkaon ug mag sige pa ug tago sa sundalo. Kani ang tinuod na gobyerno (referring to the Philippine Government), naay ikahatag nga serbisyo ug programa sa katawhan. Dili lang puro pasalig’, he added.

Lt Col Banatao lauded the extensive efforts of the troops in conducting diligent interview that led to the recovery of firearms and other war materials. He also expressed gratitude to alyas junjun for his cooperation and sincerity in helping the government as he return to the folds of law. “Little by little, the NPA terrorists are losing their mass bases and supporters as well as their members as the communities are now feeling the presence and sincerity of the government in providing services and programs especially to far flung areas. With the implementation of PRRD’s Executive Order (EO) 70 and the conduct of Community Support Program of the Army, the communities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) are now being prioritized after decades of being left out.” says Ltc Banatao. On the other hand, Mr Ednar Dayanghirang, the Focal Person of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) congratulated the troops of 28IB for this accomplishment. “In behalf of Davao Oriental Provincial Task Force ELCAC chaired by Gov Nelson L Dayanghirang, we would like to congratulate former NPA Mr. Diego Mandabon Jr., alias JunJun, of Sitio Sigang, Barangay Maragatas, Lupon, Davao Oriental. He correctly made the right decision to surrender and join govts serious efforts to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the Philippines. Diego, 21 years old now was a CPP NPA NDF youth organizer for 5 years. We also thank his father Diego Mandabon Sr for the prodding and convincing his son. EO70 ELCAC of PRRD, Gov Nelson Dayanghirang and town of Lupon Mayor Erlinda Lim is indeed doing wonders for peace and development.” Mr Dayanghirang added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-milisyang-bayan-turned-full-time-npa-member-surrenders-to-government-troops-reveals-firearms-and-other-war-materials/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels receive Housing Assistance in Agusan del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 6, 2020): Former Rebels receive Housing Assistance in Agusan del Norte

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Two former combatants of the Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorist (CNT) group are now assured of housing as they received their cash assistance from the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The two former rebels, who are staying at the halfway house inside the headquarters of the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion received their checks on November 4, 2020 in a ceremony held at the Capitol Lobby of the provincial government of Agusan del Norte.

The two former rebels, identified as Alias “Cocoy” and Alias “Joy” received their cash assistance from Gov. Dale B. Corvera, together with National Housing Authority Caraga (NHA-13) Regional Manager Ellen B. Walsh and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) head Silver Joy Tejano.

Alias “Cocoy”, who received a housing assistance of PHP450,000.00 while Alias “Joy” got PHP100,000.00.

Cocoy is a former member of Sqaud 1, Platton 1, of Guerrilla Front Committee (GFC) 34 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the CNT who surrendered to the 23rd IB last April 22, 2018 while Joy is the former team leader of Squad 2, Platoon 2, Sentro de Grabidad DOVE, GFC 88 (GFC 88), North Central Regional Command (NCMRC) of CNT who surrendered to the unit last April 17, 2018.

Prior to the release of the assistance, the NHA, in coordination with the 23rd IB, conducted a consultation with the former rebels who are staying with the unit and asked them on their preferred assistance from the agency. Some opted to avail the full house and lot program of the NHA while those who wanted to go back to their communities availed of the house repair and rehabilitation program of the agency.

The NHA, through Memorandum Circular No. 2019-041, has relaxed certain provisions to allow former rebels, who usually experience difficulties in securing pertinent documents, to avail of the housing program of the government. The move of the NHA is also based on the request of partner agencies on the situation of the former rebels. The NHA found the request of their partner agencies necessary to fully help the former rebels renew their lives as they go back to their families and communities.

Both Cocoy and Joy availed of the program that will help them repair and reconstruct their respective houses in the communities where they will permanently settle.

Joy expressed gladness upon receiving the assistance and thanked the government for the continued support to the former rebels.

“Nagpasalamat ko tungod sa inyong tinud-any nga pag serbisyo sa katawhan. Sauna nga wa pako sa gobyerno, wala gyod ko sukad maka gunit ani nga kantidad sa tibuok nakong kinabuhi. Mao na nga dako kaayo ang akong pasalamat nga natuman diay ang inyong gisaad sa amo. Ang gobyerno nag kanunay gyod nag lantaw sa ugma sa iyang katawhan, mao na sa pagkakaron ang inyong gihatag nga kantidad sa akoa, e plastar nako ug tarong kung unsay angay dapatan ani. Nanghinaot ko nga dili kami lang ang matagaan apan lakip na ang kauban namo mahatagan sab sila ani nga ayuda. Ako usab panawagan sa akong mga kanhing kauban nga maminaw sa tawag sa gobyerno aron usab nga maka baton na sila ug bag-o ug hayag nga kaugmaon,” Joy said.

During the turn-over ceremony, Gov. Corvera also thank all the agencies for their active cooperation in addressing the needs of the former rebels.

“I am so grateful with all the agencies who really gave their best in helping us in implementing the Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole of Nation approach to end insurgency. We have been facing these problem for more than 50 years and with the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, the government provided sincere approach to end the local communist armed conflict which we thought before that only the AFP and PNP has the responsibility to solve it. As you can see now, the armed group can never topple down the government because their members are now coming back to the folds of the government and the support of the people was now in favor of us,” Corvera said.

He emphasized that the root cause of insurgency are poverty, injustice and the lack of government services in the hinter areas.

Through the implementation of EO 70 and with the convergence of efforts of all government agencies, issues linked to insurgency problem are now easily addressed, he added.

The governor also stressed that the best solution to defeat poverty and injustice is through unity, not revolution.

“I am so glad that these two FRs received their housing assistance under the E-CLIP. May you also encourage your former comrades to lay down their arms because our government is always sincere in giving them the best services assistance for the betterment of their lives and future,” Corvera said.

NHA-13 head Engr. Walsh congratulated the two former rebels for the assistance they received from the government.

“I am so glad because this is the first ever awarding that happened in Region 13. The National Housing Authority has given them three options to avail. The first was whether they will avail the existing AFP-PNP housing unit project which is also equivalent to 450,000; second option is, they can avail the release of cash assistance amounting 450,000.00 for the construction of Housing Unit for the individual FR provided that they have a lot to be utilized in building their house. We also have the latest supplemental guidelines wherein if the Local government unit or the province has the existing land which can be used or utilized for the Housing project for the FRs, we will release it collectively with the amount equivalent to 450,000.00 for the beneficiaries that can be catered in the area. The 3rd option is the release of 100,000.00 for the beneficiaries for the repair of their existing housing unit. These were under the ECLIP and the Balik-Loob Program. But of course, regardless of what you chose, you are not allowed to sell, rent and abandon your housing unit because it was intended to help you to have a secured and safe home to live,” Walsh said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the acting commanding officer of 23rd IB expressed gladness over the housing assistance received by Cocoy and Joy.

He pointed out that the other former rebels now temporarily housed inside the unit will soon avail of the program they preferred by the NPA.

“This housing project is one of the benefits the FRs can avail under the ECLIP that is being offered by the government to the CNT combatants. The program intends to provide our FRs with safe and secure environment where they can live peacefully and away from insurgency,” Paulo said.

He also hoped that the remaining CNT members in Agusan del Norte and the rest of Caraga Region will wake up from being blinded by the false ideologies of their leaders and decide to go back to the fold of the law.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-receive-housing-assistance-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Bomber na Sub-lider ng Dawlah Islamiya, patay sa Law Enforcement Operation sa Sultan Kudarat

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 6, 2020): Bomber na Sub-lider ng Dawlah Islamiya, patay sa Law Enforcement Operation sa Sultan Kudarat

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – Napatay ang pinaniniwalaang bomber na sub-lider ng Dawlah Islamiyah sa inilatag na law enforcement operation ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng iba’t-ibang mga units ng pulisya at militar sa Barangay Saliao, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat nitong ika-4 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Kinilala ang suspek na si Jazzer Nilong alias Khalid na nasawi makaraang manlaban sa tropa ng pamahalaan matapos na matunugan nito na tinitiktikan siya ng mga awtoridad.

Umabot ng dalawang minuto ang palitan ng putok ng pangkat ng pamahalaan at ng suspek sa isang Inn sa Purok Hiligaynon sa nasabing lugar hanggang sa tuluyang nasawi ang suspek.

Nakuha mula sa pag-iingat ng suspek ang kalibre .45 na baril at isang magazine na loaded ng apat na rounds na mga bala; ilang mga sangkap ng pampasabog kayaga ng 60mm na bala ng mortar, rifle grenade, electric blasting cap, battery size D, dalawang improvised non-electric blasting cap, apat na fired cartridge case ng kalibre 9mm at dalawang heat-sealed sachet na naglalaman ng shabu.

Ang suspek ay may warrant of arrest at nahaharap sa kasong Frustrated Murder, idinadawit din sa pagpatay kay P/Cpt. Herman Gabat at suspek sa pambobomba sa General Santos City.

“Joint Task Force Central together with other law enforcement agency are committed to defeat terrorist and armed peace spoilers”, ang naging pahayag ni Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander ng 6ID at ng Joint Task Force Central.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/bomber-na-sub-lider-ng-dawlah-islamiya-patay-sa-law-enforcement-operation-sa-sultan-kudarat/

CPP/Sison: Duterte regime fails to destroy the CPP & NPA thru military suppression and anti-communist psywar

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 5, 2020): Duterte regime fails to destroy the CPP & NPA thru military suppression and anti-communist psywar

JOSE MARIA SISON

CHIEF POLITICAL CONSULTANT

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 04, 2020

It is impossible for the Duterte regime , its military minions and the NTF-ELCAC and its so-called Anti-Terrorism Council to suppress both the legal patriotic and democratic movement and the armed revolutionary movement so long as the entire Filipino people aspire for national and social liberation against the evil forces of foreign monopoly capitalism, domestic feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

These three evil forces are now represented by the Duterte regime, which is traitorous, tyrannical, genocidal and extremely corrupt. It is impossible for this regime and its military minions to destroy the armed revolutionary movement and all patriotic and democratic forces by red-tagging individuals and organizations and carrying out punitive measures, including extrajudicial killings, torture and indefinite detention and freezing of bank accounts.

History has shown that the anti-communist witch hunt in the Philippines in the 1950s and 1960s only served to challenge and drive the youth and the people to take the revolutionary road of struggle for national and social liberation. Under the pretext of anti-communism, Marcos imposed his fascist dictatorship on the people in 1972 but it served to incite more people to support and join the armed revolution. Ultimately, the fascist dictator was overthrown by the people in 1986.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, the revolutionary mass organizations, the National Democratic Front and the People’s Revolutionary Government have grown in strength and advanced because of their just revolutionary cause and program of new democratic revolution and because of their correct strategic line of protracted people’s war and accumulating strength in the countryside until they can overthrow the reactionary state in Manila.

Like all previous regimes, the Duterte regime has failed miserably to destroy the armed revolution in the countryside by unleashing brutal military campaigns of suppression and by using psywar tactics like persona non grata declarations, fake surrenders, extrajudicial killings and fake community projects. The regime and its military minions have in fact aggravated the economic crisis of the ruling system by bankrupting their own government through various forms of corruption, including pork barrel and military overspending for graft-laden equipment acquisitions, fake projects and fake operations.

The Duterte regime is bound to lose further in its armed counterrevolution by engaging in state terrorism under the pretext of anti-terrorism. The escalation of attacks on the civil and political rights of the people, organizations and individuals will only drive more people to join the armed revolution like during the time of the Marcos fascist dictatorship. The anti-communist witchhunts in the urban areas will only serve to strengthen the will of the people to push and fight back against the escalation of oppressors and exploiters.

Like their deranged master Duterte, his military minions slander me by claiming that I myself have engaged in red-tagging the legal patriotic and democratic. They have spliced a video recording to make it appear that I tagged legal democratic forces as “fronts” or facades of the CPP and are NDF forces. In fact, I differentiated the legal democratic forces from the CPP and the underground member-organizations of the NDF. The military morons deliberately obscure the fact that I have always differentiated the legal national democratic movement on the one hand and the underground CPP and National Democratic Front in particular, with 18 definite underground organizations, on the other hand.

They also obfuscate the great difference between being a communist and being a terrorist by compounding communism and terrorism. As a matter of fundamental principle and policy, the CPP is a belligerent force in a civil war and is committed to the international law on human rights and humanitarian conduct and has always condemned terrorism as a grave crime against the people.

The military morons are supposed to submit to a court of law their charge of terrorism and present the evidence against any person on group , instead of going to the press or Congress in the notorious blabbering and slandering style of General Parlade. Accusing anyone of being a witch or a communist under the notion of guilt by association has no place in a court of law or in the court of public opinion.

The likes of Parlade deserve to be called pure idiots rather than military morons. It is absolutely idiotic that Parlade, without evidence, presumes that Ms Ella Colmenares is a communist and NPA member and that therefore, also without evidence, her sister film and philanthropist Angel Locsin is also a communist and NPA fighter. There is no evidence whatsoever that the Colmenares sisters are communists or NPA or have committed any act of terrorism. They have not done even something like Duterte publicly advising business interests to pay their taxes to the people’s revolutionary government or shouting Mabuhay ang CPP, Mabuhay ang NPA!

Pressed to produce evidence and witnesses, Parlade has gone so far as to produce a fake witness under duress in the person of Jeffrey Celiz to red tag so many other individuals as CPP and NPA members. We can be certain that the hearings of the Senate national defense and security committee under the chairmanship of Sen. Panfilo Lacson serves as a platform for state terrorism and anti-communist witchhunt by the military slanderers and false witnesses spouting outright lies and hearsay not only against the CPP, NPA and NDFP but also individuals and organizations that are patriotic and democratic in character, who will be summoned and pressured to condemn the CPP, NPA and NDFP or else they will be pilloried as leaders or members of these revolutionary organizations.

The ghost of the unlamented Sen. Joseph McCarthy is being resurrected in the Philippines even as McCarthyism has long been discredited since so many decades ago. not only in the US but also in the Philippines. When Rep. Leonardo Perez thought that he could make political capital out of the Anti-Subversion Law, he launched an anti-communist witchhunt through hearings by the Committee on Anti-Filipino Activities from 1959 to 1961. The targets of the witchhunt were faculty members and students of the University of the Philippines. But the academic community rose up and literally scuttled the witchhunt with a rally of 5000 on March 15, 1961.

The anti-communist witchhunt failed to intimidate the academic community, who fought back. Instead, it encouraged more students and young faculty members like me to study Marxism-Leninism and join the anti-imperialist and democratic movement through the Student Cultural Association of the UP and then the Kabataang Makabayan in 1964. Because the evil forces of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism continued to plague the Philippines, the CPP and the NPA arose in 1968 and 1969. And when Marcos declared martial law in 1972, thousands of mass activists joined the CPP and NPA. Subsequently, the National Democratic Front was established in 1974.

No amount of state terrorism can stop the armed revolutionary movement, so long as the aforesaid three evil forces continue to afflict the Filipino nation. The crisis of the ruling system is rapidly worsening because the Duterte regime and its military minions are servile to the aforesaid evil forces and are plundering the public treasury and the social wealth of the country. And they have maliciously terminated the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations in order to block the demands of the Filipino people for full national independence, democracy, economic development through genuine land reform and national industrialization, social justice , cultural progress and peace.

The Duterte regime and its military minions have terminated the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations to engage in an unbridled rule of greed and terror under the pretext of anti-communism and anti-terrorism. They are the real terrorists enjoying the infliction of mass murder and mass intimidation on the people and plundering the social and natural wealth of the country in collaboration with the imperialists and the local exploiting classes.We hope that in the future that the peace negotiations will be revived. Otherwise, the broad masses of the oppressed and exploited people have no other choice but to continue with the armed revolution for their own national and social liberation.

https://cpp.ph/statements/duterte-regime-fails-to-destroy-the-cpp-npa-thru-military-suppression-and-anti-communist-psywar/

CPP/NDF-Southern Mindanao: LESSONS FROM THE SOUTH: Mobilize broadest united front to demand justice, accountability and Duterte’s ouster in the wake of Typhoon Rolly!

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 5, 2020): LESSONS FROM THE SOUTH: Mobilize broadest united front to demand justice, accountability and Duterte’s ouster in the wake of Typhoon Rolly!

RUBI DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NOVEMBER 05, 2020

Rodrigo Duterte, fascist and derelict head of the reactionary elite, has finally run out of chances to redeem his rotten regime. Four years into his presidency, he has managed to militarize the reactionary bureaucracy, appropriate unto himself and his cronies the biggest portion of bureaucratic loot, sell out the nation’s sovereignty to imperialist economic aggression, antagonize all peace advocates by unceremoniously throwing away the developments in the peace process, relentlessly ramp up state fascism, and cement the country’s unenviable status as one of the worst Southeast Asian nations in terms of response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duterte’s ineptitude in the face of the havoc wreaked recently by Typhoon Rolly has elevated his regime to the horridly highest heights of criminal negligence, considering there was sufficient time to have otherwise prepared and executed a decisive plan of action which could mitigate the effects of the natural calamity. Notwithstanding his regime’s disastrously delayed advisory, Duterte provided no explanation of his absent critical command hours before Typhoon Rolly’s landfall. As a result, the masses who were hardest hit had to grapple with non-existent or very limited government guidance or assistance.

In the wake of Typhoon Rolly, the US-Duterte regime was widely criticized for its wayward predisposition, especially in its refusal to prioritize disaster preparedness in favor of its anti-people war on drugs and counter-insurgency, infrastructure programs and rampant corruption. In its 2021 national budget, disaster response trails deplorably behind military spending, infrastructure and debt servicing. Duterte deems it more convenient to claim with no proof or accountability that public money is being spent on “counter-insurgency” than on solving concrete problems such as landlessness, subhuman wages and conditions of work, health services and education.

Meanwhile, we commend the Communist Party of the Philippine’s leadership and timely release of order to mobilize its forces to prepare for Typhon Rolly and extend aid to all masses set to be affected by the natural calamity. We reiterate the Party’s call to our forces and allies in the region to gather resources and undertake relief actions for the victims. Revolutionary forces in Southern Mindanao must likewise help in the rehabilitation program by imparting the lessons they have gleaned from addressing the challenges brought by previous calamities such as Typhoon Pablo in 2012.

Revolutionary forces in the region have proven that disaster response is an opportune time to raise the political awareness of the masses, strengthen their revolutionary organizations and mobilize them for concrete political and economic gains. Natural calamities must be linked as a direct result of the indulgent economic interests of the ruling class and their imperialist masters. Organs of political power and revolutionary organizations must be discreetly established in order to facilitate and safeguard the political and economic gains of the mass movement. Protest actions must not only serve the immediate needs of the relief and rehabilitation programs but also demand justice and accountability for the US-Duterte regime’s criminal negligence.

If the country is to ever rise above the quagmire of the semi-feudal and semi-colonial system aggravated by the occasional destructive typhoons and the present Covid-19 pandemic, Duterte’s ouster from the presidency is certainly a step towards the right direction, or at the very least an enabling environment.

https://cpp.ph/statements/lessons-from-the-south-mobilize-broadest-united-front-to-demand-justice-accountability-and-dutertes-ouster-in-the-wake-of-typhoon-rolly/

CPP/NPA Central Front Panay: 12IB nga naga-sabwag sang terorismo sa mga tumandok nga mangunguma ginsilutan

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 5, 2020): 12IB nga naga-sabwag sang terorismo sa mga tumandok nga mangunguma ginsilutan

ROJA PANAY

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

NPA-CENTRAL FRONT PANAY

MT. BALOY COMMAND

PANAY REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NOVEMBER 05, 2020

Ginapanginbulahan kag gina-abi-abi sang mga pumuluyo ang madinalag-on nga opensiba sang isa ka yunit sang Mt. Baloy Command-New People’s Army, Central Panay batok sa tropang RCSP sang 12th Infantry Battalion sadtong Oktubre 22, sa Brgy. Nayawan, Tapaz, Capiz. Isa (1) ang patay kag apat (4) ang pilason sa kaaway samtang wala sang kaswalidad sa bahin sang mga pulang hangaway.

Alas-kwatro sang hapon sang ginpalukpan ang nagalakat nga tropa sang 12IB sang command-detonated nga eksplosibo sang nakaposisyon nga mga pulang hangaway. Ulihi na nakabalos ang mga pasista nga tropa kag patarasak nga nagpinalupok ang mga ini asta sang alas singko sang hapon.

Bag-o lamang gin-reconstitute sadtong Hunyo sang 3ID-PA ang 12IB para mag-operate sa mga banwa sang Maasin, Lambunao, Janiuay, kag Calinog sa Iloilo kag sa banwa sang Tapaz, Capiz. Ang mga tropang kombat kag RCSP sang 12IB ang responsable sa pagsabwag sang kakugmat kag terorismo sa mga mangunguma sang Sentral Panay bisan pa man sa tunga sang pagduging sang Covid-19 pandemya sa mga nasambit nga banwa.

Terorismo ang dala sang mga tropang kombat kag mga RCSP tim sang 12IB sa mga baryo sang Tapaz kag Calinog. Pila sa mga ginareklamo sang mga pumuluyo ang masunod nga krimen:

1. Pagpamalay-balay para pahugon nga mag-surrender ang mga sibilyan.
2. Pagpatipon sa mga pumuluyo para pahugon sang pagkapriso sang 12 ka tuig sa bayolasyon sang Anti-Terror Law ni Duterte kon mahibal-an nga nagahatag suporta sa NPA. Ang ginapalapta nila nga mabal-an lang nga nagpainom sang bisan tubig lang sa NPA, ila dakpon kag prisohon.
3. Pagpwersa sa mga opisyal sang baranggay nga i-deklarar ang CPP, NPA, kag NDFP nga persona non grata.
4. Pagpwersa sa mga pumuluyo nga mag-pirma sang kasulatan batok sa NPA.
5. Pagpaggwa sang mga listahan sang sibilyan nga kuno katapo sang NPA kag pag-pahug sa ila mga suod kag pamilya.
6. Pagkampo sa sentro sang baryo kag pagbase sa mga multi-purpose kag barangay hall.
7. Pagkumpiska sa mga mangunguma sang ila mga paltik nga pusil nga ginagamit sa pagpangayam kag pangdepensa sa ila panimalay.
8. Pagguba sa mga talamnan sang mais kag palay sang mga mangunguma.
9. Pagbale-wala sa mga pagsulundan kag tikang sa ikaayong-lawas kag pagpatigayon sang mga madamuan nga pagtipon nga nagabutang sa mga mangunguma sa peligro sang Covid-19.

Ang 12IB kag ang 3ID ang matuod nga mga terorista. Katuyuan sang ila mga RCSP tim nga pahugon ang mga mangunguma kag gub-on ang ila mga paghiliusa para depensahan ang panagabuhian kag duta sang kamal-aman kag ginatiplang ang mga mangunguma para sa mga mapanghalit nga proyekto. Kasangkapan ini para sa desperado nga pagpaninungha sang militar nga pierdihon ang NPA sa Panay. Sa baylo, nagabaskog ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan kag naga-lapad ang mga nagasuporta sa NPA.

Nangin madinalag-on ang opensiba bangud sa wala-untat nga suporta sang pumuluyo sa ila hangaway. Amon ginapanawagan sa mga pumuluyo, labi na ang mga biktima sang kalakasan sang militar nga mangisog kag magbato sa inhustisya. Ang pinakamaayo amo nga mag-intra sa NPA. Ma-angkon lamang ang hustisya kag kalinungan paagi sa matarung nga inaway banwa.

https://cpp.ph/statements/12ib-nga-naga-sabwag-sang-terorismo-sa-mga-tumandok-nga-mangunguma-ginsilutan/

CPP/NPAS Central Front Panay: Punitive action against 12IB responsible for terrorizing indigenous farmers

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 5, 2020): Punitive action against 12IB responsible for terrorizing indigenous farmers

ROJA PANAY

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

NPA-CENTRAL FRONT PANAY

MT. BALOY COMMAND

PANAY REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NOVEMBER 05, 2020

The people warmly welcome the successful punitive action of a unit of Mt. Baloy Command New People’s Army Central Panay against RCSP troops of the 12th infantry battalion last October 22, at Brgy. Nayawan, Tapaz, Capiz. Enemy troops sustained casualties with four wounded and one killed-in-action while no harm done for red fighters.

By 4 o’clock in the afternoon, 12IB troops were blown by command-detonated explosives and fired upon by positioned Red fighters. Surprised fascist troops failed to immediately respond. Out of fear, the derisive troops instead shot indiscriminately until 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

The 3ID-PA reconstituted the 12IB last June to operate among towns of Maasin, Lambunao, Janiuay, and Calinog in Iloilo and Tapaz, Capiz. Even if these towns reported alarming Covid-19 cases, combat and RCSP troops of the 12IB continue to sow fear and terrorism among Central Panay farmers.

The 12IB RCSP and combat troops bring terrorism to barrios of Tapaz and Calinog. Communities complained of the following crimes perpetuated by the 12IB:
Intimidating civilians to “surrender” through house-to-house drive
Intimidating community members supposedly supporting the NPA of 12-year imprisonment for violations of Duterte’s Anti-Terror Law. Spreading threats to arrest and jail residents providing water to NPA members.
Coercing barangay officials to declare the CPP, NPA, and NDFP as persona non grata.
Coercing community members to sign anti-NPA documents.
Publishing lists of civilians accused of being NPA members and threatening their families and relatives
Using multi-purpose and barangay halls in barrio centers as military camp.
Confiscation of home-made airguns used by farmers in hunting and defense.
Destruction of corn and rice fields.
Dangerously ignoring pandemic health protocols and conducting large gatherings that potentially expose farmers to Covid-19.

The 12IB and 3ID and the real terrorists. They employ RCSP teams to deceive farmers of development aggression and destroy farmers’ unity to defend ancestral land and livelihood. They are tools of the military’s desperate and illusory plans of defeating the NPA in Panay. In truth, the revolutionary movement continues to advance with the NPA enjoying ever-broadening support.

The punitive action was carried successfully because of the indefatigable support of the people to their army. We are calling the people, especially the victims of the fascist military atrocities to be courageous and fight injustice. The best is to join the NPA. Justice and peace could only be achieved through the just people’s war.

https://cpp.ph/statements/punitive-action-against-12ib-responsible-for-terrorizing-indigenous-farmers/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Ipadayon ang paghimakas ni Papa Isio agud mahilway ang pungsod!

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 5, 2020): Ipadayon ang paghimakas ni Papa Isio agud mahilway ang pungsod!

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NOVEMBER 05, 2020

Sa pagsulat sang kasaysayan, wala ginhatagan sang importansya ang kamalahalon nga papel sang mga mangunguma sa ila pagpakig-away kag kon paano napahuyang ang mga kolonyalista nga Espanyol tubtob sa ila pagkalutos.

Ang matuod nga kasaysayan sang aton paghimakas amo ang kasaysayan sang mga mangunguma sa ila paghimakas nga maka-angkon sang kaugalingon nga duta. Wala ini ginpalapnag kag ginpakita sa masunod nga mga henerasyon kon paano ginhimuslan kag ginpigos ang pumuluyo sang mga kolonyalista nga Espanyol. Sa baylo ginturse ini agud ipakita ang maayo nga katuyuan sang sini nga mga mananakop. Halos tanan nga maayo nga hitabu sa kasaysayan ara lang sa kamot kag pagpamuno sang mga agalon may duta. Ang mga pagpaninguha sang mga katipunero kag ni Dionisio Magbuelas o Papa Isio halos ginpanas na ini sa kasaysayan sang Negros. Si Papa Isio isa ka ordinaryo nga anak sang mangunguma nga nangin biktima sang kapintas sang mga kolonyalista nga Espanyol. Nag-organisa sang pareho nga mga mangunguma kag mga tumandok agud mag-alsa batok sa kolonyalista nga Espanyol.

Nangin lapnagon ini paghimakas kontra sa kolonyalista nga Espanyol bangud nagadala sang interes sang mga mangunguma sa duta kag tuyo nga paghilwayon pumuluyong Negrosanon. Gani, nag-angkon ini sang malapad nga suporta sang mga Negrosanon ilabi na sa sentral kag sur nga bahin sang Negros. Bisan pa man nga wala magmadinalag-on ang ini nga paghimakas bangud sa patraidor nga pamaagi sang mga Espanyol, naghatag ini sang malahalon nga leksyon sa pumuluyong Negrosanon nga indi simple nga maangkon ang duta. Ginabuhisan ini sang dugo bangud indi boluntaryo nga ihatag sang mga agalon may duta ang ila gin-agaw nga kadutaan sa simple nga pamaagi. Kabaliskaran ini sa gusto ipakita sang mga agalon may duta nga simple nga kalinong kag batunon nalang ang ginhatag kon ano ang inyo kapalaran.

Ang paghimakas nga ginlunsar sang mga Katipunero sa pagpamuno ni Andres Bonifacio kag ni Papa Isio sa Negros, kabahin sang burgis demokratiko nga rebolusyon. Wala ini magmadinalag-on bangud sa interbensyon sang Estados Unidos kag pag-agaw sang kadalag-an sang pumuluyong Pilipino sa mga kolonyalista nga Espanyol. Nagpabilin ang mga mangunguma nga nag-antus sang tuman nga kapigaduhon sa malawig nga panahon bangud wala ini maangkon ang duta nga madugay na nga ginahandum. Katungdanan sang subong nga mga rebolusyonaryo nga Negrosanon ang pagpadayon sang wala matapos nga rebolusyon nga ginlunsar sadto sang mga Katipunero kag ni Papa Isio agud hilwayon ang mga pumuluyo ilabi na sa mga mangunguma kag mga mamumugon sa Negros.

Palig-unon ang aton hanay paagi sa pag-organisa sang mga mamumugon kag mangunguma. Ilunsar ang Pungsodnon nga Demokratiko nga Rebolusyon paagi sa armado nga paghimakas. Ini lang ang ultimo nga solusyon agud mahatagan sang kasulbaran ang madugay na nga problema sang mga mangunguma sa pag-angkon sang kaugalingon nga duta.###

Mabuhay ang Masang pigos! Isulong ang Armadong Paghimakas tubtob sa kadalag-an!

https://cpp.ph/statements/ipadayon-ang-paghimakas-ni-papa-isio-agud-mahilway-ang-pungsod/

Soldier wounded in Negros Oriental clash with NPA

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 5, 2020): Soldier wounded in Negros Oriental clash with NPA (By Glazyl Masculino)

A member of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) was wounded in a clash with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Wednesday.

According to Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), the troops responded to a report from concerned citizens about the alleged presence of armed men in the area. A firefight ensued at around 5 p.m.

It was followed by another engagement at around 7 p.m. in the village where the soldier was wounded.

Pasaporte said the troops encountered about 10 to 15 unidentified armed men who later withdrew from the encounter site.

He said the wounded soldier was already extricated from the area and was brought to a hospital.

“He’s conscious despite sustaining injuries,” he added.

Pasaporte said it took a while for the wounded soldier to be taken from the scene because it was raining so hard and the area was too dark.

A clearing operation is ongoing. 

https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/05/soldier-wounded-in-negros-oriental-clash-with-npa

CPP has infiltrated local showbiz, Senate witness says

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 4, 2020): CPP has infiltrated local showbiz, Senate witness says (By Vanne Elaine Terrazola)

Senate President Vicente Sotto III echoed on Wednesday suspicions that members of the entertainment industry could also be involved in the communist movement.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN)

Sotto, a former movie actor and singer-composer, said he had also heard of rumors that some artists were engaged with groups linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), as alleged by Jeffrey Celiz, the military’s star witness during the Senate defense committee’s oversight hearing on the red-tagging activities of government officials on Tuesday, November 3.

“It was a suspected rumor in the past,” Sotto said in a text message when asked about the claim.

Celiz identified himself as a former member of the CPP and the national operational command of its armed wing, the New Peoples’ Army (NPA). During the hearing, he tagged several partylist groups as being part of the communist movement, as well as those in the show business.

“Hindi po totoong walang program ang CPP sa showbiz industry, entertainment, musicians and artists (It’s untrue that the CPP does not have a program for the showbiz industry, entertainment, musicians and artists),” Celiz told senators, saying there are “underground groups” within the industry.


He tagged the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) as the CPP’s “open organization” to supposedly recruit members.

“From that open organization, loose organization of showbiz personalities, entertainers, musicians, kompositor at mga artist ay nabubuo ang (composers and artists comprise the) underground organization,” Celiz said.

He later mentioned the CAP’s late founders Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal by erroneously mentioning their films.

“But they are not NPA right away but they are supporting the NPA indirectly or directly.”

The CAP, on the other hand, condemned Celiz allegations as “baseless, dangerous and shameful.”

“From then until today, we are an organization of writers, artists, and cultural workers committed to constitutionally protected principles of freedom, justice and democracy,” the group said in a statement published on Facebook Tuesday.

“We have always stood for freedom of expression and the people’s welfare Even if it means having to call out and criticize those in power. That is activism, not terrorism,” it added.

Before Celiz’ claims, Lt. General Antonio Parlade told the Senate panel that celebrities are being used to recruit more participants in the communist movement.

“Gamit na gamit ‘yong celebrities (Celebrities are often used) because this is one way of convincing the masses that they are winning. Actually sinasabi nila, ‘Kita niyo, may mga kasama na tayong artista, kaya sumali na kayo sa amin’ (They are saying, ‘See, we have already recruited actors, so join us’),” said Parlade. He denied in the same hearing that he red-tagged actresses Angel Locsin, Liza Soberano and Ms. Universe 2018 Cariona Gray, since even Soberano’s family, thru her lawyer, thanked Parlade for saying that the actress is not in any way connected with the NPA.

Meanwhile, Sotto said he hopes that youths and individuals will be discouraged from joining the communist movement following the testimonies by the former rebels during the Senate hearing.

“The lies are being exposed,” Sotto said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/04/cpp-has-infiltrated-local-showbiz-senate-witness-says/

Esperon on Sison saying military 'spliced' his video: Not a very acceptable explanation

From GMA News Online (Nov 5, 2020): Esperon on Sison saying military 'spliced' his video: Not a very acceptable explanation (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Thursday insisted that it was Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison who had identified some progressive groups as legal fronts of CPP.

Esperon was reacting to the recent accusation of Sison that the military "spliced" the latter's video to make it appear that he red-tagged some groups such as Gabriela, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, League of Filipino Students, and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers.

"That is not a very acceptable explanation of that. You can watch the video and it is very clear that he was mentioning the organizations and read his lips, he was saying the names, he was pronouncing the names of the organizations." Esperon told CNN Philippines.

"It is an unmistakable identification of the people, of the organizations that are involved in the national democratic revolution," he added.

The military has since denied the red-tagging accusations against them, insisting that it was Sison who had named these alleged legal fronts.

On Tuesday, a Senate conduc ted a hearing on the alleged red tagging activities of the Armed Forces.

Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade Jr. was among the resource persons invited in he hearing after he warned some personalities supporting Gabriela Women's Party.—

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/762888/esperon-on-sison-saying-military-spliced-his-video-not-a-very-acceptable-explanation/story/

Reds slams AFP for killing leader who was ill

Posted to the online publication of Davao Today (Nov 5, 2020): Reds slams AFP for killing leader who was ill

The New People’s Army Southern Mindanao claimed foul that one of their leaders was murdered by state operatives in Cebu while recuperating from an undisclosed illness.

This was claimed by Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command, in a statement on October 27 claiming Dennis Rodinas, alyas “Ka Mayen” was a “hors de combat”, a French term referring to combatants incapable of fighting due to injury, sickness or wounded in action.

Rodinas was shot dead by a joint police-military operative who located his house in Sibugay, Cebu City on the Sunday night of October 11.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command spokesperson Major Eduardo Precioso claimed Rodinas engaged the 30 operatives in a gunfight. But Sanchez in his statement said Rodinas was weak to fight.

“(He) was recuperating after having sought medical treatment for his illness and was therefore unable to give battle when armed state agents stormed in the house and summarily executed him,” Sanchez claimed.

The NPA spokesperson demanded the release of Rodinas’ companions in the house, a pregnant Girlie Mercado and two of Rodinas’ relatives, Ryan and Rodelyn Moralde, who are not NPA members.

A local news report quoted police claiming Rodinas went into hiding in Cebu after embezzling finances from the Communist Party. But Sanchez refuted the claim, saying Ka Mayen sought medical treatment for his failing health last year.

The statement attributed Ka Mayen as one of the commanders of the Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command, and among his role was leading the raid of the house of Monkayo Mayor Joselito Brillantes Jr in April 2015 that yielded 74 firearms, and another raid against a security firm for mining companies in Butuan in 2012 where they took 66 firearms.

He also led an NPA unit to carry out “revolutionary justice” against Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza whom they claimed was a paramilitary leader.

He was also credited for the operation that burned warehouses of Lapanday Foods Corporation on April 2017. At that time Lapanday refused to accede its land to agrarian reform beneficiaries and were harassing the beneficiaries.

Sanchez said Ka Mayen’s murder stands in contrast to the NPA’s treatment of AFP and PNP prisoners of war. He recalled the rescue of Ka Mayen from custody where they took four police wardens as “prisoners of war” and had treated them well and had released them safely.

The NPA statement saluted Ka Mayen as a martyr who was recruited in his college days in Davao, and turned into “one of the leading Red commanders of petty bourgeois background who contributed greatly to the upsurge of the people’s war in Southern Mindanao.”

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/reds-slams-afp-for-killing-leader-who-was-ill/

Teacher solon slams NTF-ELCAC “accomplishment” of closing Lumad schools

Posted to the online publication the Davao Today (Nov 5, 2020): Teacher solon slams NTF-ELCAC “accomplishment” of closing Lumad schools

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A teacher solon slammed the government’s anti-insurgency task force head who presented on Tuesday’s Senate hearing an “accomplishment” of closing down 75 Lumad schools.

France Castro, representative of ACT Teachers and House assistant minority leader, was reacting to statements made by National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Vice Chair Hermogenes Esperon during the Senate hearing on the red-tagging campaign of the task force.

The government’s anti-insurgency task force presented in a Senate hearing their accomplishment of closing 75 Lumad schools they claimed are “recruitment schools” for the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“Talagang nahuhuli ang isda sa sariling bibig. Sa bibig na mismo ng militar nanggaling na sila ang may pakana sa mga kabi-kabilang pagpapasara ng mga eskwelahang Lumad (You really catch a fish in its mouth. The military just admitted they are behind the closure of Lumad schools),” Castro said in a statement.

Esperon admitted in the hearing that the NTF-ELCAC was behind the closure order of the Salugpongan Community Learning Center in Talaingod, Davao del Norte province in 2018. Members of paramilitary group Alamara reportedly padlocked the Dulyan campus of the Salugpongan school.

The DepEd Davao Region previously denied the task force’s influence on their August 2019 decision to formally deny Salugpongan its permit to operate. Salugpongan school administrators slammed the decision saying there was no due process to call them to respond to the NTF allegations.

This year, the DepEd closed down the Community Technical College of Southern Mindanao based in Maco and some MISFI Academy campuses. Meanwhile, one of the MISFI schools in San Fernando, Bukidnon was destroyed by the paramilitary after hearing a report of its forced closure.

The Save Our Schools Network reported that the forced closures of these schools due to red-tagging and harassment has disenfranchised 5,500 Lumad students, as they call for the abolition of the task force that endangers the indigenous peoples.

Castro reminded Esperon that the purpose of the creation of Lumad schools was to address the education needs of indigenous children which DepEd had failed to provide for decades.

“They built the Lumad schools with blood, sweat and toil to give education for their children. Through the years the schools gave them hope. But what did the military do? Bullets, bombs, artillery forced them to leave their schools and community. Innocent children and lives of these Lumad have been wasted,” Castro said.

Castro said on behalf of the Makabayan bloc that they welcome the proposal of Senators Franklin Drilon and Risa Hontiveros to realign the NTF-ELCAC budget next year of P19.1 billion into basic services.

“If we rechannel just half or one-third of the P19.1 billion for NTF-ELCAC, P6.3 billion to P9.5 billion will go a long way in the production of self-learning modules (SLMs). Instead of lies, fake news, and relentless red-tagging, and policies and activities that terrorize the people into silence, the people’s taxes will be spent for the dire needs of teachers and students in the blended mode of learning,” she said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/teacher-solon-slams-ntf-elcac-accomplishment-of-closing-lumad-schools/

DSWD-Caraga intensifies ELCAC campaign in communities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2020): DSWD-Caraga intensifies ELCAC campaign in communities (By DSWD Caraga) 

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga has intensified campaign on ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) by providing more relevant programs and services to the communities.

Part of this effort, the department has recently participated in the Peace and Development Expo, dubbed Capacitating Urban Communities for Peace and Development conducted by the Regional Task Force to End Local Community Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Caraga held in Butuan City.

The DSWD, through the Social Marketing Section, took the opportunity to provide information to the different participants of the said activity (Youth, Urban Poor, Transport Groups, Labor Groups, and Women Groups), most especially the different programs of the Agency, part of the Executive Order Number 70 (EO 70) implementation.

It can be recalled that the EO 70 series of 2018 otherwise known as “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework" was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on December 4, 2018.

DSWD is one of the agencies with a vital part in the implementation of EO 70. Thus, during the said activity, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were also provided to the participants for them to further understand and be fully aware of the programs and services of the Department that are readily available for the different sectors. (DSWD/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058123

Masigasig troopers welcome promotion of enlisted personnel

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Masigasig troopers welcome promotion of enlisted personnel (By 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

Masigasig troopers welcome promotion of enlisted personnel

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Nov. 5 -- The men and women of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army welcomed the promotion of 37 enlisted personnel during the pinning of rank activity held recently at the battalion’s headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, this town.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the acting battalion commander, spearheaded the donning of ranks among the newly-promoted troopers.

The activity was successfully done despite the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has already affected the town of Buenavista and other parts of the province of Agusan del Norte.

In his message, Paulo congratulated the newly-promoted personnel as he emphasized that promotion is a recognition of an Enlisted Personnel potential to perform credibly and effeciently to various tasks to the next higher grade, it is an advancement in rank and responsibility as well as an acknowledgement of the soldier's exceptional skills and core competencies.

“These promotions signify the dedication of the 23rd IB troopers to their sacred duty and in the excellent performance of their tasks to ensure the security of the people and community that we serve in our areas of responsibility,” Paulo said.

He added that the 23rd IB has been lauded for complying with its mission of eradicating terrorism and its influence among the youth and the ordinary civilians especially in the remote areas of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental.

"Promotion to the next higher rank also means greater responsibilities and accountability. This insignia is placed near your heart in order for you to always remember to love your job, be faithful in serving the people, and securing the land with dignity,” Paulo said.
He also urged the 23rd IB troopers to always put on their hearts and minds that they are called to serve the Filipino people unconditionally.

“You all deserve to be promoted to the next higher rank,” Paulo said.
He also expressed gratitude to the troopers for their continued support to his leadership and vowed to do his best in leading the Masigasig troopers to more successful operations to clear its AORs from the influence of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs).

“Together, we can achieve our goals and objectives. We are strong because we rely on each other’s support and the determinations that we share in carrying on with our mission,” Paulo said. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058168

Hiligaynon News: Katapo sang NPA nagsungka sa gobyerno

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Hiligaynon News: Katapo sang NPA nagsungka sa gobyerno (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Oktubre 5 (PIA) – Isa ka katapo sang New People’s Army ang nagsungka sa mga awtoridad sining karon lang.

Ang nagsungka nga ginahinago sa ngalan nga "Ka Mel" ang nagpadulong sadtong Oktubre 27 sa Headquarters sang 62IB sa Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental dala ang isa ka M16 rifle kag isa ka malaba nga magazine nga may 29 rounds sang live ammunition agud ipahayag ang iya tuyo nga bayaan ang hubon kag magbalik sa sabak sang gobyerno.

Si Ka Mel katapo sang Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) Central Negros 1, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol kag Siquijor (KR-NCBS) sa idalum sang Squad 2, Samahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) Platoon sang Ka Bedam.

Suno kay Philippine Army Captain Raymond Jamisal Civil-Military Operations Officer sang 62nd Infantry Batallion, nagbiya si Ka Mel sa hublag agud mag-upod sa iya nga pamilya.

Sa pahayag ni Ka Mel, tuman nga kasubo, gutom kag kabudlay ang nagtulod sa iya sa pagsungka. Ang programa sang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) sa Guihulngan City naghatag sa iya sang kaisog sa pagbiya sa hublag.

Suno sa iya, hindi lang sya ang luyag maghalin sa armado nga hubon nga yara sa idalum ni Ka Bedam.

Gindayaw ni 62IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores si Ka Mel bangud sang iya kaisog kag kabalaka sa iya pamilya.

“Nagasaludar ako sa imo nga kaisog kag kaayo bangud ginpili mo ang imo pamilya kaysa magpadayon sa hublag,” pahayag ni Col. Flores

Suno kay Col. Flores mangin inspirasyon sa iban nga katapo sang NPA ang ginhimo ni Ka Mel nga pagbalik sa gobyerno kag mangin isa ka huwaran nga Filipino.

Ginsiguro niya nga maka-agum si Ka Mel sang tanan nga benepisyo nga mahatag sang E-CLIP kag sang City Task Force-ELCAC

Ginhangkat ni Col. Flores ang mga kaupod ni Ka Mel nga magpasag-uli man sila sa gobyerno agud maka-upod nila ang ila nga mga pamilya kag kabataan.

“Wala nagasira ang amon ganhaan para sa inyo, apang kon kamo magabato, wala na kami mahimo kundi ipatuman ang laye kaangay sang inyo lideres nga sanday Ka Nona kag Ka Baldo nga yara subong na sa prisuhan bangud sang ila nga mga iligal nga hilikuton,” pahayag ni Flores. (JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058065

Abra PTF-ELCAC firms up commitments for conflict-affected barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Abra PTF-ELCAC firms up commitments for conflict-affected barangays (By Christian Allister Tubadeza)

BANGUED, Abra, Nov. 4, (PIA) – The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) called on all local officials of conflict affected barangays to a consultation-meeting last week to further firm up plans in those areas.

Led by Abra PTF-ELCAC Chairperson Governor Maria Jocelyn Bernos, the provincial government and member-agencies of the task force presented their accomplishments in the identified priority barangays.

Bernos reported the provincial government constructed various infrastructure projects such footbridges, water system, multi-purpose buildings, covered courts in the affected municipalities.

The governor said there are 24 conflict-affected barangays in Abra namely Bayabas, Buanao, Dulao, Duldulao, Gacab, Lat-ey, Mataragan, Pacqued, Umnap in the municipality of Malibcong; Bacag, Buneg, Guinguinabang, Lan-ag and Pacoc-Talampac in the municipality of Lacub; Alangtin, Dilong, Kili, Tubtuba and Tabacda in the municipality of Tubo; Naguillian, Sac-caang and Ud-udiao in the municipality of Sallapadan.

“We will continue to reach out these priority municipalities through our "Peoples Day" program which brings all the services of the national government agencies and offices of the provincial government closer to these areas”.

Aside from line agencies, the local government units of Tubo, Lacub and Malibcong also presented their projects and activities for the said barangays.

The punong barangays of the conflict-affected areas also presented their Barangay Development Programs where all the concerns and needs of their barangays were identified. Most of the proposed projects are infrastructures such as road openings, school buildings, barangay halls, flood controls, footbridges, irrigations, potable water supply, electricity, municipal or central markets and other infrastructure projects.

Bernos approved and committed to deliver these proposals to this areas by 2021-2022. Moreover, Department of Public Works and Health, Dept. of Interior of Local Government and the municipal LGUs assured to expedite the processing of the proposed infrastructure projects for immediate implementation. National Irrigation Administration-Abra also committed to include all the proposed water supply and irrigation systems in these areas in their 2021 budget.

Dept. of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Dept. of Trade and Industry also committed to double their entrepreneurial developments and livelihood assistance in these areas.

Congressman Joseph Sto. Niño Bernos represented by Danglas Mayor Denise Bragas pledged to continue delivering his services to the conflict-affected areas. He reported multiple infrastructure were rehabilitated and constructed already such as school buildings and road networks. (JDP/CAGT–PIA CAR, Abra)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058125

AFP chief lauds troops for killing 7 ASG members, credits new capabilities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5, 2020): AFP chief lauds troops for killing 7 ASG members, credits new capabilities (By Nonette N. Castillo) 

CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert I. Gapay on Thursday commended the operating forces of the Western Mindanao Command for killing seven (7) members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on November 3 in Parang, Sulu.

“Your relentlessness and commitment in defeating these terrorists were eminent in this operation and thus worthy of appreciation from our whole organization,” Gapay said.

Joint Task Force – Sulu successfully implemented a predrawn operation around 2:00 AM on Tuesday consisting of an Augusta Attack helicopter from the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Navy’s (PN) Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) with Scout Rangers and Special Forces aboard.

The AFP Chief of Staff had the opportunity to personally thank the Navy personnel who dealt blows against the capabilities of the ASG in a separate statement. “Congratulations for a job well done. I am confident that in no time we will be able to defeat this local terrorist group,” General Gapay said during his visit to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC) in Cavite on Wednesday.

“I have seen how the Navy has grown in terms of capabilities, and that is really the way to go. I do hope that this air group would grow even stronger, better, soaring high in the coming days,” he added in his speech to the command.

During the intense firefight in the open waters, the bandits were tracked by an Augusta helicopter through intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Thereafter, the Navy’s newest Multi-Purpose Attack Craft of the 3rd Boat Attack Division was vectored and in the ensuing fire fight rammed the terrorists’ speedboat. Only the front portion of the enemies’ boat remained afloat.

Killed in the 25-minute encounter was Mannul Sawadjaan who was declared “heir” of slain emir (leader) Hajan Sawadjaan of the Islamic State. The military’s operation foiled the group’s possible abduction attempts of foreigners and locals.

“The efficient use of our assets brings about significant gains in our fight against enemies of the state. This proves that armed with high-level weaponry and equipment, our skilled soldiers can render these terrorists defenseless,” Gapay said.

Assault rifles, ammunition and other equipment were recovered by troops following the encounter. As of Thursday morning, search and retrieval operations are still ongoing for the bodies of the seven (7) violent extremists.

Military records as of November 4 show a total of 65 ASG members killed, while 99 members surrendered since January of this year. Meanwhile, 122 firearms and 10 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) were seized and surrendered in various operations.

“Let us keep our nation peaceful and secured by being prepared to quell any attack from all threat elements. We will continue pushing for the AFP Modernization program to capacitate our troops towards a fully capable, responsive and highly professional armed forces, source of national pride,” he added. (PIA NCR)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1058227

6ID contact tracing up after soldier dies of suspected Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): 6ID contact tracing up after soldier dies of suspected Covid-19 (By Edwin Fernandez)

Lt. Colonel Anhouvic Atilano, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson. (File photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Stricter health protocols are underway in all Army camps under the 6th Infantry Division (ID) after a soldier has died due to suspected coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, speaking for the 6ID, said the measures aim to protect everyone inside and outside the camp, including the soldiers’ immediate families and relatives.

An Army private belonging to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion died of health complications, including a possible viral infection.

“The Army private had health issues before joining the military,” Atilano said of the soldier, who was with a pack of joggers in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, on Nov. 3 when he complained of dizziness.

He was rushed to the hospital and died a few days later. Doctors said the patient manifested symptoms of the virus, such as difficulty in breathing, before his death.

"The swab test result of the patient is yet to be released by health authorities in the next few days," Atilano told reporters here Thursday.

Contact tracing has been going on, especially on soldiers who have close contact with the Army private, Atilano said.

The 6ID area of operation includes the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani and Lanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120810

NPA losing strongholds in Samar: Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): NPA losing strongholds in Samar: Army exec (By Sarwell Meniano)

SURRENDERED FIREARMS. Photo shows some firearms turned over by two rebels who yielded to the military last Nov. 1 in Paranas, Samar. The surrender of two New People’s Army fighters is a manifestation that the communist terrorist group is losing their strongholds in the province, said 87th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The recent surrender of two fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar is a sign that the communist terrorist group is losing their strongholds in the province.

Philippine Army's 87th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Reynaldo Balido said in a statement on Thursday many NPA rebels are returning to fold of the law as they choose to live peacefully.

The army official made the statement days after the voluntary surrender of "Sadam" and "Allan" both residents of upland Lawaan 1 village in Paranas, Samar on Nov. 1.

They are both members of Squad 1 of Central Front Samar 1, sub-regional committee "Browse” of the NPA's Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

Sadam turned over an M16 rifle, six long magazines for M16, 160 rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition and a bandolier. Allan surrendered an M16 rifle, a long magazine, and a short magazine for M16, 55 rounds of 5.56mm ball ammunition, and a bandolier.

"Sadam and Allan decided to turn their backs against the NPA and surrender after they learned that their comrades are plotting to kill them as they were suspected of being informants of the military," Balido said.

"This is a manifestation that the communist terrorists do not trust their ranks anymore as most of their members are returning to folds of the law and choosing to live peacefully," he added.

Balido assured the former rebels that the military will do its best to protect them. The Army battalion will also assist them in their claims for assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the national government and Local Social Integration Program of local government units of Samar province and Paranas town.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120890

Navy hailed for Covid-19, disaster response efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Navy hailed for Covid-19, disaster response efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

RELIEF MISSION. Philippine Navy (PN) troops load relief supplies into the BRP Pangasinan which sailed to Legazpi City, Albay from Cebu City on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2020). AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay lauded the PN's humanitarian and disaster response efforts and its rapid delivery of government aid to those in need amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay has lauded Philippine Navy (PN) efforts in mitigating the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the series of typhoons that struck the country in the past weeks.

"Team Philippine Navy's committed focus and dedication to the fulfillment of the AFP's mission which has not once faltered in support of the government's stance in managing the impact of the prevailing pandemic and recent calamities," he said during his visit Wednesday to PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo at the Naval Station Jose Andrada in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Gapay also lauded the PN's humanitarian and disaster response efforts alongside the rapid delivery of government aid to citizens in dire need of medical attention.

The AFP chief also commended PN units that "stood ready and prepared to deploy their respective disaster response and recovery teams in order to render immediate assistance in the midst of a devastating calamity" following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Rolly.

Earlier, the PN said that four of its largest ships are on standby for possible relief missions to "Rolly" affected areas.

Meanwhile, Bacordo expressed his appreciation of the AFP's unfaltering support to the PN's undertakings toward the fulfillment of its mission.

As this developed, the PN on Wednesday night said that the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31) departed Cebu City to transport around 40 tons of relief goods to Legazpi City, Albay, and other parts of the Bicol Region that were devastated by Super Typhoon Rolly's onslaught last November 1.

"Said relief initiatives were spearheaded by the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) in close coordination with the AFP Central Command through Naval Forces Central (NFC) and from different local government agencies and non-government organizations such as the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. Visayas (PMAAA Inc- Visayas Chapter), Anti-Crime and Community Emergency Response Team (ACCERT) and Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV)," PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a statement.

Present during the send-off ceremony were NFC deputy commander, Navy Capt. Emmanuel Eugenio Bello, PRO-7 regional director, Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro and OPAV representative, lawyer Lessandro Maraon, who personally inspected and handed-over the consolidated donation of relief goods consisting of 87 sacks of assorted goods, 80 butane gas stoves, and 500 sacks of rice.

The BRP Pangasinan is commanded by Commander Roldydin Cris Sergio and currently under the operational control of Naval Forces Southern Luzon. The ship was sheltering in Cebu due to the effects of "Rolly".

"All available assets of the PN will be utilized for relief and rehabilitation efforts intended for the populace who were adversely affected by this calamity. The PN is one with the local government units in bringing prompt, responsive, and effective assistance to the communities affected by this yet another disaster amid the ongoing pandemic," Roxas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120807

Gapay backs Navy's systems command innovations

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Gapay backs Navy's systems command innovations (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SUPPORT FOR NSSC. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay (left) takes a tour of the Naval Sea Systems Command units in Cavite City on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2020). During the tour, the NSSC showcased cutting-edge technologies in the fields of weaponry, electronic communications, virtual and augmented reality, virtual training, and education. (Photo courtesy of the AFP Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay had pledged to support innovations being pushed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC) following a visit to its units based in Cavite City on Wednesday.

Gapay toured several units of the NSSC which showcased cutting-edge technologies in the fields of weaponry, electronic communications, virtual and augmented reality, virtual training, and education -- a first in the command’s history.

He was also updated by NSSC commander Rear Admiral Rommel Jason Galang regarding the Command's efforts under its "Capacity Building Strategy."

Gapay lauded the NSSC for setting the pace for a modern Philippine Navy (PN) which is beneficial not only for the entire AFP but for the security of the whole country.

He also called on all PN and NSSC personnel to continue working hand in hand to defeat all threats to the country’s peace and development.

Among these threats, he said, are the communist terrorists who continue to deceive the public through front organizations that target vulnerable sectors and influential people.

“It is the AFP’s obligation to expose CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) individuals and organizations for who and what they truly are. We have already unmasked the deliberate and orchestrated efforts by left-leaning organizations and the NPA which exploit vulnerable sectors and communities to advance their lawless cause,” Gapay said in a statement Thursday.

He added that the AFP has to protect the people from the deceitful and violent ways of the CPP-NPA.

“It is in line with our peace and development campaign to shield and protect the Filipinos, our institutions, and vulnerable sectors from the recruitment of the CPP-NPA. It is our mission to protect our people from the threats of communist armed violence and terrorism even while we perform our duties in this time of global pandemic and natural calamities,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120822

Group decries NPA abuses vs. women, youth

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Group decries NPA abuses vs. women, youth (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) members. (Contributed photo)

MANILA – An anti-communist group on Wednesday denounced the abuses committed by leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) against its women and youth members.

Remy Rosadio, chair of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP), cited the need to put an end to the deception, lies, and the continuing recruitment of the rebel group and its legal front-organizations.

"If the recruitment of our children and women will not be stopped, then, the abuses and sex slavery will also continue," she said.

Rosadio assailed the NPA's infiltration of schools targeting massive recruitment of students to join militant organizations and eventually become part of the communist armed movement.

"The league of parents has witnessed the recruitment scheme of these communists and its legal fronts against our youth, it must be stopped now, because our children deserve better," Rosadio said.

Anti-communist groups and other civil society organizations have been sounding the alarm over militant organizations reportedly recruiting minors who will later join the NPA.

Rosadio cited the recent testimonies given by former NPA rebels pointing at the Makabayan bloc as the recruitment arm of the communist movement.

"During the Senate Hearing, we've heard various statements from the former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, they were narrating the truth on how they recruit our youths," she said.

"If the communist's recruitment could be held inside the schools, then, this is something we must be scared of," Rosadio added.

Ex-NPA cadre's testimony

In his public appearance on Oct. 30, Jeffrey Celiz alias “Ka Eric”, a former CPP-NPA cadre, revealed that 90 percent of communist cadres were recruited from schools and universities through the legal front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

He said the communist recruitment starts through legal organizations.

“Kailangan matigil na ang recruitment sa kabataan. Matigil na ang pagwasak sa mga pamilya. Matigil na ang walang saysay na pagpatay at madugong pamamaraan ng pag advocate ng idolohiyang itinakwil na sa buong daigdig, ang Marxismo, Leninismo at Maoismo ay mga library references ito hindi para baguhin ang lipunan (Recruitment of youth should be stopped. Destruction of families and killings should be stopped. Violent means of advocating ideologies have been rejected. Marxism, Leninism, and Maoism are all but library references and should not be used to change society),” Ka Eric said.

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

Red-tagging issues

Meanwhile, LPP spokesperson Arlene Escalante questioned the Makabayan bloc for skipping the Senate hearing on the complaints of so-called "red-tagging" of individuals and groups linked to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"In an ironic turn of events, the Makabayan bloc was a no show at the Senate hearing and I find it suspicious, to say the least, that not even one of them could attend to represent their group to fight for the truth—if indeed, they are on the truth's side," Escalante said.

Escalante added the "no show" of the representatives only confirmed that the Makabayan bloc members fear the "tons of evidence" associating them as the recruitment wing for the rebel group.

"Imagine the countless armed child warriors who are constantly in danger in the boondocks! We, parents in LPP, are one in denouncing this atrocious violation of our children's rights," she said.

LPP and other anti-communist groups also urged Makabayan bloc representatives to denounce the atrocities committed by the communist terrorist group.

"If they're not associated with any of the CPP-NPA-NDF, they should be denouncing all the atrocities, violence, and recruitment of minors committed by the communist rebels,” they said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120777

Gapay lauds Westmincom’s successful anti-terror ops in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): Gapay lauds Westmincom’s successful anti-terror ops in Sulu (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Thursday commended the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) for their successful operation which led to the neutralization of seven Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Parang, Sulu last Nov. 3.

“Your relentlessness and commitment in defeating these terrorists were eminent in this operation and thus worthy of appreciation from our whole organization,” Gapay said in a statement.

Reports showed that Westmincom's Joint Task Force-Sulu successfully conducted an operation around 2 a.m. on Tuesday with an Air Force AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopter and multi-purpose attack craft with Scout Rangers and Special Forces troops aboard.

“Congratulations for a job well done. I am confident that in no time we will be able to defeat this local terrorist group,” he added.

During the intense firefight in the open waters, the terrorists were tracked by an Augusta helicopter through intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The Navy’s newest multi-purpose attack craft from the 3rd Boat Attack Division then rammed the terrorists’ speedboat. Only the front portion of the enemies’ boat remained afloat.

Killed in the 25-minute encounter was Mannul Sawadjaan who was declared “heir” of slain Islamic State leader Hajan Sawadjaan.

The military’s operation foiled the group’s possible abduction attempts of foreigners and locals in the area.

“The efficient use of our assets brings about significant gains in our fight against enemies of the state. This proves that armed with high-level weaponry and equipment, our skilled soldiers can render these terrorists defenseless,” Gapay added.

Assault rifles, ammunition, and other equipment were recovered by troops following the encounter. As of Thursday morning, search and retrieval operations are still ongoing for the bodies of the seven violent extremists.

Military records as of Thursday show a total of 65 ASG members were killed while 99 members surrendered since January of this year.

Meanwhile, 122 firearms and 10 improvised explosive devices were seized and surrendered in various operations.

“Let us keep our nation peaceful and secured by being prepared to quell any attack from all threat elements. We will continue pushing for the AFP Modernization program to capacitate our troops towards fully capable, responsive, and highly professional armed forces and source of national pride,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120899

PH’s WPS claims in accordance with int’l law

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): PH’s WPS claims in accordance with int’l law (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NAMRIA Deputy Administrator Efren Carandang. (Photo courtesy of NAMRIA)

MANILA – The Philippine government is exercising its claims on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in accordance with international law.

This, according to National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) Deputy Administrator Efren Carandang in an online press forum Wednesday.

The briefing was held in observance of Environmental Awareness Month as prescribed by Republic Act No. 9512 to promote national awareness among Filipinos on the role of natural resources in economic growth.

"In exercising sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea, our government is always guided by the rule of law," Carandang said.

The Philippines, he said, is claiming its maritime entitlements and exercises its maritime obligations based on international law.

"Even in the presence of dispute, we engage and maintain good relationships with our neighbors under the ambit of the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and other avenues for regional and international cooperation," he said.

While the political climate at times may be complex, Carandang said the Philippines is doing its best to promote "a culture of peace and cooperation within the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Region and beyond."

He added that with the country having a large stake on the living and non-living resources of the WPS, Carandang said it is only fitting that the State develop and protect this "vital part of the national patrimony."

"Our stakes for the living and non-living resources in the West Philippine Sea are high. The vast sea, as well as its seabed, are key to our food and energy security," he said.

He added that the health of the marine ecosystem in the WPS must be taken care of since it affects the health and productivity of the coastal waters of the main archipelago.

Aside from its rich and diverse marine resources, Carandang said the waters of the WPS also serve as a maritime highway through which "our merchandise, and the merchandise of other nations are transported and traded", highlighting the need to further protect it.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120932

AFP to abide by PRRD decision on VFA fate

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 5, 2020): AFP to abide by PRRD decision on VFA fate (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said it will abide by President Rodrigo R. Duterte's guidance regarding the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States after its termination was put on hold.

"We will abide fully by the final guidance of the President as regards the VFA," AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a press statement.

From the perspective of the AFP, he said the VFA translates to joint and interoperability training opportunities to benefit both Manila and Washington DC.

"This is in furtherance of the existing Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 that still has force and effect," Arevalo said.

On Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte may postpone for another six months the termination of VFA.

Roque added that the President is in no rush to decide on the VFA's fate because the notification sent to the US government gives them at least a one-year leeway before it is abrogated.

Duterte decided to suspend the planned revocation of the military pact with Washington DC last June.

The suspension of the VFA’s termination is expected to end next month.

In February, Duterte scrapped the VFA over its alleged inequities in its treaty provisions and Washington DC's alleged assault on Manila's sovereignty and disrespect for its judicial system.

His decision came following criticism of some US senators against his crackdown on illegal drugs, as well as the cancellation of the US visa of his ally, former national police chief, and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

The VFA, a military pact signed between the Philippines and the US in 1998, allows American troops who are participating in joint military exercises to visit Manila without passport and visa.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120886