Minor NPA rebel yields in Agusan

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 8, 2020): Minor NPA rebel yields in Agusan (By Mike Crismundo)

BUTUAN CITY – Tired of running, going thirsty and hungry, a minor New People’s Army (NPA) regular voluntarily surrendered to the field unit of the Philippine Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag Fighters) Battalion (29th IB) in Agusan del Norte.

“Ka Lito”, (real name withheld), is a regular member of the Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda 16 (SYP 16) Guerilla Front Committee 16 (GFC 16), of the CPP-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) was welcomed by the command group of the 29th IB in Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Monday.

According to “Ka Lito,” he was recruited by the communist-terrorist organization when he was 17 years old.

He descended from the mountains of Zapanta Valley in Agusan to surrender because he no longer liked the life of being a rebel.

While he was there, he suffered severe hunger, thirst, and longing for his family. Lito stated that he was involved in several cases of harassment of troops during an operation.

He also related that whenever a member or a colleague dies during an encounter, they just leave the remains and notify the family weeks after.

Lito said the life of a rebel is laborious as they are always moving without the promised financial assistance nor salary, and always facing danger and the unknown.

He said he was deceived by the CPP-NPA’s propaganda that joining the group will give him a comfortable and better life, away from poverty.

Lito urged the youth: “Dili gayud magpadala sa grupo kay ang kabatan-onan ang ilang focus” (Do not be deceived because the youth is their focus).

According to the command group of the 29th IB, “We are glad that he chose to surrender, to stop rebelling against the government and return to the fold because he can now live a better life. He can start anew, away from the chaos and the danger that he experienced when he was still a rebel. May Lito’s life be a lesson to all rebels. Surrender and be safe.”

Upon confirmation with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the said surrenderer was found to be a minor, the 29th IB said.

He was recruited by the communist-terrorist group when he was still 16 years old. Lito stayed as a regular member for six months from May 1, 2020 up to November 25, 2020. He turned 17 years old last September.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/08/minor-npa-rebel-yields-in-agusan/

Board of Inquiry created for Datu Piang attack, 2 motives considered

Posted to PTV News (Dec 7, 2020): Board of Inquiry created for Datu Piang attack, 2 motives considered

Aside from a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG), a Board of Inquiry (BOI) was created by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to look into the recent attack of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Datu Piang.

The SITG will focus on the investigation and filing of charges against suspects while the BOI will determine if there have been lapses and “professional response lapses” on the part of authorities.

The local government of Datu Piang admitted that it was alarmed by the recent attack considering that the armed group was accompanied by women and younger individuals.

“Sana po i-review ang perimeter defense ng Datu Piang nang sa ganoon ay makampante na rin ang mga tao (We are hoping for the review of perimeter defense of Datu Piang to calm the public),” Mayor Victor Samama stated.

The PNP has already added more troops in Datu Piang while neighboring municipalities are on alert. PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas headed to Cotabato to alert the Special Action Force and plan the pursuit operations for BIFF elements led by Commander Karialan alias “Bungos”.

The PNP is looking at two motives which include politics and revenge on the death of BIFF member Abu Suffian in a police operation in December 1.

The SITG is now expediting evidence gathering for the filing of charges which include attempted murder, arson, damage to property, indiscriminate firing, grave threats, and intimidation. – Report from Ryan Lesigues

https://ptvnews.ph/board-of-inquiry-created-for-datu-piang-attack-2-motives-considered/

Datu Piang police chief sacked after BIFF attack

From the Philippine Star (Dec 7, 2020): Datu Piang police chief sacked after BIFF attack (By John Unson)

The police chief of Datu Piang town In Maguindanao was relieved after members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) burned police patrol vehicle and shot buildings with assault rifles last week.

Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said Monday Capt. Israel Bayona had been replaced by Major Alexander Butuan.

Local residents said Bayona was the target of the gunmen behind the atrocity that sent villagers running for their lives.

Datu Piang, an old town in the second district of Maguindanao, is near central Mindanao’s 220-hectare Liguasan Delta, a Dawlah Islamiya bastion.

No fewer than 50 terrorists raided the town proper of Datu Piang from two directions, fired at houses and set on fire the patrol vehicle of the local police and a roadside outpost near a Catholic church that soldiers use for daytime security duties.

Members of the Datu Piang municipal peace and order council said Monday the relief of Bayona was one step to easing the tension between the local police and Dawlah Islamiya forces in the municipality.

The Dawlah Islamiya is also known as the BIFF that uses the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria as its banner.

Local leaders and Moro traditional elders told reporters the Dawlah Islamiya gunmen who attacked the town proper of Datu Piang are hostile to the local police owing to the recent arrest of companions for peddling of shabu, illegal possession of firearms and explosives and other criminal offenses.

Rodriguez and Major Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division have agreed to cooperate in building criminal cases against the terrorists behind the Datu Piang attack.

“Our units will help the police identify all of them for prosecution,” Uy said Monday.

The culprits are followers of Ustadz Karialan, leader of one of three factions in the Dawlah Islamiya.

Karialan and the leaders of the two other Dawlah Islamiya factions, Imam Bongos and Abu Toraife, whose real name is Abdulmalik Esmael, are all wanted for deadly terror attacks and bombings in central Mindanao since 2014.

The 6th ID has been since Saturday bombarding with artillery, the followers of Karialan now scampering towards marshes around Datu Piang after perpetrating Thursday’s attack.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/12/07/2062101/datu-piang-police-chief-sacked-after-biff-attack

Leyte town, Army boost peace initiatives to stop NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): Leyte town, Army boost peace initiatives to stop NPA recruitment (By Sarwell Meniano)

DIALOGUE WITH VILLAGERS. A military official talks with community leaders in a dialogue in Kananga town Saturday (Dec. 5, 2020). The local government unit of Kananga, Leyte, and the Philippine Army are strengthening their peace and development activities in all villages in response to attempts of the New People’s Army to recover mass and guerrilla bases in the town. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit (LGU) of Kananga, Leyte, and the Philippine Army are strengthening their peace and development activities in all villages in response to attempts of the New People’s Army (NPA) to recover mass and guerrilla bases in the town.

Both groups have initiated dialogues with villagers under Operation Barangayan for Peace and Development after members of the communist terrorist group were recently sighted in some upland areas.

The undertaking eyes to cover all 23 villages in Kananga town until Dec. 23.

“We initiated this activity to bring the government closer to the people in the light of the current attempt of the NPA to recover its former mass and guerrilla bases in the town,” Kananga Mayor Matt Torres said in a statement on Monday.

The government kicked off the day-long activity on Dec. 3 in Cacao and Montealegre villages joined by 110 village officials, community workers, and community leaders spearheaded by village chiefs Ambrosio Sialongo (Cacao) and Jaime Pedoy (Montealegre).

The second round was held on Dec. 5 in Tugbong and Sto. Niño villages.

On Monday, officials held the gathering in Naghalin and Libongao villages. Leading the dialogue are members of the municipal task force on ending local communist armed conflict.

Among the topics discussed include local security threat situation, understanding correctly the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)– NPA strategy and tactics, and assistance to former rebels who return to the fold of the law.

Capt. Kaharudin Cadil, the spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the series of dialogues with community leaders and workers intend to block efforts of the remnants of the NPA to find recruits in Kananga town.

“The local task force interacts with the people on the ground to learn, first hand, the issues, and concerns of the people with the aim of addressing those concerns. This will shield our communities from NPA deception. The NPA’s armed struggle will stop if they will not be able to find new recruits,” Cadil told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview Monday.

On Nov. 30, at least 410 individuals from Matin-aw, Motorpool, and Karawayan sub-villages fled their homes for fear of being caught in a crossfire as government troopers engaged rebels in a firefight.

They returned home the next day after spending the night in school buildings in Rizal village.

The clash happened two days after a young female fighter of the NPA was killed in an encounter with government troops in the outskirts of Kananga.

The town police identified the fatality as Rochelle Mae Bacalso, alias Ruth, 21, a newly recruited member of the remnants of Sub-Regional Committee Levox, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee of the CPP. She was reportedly a resident of the town’s Libongao village.

Kananga is a first-class municipality in Leyte province and a home to about 57,000 people. The town is located 78 kilometers northwest of Tacloban, the regional capital.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123979

3 NPA rebels surrender in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): 3 NPA rebels surrender in Zamboanga Sibugay (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Three communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists have surrendered in Zamboanga Sibugay, a police official said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Llanera, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) officer in charge, identified the NPA surrenderers as Noel Lim Ratirta, 29; Lowi Lim Ratirta, 27; and Mary Jane Dominisac, 27, all members of the NPA’s Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU).

Llanera said they surrendered around 5:20 p.m. Sunday to the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and intelligence personnel of Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office and Regional Intelligence Unit-9 in Barangay Tamin, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Llanera said they yielded a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber .45 pistol, ammunition, and other war materiel and personal belongings.

He said the three NPA surrenderers were taken to the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office for debriefing and proper documentation in compliance with guidelines of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) as mandated by Executive Order 70.

He said they will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and would receive various forms of assistance as well as access to government services.

Meanwhile, Llanera encouraged the remaining members of the NPA in the region to lay down their arms and avail of the government programs through the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123991

Army to provide decent burial to slain NPA rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): Army to provide decent burial to slain NPA rebel (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

EXHUMED REMAINS. Village watchmen carry the skeletal remains of a New People’s Army rebel killed by his own comrades and buried in a shallow grave in Barangay Riverside in Isabela, Negros Occidental two years ago. After the exhumation in the first week of December 2020, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has committed to provide a decent burial to the victim. (Photo courtesy 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has committed to provide a decent burial for a Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebel killed by his own comrades and buried in a shallow grave two years ago.

The skeletal remains of Randy Garsola, 34, were exhumed only a week ago in Sitio Aguntilang 3, Barangay Riverside in Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, chief of 3ID Public Affairs Office, said on Monday that Garsola’s remains are in the custody of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office Scene of the Crime Operation specialists.

“It will be subjected to a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test in coordination with the Philippine National Police. After the whole process, they will inform us and the family regarding the burial,” Pancito told the Philippine News Agency.

Garsola, a resident of Purok Malibog, Sitio Mahupaho, Barangay San Agustin in Isabela town, was a member of SDG Platoon of the NPA’s Central Negros 1 Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

A witness, known as "Ka Rey/Ray", told the authorities that Garsola was summarily executed upon the orders of platoon leader Adidas “Ka Bato/Baldo” Acero in Barangay La Libertad in October 2018.

Garsola had wished to surrender because of hunger and longing for his family, but Acero allegedly refused to let him leave and ordered the former's comrades to kill him.

Last Sept. 19, Acero, who has seven warrants of arrest for various crimes, was apprehended by troops of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

On Sunday, Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3ID, said the fate of Garsola should be an eye-opener for NPA combatants still hiding in the mountains.

“Come down, return to the fold of the law, and avail of the government’s integration program to start a normal and productive life with your family,” he appealed.

Vinoya said Garsola deserves to have a decent burial despite being a part of the communist-terrorist group, adding that he was merely a victim of the NPA’s lies and deceptions and deprived of liberty to visit his loved ones by his own comrades.

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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124059

PH Navy, Apeco sign deal on naval facility

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2020): PH Navy, Apeco sign deal on naval facility (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SIGNED DEAL. Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (left) and Apeco president Israel Maducdoc sign the memorandum of agreement formalizing the construction of naval facilities in Casiguran, Aurora at the Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila Monday (Dec. 7, 2020). The deal allows the construction of a 12,000-hectares support facility and naval air detachment in the Apeco-managed zone. (Photo courtesy of PH Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport (Apeco) on Monday, formalizing the construction of naval support and air base in Casiguran, Aurora which would boost its presence in the country's northern frontier.

The signing took place at the Navy headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said.

"Apeco President and CEO Mr. Israel Maducdoc and PN flag officer in command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, sealed the agreement as witnessed by other key officials from both parties. This will be eventually endorsed for the approval of the Secretary of National Defense," Roxas added.

The deal allows the construction of a 12,000-hectares support facility and naval air detachment in the Apeco-managed zone.

Bacordo, in a separate statement, called the signing of the MOA the "solidification of strategic partnership" between the Philippine Navy and the Apeco.

He said the deal would allow the Navy to establish a foothold and significantly boost its long-term force projection to protect the Philippines’ national maritime interests.

The Navy is mandated to conduct naval and maritime operations to secure the Philippine sovereignty and integrity of national territory from foreign and domestic threat including the strategic location of Casiguran, Aurora in the eastern part of Central Luzon region, facing the Philippine Sea which has been identified as one of the strategic areas covering the eastern border of the country. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124088

Duterte says no ceasefire with Reds ‘ever again’

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2020): Duterte says no ceasefire with Reds ‘ever again’ (By Jelly Musico)

Photo courtesy of NPA/Mitchell Maduro

President Rodrigo Duterte said he will not declare a ceasefire “ever again” with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for the rest of his term.

“There will be no ceasefire ever again under my term pagka-Presidente (as President). For all intents and purposes, ‘yung (the) ceasefire is dead,” Duterte said in his televised talk to the people late Monday night.

Duterte made the remarks four days after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is not inclined to recommend any truce with the CPP-NPA this holiday season.

"The AFP -- wishing and longing for a peaceful yuletide season for the Filipino people notwithstanding -- will not recommend to the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) a holiday ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

Arevalo noted the communist terrorists have been demonstrating insincerity in previous agreements.

"This was the AFP’s painful experience where the CTG reneged from their own ceasefire declaration by attacking and killing soldiers on humanitarian and peace and development missions," Arevalo said.

Duterte said the request of the CPP and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), to form a “coalition government” prompted him to “walked away” from peace talks.

“I walked away from the talks because we cannot understand each other. Maybe we were talking in different dialects. I don’t know why. But I just simply cannot understand the way it is being carried by the other side, being played. What was evolving before me was something that it is not acceptable to the Republic of the Philippines, lalo na ‘yang (especially this) coalition government. No president, no stupid president will allow it. He will get impeached,” he said.

He said he cannot compromise anything in the government, particularly the supposed power-sharing the CPP-NPA-NDF asked from him.

“You are not supposed to share that power. Ako, may sinumpaan ako (I have an oath of office). Those powers are given to me under the law, only to be exercised unless they are capable of being delegated. I cannot compromise anything in this government. It’s either I will be impeached or the military and the police will shoot me,” Duterte said.

He criticized the communists for committing offenses like arson, rape and killing soldiers and barangay officials, and for conspiring to overthrow the government.

“These are serious offenses under the revised penal code,” he said. “All communists are bad because all of you are conspiring to overthrow the government of the Republic of the Philippines and nobody would allow you, not the military, not the police, and not the majority of all Filipinos.”

Duterte said he will identify the groups which serve as “legal fronts” of the CPP-NPA-NDF before he steps down in 2022.

“I’m trying to sort out what we will do to you because you are now criminals and as I have pointed out, we are not only tagging you, that’s a light… we are identifying you. And we will identify you anytime you want but there will be a time under my end terms. I will name all of you, kayong lahat sa (all of you in the) NDF,” Duterte added.

In his speech last week, Duterte said the Armed Forces of the Philippines does not engage in red-tagging leftist lawmakers but was actually “identifying” them as legal fronts.

He said the AFP is “very correct” for identifying groups like Bayan, Makabayan, and Gabriela as “legal fronts” of CPP-NPA.

“Itong mga legal fronts ng komunista, lahat ‘yan (These legal fronts of the communists. All of them) Makabayan, Bayan…they are all legal fronts, Gabriela. We are not red-tagging you. We are identifying you as members in a grand conspiracy comprising all the legal fronts that you have organized headed by NDF tapos yung (then) New People’s Army at Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124095

Army recovers rebels' belongings in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): Army recovers rebels' belongings in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

BALER, Aurora – Troops of the Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) recovered on Monday abandoned items believed to be owned by the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Barangay Dimanayat, San Luis town, this province.

A strike operation was conducted at a CTG lair in the area based on the revelation of a former rebel that resulted in the recovery of 35 empty gallons, which, he said, were used for safekeeping their firearms and ammunition as well as their rice supply.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, said that according to "Ka Alex", the empty gallons were owned and prepositioned by Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) operating in the area.

Rubio said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front's (CPP-NPA-NDF) logistical build-up and movement have been restricted by the establishment of Dimanayat Patrol Base and the deployment of Community Support Program (CSP), prompting the CTG to abandon the items.

“The recent discovery of abandoned empty containers believed to be owned by KLG-SM indicates that they are now on the run due to our sustained combat operations with the Philippine National Police. It also means that the local populace are no longer supporting them in terms of logistics and finances. We will continue to intensify our security operations for them to force to abandon the armed struggle,” Rubio said in an interview.

He commended the operating team for their diligent efforts and reminded the villagers about the importance of community participation in the fight against terrorism.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124031

AFP to help in transport, distribution of Covid-19 vaccines

 From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): AFP to help in transport, distribution of Covid-19 vaccines (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it would help in the transportation and distribution of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines once these arrive in the country.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay, in a Laging Handa briefing, said the military would assist especially in the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines in remote areas in the country.

"So initially ang tasking natin dyan is sa transport and distribution ng (Covid-19) vaccines, lalung-lalo na dun sa far-flung areas na hindi talaga maabot ng ibang ahensya ng ating gobyerno (Initially, our tasking is on the transport and the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines especially in far-flung areas that cannot be reached by other government agencies) so we will be guided by the provisions and the guidelines that will be published by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) so (we'll be) utilizing our air, naval and ground assets," he added.

Last week, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Eric Domingo said Covid-19 vaccines in the country may be rolled out in the country as early as March 2021.

Since Covid-19 vaccines require cold storage, Gapay said the AFP will ensure that these are delivered and administered in a timely manner.

Aside from providing assistance in the transport of vaccines, the AFP can also assist in ensuring security in its distribution.

"Of course, not everyone would have immediate access. The national government has a priority list, first are the front-liners, particularly health workers and medical staff. Then, we have senior citizens and indigent communities and others. Aside from transporting, your AFP would also help ensure peace and order and would provide other services based on the tasking from the IATF," Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124013

AFP '60% at par' with Asean neighbors due to modernization

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): AFP '60% at par' with Asean neighbors due to modernization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Jose Rizal. (Philippine Navy photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Monday said the country's military is now "60 percent at par" with neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region in terms of its defense capabilities.

Gapay made this statement when asked about the AFP's ongoing modernization program in a Laging Handa briefing.

"Right now, maybe, masasabi natin we are already at 60 percent at par with our neighboring countries. But once yung mga nasa modernization pipeline ay ma-deliver na, medyo paparehas na tayo (Right now, maybe we say that we are already at 60 percent at par with our neighboring countries but once the deliverables in the modernization pipeline arrive, we can say that we are at par with them)," he added.

Due to the ongoing AFP modernization program, Gapay said the AFP is now starting to get the respect of its counterparts in terms of its defense capabilities.

He added that this is demonstrated by President Rodrigo R. Duterte's thrust to beef up the AFP's capability.

"Sabi nga niya (Duterte), nais nyang makita ang isang malakas at tunay na maaasahan na armed forces once he steps down in 2022, at yun ang kanyang ginagawa (Like what he said, he wants a strong and dependable Armed Forces once he steps down in 2022)," Gapay said.

He added that this can be seen in the improvements being done to the Philippine Navy (PN) which is now equipped with missile frigates and a corvette which are now being used to patrol the country's territorial and exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

Gapay was referring to the missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) which was commissioned last July 10 and its sister ship, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), which is scheduled to be delivered by the first quarter of 2021 and BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), an anti-submarine corvette donated by the South Korean Navy and activated in August 2019.

Previously, the PN's most capable ships were the three Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels which were retired Hamilton-class cutters acquired from the United States Coast Guard as excess defense articles during 2011, 2013, and 2017 and armed primarily with a 76mm Oto Melara automatic cannon.

Gapay said there is a possibility that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be having multi-role fighters like or similar to the General Dynamics F-16 "Falcon/Viper" in its inventory before Duterte concludes his term in 2022.

"Soon bago bumaba ang ating Pangulo, magkakaroon na rin tayo ng multi-role fighters kagaya ng mga F-16s sa inventory ng ating Air Force (Soon, before President Duterte steps down, we will having multi-role fighters like the F-16s in our Air Force's inventory," he added.

At present, the PAF is operating 12 units of the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light-lift trainer as its fighter and attack aircraft.

These aircraft were delivered starting in 2015 and were completed in 2017.

The FA-50PH has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5 and generally more capable than the sub-sonic SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers the PAF used for air defense missions following the retirement of its Mach 1.4 capable Northrop F-5 "Tiger" jet fighters in 2005.

Gapay added the AFP is now more mobile and capable of amphibious operations as proven by the recently concluded "DAGIT-PA" exercises which started on Nov. 23 and ended on Dec. 4.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124034

Over 7K Reds neutralized in relentless security ops: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): Over 7K Reds neutralized in relentless security ops: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (Screengrab from Laging Handa briefing)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it continues to win the war against communist insurgency in the country as it has neutralized over 7,000 members of the communist terrorist New People's Army (NPA) so far this year.

"From January this year, mahigit 7,000 na ang ating na-neutralize na NPA. Karamihan dyan ay nag-surrender, mga 6,600. Then 1,991 ang nasawi sa mga engkwentro with security forces at 250 naman ang na-apprehend. (we have neutralized more than 7,000 NPA members. Around 6,600 of them surrendered, 1,991 died in clashes with security forces and 250 were apprehended)," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a Laging Handa briefing.

He added that government troops have seized over 1,500 firearms in various security operations against communist terrorists.

"What we want to highlight is the confiscation of 491 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by communist terrorists. The NPA continues to use landmines and IEDs bagama't pinagbabawal ito sa (even if these are prohibited under the) International Humanitarian Law," Gapay added.

Gapay, meanwhile, reported that from Jan. 1 to Dec. 4 this year, government forces have neutralized 187 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and seized 134 firearms from them in intensified security operations.

A total of 232 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were also neutralized since the start of this year who yielded a total of 193 firearms.

He added that military troops has also neutralized 61 members of the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and recovered 52 firearms from them.

Gapay, meanwhile, dismissed allegations of red-tagging and insisted that is merely conducting a public awareness campaign regarding allies of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

"Nais ko lang sabihin muli na ang (I just want to say again that the) AFP is not engaged in red-tagging kundi (but) truth-tagging, sinasabi lang namin yung kung ano yung totoo, pawang katotohanan (we are just telling the truth, the mere truth) and we are unmasking itong mga (these) personalities and organizations involved with the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) na ang kanilang (that their) ultimate goal really is to overthrow our government and supplant our democratic ways with communist rule through armed struggle, through violent means," Gapay said in a separate radio interview.

He added that the allies of the communist terrorists are using every possible means to erode and destroy government institutions in line with their goals.

However, Gapay said that should the CPP-NPA and its allies to do using violent means, then they have to contend with the AFP which has the constitutional mandate to protect the people from such threats.

Also, he added that there are now a lot of ways and means to seek change peacefully in the Philippines.

And when asked whether there will be a ceasefire with the CPP-NPA for the holiday season, Gapay said the AFP is still in the process of assessing it based on the situation on the ground.

"But overall, initially, ang (the) sentiment is we're not bent on recommending any ceasefire for the holidays. Yung lessons of the past, talagang everytime magkakaroon tayo ng (everytime we have a) holiday truce with the CPP-NPA ay marami silang (they have a lot of) violations and these are human rights violation na rin (too). Imagine last year, kaka-announce pa lang ng ceasefire (the ceasefire was just announced), during the holidays, inatake na kaagad, in-ambush na agad yung mga tropa natin, magpatuloy yung kanilang mga extortion sa mga communities. (they attacked and ambushed our troops and push through with extortion in communities)," Gapay said.

He added that a ceasefire truce must be mutually followed by two warring parties.

"But ang problema into, laging one-sided, laging ang AFP na lang ang tumatalima sa mga (The problem is it is always one-sided. It is only the AFP who complies with the) provisions (of the) holiday truce or ceasefire," Gapay said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123994

Manila court clears 10 Navy men in 1995 ensign's death

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): Manila court clears 10 Navy men in 1995 ensign's death (By Benjamin Pulta)

A Manila court has cleared 10 Philippine Navy (PN) personnel from murder charges over the death of then 24-year-old Navy Ensign Philip Pestaño in 1995.

In an order dated Nov. 27 and made public on Monday, Judge Hannah Arriola of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46 dismissed the charges against Lt. Cmdr. Luidegar Casis, Ensigns Alfrederic Alba and Ricardo Ordonez, Seaman 1st Class Welmenio Aquino, Ensign Joselito T. Calico, Petty Officer 1st Class Carlito B. Amoroso, Lt. Junior Grade Reynaldo Lopez, Cmdr. Ruben Roque, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mil Leonor, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Sandy Miranda.

“Endless possibilities on what may have happened onboard Philippine Navy ship BRP Bacolod on that fateful day (which) sanction reasonable doubt on accused’s guilt,” Arriola cited.

“It is elementary that when the court finds the evidence insufficient to support a verdict of guilt, the court shall grant the demurrer and the criminal case be dismissed,” the court said.

Pestaño was found dead in his bed in the Navy supply ship with a gunshot wound on his right temple on Sept. 27, 1995.

At the time, the ship was on its way to the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard in Manila from Sangley Point, Cavite.

Despite independent investigations and testimonies by forensics experts that the death was a suicide, the family insisted that he was killed for allegedly discovering firearms and logs on the ship.

It later turned out that the firearms belong to the Philippine Army while the logs were given as a gift by then Tawi-Tawi governor Rashibin Matba to the Navy.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1124058

98-year-old guerrilla fighter recalls WWII experience

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2020): 98-year-old guerrilla fighter recalls WWII experience (By Ben Cal)

World War II veteran Max Young

Maj. Max Young, a 98-year-old former guerrilla fighter, on Monday vividly recalled his ordeal in World War II, particularly his daring escape, together with his comrades from their Japanese captors on March 20, 1942.

Young, who hails from Cebu, disclosed his WWII experience during an exclusive interview on the eve of the 79th anniversary of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941 that started WWII in the Pacific.

At 98, Young could be the only surviving Filipino war veteran who fought during the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War where he was a member of the Philippine Civic Action Group to Vietnam (PHILCAG), not engaged in combat, but civic action work.

Despite his age, Young still remembers all his combat experience, particularly the Korean War where he was a tank commander, who fought almost singlehandedly against highly superior Chinese and North Korean force in the battle of Yultong where he was awarded the Taegeuk Medal, South Korea’s highest military medal for gallantry in combat.

Young still does calisthenics every day doing 1,000 steps, and walks on his own.

Recalling his WWII experience, Young said he was aboard working in a civilian ship, together with 160 soldiers and their families going to Manila from Cebu when we heard "over the radio at 10 in the morning that Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and Clark Air Base in Pampanga were bombed by Japanese warplanes on that fateful day of 8 December 1941”.

“We were sailing near Mindoro Island when we heard the news that shocked all of us. We prayed to God for protection,” he said.

He said the ship captain was undaunted as he sped up the ship going to Manila.

“As we sailed to Manila, two Japanese warships spotted us. We were told to surrender, but our skipper ignored the warning,” he said. “Suddenly, the Japanese opened fire at us with their big guns as we continued to sail.”

Young said the boat’s captain proceeded to Corregidor and anchored the ship on the seashore.

“We jumped to the shallow waters and ran for our lives,” Young said.

After a few days, they were told to proceed to Bataan but “on Dec. 15 we went to Fort Mills in Corregidor Island where there was an enlistment in progress by the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE),” he said.

“I was enlisted immediately. I was elated. At that time, I was 19,” Young said.

With the Philippines under attack, Young said he was ready to die and defend the country against the Japanese invaders.

Later, Young said he and six of his companions decided to surrender to the Japanese on March 1, 1942, or three months after the invasion.

“We were assigned to help in serving meal to our Japanese captors,” he said.

“Then on March 20, 1942, we secretly planned to escape. Fortunately, we were able to escape and thanked God for His help and protection,” he added.

Young’s combat experience is a one-of-a-kind exploit that all Filipinos can be proud of and even worth making into a movie about the great Filipino soldier.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123999

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army provided free hair cut, BP check up and security assistance to LGU Baler medical mission

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 7, 2020): Philippine Army provided free hair cut, BP check up and security assistance to LGU Baler medical mission



BALER, Aurora-The 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army provided security assistance to 269 villagers who benefitted from a one-day medical mission conducted by the local government unit (LGU) in this capital town of Aurora on Saturday (December 5, 2020).

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 91st IB said that the medical mission was conducted at the covered court of Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora wherein the troops assisted the LGU of baler headed by Hon. Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara in the conduct of Medical mission together with SB members and the office of the Congressman Rommel Rico T Angara.

He said that the services rendered in the medical mission include medical checkup, mobile clinic (ecg, x-ray, ultrasound) free cut, BP check up and many others.

“We are always ready and committed to support our local government units (LGUs) in this noble activity. Their safety is our priority and concerns while our leaders and healthcare professionals work for them to stay strong and healthy. We enjoin every citizen to do their share for the common good,” LTC RUBIO said.

He added that the recent conduct of medical mission and delivery of basic services in Brgy. Calabuanan greatly appreciated by the local residents especially this time of pandemic.

“It will make the people feel that the government is always there willing to serve them,” LTC RUBIO said.

It could be remembered that Mayor Angara has procured a mobile clinic and two multi-purpose vehicles to enhance the delivery of health and other vital services to the residents here in Baler.

It was a promise before the election and was fulfilled with the help of the Sangguniang Bayan led by Vice Mayor Bobong Ong and the entire staff of the LGU-Baler.

The mobile clinic will continually roam around the 13 barangays to provide free medical assistance to Mayor Angara’s townmates.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-army-provided-security-assistance-to-lgu-baler-medical-mission/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Bagong panganak na aktibista, 4 na iba pa, inaresto at inakusahang kasapi ng BHB

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Bagong panganak na aktibista, 4 na iba pa, inaresto at inakusahang kasapi ng BHB

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Dinakip ang aktibistang si Amanda Lacaba Echanis at kanyang isang buwang sanggol sa tinutuluyang bahay sa Barangay Carupian, Baggao, Cagayan noong Disyembre 2. Si Echanis ay kasapi ng Amihan at nag-oorganisa ng mga kababaihang magsasaka.

Kasalukuyang nakadetine si Echanis sa Camp Adduro, Tuguegarao batay sa gawa-gawang kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives. Anak siya ng pinaslang na konsultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines na si Randall Echanis.

Ayon sa Karapatan, may mga binayaran ang National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) para maging “saksi” laban kay Echanis. Sa parehong barangay, kasabay na hinalughog ang bahay ni Isabelo Adviento, tagapangulo ng Danggayan-Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

Inaresto din ng pulisya batay sa gawa-gawang kasong rebelyon ang organisador ng unyon sa transportasyon na si Jose Bernardino sa Sapang Maisac, Mexico, Pampanga noong Disyembre 4.

Kasabay nito, inaresto batay sa kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives si Marilou Tan sa San Roque, Tinambac, Camarines Sur. Parehong madaling araw isinagawa ang mga operasyon.

Sa Albay, inaresto ang 72-taong gulang na magsasakang si Ronaldo Ogama sa kanyang bahay sa Barangay Batbat, Guinobatan noong Nobyembre 17. Inakusahan siyang kasapi ng BHB.
Sa Kitaotao, Bukidnon, inaresto at tinortyur ng 16th IB ang 17-anyos na magsasakang si Ruben Dano noong Nobyembre 19 sa Barangay Balangigay. Matapos nito, tinortyur ng 16th IB ang anim na minoryang magsasaka at matandang si Carlito Sordilla.

Sa Surigao del Norte, inaresto ng 29th IB si Datu Danilo Kalinawan sa Barangay Cawilan, Tubod noong Disyembre 2 ng madaling araw. Hindi pa siya natatagpuan ng pamilya hanggang ngayon.

Apat na babaeng residente ng Maysapang, Barangay Ususan, Taguig City ang inaresto matapos pigilan ang panghahalughog ng armadong mga maton ng R-II Builders sa lugar. Matagal nang may banta ang kumpanya na idemolis ang naturang komunidad.

Masaker sa South Cotabato. Dalawang Pulang mandirigma na wala sa katayuang lumaban ang pinatay ng 5th SFB at PNP sa Sityo Kibang, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, noong Disyembre 2, alas-4:30 ng umaga.

Kinilala ang mga biktima na sina Romeo Libron (Ka Melvin), 60, at Ka Sarge. Pinatay din ng mga pasista ang tatlong sibilyan na bumisita nang araw na iyon, kabilang ang asawa ni Ka Melvin.

Pagpaslang. Binaril at napatay ang purok lider na si Ignacio Moraca Arevalo ng lokal na pulis at 29th IB sa Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City noong Nobyembre 25. Si Arevalo ay lider ng Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Minero.

Pinatay din ng PNP-Sison si Josefino “Lalo” Calang, isang negosyante, bandang alas-12 ng gabi ng Nobyembre 26. Inakusahan siyang kasapi ng milisyang bayan ng BHB.

Pambobomba. Makailang-ulit na inistraping at tatlong beses na kinanyon ng AFP Northern Luzon Command ang Barangay Lawak Langka, Mangatarem, Pangasinan noong Nobyembre 24. Ilang araw na naparalisa ang kabuhayan ng mga residente dahil dito.

Naghulog din ng pitong bomba at nag-istraping ang 29th IB sa mga komunidad sa Santiago, Agusan del Norte noong Nobyembre 25.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/bagong-panganak-na-aktibista-4-na-iba-pa-inaresto-at-inakusahang-kasapi-ng-bhb/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Bangkay ng mandirigma, ginawang tropeyo

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Bangkay ng mandirigma, ginawang tropeyo

Nilapastangan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang bangkay ni Jevilyn Cullamat, mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) na napaslang sa isang engkwentro sa Marihatag, Surigao del Sur noong Nobyembre 28. Ipinakalat ng mga sundalo ng 3rd Special Forces Battalion ang isang larawan sa midya at social media kung saan nakabulagta ang kanyang bangkay na animo’y tropeyo ng nagpalitratong mga sundalo sa likod nito.

Si Cullamat ay bunsong anak ni Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat. “Mahal ko ang anak ko na nagmahal sa bayan. Ipinagmamalaki ko siya. Bayani siya ng mga Lumad at ng buong bayan,” anang kanyang ina.

Labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas ang paglapastangan sa bangkay at pambabastos sa pamilya ng napaslang. Ginagamit din ito para sa malisyosong red-tagging sa Bayan Muna at pagpupumilit ng NTF-ELCAC na itakwil nito ang komunismo at armadong pakikibaka. Tinanggihan ito ng Bayan Muna at sa halip ay ipinanawagan na resolbahin ang mga ugat ng armadong tunggalian.

Hindi na bago ang ganitong gawain ng AFP. Noong Mayo 13, ibinalandra ng 23rd IB sa gitna ng mataong komunidad sa Gingoog City ang mga katawan ng 10 Pulang mandirigma na napaslang sa pambobomba nito. Pinapila ng mga sundalo ang mga residente at pinatingnan sa kanila ang lasug-lasog nang mga bangkay.

Sa Davao del Sur noong Abril 2018 pinaslang ng militar si Jhun Marck Acto, 15 anyos, at isa pang 16-anyos sa Barangay Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City noong Nobyembre 2019, kinuhanan ng litrato at pinalabas na mga kasapi ng BHB.

Punung-puno ng ganitong mga paglapastangan sa mga bangkay ng mga sibilyan at mandirigmang pinatay ng mga sundalo ang mga website at akawnt sa social media ng AFP.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/bangkay-ng-mandirigma-ginawang-tropeyo/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga atake ng GRP sa mga konsultant ng NDF, walang awat

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Mga atake ng GRP sa mga konsultant ng NDF, walang awat

Mariing kinundena ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ang walang awat na paninibasib ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa maruming gera nito laban sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayang Pilipino. Noong huling bahagi ng Nobyembre sunud-sunod nitong inatake ang limang konsultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) sa usapang pangkapayapaan. Labag ito sa Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) na naggarantiya sa kanilang seguridad.

Noong Nobyembre 25, bandang alas-3 ng madaling araw, sinalakay ng mga pulis ang tinitirhang bahay sa Angono, Rizal ng mag-asawang Eugenia Magpantay at Agaton Topacio at pinatay sila nang walang kalaban-laban. Parehong 69 taong gulang na ang mag-asawa, may mga sakit tulad ng diabetes at rayuma at pinakamalamang na tulog sa oras ng pamamaslang. Sila’y dating mga upisyal ng Partido na nagretiro kamakailan dahil sa mga sakit.

Sadyang galit na galit ang mga berdugo sa mag-asawa kaya’t hindi sila binigyan ng pagkakataong mabuhay pa. Gayunman, hindi sila malilimutan ng mga inaapi at pinagsasamantalahang masa, laluna sa Gitnang Luzon, dahil sa mahigit apat na dekadang paglilingkod nila sa rebolusyon. Dating kasapi ng Kawanihang Pampulitika ng Komite Sentral si Magpantay at isa sa mga nangungunang kadre ng Partido na naghanda at nagtipon ng mga delegado para sa Ikalawang Kongreso ng PKP noong 2016. Si Topacio naman ay dating kasapi ng National Operational Command ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), at dating kalihim ng Central Luzon Regional Party Committee.

Mariin ding kinundena ng PKP ang hindi makatarungang paghatol ng korte ng Quezon City noong Nobyembre 27 ng habambuhay na pagkabilanggo kina Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria. Batay ito sa gawa-gawang mga kasong kidnapping at iligal na detensyon na isinampa laban sa kanila. Kaugnay ito ng pag-aresto ng BHB-Southern Tagalog kina Lt. Abraham Casis (ngayon ay retiradong heneral na) at limang iba pang sundalo bilang mga prisoner-of-war (POW) noon pang 1988. Ang pagdisarma at pagkabimbin ng mga tauhan ng militar bilang mga POW o mga bihag ng digma ng BHB ay lehitimo at makataong hakbang sa pakikidigma.

Samantala, inaresto ang dating konsultant ng NDFP na si Alfredo Mapano habang nagtatrabaho sa Phividec noon ding Nobyembre 27 sa Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. Mahigit pitong taong nakakulong si Mapano at napalaya lamang noong 2016 upang sumali sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa Norway. Namahinga na rin si Mapano mula nang ibinagsak ng rehimeng Duterte ang usapang pangkapayapaan at nagtrabaho sa naturang kumpanya. Ikinababahala ng Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform ang patraydor na pag-aresto kay Mapano na pumaloob na sa programa ng pagsurender at “rekonsilyasyon” ng reaksyunaryong estado.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/mga-atake-ng-grp-sa-mga-konsultant-ng-ndf-walang-awat/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Berdugong sundalo at pulis sa NEMR, inambus

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Berdugong sundalo at pulis sa NEMR, inambus

Inambus ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Agusan del Norte ang nag-ooperasyong yunit ng 29th IB sa bulubunduking bahagi ng Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. Napaslang sa labanan si Master Sergeant Aberto samantalang namatay sa ospital ang isa pang upisyal.

Nagsasagawa ng nakapokus na operasyong militar ang 29th IB sa naturang barangay simula pa Nobyembre 12. Inireklamo ng mga residente ang pananakot at panggugulo ng mga sundalo sa lugar.

Inambus ng isang yunit ng BHB-Surigao del Norte ang nagpapatrulyang sasakyan ng Philippine National Police (PNP)-Sison sa Barangay Mayag, Sison. Sugatan ang isang pulis. Responsable ang PNP-Sison sa pagpaslang sa negosyante at ama ng isang Pulang mandirigma na si Josefino “Lalo” Calang noong Nobyembre 26.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/berdugong-sundalo-at-pulis-sa-nemr-inambus/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga protesta

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Mga protesta

NTF-ELCAC, buwagin!

Nagprotesta ang 100 aktibista sa Quezon City noong December 4 para ipanawagan ang pagbubuwag ng NTF-ELCAC at pagbibigay ng pondo nito sa mamamayan. Hindi lamang ginagamit ang pondo nito para sa red-tagging, ginagawa rin itong palabigasan ng mga heneral at anti-komunistang propagandista ng rehimen. Sa halip, gamitin na lamang ang pondo para sa ayuda, pambili ng bakuna o di kaya’y subsidyo sa mga estudyanteng hirap na hirap sa online at blended learning.

CBA ng mga manggagawa ng Nexperia, tagumpay

Matagumpay na naigiit ng mga mangagawa ng Nexperia ang makabuluhang CBA laban sa kumpanya. Kabilang sa benepisyong kanilang napagtagumpayan ay ang pagbibigay ng kompensasyon o retroactive pay ng Nexperia para sa anim na buwan na walang operasyon dahil sa lockdown at dagdag na sahod kada taon simula 2021.

Susi sa kanilang tagumpay ang serye ng mga pagkilos ng mga manggagawa, kabilang na dito ang silent protest na isinagawa noong Nobyembre 24 para igiit ang kabuhayan at kalusugan sa gitna ng pandemya.

Misa ng pasasalamat at pagkakaisa, idinaos

Nagsagawa ng misa ng pasasalamat at pagkakaisa ang mga residente ng Barangay IVC, Marikina noong Disyembre 5 bilang pagkilala sa mga organisasyong tumulong sa kanila sa panahon ng kalamidad at upang ipahayag ang pagtutol sa mga proyektong kontra-kalikasan.

Bago nito, nagkaroon din ng pagkilos para sa agad na ayuda ang mga residenteng apektado ng bagyong Rolly sa Freedom Park, Marikina noong Nobyembre 21 at 25. Tinatayang aabot sa ₱30 bilyon ang mga nawasak na ari-arian at kabuhayan sa syudad pa lamang.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/mga-protesta-2/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ika-157 Araw ni Bonifacio: Panagutin si Duterte,#ipaglaban ang kabuhayan!

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Ika-157 Araw ni Bonifacio: Panagutin si Duterte,#ipaglaban ang kabuhayan!

Sa pangunguna ng Kilusang Mayo Uno, nagprotesta ang mahigit 6,000 katao sa University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City noong Nobyembre 30. Sigaw nila ang panawagan para sa kaligtasan, trabaho at karapatan.

Tinutulan nila ang nagpapatuloy na red-tagging ng rehimen at pagpapatupad ng Anti-Terror Law na ginagamit para supilin ang mga kritiko nito. Anila, ginamit ng mga upisyal-militar ang pagdinig sa Senado noong Nobyembre 24 para magkalat ng disimpormasyon at kasinungalingan kaugnay sa mga lehitimong demokratikong organisasyon at kongresista.

Kasabay ng araw ng kapanganakan ni Andres Bonifacio, ginunita rin ng mga kabataang aktibista ang ika-22 anibersaryo ng Anakbayan. Nangako silang ipagpapatuloy ang laban ni Bonifacio para sa pambansang demokrasya at kalayaan.

Sa Baguio City, nagtipon ang mga aktibista sa Malcolm Square. Tinutulan nila ang paggawad ng lokal na gubyerno ng karapatan sa SM Prime Holdings para isaayos ang Baguio City Market. Anila, ibinasura ng syudad ang rekomendasyon ng mga manininda laban dito. Mariin din nilang tinutulan ang red-tagging ng rehimen sa mga aktibista sa rehiyon.

Kasabay nito nagkaroon din ng programa sa mga bayan ng Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao at Calamba sa Laguna at Plaza Miranda, Angeles City sa Pampanga. Sa Panay, nagprotesta rin ang Kadamay sa Jaro, Iloilo habang may programa rin sa Kalibo, Aklan at Roxas City, Capiz. May pagkilos din ang Bayan-Negros sa Bacolod City. Nagkaroon ng girian sa Mandaue City, Cebu at Balanga, Bataan matapos salakayin ng mga pulis ang mga raliyista. Sa Davao, nagkaroon ng pagkilos sa Bankerohan Public Market at Freedom Park, Roxas Avenue sa pangunguna ng Kilusang Mayo Uno-Southern Mindanao.

Ginunita rin sa araw na ito ang ika-56 anibersaryo ng Kabataang Makabayan.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/ika-157-araw-ni-bonifacio-panagutin-si-duterteipaglaban-ang-kabuhayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Patung-patong na sakuna

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): 2020: Patung-patong na sakuna

Ilang taon bago pa man pumasok ang 2020, kabilang na ang Pilipinas sa mga nangunguna sa iba’t ibang listahan ng mga bansang bulnerable sa mga epekto ng climate change. Dati nang kinakaharap ng bansa ang panganib ng mga natural na sakuna dahil sa lokasyon nito. Pero higit na nagiging malubha ang pinsala ng mga ito sa mamamayan dahil sa mala-delubyong mga pagpapahirap ng mga naghahari sa bansa.

Karaniwang pumapasok sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas ang 19-20 bagyo bawat taon, kung saan anim hanggang siyam ang tumatama sa kalupaan. Ito’y dahil nakaharap ang bansa sa Pacific Ocean kung saan nabubuo ang 60% ng mga bagyo.

Pero dahil sa pagbabago sa klima, limang beses nang mas madalas ang natural na mga kalamidad na tumatama sa bansa ngayon kumpara noong 1980, at mas malalakas na rin ang mga ito. Kabilang sa pinakamalalakas na bagyong humambalos sa bansa nitong nagdaang dekada ay ang Sendong (2011), Pablo (2012), Yolanda (2013), Glenda (2014) at Ompong (2018). Mahigit ₱216 bilyon ang pinagsamang halaga ng pinsala ng mga ito, at aabot sa 13,000 ang namatay.

Nito lamang Oktubre hanggang Nobyembre, apat na malalakas na bagyo ang sunud-sunod na humambalos sa bansa, kumitil sa di bababa sa 115 buhay at sa konserbatibong pagtaya ay nag-iwan ng mahigit ₱45 bilyong pinsala. Kabilang dito ang bagyong Rolly, na siyang pinakamalakas na bagyo sa buong mundo ngayong taon. Kaakibat din ng nagdaang mga bagyo ang matitinding pagbaha na huling naranasan noong 2009, at mga pagguho ng lupa.

Umiinit ang mundo

Inianunsyo nitong huling kwarto ng taon ang pagpasok ng panahon ng La Niña matapos ang halos isang dekada. Dahil sa hindi pangkaraniwang pag-init ng Pacific Ocean, inaasahang dadami, dadalas at lalakas ang mabubuong mga bagyo. Mas malaki rin ang inaasahang bolyum ng mga pag-ulan na posibleng magdulot ng mga flashflood, landslide, at pag-apaw ng mga dam at ilog.

Itinuturong dahilan sa mabilis na pagbabago ng klima ng daigdig ang pagpapakawala ng mga greenhouse gas. Ang mga gas na ito (pangunahin ang carbon dioxide) ay natatambak sa atmospera at nagkukulong sa init ng mundo, kaya’t tumataas ang temperatura ng daigdig na sanhi ng pagkasira ng dating balanse ng klima.

Kabilang ang 2020 sa tatlong pinakamaiinit na taon sa kasaysayan. Kung hindi ibababa nang 6% ang produksyon na langis, gas at karbon bawat taon, maaari itong magdulot ng matinding kapahamakan. Ang mga nabanggit na industriya ang pinakamalalaking nag-aambag sa pagpapainit ng temperatura ng mundo. Nangunguna dito ang mga bansang sentro ng kapitalismo—ang China, US, at EU.

Sa Pilipinas, nangungunang nagpapakawala ng mga gas na ito ang mga planta ng kuryente na pinatatakbo ng karbon. Nito lamang Oktubre, 22 pang bagong planta ang pinayagang itayo bilang dagdag sa kasalukuyang nag-oopereyt na 28. Isinubasta rin ang mga deposito ng karbon sa Zamboanga Sibugay. Isa ring dahilan ng pagpakawala ng greenhouse gas ang malawakang pagkakalbo at pagmimina ng mga kagubatan. ##Pandemya, epidemya at iba pang mga sakuna

Samantala, ang Covid-19 na unang naitala sa bansa noong Marso ay umabot na sa mahigit 400 libo ang nahawa. Mahigit 8,500 na ang namatay sa mga nagkasakit.

Pagbungad pa lamang ng taon ay sumabog ang bulkang Taal sa Batangas na agad nagpa-bakwit sa mahigit 168,000 residente. Nagdulot din ng mahigit ₱4.3 bilyong pinsala ang naturang kalamidad.

Dumami at dumalas din ang mga paglindol, na dati’y umaabot lamang ng siyam hanggang 18 na may iba’t ibang lakas. Mula sa abereyds na 2.2 bawat araw noong 2011, dumami ang mga ito tungong abereyds na 35 bawat araw ngayong taon. Kung noong 2011 ay limang lindol lang ang may lakas na magnitude 6 pataas, ngayon ay umaabot na ito sa walo.

Dahil sa mga pagbaha, dumami ang mga kaso ng nagkakasakit ng leptospirosis. Sa loob lang ng tatlong linggo mula Nobyembre 12, umabot ng 89 ang kaso ng sakit sa isang ospital pa lamang. Mahigit kalahati ito ng naitala mula Enero na 163.

Noong Pebrero, kumalat ang pandemyang African Swine Fever sa mga baboy at patuloy pa ring kumakalat sa iba’t ibang prubinsya. Mahigit limang libo na ang naitalang kaso ng sakit sa mga baboy.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/2020-patung-patong-na-sakuna/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mahina ang benta pero tumataas ang mga presyo

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): Mahina ang benta pero tumataas ang mga presyo

Noong Hunyo, sinabi ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas na mapapanatili ng bansa na mababa ang pangkalahatang tantos ng implasyon dahil mababa ang demand (o dami ng mga gustong bumili) para sa mga produkto sa ilalim ng pandemya. Taliwas dito, tatlong beses nang sumirit ang implasyon ngayong taon (Hulyo, Oktubre at Nobyembre). Sa pinakahuling datos, umabot na sa 3.3% ang tantos ng implasyon. Pinakamalaki ang itinaas ng mga presyo ng produktong pagkain.

Sa aktwal, bumaba ang antas ng gastos (o konsumo) ng mga pamilyang Pilipino sa unang pagkakataon sa nakaraang dalawang dekada. Bumaba nang 13% sa ikalawang kwarto at 7% sa pangatlong kwarto ng taon ang pangkalahatang gastos ng mga Pilipino kumpara sa parehong panahon noong 2019. Ang pagbaba ng demand ay bunga pangunahin ng pagsadsad at di pa nababawing kita mula ipinatupad ang matagalang lockdown.

Mula Marso hanggang Oktubre ngayong taon (dalawang kwarto), dumausdos ang gastos sa edukasyon at personal na mga produkto at serbisyo na pinupunan kalakhan ng impormal na ekonomya. Malalaki rin ang ibinaba ng gastos sa alak at sigarilyo, damit, gamit sa bahay, paglilibang at pagkain sa labas ng bahay (restoran at hotel). Pinakamalalaki ang bawas sa gastos sa transportasyon (dumausdos nang 62% noong ikalawang kwarto at 21% sa pangatlo). Sa gitna ng pandemya, bumagsak pa ang ginastos ng mga pamilya para sa kalusugan (-9%) sa kabila ng pangangailangan sa sanitasyon, testing at pagpapalakas ng resistensya.

Nasa abereyds na 6% ang itinaas ng gastos sa pagkain sa loob ng bahay, pareho lamang sa pagtaas sa nakaraang mga taon, sa kabila ng mga pagkaputol ng suplay, mga bugso na pagtaas ng presyo at pagbawas sa konsumo ng pagkain sa labas ng bahay (restoran at take out).

Bahagya lamang ang itinaas ng gastos sa komunikasyon (1%) sa kabila ng pagpapatupad ng mga online class at mga kaayusang work-from-home. Mas malaki pa ang itinaas ng gastos dito ng mga Pilipino sa parehong panahon noong 2018-2019 (3.3%).

Tumaas pa rin ang gastos para sa upa sa bahay at bayarin sa mga pampublikong yutilidad (kuryente, tubig at iba pa) nang 7% sa kabila ng mga pangako ng mga pribadong kumpanya na di muna sisingil.

Sa kabilang banda, bumaba ang konsumo ng Pilipinas ng inangkat na bigas nang hanggang 13.3% kumpara sa 2019, ayon sa isang ulat ng ahensyang agrikultural sa US (Global Agricultural Information Network). Ito ay kahit pinahintulutan ng gubyerno ang importasyon ng hanggang 3.73 milyong metriko-toneladang (MT) bigas mula Enero hanggang Agosto (mas malaki nang 43% kumpara sa parehong panahon noong 2019.) Nasa 1.64 milyong MT lamang ang aktwal na dumating sa bansa dulot ng paghihigpit ng mga nag-luluwas ng bigas sa panahon ng pandemya.

Bumaba rin ang konsumo ng Pilipinas ng karneng baka nang 21%. Batay sa naging padron sa nakaraang mga buwan, tinatayang bumaba rin nang 20% ang produksyon ng karneng baboy (dulot na rin ng African Swine Fever) at 15% sa produksyon ng manok. Bumaba rin ang konsumo ng gatas na 99% inaangkat ng bansa.

Ayon sa sarbey na isinagawa ng BSP noong Setyembre, kulang na kulang pa rin ang kita ng mga pamilya sa kabila ng pagbubukas sa ekonomya noong Hulyo. Said na ang mga impok ng kalakhan ng mamamayan. Ayon sa institusyon, mas bumaba pa ang bilang ng mga pamilyang may kakayahang mag-impok, mula 37.8% noong Enero-Marso, tungong 24.7% sa pangatlong kwarto ng taon.

Ayon sa mga estadistika mismo ng estado, permanente ang pagtaas ng mga presyo ng pagkain laluna matapos ipatupad ang batas na TRAIN noong 2018.

Mula 2016 hanggang 2019, tumaas ang presyo ng mga gulay tulad ng ampalaya, talong, kalabasa, kamatis, karot, sitaw at patatas.

Nagtaasan din ang presyo ng isda tulad ng bangus, galunggong (₱34) at tilapia (₱10).

Taliwas sa ipinangalandankan na pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas dulot ng Rice Importation Liberalization Law, bahagya pang tumaas ang abereyds na presyo ng bigas mula ₱41.72 kada kilo noong 2016 tungong ₱42.73 sa 2019. Nasa ₱45/kilo ito sa 2020 sa kabila ng todong importasyon mula sa Vietnam at Thailand at tuluy-tuloy na pagsadsad ng presyo ng lokal na palay hanggang ₱7-₱12 kada kilo.

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/mahina-ang-benta-pero-tumataas-ang-mga-presyo/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Bagtasin ang landas ng malaking pagsulong

Propaganda editorial from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): Bagtasin ang landas ng malaking pagsulong

Sa buong taong 2020, halos walang patid ang dinanas ng sambayanang Pilipino sa sunud-sunod na hagupit at pagpapahirap bunga ng militarista at anti-mamamayang tugon ng rehimeng Duterte sa pandemyang Covid-19 at sa sunud-sunod na kalamidad. Tinalikdan ng bulok na rehimen ang obligasyon nitong tugunan ang pangangailangang pangkalusugan at pangkabuhayan ng mamamayan. Ipinataw nito ang mga hakbanging mapanupil at nagpalubha sa paghihirap at kagutuman.

Sa pangambang magkaroon ng malaking pagbangon ng bayan sa harap ng krisis tulad ng nagaganap sa ibang bansa, ginagamit ni Rodrigo Duterte ang panlilinlang at paninindak, sa isang panig; at dahas at armadong panunupil sa kabilang panig. Nitong nagdaang mga buwan, ibayong pinatindi ang pagsupil sa masmidya at kampanyang red-tagging at pagsisiwalat ng disimpormasyon, kasinungalingan at mga basurang pahayag.

Kasabay nito, ginamit ni Duterte ang pinakamatagal na “lockdown” at paghihigpit sa pagkilos ng mga tao, at sarbeylans, pagkukulong at sunud-sunod na mga pagpatay sa mga tukoy na pwersang rebolusyonaryo, lider masa at mga aktibista. Pinakamalala, isinagasa niya ang bagong batas sa terorismo na nagpapataw ng pasistang diktadura nang hindi nagdedeklara ng batas militar.

Pinakalayunin sa paggamit ng mga taktikang ito ng saywar at panunupil ang yanigin ang mga pambansa-demokratikong pwersa at mga organisasyong masa, at abalahin sila sa pagtatanggol sa kanilang karapatan, kaligtasan at buhay. Pakay nito ang pigilan silang makapagsalita para ilabas ang hinaing ng bayan, pilayin ang demokratikong kilusang masa at pigilang lumawak ang mga demonstrasyon sa lansangan.

Nilalabusaw ni Duterte ang isip ng taumbayan para ikalat ang kanilang atensyon sa samutsaring usapin upang ilayo ang kanilang kamalayan sa mga pangunahin at kagyat nilang problemang bunsod ng korapsyon, pagpapabaya sa masa at pagprayoridad sa interes ng iilan.

Nitong nagdaang mga buwan, napigilang sumiklab sa anyo ng malalawak na protesta ang malalim na galit ng taumbayan sa mga kasalanan, krimen at pagpapabaya ng rehimeng Duterte sa obligasyon nito sa taumbayan sa harap ng pandemya. Kabilang sa mga ito ang pagkakaltas ng badyet sa serbisyong pangkalusugan at tugon sa kalamidad, kawalan ng libre at mapagkakatiwalaang testing sa Covid-19, kulang na ayuda sa mga nawalan ng trabaho at kita sa kalunsuran at sa mga magsasaka sa kanayunan, mababang sahod sa mga nars at di pag-empleyo ng dagdag na nars sa mga pampublikong ospital, pagprayoridad ng pagbili ng helikopter, fighter jet, pribadong jet ni Duterte at kanyang mga heneral, bomba at iba pang kagamitang pandigma, pagpahintulot na bawasan ang sahod ng mga manggagawa, sa korapsyon sa pagbili ng mga personal protective equipment at kagamitang medikal, korapsyon sa PhilHealth, pagbibigay ng pamumuno sa pagharap sa pandemya sa mga heneral sa halip na sa mga duktor, sobra-sobrang pangungutang para sa negosyong imprastruktura ng iilang oligarko, planong pagpataw ng dagdag na buwis at kabi-kabila pang mga hakbangin pabigat at pahirap sa taumbayan.

Batay sa nilalaman ng anti-mamamayan at anti-mahirap na badyet sa 2021 na nakatakdang ipasa sa reaksyunaryong kongreso, lalala pa ang pasakit na dinaranas ng taumbayan. Magpapatuloy ang pagprayoridad sa militar at sa maruming gera laban sa bayan, sa negosyo ng mga oligarko, sa korapsyon at pagpabor sa mga alipures at mga tapat na pulitiko, sa paghahanda sa eleksyong 2022; habang patuloy na pinababayaan ang kabuhayan, pampublikong kalusugan at edukasyon.

Kailangang iluwal ng mamamayang Pilipino ang malawak at maigting na kilusang protesta sa mga darating na buwan laban sa mga patakarang pahirap at pabigat. Ang pagpuprotesta ang susi para pigilang maipatupad ang bagong mga buwis at iba pang mga patakaran at hakbanging lalong magsasadsad sa kabuhayan ng masa.

Dapat ibayong palakasin ng mga pambansa-demokratikong pwersa ang gawain sa pagpukaw, pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos sa malawak na masa ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, kabataan, manggagawang pangkalusugan, mga walang hanapbuhay, propesyunal at iba pang sektor na hinahagupit ng krisis sa ekonomya at kabuhayan.

Habang sinasalag ang pasistang pang-aatake ng rehimeng Duterte, dapat mahigpit na panghawakan ang maiinit na isyu ng taumbayan. Sikaping buuin ang pagkakaisa ng buong bayan sa isang malinaw at simpleng tangkas ng mga kagyat na kahilingan sa harap ng pandemya, kalamidad at krisis sa ekonomya. Ilantad ang anti-mamamayan at anti-mahirap na rehimeng US-Duterte at ang nagnanaknak na kabulukan ng naghaharing sistema.

Dapat puspusang magpropaganda gamit ang mga pormang direktang umaabot sa masa habang nagpapakahusay sa pagkontra sa disimpormasyon sa masmidya at social media. Dapat ilang ulit na palawakin at palakasin ang mga organisasyong masa upang bigyang lakas ang masa na ihayag ang kanilang mga hinaing at kahilingan.

Dapat pag-aralan, tasahin, lagumin at pangibabawan ang naging mga kalakasan at kahinaan sa pagpukaw, pag-oorganisa at pagpapakilos sa daan-daang libo o milyun-milyong mamamayan sa gitna ng pandemya at kalamidad at sa harap ng walang-habas na pasistang panunupil at brutalidad ng tiranikong rehimen.

Sa batayan ng pagtatasa sa mga gawain sa nagdaang taon at pagtaya sa kasalukuyang lakas, dapat ilatag ang mga tungkulin at planuhin ang susunod na mga hakbang sa papasok na taon. Dapat magsilbi ang mga ito sa pagkamit ng layuning pagbuklurin ang malawak na sambayanan at iluwal ang malawakang pagdaluyong ng protesta at mga pakikibaka para isulong ang interes ng masa.

Dapat patatagin ang pagkakaisa at determinasyon ng lahat ng pwersang pambansa-demokratiko na balikatin ang mahihirap na tungkulin sa kabila ng banta ng paniniil at mga paghihigpit sa tabing ng pandemya.

Sa loob ng ilang linggo, gugunitain ng Partido ang ika-52 anibersaryo nito. Kinasasabikan ng malawak na masa at ng kanilang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang okasyong ito upang ipagdiwang ang mga nakamit sa nagdaang taon, tayain ang kanilang lakas, at ilatag ang mga tungkulin para maabot ang ibayo pang mga rebolusyonaryong tagumpay sa 2021.

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/bagtasin-ang-landas-ng-malaking-pagsulong/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Baktason ang dalan sa dakung pag-asdang

Propaganda editorial from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): Baktason ang dalan sa dakung pag-asdang

Sa tibuok tuig 2020, halos walay puas ang nasinati sa katawhang Pilipino sa sunud-sunod nga tamparus ug pag-antus nga gibunga sa militarista ug anti-katawhang tubag sa rehimeng Duterte sa pandemyang Covid-19 ug sa sunud-sunod nga kalamidad. Gitalikdan sa dunot nga rehimen ang obligasyon niining tubagon ang panginahanglan sa panglawas ug panginabuhian sa katawhan. Gipahamtang niini ang mga mapanumpuong lakang nga nagpagrabe sa kalisod ug kagutom.

Sa kabalakang magtunhay ang dakung pagbangon sa katawhan atubangan sa krisis sama sa mga panghitabo sa ubang nasud, ginagamit ni Rodrigo Duterte ang pagpanglingla ug pagpanghulga, ug ang kabangis ug armadong pagpanumpo sa pikas bahin. Niining miaging mga bulan, labaw pang gipagrabe ang pagsumpo sa masmidya ug kampanyang red-tagging ug pagpakaylap sa disimpormasyon, bakak ug mga basurang pamahayag.

Kadungan niini, gigamit ni Duterte ang pinakadugay nga “lockdown” ug pagpamig-ot sa lihok sa mga tawo, ug sarbeylans, pagpreso ug sunud-sunod nga mga pagpatay sa mga nailang pwersang rebolusyonaryo, lider masa ug mga aktibista. Mas grabe pa, gigamit ni Duterte ang bag-ong balaod sa terorismo nga nagapahamtang sa pasistang diktadurya bisan walay pagdeklara sa balaod militar.

Pinakatumong sa mga taktikang saywar ug pagpanumpo nga tay-ugon ang mga nasudnon-demokratikong pwersa ug ang mga organisasyong masa, ug pulikion sila sa pagpanalipod sa ilang katungod, kaluwasan ug kinabuhi. Plano niining pugngan silang moistorya aron ibutyag ang yangongo sa katawhan, piangan ang demokratikong kalihukang masa ug pugngang molapad ang mga demonstrasyon sa kadalanan.

Giliboglibog ni Duterte ang hunahuna sa katawhan para bahinbahinon ang ilang atensyon sa lain-laing mga hisgutanan aron isimang ang ilang kahimatngon sa mga nag-una ug hinanali nilang problema nga gibunga sa korapsyon, pagpasagad sa masa ug pagprayoridad sa interes sa pipila.

Niining milabayng mga bulan, napugngan sa pag-ulbo sa porma sa lapad nga protesta ang lalum nga kasuko sa katawhan sa mga salaod, krimen ug pagpasagad sa rehimeng Duterte sa obligasyon niini sa katawhan atubangan sa pandemya. Lakip niini ang pagkibhang sa badyet sa serbisyong panglawas ug tubag sa kalamidad, kawad-on sa libre ug masaligang testing sa Covid-19, labing kulang nga ayuda sa mga nawad-an og trabaho ug kita sa kasyudaran ug sa mga mag-uuma sa kabanikanhan, ubos nga suhulan sa mga nars ug wala pag-empleyo sa dugang nga nars sa mga pangpublikong ospital, pagprayoridad sa pagpalit sa helikopter, fighter jet, pribadong jet ni Duterte ug sa iyang mga heneral, bomba ug uban pang kahimanang iggugubat, pagtugot nga kibhangan ang suhulan sa mga mamumuo, sa korapsyon sa pagpalit sa mga personal protective equipment ug kahimanang medikal, korapsyon sa PhilHealth, pagtugyan pagpangulo sa pag-atubang sa pandemya ngadto sa mga heneral imbes nga sa mga duktor, sobra-sobrang pagpangutang alang sa negosyong imprastruktura sa pipilang oligarko, planong pagpahamtang og dugang buhis ug mga lakang ug programang pabug-at ug paantus sa katawhan.

Subay sa unod sa anti-katawhan ug anti-kabus nga badyet sa 2021 nga nakatakdang isumite sa reaksyunaryong kongreso, mas mograbe pa ang pag-antus nga nasinati sa katawhan. Magpadayon ang pagprayoridad sa militar ug sa hugaw nga gyera batok sa katawhan, sa negosyo sa mga oligarko, sa korapsyon ug pagpabor sa mga alipures ug mga matinud-anong pulitiko, sa pagpangandam sa eleksyong 2022; samtang padayon nga ginapasagdan ang panginabuhian, pangpublikong panglawas ug edukasyon.

Kinahanglang ihimugso sa katawhang Pilipino ang lapad ug subsub nga kalihukang protesta sa mga umaabot nga bulan batok sa mga palisiyang paantus ug pabug-at. Ang pagprotesta ang yawe aron pugngang mapatuman ang bag-ong mga buhis ug uban pang mga palisiya ug lakang nga labaw pang magpahagba sa panginabuhian sa masa.

Kinahanglang labaw pang pakusgon sa mga nasudnon-demokratikong pwersa ang gimbuhaton sa pagpukaw, pag-organisa ug pagpalihok sa lapad nga masa sa mga mamumuo, mag-uuma, kabatan-onan, mamumuong panglawas, mga walay panginabuhian, propesyunal ug uban pang sektor nga ginagun-ub sa krisis sa ekonomiya ug panginabuhian.

Samtang nanalipod batok sa pasistang pagpangaatake sa rehimeng Duterte, kinahanglang hugot nga huptan ang nagdilaab nga isyu sa katawhan. Paningkamutang tibuk-on ang panaghiusa sa tibuok katawhan sa usa ka tin-aw ug simpleng hugpong sa mga hinanali nga pangayo atubangan sa pandemya, kalamidad ug krisis sa ekonomiya. Ibutyag ang anti-katawhan ug anti-kabus nga rehimeng US-Duterte ug ang nagnana nga kadunot sa nagharing sistema.

Kinahanglang subsub nga magpropaganda gamit ang mga pormang direktang moabot sa masa samtang nagpakahanas sa pagkontra sa disimpormasyon sa masmidya ug social media. Kinahanglang palapdon sa makadaghan ug pakusgon ang mga organisasyong masa aron hatagag kusog ang masa nga ihikyad ang ilang mga mulo ug pangayo.

Kinahanglang tun-an, aseson, sumadahon ug patigbabawan ang mga kahuyangan sa pagpukaw, pag-organisa ug pagpalihok sa gatusa ka libo o milyong katawhan taliwala sa pandemya ug kalamidad ug atubangan sa walay hunong nga pasistang pagpanumpo ug brutalidad sa tiranikong rehimen.

Sa basihan sa pag-ases sa mga gimbuhaton sa milabayng tuig ug pagtantya sa kasamtangan kusog, kinahanglang ihikyad ang mga tahas ug planuhon ang mosunod nga mga lakang sa umalabot nga tuig. Kinahanglang gamiton kini sa pagkab-ot sa tinguhang hugpungon ang lapad nga katawhan ug ihimugso ang malukpanong pagsulbong sa protesta ug mga pakigbisog aron iasdang ang interes sa masa.

Kinahanglang palig-onon ang panaghiusa ug determinasyon sa tanang pwersang nasudnon-demokratiko nga abagahon ang lisud nga katungdanan luyo sa hulga sa pagpanumpo ug mga pagpamig-ot sa takuban sa pandemya.

Sulod sa pipila ka semana, pagasaulugon sa Partido ang ika-52 anibersaryo niini. Gipaabot sa lapad nga masa ug sa ilang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang maong okasyon aron saulugon ang mga nakab-ot sa milabayng tuig, tantyahon ang ilang kusog, ug ihikyad ang mga tahas aron makab-ot ang labaw pang mga rebolusyonaryong kadaugan sa 2021.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/07/baktason-ang-dalan-sa-dakung-pag-asdang/

CPP/CIO: On the DOJ’s Human Rights Summit

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 7, 2020): On the DOJ’s Human Rights Summit

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 07, 2020

Kasukasuka at kasuklam-suklam.

The DOJ’s so-called “Human Rights Summit” is a big farce. It is a gross mockery of human rights. It is a disgusting attempt to artificially dress up the Duterte regime’s gross record of extrajudicial killings and political repression. It is a desperate attempt to repair the Duterte regime’s image of an international outcast.

It is obscene that the DOJ is leading this summit when it itself is an instrument of tyranny. It is in no position to lead discussions of defending human rights when Duterte, the head of state himself, has repeatedly expressed contempt for human rights. Just recently, he declared before the police: “I say to the human rights, I don’t give a shit with you (sic).”

It is lamentable that the UNHRC has allowed itself to be dragged into this charade. We trust that the international stalwarts of human rights will continue to stand for the Filipino people in their fight against the Duterte regime’s reign of terror.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-dojs-human-rights-summit/

CPP/NPA-Quezon: Walang puso si Arevalo. Ang ceasefire ay para sa mamamayan.

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 5, 2020): Walang puso si Arevalo. Ang ceasefire ay para sa mamamayan.

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON

APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

MELITO GLOR COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 05, 2020

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Tugon ni Ka Cleo del Mundo sa pahayag ng tagapagsalita ng AFP kung bakit hindi magdedeklara ng ceasefire ang rehimeng Duterte (Una sa dalawang pahayag)

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Puro satsat ang tagapagsalita ng AFP. Tulad ng kanyang Hepe na hindi matagpuan habang hinahambalos ng malalakas na bagyo ang taumbayan, ang tagapagsalita ng AFP na si Heneral Edgar Arevalo ay wala namang puso sa kalunos-lunos na kalagayan ng mamamayan. Malinaw na nakasalig si Arevalo sa wala-sa-matwid na katwiran para isantabi ang isang pansamantalang tigil-putukan.

Ang paghinto ng mga operasyong kombat sa kanayunan, kahit pansamantala, ay isang makataong tungkulin ng mga naglalabanang puwersa sa panahon ng pandemya, krisis at kalamidad. Ito ay para sa mga biktima ng bagyo, para sa mga maralitang magsasaka at kanilang pamilya, hindi para sa NPA.

At kung kaya pang abutin ng isip para pagmunian ni Arevalo, ito ay para sa mga opisyal at karaniwang kawal ng AFP at kanilang mga pamilya.

Dagdag pa, ang CPP-NPA ay hindi kailangang kumuha ng hudyat mula sa AFP o kay Duterte para ipakita ang malasakit nito sa mamamayan at sa gayon ay suspendihin ang aming operasyong militar sa mga pulang purok.

Para sa kaalaman ng lahat, dalawang (2) batalyong pangkombat ng 59IB at 85IB ng Philippine Army ang nagsagawa ng focused military operations sa maliit na lugar lamang ng sasampung magkakadikit na barangay sa South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula mula noong Oktubre.

Nagtimpi ang NPA sa mga atakeng ito para bigyang puwang ang mga relief operations ng LGU na ikinoordina sa amin ng mga lokal na sibilyang otoridad sa mga lugar na matindi ang inabot na pinsala sa bagyo.

Magkaganumman, ang tuloy-tuloy na pag-atake ng AFP ay nagtulak sa mga yunit ng NPA sa lugar na magtanggol na nagresulta sa tatlong labanan noong Oktubre 29, Nobyembre 12 at 15 kung saan nagtamo ng maraming kaswalti sa hanay ng kawal ni Duterte.

Kabalbalan na lamang ni Arevalo ang paulit-ulit na rason ng AFP sa hindi pagdedeklara ng ceasefire.

Ang panahon ng Pasko at Bagong Taon, kung saan panahon din ng anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ay okasyon para magdiwang ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa kanyang patuloy na pagpupunyagi sa pambansang demokrasya.

Panahon ito ng kaunting kasiyahan ng pagsasalu-salo sa mainit na kape, sinukmani at pansit na dala ng masang magsasaka na bumibisita para sa kantahan at pagbigkas ng mga tula ng paglaban — hindi para mangikil na kagaya ng tradisyon ng mga opisyal ng AFP-PNP na nakasahod sa cash gift ng kanilang mga patrong pulitiko at negosyante.

Lalong hindi para manalakay na kagaya ng ginagawa ng mersenaryong militar at pulis na walang pinipiling panahon at pagkakataon. Sabi nga ng mga Kristiyano ay hindi man lamang marunong mangilin.#

Basahin ang ikalawang bahagi: Takot si Arevalo na mawalan ng palabigasan silang mga henera

https://cpp.ph/statements/walang-puso-si-arevalo-ang-ceasefire-ay-para-sa-mamamayan/