Thursday, December 10, 2020

Sison denies Duterte offered coalition govt with CPP

From The Manila Times (Dec 9, 2020): Sison denies Duterte offered coalition govt with CPP (By Dempsey Reyes)

COMMUNIST Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison denied President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncements that the CPP was eyeing a coalition government.

In a statement late Tuesday, Sison denied that neither the CPP nor the National Democratic Front and the New People’s Army (NPA), the political and armed groups respectively of the communist movement proposed the idea.

Sison responded to the President’s pre-recorded speech on Monday night, when he cited that the reason why he walked away from the peace negotiations was the rebels had demanded a coalition government.

It was at this time that Duterte said he would no longer think of declaring a ceasefire with the communists, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed.

But for Sison, the President’s remarks were not accurate, noting that it was Duterte himself who had insisted in forming a coalition government with the CPP.


“It was Duterte who kept blabbering about joining a coalition government with the Communist Party of the Philippines when he was an unreliable and unstable bureaucrat capitalist ally and was ingratiating himself with the revolutionary movement as a Davao City mayor and when he was seeking the support of the legal democratic forces when he ran for presidency,” the self-exiled communist leader said.

“At no time has the subject of coalition government ever been taken up with Duterte or any of his predecessors as president in the course of the peace negotiations,” he added.

Sison also said that Duterte was “lying” when he said that he “offered a place in what he imagines was an invitation to a coalition government,” adding the President “could not even qualify” as an NDF consultant.

Responding to the government’s decision not to declare a ceasefire, Sison said it would be “good” for the NPA to be reminded by no less than Duterte in walking away from the peace talks and even a truce.

He cited Duterte’s two proclamations issued in 2017 that terminated the peace talks and tagged the CPP-NPA as terrorist organizations.

“Imitating his idol Marcos, he [Duterte]has to go on an all-out war and on a campaign of state terrorism under the pretext of anti-communism in order to realize absolute power and absolute corruption,” Sison said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/09/news/latest-stories/sison-denies-duterte-offered-coalition-govt-with-cpp/807415/

EASTMINCOM: Tribal Council key to facilitating conflict resolution in IP areas

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 10, 2020): Tribal Council key to facilitating conflict resolution in IP areas



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon - The tribal council of Malaybalay City were firm in their resolve to mediate and put an end to a long-standing conflict by facilitating the reconciliation of the two (2) Indigenous People (IP) families which have been involved in decades of conflict at Barangay Silae, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on November 28, 2020.

Several tribal leaders who are members of the tribal council attended the customary settlement of the two (2) clans in conflict. Through this, reconciliation between two families, who had over 20 years of conflict, has been successful. The council was created after the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Malaybalay City strengthened its IP structure to take care of and solve the different problems and issues in the IP community.

Datu Harry S. Sumbongan, Malaybalay City Tribal Chieftain; Datu Geneveve B. Perino, Municipal IPMR of Cabanglasan; and Datu Rene S. Sumbongan, City IPMR of Malayabalay City were among the tribal leaders who facilitated the customary settlement. Col. Jose Arn M. Real, Deputy Brigade Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Edgarvo V. Talaroc Jr., Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion were also there to witness the said settlement.



“Ingon usa ka nagkahiusa nga mga IP mahimo nato na ma sulbad ang atong problema pinaagi sa naandan nga mga balaod sa atong kaugalingon na koseho sa tribu. Nagtrabaho ako aron mapalig-on ang among istruktura sa IP aron matabangan ang komunidad sa IP alang sa kalinaw ug kalambaon,” Datu Rene S. Sumbungan, City IPMR of Malaybalay City motivatedly gave his statement. (As a united IPs, we can solve our problem through customary laws in our own tribal council. I will work hard to strengthen our IP structure to help the IP community for peace and development.)

Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr., Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion congratulates all of the personalities especially the tribal council who stood for the reconciliation of the two (2) clans who have been in conflict for decades.



Lt. Col. Talaroc Jr. further said, “Usa kini nga pamatuod nga ang inyong konseho sa tribu adunay pagtagad sa inyong mga kabalaka ug nagtinguha nga masulbad ang inyong mga problema. Ayaw pag padani sa mga NPA nga nag paka aron ingnon nga kauban ninyo. (It is proof that your tribal council heeds your concerns and exerts effort to solve your problems. Do not be persuaded by the New People's Army pretending to stand by you.)

“Mapasalamaton ako sa atong konseho sa tribu alang sa ilang pagpaningkamot aron masulbad ang dugay na nga panagbangi sa duha pamilya sa tribu. Malipayon ako sa duha ka pamilya Dela Mance og Goaynon nga sa katapusan na balik ang ilang maayo nga relasyon,” Col. Jose Arn M. Real, Deputy Brigade Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade said. (I am grateful to the tribal council for their efforts to resolve the long-standing dispute between the two (2) families of the tribe. I am happy for them that at last they restored their good relationship.)

Source: Civil-Military Operation Office, 8th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/12/tribal-council-key-to-facilitating.html

WESTMINCOM: Troops encounter BIFF in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 10, 2020): Troops encounter BIFF in Maguindanao

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- December 10, 2020

An undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters engaged with the military troops in Barangay Labu-Labu Mother, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on the evening of December 9, 2020, the WestMinCom Commander said.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said the firefight between the troops of the 11th Mechanized Company and the BIFF-Karialan Faction under “Diok” happened at about 9 p.m.

The said firefight lasted for about 25 minutes after which the enemy withdrew. 

Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr., Commanding Officer, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion said, “We immediately deployed reinforcement to pursue the evading enemies and establish blockades in possible enemy withdrawal route”.

While scouring the area, operating troops recovered assorted live ammunitions and empty shells of cartridge Caliber .50, Cartridge 7.62mm, and Cartridge 5.56mm from the enemy position.

1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Officer-in-Charge Col. Ferdinand Lacadin stated that a hot pursuit operation is currently being conducted by the different units under his command.

Likewise, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central said, “We are grateful that we incurred no casualty during the encounter.” 

“Rest assured that we will continue to fulfill our mandate the best way we could for the peace-loving people of central Mindanao,” Maj. Gen. Uy added. 

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach









https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1934185460056834/1934185186723528/

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

WESTMINCOM: AFP builds a stronger relationship with Tausug people

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 10, 2020): AFP builds a stronger relationship with Tausug people

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- December 10, 2020

The Armed Forces of the Philippines held a dialogue/consultative assembly with the local chief executives of Sulu on December 10, 2020.

The activity held at the Sulu Area Coordinating Center aimed to build a stronger partnership between the military and the Muslim people particularly the Tausug people who were gravely hurt by the Chief of Staff’s statement about Madrasa and suicide bombers. 

The said dialogue was spearheaded by no less than the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gen. Gilbert Gapay together with Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, and other military officers.
It was attended by the local chief executives of Sulu led by Governor Abdusakur Tan, the Ulamas, and the religious leaders. 

In his message, Gen. Gapay said “I would like to thank Gov. Tan, the mayors, the Ulamas, and all the attendees, for this opportunity to have a dialogue on how we can further help each other in achieving peace in our beloved country.”

The seasoned general also clarified that he never said that the Madaris are spreading radicalization or sowing terrorism among its students. “We, AFP, believe that Islam is a religion that espouses peace above all others.”

He further said that what he meant was deceitful individuals are wanting to infiltrate the Madrasa to spread hate and plant the seeds of terrorism.

Gen. Gapay ended by saying, “In kami ha AFP panāiban sin kamu, panganduli niyu kami. In kabayaan namu' kasanyangan sin hula' natu'. In pangatayan sin kami himahambuuk kaniyu. Magtayakkup kitaniyu katān ha hikarayaw sin hula' natu' Pilipinas. Muramurahan kitaniyu katān! Magsukul kaniyu, 

Wassalām." (We, the AFP, are your ally. You can trust us. Our hearts and minds are one with you. Let’s unite for the common good of our country. Long live Philippines! Thank you and may peace be with you all). 

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan said, “We hope that this dialogue will ease the fears of our beloved Tausug brothers and sisters and will subsequently win their hearts and support to our campaign against terrorism.”

“May this dialogue fill all the gaps, solidify our relationship, and deeper our cooperation for peace in Sulu and the entire country,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added. 







https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1935089859966394/1935089776633069/

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

CPP/News: For Duterte and his war freaks, it’s profit over peace this December

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): For Duterte and his war freaks, it’s profit over peace this December

NEWS STORIES
DECEMBER 10, 2020



Military generals intoxicated with war profits have no plans of cutting back on their kickbacks this holiday season. This was part of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) information officer Marco Valbuena’s statement regarding the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) declaration that it is not interested in a ceasefire this December.

Concurringly, Rodrigo Duterte announced during his weekly public address last Monday that he rejects a ceasefire with the CPP and the New People’s Army (NPA) this Christmas, going as far as turning down any ceasefire for the rest of his term.

For Valbuena, this comes as no surprise. With military generals being at the helm of the Duterte government through its National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, they have shaped national policies including last Monday’s rejection of a ceasefire.

The CPP information officer pointed to the “endless stream of counterinsurgency war profit” that makes the generals obsessed with prolonging the civil war. Valbuena said that these generals are bureaucrat capitalists who are in connivance with the US military industry.

Previous reports have revealed that a focused military operation lasting nine days and involving 300 soldiers costs at least P10.5 million for troops, ammunition and mortar shells. This amount excludes financing for transportation and other equipment.

Agreeing to a ceasefire would mean officers of the AFP Central Command paring their cuts from the corruption pie. The said area command is currently launching focused military operations in the 3rd District of Negros Oriental under Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan. Operations started in November and have targetted mainly unarmed peasants and their legal organizations.

On the other hand, the AFP has never abided by its own ceasefire declarations. In March to April, despite a Duterte-declared ceasefire, the AFP deployed its troops in at least 446 villages. In a span of 45 days, a string of human rights violations was recorded, ranging from imposition of curfews to aerial bombardment.

https://cpp.ph/2020/12/10/for-duterte-and-his-war-freaks-its-profit-over-peace-this-december/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Soberano at Demokratikong Karapatan ng Mamamayan ang Magrebolusyon at Pabagsakin ang Teroristang Rehimeng US-Duterte!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): Soberano at Demokratikong Karapatan ng Mamamayan ang Magrebolusyon at Pabagsakin ang Teroristang Rehimeng US-Duterte!

MA. ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 10, 2020


“It is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny & oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law.” [GA. Res. 217A, at 135, U.N. Doc. A/810 (1948).] – Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948

Sa harap ng panibagong tirano at panunupil ng terorismo ng estado sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte, pinatatampok ng ating paggunita sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Karapatang Tao ang paglahok sa armadong rebolusyon bilang pinakamatibay at hindi-masusupil na karapatang maigigiit ng mamamayan.

Ilinulunsad ni Duterte ang isa sa pinakamarahas na pambubusabos sa karapatang tao at mga kalayaang sibil ng mamamayan hatid ng pinakamahaba at pinakamapanupil na lockdown sa mundo, walang taning na batas militar, at todong terorismo ng estado. Nagresulta ang pasistang paghaharing ito ni Duterte sa isa sa pinakamatitinding pagsahol ng krisis panlipunan at pang-ekonomya sa kasaysayan na dumagan pa sa kumunoy na krisis ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na lipunang Pilipino.

Nakaamba ring tumindi ang kanyang opensibang teror hudyat ng kanyang tuluyang pagsasara sa anumang posibilidad ng usapang pangkapayapaan at tigil-putukan. Kaugnay nito, binasbasan ni Donald Trump at ng susunod na pangulo ng US na si Joe Biden ang paggamit ni Duterte ng “Jakarta method” na nangangahulugan ng malawakang pamamaslang at panunugis sa bandera ng anti-Komunismo. Halaw ito sa karanasan sa Indonesia kung saan milyun-milyong Indones na inakusahang may kaugnay sa komunistang kilusan ang pinapatay ng diktador na si Suharto noong dekada ’50.

Ang pagtayo ng rehimeng US-Duterte bilang isa sa mga pinakanotoryus na tagalabag ng karapatang tao at pinakamalupit na awtoritaryan sa buong daigdig ay repleksyon na hindi na makapaghari ang reaksyunaryong estado sa postura at mapanlinlang na burges o kahit pa liberal-demokratikong mga pamamaraan. Wala na itong masulingan sa armadong paggigiit ng mga magsasaka para sa lupa, pagtatanggol ng mga pambansang minorya ng kanilang lupaing ninuno at kahit pa sa kongreso at parlamento ng lansangan ay naging balat-sibuyas na ang makapal nitong mukha at naging istupido, mangmang at batang pikon sa harap ng mga aktibista at pwersang progresibo.
Ang pagbaling ng estado sa teroristang mga pamamaraan ay higit lamang nagdidiin sa kawalang-kakayanan at kawalang-interes nitong tugunan ang mga batayang demokratiko at sosyo-ekonomikong pangangailangan ng mamamayan. Wala sa hangarin ng estadong ito ang tunay na reporma sa lupa at kaunlaran sa kanayunan ganundin ang pambansang industriyalisasyon na magbubunga ng tunay at malayang kaunlaran ng bansa.

Pinakamatinding paglabag sa karapatan sa hustisyang pang-ekonomya at panlipunan. Walang singsahol na kagutuman, kawalan ng trabaho at kahirapan ang dinaranas ngayon ng mamamayan. Higit pang pinalubha ng pandemya at sunud-sunod na mga kalamidad ang pahirap nang epekto ng mga kontra-mamamayang patakaran ni Duterte pabor sa adyendang neoliberal ng imperyalismong US. Naitala sa ilalim ni Duterte ang isa sa pinakamalubhang pagbagsak ng ekonomya sa kasaysayan. Nagaganap ang isang krisis sa agrikultura kung saan milyong magsasaka ang nawalan ng lupa at kabuhayan. Kasabay nito ay ang krisis sa paggawa kung saan 50% ng lakas paggawa ng bansa ang walang trabaho.

Samantalang gutom ang taumbayan, katakut-takot na kurakot ang hinuhuthot ni Duterte at ng kanyang kroni mula sa pondong imprastruktura, ayuda, kalusugan at pangkalamidad. Kanser na laganap ang katiwalian at korupsyon sa lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno at sistemang burukrasya sa ilalim ng mahigpit na kontrol “Galit Ako sa Korapto” ng tirano. Bilyun-bilyon din ang kita nito sa pagiging punong protektor ng mga druglord sa bawat pag-awit nito ng “Galit Ako sa Droga”. Sinamantala niya ang pandemya at mga nagdaang kalamidad upang patindihin pa ang pandarambong gamit ang kanyang kapangyarihang emergency sa ilalim ng state of calamity at emergency. Kakutsaba ang mga upisyal sa militar, bilyun-bilyon din ang kanilang kinukubra mula sa hungkag na kampanyang kontrainsurhensya at modernisasyon ng AFP-PNP. Alagang-alaga din ang pinakamayayamang pamilya at pinakamalalaking korporasyong pag-aari ng mga malalaking burgesya-komrador at panginoong maylupa.

Sukdulang kataksilan sa soberano at patrimonyal na karapatan ng mamamayan. Hindi na kataka-takang kasabay ng umiigting na kontrol at impluwensya ng Tsina at US sa bansa sa ilalim ni Duterte ay siya ring walang-kapantay na paglawak ng pangangamkam at panghihimasok militar ng naturang mga imperyalistang kapangyarihan sa West Philippine Sea. Kapalit ng bilyong dolyares na kurakot mula sa pautang, suportang militar at bakunang mula sa US at Tsina, traydor na binenta ni Duterte ang soberanong karapatan ng mamamayan sa mga teritoryong dagat ng Pilipinas.

Ngayong pandemya, higit pa ngang naging agresibo ang pagpupusisyon ng Tsina sa WPS sa kabila ng umano’y mga pampahupang pakana ni Duterte tulad ng joint exploration sa naturang bansa. Isa sa mga salik nito ay ang kahiya-hiyang pagtuon ng AFP at PNP sa kampanyang pandarahas sa walang kalaban-labang sibilyang populasyon ng bansa. Kung anong bangis nito sa masang Pilipino ay siya namang paninikluhod nito sa harap ng mas malakas na kapangyarihang militar at ekonomya ng Tsina.

Pinakamatinding mga paglabag sa kalayaang sibil. Ginamit ng rehimen ang lockdown upang sukdulang gipitin ang mga kalayaang sibil tulad ng pamamahayag, pagsasalita, pagprotesta, at kalayaang akademya. Marahas na sinikil ang mga karapatan tulad ng pag-uunyon, pagtatayo ng mga samahan ng magsasaka at pambansang minorya. Ipinasara at/o kinasuhan ang mga institusyon ng midyang tulad ng ABS-CBN at Rappler na kritikal sa administrasyon. Ipinasara ang mga eskwelahan ng Lumad. Pinagbantaan ng crackdown ang Simbahan. Pinakontrol sa militar ang sibilyang burukrasya. Maraming mga unyon at welgang manggagawa ang marahas na binuwag. Maging ang karapatang bumoto ay sinalaula tulad ng halalang 2019 na garapal na ginamit ang elektronikong manipulasyon upang maipwesto ang kanyang mga kandidato sa senado at kongreso.

Pinakamarahas na paglabag sa karapatang mabuhay. Ang gera kontra-mamamayan ni Duterte sa tabing ng pagdurog sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at pagsugpo sa droga ay maikukunsiderang isa sa mga pinakabrutal at pinakamadugo sa kasaysayan. Nahigitan na ni Duterte lahat ng nagdaang rehimen sa bilang ng ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang gamit ang kanyang mga death squad o istilong Tokhang o nanlabang mga operasyon ng pulis at militar. Ang kanyang people-centered, whole-of-nation approach ay pinabangong pakete sa kanyang taktikang ituon ang lakas ng militar at pulis sa pagsupil sa sibilyang populasyon.

Sa kanayunan, milyun-milyong magsasaka ang biktima ng paglabag sa karapatan at internasyunal na batas humanitaryan hatid ng malaganap na militarisasyon sa ilalim ng mga operasyong focus at Retooled Community Support Program. Kabilang rito ang katakut-takot na bilang ng mga masang sapilitang pinasurender bilang mga NPA, tinortyur, sapilitang inimbestigahan, iligal na inaresto at pinatay. Hindi rin matatawaran ang pangwawasak sa mga komunidad ng magsasaka’t pambansang minorya bunga ng talamak na pambubomba, istraping, panganganyon at hamletting. Daan-daang pamilya din ang pinalayas sa kanilang mga lupang binubungkal upang bigyang-daan ang mga kontra-mamamayang proyekto.

Sa kalunsuran, hayagang idineklara ni Duterte ang crackdown at anti-Komunistang may bihis ng anti-teror laban sa ligal-demokratiko, makabayan at progresibong kilusan. Nire-Redtag ang mga kasapi at lider masa ng mga progresibong organisasyon at tinatarget para arestuhin, sampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso at patayin.

Higit na dinanas ng masang Bikolano ang mga atakeng ito. Pinokusan din ang rehiyon ng atakeng militar sa ilalim ng Memorandum Order No. 32 at EO 70. Nananatiling isa ang rehiyon sa pinakamaraming bilang ng pampulitikang EJK (higit 130) at sibilyang pinasurender. Sa Bikol matatagpuan ang umano’y pinakamaraming bilang ng impluwensyado ng CPP-NPA at sa gayo’y target na paglunsaran ng mga operasyong FMO at RCSP. Unang ibinigwas ang Anti-Terror Law sa rehiyon kung saan tinarget ang mga lider ng progresibong organisasyon tulad nina Jen Nagrampa-Caballero, Ramon Rescovilla, Nelsy Rodriguez at Rev. Pastor Dan Santos. Sa kabila nito, nananatiling isa sa pinakamahirap ang masang Bikolano at pinakatinamaan ng mga kontra-mamamayang patakaran ng rehimen sa ekonomya. Tinatamasa sa rehiyon ang malulubhang epekto ng TRAIN Law, Rice Tarrification Law at kapabayaan ni Duterte sa pagharap sa mga kalamidad.

Ngayong Pandaigdigang Araw ng Karapatang Tao, nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano: Manindigan at ipagtanggol ang karapatan! Lahat ng batayan at katwiran ay nasa atin upang mag-aklas. Tanging sa paggiit sa ating demokratikong interes sa sama-samang pagkilos at paglaban magagapi ang papatinding terorismo ng estado.
Pinakamagiting na karapatan ng mamamayan ang pagrerebolusyon at pagpapabagsak sa estadong ngayo’y kinakatawan ng pasista-teroristang rehimeng US-Duterte. Ang armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay ibinunga ng daan-taong pambubusabos ng imperyalismong US at mga kasapakat nitong naghaharing uri laban sa mamamayan. ##

https://cpp.ph/statements/soberano-at-demokratikong-karapatan-ng-mamamayan-ang-magrebolusyon-at-pabagsakin-ang-teroristang-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: With a stronger resolve and renewed vigor, NDF – Negros amplifies call to stand and defend human rights on 72nd International Human Rights’ Day

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): With a stronger resolve and renewed vigor, NDF – Negros amplifies call to stand and defend human rights on 72nd International Human Rights’ Day

BAYANI OBRERO
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-NEGROS ISLAND
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 10, 2020



Terror hovers over the entire country as violations of people’s rights worsen under the US-Duterte regime. We mark International Human Rights’ Day today with a stronger resolve and renewed vigor to amplify our call to stand and defend human rights.

State terrorism cloaks over the country and it is bound to worsen as Duterte continues his fascist rule. With the imposition of Memorandum Order 32 and Executive Order 70, it has become state policy to terrorize civilians. Through MO 32 and EO 70, the armed mercenaries of the regime were given free rein on widespread vilification, red-tagging and terrorist-labeling of people’s organizations and civil society to discredit their legitimate issues.

The passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 signals the same state policy that emboldens injustice and perpetuates repression. The aim of the Anti-Terrorism Act is to quell opposition and the revolutionary movement against the fascist US-Duterte regime. Terror will continue to engulf the country as state armed forces will continue to silence dissent, trample economic, civil and political rights, and kill unarmed civilians with impunity.

In Negros, 94 fell victim to extra-judicial killings. The regime’s atrocities include the cold-blooded murder of renowned human rights advocate Zara Alvarez in Bacolod City last August 17 and the intensified militarization of peasant communities in the countryside. The year 2020 also exposed the nature of the fascist mercenaries to retaliate against innocent civilians following their frustration and failure of chasing the NPA. The brutal decapitation of a farmer from Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Bernardo Guillen – third victim of mutilation for this year alone demonstrates the barbarity of the rabid mercenary dogs.

The number of political prisoners in Negros also increased exponentially under the Duterte regime. There were only 5 political prisoners when Duterte assumed power in 2016 but four years into Duterte’s fascist rule and political prisoners in Negros now counts to more than 120.

We hold the Duterte administration responsible for perpetrating and emboldening vigilante-style killings. It is the tyrant Duterte who motivates death squads to make Negros a ‘killing field’. It is the fascist Duterte who tolerates the abuse of power by his bloodthirsty military and police force. We abhor wannabe-dictator Duterte for his complete disregard of due process and rule of law and for trampling our rights and civil liberties. The number one terrorist in this country is Duterte and his imperialist masters.

The Filipino youth are also deprived of the fundamental right to quality and accessible education as neoliberal policies continue to plague the Philippine education system. The Filipino students’ clamor for safe resumption of classes were unheard as the Duterte regime pushed through with the elitist mode of blended learning. The implementation of blended learning have proven to be a burden, not only to students but also to parents and teachers alike and caused financial, physical and mental distress.

The Filipino people’s right to public health is also undermined under the current regime. Duterte heavily relied on lockdowns and community quarantines instead of an organized health-centered response to the Covid19 pandemic. This has further aggravated the economic hardships of the toiling masses. Worst, Duterte used and abused the pandemic in order to corrupt the nation’s coffers and further sink the country to foreign loans and debt.

Duterte continues to undermine press freedom. First, he terrorized online news media Rappler and then shutdown the franchise of media mogul ABS-CBN. Independent media critical of the Duterte regime are harassed with libel cases or openly redtagged. The media is also not spared from the killings.

While Duterte shows his fangs against the struggling Filipinos, he is meek and compliant to foreign imperialist powers. Duterte is unable to assert Philippine sovereignty against China in the disputed mineral and marine-rich areas in the West Philippine Sea. Duterte is also subservient to US policy dictates and military cooperation.

Duterte has shut all avenues for democratic expression. The Duterte fascist regime’s open terrorist rule is absolute proof that the ruling class can no longer rule in the old way. The increase of deployed military and police battalions in Negros is a sign of Duterte’s desperation to pacify the ceaseless movement for national democracy. By waging a brutal war against the people, Duterte has roused the Filipino people to tread the path of resistance and intensify further their revolutionary armed resistance.

In this climate of terror, we gather our courage to fiercely resist Duterte’s fascist rule and end his reign of terror. The collective strength of the Filipino people will make Duterte accountable for his criminal negligence in the face of Covid19 pandemic and calamities and for his numerous crimes against the people. The people will intensify their armed resistance and advance the people’s war to victory!

https://cpp.ph/statements/with-a-stronger-resolve-and-renewed-vigor-ndf-negros-amplifies-call-to-stand-and-defend-human-rights-on-72nd-international-human-rights-day/

CPP/NDF-ST: Huwag palulupig. Magpunyagi sa paglaban at pagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao. Wakasan ang tiraniko at pasistang paghahari ni Rodrigo Roa Duterte!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): Huwag palulupig. Magpunyagi sa paglaban at pagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao. Wakasan ang tiraniko at pasistang paghahari ni Rodrigo Roa Duterte!

PATNUBAY DE GUIA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
DECEMBER 10, 2020



Ipinaparating ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog ang mahigpit nitong pakikiisa at pagsuporta sa sambayanang Pilipino na ngayon ay nagtitipon-tipon sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa sa paggunita sa ika-72 taon ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Karapatang Pantao ngayong Disyembre 10, 2020. Pinagpupugayan ng NDFP-ST ang mga nagaganap na mga pagkilos ng taumbayan, sa iba’t ibang panig ng kapuluan, para kondenahin ang malaganap na panunupil sa bansa, sa mga panunugis, red-tagging at terrorist-tagging ng gubyernong Duterte sa mga aktibista, mga progresibong organisasyon, taong simbahan, abugado, mga mamamahayag at dyornalista at iba pang mga kritiko na inaakusahang “kaaway ng estado”. Kailinsabay nito, sinusuportahan ng NDFP-ST ang malakas na panawagan ng taumbayan na papanagutin ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa kanyang mga kriminal na kapabayaan at iba pang kasalanan sa bayan lalo ang usapin sa malaganap at walang patumanggang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng kanyang rehimen.

Makatwiran at nararapat lamang na kumilos ang sambayanang Pilipino para kondenahin ang masahol na mga paglabag ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa karapatang pantao at sibil ng mamamayan. Dapat maramdaman ng rehimeng Duterte na kailanman ay hindi palulupig at titigil ang sambayanang Pilipino sa pagsusulong at pagtatanggol sa kanilang mga pundamental na karapatang pantao at sa pagkakamit ng hustisya sa lahat ng mga naging biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng rehimeng Duterte. Patuloy itong magpapalakas at magpupunyagi sa paglaban para igiit ang kanilang mga pundamental na karapatan at kagalingan at magkamit ng makabuluhang pagbabago sa lipunang Pilipino.

Mataas ang pagpapahalaga ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayang Pilipino. Bilang lehitimong belligerent force na nagsusulong ng makatarungang digma sa bansa, mahigpit na ginagalang ng CPP-NPA-NDFP ang karapatang pantao ng mamamayang Pilipino. Ang mga programa, patakaran at disiplina na pinatutupad ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan kaugnay sa kondukta ng digmang bayan ay naglalaman ng mga pagkilala at paggalang sa mga pundamental na karapatang pantao ng mamamayang Pilipino. Patunay dito ang Saligang Alituntunin ng BHB, na kinapsula sa Tatlong Disiplina at Walong Bagay na Dapat Tandaan (3/8) at ganundin ang Programa para sa Pambansang Demokratikong Rebolusyon na matamang kumikilala at nagtataguyod sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Mahigpit at matapat na tumatalima ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa mga nakasaad na probisyon sa Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) na isa sa mga kasunduang nakamit sa mga usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) at National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Mahigpit din nitong ginagalang at sinusunod ang iba pang internasyunal na makataong batas na tinakda sa ilalim ng Geneva Convention of 1949 at mga Protocols 1 & 2 sa paglulunsad nito ng armadong rebolusyon laban sa imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata-kapitalismo na siyang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit patuloy ang nararanasang kahirapan at pang-aapi ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ang labis na pagsasamantala at pang-aapi sa sambayanang Pilipino ng mga malalaking burgesya komprador, panginooong maylupa, burukrata-kapitalista at amo nilang mga imperyalista ang dahilan at ugat kung bakit may nagaganap na armadong tunggalian sa bansa.

Sa paggunita sa pandaigidigang araw ng karapatang pantao, nanawagan ang NDFP-ST sa sambayanang Pilipino na pag-ibayuhin ang paglaban para isulong at ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatang pantao sa harap ng maigting na pasismo ng estado at talamak na pag-atake sa karapatang pantao ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte laban sa mga mamamayan nito.

Ginagamit ngayon ni Duterte ang rekurso at buong makinarya ng estado (ehekutibo, lehislatibo, mga armadong pwersa, hukuman, kulungan at mga institusyon sa panunupil) sa malawakan, sistematiko at orkestradong demonisasyon, panunugis, red-tagging at terrorist-labelling na pangunahing nakatutok sa mga progresibong kongresista at partylist ng Makabayan Bloc, mga aktibista mula sa mga makabayang grupo at organisasyon at iba pang kritiko sa burges na oposisyon. Napakalaking balakid para kay Duterte ang mga aktibista’t mga progresibong grupo at organisasyon sa kanyang maitim na hangarin na patahimikin ang lahat ng mga kritiko na pumupuna at naglalantad sa kanyang mga kabulukan at katiwalian. Patuloy na lumalalim ang kultura ng impyunidad sa hanay ng PNP at AFP sa panahon ni Duterte. Nagiging institusyunalisado at normal na kalakaran na ang mga ginagawang pag-atake, intimidasyon, paninira at maging pamamaslang ng mga ahente ng estado sa mga aktibista, kritiko at inaakusahang mga “kaaway ng estado” ng rehimeng Duterte.

Tatak ng isang diktador at tirano, hindi kinikilala ni Duterte maging ang burges na pagkahulugan ng demokrasya. Hindi kinikilala ni nirerespeto ni Duterte ang mga batayang karapatan sa kalayaan sa pananalita, pamamahayag, asosasyon at mapayapang pagtitipon para iparating ng mga mamamayan ang kanilang mga karaingan at kahilingan sa gubyerno. Binabalewala ni Duterte ang mga pundamental na karapatan ng mamamayang Pilipino na nakasaad sa Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas na kanyang pinanumpaang tutupdin at ipagtatanggol. Palibhasay tiraniko at diktador, sensitibo at galit na galit si Duterte sa sinumang mamamayang Pilipino na pumupuna sa kanyang mga katiwalian at pagmamalabis sa kapangyarihan.

Pangunahing pinupuntirya ni Duterte ng kanyang mga pagbira at paninira ang mga makabayan at progresibong grupo at organisasyon dahil ang mga ito’y konsistente, nasa unahan at determinadong nagsusulong sa karapatang pantao at ng pambansa at demokratikong interes ng sambayanang Pilipino. Pilit na inuugnay at pinararatangan ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte ang Makabayan Bloc at iba pang mga lehitimong organisasyong kritikal sa kanyang gubyerno bilang mga tagasuporta at legal fronts ng CPP-NPA-NDFP para ikundisyon ang kaisipan ng publiko sa maitim nitong balak na ideklara ang mga ito bilang mga “teroristang organisasyon” at iligal sa balangkas ng RA 11479 o Anti Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA 2020), at maging daan sa malawakang crackdown sa mga lider at kasapian ng mga ito.

Sa pamamagitan din ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) nagtatangka ngayon ang pasistang si Duterte na mapatalsik sa Kamara ang Makabayan bloc para alisan ng boses at kinatawan sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso ang mga walang tinig at nagdarahop nating mga kababayan. Habol din ni Duterte na maidiskwalipika ng Commission on Election (COMELEC) ang mga progresibong partylist para hindi na ito makatakbo sa darating na halalan (kung magkakaroon) sa Mayo 2022. Takot si Duterte na mapunta ang milyong bilang ng baseng elektoral ng mga progresibong partylist sa sinumang tatakbo sa pagkapangulo sa Mayo 2022 mula sa hanay ng oposisyon na magiging kalaban ng kanyang kandidatong patatakbuhin. Subalit malinaw din ang mga indikasyon na ang mga pinaggagawa ni Duterte laban sa mga aktibista, progresibong grupo at organisasyon, human rights defender at iba pang oposisyon at kritiko ay mga hakbangin para alisin ang mga balakid sa kanyang imbing pangarap na manatili sa kapangyarihan lagpas sa kanyang termino na nakatakdang magtapos sa Hunyo 30, 2022 o ng sinuman sa kanyang angkan.

Lalong mainit ang dugo ni Duterte sa mga nagsusulong at nagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao. Patunay dito ang patuloy na humahabang listahan ng mga human rights defender na nakakasuhan at naipakukulong batay sa mga gawa-gawang kaso at talamak na pagtatanim na ebidensya ng mga operatiba ng PNP at AFP. Subalit ang higit na kasuk-suklam ay ang patuloy na mga ekstra-hudisyal na pamamaslang sa mga tagapagtanggol sa karapatang pantao, sa mga consultants ng NDFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan at sa ilang mga pinuno ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na isinagawa ng mga armadong ahente at death squads ng rehimeng Duterte.

Sa araw ng paggunita sa pandaigdigang araw ng kaparapatang pantao, dapat patuloy na manindigan ang sambayanang Pilipino na kailanman ay hindi ito palulubig sa tiranikong paghahari ni Duterte. Magpunyagi sa paglaban para pagbayarin at papapanagutin si Duterte sa mga pamamaslang na isinagawa ng kanyang mga armadong ahente. Si Duterte ang nasa likod at siyang pangunahing nag-iinstiga sa PNP at AFP na magsagawa ng extra judicial killings sa bansa hindi lamang kaugnay sa madugo at huwad na kampanya nito sa iligal na droga kundi maging sa madugong kampanya sa “kontra-insurhensya” na pinatutupad nito laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayan.

Sa kasalukuyan, walang ibang maaaring lumansag sa pinatutupad na tiranya at pasistang paghahari ni Duterte sa bansa kundi ang lakas at paglaban ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ang lakas at kapangyarihan ng taumbayan ang hahadlang at bibigo sa imbing pangarap ni Duterte na manatili sa katungkulan at maghari lagpas sa kanyang termino. Huwag tayong palulupig sa gubyernong walang pakundangan sa pagsasamantala, pang-aapi at paniniil sa mamamayang Pilipino. Patuloy tayong magpalakas at patindihin ang paglaban at pagtatanggol sa karapatang pantao at sa pagsusulong ng interes at kagalingan ng taumbayan. Higit tayong magpunyagi para wakasan ang tiraniko at pasistang paghahari ni Rodrigo Roa Duterte.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/huwag-palulupig-magpunyagi-sa-paglaban-at-pagtatanggol-sa-karapatang-pantao-wakasan-ang-tiraniko-at-pasistang-paghahari-ni-rodrigo-roa-duterte/

CPP: NDF-Mindanao spokesperson was extrajudicially killed

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): NDF-Mindanao spokesperson was extrajudicially killed

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
DECEMBER 10, 2020



Ka Joaquin Jacinto (Alvin Luque), spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, was murdered this morning by armed agents of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a resort in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. A companion of Ka Joaquin was also killed in the military operation carried out by forces under the 4th Infantry Division.

The CPP and all revolutionary forces are outraged over the extrajudicial killing of Ka Joaquin. We demand: Justice for Ka Joaquin!

His assassination was carried out by the military troops at 1 a.m. We dispute the claims of the military that Ka Joaquin and his companion fought against the military troops while he was being served a warrant of arrest.

Ka Joaquin was unarmed and was convalescing. He was detached a few months ago from the main office of the NDF-Mindanao to undergo medical checkups and to recuperate from partial paralysis. A few months ago, he was physically debilitated and could not walk after he underwent intense physical struggles amid heavy enemy operations and counter-guerrilla maneuvers.

This dastardly crime must not go unpunished. We seek the entire truth behind Ka Joaquin’s murder and seek an impartial investigation by an independent body. We urge the military troops involved in the operation to come out and reveal what they know.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire family, colleagues, friends and comrades-in-arms of Ka Joaquin. He was 51.

Alvin Luque hails from Davao City. He once headed the student government of the Ateneo de Davao University. In the late 1990s and 2000s, he became a prominent leader of the democratic forces in the city, serving as an officer of the local chapter of Bayan. He endeared himself to the public and the local media and gained a reputation for his fluency in the english language which he spoke vivaciously with a British-Bisaya flair.

He earned the ire of the reactionaries for leading mass demonstrations against the Arroyo regime. He was persistently red-tagged, harassed and charged with trumped up criminal cases. From Davao City, he moved to Cagayan de Oro, but was hounded no end by the fascists. To escape political persecution of the Arroyo regime, Alvin sought refuge in the guerrilla zones of the NPA in 2007-2008.

For a period, he was assigned to a local unit of the NPA where he deepened his understanding of the situation of the peasant masses and the necessity of waging armed revolution. He would be remembered by the masses and the Red fighters for his almost constant jolly mood. He would serve as host of small meetings and big gatherings and lead in educational sessions.

Coming from an upper-middle class family, Ka Joaquin had difficulties adjusting physically to the guerrilla movements of the NPA–night trekking, carrying one’s own load and scaling steep mountains. He would shed weight and eventually find his “fighting form.” For several years, he would join Ka Oris and help in strengthening the work of NDF-Mindanao. He worked closely with the CPP Information Bureau and served as one of the faces of the Philippine revolution.

Recognizing Ka Joaquin’s keen political sense, he was assigned as NDF-Mindanao spokesperson in 2016. He granted interviews with the media to clarify the position of the revolutionary movement on pressing issues in Mindanao and the whole country. For his steadfast defense of the revolutionary cause, Ka Joaquin became the subject of intensified liquidation operations of the AFP.

The CPP and all revolutionary forces pay the highest tribute to Ka Joaquin. Together, let us raise our fists and celebrate his innumerable contributions in serving the oppressed and exploited Filipino masses and their revolutionary cause.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-mindanao-spokesperson-was-extrajudicially-killed/

CPP/CIO: Statement on Human Rights Day crackdown

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): Statement on Human Rights Day crackdown

MARCO VALBUENA 
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 10, 2020



We join all democratic forces in denouncing the arrest earlier today of a labor organizer and an alternative media editor in Metro Manila. These arrests are the latest in the intensifying crackdown against those who have chosen to fight for the people’s welfare and human rights.

The Duterte regime could not have chosen a better day to show its contempt for human rights. These arrests were carried out today to demonstrate how the tyrant Duterte considers himself above human rights.

The Party calls on all democratic forces to stand firmly amid the attacks of the Duterte regime. They must continue to fight wisely using all legal recourse. Those under threat of liquidation or arrest can seek safe haven in the guerrilla zones to avail of the NPA’s security.

https://cpp.ph/statements/statement-on-human-rights-day-crackdown/

CPP: On the 72nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2020): On the 72nd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
DECEMBER 10, 2020

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) expresses its solidarity with the Filipino people and the international community of freedom-loving peoples in marking today the 72nd anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly.

The adoption of the human rights declaration was done at a time of rising global resistance to oppression and colonialization and demand to end the sufferings inflicted by the imperialist aggressors against the subjugated masses. It was a condemnation of the crimes perpetrated during the fascist Holocaust of 1941-1945. It has since been used by peoples in their struggle against colonialism, authoritarianism, fascism, state terrorism and other forms of political oppression.

Marking the anniversary of the UDHR today is particularly significant for the Filipino people as they confront heightened state terrorism under a regime that is openly contemptuous of human rights and which has perpetrated the murder of tens of thousands of people in its “war on drugs” and in its anti-communist drive. Hundreds have been thrown into prison on arbitrary criminal charges aimed at political persecution against the regime’s opponents and critics, as well as defenders of human rights. Everyday, thousands of people are subjected to unlawful arrests, torture, intimidation and threats and other forms of military and police repression and restrictions which contravene their basic rights as stipulated by the UDHR.

Close to 50,000 people in the country have been victims of state abuses under the Duterte regime’s dirty war. Most of the victims are peasants who are daily subjected to military psywar and combat operations. The past year, at least 87 activists and known revolutionaries have been killed by state forces, while more than 760 have been arrested. Extrajudicial killings in the course of the Duterte regime’s drug war continue unabated.

International human rights stalwarts have condemned the Duterte regime for its widespread killings and rights abuses. However, instead of carrying out a decisive measure against Duterte’s reign of terror, it has connived with the regime in efforts to cover up its crimes in the name of “technical training.”

The Party acclaims the patriotic and democratic forces who have taken a firm stand against the Duterte fascist regime and are bravely raising their voices against tyranny. These forces are defending human rights through whatever is left of legal courses of action and are exhibiting the same courage which carried their 14-year struggle against the Marcos dictatorship to victory. They are armed only with their principles and their determination to fight against Duterte’s corruption, abuses and national treachery.

While the broad masses must hold to account reactionary governments for transgressions against human rights instruments, they must also be keen to the historic fact that these are, in the final analysis, merely adornments for bourgeois class dictatorship. Full democracy and freedom can never be truly enjoyed under the class rule of oppressors and exploiters. To attain the full realization of human rights, there is no other way but for the proletariat and people to wage revolutionary struggle towards establishing their democratic class rule.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-72nd-anniversary-of-the-universal-declaration-of-human-rights/

Kalinaw News: Eight Local Terrorist Supporters Surrender in Lanao Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2020): Eight Local Terrorist Supporters Surrender in Lanao Sur



Brgy. Dado, Balindong, Lanao del Sur – Eight local terrorist Daesh Inspired supporters surrendered to Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion in Brgy Dado, Balindong, Lanao del Sur, Thursday, December 10, 2020.

According to Lt. Col. Rafman Altre,
seven of which were prematurely recruited by Imam Dimacaling and only underwent three days of training in year 2017.


One of the supporter was also present during the encounter with the unit in town of Balindong in month of January this year.

The surrenderees also yielded one high-powered firearm and one caliber 45 pistol.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander stressed that their efforts in urging the local terrorists and their supporters to surrender, and wants peace in the province is continuous.”

“With the support of local government unit and local chief executives, we will facilitate and reintegrate them in the mainstream society ,” Brig. Gen. Cuerpo added.

Maj. Gen. Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division commended 82IB for facilitating the return of the local terrorist supporters.

“Let us continue to show the people that we as soldiers have the heart and compassion even to our enemies in times of crisis and conflict,” Maj General Ponio said.

“But do not let your guards down and continue to practice extreme caution and vigilance for our true enemies who remain as threat not only to our ranks but also to the people we’ve sworn to protect,” Ponio added.



[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/eight-local-terrorist-supporters-surrender-in-lanao-sur/

Kalinaw News: 11th Infantry “ALAKDAN” Division celebrates 2nd Anniversary with AFP Chief of Staff

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2020): 11th Infantry “ALAKDAN” Division celebrates 2nd Anniversary with AFP Chief of Staff



December 10, 2020, Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division celebrates its 2nd anniversary at its Headquarters at Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu.

The 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, which was activated on December 1, 2018, celebrated its second anniversary today at its headquarters at Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu. The event was graced by several notable personalities including Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert I Gapay.

Just for the year 2020, the division have yielded significant intelligence and operational accomplishments including the neutralization of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the leader of ISIS linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu. The unit also played an integral role in the foiling of a planned suicide bombing in the town of Jolo as well as the neutralization of seven ASG members who intended to conduct kidnapping activities in Surigao province.

In his speech, General Gapay recognized the division’s remarkable contribution to the country’s peace and security. “This year, our nation faced several unforeseen challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In the middle of these setbacks, here you are directly confronting terrorism. Although the Alakdan division is a relatively new unit, I am very proud of you as you were able to achieve numerous accomplishments. Your part is of high importance in the achievement of the Armed Forces’ mission. Continue on this endeavor. I trust that you will excel even more knowing that all our efforts are all in pursuit of the Filipino nation’s peace and security.”

For his part, MGen Gonzales attributed the achievements of the division to the support of the local government units and the people of Sulu. “I am fortunate that I have snappy officers and hardworking troops to accomplish our mission. But all these feats were made possible with the help of the LGU and, of course, the local communities. They report enemy location and activities. They convince their fellowmen to lay down their arms and return to a life of peace. And they join the security forces. We have the Barangay Peace Action Teams, the Civillian Armed Force Geographic Unit (CAFGUs), and more than 500 Tausugs now enlisted as Alakdan soldiers. With these concerted efforts, the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC) was able to bring home the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) who left their land because of the terror brought about by the ASG.”

The program was also attended by Governor and PTF-ELAC Chairman Abdusakur M Tan; Hon Abdusakur A Tan II; Sulu 1st District Congressman Samier M Tan and several mayors of the province. Also present is the Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, Sultan Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram; the president of Notre Dame College, Fr Eduardo M Santoyo and Ustadz Mohainmen J Abubakar.

Earlier today, Lieutenant General Corleto S Vinluan Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command and MGen Gonzales held a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the 36 fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of the peace that the Tausug’s are calling for.


[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/11th-infantry-alakdan-division-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-with-afp-chief-of-staff/

Kalinaw News: Troops encounter BIFF in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2020): Troops encounter BIFF in Maguindanao



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- December 10, 2020

An undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters engaged with the military troops in Barangay Labu-Labu Mother, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on the evening of December 9, 2020, the WestMinCom Commander said.Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said the firefight between the troops of the 11th Mechanized Company and the BIFF-Karialan Faction under “Diok” happened at about 9 p.m.

The said firefight lasted for about 25 minutes after which the enemy withdrew. Lt. Col. Cresencio Sanchez, Jr., Commanding Officer, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion said, “We immediately deployed reinforcement to pursue the evading enemies and establish blockades in possible enemy withdrawal route”.

While scouring the area, operating troops recovered assorted live ammunitions and empty shells of cartridge Caliber .50, Cartridge 7.62mm, and Cartridge 5.56mm from the enemy position.

1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Officer-in-Charge Col. Ferdinand Lacadin stated that a hot pursuit operation is currently being conducted by the different units under his command.Likewise, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central said, “We are grateful that we incurred no casualty during the encounter.” “Rest assured that we will continue to fulfill our mandate the best way we could for the peace-loving people of central Mindanao,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.



[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/troops-encounter-biff-in-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: 10 CTG Members Voluntarily Surrender to the Gov’t; Given Opportunity to Celebrate Christmas with their Families

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2020): 10 CTG Members Voluntarily Surrender to the Gov’t; Given Opportunity to Celebrate Christmas with their Families



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Families of ten Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members will be spending a very Merry Christmas this year.

This after the said communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) finally heeded the call of the government to return to the folds of the law.

Fifteen days before Christmas, nine regular CNT members and one Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) member voluntarily surrendered to combined military and police forces.

Also handed over by the now considered former rebels (FRs) were eight (8) assorted firearms composed of an M653 rifle, M16 rifle, calibre .30 US M1 garand rifle, 12 gauge shotgun, calibre .45 pistol, two calibre .38 revolvers, homemade 12 gauge shotgun, three rifle grenades, two anti-personnel mines, one magazine, assorted cartridges for various firearms and terroristic propaganda materials.

They are now set to undergo debriefing and profiling as part of the enrolment process in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).


Under the E-CLIP, FRs will receive cash, livelihood, housing, medical and educational assistance as well as remuneration for the firearms they turned-in.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA lauded the troops’ undying dedication and commitment to destroy the CTG and stop them from luring the public with their false ideologies.

As the government intensifies its programs to end insurgency through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) coupled with the successful conduct of region-wide Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) not to mention the effective interoperability of security forces, JTFB expects the number of CTG surrenderees to rise steeply.

MGen. Robinson also attributed this development to the growing support of the Bicolanos yearning for just and lasting peace.

“Sa mga kapatid nating dating myembro ng CTG na nagbalik-loob na ngayon sa pamahalaan, hindi kayo nagkamali sa inyong desisyon. Welcome back! Alam kong napakasaya ng inyong pamilya dahil ngayong darating na Pasko at sa mga susunod pa ay kasama na nila kayo. You can now sleep soundly because you are finally home,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that just last September, 26 CTG members and one supporter also surrendered and publicly denounced the communist terrorism in Masbate.

“This only proves of the CTG’s defeat here in Bicol. They already lost their mass bases and their manpower and firepower are already crumbling down. There is no way they can ever recover from this. To the remaining members of the CTG, follow the footsteps of your former comrades. Their testimonies are proofs that the government is sincere to help you live a life worth living. Huwag na kayong patuloy na magpalinlang sa mga lider ng inyong kilusan na ginagamit lamang kayo para sa kanilang pansariling kapakanan. Ngayong Pasko, kasama nila ang kanilang pamilya, kumakain ng masarap at natutulog sa maayos na higaan habang kayo ay naririyan sa bundok, nagtitiis ng gutom, pagod at pangungulila sainyong mga mahal sa buhay. You deserve a better life. You deserve to have a merry Christmas and the government is more than willing to give you that,” MGen. Robinson added.

[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/10-ctg-members-voluntarily-surrender-to-celebrate-christmas-with-their-families/

Kalinaw News: Three Communist Terrorist Group members surrenders in Iligan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2020): Three Communist Terrorist Group members surrenders in Iligan



Brgy. Nangka, Balo-I, LDN – Three Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members voluntarily surrendered to Army’s 4th Mechanized Battalion in Barangay Nangka, Balo-I, Lanao del Norte, Wednesday, December 09,2020 around 8:00 in the morning.

The former rebels were identified members of SRC 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee which is operating in hinterland boundaries of Iligan, Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon.

One of the surrenderee yielded one caliber 45 handgun and were presented with the presence of Local Government Units and Chief executives of Iligan City.

As of this posting, the three CTG members were currently undergoing custodial debriefing.


According to Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander, “The support of Local Government Units, Local Chief executives thru TF ELCAC, plays a significant role in fighting insurgents in the area of operation”.

Brig. Gen. Palafox also added that their combat operations in hinterland boundaries of the three provinces is aggressive and relentless.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander urge the troops to continue the no-let-up operations against the threat groups in the area of responsibility.

He also directed the commanders to continue collaborate with the local chief executives, local government units and other stakeholders in order to encourage more former rebels to surrender.

[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/three-communist-terrorist-group-members-surrenders-in-iligan/

Kalinaw News: High ranking CPP-NPA executive in Mindanao killed after resisting arrest in Surigao Del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2020): High ranking CPP-NPA executive in Mindanao killed after resisting arrest in Surigao Del Sur



Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City – A high ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID) and his unidentified companion were killed after engaging the government troops in a firefight as the latter served five (5) warrants of arrest against the subject in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur early Thursday.

The fatality was
identified as Alvin Loque alias Joaquin Jacinto, member of the Executive Committee and Spokesperson of KOMMID, while his companion was yet to be identified as of press time.


Joint elements of the AFP’s 401st Brigade and PNP-Caraga served arrest warrants against Alvin Loque alias Joaquin Jacinto at Hermenias Resort, Purok Milion, Brgy San Agustin Sur, Tandag City at around 1:00 a.m. on December 10, 2020.

As the law enforcers served the warrants, the subject together with his companion opened fire towards the arresting forces, which prompted the arresting officers to take cover and return fire leading to a gunfight and resulting in the death of the suspect and his male companion.

The arresting units were able to recover the following items from the possession of the subject and his unidentified male companion, One (1) Cal .45 Remington 1911 pistol chamber loaded with a magazine and live Cal .45 ammunition, One (1) Fragmentation Hand Grenade, 500 rounds of cal 7.62 mm ammunition for AK47, One (1) blasting cap, One (1) battery, IED firing mechanism and MOL fifteen (15) meters of electric wire, NPA Flags, and otherSubversive documents.

According to Major General Andres C Centino, Commander of 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Joint Task Force Diamond, the death of Loque gives justice to the victims of the CTGs in Mindanao.

“Alvin Loque was charged with criminal cases that include CC Nr 4611 for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention issued by Judge Hector B Salise of Bayugan City RTC Branch 7; CC Nr 10677 for Attempted Murder issued by Judge Kimal Salacop of RTC Br 6, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; CC Nrs 161 to 163 for violation of RA 10364 issued by Judge Tangonan of RTC Br 34, Cabadbaran City; CC Nr 6527; and CC Nr 6525 both for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention issued by Judge Fudalan of RTC Br 7, Bayugan City,” Centino said.

“No matter how long, those who committed crimes against our people will eventually be caught by the long arms of the law,” he 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.



[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/high-ranking-cpp-npa-executive-in-mindanao-killed-after-resisting-arrest-in-surigao-del-sur/

Acting U.S. defense secretary turns over P1.4B in military equipment to beef up security cooperation

From Palawan News (Dec 10, 2020): Acting U.S. defense secretary turns over P1.4B in military equipment to beef up security cooperation (By Bryan Medina)

The turnover was part of Miller’s meeting with Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. on December 8.



Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Turns Over Php1.4 Billion in Military Equipment to Strengthen Security Cooperation 2. | Photo by U.S. Embassy

Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller turned over around P1.4 billion (USD29.3 million) worth of defense articles, including sniper and anti-IED equipment, to senior Philippine military officials.

The turnover was part of Miller’s meeting with Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. on December 8.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila said in a press statement that Miller’s visit demonstrates the longstanding and steadfast U.S. military commitment to the Philippines, the oldest U.S. treaty ally in Asia.

In meetings with Philippine counterparts, Miller underscored the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to national and regional security and discussed opportunities for greater bilateral security cooperation to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

He also highlighted the more than P1.1 billion (USD23.4 million) in U.S. COVID-19 assistance and disaster relief for recent typhoon victims, as well as ongoing U.S. support for Philippine counterterrorism and maritime security efforts.

During his visit, Miller announced the December 2 turnover of defense equipment transferred to several special mission units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to support the AFP’s modernization goals. The new equipment will strengthen the AFP’s joint precision strike, sniper, riverine, and counter-improvised explosive device capabilities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the Philippines, the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia. It was an honor to meet with Secretary Lorenzana and Secretary Locsin to discuss deepening our alliance and supporting a free and open South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region,” said Miller.

“We are grateful for the support provided by the United States as we continuously work on the enhancement of the Philippines’ defense capabilities,” said Lorenzana of the visit.

“The modernization of the AFP will ultimately allow us to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security threats to our maritime nation,” he added.

Miller’s visit followed the November 25 visit of U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett and handover to the Philippine Navy of a ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial System, as well as U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien’s November 22-23 visit, during which he announced P868 million (USD18 million) in supplementary military equipment and training for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Philippines is by far the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance in the Indo-Pacific region. Since 2015, the United States has delivered more than P33 billion (USD650 million) worth of planes, ships, armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment to the Philippines, while training side-by-side with our Filipino allies.

https://palawan-news.com/acting-u-s-defense-secretary-turns-over-p1-4b-in-military-equipment-to-beef-up-security-cooperation/

Negros police brace for CPP anniv attacks

From Panay News (Dec 10, 2020): Negros police brace for CPP anniv attacks (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) is bracing for the 52nd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26 and the attacks that may come with it.

The CPP usually marks its anniversary with attacks against the police and military carried out by its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), said Police Colonel Romy Palgue, NOCPPO director.

He ordered police units across Negros Occidental to step up anti-insurgency operations in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Palgue also told residents of towns with insurgency problems to be wary of strangers as these could be rebels.

The NOCPPO director appeal to NPA insurgents, too, for a peaceful dialogue instead of resorting to violence.

On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte said there will be no ceasefire between the government and communist rebels until the end of his term.

Duterte said the ceasefire with the rebels died along with the peace talks.

He also reiterated that he considers the members of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives, as well as other progressive groups, as communists.

The CPP was formed by Prof. Jose Maria Sison on Dec. 26, 1968. It was designated as a terrorist group by current Philippine president and Sison’s former student, Rodrigo Duterte in December 2017.

The CPP has been fighting a guerrilla war against the State since its establishment. Although its ranks initially numbered around 500, the party grew quickly, supposedly due to the declaration and imposition of martial law by former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos during his 21-year rule.

By the end of Marcos’ dictatorship, the number of combatants had expanded to include more than 10,000 fighters./PN

http://www.panaynews.net/negros-police-brace-for-cpp-anniv-attacks/

Antique ex-rebels receive assistance for reintegration

 Panay News (Dec 11, 2020): Antique ex-rebels receive assistance for reintegration


Former rebels in Antique (standing) are receiving support from various government agencies and the provincial government of Antique so they could be reintegrated in their communities. PIA-ANTIQUE PHOTO

SAN JOSE, Antique – Former rebels (FRs) in Antique who returned to the folds of the law were given livelihood projects and social protection packages by various government agencies.

Twenty FRs are under the care of the Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Group 6 while the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is still on process.


Antique Consultant on Peace and Order and Public Safety Margie Gadian emphasized the commitment of the provincial government and other government agencies to ensure that those who have decided to return to the folds of the law are assisted so they could return to normal and peaceful lives.

The first batch of 11 FRs already availed themselves of livelihood projects from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) while the remaining nine are still in process.

Most of them opted to venture into livestock (carabao/cattle), swine and poultry raising while others are into sari-sari stores.

The project for the remaining nine FRs are still in process.

Aside from the livelihood support, they also received financial assistance from the provincial government and their respective municipalities through their program Aid to Individual in Crisis Situation.

For Social Protection Packages, PhilHealth Antique assured them of their benefits and privileges under the Universal Health Care Law.

The Provincial Health Office also assured them of medical assistance in partnership with Rural Health Units and district hospitals where they are located and the Medical Assistance Fund from the provincial government and office of House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda. (PIA-Antique/PN)

http://www.panaynews.net/antique-ex-rebels-receive-assistance-for-reintegration/

Schools as NPA Breeding Ground?//Celiz: NPA recruits in UP, WBSU, ISAT-U

Panay News (Dec 11, 2020): Schools as NPA Breeding Ground?//Celiz: NPA recruits in UP, WBSU, ISAT-U (By Ruby Silubrico)


Former Ilonggo activist and now “star witness” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Jeffrey Celiz, says the New People’s Army recruits members from the University of the Philippines Visayas - Iloilo City and Miag-ao, Iloilo campuses, West Visayas State University and Iloilo Science and Technology University in Iloilo City. IAN PAUL CORDERO/PN

Former Ilonggo activist and now “star witness” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Jeffrey Celiz, identified three universities as fertile grounds of recruitment by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

At a “peace summit” in Passi City yesterday, Celiz claimed the NPA has recruited students right inside the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Iloilo City and Miag-ao, Iloilo campuses, West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Iloilo Science and Technology University in La Paz district.

“Ang mga paaralan na ‘yan ay pinupugaran ng recruitment hanggang ngayon,” said Celiz, now connected with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

He, however, clarified he was not “red-tagging” the three state universities.


“Ito ay patuloy na pagbubunyag,” he said.

Celiz added that, “Kung mayroong dapat i-criminalize ang gobyerno, it’s not red-tagging because red-tagging is a concoction and invention of the CPP-NPA.”

Celiz, who admitted to having been a member of the CPP-NPA, accused leftist organization Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan-Panay) as one of the most persistent recruiters of the communist movement.

“Bayan-Panay members are the ones pretending to be living the open alliances, but actually they are operatives and they are functionaries of the underground movement,” Celiz said.

In late October, Celiz bared he was recruited to the CPP-NPA in college at WVSU. He joined the youth underground group Kabataang Makabayan (KM).

Celiz made the revelation when the NTF-ELCAC presented him as a witness in linking Ellen Colmenares, sister of actress Angel Locsin, to the NPA.

In response to Celiz’s claims, the administration of WVSU described as “utterly baseless” the allegation that the university is a breeding ground for active recruitment by the CPP-NPA.

“It is an utterly baseless allegation, which has caused unwarranted alarm and apprehension among our students and other stakeholders,” WVSU president Dr. Joselito Villaruz, said in a statement.

“West Visayas State University continues to commit itself to remain vigilant and diligent in providing a judicious, secure and safe learning environment for all its constituents,” read part of WVSU’s statement.

“Before this irresponsible statement was made [by Celiz], there has been no report or incidents of infiltration by communist groups in any of (our) campuses,” Villaruz pointed out.

Celiz first made his allegation via a radio interview under the name of Eric “Ka Eric” Almendras.

On the other hand, Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said they are continuously monitoring the rebels’ recruitment ploy.

The 3ID, Pancito said, regularly conducts peace and insurgency awareness symposiums in high schools, and youth leadership trainings.

“Rebels deceive students through discussions of societal issues allegedly not addressed or even perpetrated by the government,” Pancito said.

http://www.panaynews.net/schools-as-npa-breeding-ground-celiz-npa-recruits-in-up-wvsu-isat-u/

Saudi national, wife suspected of terror links nabbed in Cotabato City

From MindaNews (Dec 10, 2020): Saudi national, wife suspected of terror links nabbed in Cotabato City


A CIDG operative shows the warrant to Saudi national Adel Sulaiman Alsubahani in his residence Wednesday (9 December 2020). Photo courtesy of CIDG-BARMM

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 10 December) – A Saudi national suspected of having links to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was arrested around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in a raid on his rented house in Barangay Balabaran here.

Adel Sulaiman Alsubahani was arrested together with his Filipina wife, Norhaya Silongan Lumanggal.

Alsubahani is allegedly “East Asia facilitator” of ISIS and linked to the Dawlah Islamiya Mindanao.


Police Major Esmael Madin, officer-in-charge of the Criminal Detection and Investigation Group in the Bangsamoro region said the couple were arrested with a warrant of arrest for having links to the terror group.

“The operation was codenamed Oplan Paglalansag Omega. The suspects were under surveillance and were monitored attempting to bring more Arabs in[to] the Philippines,” he said.

Confiscated during the raid were an improvised explosive device and components, a laptop, mobile phones, a memory card, a flash drive, five passports, two saving account passbooks, a credit card linked to Alraji Bank and other documents which were considered significant to the investigation.

In an interview over a local radio station, BGen. Samuel Rodriguez, police regional director in the Bangsamoro region said the suspect had been tailed by operatives and international intelligence counterparts who validated his activities.

Alsubahani was said to have been sighted entering the SPMS box in Maguindanao, a reported lair of Dawlah Islamiyah Mindanao led by Esmael Abdulmalik a.k.a. Alyal Abu Turayfie as well as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

SPMS refers to the town of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo.

“He entered the country in 2015. He fronted as an IT businessman. He was married to a Maguindanaon Filipina,” Rodriguez said.

Neighbors of the suspect in Barangay Balabaran said they were shocked to learn about the fate of their foreigner-neighbor who is known to them as Adel.

“He used to be seen teaching Arabic to children here,” according to a neighbor who refused to be identified.

Police said Adel is connected to the Ugur Suleyman Soylemez orphanage, a Turkish-sponsored foundation in Purok Datu Ali, Tamontaka 1 in Cotabato City.

The suspects and their families were yet to give a statement to the media on their version of the incident pending investigation.

Alsubahani supposedly met his wife a year ago on a plane to Cotabato City and they married in the same year.


Bangsamoro Parliament Member Mohammad Hashim called on residents of the region not to be swayed by foreign instigators teaching a wrong interpretation of Islam.

“I hope they will not be influenced by these foreign elements; they must have to return to the real teachings of Koran and the Sunnah,” he said.

Earlier this month, Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guaini-Sayadi warned her constituents of terror threats and has stepped up security measures to avoid a repeat of the mall bombing on New Year’s Eve in 2018.

Last week, suspected BIFF and Dawlah Islamiyah Mindanao members attacked Datu Piang town in Maguindanao and burned a police car.

They attacked on Wednesday night an Army detachment in Barangay Labu-labu in Shariff Aguak but were repulsed. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/12/saudi-national-wife-suspected-of-terror-links-nabbed-in-cotabato-city/