Monday, February 8, 2021

Convergence efforts thru RCSP gives hope to ELCAC priority brgy in Northern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 9, 2021): Convergence efforts thru RCSP gives hope to ELCAC priority brgy in Northern Samar (By Ailene N. Diaz)

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CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 9 (PIA)-- Convergence efforts through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) gives hope to the folks of Barangay Calantiao, Bobon, Northern Samar when the team visited the area end of January 2021.

Mrs. Delia Cascano, a mother and a resident of the said barangay expressed gratitude for the visit, and assistance distributed and services provided.

“We really thank the government. Aside from the services and goods, your visit alone gives us assurance that we are not abandoned, and we are still part of the government,” Cascano expressed.

The Kauswagan Serbisyo Caravan is a core program of Governor Edwin Ongchuan that provided all deliverables bringing the provincial government to the grassroots.

It also enjoined all departments to perform such as the health and dental services, circumcision by the Provincial Health Office.

The Provincial Veterinary Office also offered dispersal of native chicken, feeds, supplements, dewormers and animal medicines while the Provincial Agriculture Office gave out farm tools and inputs such as rake, shovel and seeds.

As it was a joint Regional, Provincial Task Force ELCAC convergence outreach program, several National Government Agencies also offered respective services according to its offices’ mandates. This included DILG represented by Regional Director Karl Cesar Rimando, Office of the Civil Defense ARD Rey Gozon, Ms. Imelda Bonifacio of OPAPP, PCol. Arnel Apud of PNP, 43rd Commanding Officer Col. Raymundo Picut, Jr.

Other participating agencies were TESDA, DSWD, DTI, OPAPP, DAR, COMELEC, PIA, LGU Bobon, as the host town.

Non-government organization UCPB-Eagles Club with Ms. Blessie Ongchuan provided toys, rubber slippers and sweet treats.

Presidential Adviser for Eastern Visayas Director Marjorie Jaramilla through the office of Senator Bong Go provided bikes, tablets, face masks, vitamins and lunch packs.

The Executive Order 70 of the President is a Whole-of-Nation approach that addresses the root causes of insurgencies, internal tensions and other armed conflicts by harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development to ensure active participation in the attainment of a lasting peace. (nbq/ADiaz/PIA-N. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066370

Waray News: Gov Evardone utro nagsagda han mga NPAs nga lumugwa ngan mag-surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 9, 2021): Waray News: Gov Evardone utro nagsagda han mga NPAs nga lumugwa ngan mag-surrender (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

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BORONGAN CITY, Pebrero 8 (PIA)—Utro nga nanawagan hi Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone han aadto pa ha kagugub-an nga mga NPA nga lumugwa ngan magsurrender ha gobyerno.

Ini nga panawagan in dida hin usa nga Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) miting han naglabay nga semana.

May-ada mga kalungganayan nga igintatanyag an gobyerno probinsyal ha ira, mayda livelihood, ayuda nga salapi ngan iba pa.

“Hindi na bola-bola ito tutuo ito, kaya surrender na kayo.”

Ha iba daw nga probinsya sama han Samar ngan Northern Samar, hinay-hinay na nga nagkakalugwa an mga armado nga miembros han kagiusan, sumala han report han army.

Ha ginhurma nga ayuda para han mga NPA nga masurrender, dayon ginpaki-anhan ni Evardone hi Vice Governor Maricar Goteesan kun aaprubaran ba an igin-proponer han army nga ayuda ha ilarum han Enhanced –Comprehensive Integrated Livelihood Program(E-CLIP) ngan Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), dara daw nga nagkakaurosa ngan kinahanglanaon, dayon daw ini ma-aaprobaran segun kan Goteesan nga tumambong gihapon han virtual miting.

Ha report naman han army, daw naibanan na daw an mga gios han mga walhon nga grupo.

Para kan 78th IB Commander Lt Col. Oliver Arviol, natalab na an ginbubuhat han mga local nga gobyerno sama han retooled community support program (RCSP) kun diin ginhuhumay han taga army ngan LGU an mga problema han taga barangay ngan hinay hinay nga iginhahatag an ira kinahanglan.

An RCSP team in nakadto han igintutudlok han military nga ginpupugaran han mga NPA.

Para naman kan Imelda Bonifacio han Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP-8), natatagan pagtagad an mga iginproproponer ha ginbubuhat nga mga dialogue ha barangay pinaagi han RCSP.

Kaapi na gihapon dinhi an mga gin-opreser nga skills training han TESDA nga amo an nangunguna han tinatawag nga Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) na nakahatag na hin haros P16-M ha maabot 1, 234 nga katawhan ha tulo nga barangay han Can-avid ngan walo nga barangay han Dolores. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066367

Residents join Army’s peace forum, vows full support to ELCAC programs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 8, 2021): Residents join Army’s peace forum, vows full support to ELCAC programs (By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog)

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GREGORIO DEL PILAR, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 8 (PIA) - - In order to raise awareness on the recruitment tactics of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) and scheme of organizing the masses in the barangays, the Philippine Army, along with the police and local officials conducted a peace forum with some residents of Gregorio Del Pilar on February 5.

At least 50 barangay officials, tanods, and residents from the seven barangays of the municipality, observing minimum public health standard protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19, have attended the said forum.

Initiated by the Army’s 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion (IB), 702nd Infantry (DEFENDER) Brigade, topics discussed during the forum include the government's ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency, and the benefits for former rebels and members of Militia ng Bayan (MB) such as the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Instructional and informative videos in connection with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 that institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” were also presented during the gathering.

“The essence of the 'whole-of-nation approach' is the involvement of everybody, all sectors of our society, especially our front liners, the people in the vulnerable communities. Educating them and enhancing their awareness against the evils and deception of the Communist Terrorist Group is one of our important tools in ending the local communist armed conflict in the province,” said Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo A. Mariñas, Jr., Commander of the 81st IB.

A former rebel also shared his testimony and experiences to enlighten the residents on the deception of CTGs to recruit vulnerable sectors.

A covenant signing denouncing the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as terrorists and declaring them as persona non grata in the municipality was conducted afterwards led by Mayor Henry S. Gallardo, Lt. Col. Mariñas, Jr., 702nd Brigade Civil-Military Operations Officer Major Rogelio A. Dumbrigue, Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Officer Police Lt. Col. Ariel C. Celino and Chief Provincial Operations Management Unit Police Major Rodel U. Ularte, GDP Police Station Officer-in-Charge Police Lt. Rodel Marzan, and the barangay officials.


PEACE FORUM: Some barangay officials of Gregorio Del Pilar, Ilocos Sur sign the peace covenant and resolution declaring the CPP-NPA as persona non grata in their town. (Photo by the 81st IB Philippine Army)

Moreover, the forum was conducted to seek the support of all residents on the programs and advocacies under the present administration in preserving peace and freedom from insurgency and CTGs.

In his message, Mayor Gallardo told the residents, “What the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and DILG brought here for this activity is the solution to the problem that we are facing. If we had in any way been doing something before for those on the other side, let’s stop it already. I encourage you to, instead, support our government agencies on this campaign. ”

With the theme, “Unity and Solidarity for Peace and Development of our Communities”, the forum was held in coordination with the Peace and Law Enforcement Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster of the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Gregorio Del Pilar. (JCR/VHS/JMCQ,PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066251

Former militiaman shot dead in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2021): Former militiaman shot dead in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



A former member of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was shot dead in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental by four unidentified suspects for a still unknown reason.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) on Monday identified the victim as Lander Sta. Ana Garde, 45, a resident of Sitio Tuko, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City.

Garde was shot around 2 p.m. on Sunday while walking toward his neighbor’s house.

The suspects, wearing dark clothes and cap, shot the victim several times, hitting him on different parts of the body, before fleeing towards the mountainous area.

The victim was rushed to the Guihulngan City District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police investigators recovered from the scene of the crime 14 pieces of fired cartridges of .45-caliber pistol and a fired cartridge of caliber 9mm handgun.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129990

Top Mindanao NPA leader, 2 others killed in NoCot clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 9, 2021): Top Mindanao NPA leader, 2 others killed in NoCot clash (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



SEIZED. The firearms and improvised explosive devices recovered by government forces from three slain leaders of the communist New People’s Army terror group operating in President Roxas town of North Cotabato province on Monday (Feb. 8, 2021). Among those killed in the 5:30 a.m. operation were Buenaventura Dawal, the executive committee chairman of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command, and two others. (Photo courtesy of President Roxas MPS)

A suspected high-ranking regional leader and two other sub-commanders of the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) operating in North Cotabato were killed in a clash against joint police and military operatives in remote Sitio Matangao, Barangay Sarayan here Monday.

Maj. Judgie Barotas, town police chief,
identified the slain suspects as Buenaventura Dawal, executive committee chairman of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command, and his companions Dennis Nogollos and a certain Alambro.


“They all died on the spot,” Barotas said of the suspects who resisted arrest.

Armed with an arrest warrant for murder issued by Judge Ma. Theresa Camannong of the Regional Trial Court Branch 9 in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, joint forces of the police and military swooped down on the suspects' hideout around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Sayaran but were met by gunfire.

“They (suspects) fired first and luckily there were no casualties on the government side," Barotas said.

Military and police records showed that Dawal is also the former secretary of the NPA’s Southern Regional Committee 5 operating in the Davao Region.

Found beside the slain NPA members were an M16 assault rifle with ammunition; a carbine rifle, two .45 caliber pistols, subversive documents, mobile phones, computer gadgets, a digital camera, a flash drive, and SD cards, and two improvised explosive devices.

Three suspected sticks of dried marijuana leaves were also found in the area, according to Barotas.

The operation was a result of information sharing among intelligence units of the military and police with support from the community, Barotas said.

The 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/1130058

Army’s 91IB offers free services to poor Aurora residents

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): Army’s 91IB offers free services to poor Aurora residents (By Jason De Asis)



FREE HAIRCUT. Personnel of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion offer free haircut to children in Barangays Toytoyan and Gupa in Dipaculao, Aurora on Monday (Feb. 8, 2021). The activity is part of the government troops' enhanced Adopt-a-Barangay (Kapwa ko, Sagot ko) program. (Photo courtesy of Army's 91st IB)

BALER, Aurora – At least 630 residents in this province availed of various services conducted on Monday by the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) as part of its enhanced Adopt-a-Barangay (Kapwa ko, Sagot ko) program.

The 91IB launched the program last year to help indigents amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

They offered free haircut, medical check-up, feeding activity, and distributed Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) leaflets and information drive
on infiltration of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to the residents in Barangays Toytoyan and Gupa in Dipaculao, this province.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, said the activities were conducted through the joint efforts of the personnel in the Army, police and the local government units (LGUs) who significantly contributed to the over-all security and peace efforts of the government in curtailing the activities of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and promoting the task force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) and whole of the nation approach.

Rubio said he is thankful for the continuous support of the provincial government of Aurora.

“The activities were important as the people feel the presence of the government. We also bring the unit closer to the people,” he said in an interview.

He also lauded his troops for the initiative and untiring services they offered to the people.

“I commended them for their concern and love for the people of Aurora,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130036

Arrests of ‘communist leaders’ based on court warrants: PRO-13

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): Arrests of ‘communist leaders’ based on court warrants: PRO-13 (By Alexander Lopez)



Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., director of the Police Regional Office in Caraga. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

The arrests made by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on three individuals alleged top leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Caraga Region are based on court-issued warrants.

The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) made this clear following the arrests of Isias B. Genorga, Gina Tutor, and Maria Dalangin during the two-day manhunt operation late last week.

“Warrants of arrest were issued against Genorga, Tutor and Dalangin by the local courts for the crimes of murder and violation of Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity,” PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., said Monday.


Genorga, 73, who was nabbed last Feb. 5 here is the spokesperson of Piston (Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide) and the chairperson of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) in the region, Caramat said.

Tutor, 50, the secretary-general of Gabriela-Agusan del Norte, was arrested on Feb. 6 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

“Both Genorga and Tutor were arrested by virtue of arrest warrant for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte,” Caramat said.

He added that Dalangin, 73, the head of the Regional Organizing Department of the Regional White Area Committee, Northern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC), and organizer of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Surigao Norte (NAMASUN), was arrested on Feb. 6 in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, based on an arrest warrant for murder and violation of RA 9851 issued by the RTC Branch 27 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

“The arrests of Genorga, Tutor, and Dalangin are not founded on their being members of progressive groups but on the criminal cases they were involved in,” Caramat said.

He said the three were also linked to the killings of Zaldy A. Ybanez and Datu Bernardino M. Astudillo in March last year in Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

According to PRO-13, Dalangin is in the top 6 and Tutor is top 9 in the category of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) priority targets. Genorga, meanwhile, is the number 18 most wanted person on the "CTG priority target" of PRO-13.

“Anyone, regardless of the status in life or organizational affiliations, can be arrested for violation of laws, especially if involved in heinous crimes,” Caramat said.

He assured that the arrest of the three suspects has gone through a legal process.

Caramat also guaranteed the safety of the arrested suspects as well as the respect of their human rights.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129962

HR violations found in NPA killing of Surigao tribal leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): HR violations found in NPA killing of Surigao tribal leader (By Alexander Lopez February 8, 2021, 9:29 pm



HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS. The dispositive portion of the investigation findings released by the Commission on Human Rights in Caraga Region dated Dec. 28, 2020 showed that human rights violations were committed by the communist New People’s Army in an ambush-slaying of Datu Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Bucales and two of his companions were killed when waylaid on Oct. 4, 2020 in Barangay Banahao, Lianga town. (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

The Commission on Human Rights in Caraga Region has found violations of human rights perpetrated by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) after the group killed last year the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga town in Surigao del Sur.

Rebels admitted killing Datu Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the IPMR of Lianga town, in an ambush on Oct. 4, 2020.

In a December 28, 2020 report, CHR-Caraga said the attack on Bucales violated the "principles of distinction and precaution".


“In gist, the principle of distinction requires that parties to an armed conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants. Attacks must not be directed against any civilians. On the other hand, the principle of precaution directs the parties to undertake constant care to spare civilians,” the CHR-Caraga report said.

It also noted that the attack also killed two other civilians and wounded others.

The military welcomed the CHR's findings, signed by the agency's director for Caraga Region, Atty. Jerefe D. Tubigon-Bacang.

“We thank the CHR for their prompt response and resolution on the human rights violations committed by the NPA terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Joey B. Baybayan, commander of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), in a statement Monday.

With the CHR's help, Baybayan said the killings and other forms of human rights violations committed by the NPA would finally be given justice.

NPA harassments continue

In the same statement, 3SFBn also condemned the NPA rebels for the "continuing harassments" against civilians in Caraga Region.

1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, 3SFBn civil-military operations officer, said that civilians from Barangay Mabuhay in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur executed affidavit-complaints Sunday (Feb. 7) against the rebels responsible for the harassment of a patrol base in the area on Jan. 29 this year. The attacks wounded a civilian.

Punsalan said the complaint named Rizaldy Sumonod as the leader of the seven NPA rebels who harassed the patrol base in the area.

The wounded farmer, identified as 26-year-old Braeil Salinas, sustained a gunshot wound in the stomach, he added.

“The CNTs’ (Communist NPA Terrorists’) attacks on civilians and unarmed individuals only proved that they are desperate and violating the CARHRIHL to terrify the people,” Baybayan said.

CARHRIHL stands for Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

Punsalan said the NPA rebels are losing their mass base due to the full implementation of the whole-of-nation approach of the government to end the local communist armed conflict.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129961

14 ex-NPA rebels from Sarangani get aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): 14 ex-NPA rebels from Sarangani get aid (By Allen Estabillo)  



Cezario Joel Espejo, Department of Social Welfare and Development-Region 12 director. (File photo courtesy of DSWD-12)

Fourteen former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from Sarangani province have received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in line with the government’s enhanced reintegration program, an official said Monday.

Cezario Joel Espejo, DSWD-Region 12 director, said they released one-time outright cash grants of PHP5,000 each to the returnees to support their basic needs amid the continuing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Espejo said the cash aid is part of their interventions under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which supports the recovery of individuals and families suffering from unexpected life events or crises.

The grants were received by the beneficiaries while undergoing healing and reconciliation sessions at the Horizon Suites here.


“We assure our former rebels that the government will be with them every step of the way in their desire to have a new life,” Espejo said in a statement.

The official said the cash assistance's release complements the government’s “whole-of-nation” approach in addressing the communist insurgency.

DSWD-12 is part of the Soccsksargen Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, created through Executive Order No. 70 issued in December 2018 by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Espejo said the agency is tasked with harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages to conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities, facilitate societal inclusivity, and ensure active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

Last year, he said DPWH-12 assisted over 400 former New People’s Army rebels through the AICS and their other support programs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130001

DND, UP leaders agree to form panel, continue dialogue

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): DND, UP leaders agree to form panel, continue dialogue (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PNA file photo

MANILA – Both the Department of National Defense (DND) and the University of the Philippines (UP) have agreed to form a panel to move on forward in ensuring the protection of the students on the campus.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday bared this development when asked about his meeting with UP president Danilo Concepcion last week.

"It was a very cordial meeting, I'm very glad that we finally met and we agreed in that meeting after he spoke his line, the stand of the UP (administration), ako din sinabi ko din yun stand natin (I told him about our stand), and we agreed after that to continue talking and we agreed to form a panel from both sides to talk on how to move forward in ensuring the protection of our students in the UP Campus," he said.

And when asked who will comprise the panel for the DND side, Lorenzana said he has directed one of the department's legal officers to represent the agency although there is still no date set yet regarding the meeting.

"And maybe one of these days, we are going to meet and discuss things to move forward," the DND chief said.

Last Feb. 4, Lorenzana and Concepcion met and both agreed to continue dialogues on cooperation in promoting academic freedom and the recent termination of the accord that prohibits police and military presence in UP campuses.

"The dialogue afforded key leaders the opportunity to discuss the way forward and possible areas of cooperation on how both institutions can promote their mutual aspirations to ensure a safe and secure environment conducive to learning," the DND, Commission on Higher Education, and UP said in a joint statement.

Lorenzana earlier terminated the 1989 DND-UP agreement which requires government security forces to give the university administration prior notification before they conduct any operations inside UP campuses.

Exceptions to the said requirement include hot pursuit cases and ordinary transit. In abrogating the agreement on Jan. 15, Lorenzana called the arrangement "obsolete".

He added that the agreement was used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army to turn UP into a breeding ground of "intransigent individuals and groups whose extremist beliefs have inveigled students to join their ranks to fight against the government."

The Senate, on Jan. 26, has adopted Resolution No. 616 urging DND and UP to “revisit” their 1989 agreement on military presence in the state university’s campuses and called for a dialogue between both parties.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129974

Duterte creates National Amnesty Commission

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): Duterte creates National Amnesty Commission (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order creating the National Amnesty Commission as a step towards attaining peace in the country, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the commission would be tasked to process applications for amnesty of former rebels and determine whether the applicants are eligible "in connection with the recent amnesty proclamations pending concurrence of Congress".

"Kasama ito sa ating hakbang tungo sa kapayapaan kung saan inalok natin ang kamay ng kapayapaan sa ilang mga grupo para sila po ay bumalik sa normal at payapang buhay (This is one of our steps towards peace wherein we offer a hand of peace to various [rebel] groups to entice them to return to a normal and peaceful life)," Roque said in a press briefing.

Roque said the commission would be composed of seven members, including a chairperson and two regular members who will be appointed by the President.

The ex-officio members of the Commission include the secretaries of the Department of Justice, Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Office of Presidential Peace Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

"Ang amnesty po, parang hindi nangyari ang mga bagay-bagay na nagawa ng ilang mga grupo ‘no na usually po ay isang krimen na magiging krimen ang rebelyon. Kaya po kinakailangan din ang concurrence sa Kongreso dito dahil binubura hindi lang iyong pangyayari kung hindi pati po ang parusa (In [granting] amnesty, it's as if the crimes committed by certain groups never really happened in the first place. That's why the concurrence of Congress is essential because amnesty not only erases the crime, but also the punishment)," Roque said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130029

Guarantee safe delivery of vaccines, PRRD appeals to Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8, 2021): Guarantee safe delivery of vaccines, PRRD appeals to Reds (By Jelly Musico)



VACCINATION. President Rodrigo Duterte talks to the people after meeting with members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases at Malacañng on Monday (Feb. 8, 2021). Duterte appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines to allow safe and unhampered transport of the Covid-19 vaccines. (Screengrab from PCOO/RTVM)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People’s Army (NPA), to guarantee the unhampered and safe transport of the Covid-19 vaccines throughout the country.

“I am appealing to the Communist Party of the Philippines. The CPP must guarantee that the vaccines in the course of being transported to areas where there are no city health officers or medical persons, na ‘wag ninyo galawin ang medisina (don’t touch the medicine), allow the vaccines to be transported freely and safely,” Duterte said in his pre-recorded talk to the people after meeting with officials of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Malacañang.

Duterte also asked the CPP and NPA not to intercept the vaccines and to observe the rules of humanity “because that (vaccine) is for the Filipino people.”

“As I have said, the money belongs to the Filipino people. The credit goes to no one. Sa inyo ito mga taong Filipino (This is for the Filipino people),” he said. “So natural lang na kayong mga (So it is natural that you) members ng CPP and the allied, NPA, NDF [National Democratic Front) or whatever, kindly observe the rules of humanity.”

In his virtual presser on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippines is 100 percent ready for the Covid-19 vaccination drive that is expected to start on Feb. 15.

"Ang sabi po ng COVAX Facility sa kanilang liham (What the COVAX Facility told us in its letter is that), it will be made available, it will come to us by mid February. Kaya nga po ang sinasabi ko, handang-handa na po tayo by mid February or February 15 (That's why I'm saying we are definitely prepared for [the vaccination drive] by mid-February or February 15)," Roque said.

In the same meeting, National Policy Against Covid-19 and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the military and the police will help in securing the delivery of the vaccines.

Galvez earlier said the 117,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines produced by Pfizer pharmaceutical company will be the first to arrive and these will be delivered in one tranche.

It would be followed by the arrival of around 5,500,000 to 9,290,400 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to be delivered on the first and second quarter of this year, he added.

Duterte said if there is no suitable venue for the inoculation, he will order the utilization of public school buildings while face-to-face classes remain prohibited amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Pero kung kulang talaga, my order is to utilize public school buildings. If there is no malaking coliseum or gym, then we will utilize the schools,” Duterte said.

Galvez said many LGUs particular in Metro Manila have already conducted simulation of the vaccination drive.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130055

NDF/Sison: Philippine economy is rapidly sinking and Duterte terror regime is isolated

 Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 3, 2021): Philippine economy is rapidly sinking and Duterte terror regime is isolated

By Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant

The Philippine economy is rapidly sinking and the tyrannical Duterte regime is likewise being rapidly isolated and detested by the broad masses of the Filipino, not just because of the Covid-19 pandemic but because of the subservience to imperialist powers and the local exploiting classes of big compradors, landlords and bureaucrat capitalists, the incompetence, unbridled corruption and military overspending of the Duterte ruling clique and the obsession of Duterte to impose a fascist dictatorship on the people and inflame the people’s resistance and use this as pretext for state terrorism.

Thanks to Duterte and his military running dogs, they are driving the people to fight back and wage armed revolution to free themselves from the exceedingly intolerable conditions of oppression and exploitation. The people’s war in the new democratic revolution in the Philippines is thriving because the basic problems of foreign monopoly capitalism, domestic feudalism and bureaucrat comprador capitalism persist and the chief political representative of the ruling system, Duterte, is brazenly a traitor, butcher, plunderer and swindler.

https://ndfp.org/philippine-economy-is-rapidly-sinking-and-duterte-terror-regime-is-isolated/

NDF/CPDF-Abra: CPDF Abra Hails the NPA for Defying Military Operations, Condemns Aerial Bombings by the AFP

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 3, 2021): CPDF Abra Hails the NPA for Defying Military Operations, Condemns Aerial Bombings by the AFP



January 27, 2020

The Cordillera People’s Democratic Front-Abra and all revolutionary masses of the province hails the New People’s Army-Abra (Agustin Begnalen Command) for their victories in waging people’s war, and defying focused and sustained military operations against the revolutionary movement. In a twin ambush by the NPA against joint operating troops of the 24th IB and 72nd DRC in the municipality of Malibcong last January 4, nine were killed and seven were wounded on the side of the fascists. More than two weeks later, the NPA had sniped operating troops of the 72nd DRC in the municipality of Tubo last January 22 wherein one was killed and another was wounded on the side of the fascists. These victories are proof that the revolutionary movement in Abra is ever advancing.

In response to these victories of the people’s war, the AFP have conducted aerial bombings in the province, a clear violation of the rules of war mentioned in the International Humanitarian Law. From January 5 to 7, at least 23 bombs were dropped along the boundary of Lacub and Malibcong, and from January 24 to 25, at least 14 bombs were dropped on Mt. Amtinangad, Tubo. These areas are pasture lands, production areas, and hunting grounds of the Gubang, Mabaka, and Maeng tribes of Abra, and the Agawa tribe or Besao, Mountain Province. It has caused great damage and disturbance to the livelihood of the village folks, psychosocial distress among the people, and destruction of the environment. Innocent civilians may have been killed or wounded if they happened to be there at the time of the bombings. These bombings cost at least P2.8 million of public funds, which may have been allotted in buying 1,166 cavans of rice as relief to the victims of recent typhoons, subsidizing 2,248 COVID-19 swab tests, or buying 933 dosages of COVID-19 vaccines.

Since last year, non-stop combat military operations were conducted in the municipalities of Boliney, Lacub, Luba, Malibcong, Manabo, Pidigan, Pilar, San Quintin, Sallapadan, Tineg, Tubo, and Villaviciosa. Hundreds of fascist troops, helicopters, bomber and reconnaissance planes, and drones are being used per operation. The US-Duterte regime is only squandering the government’s money and resources in its futile war against the people, instead of improving public health and people’s livelihoods in this time of crisis and pandemic. De-facto martial law has been imposed in communities with the imposition of Duterte’s militarist lockdown. Village leaders and activists have been harassed or forcibly surrendered. Those who simply assert their democratic rights and welfare are being accused as members or supporters of the CPP-NPA. Recently, a farmer in Brgy. Buneg, Lacub was illegally arrested. The barangay officials and some village folks in Kili, Tubo were forced to surrender. Civilians who do hunting as their additional livelihood are coerced to surrender their hunting guns, and are displayed as CPP-NPA surrenderees.

We, the people of Abra continue to be steadfast in resisting the anti-people and anti-democratic policies of the regime. We also condemn the aerial bombings of the AFP as their way of retaliation. No fascist can stop us in asserting and fighting for our rights and interests as people. The regime’s war against the revolutionary movement is bound to fail, while the people’s democratic revolution is bound to succeed.

End state terrorism!
Overthrow the US-Duterte regime!
Victory to the people’s democratic revolution!

https://ndfp.org/cpdf-abra-hails-the-npa-for-defying-military-operations-condemns-aerial-bombings-by-the-afp/

NDF/Sison: Why is Duterte silent about China's violations of Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea?

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 3, 2021): Why is Duterte silent about China's violations of Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea?

Press Statement of Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant, February 3, 2021

The traitor Duterte, together with his military running dogs, is silent about China’s violation of the Philippine sovereign rights over its territorial sea, exclusive economic zone and extended continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea while former Supreme Court justice keeps on asserting and reasserting patriotically the aforesaid Philippine sovereign rights and the Foreign Secretary Locsin and presidental spokesman Roque are bogged down with infighting.

Duterte is afraid to take a strong stand for Philippine sovereign rights against Chinese violations because a great part of his bureaucratic loot, especially from Chinese state and private corporations and from Chinese criminal syndicates, is deposited in Chinese banks and invested in Chinese companies.

The greater part of Duterte’s loot is deposited and invested through certain tax-evasion banks in Europe and the Caribbean. It is not far-fetched to think that the US is also monitoring and tracing the foreign bank deposits and investments of Duterte in order to have a hold on him just like China has on him.

It is quite easy to follow the paper trails of Duterte’s foreign bank deposits and investments in any part of the world because it is a team of lawyers and accountants under the law office of his daughter Sara and son-in-law Mans Carpio that have been frequently travelling to make those bank deposits and investments under the cover of pseudonyms and paper foundations like what Marcos, Imelda and Kokoy did while in power.

https://ndfp.org/why-is-duterte-silent-about-chinas-violations-of-philippine-sovereign-rights-in-the-west-philippine-sea/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga manggagawa ng Magnolia, nagpiket

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): Mga manggagawa ng Magnolia, nagpiket



Nagpiket ang mga manggagawa ng Magnolia sa harap ng kanilang pabrika sa General Trias, Cavite noong Enero 28 para ipanawagan ang dagdag na sahod at mas makataong mga kundisyon sa paggawa sa gitna ng pandemya.

Panawagan din nilang kilalanin ang collective bargaining agreement sa pagitan ng maneydsment at kanilang unyon. Laman nito ang pagbibigay ng kumpanya ng mga benepisyo, backpay para sa tatlong taon at bonus ng mga manggagawa. Ang Magnolia, isang kumpanya ng San Miguel Corporation, ay nagmamanupaktura ng mga produktong gatas (butter, cheese, at ice cream).

Sa Mandaue City, naglunsad ng 3-araw na silent protest ang mga manggagawa ng Coca-cola noong Pebrero 3 upang igiit sa maneydsment ang pag-regularisa sa may 86 na manggagawa nito.

[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/2021/02/07/mga-manggagawa-ng-magnolia-nagpiket/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Masaker sa Mendiola, ginunita

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): Masaker sa Mendiola, ginunita



Nagmartsa tungong Mendiola sa harap ng Malacañang ang hindi bababa sa 500 aktibista noong Enero 22 bilang paggunita sa ika-34 taon ng pagmasaker ng mga pwersang pulis sa 13 nagpuprotestang magsasaka. Hanggang ngayon, wala pa ring natatamong hustisya ang kanilang mga pamilya. Sa halip, tumindi pa ang kahirapan at karahasan sa sektor. Noong 2020 lamang, 59 nang magsasaka ang pinatay. Naglunsad din ng katulad na mga pagkilos ang mga magsasaka sa Laguna, Cebu at Negros Occidental.

Sa Quezon, ginunita naman ng mga magsasaka ang ika-40 taon ng Guinayangan Masaker noong Pebrero 1. Sa masaker na ito sa parehong araw noong 1981, dalawa ang napatay nang paulanan ng bala ang 6,000-lakas na martsa ng mga magsasaka.

Sa Panay, itinatag ang Defend Panay Network noong Enero 29, isang buwan makalipas ang brutal na pagmasaker sa siyam na lider-Tumandok sa Tapaz, Capiz.

[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/2021/02/07/masaker-sa-mendiola-ginunita/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pag­pu­pur­si­ge ng BHB sa ha­rap ng pag­ha­ha­ring te­ror ng AFP sa Sout­hern Ta­ga­log

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): Pag­pu­pur­si­ge ng BHB sa ha­rap ng pag­ha­ha­ring te­ror ng AFP sa Sout­hern Ta­ga­log



Tu­luy-tu­loy ang pag­ha­ha­sik ng te­ror ng 2nd ID sa Sout­hern Ta­ga­log (ST) pag­pa­sok ng 2021. Hin­di ba­ba­ba sa 25 ba­yan sa li­mang pru­bin­sya ang sak­law nga­yon ng mga na­ka­po­kus na ope­ra­syong mi­li­tar at mga ope­ra­syong Re­too­led Com­mu­nity Sup­port Prog­ram (RCSP). Isa ang ST sa wa­long re­hi­yong pra­yo­ri­dad ng re­hi­men sa kontra-in­sur­hen­syang ge­ra nito.

Ini­lu­lun­sad ang mga kam­pan­yang militar sa pa­mu­mu­no ni Gen. Anto­nio Par­la­de, Jr., na­ngu­ngu­nang an­ti-ko­mu­nis­tang troll at he­pe ng Sout­hern Luzon Com­mand ng Armed Forces of the Phi­lip­pi­nes. Ito ay sa git­na ng pananalasa ng pan­dem­ya at mga bag­yo na humambalos sa rehiyon noong huling kwarto ng taon.

Sa Min­do­ro, li­mang ba­yan sa ti­mog na ba­ha­gi ng Occi­den­tal at li­ma sa Ori­en­tal ang hi­na­ha­li­haw ng 203rd IBde mu­la pa noong 2019. Sa mga lu­gar na ito maig­ting na ni­la­la­ba­nan ng mga mag­sa­sa­ka at ka­tu­tu­bo ang ma­pa­min­sa­lang mga pro­yek­tong mi­na, dam at pe­keng prog­ra­mang pang­ka­li­ka­san na si­si­ra sa ka­pa­li­gi­ran at mag­pa­pa­la­yas sa ka­ni­la.

Ga­mit ng 203rd IBde ang pa­ni­nin­dak sa tang­kang pa­hi­na­in ang pag­la­ban ng ma­ma­ma­yan sa lu­gar. Noong Ene­ro, nag­dag­dag ang bri­ga­da ng da­la­wang kan­yon na 105mm sa Ban­sud, Ori­en­tal Min­do­ro. Nag­ha­tid din ng ta­kot sa mga re­si­den­te ang pag­pa­pa­li­pad ng he­li­kop­ter sa mga ba­yan ng Rizal, San Jo­se, Bo­nga­bong at Man­sa­lay noong bis­pe­ras ng pas­ko. Lu­ma­pag ito sa Man­tay, Ba­ra­ngay Mon­te Cla­ro, San Jo­se kung saan na­ka­kam­po ang pwer­sa ng RCSP.

Anim na ba­yan na­man sa Quezon ang inoo­pe­ra­syon ng may 1,900 tro­pa ng 201st IBde, ka­bi­lang ang mga tro­pa ng 1st IB, 59th IB, 80th IB, 85th IB, 22nd DRC at mga pu­lis. Ma­la­king ka­sa­la­nan ng mga tro­pang ito ang dag­dag na pag­ha­gu­pit sa mga ko­mu­ni­dad sa pa­na­hong ka­ta­ta­pos pa la­mang ma­na­la­sa ng su­nud-su­nod na bag­yo. Pi­ni­gi­lan ng mga ito na ma­ka­ra­ting ang ayu­da mu­la sa BHB.

Nag­ta­yo na­man ng ba­gong mga kam­po ang 80th IB sa Ba­ra­ngay Pu­ray, Rod­ri­guez, Rizal ha­bang nag­pa­pa­tu­loy ang mga operasyong kombat at RCSP sa Anti­po­lo, Rod­ri­guez at Ta­nay. Sa lib­lib na mga bar­yong oku­pa­do ng mga RCSP, hi­na­ha­rang ng mga sun­da­lo ang pag­pa­sok ng pag­ka­in at iba pang pa­nga­ngai­la­ngan ng mga re­si­den­te.

Sa Pa­la­wan, wa­lang-ti­gil ang FMO at kam­pan­yang pag­pa­pa­su­ko ng 3rd Ma­ri­ne Bri­ga­de. Inaa­ta­ke ng di ku­ku­la­ngin sa 600 ele­men­to ng Ma­ri­nes ang Roxas, Tay­tay, Broo­ke’s Point, Rizal, Ba­ta­raza at Puer­to Prince­sa City. Ni­li­lin­lang ni­la ng mga pa­bu­ya ang si­nu­mang nag­na­na­is “mag­ba­lik-lo­ob at ma­ki­pag­tu­lu­ngan” sa AFP la­ban sa BHB at sa­ri­li ni­lang mga ka­ba­ba­yan.

Ka­bi­lang sa ka­ru­mal-du­mal na mga kri­men ng 2nd ID na la­bag sa mga ba­tas ng dig­ma ay ang pag­pa­tay ki­na Eu­ge­nia Mag­pan­tay at Aga­ton To­pacio, ang ma­sa­ker sa Ba­ras 5, pag­pas­lang sa li­der mag­sa­sa­kang si Arman­do Bui­san, at sa wala nang kakayahang lumaban na si Ma­rio Ca­ra­ig.

Sa ka­bi­la ng to­dong ata­ke sa re­hi­yon, na­ka­buo ang huk­bong ba­yan di­to ng mga ba­gong la­ra­ngang ge­ril­ya at na­ba­wi ang ilang lu­mang mga er­ya. Isi­na­ga­wa ang ki­na­kai­la­ngang mga reor­ga­ni­sa­syon sa la­ra­ngang ge­ril­ya upang mag­ka­ro­on ng mas ma­la­pad na ma­ni­ob­ra­han ha­bang hi­na­ha­rap at pi­na­ngi­ngi­ba­ba­wan ang ma­la­wa­kang mga ope­ra­syong kom­bat at pam­bo­bom­ba ng AFP.

Ayon kay Arman­do Cienfue­go, ta­ga­pag­sa­li­ta ng BHB sa re­hi­yon, ito ay da­hil “ma­li­naw sa ma­ma­ma­yang Pi­li­pi­no kung si­no ang to­to­ong te­ro­ris­ta sa ban­sa—ang re­hi­meng US-Du­ter­te at ang AFP-PNP na wa­lang pi­ni­pi­ling oka­syon pa­ra ma­ka­pag­ha­sik ng la­gim at te­ror sa ba­yan.”

[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/2021/02/07/pagpupursige-ng-bhb-sa-harap-ng-paghaharing-teror-ng-afp-sa-southern-tagalog/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Konsolidasyon ng baseng masa sa Cagayan Valley: Tatag sa pundasyon ng rebolusyong agraryo

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): Konsolidasyon ng baseng masa sa Cagayan Valley: Tatag sa pundasyon ng rebolusyong agraryo



Matatag ang suporta ng masang magsasaka ng Cagayan Valley sa hukbong bayan sa gitna ng mga operasyong kombat at saywar. “Talagang matitibay ang mga tao rito,” ang hindi maiwasang kongklusyon ng mga sundalong paulit-ulit nang naglunsad ng Retooled Community Support Program sa isang baryo sa rehiyon.

Susi ang paglulunsad ng rebolusyong agraryo sa naging mabilis na pagpapalawak at konsolidasyon ng mga organisasyong masa, ayon sa mga kasama. Nailunsad sa rehiyon ang kampanyang anti-usura, pagtataas ng sahod at pagpigil sa pangangamkam ng lupa sa nakaraang taon.

Rebolusyong agraryo

Sa isang baryo, kinumpronta ng 140 magsasaka ang isang usurero na tuluy-tuloy na naniningil ng interes sa utang sa kabila ng krisis na dulot ng pandemya at magkakasunod na bagyo sa rehiyon. Kapag hindi sila makabayad nang buo sa itinakdang panahon, sinisingil sila ng usurero nang 100% interes ng pautang.

Tampok ang kaso ng isang magsasaka na umutang ng ₱51,700 na siningil ng usurero ng ₱358,500. Hindi agad na nabayaran ang utang dahil sa pagkasira ng mga pananim.

Dahil sa kumprontasyon, nagawang ipabura ng mga magsasaka ang balanseng utang ng mga matagal nang nakabayad ng prinsipal. Ang mga hindi pa nakapagbayad ay magbibigay na lamang ng prinsipal na utang at interes na katumbas ng isang anihan.

Sa isa pang baryo, napataas ng mga manggagawang bukid sa isang erya ang kanilang sahod mula ₱150 tungong ₱250 kada araw. Itinakda rin sa kumprontasyon ang oras ng pagsisimula ng trabaho at pagbibigay ng libreng pananghalian. Ipinagbawal din ng mga magsasaka ang pagpapainom ng nagpapatrabaho kada hapon dahil nagdudulot ito ng gulo sa loob ng baryo.

Sa dalawa namang baryo, inilunsad ng mga maralitang magsasaka ang isang kampanya para ipatigil ang planong pagpapalawak ng lupa ng mayayamang magsasaka.

Pagtatayo ng KRB

Patuloy na napalalawak ang mga organo ng kapangyarihang pampulitika sa rehiyon. Noong 2020, tumaas nang 25% ang bilang ng naitayong mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa baryo (KRB).

Sa isang baryo, 100 magsasaka, kabataan, at panggitnang pwersa ang nagtipon para sa itatatag na KRB sa kanilang klaster. Tiniyak ng sangay ng Partido sa lokalidad ang pagdalo ng masa sa mabilisang ipinatawag na pagtitipon. Inilunsad ang pulong-pagtatatag pagkatapos umalis ang mga sundalong naglunsad ng nakapokus na operasyong kombat ng militar sa naturang klaster.

Matagal nang balak ng mga magsasaka na magtayo ng kanilang sariling gubyerno sa baryo, ngunit ngayon lamang nabigyan ng pagkakataon para isakatuparan ito. Naghalal ng mga upisyal ng KRB ang mga delegado at binuo ang isang taong programa ng KRB. Pinag-usapan din ang pagpapasampa sa hukbong bayan.

May dalawa pang KRB na magkasunod na naitatag sa kalapit na mga klaster ng mga barangay.

Mga opensibang militar

Inilunsad ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa Cagayan Valley ang may 20 armadong aksyon laban sa pasistang tropa ng kaaway noong nakaraang taon. Tinatayang 55 o katumbas sa dalawang platun ang napinsala sa kaaway.

Pinakahuli sa mga aksyong ito ang pagpapasabog ng eksplosibo ng BHB-East Cagayan sa nag-ooperasyong yunit ng 77th IB sa Mabuno, Gattaran, Cagayan. Anim ang napaslang sa opensiba sa mismong araw ng ika-52 anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas.

Ayon sa ulat ng kumand ng BHB sa rehiyon, lumaki ang kabuuang pwersa ng BHB nang 45%-55% sa buong 2020. Pinasinungalingan ng BHB ang “pagsurender” ng umano’y mga kasapi at tagasuporta ng BHB sa rehiyon. Kabilang dito ang huling bats ng mga surenderi sa Zinundungan Valley, Rizal, Cagayan noong Enero 28. Anang BHB, sila ay mga sibilyang magsasaka na pinilit at tinakot.

Iniulat ng rehiyon ang paglaki nang 15% sa bilang ng mga bagong kasapi ng Partido. Nakapaglunsad din ng mga rebolusyonaryong pag-aaral mula sa Abanteng Kurso, Intermedyang Kurso at mga bats ng Batayang Kurso ng Partido sa buong taon.

Ang artikulong ito ay halaw sa isyung Oktubre-Disyembre 2020 ng pahayagang Baringkuas, rebolusyonaryong pahayagang pangmasa ng rehiyon ng Hilagang-Silangang Luzon.

[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/2021/02/07/konsolidasyon-ng-baseng-masa-sa-cagayan-valley-tatag-sa-pundasyon-ng-rebolusyong-agraryo/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Hukbo ng mamamayan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): Hukbo ng mamamayan



Matagal nang hindi nakakita ng “hukbo” (kolokyal na tawag sa mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan) si Ka Rolly mula nang tumira ang kanyang pamilya sa liblib na bahagi ng kabundukan. Dati siyang nagsasaka sa patag pero umatras ang kanyang pamilya sa mas mataas na lugar, kasama ng buong komunidad, para iwasan ang mga sundalong naglulunsad noon ng Oplan Habol Tamaraw sa panahon ng berdugong si Jovito Palparan.

Nang mabalitaan niyang nagkaroon ng labanan sa pagitan ng mga “hukbo” at militar sa karatig baryo, agad siyang pumunta sa gilid ng isang sapa kung saan tantya niyang dadaan ang mga kasama. Kasama ang kanyang mga anak, dalawang araw nilang inabangan ang yunit ng BHB. May dala silang handang pagkain at matamang binantayan ang lugar.

“Ito ang tungkulin na ibinigay sa akin ng mga kasama dati-dati pa,” aniya. Kahit matagal na siyang hindi nakakausap o nabibisita, ginampanan niya ang tungkuling ikubli at itaguyod ang yunit ng hukbo sa panahon ng pag-atake ng kaaway. Simpleng kamote at saging ang inihanda niyang pagkain.

Nang dumaan ang yunit, hinanap niya ang dati niyang mga kakilala. “Marami nang bagong mukha,” aniya. Nabalitaan niyang inilipat na sa ibang mga erya ang dating nakatalaga sa erya. Gayunpaman, maiinit pa rin niyang sinalubong ang mga noon lamang niya nakilala. Umaasa siyang balang-araw, makikita niya ulit ang dating mga nakasama.

Laking pasasalamat ng mga Pulang mandirigma kay Ka Rolly sa pagsalo ng kanilang platun na tatlong araw nang nagsisikap na makalabas sa kahon ng operasyon ng kaaway. Ibinukas niya ang kanyang sagingan sa mga kasama para kanilang pagpahingahan. Matapos ang tatlong araw, nagpasya ang mga kasamang lumakad na. Sinamahan sila ni Ka Rolly hanggang maihatid sila sa iba pang masang naghihintay ding muling makasama ang BHB.

[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/2021/02/07/hukbo-ng-mamamayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 5 magsasaka, pinatay ng mga ahente ng estado

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): 5 magsasaka, pinatay ng mga ahente ng estado



Limang magsasakang nakikibaka para sa kanilang karapatan sa lupa ang pinatay ng mga elemento ng estado sa nakaraang dalawang linggo.

Isa rito si Antonio Arellano, tagapangulo ng Paghiliusa sa Mangunguma sa Binabono, isa sa mga nagpetisyon laban sa Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL). Pinatay siya sa Barangay Jonob-jonob, Escalante CIty sa Negros Occidental kasabay ng unang araw ng pagdinig ng kaso sa Korte Suprema noong Pebrero 2. Kaalyadong organisasyon ang Paghiliusa ng National Federation of Sugar Workers, isa sa pinakamadalas i-red-tag ng militar sa Negros.

Patay din ang magsasakang si Rommy Torres, isa sa mga lumabalan sa pang-aagaw ng lupa ng pamilyang Villar sa Norzagaray, Bulacan. Dinukot siya noong Pebrero 3 sa Barangay San Mateo sa naturang bayan pero sa Laguna na natagpuan ang kanyang bangkay noong Pebrero 5.

Noong Enero 21, binaril at pinatay si Vernel Mondreal sa hangganan ng mga barangay na Salvacion at Igdalaquit sa Sibalom, Antique. Tagakoordina si Mondreal ng Igpanolong Human Rights Desk.

Sa Sorsogon, pinatay ng mga pulis at sundalo ng 31st IB si Michael Bagasala sa San Antonio, Barcelona noong Enero 24. May bakas ng tortyur ang kanyang bangkay. Ayon sa mga saksi, tinortyur ng militar si Bagasala bago siya pinatay.

Pinatay din ng mga pulis si Noel Degamon, Jr. noong Enero 29 sa Barangay Luna, Surigao City. Parehong dating Pulang mandirigma na sumurender pero hindi nakipagmabutihan sa militar sina Bagasala at Degamon.

Iligal na pag-aresto. Hindi makatarungang inaresto ang mga magsasakang sina Virgilio dela Cruz, Jerry Ramos at Herminio Ramos sa Barangay Villaflor, Cauayan, Isabela noong Enero 23. Tinamnan ng ebidensya ang kanilang bahay para magkaroon ng batayan ng pang-aaresto. Pinararatangan silang mga myembro ng hukbong bayan.

Sa rehiyon ng Caraga, magkakasunod ang iligal na pag-aresto noong Pebrero 6 sa mga lider-masa na sina Gina Tutor ng Gabriela, Greco Regala ng Pamalakaya-Agusan del Norte at Isaias Ginorga ng Piston.

Panununog. Sinunog ng mga maton ng pamilyang Yulo ang dalawang bahay ng mga magsasaka noong Enero 23 sa Buntog, Barangay Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna. Makalipas ang tatlong araw, bumalik ang mga maton at binugbog ang anim na magsasaka. Pinagbantaan din nila ang mga residente ng sityo na papatayin kung patuloy na lumaban sa planong pagpapalit-gamit ng lupa.

Panggigipit. Dinumog at hinalughog ng 60 elemento ng 2nd IB ang mga bahay ng mga residente ng Barangay Madao, Uson, Masbate noong Pebrero 1. Liban sa pananakot, ninakawan din ng mga sundalo ang pamilya ni Enrique Tumampil, lider ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Masbate.

[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/2021/02/07/5-magsasaka-pinatay-ng-mga-ahente-ng-estado/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 13 ka taktikal nga opensiba sa 4 ka prubinsya

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2021): 13 ka taktikal nga opensiba sa 4 ka prubinsya



Sulod sa duha ka semana, naglunsad og 13 ka aksyong militar ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) batok sa nag-operasyong mga tropa sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa mga prubinsya sa Bukidnon, Surigao del Norte, Abra ug Negros Oriental. Walo niini ang gilunsad sa Bukidnon.

Bukidnon. Magkadungan nga giatake sa mga yunit sa BHB ang mga detatsment sa militar sa Kipulot, Barangay Palacapao ug Barangay Butong, Quezon niadtong Enero 20. Sorpresang atake usab ang gilunsad sa BHB sa kampo sa Philippine Army (PA) sa Barangay Minungan niadtong Enero 26.

Tungang gabii sa Enero 27 ug udto sa Enero 29, giatake sa mga yunit sa BHB ang tropa sa PA sa Butay Simong, Barangay Namnam, San Fernando ug Buko, Barangay Banlag, Valencia City.

Giisnayp sa usa pa ka yunit sa BHB ang mga sundalo nga nakaistasyon sa Saluringan, Barangay Canangaan, Cabanglasan niadtong Enero 30. Pagkaugma, gipabusikaran sa BHB ang mirespondeng mga sundalo.

Niadtong Enero 25, giparalisa sa BHB ang unum ka ekipo sa Ulticon Builders Incorporated nga gibanabanang nagbalor og ₱9 milyon. Notoryus ang kumpanya sa ubos nga suhulan ngadto sa mga mamumuo ug pagpangabuso sa mga mag-uuma.

Dose ka sundalo ang napatay sa mga opensiba samtang walo ang nasamdan.

Surigao del Norte. Buntag sa Enero 28, gipabuthan sa usa ka yunit sa BHB-Surigao del Norte ang istasyon sa Philippine National Police-Sison sa Barangay San Pablo sa maong lungsod. Human sa duha ka oras, giisnayp sa usa pa ka yunit sa BHB ang mirespondeng mga sundalo sa 29th IB sa Barangay Tinogpahan.

Pagkahapon, gipabusikaran sa BHB ang mobil sa pulis nga nagbantay sa pag-atras sa mga Pulang manggugubat sa Barangay San Pablo.

Abra. Giisnayp sa mga Pulang manggugubat ang nag-operasyong yunit sa 72nd DRC niadtong Enero 22 sa utlanan sa Tubo, Abra ug Besao, Mt. Province. Duha ang natahong kaswalti sa mga sundalo. Pangtulo nga opensiba kini sa BHB-Abra (Agustin Begnalen Command) niadtong bulan sa Enero.

Isip balos, dili moubos sa 14 ka bomba ang gihulog sa AFP sa lugar niadtong Enero 24 ug 25. Gigun-ob niini ang mga umahan, pastulan ug kalasangan kung asa nangayam ang mga katutubong Maeng ug Agawa.

Negros Oriental. Giambus sa usa ka yunit sa BHB-Central Negros ang usa ka aktibong elemento ug ahente sa paniktik sa CAFGU Active Auxiliary sa Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City. Gilunsad ang operasyon niadtong Enero 28.

[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/2021/02/07/13-ka-taktikal-nga-opensiba-sa-4-ka-prubinsya/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: NDF-EV: Fight for free, safe vaccination, hold Duterte accountable for procurement fiasco

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 6, 2021): NDF-EV: Fight for free, safe vaccination, hold Duterte accountable for procurement fiasco

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 06, 2021



The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today called on the people to demand for free and safe mass vaccination against Covid-19. The NDF-EV believes it is in the interest of the people that the spread of the disease be controlled by vaccinating as many of the informed public. Revolutionary forces shall join the information campaign to raise the people’s awareness regarding vaccination against Covid-19.

The call for free and safe vaccination follows the people’s condemnation of the regime’s slow, anomalous and corruption-ridden procurement of vaccines. It is only the latest in Duterte’s seemingly endless blunders in responding to the pandemic, following his barefaced refusal to fund mass testing, efficient contact-tracing, free Covid-19 treatment, and strengthening of the public health care system as well as scientific research and development, among other acts of criminal negligence.

Duterte has no intention to conduct mass vaccination and seeks to profit from future deals. In the 2021 national budget, only a measly 2.7% of the P72 billion needed to vaccinate at least 60% of Filipinos was allocated. Duterte plans to go on another borrowing-binge to procure the rest of the needed doses where he and his ilk can swindle more from these deals. He masterminded the tripartite scheme where local government units and private businesses are made to shoulder expenses for the vaccine deals while the national government as negotiator pockets earnings from the deals. Meanwhile, the vast majority of local governments who cannot buy vaccines for their impoverished constituents are made to wait in vain, along with the rest of the health workers and other frontliners to whom priority should have been given.

For months Duterte prated to the media that only a vaccine can stop the pandemic. But after smuggling Chinese vaccines to secretly inoculate his security group, his most scandalous and grave abuse of power in relation to pandemic, no one believes he has any plan for mass vaccination, or that he has wants to decisively stop the spread of the pandemic in the country by leading a scientifically-proven government response. As governments across the world distribute millions of doses for their citizens, he has made sure to save only himself and leave the rest of Filipino people fighting over limited supply.

In the 2021 national budget, Duterte alloted only P1 billion for vaccine procurement but alloted P19 billion pesos for the NTF-ELCAC, P58 billion for the military’s modernization program, and P8.3 billion worth of presidential intelligence funds. He cannot fund mass vaccination but will buy more fighter jets, attack helicopters and planes, drones, tanks, 500-pound bombs, artillery weapons and other war toys. As a pandemic rages and the people are knee-deep in hunger and poverty, his priorities are clearly set in order.

The people must hold the Duterte regime accountable for its failure to secure free vaccination for the Filipino people. They must wage all forms of protest to hold him accountable and oust him from power for his countless acts of criminal negligence, uselessness, corruption, abuse, tyranny, and terrorism that have caused grave hardship and destruction for the broad masses.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-ev-fight-for-free-safe-vaccination-hold-duterte-accountable-for-procurement-fiasco/