Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 08/09/21

Monday, August 9, 2021

Lacson names PNP general behind alleged misuse of NTF-ELCAC funds

From Rappler (Aug 9, 2021): Lacson names PNP general behind alleged misuse of NTF-ELCAC funds (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

Lacson tags Major General Rhodel Sermonia as the police officer behind the alleged misuse of anti-insurgency funds

Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief himself, named the PNP general allegedly behind the misuse of anti-insurgency funds.

“Ito, sasabihin ko na kung sino 'yung in-charge diyan. Yung si Major General Rhodel Sermonia kasi siya 'yung director for PCR (Police Community Relations). Siya ‘yung nag-iikot eh,” Lacson said in an interview with GMA’s DZBB on Sunday, August 8. (I will say who’s in charge of that. He’s Major General Rhodel Sermonia because he is the director of the Police Community Relations. He was the one who was making the rounds.)

On August 5, Lacson said he received reports that a so-called general instructed local police chiefs to conduct a supposed “census,” asking for the names, contact numbers, and addresses of barangay residents.

The former PNP chief-turned-senator said the action was questionable because the funds of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) were supposed to be used for community development projects.

MUST READ
PNP denies Lacson’s claim that police misused NTF-ELCAC funds

Meanwhile, the PNP “categorically and vehemently” denied that the police used the funds to conduct censuses in barangays. According to the police, they used the funds to launch projects that strengthened its relationship with the community and other sectors, as well as for intensified cleanliness policy.

Lacson's reservations

Lacson also added that he wanted to know what does "intensified cleanliness policy" mean.

“Alam mo, gusto kong malaman ano ba 'yung sinasabing intensified cleanliness policy. Ano 'yun? Nililinis daw nila 'yung barangay,” Lacson said. (You know, I want to know what the intensified cleanliness policy means. What 's that? They say, barangays are being cleansed.)

The senator, who was also the chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation, said that the funds being released by the NTF-ELCAC were for so-called communist-free barangays.

“Kaya nga sila nagkaroon ng konklusyon na okay itong mga cleared barangays namin, naclear na ng security forces, kailangan na ng development project dito, mga program,” Lacson added. (That’s why they had a conclusion that these cleared barangays were already cleared by security forces, they now need development projects and programs.)

Under the Barangay Development Fund of the NTF-ELCAC, barangays supposedly cleared of communist terrorist groups were given billions of funds as incentives. As of July 2021, the anti-insurgency task force has already released over P16 billion to 812 barangays.

Duterte's hometown, Davao City, got a lion's share from the billions of funds.

MUST READ
New PNP chief Eleazar to focus on internal cleansing of police

As part of PNP chief General Guillermo Eleazar’s thrusts, he relaunched an internal cleansing policy that seeks to purge the police ranks, as well as the community. Under the program, police will strengthen its ties with barangays and communities to counter insurgency and terrorism.

Who is Major General Sermonia?

According to Lacson, Sermonia already reached out to him.

“Bibigyan ko siya ng time para i-explain niya rin sa akin, ano ang ibig sabihin ng intensified cleanliness policy ng PNP (I will give him time to explain to me what this PNP’s intensified cleanliness policy means),” Lacson said.

The PNP has yet to provide a statement on the alleged involvement of Sermonia in the gaffe.

Sermonia currently serves as the chief of the PNP Directorate for Community Police Relations (DPCR). Under the PNP’s mandate, the DPCR is in charge of developing a “community and service oriented police organization” through ties with the community.

Before his position as the DPCR chief, he served as the chief of PNP Central Luzon.

In August 2020, Sermonia was sued by the San Antonio town Mayor Arvin Salonga in Nueva Ecija. Sermonia, who was then Central Luzon police chief, removed the San Antonio police chief from his post. The town mayor said due to Sermonia’s decision, the enforcement of local quarantine protocols in their town was disrupted.

Shortly after Salonga filed complaints against Sermonia, in September 2020, the town mayor survived an assassination attempt. Salonga alleged that Sermonia was the mastermind behind the assassination attempt against him and his companions.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/lacson-names-pnp-general-alleged-misuse-ntf-elcac-funds

Manobo’s homecoming far from safe as struggle continues

Posted to the periodically pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Aug 9, 2021): Manobo’s homecoming far from safe as struggle continues (By KATH M. CORTEZ)

DAVAO CITY – The Manobo evacuees, the last batch of 21 families remaining in UCCP Haran, return to Talaingod after years under the church’s sanctuary, fearing what awaits them in their communities — the same soldiers and paramilitary that have drove them away since 2014.

Datu Tungig Mansumuy-at, spokesperson of the Manobo group Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon, said they have learned from others families who headed home a few weeks earlier, that they were tagged by the military and government agencies as “surrenderees” who have “finally escaped the control of NPA (New People’s Army)”.

Mansumuy-at said those claims do not define what their next challenge is.

“Ang among pag-uli dili pagsurrender nga maoy perming ginapasi-atab sa mga kasundaluhan ug sa gobyerno. Ang among pag-uli nagpakita sa among kaisog nga muatubang sa mga gustong mupahimulos ug muyatak sa among katungod. Wala na mi choice kay lisod ang among kahimtang dinhi sa Haran ug kinahanglan namong barugan nga kami ang nanag-iya sa Pantaron,” he explained. (Our return is not about surrendering as the military and government wants to claim. Our return is showing we are brave to face those who want to exploit and trample our rights. We have no choice as our situation in Haran is difficult, and we need assert again that we are stewards of Pantaron.)

Manobo Lumad bid goodbye to their supporters standing outside UCCP Haran as they board the buses taking them home to Talaingod. (Kath M. Cortez/davaotoday.com)

Manobo Lumad bid goodbye to their supporters standing outside UCCP Haran as they board the buses taking them home to Talaingod. (Kath M. Cortez/davaotoday.com)

Manobo Lumad bid goodbye to their supporters standing outside UCCP Haran as they board the buses taking them home to Talaingod. (Kath M. Cortez/davaotoday.com)

For six years, UCCP Southeastern Mindanao opened its Haran compound (Home Altar for Renewal and Nurture) as sanctuary for the Manobo as they campaigned for the pullout of the military, disbandment of paramilitary and to stop the attacks on Lumad schools.

Attacks never stopped

But the 10th Infantry Division, in a press statement released hours after the Manobo families left Haran, claimed the Lumad returned home after “being deceived by the CPP-NPA-NDF of false promises … after years of being captive by Haran administrators and facilitators” with “reports of abuses while inside the compound.”

“The local government of Davao City and Talaingod, together with other government agencies including the AFP and PNP, for so long, took numerous efforts in rescuing the IPs brought by organizers of CPP-NPA-NDF and allied groups of Haran,” the military statement said.

But Salugpongan and the many groups that support them remember things differently.

“Ang rason usab nganong naka desisyon mi sa pagbalik sa among kumunidad kay bisan anaa mi dinhi wala man nahunong ang mga pag-atake. Gani gikan pa niadtong 2014 hangtud nga nahitabo ang pandemic, makapila ka beses mi gi-atake sa mga Alamara ug sa gobyerno, gi-sunog ang among evacuation center, gitumu-tumoan og kaso ang among mga leader, gihadlok mi, gibaharan,” Mansumuy-at said. (The reason why we decide to return to our communities is because even here the attacks never stopped. From 2014 until this pandemic, we were attacked by the Alamara and the government. Several times the Alamara and government forces attacked us, our evacuation center was set on fire, our leaders faced trumped up cases and threats).

There were two attempts of rescue in Haran in the past, in 2015 and 2020, that ended with the Manobo more scared of the “rescuers” – the police and Alamara paramilitary.

Last year at the height of the pandemic, statements circulated in papers and social media alleged that the Manobo hid a COVID-19 patient, an infant who died in Haran. Police even dug up the infant’s grave to perform a swab test. Swab tests on the infant’s parents turned out negative, proving the allegation was wrong.

There was also red-tagging and legal cases filed on leaders of UCCP Haran and support groups for allegedly kidnapping and detaining the Manobo, but most of these cases have been dismissed by the courts. UCCP Haran’s bank account was put on freeze by the government’s anti-money laundering council.

RETURN TRIP. The remaining 21 Manobo families in UCCP Haran return to their communities in Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Aug 8. It has been seven years since the Talaingod Manobo first sought refuge in Haran in Davao City as they appealed to government to stop militarization and attacks on schools in their community. With all Talaingod evacuees home, their leaders vow to continue their struggle.

No turning back

With this situation, returning to Talaingod was the best way for the Salugpongan to continue with their struggle. Some families have slowly left Haran since December to tend to their farms and houses that they had left behind.

“Wala nay atrasanan ang mga lumad nga ginalutos, hilabi na karun nga way puas gihapon ang mando sa liderato sa estado nga kami puohon – kung dili ang padayon nga pagbarug sa katungod diha mismo sa yutang gitubuan, sa yutang kabilin, sa yutang gipakigbisugan pa sa among mga katigulangan,” a letter written from the Salugpongan to Haran said. (There is no turning back for the Lumad who are being persecuted more relentlessly by this leader who want to exterminate us – except to move onward to defend our rights in the land where we grew up, our ancestral land, our land that our elders defended.)

Unlike the past two moments (in 2014 and 2016) when their return was supported by local government, this time government agencies have labeled them as influenced by communists.

Mansumuy-at believes military forces who have concentrated in their ancestral land will continue the pressure and intimidation against them, as what had happened in the past.

“Daghan sa mga among katribu ilabi na kadto nga mga bata, mga tigulang ug kababayen-an muatubang na usab og laing hugna sa trauma nga among nasinati sa una. Mao kana ang among posibleng atubangon sa among pag-uli,kana ang musugat kanamo,” Mansumuy-at added.

(Many of us in our tribe, the children, elderly and women will face the same trauma we had experienced before. That is what we expect to face when we return home.)

The PASAKA Lumad Confederation in 2018 reported at least three battalions are deployed in the hinterlands of Talaingod and are the forces “involved in the recruitment of CAFGU and ALAMARA” and the conduct of the Re-engineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) and Community Operations for Peace and Development (COPD) on the selected areas while “setting up military headquarters and detachments or Patrol Base” in Talaingod.

What the Manobo people bring to them are the memories of support they received from UCCP and many support groups who helped them through the years.

“There is no certainty that awaits us in our return to our ancestral land that is being coveted, but the unity we experienced with Haran and the people who understand, who stand with us in our struggle, gives us courage to persist in standing for our rights,” their letter added.

RELATED: A timeline of the birth and attacks on Salugpongan schools

Solidarity continues

FAREWELL HUG. Datu Tungig Mansumuy-at hugs Bishop Hamuel Tequis as gratitude to UCCP for offering them sanctuary for seven years. (Kath M. Cortez/davaotoday.com)

The past few days leading to their sendoff last Sunday, support groups joined the Lumad in a solidarity program in Haran.

Jenelyn Baguio, one of the Manobo leaders organized under the Sabokahan Unity of Lumad Women said a bond is forged

“Salamat sa pag-uban ug sa pagduyog kanamo gikan sa mga rally, pag-adto namo sa Manila katong mga gilunsad nga Manilakbayan para madunggan ang among kasinatian, sa pagsuporta nga dili mapasarad-an ang among mga eskwelahan, paghatag sa among pagkaon ug mga sinina, gamit sa pag-eskwela sa among mga anak ug sa moral nga suporta nga maoy hinungdan nganong nagpabilin kaming nibarog alang sa among katungod ug sa Pantaron,” she said. (Thank you for accompanying us in the rallies, in our travel to Manila when Manilakbayan was launched so that people can listen to our experiences, to the support to save our schools, to those who provided food, clothing, school supplies to our children and moral support that helped us to continue to stand for our rights and Pantaron).

HISTORICAL. Manobo leaders planted a tree as a marker of their plight as evacuees in Haran. (Kath M. Cortez/davaotoday.com)

In one of the ‘Panubadtubad’ or Lumad ritual, the Salugpongan leaders planted a tree that they said symbolizes the gratitude of Manobos to UCCP Haran and as a marker that they have given a safe place to stay for years. It was a similiar gesture made during the first evacuation of the Manobo in 1994 in Haran.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/manobos-homecoming-far-from-safe-as-struggle-continues/

Top NPA leader surrenders | military

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 9, 2021): Top NPA leader surrenders | military (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

ANOTHER leader of the New People’s Army surrendered to the military in Davao de Oro.

Major General Ernesto Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, said Eduardo S Genelsa, 61, was a commander of the Pulang Bagani Company 3.

Based on the military report, Genelsa spent 42 years in the rebel movement and held top positions. He was also involved in several armed confrontations either against the police or the army.

The report added that he surrendered when he realized that the movement was exploiting its members as he called it a “fancy revolution” and a “money-making scheme” benefiting its leaders.

Captured in 2016 but was released as member of the rebel’s panel in the peace talks, the report added Genelsa was facing an arrest warrant for robbery, while he was also involved in double, multiple and frustrated murder cases. He went back into hiding when the peace talks collapsed in 2017.

Because of his surrender, Genelsa will become a beneficiary of government programs for those who decide to return to the folds of the law.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/08/09/top-npa-leader-surrenders-military/

Youth for Peace members attend Leadership summit in Ambaguio

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 9, 2021): Youth for Peace members attend Leadership summit in Ambaguio (By Benjamin Moses Ebreo)

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - The Philippine Army, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Youth for Peace, among others recently conducted a Youth Leadership Summit in Ambaguio.

Second Lt. Ericson Orlanes, team leader of the army’s 54th Infantry Batallion, Alpha Company said the Youth Leadership Summit which was conducted in barangay Labang offered series of lectures, worskhops, socio-cultural and team building activities to the 60 participants.

“The summit aims to help our youth in builidng good moral character and leadership by making then aware of their responsibilities as leaders of their respective communities,” he said.

Orlanes said the activity serves as the start of the youth leaders’ development by involving themselves in productive programs, projects and activities that will support government’s efforts in maintaining peace and development in their communities.

“Activities such as this will greatly help our campaign on the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) through the convergence of various resources from the national governent agencies, local government units and community organizations,” he said.

Orlanes said four barangays of Ambaguio have been tagged as ELCAC hotspot zones. (MDCT/BME/PIA Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/2021/08/09/youth-for-peace-members-attend-leadership-summit-in-ambaguio

Rebel detained, comrade freed from jail: PNP

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 8, 2021): Rebel detained, comrade freed from jail: PNP (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A self-confessed member of the New People’s Army was released from police custody, while his comrade remained in jail for murder charges, P/Capt. Ellende Rebusquillo, Binalbagan police chief, said yesterday.

Eduardo Mission, alias “Ka Edo”, and George Francis were captured by 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers during an encounter with about 30 fully-armed NPA rebels in Sitio Agbagacay, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental Aug 3.

Rebusquillo said they released Francis to the 94IB after the 36-hour reglementary period of detention, since there were no legal grounds to hold him.

He added that Mission remained in their custody since he had a pending arrest warrant for murder. He is scheduled to be turned over to the Guihulngan City Police Station, Rebusquillo also said.

The Aug. 3 encounter led to the recovery of an M653 assault rifle, M16 and M14 rifles with 10 magazines containing ammunition, a homemade shotgun with two bullets, two handheld radios, two cellular phones, two backpacks, and a medical kit.

Two days after, another encounter ensued in Sitio Bugalo, also in Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, that claimed the life of a suspected NPA member, the military said.

Rebusquillo said that the body is at a funeral parlor in Binalbagan and has remained unidentified, as of this writing.

The encounter also led to injuries to Pvt. Wilhelm Paul Tabafa and a civilian identified by the Binalbagan police as Henry Prial, who was hit by a stray bullet.

Both were reported to be in stable condition.

A .38 caliber pistol with ammunition was recovered at the encounter site.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/rebel-detained-comrade-freed-from-jail-pnp/

4 NPA rebels surrender in Negros Oriental

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Aug 9, 2021): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Negros Oriental (By TERESA D. ELLERA)

NEGROS. Four NPA rebels surrender to the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental, Saturday. (Contributed photo)

FOUR ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) from Negros Oriental surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) on Saturday, August 7, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Roderick Salayo, 11IB commanding officer, identified the surrenderees as alias Jango and alias Jay both members of Regional Striking Force (RSF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), alias Rodel, Vice Squad Leader of Squad 3, Central Negros 2; and, alias Bong, remaining squad leader of South East Front (Dismantled).

Alias Bong surrendered one Caliber 45 pistol, with 22 live ammunition, and alias Rodel yielded one Caliber 45 with six live ammunition.

Realizing that this is for the betterment of their lives and their families, they surrendered themselves to the government with the help of the troops, Salayo said.

“Nahihirapan na kami sa bundok dahil wala na kaming mapagtataguan. Wala na ring mga taong sumusuporta sa amin. Hindi na namin kayang makipaglaban sa mga sundalo dahil wasak na wasak na ang aming prente,” Jango revealed.

The Army's 11IB will assist the surrenderees to be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

Salayo lauded the courage of the four surrenderees to choose the right path and leave behind the armed struggle.

“The surrender of these ranking CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) is a clear indication that they are demoralized and fed up with the atrocities and ruthlessness of their group,” he emphasized.

302nd Brigade Commander Colonel Leo Peña said, “I am glad these four ranking NPA members finally realized to live peacefully with their families. That is the most important thing, to be with their respective family. We will assist them in processing their E-Clip benefits upon completing the requirements for validation and evaluation.”

“I am also grateful to the Chairpersons of the Provincial and Municipal Task Forces to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict (Elcac) who actively supported the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental. It is a manifestation that the EO (Executive Order) 70 or the National Task Force Elcac is functioning well and becomes effective. Also, we expect for more surrenderees as we aim further and work together for peace and progress,” Peña added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1903562/Bacolod/Local-News/4-NPA-rebels-surrender-in-Negros-Oriental

New PCG task force boosts security in PH waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9, 2021): New PCG task force boosts security in PH waters (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday activated Task Force Kaligtasan sa Karagatan (Safety at Sea) to help boost enforcement of maritime laws.

Vice Admiral Artemio Abu, together with Rear Admiral Joseph Coyme and Commodore Charlie Rance, will lead the task force composed of 19 task groups in all PCG districts.

The task force was created in line with Republic Act 9993 or the PCG Law of 2009.

“Through the activation of the PCG Task Force Kaligatasan sa Karagatan, PCG assets shall be utilized to intensify the enforcement of all domestic and international maritime laws, treaties, conventions, and applicable memorandum circulars issued by the PCG pertinent to maritime safety,” the PCG said in a Facebook post.

Abu, during a meeting of the task force, said the group would support the achievement of “the highest level of operational efficiency” of all aids to navigation in the country such as light stations and ocean buoys.

“We will be focusing only on activities that are doable, tangible, and with high impact on the safety aspect of our job, not to mention the desire to advance our sovereignty interest,” Abu said.

He noted the need to enhance coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, specifically on the maintenance of PPA buoys.

“Coordination with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF – WPS) shall also be prioritized towards the swift installation of sovereign markers within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Abu said.

One of its most important duties, he said, is to educate and develop PCG personnel by providing exercises and seminars related to maritime safety.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149812

“They will be trained in manning Vessel Traffic Management System, deploying maritime search and rescue teams, and conducting marine casualty investigations, among others,” Abu said.

He said the task force would also ensure that PCG personnel are “highly skilled” in the implementation of vessel safety enforcement, port state control and recreational safety inspections.

IHL rules ‘paramount’ in military service: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9, 2021): IHL rules ‘paramount’ in military service: AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT. Human rights officers and personnel led by Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict director Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac recite the pledge of commitment to International Human Law in a virtual ceremony on Monday (Aug. 28, 2021). Nacnac represented AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles define a professional military force, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. said Monday.

This, as the AFP joined the celebration of the IHL Month this August.

"The rules of IHL should always be paramount in our service, as this defines us as a professional armed force,” Faustino said in a statement.

The AFP opened the activities lined up for the IHL Month celebration through a virtual ceremony facilitated by the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC).

This year’s theme is “Upholding the Law of Armed Conflict amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic: Protecting Humanity for Healing and Recovery”.

AFPCLOAC director Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac presided over the activity that was highlighted by the recitation of the pledge of commitment to IHL by human rights officers and personnel of the military.

Nacnac represented Faustino who assured AFP members that policies are now in place to strengthen the enforcement of the IHL within the organization.

“I have issued letter directives, such as the proactive enforcement of Republic Act 9851, which is the law penalizing war crimes and violations of IHL, Genocide and Crimes against Humanity,” Faustino said.

The AFP also issued another letter directive prescribing guidelines on the filing of IHL and criminal cases against non-state armed groups, especially the communist terrorist groups and lawless terror groups.

Also issued was a directive on the monitoring and reporting of cases, as the AFP’s contribution in the effective prosecution of violators of IHL and perpetrators of atrocities.

“We shall forever remain steadfast to our ideals and values as a Filipino soldier and as the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Faustino said.

Annually since 1999, the Department of National Defense and Department of Foreign Affairs co-chair a government inter-agency ad hoc committee of which the AFP is a member, to formulate and implement activities for the IHL Day on August 12 and the whole month of August as IHL Month.

Among other activities are the Workshop on the AFP Handling Protocol on Children in Situations of Armed Conflict on Aug. 3, Recitation of Pledge of Commitment to IHL on Aug. 12, and IHL Webinar on Aug. 27.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149820

Esperon hits critics for politicizing NTF-ELCAC funds

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9, 2021): Esperon hits critics for politicizing NTF-ELCAC funds

National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Vice Chairman Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Monday rebuked critics who suggested that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) funds should be diverted to the Covid-19 efforts, arguing that each of the previously "neglected" barangay even deserves more than the PHP20 million allotted to them under the flagship Barangay Development Program (BDP).

At the weekly virtual press conference of NTF-ELCAC dubbed “TAGGED: Debunking lies by telling the truth”, Esperon said critics' statements regarding the budget to counter the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) were “self-serving” “political statements” meant to entice voters in the coming national and local elections at the expense of the peace and development efforts being undertaken by NTF-ELCAC.

In response to these “irrational” suggestions that the task force’s funds should be used instead for the Covid-19 pandemic, Esperon emphasized that “fighting Covid-19 is not only the threat of concern,” adding there is the “economy to take care of, efforts on anti-criminality,” like fighting illegal drugs and “efforts of sovereignty” in guarding the West Philippines Sea.

“We have to address the triad of the CPP-NPA-NDF that for 53 years seeking to overthrow our democratic form of government. We are working on this, to bring peace and development to the countryside. Insurgency is a ‘black eye’ of the country. BDP is our program for the victims,” said Esperon, who is also NTF-ELCAC vice-chairperson.

He said the government and the private sector are already united in addressing the pandemic as all recognize that Covid-19 is the “clear and present danger”.

Esperon said these critics made “blurred” statements regarding the task force budget.

He clarified that “it is blurred whether they are referring to the Barangay Development Program or to the NTF-ELCAC Funds… because the NTF-ELCAC Funds has a total of PHP19.13 billion as found in the GAA (General Appropriations Act) of 2021”, while “the support fund to the Barangay Development Program, ito po ang flagship program ng NTF-ELCAC, is PHP16.44 billion that covers development in 822 barangays that were cleared (of the CPP-NPA-NDF) from 2016-2019, at PHP20 million each.”

It should be noted that the BDP is used for the rehabilitation of barangays (villages) cleared of communist insurgents by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government forces.

He cited President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address which mentioned the great strides of the task force -- through the BDP -- of empowering our countrymen to live peaceful and fruitful lives who have been suffering unspeakable atrocities at the hands of the CPP-NPA-NDF for a long time.

“He (President Duterte) even enhanced it (BDP) to PHP20 million, (for each barangay)”, Esperon said, which will be spent for farm-to-market-road, school building, livelihood, sanitation, and health center.

Esperon also debunked unfounded claims that next year’s budget of the task force will be used for election purposes and that the BDP allocation for this year was poured in Davao, the bailiwick of Duterte.

“BDP funds intended for 2021 were released as early as March and April with projects determined by the barangays,” he said, pointing that he has already attended several groundbreakings for the implementation of various projects under the program.

Meanwhile, Esperon said full accountability and transparency measures are built into the BDP as this can be seen in the BDP portal of the NTF-ELCAC website—www.ntfelcac.org/bdp-dashboard.

He likewise said the inspection of projects can be done by the Department of the Interior and Local Government led by Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan, the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS), or officials from the main office of NTF-ELCAC. The Commission on Audit is also mandated to audit and inspect.

Monitoring the projects are also in the hands of governors and local government units as the local officials serve as the provincial or local NTF-ELCAC chairperson, Esperon said. “Aside from the governors, we at the higher levels can also audit and inspect.”

The bulk of BDP funds for 2021 were allocated to Mindanao, including Davao Region which has been dealing with a rampant infestation of communist terror groups until government forces were sent to drive out these terrorists.

The next years’ budget allocation for the BDP is intended for 1,406 barangays mostly located in Samar and the Bicol Region, compared to the 822 barangays for 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149917

Kalinaw News: Team NFEM conducted Livelihood Training to the Fisherfolks

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2021): Team NFEM conducted Livelihood Training to the Fisherfolks

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) through Civil Military Operations Unit-Eastern Mindanao (CMOU-EM) in collaboration with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-CARAGA and Surigao City Agriculture Office conducted Livelihood Training on Fish Drying last August 6, 2021 at Punta Bilar Covered Court, Surigao City.

This activity aims to introduce other source of income in order to alleviate the financial
constraint of the Fisherfolks and support their daily needs.

The activity made possible with the unwavering support/ assistance of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surigao City under the leadership of Hon. ERNESTO U. MATUGAS JR., City Mayor in compliance to EO. 70 “Whole of Nation Approach.”

The Closing Ceremony was graced by Ms. HYDE S. VILLALBA, Surigao City Acting Agriculturist with more or less thirty (30) fisherfolks benefited the said training. Ms. VILLABA commends the initiative of the Philippine Navy for spearheading such training in order to help the the Fisherfolks of Brgy Punta Bilar.

Likewise, the fisherfolks of Punta Bilar received assorted seeds handed over by Surigao City Agriculture Office and fifty (50) pieces of blinker lights intended for their fishing boat donated by Rotary Club of Surigao headed by Pres. ANTONIO SUPERA JR. and Junior Chamber International (JCI) Surigao Nickel headed by Pres. GARY CLYDE OMAY.

Your Navy in Eastern Mindanao with the untiring support of our partner stakeholders from LGUs, LGAs, Private Organization and NGOs will continuously extend helping hand to our Surigaonon kababayan by providing a sustainable Livelihood Program.

The activity was conducted in adherence with biosafety protocol to prevent spread of COVID-19 virus.

[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/team-nfem-conducted-livelihood-training-to-the-fisherfolks/

Kalinaw News: Non-stop Cooperation of Govt Troops and the Bicolanos Yield Another Successful Blow Against CTG

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2021): Non-stop Cooperation of Govt Troops and the Bicolanos Yield Another Successful Blow Against CTG

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was killed in a firefight between government troops and the terorrist group stemmed from a tip-off at Barangay Hobo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur, around 5 o’clock in the morning, Sunday, August 8.

In response to an information given by a concerned resident, the joint elements of the 49th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Benjamin Tapnio and 9th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Cleto R Lelina Jr with the support from the PNP encountered more or less seven communist NPA terrorists (CNT) at the said barangay.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes afterwhich the CNTs withdrew towards the Northwest direction leaving their lifeless comrade.

In this encounter, no casualty was reported on the government troops. Hot pursuit is on going.

Col. Jaime A. Abawag Jr., Brigade Commander of the 902nd Brigade commended the troops and is grateful of the Bicolanos continuous cooperation in its fight to end the more than five-decade insurgency in the Region.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR, Commander of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia assures that JTFB will not stop in hunting down the remaining armed CTG members.

“We will offer our left hand for those who are decided to embrace genuine peace. However, we will use our right hand—our operating troops, to look after those insisting to stay and pose a threat to the Bicolandia’s aspiration of genuine peace. Kaya sa mga natitirang miyembro ng teroristang grupo, sumuko na kayo, wag niyong sayangin ang inyong mga buhay, wag hayaan na tuloyan niyo nang hindi makasama ang inyong mga pamilya,” MGen. Robinson said.

Last July 30, 96IB under the operational control of 902nd Brigade seized in an arms cache at Barangay Tanawan, Capalonga, Camarines Norte, one M14 Rifle, eight pieces M14 long magazines, 133 pieces of M14 ammunition, 18 pieces of shotgun ammunition, 25 pieces of .38 caliber ammunition,seven pieces of approximately 6 kilograms and 27 pieces of approximately 3.5 kilograms of anti-personnel mines, industrial wires approximately 700- meter long and detonating cord approximately 300-meter long.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/non-stop-cooperation-of-govt-troops-and-the-bicolanos-yield-another-successful-blow-against-ctg/

CPP/NDF-KM: NTF-ELCAC’s barangay development program: bloody counter-insurgency in a suit and tie

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): NTF-ELCAC’s barangay development program: bloody counter-insurgency in a suit and tie

MARIA LAYA GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN (KM)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 07, 2021

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)’s barangay development program (BDP) is nothing but a milking cow for the regime’s corrupt cohorts at the local level and a terrorist instrument for the fascist Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)!

In the countryside, the BDP is being used by the military as a foothold on peasant communities.

It allows for increased military presence in several barrios and barangays, which leads to more peasant and national minority leaders, farmers, women, and children being harassed, abducted, threatened, illegally arrested, or falsely accused of being members of the New People’s Army.

The regime is using this sham ‘development program’ as an excuse to terrorize peasant communities into giving up their lands to make way for big foreign mining and plantation companies.

In urban areas, the BDP is being used as a tool for surveillance operations against democratic, patriotic, and progressive groups and individuals! In conjunction with the Anti-Terror Law, this bodes more human rights violations and the intensifying of Duterte’s fascist terror.

As the 2022 national elections inch closer, the people must also be vigilant against the regime’s attempts to use the BDP funds – along with the entire NTF-ELCAC budget – to bolster its campaign to stay in tyrannical power.

We must not let the Duterte regime get away with using the people’s hard-earned taxes to strong-arm its way into another six years in the reactionary seat of power, while using the same pool of cash to intimidate, torture, and kill masses in the cities and the countryside!

Ultimately, the BDP is but another bloody counter-insurgency program dressed in a crisp suit and tie!

The youth must militantly and resolutely see to it that the Duterte regime is made to pay for its sins against the people. Wage bigger protests and mass actions to assert the Filipino people’s democratic rights. Wield the masses’ broadest unity in the fight against Duterte’s tyranny.

Most importantly, the democratic and patriotic youth and masses must answer the call of history and join the New People’s Army to bring the people’s democratic revolution to triumph!

Duterte and his NTF-ELCAC must be held accountable for this crime against the people!

Abolish the NTF-ELCAC!
End the fascist regime’s tyrannical reign!
Frustrate Duterte’s fascist terror!

https://cpp.ph/statements/ntf-elcacs-barangay-development-program-bloody-counter-insurgency-in-a-suit-and-tie/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: NPA Nagbuking sang Kabutigan sang 94th IB Philippine Army

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): NPA Nagbuking sang Kabutigan sang 94th IB Philippine Army

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS (LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 07, 2021

Lubos nga kabutigan ang palayag sang 94th IBPA nga 4 ka engkwentro ang natabo sa tunga sang New People’s Army kag nasambit nga tropa militar sa Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Wala sang lehitimo nga engkwentro nga nahitabo sa tunga sang NPA kag 94th IBPA sa Sityo Binigsi-an, Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental sadtong Agosto 5, 2021 pasado alas 4:00 sang hapon. Ang matuod nga ginpa-arakan sang armas luthang ang 2 ka katapo sang panatiko nga grupo nga sanday Henry Brial kag Junior Pedro sang kombinado nga pwersa sang tropa militar upod sa grupo sang panatiko nga ginapamunuan ni Karem Calpis. Patay si Junior Pedro kag pilason naman si Henry. Sa pagpangusisa sang LPC-NPA, patay man si Brial matapos nga gindala sa district hospital sang Isabela, Negros Occidental. Palabas lamang sang militar kag ni Karem Calpis nga may natabo nga engkwentro sa tunga NPA kag sang nasambit nga pasistang tropa para madugangan ang cash reward nga ginpasalig sang NTF-ELCAC nga kon may makatudlo sa nahamtangan sang NPA kag maka-engkwentro may igahatag nga cash reward.

Naga-inagaway sang cash reward ang mga lider-panatiko nga sanday Karem Calpis, Luis Pedro kag Tikboy Bongaita upod sa tropa sang 94th IBPA sa mga panginto sang NTF-ELCAC.

Bangud sang kasakon kag korap nga mga opisyal sang tropa militar kag lider-panatiko nga si Karem, lipod kay Brial kag Pedro nga tuyo sila nga patyon samtang nagapanglakaton sa mga binukid sang Brgy Santol sa panahon sang ila operasyon agud ang cash reward indi magkadto sa ila nga duha (Henry kag Junior) kundi mismo kay Karem kag mga opisyal sang 94th IB.

Si Brial kag Pedro ang ara man sa idalum sa pagpamuno ni Luis Pedro nga lider-panatiko sa Brgy Santol samtang si Karem ang lider-panatiko sa sityo Irene sakop sang Brgy Ampanangon nga may pinakadamo nga criminal record sa lugar.

Si Brial kag Pedro indi mga katapo sang NPA kundi lunsay mga aktibo nga katapo sang panatiko nga grupo nga ginhimo nga giya sang 94th IBPA sa pagstrafing sang puluy-an sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez sadtong Agosto 3, 2021 sa Sityo Tibak, Brgy Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Bangud nga malapit lamang ang posisyon sang NPA sa balay sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez nga ginpaarakan-luthang sang mga katapo sang 94th IB kag grupo sang panatiko nga ginapamunuan ni Karem Calpis, napilitan ang NPA nga magpalupok para depensahan ang nasambit nga panimalay sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez diin natabo ang lehitimo nga engkwentro. Naglawig ang engkwentro sa masobra 10 minutos.

Ang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez ang biktima sang kapintas sang grupo-panatiko nga ginapanguluhan ni Karem Calpis kag Tikboy Bongaita.

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army sa Central Negros ang pag-strafing sa puluy-an sang pamilya Ponsiano kag Enriquez sa sityo Tibak, Brgy Santol subong man ang pagpinalupok nga naghatag sang kakugmat sa pumuluyo sa nasambit man nga barangay.

Lunsay pasismo, patalang, pagpanginto kag kakugmat lamang ang gindulot sang presensya sang Armed Forces of the Philippines sa nagahiusa nga mga mangunguma sa mga binukid sang La Libertad, Jimalalud, Guihulngan sa Oriental nga bahin sang isla kag binukid naman sang Binalbagan, Isabela kag Magallon sa Occidental. Kabaliskaran ini tanan sa ginatikal sang militar nga “Kalinong kag Kauswagan.”

Nagapanawagan man ang LPC-NPA nga hugot nga mag-isa, indi magkahadlok sa pagpalayas sang pasistang AFP sa kaumahan. Bungkagon ang pinakamapintas kag bat-ulan nga panatikong-grupo! Hublasan kag bungkagon ang NTF-ELCAC!

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-nagbuking-sang-kabutigan-sang-94th-ib-philippine-army/

CPP/NDF-CPDF-KM-DATAKO: Isang Taong Anibersaryo ng Pagkakamartir ni Ka Maymay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 8, 2021): Isang Taong Anibersaryo ng Pagkakamartir ni Ka Maymay

ELVIRA DAYAWEN

SPOKESPERSON

BALANGAY KA ELVIRA

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN – DEMOKRATIKO A TIGNAYAN KADAGITI AGTUTUBO ITI KORDILYERA (KM-DATAKO)

CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 08, 2021

Ang buhay na inialay sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay buhay na inialay sa sambayanang Pilipino. Isang taon na ang nakalilipas mula nang namartir si Ka Maymay at isang taon na rin mula nang siya’y pinagbabaril ng mga pasistang sundalo. Noong ika-8 ng Agosto 2020, nagkaroon ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at ng 7th Infantry Division ng Philippine Army sa Suagayan, Santa Lucia, Ilocos Sur na nagresulta sa pagkasawi ng limang pulang mandirigma, isang sundalo, at isang sibilyang magsasaka.

Kabilang sa limang namartir si Ka Maymay, kung saan siya ay hinuli at pinilit na magbigay ng impormasyon tungkol sa hukbong kinabibilangan. Walang awa siyang pinagbabaril hanggang bawian ng buhay nang pinili niyang huwag magbigay ng anumang impormasyon sa kaaway — isang malinaw na paglabag at pagsasawalang bahala ng mga pasistang sundalo sa Articles of War at Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Nagsilbi si Ka Maymay bilang isang medical officer ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa katunayan, noong oras ng engkwentro ay isinasagawa ng hukbo ang kanilang rebolusyonaryong gawain na tumulong sa mga mamamayan upang pamahalaan ang pagtugon ng komunidad sa pandemya.

Taliwas sa ipinapakalat na impormasyon ng estado na siya ay isang iskolar ng bayan na sinayang ang magandang buhay sa pagsali sa pulang hukbo, si Ka Maymay ay walang pagiimbot na tumungo at namuhay sa kanayunan at buong pusong tumangan ng armas at nagsilbi sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Bago piniling tumungo sa kanayunan, si Ka Maymay ay naging miyembro ng Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO Balangay Elvira kung saan siya ay naging isang magiting na propagandista. Sa puspusang pag-aaral ng lipunan at pakikilubog sa masa, nasaksihan niya ang walang habas na pananamantala sa masang-api at dito patuloy na nahasa ang kanyang rebolusyonaryong diwa.

Patunay si Ka Maymay at ang lumalakas at lumalawak na hanay ng pulang mandirigma sa kanayunan na hangga’t patuloy ang panggigipit at pananamantala sa mayorya ng mamamayang Pilipino, hindi mawawala ang rebolusyunaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayan sa kanayunan. Ang buhay na inalay ni Ka Maymay sa kilusan ay mananatiling maalab sa paglaon ng rebolusyon!

Sapagkat ilang taon man ang lumipas, patuloy na titindig ang mga rebolusyonaryong kabataan kasama ang malawak na hanay ng uring manggagawa at anakpawis upang isulong ang isang lipunang malaya sa Imperyalismo, Pyudalismo at Burukrata Kapitalismo — dala ang rebolusyonaryong diwang tatangan sa interes ng mamamayan at gagapi sa reaksyunaryong estado.

Patuloy na titindi ang hamon para sa ating mga kabataan na tumungan ng armas at isulong ang Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan sa kanayunan!

Kabataan, ialay ang buhay sa kilusan!
Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/isang-taong-anibersaryo-ng-pagkakamartir-ni-ka-maymay/

CPP/NDF-CPDF-KM-DATAKO: Pag-alala sa Maningning na Buhay ni Ka Maymay, Isang Tunay na Anak ng Bayan!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 8, 2021): Pag-alala sa Maningning na Buhay ni Ka Maymay, Isang Tunay na Anak ng Bayan!

KIDAWA DAYAWEN

SPOKESPERSON

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN – DEMOKRATIKO A TIGNAYAN KADAGITI AGTUTUBO ITI KORDILYERA (KM-DATAKO)

CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 08, 2021

Pulang saludo at pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang iginagawad ng Kabataang Makabayan-Demokratiko a Tignayan dagiti Agtutubo iti Kordilyera (KM-DATAKO) kay Pamela “Ka Maymay” Peralta, isang pulang mandirigma ng New People’s Army!

Namartir si Ka Maymay noong ika-8 ng Agosto dahil sa papatindi at walang tigil na atake ng mga pasistang militar sa Ilocos Sur. Makalipas ang isang taon, nananatiling inspirasyon ang kanyang dakilang buhay bilang isang tunay na huwaran ng walang pagmamaliw na paglilingkod sa sambayanan.

Isang matapang at masiyahing rebolusyonaryo si Ka Maymay. Inalay niya ang buong buhay sa pagpapalaya ng sambayanan. Sumapi si Ka Maymay sa NPA noong Mayo taong 2014.

Magaling na manunulat at layout artist si Ka Maymay, associate editor siya ng publikasyon sa isang unibersidad sa Baguio. Masikhay na nag-organisa si Ka Maymay sa hanay ng mga kabataan at estudyanye. Nang lumaon ay naging aktibong kasapi at opisyal ng balangay ng KM-DATAKO. Matiyaga at pasensyoso siyang nagpapaliwanag sa mga kasapi ng KM-DATAKO sa mga pag-aaral kaugnay sa digmang bayan.

Dahil sa kanyang masikhay na pagkilos at seryosong pagtupad sa kanyang rebolusyonaryong tungkulin, naimbitahan siyang maging kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Buong puso niyang tinanggap ito at lalo pang nagpalalim at isinapraktika ang mga turo sa Marxista-Leninismo-Maoismong pag-aaral.

Nang magkaroon ng pagkakataon na dumalo sa isang pagtitipon sa sonang gerilya at makahalubilo ang mga pulang mandirigma, napagtanto niya na hindi sasapat ang pakikibaka sa kalunsuran. Kaya naman, nakita at niyakap niya na ang problema ng kabataan at ng mamamayan ay nakaugat sa sistematikong inhustisya sa lipunan at ang tanging sagot lamang dito ay ang pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Sa kanayunan ay buong puso siyang lumaban kasama ang maralita’t mga magsasaka.

Mananatiling buhay na inspirasyon si Ka Maymay sa mga kabataan para patuloy na isulong at ipagtagumpay ang rebolusyon. Kahanga-hanga ang desisyon niyang talikuran ang burgis na pamumuhay at buong tapang na tanganan ang armas para sa pagbabago ng lipunan.

Buong diwa niyang inalay ang kanyang talino, kakayahan, at sigla sa sambayanan. Ang pagtanggap sa rebolusyonaryong landas na malayo sa burgis na indibidwalismo at ideyalismo ay nararapat lamang kilalanin at tularan ng bawat kabataan bilang pinakawastong landas sa pagpawi ng sistematikong pananamantala.

Kabaliktaran sa nais palabasin ng mga berdugong AFP, hindi nasayang ang buhay ni Ka Maymay sapagkat ang mga aral at insipirasyong iniwan ni Ka Maymay ay nagpasibol at magpapasibol ng marami pang Ka Maymay at mga pulang mandirigma sa hanay ng mga kabataan at masang pinaglingkuran nya.

Lahat ng ikinalat ng kaaway na pagpinta sa kanyang mga lawaran bilang isang kabataang nasira ang kinabukasan, ay pinawi ng mga tunay na naratibo ng kanyang buhay bilang isang aktibista at rebolusyonaryo! Pinakamakabuluhan ang buhay na inalay para paglingkuran ang sambayanan.

Sa ilalim ng nagpapatuloy at tumitinding krisis ng sistemang mala-kolonyal at mala-pyudal, masikhay na susundan ng marami pang kabataan ang landas na kanyang tinahak. Mabuhay ang rebolusyonaryong diwa ni Ka Maymay!

Patuloy na pagsilbihan ang sambayanan!
Patuloy na pagsilbihan ang rebolusyon!
Kabataan, sumapi sa NPA!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pag-alala-sa-maningning-na-buhay-ni-ka-maymay-isang-tunay-na-anak-ng-bayan/

CPP/NDF-Southern Mindanao: Stronger unity for a stronger defense of Lumad ancestral lands

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 9, 2021): Stronger unity for a stronger defense of Lumad ancestral lands

RUBI DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 09, 2021

This International Day of World Indigenous Peoples, the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao stands in solidarity with the Lumad of Mindanao and all other tribes of indigenous peoples in the country. The revolutionary forces salute their historic heroic struggle for self-determination and defense of their ancestral land. For the Lumad of Southern Mindanao, whose lives and livelihood are perennially upended by imperialist plunder and state fascism, the most fitting way to celebrate today’s occasion is to continue to fight and resist the tyrannical US-Duterte regime.

In Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address, it is clear that more and more neoliberal programs and policies are slated to enable the wholesale and violent occupation of ancestral land and domains. In addition to the Build, Build, Build program funded by foreign borrowings, more useless infrastructure projects are being promised via the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Retro-fitted with the IP-centric counter-insurgency designs of Oplan Kapayapaan, these white elephants not only spurn the root causes of the Lumad’s destitution but has now become billion-peso milking cows for Duterte, his family, his mercenary generals and favored cronies.

For the past five years under Duterte’s draconian rule, the Filipino indigenous people bore the brunt of relentless economic and socio-political attacks in the form of forced displacement, killings, harassments, bombings of communities, terrorist-tagging, school closures, genocide, bigotry and others. In the more than three years of the implementation of the junta-like NTF-ELCAC, the AFP, PNP and their paramilitaries have consistently acted at the behest of the ruling class’ economic interests mainly because of the indigenous peoples’ opposition to mining operations, expansion of corporate plantations in their ancestral domains. The Anti-Terror Law has likewise exacerbated the state forces’ penchant to mobilize and weaponize reactionary agencies and institutions in the name of counter-insurgency.

The alarming plight of the Filipino indigenous people today therefore necessitates a broader and stronger united front to resist Duterte’s fascist and genocidal assault. The Manobo tribe of Southern Mindanao continues to fight the regime’s tyranny, deciding most recently to return to their ancestral domain in Pantaron mountain range amid clear and present danger to their lives.

We call on all revolutionary forces and allies in the region to mobilize to the cause of the Lumad struggle for self-determination and defense of their ancestral land. The New People’s Army remains the only army that protects the lives and livelihood of the Lumad and defends their interests. Red fighters, a considerable number of whom are Lumad themselves, continue to launch tactical offensives against legitimate military targets and their exploitative masters such as large-scale and foreign mining and plantation companies.

For decades, the Lumad and other Filipino indigenous people have come to embrace the national democratic revolution as the only means to attain genuine self-determination and defend their domains. Alongside the peasants and workers and other democratic forces, they resist in many different forms in order to break the shackles of imperialist dominance, feudal bondage and bureaucrat capitalism.

https://cpp.ph/statements/stronger-unity-for-a-stronger-defense-of-lumad-ancestral-lands/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Sur: Magiting na Kumander at Anak ng Camarines Sur si Ka Aries

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 9, 2021): Magiting na Kumander at Anak ng Camarines Sur si Ka Aries

NPA-CAMARINES SUR (EDUARDO OLBARA COMMAND)

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 09, 2021

Nagbibigay-pugay ang Eduardo Olbara Command Bagong Hukbong Bayan – Camarines Sur (EOC BHB – Camarines Sur) kay Kasamang Jerry “Aries” Castro sa pinakamataas na sakripisyong ialay ang sariling buhay para sa masa at kasama sa isang depensibang labanan kahapon, 4:30 ng umaga, August 8, 2021 sa Brgy. Hubo, Pasacao, Camarines Sur.

Nakabase sa lugar ang mga kasama dahil sa ilang problema ng masa na idinulog sa mga ito.

Madaling araw nang umatake ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng 49th IB PA, 96thIB PA at PNP Pasacao. Dahil sa napakataas na alerto ng mga kasama, mahusay na napangibabawan ng mga ito ang depensibang labanan kung kaya mas malaki ang naging pinsala sa kaaway. Apat ang patay sa mga sundalong kaaway at dalawa ang sugatan. Hindi kailanman aaminin sa hanay ng kaaway ang kanilang pinsala dahil sa kahihiyang sila na nga ang nagtakda ng laban, sila pa ang may napakalaking natamong pinsala.

Sa gitna ng digmang inilulunsad ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan, batas nito ang may mag-alay ng kanilang buhay pero hindi ito nangangahulugan na tumigil at tapos na ang kanyang iniwang tungkulin. Mas maraming magtutulak ng pambansa demokratikong laban ng mamamayan laluna’t walang puwang sa gubyernong Duterte ang malasakit sa masang anakpawis.

https://cpp.ph/statements/magiting-na-kumander-at-anak-ng-camarines-sur-si-ka-aries/

CPP/CIO: Pakikiisa sa masang minorya sa Pilipinas sa Pandaigdigang araw ng mga Katutubo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 9, 2021): Pakikiisa sa masang minorya sa Pilipinas sa Pandaigdigang araw ng mga Katutubo

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 09, 2021

Nakikiisa ang Partido sa masang Igorot ng Cordillera, mga Agta, Aeta, Ata, Dumagat, Manibi at iba pang etnikong grupo sa buong kahabaan ng Sierra Madre, mga Mangyan ng Mindoro, mga Tumandok at Ati ng Panay, mga tribong Lumad at mamamayang Moro sa buong kalawakan ng Mindanao at iba pang grupong minorya sa buong bansa sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Mamamayang Katutubo.

Patuloy na dumaranas ng pang-aapi at diskriminasyon ang mga grupong minorya sa Pilipinas. Labis-labis ang pagbalewala sa kanilang mga komunidad na hindi inaabot ng kinakailangang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, edukasyon at pangkabuhayan. Patuloy silang itinuturing na mas mababang klaseng tao at inaapi ang kanilang kultura at mga kaugalian. Sa masang minorya, ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno, na laging nasa anyo ng mga armadong sundalo, ay mapang-aping kapangyarihang laging nagbabanta sa kanilang mga karapatan.

Kinakaharap ng masang minorya sa Pilipinas ang walang kasing-bangis na gera ng panunupil sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa ilalim ng Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL), ang mamamayang Moro ay biktima ng “terrorist profiling” at ang mga minorya sa kabundukan ay biktima ng “red-tagging.” Mga minoryang mamamayan sa Zambales at Mindoro ang unang kinasuhan sa ilalim ng ATL.

Inaapakan ang karapatan at kagalingan ng mga katutubong mamamayan upang bigyang daan ang interes ng dayo at lokal na malalaking kapitalista. Sa buong bansa, kabi-kabila ang operasyon ng dambuhalang mga kumpanya sa pagmimina, mga proyektong dam at mga plantasyon, huwad na reporestasyon, mga proyektong ekoturismo at iba pang yumuyurak sa karapatan ng mga minorya sa kanilang lupang ninuno at sumisira sa kalikasan sa tabing ng “progreso” at sa ngalan ng tubo.

Buong lupit na ginagamit ng tiranikong rehimen ang mga armadong pwersa nito upang maghasik ng karahasan at takot at palayasin ang masang minorya sa kanilang lupang ninuno. Sa ilalim ng programa nitong kontrainsurhensya, ang mga komunidad ng mga minorya ay isinasailalim sa paghaharing militar upang sindakin ang masa at pasunurin sa kanilang mga utos.

Buo-buong tinitipon ang kanilang mga pamayanan at pinalalabas na “sumurender” sa kapangyarihan ni Duterte. Walang-habas ang paghuhulog ng bomba at panganganyon sa kabundukan para maghasik ng takot sa masa at pwersahin silang magbakwit. Inaalok sila ng “pabahay” upang ilayo sila sa kanilang lupa at kagubatang pinagkukunan ng pagkain, tubig at kabuhayan.

Sa kabila ng pangakong kapayapaan, patuloy ang karahasan laban sa mamamayang Moro upang supilin ang kanilang rebolusyonaryong pagtatanggol sa kanilang mga karapatan at interes. Tinatakam ng malalaking kapitalista ang yaman ng lupang Moro. Pinapasok ang kanilang lupang ninuno ng mga dayong plantasyon at mga kumpanyang nagbabalak na kamkamin ang yamang langis at mineral.

Dapat magkaisa ang lahat ng minoryang mamamayan sa Pilipinas para labanan ang tiranikong paghahari ni Duterte at ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga karapatan.

Ubos-kayang makibaka para ipaglaban ang karapatan ng minoryang mamamayan sa sariling pagpapasya, para sa lupang ninuno, at pagpapayabong ng katutubong kultura. Labanan ang pang-aapi ng rehimeng US-Duterte at pagsiil sa mga minoryang naninindigan para sa kanilang demokratikong interes.

Malaking bahagi ng lakas ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ay nagmumula sa malawak na suporta ng masang minorya sa kanayunan at kabundukan, dahil sa puspusang pagsusulong ng BHB sa kanilang interes at pag-aangat ng kanilang kamulatan. Hindi iilan ang mga minoryang nagsisilbing kumander ng iba’t ibang yunit ng BHB sa iba’t ibang rehiyon. Kabilang ang mga minorya sa pinakamahuhusay na Pulang mandirigma ng BHB.

Batid ng mamamayang minorya na ang armadong pakikibaka ang pinakaepektibong paraan upang labanan ang mga pasistang terorista na dumadahas at sumusupil sa kanila at para ipagtanggol sa kalikasan sa malawakang pangangamkam at pangwawasak ng malalaking kapitalista. Patuloy din ang pag-usbong ng mga rebolusyonaryong armadong grupo ng mamamayang Moro na handang ipagpapatuloy ang kanilang mahaba nang kasaysayan ng armadong pagtatanggol.

Patuloy na ipagtatanggol ng BHB at buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang mga karapatan at kagalingan ng masang minorya sa Pilipinas. Patuloy na isusulong ng BHB ang armadong pakikibaka at pagbubuo ng demokratikong gubyernong bayan na nagbibigay sa masang minorya ng karapatan at kapangyarihang ipinagkakait sa kanila. Ang pagkakaisa ng BHB at ng masang minorya ay patuloy pang hihigpit at yayabong.

https://cpp.ph/statements/pakikiisa-sa-masang-minorya-sa-pilipinas-sa-pandaigdigang-araw-ng-mga-katutubo/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protest actions

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): Protest actions

Fight for the safe reopening of schools. Member organizations of the Back to School Network-Panay submitted a petition at the local office of CHEd and DepEd in Iloilo City on July 22 to demand the safe reopening of schools. They also demanded the regional agencies to provide a ₱10,000-aid to all students.

Students of the Holy Angel University (HAU) protested in front of their school campus in Angeles City, Pampanga on their first day of classes on July 15. They insisted that administration should heed their five-point list of demands for remote learning. Student leaders also appealed at the office of the university president on the same day.

Solidarity amid ECQ. The Defend Jobs Philippines mounted a campaign called Flag Brigade PH last August 6 wherein they conducted house-to-house dropping and collection of food donations. The group earlier distributed flaglets with various colors (orange for those who will donate; red for those who need donations) to indicate the particular needs and contribution of approximately 200 families in Sampaloc, Manila. The group said that the campaign is part of the movement to hold the regime accountable for its failure to aid residents amid the third enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

Rollback oil prices. Workers under the Kilusang Mayo Uno mounted a picket protest near Philcoa in Quezon City on August 4 to condemn the new round of increases in prices of petroleum products and LPG. The price of gasoline increased by ₱1.05/liter, and ₱0.75/litro and ₱0.80/litro for kerosene and diesel respectively.

[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/2021/08/07/protest-actions/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Fake reforestation

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): Fake reforestation

The NGP was first implemented in 2011 under the Aquino regime. This was extended and expanded in 2015 through Executive Order 193 (E-NGP) despite being declared a failure. It was continued by Duterte’s officials because its funds (more than ₱5 billion) serves as a milking cow for politicians.

The DENR bragged in 2019 that two million hectares were planted with 1.7 billion seedlings under the E-NGP between 2011 and 2019. However, it could not offer any proof when this was questioned in the Senate. Worse, according to experts, the country’s seven million hectares of remaining forest cover remain unchanged from 2011 to the present.

Reforestation is not the real aim of the E-NGP. The trees being planted, such as bamboo, coffee and falcata, are not endemic to local forests. This contradicts scientists’ recommendation that endemic trees should be planted to ensure ecological balance. These commercial trees are planted not to revive the forests but to be harvested and exported.

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/fake-reforestation/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Deceptive and divisive “reforestation” program

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): Deceptive and divisive “reforestation” program

Barrio “Sulong” is among the barrios covered by the reactionary government’s bogus reforestation program called the Enhanced National Greening Program (E-NGP). The state is using this program, with the help of the military, to grab the lands of farmers and intensify its counterinsurgency campaign.

The level of corruption of this program was evident during a meeting organized by occupying soldiers in the name of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in February. During the meeting, the military partnered with the local office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to push for the planting of commercial trees in at least 68 hectares of farmlands. The DENR imposed the planting of rosewood and naga trees within three years, and bamboo after these are harvested.

The DENR appointed barrio leaders to distribute ₱250 daily wages to residents who will be made to plant trees. Tillers of the affected land were given no compensation. The agency only promised them that they will be able to use the wood to construct their houses and for other needs. It also promised to have their lands titled.

The agency insisted on planting these trees even if the areas covered by the program have long been productive. In these lands, residents used to plant coconut, sweet potatoes and other important crops which are needed by the community. In the name of reforestation, the DENR obliged farmers to demolish their farms to pave the way for the planting of trees with a gap of one square-meter in between.

In reality, the DENR is only using reforestation as pretext to grab the lands which have long been cultivated by farmers. The agency reclassified the agricultural lands as forest lands to reconcentrate ownership of these to the state, and allow these to be leased or sold to foreign commercial plantations, big landlords, and their bureaucrat counterparts.

The ₱250 daily wages promised to farmers is measly and temporary. It is even lower than the legislated ₱295-minimum wage for agricultural workers in the region. (In Leyte, caretakers are paid as low as ₱11 per day.) Farmers who accidentally damage trees are fined ₱6,000 or imprisoned.

Civilian agencies such as the DENR are made to serve the reactionary government’s counterinsurgency campaign through its whole-of-government approach. In some cases, reforestation mapping is used as a tool for surveillance. The RCSP troops also use the NGP to justify military presence in barrios.

Measly budget allocations often result in misunderstanding among barangay residents. Instead of promoting collectivity, the DENR is encouraging farmers to go their own ways which destroys their solidarity and discourages mutual aid.

Barrios such as Sulong face the challenge of exposing the deceptive nature of the E-NGP and should be wary of the entry of agroforestry companies in their areas. They need to do this in order to effectively defend the victories they have won through agrarian revolution in their villages.

(Excerpt from Larab, July 21, 2021.)

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/deceptive-and-divisive-reforestation-program/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces kill four farmers in Bicol

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): State forces kill four farmers in Bicol

Four farmers were killed in Bicol, and four others were arrested by state forces a few days prior to Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address.

Policemen gunned down Jemar Palero, member of the Organisasyon ng mga Magsasaka sa Albay, and Marlon Naperi of the Albay People’s Organization, in the evening of July 25, in Banao Bridge, Maharlika Highway, Guinobatan, Albay. The activists were painting a protest slogan “Duterte Ibagsak!” (“Down with Duterte!”) along the highway when they were killed. The police made it appear that the victims fought back, a claim belied by the their relatives. They were last seen being shoved into a van by the policemen.

Elements of the 83rd IB killed Louie Austria and Benjamin Delos Santos in Sagñay, Camarines Sur on July 20. Soldiers made it appear that the victims were killed in an encounter. They also claimed to have seized 12 high powered rifles.

Illegal arrest. The military arrested four farmers at Sitio Buscad, Barangay Tuban, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro on July 19 and charged them under the Anti-Terror Law. They accused Miguel Manguera, Fe Marinas, Sherlito Casidsid and Allen Dela Fuente of supporting the New People’s Army (NPA) and were implicated in an encounter between the AFP and people’s army on July 5. Two of them were also charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, while the two others were charged with obstruction of justice.

In Sorsogon, police arrested couple Ruel Llamera and Annie Jean Castillo, members of the Sorsogon People’s Organization, on July 8 while travelling home to Sorsogon City. Trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives were filed against them.

Harassment. Elements of the 62nd IB and 16th Scout Ranger Company indiscriminately fired their guns in Barangay Banwage, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on July 15. They also lobbed a grenade at the house of Alo Lojanio at Sitio Kapudlusan.

In Northern Samar, soldiers coerced officials of at least 17 barangays in Las Navas, 14 in Silvino Lobos, six in Pambujan, one in Catubig, and all barangays in Matuguinao to sign resolutions declaring the NPA as persona non grata.

Shelling. From July 20 to 21, the 87th IB shelled the forested areas between Km. 14 and Km. 17 in San Jose de Buan, Western Samar. The military shelled the area 20 times within two days which ravaged the farmlands of residents and forced the residents Sitio Salvacion, Barangay San Nicolas to evacuate.

In Northern Samar, two houses were hit when elements of the PNP-Special Action Force fired its grenade launcher at Barangay Hitapian, Catubig on July 10. The policemen claimed that they targeted an NPA unit which mounted an offensive on the same day. Simultaneously, policemen stole pineapples which residents sell. They also threatened barangay officials.

Evacuation. Larab reported last July 30 that residents of Barangay San Jose, Las Navas, Northern Samar evacuated due to indiscriminate bombings perpetrated by the military in the area. Almost all residents of the barrios of Sag-od, Epaw and San Jose in the said town left their homes due to military occupation. Residents in the barrios of Senonogan de Tubang, Hiyaot, and Balod in Silvino Lobos also evacuated, as well as residents of barangays Ligaya and Carolina along the boundary of Matuguinao, Western Samar.

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/state-forces-kill-four-farmers-in-bicol/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Why the AFP will fail to crush the NPA in NCMR

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): Why the AFP will fail to crush the NPA in NCMR

Presidential Communications Operations Office Sec. Martin Andanar’s boast that the revolutionary movement in North Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) is near collapse is a big lie. According to him, 2,517 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered, 618 Red fighters have been “neutralized” and 10 guerilla fronts have been dismantled in 2020 alone. He further said 77 more barangays were “cleared” and are thus eligible for funds from the anomalous Barangay Development Program. Andanar is the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s coordinator for Region 10.

In reality, no guerilla front or center was dismantled in NCMR in 2020. Some areas were temporarily vacated but NPA units managed to maintain presence in strategic areas of the region. There have been Red fighters who surrendered but they are few and mostly due to pressures exerted by the enemy on their families.

From March 2020 to March 2021, the people’s army launched 102 tactical offensives where 94 soliders were killed and 84 wounded. At the same time, 18 Red fighters died in battle and for other reasons.

In the midst of heavy encounters, units in there region managed to launch agrarian campaigns to increase wages for farm workers and for higher farmgate prices.

Focus region

Since March 2018, the AFP identified NCMR as one of its focus regions. After two years of failed campaigns to crush the NPA, the 4th ID reorganized its forces in 2020 to focus five brigades (three full and two shared) in what it considers to be subregional centers.

The AFP deployed one to two battalions per front. Its operations consist of soldiers occupying supposed “cleared” barrios combined with putting up a network of detachments to encroach or encircle suspected bulwarks of the people’s army. (Towards the end of 2020, the AFP had 169 CAFGU detachments and 19 regular military camps in the region.)

At the same time, focused and sustained combat operations using a thousand troops supported by jetfighters and helicopters, drones, mortars and cannons were launched. No less than 23 aerial bombing incidents using FA-50s and helicopters were reported from December 2018 to August 2020. In 2020, the AFP used the Covid-19 pandemic to intensify its rampage in the countryside and control the people’s mobility.

Countering heightened attacks

In general, NPA units in the region employed guerrilla tactics of shifting and fluid warfare to maintain initiative and flexibility in waging war.

Guerrilla forces strove to raise the politico-militar capacity of its commanders and fighters to repel enemy attacks and raise the level of warfare. They assessed and gleaned lessons from extensive encounters, as well as attacks and counterattacks between its units and the AFP.

In the midst of heightened attacks, the need for the NPA to conduct extensive and intensive guerrilla warfare became more imperative. The consolidation and expansion of guerilla base areas and zones is key. To do this, commanders and officials of the people’s army need to master waging systematic agrarian revolution and other campaigns to organize and mobilize the masses and address their needs and welfare. This became more important in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic and its threat to the countryside where health infrastructure is minimal, if not absent.

The people’s army also understood the need to urgently combat the enemy’s gradual constriction and encirclement tactics by attacking its detachments and launching coordinated offensives at the front and subregional levels. This is to counter the enemy’s plan to cut mass support for its units, isolate them in interior areas and force them into a purely military situation. It is also apparent that military abuses and brutalities run rampant in barrios where there are detachments.

Towards this goal, the Party committee has ordered the army to firmly grasp the platoon’s basic orientation and operate in its set cluster of barrios. At the same time, Party units must firmly guide the masses’ armed movement and utilize this and units of the people’s militia to support regular forces and assist in launching tactical offensives.

Comrades in the region are confident that the AFP will not crush the NPA and the revolutionary movement in Duterte’s remaining year in office. They have lessons learned from decades of revolutionary struggles and intense warfare, especially in the last three years. These have produced cadres, commanders and personnel who have solid ideological grounding, rich military experience, high degree of readiness to sacrifice and face hardships and possess an unwavering fighting spirit.

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/why-the-afp-will-fail-to-crush-the-npa-in-ncmr/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Religious sector expresses willingness to mediate peace negotiations

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): Religious sector expresses willingness to mediate peace negotiations

Despite the resolution issued by the Anti-Terrorism Council declaring the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as a “terrorist” organization, the religious sector expressed its willingness to mediate peace negotiations between the NDFP and the reactionary government of the Philippines.

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) announced its plans to conduct public consultations and campaigns to support the resumption of negotiations with the people’s chosen newly elected leaders come 2022. In the upcoming elections, the group urged the people to consider aspiring candidates’ willingness to engage in peace talks.

On July 22, the PEPP criticized the resolution declaring the NDFP a “terrorist” group. They raised alarm over the possibilty of organizations, such as theirs, being tagged as “terrorists” for supporting peace negotiations.

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/religious-sector-expresses-willingness-to-mediate-peace-negotiations/

CPP/Ang Bayan: On Duterte’s last SONA: #DuterteWakasanNa, Filipinos clamor to end Duterte’s reign

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 7, 2021): On Duterte’s last SONA: #DuterteWakasanNa, Filipinos clamor to end Duterte’s reign

According to reports, around 6,000 protesters marched along the Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on July 26 in conjunction with Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA). Organizations from Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon participated in the protest. With the theme “Duterte, wakasan!” (End Duterte) and “Goodbye Duterte,” they demanded an end to Duterte’s reign and to hold him accountable for all his crimes including mass killings, selling out the country’s sovereignty, failed pandemic response, and widespread corruption. Similar protests were mounted in Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, Iloilo, Bayombong in Nueva Vizcaya, Roxas in Capiz, Kalibo in Aklan, and Naga City. Protests were also held in various cities in the US, Canada and Hongkong.

Prior to the SONA, various sectors mounted a series of protests and activities to discuss the people’s concrete situation and assessment of the regime’s five year reign and its failures.

The Kilusang Mayo Uno held the State of Labor Address on July 23 with the theme “ENDOterte” to criticize his failure to deliver his promise to end contractualization. It noted that approximately 9.2 million to 13.5 million individuals are unemployed amid the pandemic.

On July 25, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas held the State of the Peasant Address to condemn the Rice Liberalization Law and the regime for neglecting the agricultural sector. It pointed out that rice farmers lost ₱90 billion in income due to liberalization. They demanded a ₱15,000-production subsidy amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

“No justice, no peace.” This was how human rights alliance Karapatan described the five-year reign of the dictator Duterte. On top of the 30,000 victims of the regime’s “war on drugs,” it also perpetrated 414 cases of extrajudicial killings, 2,725 cases of illegal arrests which further increased during the militarist lockdown, and numerous cases of harassment against progressive individuals and activists. The group also documented 25 massacres under the regime.

Teachers also gave Duterte a failing grade. “We have not seen a clear program for education,” pointed out the Alliance of Concerned Teachers on July 23. “He cannot claim any achievement in the education sector.” The alliance also gave a failing grade to Sec. Leonor Briones of the Department of Education (DepEd). It said that the DepEd’s blended learning program only caused huge hardships on teachers, students and their parents.

In their State of the Youth Address on July 19, participants issued their #DutertePalpak (Duterte A Failure) judgement. The youth criticized the regime’s inaction and lack of plans to ensure the safe reopening of schools amid the pandemic. Around 2.73 million students or 10% of the total 27.77 million enrollees dropped out from school during the academic year 2019-2020. The youth also criticized the continuing attacks of the fascist regime on academic freedom and campus press.

The hardships suffered by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid the Covid-19 pandemic were doubled due to the regime’s inaction. Only 2% or 250,000 of the total 12 million OFWs were aided by the regime. Hundreds of thousands OFWs who were forced to return to the country after losing their jobs abroad were squeezed into crammed quarantine facilities. Before the pandemic, OFWs were also levied an increase in mandatory contributions for PhilHealth membership and premiums amounting to ₱24,000 during the first year, as well as increase in mandatory contributions for SSS membership and premiums.

Environmental groups held an online forum to condemn the dirty and pro-foreign environmental policy of the regime. The church sector also demanded an end to attacks and illegal arrests against their ranks. Media groups also labeled the Duterte regime as an enemy of press freedom. In Mindanao, Moros criticized the failed rehabilitation of Marawi City which Duterte ravaged in 2017, and the lack of compensation for evacuees.

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/07/on-dutertes-last-sona-dutertewakasanna-filipinos-clamor-to-end-dutertes-reign/