Airstrikes ordered vs NPA rebels

From the Manila Times (Sep 22, 2021): Airstrikes ordered vs NPA rebels (By Vince Jacob Visaya)

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela: Military airstrikes have been initiated against 40 suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels whose hideout and bomb-making factory was uncovered in Barangay Dungeg, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan on Tuesday morning, the Army spokesman said.

Maj. Jekyll Dulawan, Fifth Infantry Division spokesman, said on Tuesday that closed air and fire support were done to protect soldiers from the counterfires and anti-personnel mines allegedly put up by the rebels.

The firefight between soldiers and rebels lasted for 20 minutes. According to the Army, the rebels use its hideout to make improvised explosive devices for the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.

No fatalities were reported from the military side, but the rebels may have suffered injuries, Dulawan said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/22/news/regions/airstrikes-ordered-vs-npa-rebels/1815600

Alleged Islamic State Recruiter Arrested in Southern Philippines

From BenarNews (Sep 21, 2021): Alleged Islamic State Recruiter Arrested in Southern Philippines (By Jeoffrey Maitem)

Philippine troops travel to the southern city of Marawi to battle Islamic State-linked militants, June 13, 2017. Jason Gutierrez/BenarNews

A Filipino man suspected of facilitating the recruitment of new fighters for the regional branch of the Islamic State militant group has been arrested in the southern Philippines, police said Tuesday.

The suspect, identified as Samer Ali, 29, was caught on Monday when government forces raided his hideout in Polomolok, a town in the foothills of an imposing mountain range in South Cotabato province, police said.

Arresting officers seized a grenade from the suspect, who is also being sought for murder, according to provincial police commander Col. Jemuel Siason, who did not provide details about the alleged crime.

The man was suspected of “facilitating the recruitment for new members of the Islamic State” in Polomolok and the nearby municipality of T’boli, Siason told BenarNews.

“We surveilled his movements prior to the arrest,” Siason said. “He is now detained.”

Officials said Islamic militants frequently fled to the jungles and mountains of South Cotabato to serve as hideouts from military operations.

In January, five members of the Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP), a Filipino militant group linked with Islamic State (IS), were killed during raids in South Cotabato. In the same month, four family members allegedly working with AKP were killed in another operation in T’boli town, according to police.

IS-linked militants were blamed for a siege in 2017 that led to a five-month battle with government forces, leaving the southern city of Marawi in ruins. AKP militants allegedly joined the fighting.

While about 1,200 militants, security forces and civilians were killed in the battle that ended in October 2017, authorities said those who escaped spread across Mindanao in the south and have set out to recruit Muslim fighters across the mainly Catholic country.

Rommel Banlaoi, a counter-terrorism analyst at the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said the recent fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban insurgent movement could lead militants there to reach parts of Southeast Asia, including the southern Philippines.

“They can apply as refugees to penetrate the Philippines,” Banlaoi said.

Meanwhile, Banlaoi identified the new leader of the Maute militant group as Commander Ker Mimbantas, also known as Commander Zacaria. The Mautes were a core group of militants who helped carry out the Marawi siege.

Mimbantas, a senior Maute militant, has more than 40 followers, some of whom used to work with planners of the Marawi siege, according to Banlaoi.

“Recently, the group of Mimbantas clashed with the military in Munai town in Lanao del Norte province. Also, they released a video of their ongoing training,” Banlaoi told BenarNews.

The military intelligence unit in the south has said it has seen a copy of the training video and are seeking to verify the information.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/islamic-state-recruiter-caught-09212021134804.html

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga Protesta

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): Mga Protesta

Reklamasyon sa Cebu, tinutulan. Nagpiket ang mga manggagawa ng piyer sa Consolacion, Cebu upang tutulan ang planong reklamasyon sa Barangay Tayud, Consolacion para itayo ang proyektong Seafront City na sasaklaw ng 234.8 ektarya. Isasara ng proyektong ekoturismo ang mahigit limang baradero at wawasak sa kabuhayan ng 200 mangingisda. Ayon sa Barangay Tayud Fisherfolk Organization, marami sa kanila ay mahigit 20 taon nang nakatira sa lugar. Apektado rin ang 25% sa 25,000 residente ng Barangay Tayud na nakaasa sa mga piyer.

Mina ng magnetite sa Lingayen, tinutulan. Noong Setyembre 13 nagpahayag ng pagtutol ang Pamalakaya-Central Luzon sa Iron Ore Pangasinan Offshore Magnetite Mining sa Lingayen Gulf sa Pangasinan. Apektado nito ang kabuhayan ng 5,000 mangingisda.

Ang proyekto sa pagmimina itinutulak ng kumpanyang Australian na Iron, Ore, Gold and Vanadium Resources Inc. Balak nitong magmina ng 5 milyong tonelada ng magnetite kada taon sa loob ng 25 taon. Sasaklawin ng operasyon ang karagatan sa mga bayan ng Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Bimaley at Dagupan City.

Manggagawa sa Wyeth, umalma sa red-tagging. Nagtungo sa upisina ng Department of Interior and Local Government sa Quezon City noong Setyembre 15 ang mga manggagawa ng Wyeth Philippines para itigil ang pag-red-tag ng NTF-ELCAC sa kanilang unyon. Kamakailan ay pilit silang “pinasusurender” ng NTF-ELCAC at pinakakalas sa DFA-KMU, pederasyon na kinabibilangan ng Wyeth Philippines Progressive Workers Union.

Demolisyon sa Carbon Market, kinundena. Nagprotesta noong Setyembre 14 sa harap ng city hall ng Cebu City ang mga manininda ng Carbon Market para kundenahin ang iligal at tusong pagdemolis sa kanilang mga tindahan sa Layo Seaside at Quezon Boulevard ng palengke.

[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/2021/09/21/mga-protesta-26/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Konsultant sa usapang pangkapayapaan, palayain!

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): Konsultant sa usapang pangkapayapaan, palayain!

Ipinanawagan ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ang kagyat na pagpapalaya kay Loida Magpatoc, konsultant sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at gubyerno ng Pilipinas. Ligtas dapat siya sa pag-aresto at panggigipit sa ilalim ng Joint Agreement on Safety ang Immunity Guarantees. Dapat kagyat na ibasura ang gawa-gawang mga kasong isinampa laban sa kanya. Dapat din siyang kagyat na bigyan ng ligal na representasyon at medikal na atensyon.

Iligal na dinakip si Magpatoc sa Barangay Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon noong Setyembre 15. Sinampahan siya ng gawa-gawang kasong pagpaslang at pangwawasak ng ari-arian.

Noong Setyembre 16, iniutos ng korte ng Quezon City ang kagyat na pagpapalaya kay Esterlita Suaybaguio, isa ring konsultant ng NDFP, matapos ibasura ang kaso ng illegal possession of firearms and explosives laban sa kanya. Iligal siyang inaresto sa kanyang tinirhan sa Quezon City noong 2019.

[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/2021/09/21/konsultant-sa-usapang-pangkapayapaan-palayain/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Detatsment, pinaputukan ng BHB-Negros

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): Detatsment, pinaputukan ng BHB-Negros

Pinaputukan ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command) ang detatsment ng CAFGU Active Auxillary (CAA) sa Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental noong Setyembre 8. Isang sundalo ng 62nd IB ang napatay. Ayon sa mga residente, pinipilit sila ng mga sundalo na “sumuko” at magpalista bilang mga CAFGU.

Isang backhoe ang pinaralisa ng BHB-South Central Negros sa Sityo Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental noong Setyembre 11. Pagmamay-ari ang backhoe ng mapanirang kumpanya na ESJ and Sons Construction Co. Ayon sa BHB, ang proyekto ay magbibigay-daan sa mga kumpanyang mina na sisira sa 1,100 ektaryang lupa ng mga katutubong Itoman-Maghat-Bukidnon.

[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/2021/09/21/detatsment-pinaputukan-ng-bhb-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Buksan na ang mga paaralan sa harapang pagkatuto

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): Buksan na ang mga paaralan sa harapang pagkatuto

Sinalubong ng sabay-sabay na protesta ng mga magulang, guro at estudyante sa ilang paaralan ang pagbubukas ng klase noong Setyembre 13. Bitbit ang panawagang #LigtasNaBalikEskwela, kinundena ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) ang “manhid” na si Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang pag-abandona sa sektor ng edukasyon sa gitna ng pandemyang Covid-19.

Nagmartsa ang mga myembro ng ACT sa harap ng Mendiola sa Maynila upang ipanawagan ang suporta ng estado sa mga guro at estudyante sa gitna ng pagpapatupad ng distance learning at ligtas na pagbubukas ng mga paaralan. Nakasalalay ngayon ang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan sa sama-samang kapasyahan ng mga guro, magulang at mag-aaral na “wakasan na” at igiit ang mas mahusay na paggugubyerno, ayon sa grupo.

Sa parehong araw, nagtungo sa Mendiola ang mga grupong kabataan para ipaglaban ang ligtas at kagyat na pagbubukas sa mga eskwelahan para sa harapang pagkatuto. Nagkaroon din ng katulad na protesta sa Pres. Corazon C. Aquino Elem. School sa Quezon City, sa University of the Philippines-Manila, Eusebio Highschool sa Pasig City at sa Poblacion sa Muntinlupa.
Walang pagbabago sa di epektibong moda

Walang pagbabagong ginawa ang Department of Education (DepEd) sa palpak at pahirap na blended learning na ipinatupad noong nakaraang taon. Para punan ang di epektibong pagtuturong online at modyul, gumawa ang mga guro ng samutsaring paraan para maitawid ang aralin sa mga bata. Gayunpaman, aminado silang mababa ang kalidad ng edukasyon dahil sa napakaraming problema at limitasyon sa gadyet, internet, modyul at kakayahan ng mga magulang. Dagdag dito, may mga estudyanteng di pumapasok o di man lamang nagpaparamdam sa kanilang mga klase, pero ipinasa sa kasunod na baytang alinsunod sa dikta ng DepEd para mabigyan-katwiran ang pagpapatuloy ng blended learning.

Noong Setyembre 9, inilabas ng ACT ang isang pag-aaral hinggil sa kahandaan ng mga pampublikong paaralan para sa pasukan. Litaw dito ang malalaki pa ring problema ng kakulangan at nahuhuling pag-imprenta ng mga modyul, kawalan ng gadyet at pambayad sa internet at labis-labis na trabaho ng mga guro.

Halos walang tulong ang ahensya sa mga pangangailangan ng guro. Hindi sapat ang ipinagmamayabang ng DepEd na 68,500 na laptop dahil halos 1 milyong pampublikong guro ang nangangailangan nito. Halos hindi rin nila nagagamit ang ipinamahaging sim card dahil sa hina ng signal sa kanilang mga lokasyon.

Walang sapat na panahon ang mga guro na makapagpahinga mula nang magsara ang akademikong taon noong Hulyo 10. Tuluy-tuloy ang kanilang trabaho noong Hulyo at Agosto sa enrollment at pag-imprenta ng mga modyul. Marami sa kanila ang napilitang mangalap ng mga suplay sa eskwelahan dahil sa kakulangan ng pondo. “Work from home” daw ang kaayusan sa ahensya pero inoobliga silang pisikal na mag-ulat sa mga paaralan ng ilang beses kada linggo. Hanggang ngayon, hindi sila binabayaran ng obertaym na katumbas ng 87 araw.
Walang badyet, walang plano sa harapang pagkatuto

Sa antas kolehiyo, ipinagpapatuloy ang klaseng online para lamang masabi na hindi pinababayaan ng gubyerno ang kabataan, ayon sa National Union of Students of the Philippines. Liban sa mga limitadong kurso sa 22 unibersidad, nananatili ang pagbabawal sa harapang klase sa kabila ng kaliwa’t kanang pag-aaral at panawagan noon pang nakaraang taon na buksan ang mga kampus para sa harapang pagkatuto.

Ayon sa NUSP, kailangan maglaan ang estado ng pondo para matiyak ang minimum na pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang pangkalusugan, test kit at mga pasilidad pang-test sa loob ng mga kampus, at pagbabago sa mga klasrum at pasilidad para mapatupad ang social distancing. Iginigiit nila na ayudahan ang mga estudyante ng ₱10,000 para makaagapay sa papalaking gastos sa pag-aaral sa gitna ng pandemya.

Sa deliberasyon ng pambansang badyet para sa 2022 sa Kongreso, napag-alaman na tinapyasan ang dati nang mababang badyet para sa pasilidad sa edukasyon para sa 2022. Ayon sa ACT, ang inilaang pondo para rito ay ₱5.4 bilyon lamang, 51% na mas mababa sa ₱11.1 bilyon ngayong taon. Mula rito, ₱358 milyon lamang ang inilaan para sa mga pasilidad pangkalusugan—isa sa batayang rekisito sa ligtas na balik-eskwela sa gitna ng pandemya. Hindi malinaw kung saan kukunin ang badyet para sa pag-empleyo ng dagdag na mga nars sa paaralan.

[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/2021/09/21/buksan-na-ang-mga-paaralan-sa-harapang-pagkatuto/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Yanigin ng mga protestang bayan ang hari ng korapsyon at terorismo

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): Yanigin ng mga protestang bayan ang hari ng korapsyon at terorismo

Niyuyugyog ng krisis ang naghaharing rehimeng Duterte. Bunga ito ng pag-alingasaw ng nakasusulasok na korapsyon ni Duterte sa pagsamantala sa pandemya para magbulsa ng bilyun-bilyong pisong pondo ng gubyerno. Nabuyangyang ito habang bumabayo ang malawakang disempleyo, pagsirit ng presyo, mababang sahod at pagwasak sa kabuhayan na nilumpo ng walang katapusang mga lockdown. Rumaragasa pa rin ang pandemya at hindi na halos makaagapay ang mga ospital sa dami ng nagkakasakit sa Covid-19.

Kabi-kabila ang sampal sa mukha ni Duterte sa imbestigasyon ng Senado sa pangungurakot sa Department of Health (DOH). Batikos ang inabot niya sa pag-aabugado sa kanyang mga tauhan at pambubuska sa mga senador. Hindi pa man ito tapos, ibang imbestigasyon naman ang sisimulan sa International Criminal Court (ICC). Bantog siya ngayon sa buong mundo bilang nakaupong presidente na tuwirang isinasakdal sa mga krimen laban sa sangkatauhan bilang utak sa ilampung libong pinatay sa madugo at huwad na “gera kontra-droga.”

Sa harap ng korapsyon, walang kontrol na pandemya, pagbagsak ng kabuhayan ng mamamayan at pagbaling ng naghaharing rehimen sa mas malupit na teroristang paninibasib sa bayan, tiyak na ibayo pang paghihirap at pagdurusa ang ihahatid ng patuloy na paghahari ng tiraniya ni Duterte.

Ang sumisidhing krisis sa kalusugan, pulitika at ekonomya ay maramihang pumupukaw sa taumbayan. Ang pagdurusa sa kaliwa’t kanang pahirap at pabigat ay gumagatong sa kanilang nag-aalab na galit. Bangungot sa taumbayan ang iskema ng pangkating Duterte na manatili pa sa poder lagpas sa 2022. Dumarami ang naghahangad na huwag nang paabutin si Duterte sa eleksyong kanyang dadayain, at wakasan na sa lalong madaling panahon ang kanyang paghahari.

Paparami ang mamamayang handang bumagtas sa landas ng sama-samang pagkilos at pakikibaka. Lumilitaw ang mga aksyong protesta para ipahayag ang hinaing ng iba’t ibang sektor at komunidad. Pinatunayan ng demonstrasyon ng ilanlibo noong katapusan ng Hulyo sa huling state of the nation address (SONA) ni Duterte na hindi pagagapi sa takot at sa pandemya ang taumbayan.

Nitong nagdaang mga linggo, mainit ang pagpapahayag at kilos-protesta ng mga manggagawang pangkalusugan para batikusin ang mga upisyal ng DOH sa kabiguang ibigay sa oras ang mga pangakong benepisyo, kabayaran at dagdag sahod. Naglunsad din ng mga protesta sa lansangan at mga komunidad ang mga kabataan, magulang at mga guro laban sa nagpapatuloy na palpak na sistema ng “blended learning” at para igiit sa gubyerno ang pagbubukas ng mga eskwelahan para sa harapang pagkatuto. May mga aksyong protesta rin laban sa panukalang badyet na pabor sa papalaking gastusin ng militar at mga proyektong pang-imprastruktura, taliwas sa dapat na pagprayoridad sa sistemang pangkalusugan, edukasyon at suportang pangkabuhayan sa milyun-milyong wala pa ring hanapbuhay.

May mga aksyong protesta ang mga manggagawa para ipaglaban ang hinihingi nilang umento sa sahod, gayundin laban sa red-tagging at panggigipit ng militar sa kanilang mga unyon. May mga pagkilos din ang taumbayan laban sa mga proyektong mapanira sa kalikasan, pagmimina, reklamasyon at pagtatayo ng kasino at ekoturismo, laluna ng malalaking kapitalistang Chinese na malapit kay Duterte. May mga pagkilos ang mga magsasaka laban sa pagtatayo ng mga kampo ng militar sa kanilang baryo, kontra sa liberalisasyon sa pang-aangkat ng bigas at para isulong ang pagpapataas sa presyo ng palay at iba pa nilang produkto.

Ang mga aksyong protesta na ito ay kailangang-kailangan ngayon ng taumbayan upang mabigyang-hugis ang kanilang poot laban sa korapsyon, pagpapahirap, panggigipit at pagtatraydor ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Bagaman maliliit at kalat-kalat pa, lahat nang ito’y tusok ng karayom sa pasistang rehimen. Higit sa lahat, ang mga aksyong protesta na ito ay salamin ng obhetibong interes at kahilingan ng malawak na sambayanan. Kailangang walang-sawang abutin at pukawin ang milyun-milyong mamamayan at ihatid sila sa landas ng sama-samang pagkilos at pakikibaka.

Dapat pag-ugnayin ang mga usaping kinakaharap ng iba’t ibang sektor at palakasin ang kanilang pagkakaisa. Dapat maipakita ang iisang ugat ng pinagmumulan ng kinahaharap ng taumbayan upang mabuo ang kanilang paninindigan na sama-sama itong bunutin at puksain. Dapat mahigpit na magsuportahan at buuin sa iisang sigaw ang kanilang hiwa-hiwalay na hinaing. Dapat itaas sa antas ng pampulitikang panawagan at pagkilos ang kanilang mga panawagang pangkabuhayan at pangkagalingan, mulat na hindi nila makakamit ang mga ito hangga’t naghahari ang anti-mamamayan at pahirap na tirano na si Duterte.

Habang papalapit ang eleksyong 2022, at lalong lumilinaw ang plano ni Duterte na panatilihin ang sarili sa poder, mas maraming mga pwersang pampulitika at panlipunan ang tahasang naninindigan laban sa kanya, kabilang ang dati niyang mga kaalyado. Nanawagan ang ilang obispo sa simbahang Katoliko na maglunsad ang taumbayan ng mga rali para ipamalas ang kanilang pagtutol sa tiraniya. Sa harap nito, kailangang ibayong palakasin at palawakin ang demokratikong nagkakaisang prente at hikayating magtulungan na wakasan ang paghahari ni Duterte sa lalong madaling panahon.

Hitik ang mga salik sa posibilidad ng mga biglang pihit ng sitwasyong pampulitika, kabilang ang posibleng mga maling kalkulasyon ni Duterte sa kanyang desperasyong supilin ang taumbayan at ipagtanggol ang kanyang bulok na rehimen. Dapat sunggaban ang pagkakataong ipadaluyong ang kilusang protesta ng taumbayan para yanigin ang tiraniya ni Duterte at maghatid ng mabibigat na dagok laban dito.

Dapat magpunyagi ang mga pambansa-demokratikong pwersa sa pagpukaw, pag-organisa at pagpakilos sa mamamayan. Walang-kapagurang itaas ang militansya at determinasyon ng bayan na lumaban. Dalawang ulit nang pinatunayan ng sambayanang Pilipino na kaya nilang ibagsak ang isang naghaharing pasistang rehimen. Hindi imposibleng gamitin ang kapangyarihang ito sa ikatlong pagkakataon.

[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/2021/09/21/yanigin-ng-mga-protestang-bayan-ang-hari-ng-korapsyon-at-terorismo/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: NDF-EV: End Duterte’s martial law

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): NDF-EV: End Duterte’s martial law

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

On the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the country, the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) calls on the Filipino people to overcome state terror and topple the worst dictator yet in Philippine history in the person of Rodrigo Duterte.

“Without officially declaring martial law, the Duterte regime succeeded to list off-the-charts terrorist attacks and fascist record surpassing Marcos and other presidents combined,” the NDF-EV said.

The Duterte regime shamelessly pours a huge chunk of public funds for his fascist overkill against the people’s resistance movement, spoils his favorite military cohorts with wasteful counterrevolutionary war spending, and pockets funds for his electoral ambitions at the expense of the people’s welfare in the time of global health and economic crisis.

Thus far, Duterte laid the worst climate of impunity through the Anti Terror Law, Executive Order 70, Memorandum Order 32, red-baiting of progressive individuals and groups, terror-tagging of revolutionary forces, among other fascist undertakings.

In Eastern Visayas alone, Duterte’s mercenary troops rain villages with bombs, pepper them with bullets, and turn them into garrisons through the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).
Duterte’s brand of martial law do not only supersede civilian authority with military might but also threaten and kill barangay officials while luring barrio folks into surrendering through force and deception. Duterte’s label disaster survivors, progressive organizations and party-lists as “communist fronts” and “terrorists” to justify the red-tagging and crackdown against them. They spread lies against civil society and humanitarian non-government organizations for exposing state neglect and terrorism in the communities.

NDF-EV noted: “We must learn and draw inspiration from our history. Marcos’ dictatorial rule was borne out of the same semicolonial semifeudal crisis that persists today. If anything, the dark days of martial law have taught us that dictators can be defeated. The historical consequence of iron-hand tyrannical rule is the people’s mounting wrath against the establishment.”

“We salute all Filipinos who fought, were persecuted, and martyred in the hands of the Marcos dictatorship. History obliges all democratic forces to consolidate their ranks and persistently fight today’s brand of martial law. The people must overcome the climate of fear imposed upon them and engage in all forms of struggle to resolutely end Duterte’s reign of terror,” NDF-EV ended. #

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-ev-end-dutertes-martial-law/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: NDF-EV: Condemn aerial bombing, indiscriminate strafing of Las Navas farmlands

Propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): NDF-EV: Condemn aerial bombing, indiscriminate strafing of Las Navas farmlands

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

We have received reports that units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) indiscriminately bombed and strafed farmlands in Brgy. San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar last September 16. The aerial bombing was conducted exactly a month after the bombing spree in Dolores, Eastern Samar.

According to the local NPA unit, starting at 3:40am, FA-50 fighter jet all at once dropped six bombs at the farmlands. High-caliber machine guns and rocket missiles then indiscriminately strafed the area. This flurry of attacks lasted until around 10am. Cannon fire was also heard by local residents until early morning.

By midday, ground troops of at least eight helicopters were airlifted into the area. Combat operations from nearby Jipapad town, Eastern Samar towards the area were also reported. At least a week before the bombing, surveillance drones including an Hermes 900 unit which hovered the area every night as well as surrounding barangays.

No NPA unit was hurt in the attack. The local NPA unit is still investigating the extent of the damage caused on the peasants and the farmlands. These are areas frequented by farmers of coconut, vegetables and rattan, as well as hunters and fisher folk looking for alternative sources of food and livelihood. According to the initial report, peasant masses staying in the farmlands fled away to nearby barrios for fear that they might be hit by the bombs.

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas vehemently condemns the attack. None other than the terrorist Duterte regime and its henchmen in the 8th Infantry Division-led Joint Task Force Storm are responsible for this indiscriminate attack. That it did not hit a unit of the NPA but local residents’ farmlands proves once again that their modern weapons and “smart” bombs are highly inaccurate, disproportionate, and unable to distinguish combatants from noncombatants.

This scorched earth policy forms part of their hell bent effort against the revolutionary movement before their self-imposed deadline in 2022. Such is their desperation that in PTF-ELCAC meetings such as last September 1, military officials repeatedly vowed to residents “to bomb and make Marawi out of Las Navas” and to make the town a “no man’s land.” It is a frenzied attempt by the AFP to ensure that their big-ticket and corruption-ridden road project traversing Brgy. San Francisco pushes through.

We condemn the Duterte regime for prioritizing funding for its counter-insurgency operations in the middle of the pandemic. Millions of pesos are spent for these indiscriminate attacks that cause widespread damage to farmlands and rivers, which peasants heavily depend for their livelihood especially amid worsening poverty and hunger.

We again call on the Commission on Human Rights to speed up investigation into the increasingly frequent cases of indiscriminate bombing in Samar. We also urge other rights-based organizations, church people, and peace-loving government officials and personalities to condemn the AFP and the Duterte regime for using these kinds of indiscriminate and superfluous weapons. They must continually call for the defunding of the NTF-ELCAC and reallocation of counter-insurgency funds in favor of the government’s anti-pandemic response.

We call on all Samareño and the entire Filipino people to expose and condemn the bombing and the Duterte regime’s all out war.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-ev-condemn-aerial-bombing-indiscriminate-strafing-of-las-navas-farmlands/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Tyrant Duterte has surpassed Marcos in terms of terrorism and plunder

Ang Bayan editorial posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 21, 2021): Tyrant Duterte has surpassed Marcos in terms of terrorism and plunder

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021

Nalampasan na ng tiranong Duterte si Marcos sa usapin ng terorismo at pandarambong (Pilipino)

We join the Filipino people in commemorating the 49th year of the declaration of martial law today. Indeed, we must never forget one of the worst periods of the country’s history in which Ferdinand Marcos grabbed absolute power, reigned as a dictator for 14 years and engaged in relentless plunder, corruption, and fascist suppression. He bankrupted the government, led the country to unprecedented ruin and buried the people under mountains of debt.

It is extremely important and urgent that we look back and draw lessons from the dark days of martial law as the country today is ruled over by the tyrant Duterte who has unabashedly declared admiration for Marcos and openly harbors ambitions of imposing a fascist dictatorship.

In a short span of five years, Duterte has surpassed Marcos’s 14-year rule in terms of the worst parameters. Since 2016, the number of people murdered by state forces under Duterte’s bogus “war on drugs” is estimated at more than 30,000, close to ten times more than the 3,000 people killed in the massacres and “salvagings” perpetrated by military and police forces under the Marcos dictatorship.

Today, the same military and police, now led by then young officers of the Marcos dictatorship, foment the same anticommunist hysteria as pretext for carrying out massacres and extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture, illegal arrests, filing of trumped up charges and prolonged detention against dissenters and critics of the corrupt and terrorist regime. Supported by US-supplied drones and fighter jets and military funding, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has stepped up its campaign of aerial bombardment and artillery shelling in the rural plains and mountainous areas endangering people’s lives in violation of the international laws of war.

Away from the cities, state terrorism is more brazen and cruel, with the AFP and the militarized bureaucracy under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) imposing open military rule over peasant and indigenous communities. The peasant masses suffer from rampant abuses and violations of human rights that come with the militarization and hamletting of their villages. Invoking counterinsurgency, the AFP has banned all forms of democratic and patriotic organizations to force the peasants and ethnic minority groups to “surrender” their rights and acquiesce to worsening forms of oppression and exploitation including the grabbing of their lands by big mining corporations and plantations, and energy and ecotourism projects.

Duterte and his cohorts are set to surpass the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos in terms of corruption and plunder, especially in collaboration with Chinese big capitalists and criminal drug and smuggling syndicates. The tyrant railroads and bamboozles his way through to pocket fat commissions by diverting hundreds of billions of pesos to anomalous government contracts involving Chinese-funded infrastructure projects. Through his dummies, Duterte continues to amass large amounts of wealth. His generals and police officers are also having a heyday by plundering billions of pesos in counterinsurgency and AFP “modernization” funds. The diversion of billion of pesos of public funds to favored companies during the pandemic is among the worst and unforgivable acts of plunder.

Duterte has surpassed the Marcos regime for the rate of accumulating government debt. Philippine debt grew at around ₱65 billion a year ($1:₱50) for 20 years under Marcos. From ₱6.09 trillion at the start of Duterte’s term, government debt skyrocketed to ₱11 trillion and expected to reach ₱13.42 trillion by 2022, growing by ₱1.22 trillion annually, almost 20 times faster than the Marcos regime.

He has funneled more and more public funds to debt servicing, counterinsurgency and infrastructure projects. Like Marcos, education and health services remain the least of state priorities. Duterte has accelerated import liberalization of agricultural products, particularly rice and meat, leading to bankruptcy of palay farmers and livestock producers, rising prices of food and other daily commodities. Fuel prices continue to rise unabatedly. While people are burdened with consumer taxes, big corporations are being incentivized with tax reductions and exemptions resulting in wider gaps between the very rich and the poor comprising the majority of the Filipino people.

Behind the facade of the “war on drugs,” Duterte has gained the position of being the biggest drug lord by forcing every drug syndicate on their knees to pray for his protection. He has put a stop to the local production of “shabu” to compel local drug lords to source their illegal wares from China which has been exposed as going through the military-controlled gates of the Bureau of Customs. In exchange for billions of pesos in protection money, big Chinese drug syndicates have been allowed to continue their operations within the national penitentiary under the watch of Duterte’s trusted lieutenants.

In exchange for promises of Chinese money, vaccines and protection, Duterte has surrendered vast parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to the Chinese military and giant fishing industry. Under Duterte, China has fortified its military stronghold in the WPS by erecting at least seven military facilities in reclaimed lands. Giant sea vessels have engaged in swarming and overfishing in the area resulting in the depletion of marine resources to the detriment of Filipino fishermen.

At the same time, Duterte continues to extend extraterritorial rights to the US military through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and other lopsided military agreements. In exchange for the sale of new attack helicopters, rockets and bombs, as well as vaccines hoarded by the US, Duterte has bowed to the US demand to allow the expansion of its military facilities within AFP camps for stockpiling and forward deployment of drones, communication equipment and other war matériel.

Duterte has now equalled Marcos for international notoriety. The decision of the pre-trial chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to push forward the investigation of crimes against humanity for the thousands of killed under Duterte’s sham “war on drugs” reinforces Duterte’s negative standing as an international pariah. The broad masses of Filipino people await the day that Duterte is formally charged before the ICC, tried and sentenced for his crimes.

In the eyes of the Filipino people and people across the world, Duterte is infamous for his fascism, misogyny, the worsening drug problem, aversion against human rights and contempt for the poor.

Duterte’s reign of terror, corruption and oppression of the broad masses of workers and peasants has exposed the rotten core of the ruling semicolonial and semifeudal system. His tyranny has drowned the country in darkness. However, it has made the light of the people’s democratic resistance shine more brightly, illuminating especially the path of revolutionary armed struggle towards national and social liberation.

Down with the US-Duterte regime!
Carry forward the people’s democratic revolution!
Long live the Filipino people!

[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/statements/tyrant-duterte-has-surpassed-marcos-in-terms-of-terrorism-and-plunder/

Kalinaw News: Female Tausug tops Candidate Soldier Course at 11th Division training school

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): Female Tausug tops Candidate Soldier Course at 11th Division training school



September 21, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Yesterday, a female tausug topped the Candidate Soldier Course among 245 new soldiers who completed their military training at 11th Division “Mastal” Training School in Camp Bud Datu, Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

Pvt Nerna T Arip is a 23 year-old female tausug from Brgy. Kaha, Parang, Sulu. She graduated number one of their class with a general average of 95. 50%.

“Unang una po sa lahat, nagpapasalamat po ako sa 11th ID at binigyan kami ng ganitong oportunidad. Hindi ko po hinangad na manguna ngunit dahil sa dedikasyon at sa kagustuhan ko pong ipagpatuloy sa kung ano ang naiwan ng aking ama, gusto ko pong ipagpatuloy kung ano ang kanyang nasimulan. Gusto ko rin pong malingkod lalong-lalo na po dito sa Sulu na panatilihin ang kapayapaan at ngayon na unti-unting umuunlad. Sa mga nangangarap na katulad kong Muslim, ang magpatuloy at huwag sumuko sa buhay ay siyang totong sandata natin sa anumang laban. “Pvt Arip said.

The second and third-highest ranking candidate soldiers are also tausugs in the person of Pvt Salip Nadir C Sawadjaan and Pvt Nuriza S Mohammad with a general average of 95.38% and 94.88% respectively. Meanwhile, Pvt Awie J Mohammad, who is also a tausug, got the highest rating in the Physical Fitness Test (Tarzan) with a general average of 97.78%.

11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales commended the members of Candidate Soldier Course MAKAGILAS (Muslim At Kristiyano Alakdan Galing Isip Liksi Aming Sandata) Class 656-2021 for successfully hurdling the rigorous and tremendous military training for four months.

In his speech, MGen Gonzales extended his gratitude to the staffs, training directorate, family and the new members of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division.

MGen Gonzales also challenged the new graduates saying “Ang inyong pagtatapos ay hindi nangangahulugang tapos na rin ang inyong paghihirap. Kalakip ng kapangyarihan ay ang malaking responsibilidad. Para sa atin, ang responsibilidad na ito ay ang ating tungkulin para sa ating bayan na protektahan ang mga tao at ang lugar na nasasakupan patikular dito sa probinsya ng Sulu.”

According to the School Commandant, Col Leomar Jose M Doctolero, the members of the class were individuals who came from different backgrounds. The class is comprised of 234 males and 11 females. Nine are from Luzon, four are from Visayas, 66 are from mainland Mindanao, and 166 are from the province of Sulu.

To note, the new graduates will still have to undergo a 60-day Infantry Orientation Course until they will be deployed to line units.

[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/female-tausug-tops-candidate-soldier-course-at-11th-division-training-school/

Kalinaw News: 6 Reds Slain, Firearms Seized as EastMinCom Troops Swoop Down on CTG forces

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): 6 Reds Slain, Firearms Seized as EastMinCom Troops Swoop Down on CTG forces



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol continues to alter the operational balance of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as it brought down six more communist terrorists in intensified joint military operations separately launched by the troops at Sitio Cogon-Cogon, Brgy Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and in Brgy Bugsukan, Butuan City on September 20, 2021.

In a statement, LtGen. Almerol said that the combined forces of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) and 403rd Brigade’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 88th Infantry Battalion, and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion launched an intensified military operation against the CTG’s National Operations Command, Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID); Regional Operations Command, Headquarters Force Neo, Regional Sentro De Grabidad Compaq (RSDG Compaq), and Guerrilla Front 89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) which resulted in the death of five communist terrorists whose identities are yet to be determined through the aid of former rebels.

Troops were also able to seize 12 high-powered firearms and other war materials at the encounter site.

The encounter stemmed from a report of a concerned citizen who revealed to authorities that some armed individuals were roaming around their community to extort food and seize some supplies. This prompted the troops to strengthen collaboration with adjacent units and its counterpart from the Philippine National Police (PNP) to respond to the scene and protect the people.

LtGen. Almerol said that the CTG attempted to reclaim Brgy Manalog, their former mass base but could not penetrate due to the increasing support of the communities, Local Government Units, and the PNP which are eager and dedicated to end the communist terrorism.

Meanwhile, troops of the 65th Infantry Battalion figured in a 15-minute armed encounter with an undetermined number of communist terrorists belonging to the SYP21C, Guerrilla Front 21 in Brgy Bugsukan, Butuan City which led to the death of another CTG member whose identity has yet to be determined and the seizure of two M16 rifles and an M203 grenade launcher.

LtGen. Almerol assessed that the CTG is on the verge of collapse, especially in the area of Bukidnon, following the successive neutralization of its leaders and members in the past days.

“Our troops will never stop pursuing the few remaining CTGs until the terror they bring in the peace-loving communities of Eastern Mindanao are completely extinguished. We are confident that we can achieve this goal because of the strong support we are getting from the LGUs, the PNP, and the ordinary citizens who are proactive in reporting any suspicious activities in their areas,” LtGen. Almerol said.

LtGen. Almerol pointed out that the CTG is caught in an impasse because, aside from the troops surrounding them, the people in the communities are no longer on their side and even actively working with the AFP and PNP in putting an end to the insurgency problem.

The EastMinCom Commander reiterated his invitation to the remaining CTG leaders and members to peacefully surrender to the government, once and for all, so that they will no longer have to bear the sufferings brought by the communist terrorism. He added that the government is always ready to help them reunite with their families and start a new life through the livelihood, scholarship, housing, and financial assistance from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

LtGen. Almerol also expressed willingness to help the remaining CTG members avail of free Covid-19 jabs so that they can also be protected from the harm brought by Covid-19.

[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/6-reds-slain-firearms-seized-as-eastmincom-troops-swoop-down-on-ctg-forces/

Kalinaw News: Former Mass Base Group receives vehicle from DAR

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): Former Mass Base Group receives vehicle from DAR



Peace and Development Volunteers and Workers’ Association (PDVWA) a former CPP-NPA underground mass organization turned to a people’s organization in the Municipality of Columbio received a delivery truck from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial Office of Sultan Kudarat today, September 21, 2021, in a simple turn-over ceremony held at the agency’s office in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Said delivery truck was ceremonially received by the organization’s President Ms. Didith Mangcal and it will be used in delivering the organization’s products and inputs.

This activity was part of the ongoing implementation of the DAR project Linking Smallholder Farmers to Markets and Microfinance (LinkSFarMM), an agro-enterprise development approach that seeks to identify supply demands and access to market chains. It also trains, assists, and organizes farmers particularly that of the former revels to improve their production quality and boost the value of their products through collective marketing. Its specific objective is to make smallholder farmers increase agricultural productivity.

The re-organization of the said group was facilitated by the 39th Infantry Battalion after they withdrawn their affiliation with CPP-NPA and was formed into People’s Organization and subsequently registered with LinkSFarMM.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, Battalion Commander expressed appreciation to the continuing assistance being provided by DAR with this People’s Organization.

“We are thankful for this assistance provided to our peace client, it showcases the Whole of Nation Approach and strengthens our credibility as a government in creating social change to the disadvantage and marginalize communities,” Balagtey said.

Ms. Mary Jane A. Aguilar, Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II assured the beneficiaries that the delivery truck is just the first of much more support that will come from the department.

“More will come. Our government promotes unity and understanding among different agencies and stakeholders to cater quality services to Filipino farmers to drive progress in our economy,” she said.

[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/former-mass-base-group-receives-vehicle-from-dar/

Kalinaw News: 2 separate clashes in 4ID AOR against CPP-NPA-NDF resulted in 6 CPP-NPA Terrorists killed, 15 firearms captured

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): 2 separate clashes in 4ID AOR against CPP-NPA-NDF resulted in 6 CPP-NPA Terrorists killed, 15 firearms captured



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Two (2) separate clashes have erupted once again between the government troops and CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the area of responsibility of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division that led to the killing of six (6) CNTs and the capture of fourteen (14) high-powered and one (1) low powered firearms in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and Butuan City in Agusan del Norte on Monday, September 20, 2021.

Responding to a reliable information from civilian residents, joint forces of the 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under Lt Col Vercisio G San Jose Jr, Commanding Officer, and 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) under Lt Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer, launched a focused military operation against the leadership and components of the National Operations Command (NOC) of the CPP-NPA, KOMMID, and Regional Operations Command (ROC), Headquarters Forces Neo (HQF NEO), Regional Sentro De Gravidad Compaq (RSDG COMPAQ), and Guerilla Front 89 (GF-89) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Special Forces Teams of 1st Special Forces Battalion under the operational control of 403rd Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division swooped down on the CNT hideout at the mountainous area of Sitio Cogon Cogon, Brgy Manalog, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon around 06:45 in the morning yesterday and encountered more or less 15 combined elements of the CNTs under HQF NEO and RSDG COMPAQ, both of NCMRC.

After securing the encounter site, found were 5 dead CNTs who are abandoned by their comrades and subsequently captured 11 high-powered firearms composed 6 AK47 Rifles, 2 M16 Rifles, 3 M653 rifles and 1 caliber .45 pistol along with various war materiel. No casualty on the government side was recorded.

Meanwhile, another clash also transpired around 3:00PM yesterday at the forested area of Brgy. Bugsukan, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte between joint forces of 15SAC, 1SAB, PNP SAF and 65th Infantry Battalion (65IB) led by Police Lt Philip G Marcos against undetermined member of fully armed CNTs.

The firefight lasted for 15 minutes and resulted in the killing of 1 male CNT member identified as Alias Jimboy (LN: Anduhoyan) of Sandatahang Yunin Pampropaganda 21A (SYP21A), GF21, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) and capture of 3 high-powered firearms – 2 M16 Rifles with magazines, and 1 M203 40MM Grenade launcher.

In his statement, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of the 4ID, lauded the 403rd Brigade under Brigadier General Ferdinand T Barandon, and the 1SFBn for another outstanding performance against the CNTs in Bukidnon. He also congratulated the whole 1st Special Action Battalion (1SAB) of PNP’s Special Action Force (SAF) and 65IB for the victory against the CNTs in Butuan City.

MGen Branwer Jr said that the PNP is working side by side with the AFP in the conduct of intensified focused military operations against the CNTs to help end the insurgency in the area.

“The CTG will never win in this fight. With the PNP making their presence felt in the anti-insurgency campaign, we expect more and more CTG members and leaders to heed our call for peace after the series of setbacks they suffered in the past days in Bukidnon. Voluntary surrender is imminent and choosing to return to the peaceful path to avail the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) would be the better option for the CTG”, MGen Brawner Jr said.

For the month of September alone, a total of 11 government initiated encounters have transpired resulting in the neutralization of 34 CTG members and seizure of 56 high powered and 4 low-powered firearms during military operations. There were also 7 CTG hideouts that were overran or discovered by the 4ID troops during the period.

“We are calling all remnants of the CPP-NPA-NDF or the Communist Terrorist Group particularly in Bukidnon province to stop the senseless fight, and save their lives. I am appealing to the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders to give peace a chance. Can they not find a little space in their hearts that desires for peace and end this futile armed struggle that cost so many lives? Is it not clear that our people wants peace and not chaos? People want development not senseless deaths”, MGen Brawner Jr stressed.

[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/2-separate-clashes-in-4id-aor-against-cpp-npa-ndf-resulted-in-6-cpp-npa-terrorists-killed-15-firearms-captured/

Kalinaw News: ELCAC Give Light and Hope to Former NPA Guerilla Base

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): ELCAC Give Light and Hope to Former NPA Guerilla Base



MAKILALA, COTABATO – Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of Davao del Sur in partnership with 39IB spearheaded an Inter-Agency Community Development Project “Liliwanag Latil” from September 14-20, 2021 in an isolated Sitio of Latil, Brgy Abnate, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur.

Project “Liliwanag Latil” is a project under the banner of Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict aims to provide training on Photovoltaic System and Solar Panel Installation and solar energy power to off-grid remote villages where regular electricity distribution lines have not yet reached.

Sitio Latil, is a former guerilla base in a remote village, which can be reached through an average of 2-3 hours hike inhabited by B’laan tribe was considered as among the secluded communities in the province of Davao del Sur.

In an information gathered by the Community Support Team of 39th Infantry Battalion, this B’laan community endured decades of darkness at night which was made worse by their remote location and inaccessible roads. It became the CPP-NPA terrorist haven for a long period of time.

Joining the project implementations are Department of Social Welfare and Development Region XI, Provincial Local Government Unit of Davao del Sur, Local Government Unit of Kiblawan, National Commission on Indigenous People of Davao del Sur, Youth For Peace Movement Davao del Sur Chapter and Harley Owners Group Davao Chapter.

The project culminated yesterday afternoon Sept 20, 2021 which was highlighted with ceremonial lighting of solar powered lights to 35 households and civic action program.

TESDA Davao del Sur Instructor, Ms Gina Sabellano expressed optimism that the project will bring “light and hope” to the social care needed by Sitio Latil and other Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.

“I hope that this activity is a “light and hope” to bring social care to Latil and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas vulnerable from conflict” Sabellano said.

During the Send-off Ceremony, Hon Jason Rama, Mayor of Kiblawan emphasized the “whole-of-nation” approach as a vital key in the attainment of lasting peace in the rest of Davao del Sur.

“The peace and development efforts through the convergence of different line agencies of the government is a clear manifestation that our government is serious on its campaign in ending this local communist armed conflict.” the Mayor said.

“We will continue to strive for the government programs to reach the most remote communities because through this we can protect our IP brothers and sisters from the propaganda and deception of the Communist Terrorist Group.” Hon Rama added.

Meanwhile, Datu Rogelio Bulani Latil’s Sitio Leader recognized the efforts of the different government agencies in continuously reaching to communities in far-flung areas.

“We thank the government for their unending support to help the IP communities. We are now enlightened that only the government programs and services can help us achieve lasting peace and prosperity.” Datu Bulani expressed.

[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/elcac-give-light-and-hope-to-former-npa-guerilla-base/

Kalinaw News: Female CTG member surrenders to gov’t authorities in Abra

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 21, 2021): Female CTG member surrenders to gov’t authorities in Abra



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – The snowball of surrenderers continue in the province of Abra as another CNT in the barrio (Milisyang Bayan) of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Abra, Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur (KLG AMPIS) voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 71st Infantry (KAIBIGAN) Battalion in Barangay Ampalioc, Luba, Abra on September 17, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Sonny E. Gonzales, Commanding Officer of 71IB identified the personality as alias “Doray” who surrendered herself along with one M16 rifle and three short alloy magazines with 10 rounds of ammunition.

“Our massive deployment of CSP teams in the far-flung communities of Abra, intensive intelligence operations and purposive CMO, as well as addressing the needs of the community have won the trust and confidence of the people. These have yielded positive results as we encourage the CTG’s family members to convince them to lay down their arms and give peace a chance not only for themselves but to the community as a whole,” said LTC Gonzales.

He further stated that the key to effective communication with the remaining members of the CTGs is to let their relatives know that they will be safe and secured upon surrender.

“Katuwang natin ang mga kamag-anak ng mga nalalabing miyembro ng CTG upang hikayatin ang mga ito na kumalas na at iwanan ang walang kwentang pakikibaka na maaring magdulot ng kanilang kapahamakan sa bundok,” added LTC Gonzales.

It can be recalled that 10 CNTs in the Barrio (Milisyang Bayan) have surrendered to the 7IB and has gained 14 LPFAs and nine (9) HPFAs, a total of 23 surrendered firearms upon its deployment in the province of Abra since March of this year.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr. PA commended the unwavering efforts of the Army, PNP, and various peace stakeholders for the effective implementation of the Community Support Program, addressing the needs of the far-flung communities and highlighting the importance of communication and engagement of the joint AFP-PNP CSP teams with the families of the members of the dwindling KLG-AMPIS in Abra.

“Ang sunod-sunod na pagbabalik-loob ng mga dating miyembro ng CTG sa Abra ay bunga ng ating pagsisikap na kumbinsihin ang mga natitirang rebelde na kumalas na. Ito ay nagpapatunay lamang na nakakarating ang mga importanteng impormasyon ukol sa programa ng gobyerno para sa mga gustong magsimula at magbagong-buhay nang mapayapa,” ayon kay MGen Rosario Jr.

[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/female-ctg-member-surrenders-to-govt-authorities-in-abra/

House approves bill institutionalizing UP-DND Accord on final reading

From Rappler (Sep 21, 2021): House approves bill institutionalizing UP-DND Accord on final reading (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

(1st UPDATE) The House of Representatives unanimously approves the bill with 179 affirmative votes

The House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 21, approved on the third and final reading the bill, which seeks to institutionalize the abrogated University of the Philippines-Department of National Defense (DND) Accord.

With 179 affirmative votes, House members unanimously approved House Bill No. 10171, which would institutionalize the accord by amending the Section 11 of the Republic Act No. 9500 or the UP Charter of 2008.

Most of the provisions in the newly passed bill can be found in the original agreement. Once the bill is signed into law, the following would be enforced:

• Prior notification of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), or any law enforcement agency to the UP administrators before conducting any operation inside UP campuses.
• Ban the entry of PNP, AFP, and other law enforcement agencies from entering the campus except in cases of emergency or as per request by the law enforcers.
• Prohibit subjecting any student, faculty member, or staff to custodial investigation without informing the UP administrators.
• Law enforcers will be banned from interfering with any peaceful protest inside UP campuses.
• Strengthening of the security, crime response and prevention, and firefighting capabilities of the UP.

In January, the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte unilaterally scrapped the accord due to allegations of in-campus communist recruitment. The accord was signed in June 1989 to protect UP students and faculty members from possible abuses from the military and the police.

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What you need to know about the 1989 UP-DND accord

Meanwhile, the Senate version of the bill is still pending at the committee level.

In order to be enacted into law, the bill also needs to be passed by the Senate. Then proceeds to the president, who would either sign or veto the bill.

In August, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the accord would not be restored under the Duterte administration after "much scrutiny and study" of defense officials. According to Lorenzana, the accord only covers the Philippine Constabulary, and not the entire military and police.

However, the House version of the bill includes the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/house-approves-bill-institutionalizing-up-dnd-accord-final-reading-september-2021

3ID facing two threats in Visayas

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 21, 2021): 3ID facing two threats in Visayas (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (right) assumes 3ID command from Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan, who slides down to his previous position as the Assistant Division Commander, during the change of command ceremony, which was presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, through a telethon.*

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, newly-installed Army’s 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday encouraged the support of various stakeholders in the fight against the New People’s Army and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We should face both squarely. We should win over the threats they are posing,” Arevalo stressed during the change of command ceremony at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, which was presided over by Army chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino through a telethon.

Arevalo, who previously served as commander of 301st Infantry Brigade in Iloilo and 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Island, underscored the importance of engaging the stakeholders, including local government units, national government agencies, civil society, academe, and different sectors of society to sustain the operational momentum and accomplishments.

“With your support, your Army and PNP can perform at its best to be able to deliver the peace that can contribute to the development of the region,” he stressed.

Army infantry units being supervised by 3ID are operating in Regions 6 and 7, of which bulk of the forces are stationed in Negros Island.

With familiarity of the area, undeniable wit and creativity combined with the determination to win while putting of premium to the welfare of Army personnel, Centino said that Maj. Gen. Arevalo will surely bring more accomplishments to 3ID and Philippine Army as a whole.

“You need to continue building on the gains achieved by your predecessors and former Spearhead Troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to bring just, genuine, and lasting peace in this area, he said.

In his assumption speech, Arevalo stressed that he assumed the position as 3ID chief, not just to command and give orders, but to serve them to perform their job well.

Under his leadership, Arevalo emphasized his philosophy that the Division is to serve, and not to be served.

He also bared his campaign philosophy that will be guided by the mantra or slogan “Loved by people, feared by the enemy.”

Arevalo stressed that 3ID troopers should continue winning the hearts and minds of the people through Civil Military Operation activities.

To be feared by the enemy, they should be relentless, aggressive, and offensive in combat operations he stressed.

Arevalo is a recipient of various military awards and decorations, including Distinguished Service Star, Bronze Cross Medals, Silver Wing Medal, Long Service Medal, Anti-Dissident Campaign Medals and Ribbons, and numerous military merit and civic action medals, and several commendations and honors both from military and civilian sectors.

https://visayandailystar.com/3id-facing-two-threats-in-visayas/

Region 10 among top contributors of accomplishments vs. insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Region 10 among top contributors of accomplishments vs. insurgency

 

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday bared that Region 10 is among the top contributors of easing armed conflict in the country.

He said that he is proud of the accomplishments of Northern Mindanao in exercising the whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency. Secretary Andanar is the designated Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for Region 10.

“I render my highest respect to the regional directors there in Northern Mindanao because they are very cooperative and they have the initiative to pursue this goal that we are aiming for,” he said in an interview.

Apart from presiding meetings and overseeing the progress of the region, Secretary Andanar also initiated the CORDS X Podcast, where he engages regional agency heads to discuss their respective programs and services. He is also providing an avenue for the youth sector through the local Sangguniang Kabataan Federations to feature their initiatives in community engagement.

Last February, President Rodrigo Duterte visited Cagayan de Oro City to meet with the Northern Mindanao Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC 10), the first joint meeting he attended between NTF-ELCAC and its regional counterpart.

“We are happy the President visited us this year. We were the first region that he visited because we have great accomplishments in encouraging rebels to surrender,” he said, noting that the achievements of the region form part of President Duterte’s legacy.

Legacy campaign to continue in the remainder of PRRD’s term

The PCOO chief also said that the information drive highlighting the accomplishments of the Duterte administration will continue until the end of its term.

Secretary Andanar stressed the importance of engaging with and informing the public on the policies and initiatives undertaken because they are the stakeholders of the government.

“One of the ways to run the government properly is also to report the achievements of the government so that you will not feel that you were shortchanged by the leaders, whom you have given your trust,” he said.

He noted that these tangible legacies of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will continue to be felt by future generations, whether or not he will continue to serve the country after his presidency.

“It’s important to report so that the people will know what the President has delivered from his promises in 2016, such as in peace and order, anti-corruption drive, and our efforts in poverty alleviation,” he said

He reiterated some of the achievements under peace and order, including the lowered crime volume across the country, the increased number of drug-free barangays, the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), among others. (PCOO)

https://piagov.wordpress.com/2021/09/21/region-10-among-top-contributors-of-accomplishments-vs-insurgency/

Pagadian's new police chief vows strategic, operational approach

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Pagadian's new police chief vows strategic, operational approach (By Leah Agonoy)

NEW CHIEF. Lt. Col. Manuel Ryan Lim becomes the new police chief of Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur, on Monday (Sept. 20, 2021). Lim vowed to adopt a strategic and operational approach in leading the city police force. (Photo by Leah D. Agonoy)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – Lt. Col. Manuel Ryan Lim, the new city police chief, announced Tuesday that he would adopt a two-pronged approach – strategic and operational – in leading the local police force.

Lim was installed Monday afternoon as the new police chief of Pagadian City by Lt. Col. Kiram Jimlani, the deputy provincial director for administration.

He said the strategic approach would see the police force working closely with the city government and the community to establish a multi-sectoral thrust in law enforcement and public safety programs.

“There is a need for strengthened community partnership and collaboration,” Lim added.

He said the operational approach would involve counter-terrorism and anti-criminality measures that focus on enhanced intelligence operations, police visibility, community and stakeholders’ empowerment, and coordination and dialogue with officials of both government and non-governmental organizations.

Lim ordered the local police to stay neutral and shy away from politics as the schedule for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the National and Local Elections draws near.

“The PNP (Philippine National Police) is apolitical and neutral. We are here to protect the people against criminalities. I was given instructions by the higher headquarters to do what is right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lim said he would review the development on the investigation into the killings of barangay chairpersons Ali Gampong of Tiguma on June 24 and Raymundo Albiar of Tuburan on August 25.

Lim replaced Lt. Col. Joenery Ojas who is retiring next month.

Lim came from the Police Regional Office12 (Soccsksargen) where he served as an intelligence and human rights officer and police chief in some of the towns in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154136

Eleazar's 3-day visit seen to boost PNP morale in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Eleazar's 3-day visit seen to boost PNP morale in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

PNP CHIEF VISIT. Police Regional Office 13 Director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caragamat Jr. (left), welcomes Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, at the PNP Headquarters in Butuan City on Monday (Sept. 20, 2021). Eleazar is in Caraga for a three-day visit until Wednesday to check the different PNP stations and units. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

BUTUAN CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, has begun a three-day command visit and inspection of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga), which is seen to boost the morale of the police officers in the region.

In a statement Tuesday, the PRO-13 said Eleazar’s visit began on Monday and will end on Wednesday.

“The PNP chief will check the status of police units and personnel in the ground to ensure the full implementation of the CPNP (Chief PNP) thrust on Intensified Cleanliness Policy, which includes cleanliness in police stations, offices, and camps; cleanliness in ranks; and cleanliness in the community,” it said.

Aside from the regional headquarters of PRO-13, the PNP chief will also visit the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) in Tandag City, the Surigao del Norte PPO in Surigao City and the General Luna Municipal Police Station in Siargao Islands, also in Surigao del Norte.

On Monday, Eleazar graced the blessing of the PRO-13 Isolation Facility, the Multi-Purpose Center, Conference Room, and the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division Storage Facility.

He also presided over a command conference on Monday where PRO-13 Director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., presented the accomplishments of the PNP in the region from May 1 to September 10 this year.

Among the major accomplishments of PRO-13 during the period were the arrest of two Communist Terrorist Group members with a total bounty of PHP1.5 million; and the arrest of the other 37 high-ranking CTG members, 73 CTG members with arrest warrants, 215 drug suspects, 180 personalities involved in illegal logging activities, 166 individuals for possession of loose firearms, and 451 most wanted persons.

Caramat also reported to Eleazar the surrender of 175 CTG members who abandoned the armed struggle during the period.

Eleazar also conferred awards to PNP personnel in Butuan City for their excellence in the performance of their duties.

The PNP chief is also set to confer awards to deserving PNP personnel when he visits the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154138

Leyte farmers stand firm on assertion linking NGO to NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Leyte farmers stand firm on assertion linking NGO to NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

RALLY. Farmers from Carigara, Leyte hold a rally outside the office of the Leyte Center for Development, Inc. (LCDe) in Palo town on Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2021). Farmers in Carigara town insisted on the ties between the NGO and the New People’s Army. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

PALO, Leyte – Farmers in Carigara, Leyte have insisted on the ties between the Leyte Center for Development, Inc. (LCDe) and the New People’s Army (NPA).

During a rally outside the LCDe office here on Tuesday, a group of 30 farmers carried placards tagging the non-government organization (NGO) as a front of the communist terrorist group.

“We believe they are linked to the NPA because the LCDe is present in NPA-initiated activities. For years, the organization served as facilitator of Municipal Upland Farmers Association of Carigara (MUFAC),” said Alicia Cañares, a former focal person and treasurer of MUFAC.

The Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade earlier identified MUFAC as a front organization of the NPAs in Carigara town.

Organized in 2010, the association had 6,000 members in upland communities.

LCDe executive director Jasmin Jerusalem said their 33-year track record tells of their advocacy to help the government end poverty, especially in remote communities.

“Their allegations are untrue, brazen, threatening, and malicious. Since 1988, we have been in operation serving poor and vulnerable communities in the region. We have been active in supporting poverty alleviation projects of the government,” Jerusalem told reporters after the demonstration.

On Sept. 10, the Philippine Army issued a press statement accusing the LCDe of shortchanging farmers in the distribution of aid after Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

The LCDe allegedly used the poor farmers in Carigara town to generate donations from foreign donors, according to Cañares, adding the farmers also received defective farm machinery from the NGO.

Cañares, 53, had been doing errands for the NPA since he was 14. Her father, a village chief for 25 years, was a staunch supporter of the communist terrorist group.

She formally abandoned the communist ideology in 2015.

“We cannot please everyone even if we follow all government regulations. Our donors are strict and they checked all our expenses after the super typhoon. Our funds are audited by an external auditor,” said Jerusalem, a private sector representative of the Regional Development Council.

Their group winning the "Gawad Kalasag" award in 2008 given by the Department of National Defense to the best organization in Humanitarian Response and Disaster Management is proof of the government’s appreciation of their work, according to Jerusalem.

The group also received recognitions from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Economic and Development Authority.

Carigara is about 48 kilometers northwest of Tacloban, the regional capital. It is a second-class town with a population of over 54,000.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154175

Marines, LGU settle decades-old Maguindanao clan wars

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Marines, LGU settle decades-old Maguindanao clan wars (By Edwin Fernandez)

PATH TO PEACE. Members of big clans locked in decades-old clan wars in Buldon, Maguindanao swear before the Quran (Islam sacred book) ) to never again resort to violence. At least six families in the area met at the covered court of Barangay Dinganen on Monday (Sept. 20, 2021) to end their differences. (Photo courtesy of Buldon LGU)

COTABATO CITY – Military and local officials in a Maguindanao upland town have settled long-standing family feuds that had claimed lives and destroyed properties.

Mayor Abolais Manalao of Buldon, Maguindanao and Marine Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of 1st Marine Brigade, on Monday led the forging of peace covenants between families locked in clan wars that dated some 10 to 20 years back.

In a statement on Tuesday, Manalao said a peaceful atmosphere now prevails in the town.

Also present during the "rido" settlement ceremony were representatives from the Maguindanao provincial government.

“I am glad you heeded our call for peace, your local government is very eager to extend help in whatever way possible to prevent armed conflict and maintain peace in our communities,” Manalao told the warring families who settled their differences during ceremonies at the Barangay Dinganen Central Pilot School covered court.

Clan leaders and representatives sit side by side with their former archenemies as they chose the peaceful and diplomatic means to settle differences through efforts of the 1st Marine Brigade.

The settlements were reached among the Gapor and Kairudin families, Abolais Sinangan and Pukaw clans, Acmad Mokakib and Ebrahim Gulam families and relatives, Mariano Ariman and Gumubar Seraman families, Kasawalan and Alegonero families, and the members of the Samion and Kamsari Tago clans.

“Mostly, their misunderstanding was due to land conflict or land ownership in Buldon,” Manalao said.

“Rido can be seen as a disaster to our town, it prevents us from moving forward and become a developed community,” the mayor noted.

Lumawag, for his part, lauded the former warring clans for choosing the path to peace and for laying down their unlicensed firearms. “By doing so, lives are spared and saved,” he said.

The Marine officer appealed for the surrender of more unlicensed guns that are still in the hands of civilians in Buldon and the adjacent towns of Barira and Matanog.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154144

Light project delivers power to ex-guerilla base town in DavSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Light project delivers power to ex-guerilla base town in DavSur (By Che Palicte)

Photo courtesy of 39th Infantry Battalion

Almost three dozens of homes in an isolated community in Davao del Sur have been lit up by a solar electrification project launched jointly by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the military.

In a statement Tuesday, the 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) said the Inter-Agency Community Development Project “Liliwanag Latil,” which it spearheads with TESDA Davao del Sur, lighted some 35 households in Sitio Latil, Brgy. Abnate in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur on Monday.

The project started on Sept. 14 and aims to provide training on Photovoltaic systems and Solar Panel Installation, and solar energy power to off-grid remote villages not reached by regular electricity distribution lines.

Considered one of the most secluded communities in Davao del Sur, Sitio Latil is a former guerilla base in a remote village home to the B’laan tribe and can be reached via a two to three-hour hike.

Due to its remote location, electricity has not reached the community for decades.

“It became the New People’s Army’s (NPA) terrorist haven for a long period of time,” the 39IB said. Mayor Jason Rama identified the “whole-of-nation” approach as a key to lasting peace in strife-torn areas in Davao del Sur.

"The peace and development efforts through the convergence of different line agencies of the government is a clear manifestation that our government is serious on its campaign in ending this local communist armed conflict,” he said.

Rama vowed to promote government programs even in the most remote communities to protect the Indigenous People (IP) from the propaganda and deception of the communist terrorist group.

Meanwhile, Gina Sabellano, TESDA-Davao del Sur Instructor, expressed optimism that the project will bring "light and hope" to the social care needed by Sitio Latil and other geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA).

Meanwhile, Datu Rogelio Bulani, Latil’s Sitio Leader recognized the efforts of the different government agencies in continuously reaching communities in far-flung areas.

"We thank the government for their unending support to help the IP communities. We are now enlightened that only the government programs and services can help us achieve lasting peace and prosperity," Datu Bulani said in the vernacular.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154162

Gov’t troops reminded of June 2022 deadline to defeat insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21, 2021): Gov’t troops reminded of June 2022 deadline to defeat insurgency (By Perla Lena)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (right) assumes as acting commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), replacing Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan on Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2021). Arevalo, in his message, urged the support of stakeholders in their campaign to defeat the insurgency. (Photo courtesy of 3ID)

Troops under the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) on Tuesday were told to serve the people using the development programs of the national government but to also be aggressive in the battlefront to be able to put an end to the insurgency.

In his message during the change of command ceremony held at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. C. Centino, told the soldiers they have all the time and resources at their disposal because partner-government agencies are already on board as a result of the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The task force is the government's response to raise awareness of the ongoing communist rebellion in the country.

“Go where the enemies are by establishing forward operating bases, increase intelligence efforts to improve operational efficiency and instill the culture of discipline among yourselves. Take all these into account in serving the people of Central and Western Visayas because these will give us the edge to win,” he said. "Focus on (the) main task, be mindful of (the) deadline set by the President, which is to defeat insurgency by June 2022."

During the change of command ceremony, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo assumed as acting commander of the 3ID, replacing Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan.

Baluyan served as acting division commander after the mandatory retirement of Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya on September 6.

In his message, Arevalo said while they would continue to win the hearts and minds of people through their civil-military activities, they would be feared by their enemies through relentless, aggressive, and offensive operations.

“We should not be coward or down-hearted because of the comments of our enemy and the friends and supporters of our enemy. We will continue to negate the lies and deception that our enemy is trying to propagate in our provinces, especially in the far-flung barangays,” he said.

He added that the division must not lag behind other divisions that continue to deliver victories on the battlefield to defeat the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Arevalo also raised the importance of their commanders to continue engaging stakeholders, local government units, national government agencies, civil society organizations, academe, and different sectors to sustain their operational momentum and accomplishments.

He also urged the people of Western and Central Visayas to support the armed forces.

“It might be difficult but with the trend nationwide, the CPP-NPA actually is collapsing but has not yet collapsed. Hopefully, if we can sustain it, we can really see the time that they are not capable of engaging us in frontal combat operations. With our relentless operations, I’m sure that we will be able to neutralize the threat they are posing not only to us but also to our countrymen,” he said.

Before he was appointed 3ID commander, Arevalo was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations (J7) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1154229