Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 10/07/21

Thursday, October 7, 2021

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga magsasaka, lugi sa bagsak-presyong palay

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Mga magsasaka, lugi sa bagsak-presyong palay

Patuloy ang pagkalugmok sa kahirapan ng masang magsasaka ng palay dahil sa pagsasamantalang pyudal, kawalang-suporta sa produksyon, bagsak presyong pagbebenta at todong pag-iimport ng murang bigas.

Hirap na hirap ang mga magsasaka dahil sa pagsadsad ng presyo ng palay. Ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), nasa ₱17.14 hanggang ₱20.87 kada kilo ang presyo ng pagbili ng palay sa mga magsasaka sa nagdaang limang taon. Subalit ayon sa mga grupong magsasaka, sa aktwal, sumasadsad sa ₱7-₱10 kada kilo ang presyo nito sa nakaraang dalawang taon. Naitala ito sa ilang prubinsya ng Central Luzon na pangunahing prodyuser ng palay sa bansa.

Malaon nang iginigiit ng mga grupong magsasaka na bilhin ang palay sa mga magsasaka sa presyong ₱20 kada kilo bilang pansuporta sa lokal na produksyon. Sa kabila ng mababang presyo ng pagbili ng palay, ibinebenta ang bigas sa abereyds na tingiang presyo na ₱42.59 sa nagdaang limang taon at umabot sa pinakamataas na ₱45.18 noong 2018.

Lalong nahihila ang presyo ng palay dahil sa pagbaha ng imported na bigas matapos isabatas ang Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) noong Pebrero 2019. Naitala noong taong iyon ang pinakamataas na bolyum ng imported na bigas na pumalo sa 3.131 milyong metriko tonelada (MT) o higit limang beses na mas malaki kaysa noong 2016. Nananatiling mataas ang importasyon sa 2020 at 2021. Taliwas sa pagdadahilan ng mga tagapagtaguyod ng RTL, nasa 1% lamang ang ibinaba sa presyo ng bigas sa mga palengke.

Halos wala nang kinikita ang masang magsasaka sa palay. Umaabot sa ₱12.41 kada kilo ang karaniwang gastos nila sa produksyon. Malayong mataas ito kung ikukumpara sa gastos sa produksyon sa Vietnam na nasa ₱6.22 kada kilo at sa Thailand na nasa ₱8.86 kada kilo.

Lubhang maliit ang saklaw ng batas sa libreng irigasyon. Kahit pa naisabatas ito noong 2018, papaliit naman ang badyet na inilaan dito. Mula ₱41.67 milyon noong 2018, nasa ₱35.29 milyon na lamang ito noong 2020.

Dagdag pahirap sa mga magsasaka ang paglobo ng presyo ng abono. Ang urea, isa sa karaniwang abonong ginagamit ng mga magsasaka ng palay, ay nagmahal nang 12.06% mula 2016 tungong ₱1,046.44 noong 2020. Nagtaasan din ang presyo ng ibang karaniwang ginagamit na abono tulad ng ammonium sulfate (8.32%), diammonium phosphate (7.57%) at iba pa.

Humigit-kumulang lima’t kalahating sako (50 kilo kada sako) ang ginagamit na abono sa isang ektaryang palayan. Kung kukwentahin, tumaas ang gastos ng mga magsasaka sa abono nang ₱688-₱711 sa kada ektaryang sinasaka.

Sa datos ng PSA, “pinakamataas” ang produksyon ng palay sa bansa—19.44-milyong MT noong 2020. Pero ito ay dulot pangunahin ng mas mataas na bolyum ng ulan at mas mabababang ani sa naunang mga taon dulot ng El Niño. Ito ay sa kabila ng pagbaba ng tinatamnang erya mula relatibong mataas na 4.81 milyong ektarya noong 2017 tungong 4.53 milyong ektarya sa 2020 (bawas nang 300,000 ektarya.)
Baha at mababang presyo

Sa huling siklo ng pagtatanim ng palay noong Hunyo, gumastos ang magsasakang si Miguel nang ₱19,350 para sa abono sa tatlong ektaryang palayan. Dagdag pa sa gastusin ang herbisidyo na ₱5,730 at pestisidyo na ₱4,324. Inuupahan niya ang mga makinang pansaka at nagpapasahod ng ilang magsasaka para makatuwang sa pag-aani sa kabuuang halaga na ₱16,200 para sa tatlong ektarya.

Dagdag pahirap sa kanya ang pagkasira ng halos sangkapat ng kanyang tanim dahil sa bagyong nanalasa sa South Cotabato. Nakapag-ani lamang siya ng 170 sako (69.47 kilo kada sako) ng palay noong Setyembre. Ikakaltas dito ang 13 sako (8%) bilang upa sa harvester na kanyang ginamit. Dito rin ibabawas ang 12 sakong pambinhi sa susunod na siklo.

Ang natirang 145 sako na netong ani ay kakaltasan ng 25% o 36 sako bilang bayad sa may-ari ng lupa. Ibabawas dito ang 30 sako bilang pambayad utang sa pinansyer (18 sako) at pangkonsumo (12 sako) ng pamilya.

Maibebenta lamang niya sa presyong ₱13.50 kada kilo ang nalalabing ani. Samu’t saring kaltas pa ang kukunin ng komersyante sa pagbebenta nito. Makakukuha lang ng umaabot sa ₱70,134 si Miguel at kailangang bayaran ang nasa ₱60,000 gastos sa produksyon at iba pang utang. Matitira na lamang sa kanya ang ₱10,134 na pagkakasyahin hanggang sa susunod na anihan.

[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/2021/10/07/mga-magsasaka-lugi-sa-bagsak-presyong-palay/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Karapatan sa paninirahan, sasagasaan ng MCRP

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Karapatan sa paninirahan, sasagasaan ng MCRP

Niraratsada ng rehimeng Duterte ang konstruksyon ng kontra-mamamayang Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP) na magpapalayas sa tinatayang 1,416 pamilya sa Pampanga, Tarlac at Bulacan. Ang proyektong ito ay popondohan gamit ang $2.75-bilyong (₱137.5 bilyon) pautang mula sa Japan International Cooperation Agency at Asian Development Bank. Sa nakalipas na 12 buwan, minadali ni Sec. Arthur Tugade ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) ang pagpapasa sa limang malalaking kontrata na nagkakahalaga ng $2.4 bilyon (₱120 bilyon) para sa konstruksyon ng proyekto sa kabila ng pananalasa ng matinding krisis sa ekonomya na idinulot ng pandemyang Covid-19 sa bansa.

Ang MCRP ay bahagi ng dambuhalang proyektong North-South Commuter Railway Project, isa sa mga nangungunang proyektong pang-imprastruktura sa ilalim ng ambisyosong programang Build, Build, Build ng rehimeng Duterte. Layunin diumano nitong idugtong ang sistema ng tren sa pambansang kabisera sa Central Luzon at paiiksiin ang byahe mula Bulacan tungong Clark, Pampanga. Aagawin ng proyekto ang 455,000 ektarya ng mga lupaing residensyal, agrikultural at komersyal sa Malolos, Calumpit at Apalit sa Bulacan; Minalin, Sto. Tomas, San Fernando, Angeles at Mabalacat sa Pampanga; at Bamban at Capas sa Tarlac. Sasaklawin nito ang 59 barangay sa tatlong prubinsya, kalakhan (40 barangay) ay nasa Pampanga.

Pinakamalalawak ang kakamkaming lupa at pinakamarami ang mapalalayas na pamilya sa San Fernando (167,000 ektarya, 823 pamilya), Calumpit (61,000 ektarya, 328 pamilya) at Angeles (60,000 ektarya, 197 pamilya). Sa kabuuan, mayorya sa mga pamilyang mapalalayas (1,173) ay mga maralitang walang pag-aaring titulo sa lupa, at sa gayon ay kakarampot lamang ang maaaring makuhang benepisyo mula sa rehimen. Isang beses lamang silang makatatanggap ng ayudang pinansyal na ₱15,000 alinsunod sa ipinapanukalang programang rehabilitasyon ng DOTr na hanggang sa ngayon ay hindi pa rin umuusad.

Halos kalahati (49%) sa mga mapalalayas ay mahigit dalawang dekada nang naninirahan sa apektadong mga lugar, habang sangkatlo naman ang nagsabing isa hanggang sampung taon na silang naninirahan doon. Hindi bababa sa 1,089 na istruktura ang idedemolis para bigyang daan ang paglalatag sa riles at istasyon ng tren. Tinatayang 784 sa mga ito ay mga bahay, 199 ang istrukturang komersyal, at 97 ang istrukturang industriyal.

Ayon sa inisyal na pag-aaral na inilunsad mismo ng DOTr bago simulan ang proyekto noon pang 2018, marami sa mga apektadong pamilya ang nagpahayag ng pagkabahala kaugnay sa programang relokasyon ng rehimen dahil karamihan ng ipinanukalang mga erya ng relokasyon ay malayo sa trabaho at pamilihan, ospital at eskwelahan, at mangangahulugan ng dagdag gastos. Marami rin sa mga negosyanteng mapalalayas ang nababahala dahil mawawalan sila ng regular na mga kliyente, at sa posibleng kawalan ng sapat na espasyo para sa negosyo sa kanilang mga paglilipatan. May ilang ulat din ng kawalan ng akses sa tubig at kuryente sa ilang mga erya ng relokasyon.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/karapatan-sa-paninirahan-sasagasaan-ng-mcrp/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga sandata sa brutal na pambobomba at pangraratrat

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Mga sandata sa brutal na pambobomba at pangraratrat

Sa ilalim ng pasistang rehimeng Duterte, sinimulang gamitin ang brutal na taktika ng paggamit ng mga drone, helikopter at fighter jet sa pambobomba at pagraratrat mula sa himpapawid sa gerang kontra-insurhensya.

Sa nagdaang mga taon, kaliwa’t kanan ang pagbili ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ng mga kagamitan para palakasin ang “superyoridad sa himpapawid” nito. Daan-daang bilyong piso ang nilustay para sa pagbili ng mga drone, helikopter, fighter jet, rocket, kanyon, at bomba. Pinalalabas na bahagi ito ng “modernisasyon” ng mga kagamitang militar para sa paghahanda sa pagdepensa laban sa panghihimasok sa South China Sea. Ang totoo, malaking bahagi nito ay ginagamit sa todo-gera laban sa mamamayan sa kanayunan.

Sa kasalukuyan, may 17 medium-altitude long-endurance drone ang AFP, kabilang ang walong Hermes 450 (may pakpak na 10.5 metro, nakalilipad sa taas na 5.4 kilometro at tumatagal sa ere nang 17 oras) at siyam na Hermes 900 (pakpak na 15 metro, lipad na 10.3 kilometro at nagtatagal nang 36 oras sa ere). Binili ang mga ito sa kumpanyang Elbit Systems ng Israel na kasosyo ng US. Dagdag pa rito ang hindi bababa sa 15 ScanEagle drone ng AFP. Ginagamit ang mga drone na ito para sa estratehikong pagsarbeylans sa malalawak na erya.

Mayroon ding mas maliliit na drone katulad ng Raptor 1, Knight Falcon 1, at RQ-11 Raven 3 sa arsenal ng AFP na mas mababa ang kapasidad at kayang pumaimbulog nang maksimum na hanggang 5 kilometro. May maliliit na quadcopter (apat na elisi) na mas mababa ang lipad at ginagamit kaakibat ng mga operasyong taktikal. May nakatakdang ideliber na 1,066 na ganitong quadcopter. Katuwang din ng AFP ang mga pwersang militar ng US na gumagamit ng mga drone na kinokontrol mula sa base nito sa kampo sa Zamboanga City.

Ang mga drone ay mga eroplano na walang sakay na tao na malayuang kinokontrol sa pamamagitan ng satelayt o radyo. Karga ng mga ito ang malalakas na electro-optical camera (kumukuha ng larawan), infrared thermal imaging camera (kumukuha ng larawan gamit ang temperatura) at iba’t ibang kagamitan para sa pagsarbeylans sa lupa. Wala pa sa arsenal ng AFP ang mga armadong drone, bagaman may mga ulat mula 2018 na may mga drone na naghulog ng bomba. Sa ngayon, masinsin ang paggamit ng mga drone sa intelidyens, sarbeylans, rekonaysans (o pagmamanman) at “target acquisition” o paghahanap ng target. Gumagamit din ang AFP ng mga de-pilotong eroplanong Cessna na may dalang kagamitang pangsarbeylans.

Ginagamit ng AFP sa pambobomba ang mga panalakay na helikopter tulad ng MD-520MG at Agusta Westland (AW 109). Sa kasalukuyan, hawak ng AFP ang 13 AW 109 at 15 MD-520MG. Nambobomba ang mga helikopter na ito gamit ang 6-7 rocket (bombang dala ng rocket) na may dayametro o taba na 2.75 pulgada at bigat na 15 kilo ang bawat isa. Mayroon ding mga rocket na Hydra na 6.2 kilo. Gumagamit din ang AFP ng mga Sikorsky na helikopter na maaari ring kargahan ng masinggan para mang-istraping.

Ginagamit din ng AFP sa pambobomba ang mga eroplanong pandigma katulad ng FA-50 fighter jet (na binili noon pang 2014) at A-29B Super Tucano (na sisimulang gamitin sa 2023 matapos ang panahon ng pagsasanay). Ang FA-50 ay kayang lumipad sa bilis na 1,837.5 kph (kilometro kada oras), habang ang Super Tucano ay 590 kph. May kapasidad ang mga eroplanong ito na magkarga ng hanggang pitong malalaking bomba. Bumili ang AFP ng mga bombang AGM-65 Maverick na tumitimbang na 210-304 kilo (katumbas ng 4-6 na sakong bigas). Gumagamit din ang AFP ng mga eroplanong Bronco, OB-12 at Marchetti jet sa paghuhulog ng bomba. Inihuhulog ang bomba batay sa impormasyon na nakukuha sa mga drone.

Bukod sa pagdadala ng bomba, ang mga eroplanong pandigma na ito ay maaari ring magdala ng mga rocket. Kinakabitan din ito ng M61 Vulcan na masinggan na may kapasidad na awtomatikong bumuga ng 6,000 bala sa isang minuto. Ang pangraratrat mula sa himpapawid ay isinasagawa kahit walang malinaw na target sa lupa. Isinasapeligro nito ang buhay ng sinumang maaaring datnan nito at sumisira ng mga puno, tanim at iba pa. Ang ganitong pagraratrat ay bahagi ng taktika para lumikha ng takot sa mga nasa lupa at palakasin ang loob ng kanilang sariling tropa.

Ang mga rocket at bomba ay lubhang malalakas na uri ng sandata. Sa gera, kadalasang ginagamit ito sa matitigas na target na may malakas na depensa katulad ng mga kampong militar o mga barkong pandigma. Ang isang bombang 500-libra ay kayang magpaguho ng isang katamtamang laking gusali o kaya’y humukay sa lupa ng butas na 15 piyeng lalim at 30 piyeng lapad. Lalong mapaminsala ang mga bombang ito kapag ito’y kinakabitan ng “proximity fuse” na nagpapasabog sa bomba bago ito tumama sa lupa.

Dapat ding banggitin ang walang kapararakang paggamit ng AFP ng mga kanyong howitzer. Ang mga kanyong ito ay kinakargahan ng mga bombang 105mm (13 kilo) o 155mm (43.7 kilo). Ang 105mm ay kayang paliparin nang layong 11 kilometro, habang layong 23.5 kilometro ang pwedeng liparin ng 155mm. Ang mga kanyong ito ay may gulong at hinihila ng mga trak ng militar at kadalasang ipinupwesto sa tabi ng mga baryo. Ang bawat pagsabog nito ay naghahatid ng labis na takot sa mga residente.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/mga-sandata-sa-brutal-na-pambobomba-at-pangraratrat/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Badyet ni Duterte sa 2022: Tuloy ang ligaya ng mga heneral

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Badyet ni Duterte sa 2022: Tuloy ang ligaya ng mga heneral

Nagbanta si Rodrigo Duterte noong Setyembre 24 na hindi siya mag-aatubiling gamitin ang militar oras na “maging magulo” ang eleksyon sa 2022. Sa napakarami nang pagkakataon, tiwala ang tirano na nananatiling hawak niya ang katapatan ng mga heneral ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dahil sa kanyang patuloy na buhos ng pabor para sa kanila.

Sa badyet pang-2022, ₱222 bilyon ang hinihingi ng Department of National Defense (DND), ang ahensyang nangangasiwa sa militar—mas mataas nang ₱16.2 bilyong kumpara ngayong taon.

Ang Philippine Army ang tatanggap ng ₱103 bilyon. Ang mahigit 100,000-lakas tauhan nito ang namamamayagpag ngayon sa panliligalig sa mga baryo at komunidad sa brutal na gerang kontra-insurhensya ng rehimen. Kapwa tig-₱32 bilyon ang matatanggap ng Navy at Air Force.

Halos ₱630 milyon ang direktang kokontrolin ng upisina ni Sec. Delfin Lorenzana. Bahagi nito ang ₱109 milyon para sa batbat sa katiwaliang programa sa pagpapasurender na Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Ipinapanukala rin ni Lorenzana na ang pamamahagi ng ₱35 bilyon para sa programang “modernisasyon” ng AFP ay ipaubaya kay Duterte. Magmimistula itong dagdag sa pork barrel ng presidente na maaari niyang buu-buong ipamigay sa paboritong mga heneral.
Bumabaha ang pork barrel

Maliban sa badyet ng DND, may hiwalay pang ₱29.2 bilyon na hinihingi ang National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Lumobo ang badyet ng ahensya nang ₱11 bilyon kumpara sa kasalukuyang taon.

Ang ₱28.12 bilyong bulto ng hinihingi nitong pondo ay muling mapupunta sa Barangay Development Program (BDP). Sa ilalim ng BDP, tatanggap umano ng ₱20 milyon ang kada barangay na “nalinis” na sa impluwensya ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Noon pang Enero 2021 inilantad ng Partido ang BDP bilang pork barrel ng mga heneral para kontrolin ang mga gubernador at meyor sa eleksyong 2022. Karagdagang ₱1.08 bilyon ang hiningi ng Department of Interior and Local Government para ipampuno sa pondo ng NTF-ELCAC.

Para sa taong ito, bumaha na ang pork barrel ng BDP sa balwarte ng pamilyang Duterte sa Davao City at rehiyon ng Davao. Nasa ₱4.3 bilyon ang inilaan sa rehiyon, habang ₱1.64 bilyon naman ang sa Davao City. Binuhusan din ng pondo ang Caraga, Northern Mindanao at Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos).

Sa mga rehiyong pinaburan ng pondo ng BDP naganap ang malaking bilang ng mga pagpaslang sa mga sibilyan, iligal na pag-aresto at iba pang paglabag sa karapatang-tao mula nang maupo si Duterte sa pwesto hanggang kalagitnaan nitong taon.

Ang mga mambabatas lang ng blokeng Makabayan ang kumontra sa pagraratsada ng rehimen sa kontra-mamamayang badyet nito. Samantala, nangako naman ang ilang senador na tatanggalan ng pondo ang NTF-ELCAC.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/badyet-ni-duterte-sa-2022-tuloy-ang-ligaya-ng-mga-heneral/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Duterte, Marcos, walang pinag-iba

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Duterte, Marcos, walang pinag-iba

Pinamunuan ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) at Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (Carmma) ang protestang bayan sa Maynila noong Setyembre 21 bilang paggunita sa ika-49 na taon ng deklarasyon ng batas militar ni Ferdinand Marcos.

Ayon sa mga nagprotesta, mahalaga ang paggunita sa batas militar dahil sa pag-iral ng hibo ng pasismo at mga banta ng pangungunyapit sa pwesto ng tiranong si Duterte. Kailangang alalahanin ang madidilim na taon para pigilan ang pagbabalik ng mga Marcos sa Malacañang at rebisyunismo sa kasaysayan nito.

Nagkaroon ng katulad na mga pagkilos sa mga syudad ng Baguio, Calamba, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao at Cagayan de Oro, gayundin sa Cavite at Cagayan Valley.

Kasabay nito, nangalampag ang mga manggagawang pangkalusugan para sa makataong pagtrato sa kanilang hanay sa Bacolod City. Isang araw bago nito, nagpiket din ang mga magsasaka sa sentro ng Bacolod City para gunitain ang Escalante Massacre na naganap noong panahon ng diktadurang US-Marcos.

Sa ibayong dagat, inilunsad ang koordinadong mga protesta sa United Kingdom, HongKong, Montreal sa Canada, France, Netherlands, Chicago, Manhattan sa New York, Seattle, Korea at Belgium.

Naglunsad din ang iba’t ibang grupo ng mga porum, protestang online, mga pagpupulong at iba pang porma ng mga aktibidad.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/duterte-marcos-walang-pinag-iba/

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 (Oct 7, 2021): Mga protesta

Mga tsuper laban sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Nagprotesta ang mga tsuper at kabataan sa East Avenue, Quezon City noong Oktubre 5 para kundenahin ang anim na linggong sunud-sunod na taas-presyo ng langis. Sa taya ng Piston, umabot na sa ₱4 kada litro ang itinaas ng presyo ng gasolina, ₱5.65 kada litro para sa diesel habang ₱5.30 naman ang kerosene.

Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Guro. Ginunita ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng mga Guro noong Oktubre 5 sa Mendiola, Manila. Ipinanawagan nila ang disenteng sahod, benepisyo at ayuda sa gitna ng krisis sa ekonomya at kalusugan. Kinundena rin nila ang papatinding atake ng rehimeng Duterte at kapabayaan nito sa lugmok na kalagayan ng mga guro. Nagkaroon din ng protesta ang mga guro ng Manila Science High School sa labas ng kanilang paaralan.

Demolisyon sa Manila Bay, tinutulan. Nagpiket ang mga mangingisda at grupong makakalikasan sa harap ng Manila Bay noong Setyembre 24 para kundenahin ang patuloy na pagtutulak ng rehimeng Duterte na idemolis ang mga pangisdaan ng talaba at tahong sa Cavite City, Bacoor City, Noveleta at Kawit. Kasama ng mga mangingisda ang mga aktibistang pangkalikasan na nagprotesta bilang paglahok sa Global Climate Strike.

Kabataan Partylist, nagpiket sa Comelec. Nagpiket noong Setyembre 29 ang mga myembro ng Kabataan Partylist sa harap ng Comelec sa Intramuros, Manila upang ipanawagan ang komprehensibo, mahusay at madaling mapuntahan na paraan ng pagrerehistro para sa milyun-milyon pang potensyal na mga botante. Noong Setyembre 30, pinalawig na ang pagpaparehistro hanggang Oktubre 31.

Mga manggagawa sa piyer, ibalik na. Nagpiket ang Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Harbour Centre sa harap ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) noong Setyembre 30 upang igiit ang paglalabas nito ng kautusan para makabalik na sa trabaho ang 216 manggagawang sinisante ng kumpanya noong Enero. Ito ay alinsunod sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema noon pang Hunyo 28 na nag-uutos na ibalik na sila at gawing regular. Bago nito, 2017 pa nagdesisyon ang DOLE na dapat silang gawing regular.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/mga-protesta-29/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga opensiba, inilunsad ng BHB-Negros

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Mga opensiba, inilunsad ng BHB-Negros

Naglunsad ng operasyong isnayp ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Central Negros laban sa detatsment ng militar sa Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental noong Setyembre 22. Isinagawa ang armadong aksyon bilang pagbibigay hustisya sa masaker sa mga magsasaka sa naturang lugar noong Marso 2019. Isang sundalo ng 62nd IB ang napatay sa armadong aksyon.

Inatake ng BHB-South Central Negros ang nakahiwalay na nag-ooperasyong yunit ng 94th IB sa Sityo Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City noong Oktubre 1. Apat na sundalo ng 94th IB ang nasugatan sa 10-minutong labanan.

Sa Camarines Sur, inisnayp ng BHB-East Camarines Sur ang nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 83rd IB sa Barangay Scout Fuentebella, Goa noong Oktubre 1. Isa ang napaslang na sundalo.

Napatay sa operasyong partisano ng BHB-Albay ang upisyal sa paniktik ng Philippine National Police-Guinobatan sa Barangay Peñafrancia, Daraga noong gabi ng Setyembre 25. Sangkot ang naturang upisyal sa pagbubuo ng lambat paniktik sa mga komunidad at makailang ulit nang nagpahamak sa masa.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/mga-opensiba-inilunsad-ng-bhb-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Maysakit na mga Pulang mandirigma, tulog nang minasaker

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Maysakit na mga Pulang mandirigma, tulog nang minasaker

Iniulat ng mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ang tahasang paglapastangan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa internasyunal na makataong batas sa pagmasaker sa apat na Pulang mandirigma sa Negros. Dalawang mandirigma naman sa Cordillera ang dinukot at pinahihirapan para “sumurender.”

Wala sa katayuang lumaban at natutulog ang apat na Pulang mandirigma nang paslangin sila ng mga tropa ng 303rd IBde sa Hacienda Builders, Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental noong Setyembre 30, alas-2 ng madaling araw. Tumuloy ang apat sa naturang lugar para magpagaling sa trangkaso.

Pinarangalan ng BHB-Negros Island ang apat na namartir na sina Marilyn Badayos (Ka Monet), Rudy Carbajosa (Ka Brod), Ronilo Desabille (Ka Wowie), at Rufino Bocaval (Ka Simo).

Mahigit isang buwan nang itinatago ng 503rd IBde ang mag-asawang Ricca Llanes at Daniel Ladawan, Jr. na dinukot ng mga tropa nito noong Agosto 7. Ang mag-asawang Pulang mandirigma ay makikipagkita noon sa kanilang mga kamag-anak. Nakapiit sila sa hedkwarters ng 503rd IBde sa Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga at pinagkakaitan ng karapatang magkaroon ng abugado at makita ng pamilya.

Pagpaslang. Pinagbabaril ng mga elemento ng 9th ID si July Barotillo, dating lider ng grupong Bayan, sa kanyang bahay sa Barangay Lamon, Goa, Camarines Sur noong Oktubre 1. Siya ay tumatayong Barangay Secretary ng kanilang lugar.

Pag-aresto. Nakakulong sa gawa-gawang kasong pagpaslang ang boluntir na guro ng paaralang Lumad na si Lorena Sigua. Inaresto siya noong Setyembre 19 ng mga pulis sa hangganan ng bayan ng Marilao at San Jose del Monte sa Bulacan.

Anim na sibilyan ang iligal na inaresto ng militar sa Masbate matapos bansagang mga kasapi ng BHB. Inaresto noong Setyembre 26 si Chito Huligañga sa Barangay Nainday, Placer. Malisyosong inakusahan ang biktima bilang mataas na upisyal ng BHB.

Bago nito, inaresto sina Michael Funelas, Myra Letada, Maricris Letada, Sheryl Salazar at Vicky Ontog noong Setyembre 25 sa Barangay Piña, San Jacinto.

Sa ulat ng BHB-South Central Negros noong Oktubre 4, inaresto ng mga sundalo ang magsasakang si Pedro Montecino at anak na si Christopher sa Sityo Kubay-Anahaw, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City. Hanggang ngayon ay hawak ng 94th IB ang mag-ama.

Inaresto ng mga pulis at militar sa gawa-gawang mga kaso sina Lino Baez ng Bayan-Batangas at Willy Capareño ng Anakpawis-Batangas sa tinutuluyang bahay sa Manggalang 1, Sariaya, Quezon alas-2 ng umaga noong Oktubre 6. Hinahanap pa ng pamilya ang kanilang kinaroroonan.

Pambobomba. Makailang ulit na naghulog ng bomba ang Philippine Air Force (PAF) sa Barangay Dungeg, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan noong Setyembre 21 na lubhang nakaapekto sa sakahan at kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka.

Sa Northern Samar, inistraping at anim na bomba ang inihulog ng militar gamit ang isang FA-50 fighter jet at iba pang eroplanong pandigma sa San Francisco, Las Navas noong Setyembre 16. Tumagal ang pambobomba ng halos pitong oras na nagtulak sa mga residente na pansamantalang magbakwit sa kalapit na baryo.

Sa sumunod na araw, naghulog din ang PAF ng bomba at nag-istraping sa Barangay E. Duran, Bobon. Natulak ang may 2,000 residente na pansamantalang magbakwit sa sentro ng Bobon.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/maysakit-na-mga-pulang-mandirigma-tulog-nang-minasaker/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga bagong kandidato ng Makabayan para sa Senado at Kongreso

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Mga bagong kandidato ng Makabayan para sa Senado at Kongreso

Pormal na ihinirang ng koalisyong Makabayan sa pambansang kumbensyon nito noong Setyembre 27 sina Atty. Neri Colmenares at unyonistang si Elmer Labog bilang kandidato sa pagkasenador sa halalang 2022. Bago nito, nag-anunsyo noong Setyembre 26 ang mga progresibong partidong Bayan Muna, Anakpawis Partylist, Gabriela Women’s Party, Kabataan Partylist at ACT Teachers Partylist ng kumpletong listahan ng kanilang mga nominado sa Kongreso.

Inihalal ng Bayan Muna bilang unang nominado nito si Teddy Casiño, kasunod sina Rep. Ferdinand Gaite bilang pangalawang nominado at si Amirah Lidasan, pangkalahatang kalihim ng Moro Christian People’s Alliance at kumbenor ng Sandugo.

Muling inihalal ng Gabriela Women’s Party si Rep. Arlene Brosas bilang unang nominado. Tatayong pangalawa at pangatlong nominado sina Dr. Jean Lindo at Lucy Francisco.

Inihalal ng Anakpawis Partylist ang dating kalihim ng Department of Agrarian Reform at kinatawan nito mula 2004 hanggang 2013 na si Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano bilang unang nominado. Sina Lana Linaban ng Kilusang Mayo Uno at Francisco Mariazeta, Jr. ang tatayong pangalawa at pangatlong nominado ng partido.

Pinili rin ng ACT Teachers Party-list ang kasalukuyan nitong kinatawan sa Kongreso na si Rep. France Castro bilang unang nominado. Sina Antonio Tinio, na kumatawan sa partido sa Kongreso mula 2010 hanggang 2019, ang pangalawang nominado at si Dr. David Michael San Juan ang pangatlo.

Si Raoul Manuel, dating presidente ng National Union of Students of the Philippines, ang pinili ng Kabataan Partylist bilang unang nominado. Sina Angelica Galimba at Jandeil Roperos ang magsisilbing pangalawa at pangatlong nominado ng partido.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/mga-bagong-kandidato-ng-makabayan-para-sa-senado-at-kongreso/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Biguin ang sabwatan nila Duterte at Marcos sa halalang 2022

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Biguin ang sabwatan nila Duterte at Marcos sa halalang 2022

Bagaman may panahon pa bago mapinal ang aktwal na mga kakandidato, nabubuo na ang malagim na larawan ng halalan sa 2022. Sa partikular, matingkad na matingkad na kung papaano itong gagamiting daan para patuloy na makapanatili sa kapangyarihan ang pangkating Duterte at tuluyang makapanumbalik sa Malacañang ang mga Marcos.

Isasagawa ang halalang 2022 sa ilalim ng paghahari ng pasistang tiraniya ni Duterte na desperadong kumapit sa poder upang ipagpatuloy ang burukrata-kapitalistang paghahari ng kanilang dinastiya.

Ginagamit ngayon ni Duterte ang kanyang kapangyarihan para tiyakin ang suporta para sa kanyang mga piniling kandidato. Daan-daang bilyong piso sa ilalim ng dambuhalang badyet para sa 2022 ang nakalaan sa mga proyektong pangimprastruktura na ibinibigay sa mga pinapaburang pulitiko kapalit ng kanilang katapatan.

Lubusang ginagamit din ni Duterte ang militar at pulis pabor sa kanyang pampulitikang adyenda. Ipinag-utos ni Duterte na supilin ang mga pulitikong hindi yumuyuko sa kanya sa tabing ng “drug war” at “counterinsurgency.” Ang pinalaki pang badyet ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ay ginagamit pabor sa mga pulitikong nakikipagtulungan sa militar at pulis. Walang habas ang pagkampanya nito laban sa mga progresibong party-list na bagaman maliit na minorya ay nagsisilbing malakas na boses ng taumbayan sa parlamento. Puspusan ding sinusuportahan ng NTF-ELCAC ang mga partidong nagtataguyod sa pasismo ng AFP.

Hawak ni Duterte ang Comelec na mayorya ng mga upisyal ay mga tauhang hinirang niya. Ibinigay nito ang kontrata sa pagdedeliber ng mga balota sa kumpanyang pag-aari ni Dennis Uy, kilalang kroni ni Duterte. Pasilip ito sa tiyak na manipulasyon sa magiging resulta ng eleksyon. Ang banta ni Duterte habang nakaharap sa mga pulitiko sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao na gagamitin ang militar kapag “nagkagulo” ay hindi mapagkamaling kautusan na tiyakin ang boto para sa kanyang pangkat.

Taliwas sa dating deklarasyong tatakbo siyang bise-presidente, hindi nagsumite ng kandidatura si Duterte at nagdeklarang “magreretiro na” sa pulitika (na hungkag na rin niyang sinabi noong 2015). Sa halip, ang tapat niyang alipures na si Bong Go ang nagrehistrong kandidatong bise-presidente ng PDP-Laban. Kasabay nito, idineklara ni Duterte na ang anak niyang si Sara ang magiging kandidatong presidente ni Go.

Malamang na may negosasyon pa kung papaano sila maghahatian sa poder sakaling ang pinal na suportahan ni Duterte ay si Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., na nagrehistrong kandidato sa pagkapangulo sa ilalim ng “Partido Federal ng Pilipinas,” na binuo ng mga pulitikong upisyal din ni Duterte. Ani Marcos, bagaman balak niyang makatambal si Duterte bilang kandidatong bise-presidente, bukas daw siyang makatambal si Bong Go, o sinumang ipapalit na kandidato ng pangkating Duterte.

Dapat puspusang batikusin at iwaksi ang pagtakbo ni Bongbong Marcos bilang presidente sa pagtatangkang lubos na ipapanumbalik ang pamilya ng pasistang diktador sa poder. Napakasaklap ng posibilidad na gunitain ang ika-50 taon ng madilim na panahon ng batas militar na nasa ilalim ng isa na namang Marcos.

Ang posibilidad na pagtatambal ng mga Marcos at Duterte ay bahagi ng nagpapatuloy nilang sabwatan, kasama ang pangkatin ni Arroyo, sa nagdaang anim na taon. Sa ilalim ni Duterte, nabigyan ng pabor ang mga Marcos, pinarangalan bilang “bayani” ang diktador at pinalusot ang asawa niyang si Imelda sa pag-aresto at pagkukulong. Ang sabwatang Duterte-Marcos-Arroyo ang pinakamaitim na simbolo ng pasismo, korapsyon at pagmamalabis sa Pilipinas.

Sa nagdaang mahigit 35 taon, ginamit ng mga Marcos ang daan-daang bilyong pisong nakaw na yaman ng upang makabalik sa iba’t ibang sangay ng gubyerno, baguhin ang pangkasaysayang husga ng sambayanan sa diktadura, at asintahin ang pagbabalik sa tuktok ng kapangyarihan.

Ang banta ng pananatili sa kapangyarihan ni Duterte at kanyang mga alipures, at ng panunumbalik sa poder ng mga Marcos, ay lalong gumagatong sa nag-aalab na galit ng sambayanang Pilipino. Walang pagsisidlan ang poot nila laban sa dalawang pasista na kapwa naghari sa pamamagitan ng panunupil, pandarambong at pagpapahirap.

Ang iskema ng mga Duterte at Marcos na palawakin at palawigin ang kanilang kapangyarihan ay tiyak na magluluwal ng malaking labanang pampulitika sa mga darating na buwan. “Huwag nang payagang muli!” ang nagkakaisang sigaw ng malawak na mga pwersang demokratiko at panata na labanan ang panunumbalik ng mga Marcos at pananatili ng mga Duterte sa poder.

Dapat magkapit-bisig at buuin ang pinakamakapal at pinakamalapad na hanay para hadlangan sila Duterte at Marcos sa kanilang maitim na balaking ipailalim ang bayan sa kanilang tambalang paghahari. Mainam na magtulungan at magbigayan ang lahat ng partidong anti-Duterte upang mabuo ang kanilang pagkakaisa sa kapakinabangan ng lahat ng panig at ng buong bayan. Dapat kumilos ang buong bayan, laluna ang mga kabataan, at iparinig ang nagkakaisang sigaw laban sa banta ng pasismo at diktadura sa ilalim ng mga Duterte at Marcos.

Ang pagsasabwatan nila Duterte at Marcos sa eleksyong 2022 ay tanda ng lalong pagkabulok ng naghaharing sistema sa Pilipinas. Ipinakikita nito na ang paghaharing pampulitika ng mga reaksyunaryong uri sa Pilipinas ay lalong nagiging mapang-api sa bayan at nagsisilbi sa interes ng iilan.

Wasto na hinaharap ng taumbayan ang darating na halalan bilang larangan ng pakikipaglaban sa tiraniya ni Duterte at sa panunumbalik ng mga Marcos. Sa panahong ito, dapat din paigtingin ang pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, at iba pang demokratikong sektor upang isulong ang kanilang kagalingan sa gitna ng krisis at pandemya.

Dahil nananatili pa rin ang mapang-api at mapagsamantalang sistema sa Pilipinas, ang darating na halalan ay hindi maiiba sa saligan sa lahat ng nakaraang eleksyon na paligsahan ng mga kinatawan ng naghaharing uri. Kung gayon, habang nakikihamok sa halalan, dapat magpunyagi ang sambayanan sa pagbagtas sa landas ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka para wakasan ang paghahari ng buong bulok na sistema.

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/07/biguin-ang-sabwatan-nila-duterte-at-marcos-sa-halalang-2022/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga magniniyog sa Quezon, “pinasuko” ng AFP

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Mga magniniyog sa Quezon, “pinasuko” ng AFP

ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 07, 2021

Umabot sa 282 magniniyog at magsasaka sa Quezon ang sapilitang pinasuko ng 201st IBde bilang mga “tagasuporta” at “kasapi” ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) at ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan noong buwan ng Setyembre. Ayon sa National Democratic Front (NDF)-Southern Tagalog, nagmula ang mga magniniyog sa limang barangay ng Lopez at mga samahang magniniyog sa Macalelon.

Ayon sa tagapagsalita ng NDFP-ST na si Patnubay de Guia, “nagpapakasasa ang 201st Brigade sa pamumuno ni BGen. Norwyn Tolentino sa mga kikbak mula sa insentibong pabuyang P65,000 na makukuha sa bawat “mapapasukong” NPA.” Aniya, “napakagahaman ng 201st Brigade na kahit ang mga relief at pondo sa ayuda sa Quezon ay kinukulimbat nila.”

Bago nito, kinundena rin ng NDF-Eastern Visayas ang palabas na seremonya ng pagpapasuko ng AFP noong Setyembre 18 sa mahigit 100 kasapi ng organisasyong People Surge sa Biliran, organisasyong nagsusulong sa kagalingan ng mga nasalanta ng bagyo at sakuna at inabandona ng gubyerno.

Dagdag pa nito, marami na ang nilinlang ng gubyerno para “sumuko” bilang Pulang mandirigma. Makailang ulit nang naglunsad ng mga seremonya ng pagpapasuko sa prubinsya ng Northern Samar at Western Samar kung saan pinalabas ng militar at ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflic (NTF-ELCAC) na mga operasyong relief ang kanilang pagtitipon, ngunit sa totoo ay “pagpapasuko” bilang kasapi ng BHB.

Ang kampanyang “pagpapasuko” ng NTF-ELCAC ay pondong pinagkukunan ng kikbak ng mga upisyal ng militar. Nitong 2021, ang badyet ng E-CLIP ay umabot sa P107.87 milyon. Sa darating na taon, nakatakdang paglaanan ito ng P109 milyon — katumas na 1,676 “pasusukuin.” Bahagi ito ng ilambilyong pisong badyet ng NTF-ELCAC at mga programang kontra-insurhensya.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-magniniyog-sa-quezon-pinasuko-ng-afp/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Duterte, hinamong patunayan na wala siyang tagong yaman

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2021): Duterte, hinamong patunayan na wala siyang tagong yaman

ANG BAYAN | OCTOBER 07, 2021

Hinamon ni Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate si Rodrigo Duterte at mga myembro ng kanyang gabinete na ilabas ang kani-kanilang statement of assets, liabilities and net worth o SALN para patunayan na wala silang tinatagong yaman.

Ayon kay Zarate, liban sa pagsasapubliko ng SALN, dapat ibukas ng mga upisyal ng rehimen ang kani-kanilang mga bank account para patunayang wala silang itinatagong yaman. Sa nakaraang mga taon, paulit-ulit na naakusahan si Duterte at kanyang anak na si Sara na tumatanggap ng milyun-milyong pondo gamit ang mga bank account na hindi nila inililista sa nauna nilang isinapublikong mga SALN.

Ginawa ni Rep. Zarate ang hamon matapos mabunyag ang itinatagong yaman ni Arthur Tugade at Dennis Uy sa tinaguriang Pandora Papers, ang kulumpon ng mga dokumento na naglalaman ng mga detalye ng mga itinatagong yaman ng pinakamayayamang personalidad at mga pampublikong upisyal sa buong mundo. Ang mga yaman na ito ay nakalagak sa mga kumpanyang nakarehistro sa mga bansang “tax haven” para umiwas sa pagbayad ng buwis sa kani-kanilang mga bansa. Si Tugade ay kasalukuyang pinuno ng Department of Transportation at si Uy ay isa sa pinakamalapit na negosyante sa pamilyang Duterte.

Liban sa dalawa, lumitaw din ang mga pangalan nina Enrique Razon at Peter Rodriguez; dating pinuno ng Comelec na si Andres Bautista at ang mga ari-arian ng mga pamilyang Aboitiz, Gaisano, Gatchalian at Sy. Ang mga pamilyang nabanggit ang pinakamalalaking burgesya-kumprador sa bansa. Sa kabuuan, natukoy ng Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism ang 900 indibidwal na nakabase sa Pilipinas na humahawak ng tagong yaman sa ibang bansa, kalakhan sa British Virgin Islands. Mayorya sa kanila ay gumamit ng di tunay na mga pangalan.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/duterte-hinamong-patunayan-na-wala-siyang-tagong-yaman/

Kalinaw News: Trinidad-Talibon Integrated Farmers Association (TTIFA) celebrates 1st Founding Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 8, 2021): Trinidad-Talibon Integrated Farmers Association (TTIFA) celebrates 1st Founding Anniversary

The re-directed and re-oriented Trinidad- Talibon Integrated Farmers Association (TTIFA) celebrates its 1st Founding Anniversary on October 6, 2021.

The celebration commenced through a thanksgiving mass followed by a program held at the Basketball Court, Purok 7 Annex, Brgy San Vicente, Trinidad, Bohol. Said momentous event also marked their complete withdrawal of support, allegiance, and affiliation to the HUMABOL, a left-leaning organization. The anniversary celebration is fully supported by PGBh, LGU Trinidad, PNP, and 47th Infantry Battalion.

As part of the initiatives of Governor Arthur C Yap, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist distributed certified rice seeds, corn seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides that benefited one hundred twenty-five (125) family members of the reorganized TTIFA.

For over 32 years, the Trinidad-Talibon Integrated Farmers Association (TTIFA) was under the Hugpong sa mga Mag-uumang Bol-anon (HUMABOL). They were very vocal in expressing their recycled sentiments through various rallies, even displaying the flag of CPP-NPA-NDF at their turf and vigorously challenging the government authorities’ programs and tangible efforts.

At present, they have already turned their backs on idealism and sphere of influence through the deceptive tactics and empty promises purportedly carried out by the core organizers of HUMABOL.

“Being a victim of deceptive recruitment of the CTGs, I was conscripted and undergone three (3) months of integration and became a member of New People’s Army (NPA). I was with the group that caused chaos in some places in the province of Bohol. But today, I hope my fellow neighbors and the community will accept and trust me as I return to the mainstream society to find true peace with the help of the real government,” said Reymundo, one of the TTIFA members.

One of the highlights of the said activity is the burning of the CPP-NPA-NDF flag as a symbol of denouncing the atrocities of the CTGs. Said activity is another successful milestone in showing the government’s sincerity in supporting our brothers who were deceived by CTGs and already decided to go back to the folds of the law. Through the continued collaboration of the LGUs and other line government agencies, the unit will surely attain its intent of inclusive peace and development.

The 47th Infantry (Katapatan) Battalion is one with the other National and Local Agencies, showing the essence of convergence of efforts to ensure peaceful and progressive Bohol, a safe, tourists-haven in the Visayas region.

[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/trinidad-talibon-integrated-farmers-association-ttifa-celebrates-1st-founding-anniversary/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief officially receives fourth star

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 8, 2021): AFP Chief officially receives fourth star

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Jose C Faustino Jr officially received his fourth star and was promoted to the rank of general on Thursday, October 07.

The Commander-in-Chief of the AFP, President Rodrigo Duterte personally administered the donning of rank to General Faustino during his official visit at the Bicol International Airport, Daraga, Albay.

President Duterte also donned a new rank to the Commander of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro in the same occasion.

“It is an honor to don these lustrous stars which carry the weight of our obligations to the country and its people. This milestone demands no less than an exemplary performance in the fulfillment of our mandate as soldiers,” said General Faustino.

The appointment of General Faustino and five (5) other AFP Officers has been approved by President Duterte effective September 15, 2021.

General Faustino took over the AFP leadership from General Cirilito Sobejana who bowed out from military service on July 31 after reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Prior to his assumption as the 56th Chief of Staff, General Faustino was the Commander of the Joint Task Force Mindanao and has also served as the Acting Commanding General of the Philippine Army. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

The AFP Chief has likewise held various military positions such as Battalion and Brigade Commander in Western Mindanao and Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command among others.

The traditional Military Honors will be accorded to General Faustino today, October 8 at the AFP General Headquarters, Quezon City.

“With the help of the hardworking men and women of the AFP, rest assured that the military’s tradition of excellence and professionalism is continuously upheld,” the AFP Chief stated.

Kalinaw News: Western Mindanao Command Chief lauds Basilan troops for operational accomplishments

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 7, 2021): Western Mindanao Command Chief lauds Basilan troops for operational accomplishments

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – October 8, 2021

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Major General Alfredo Rosario, Jr. visited the troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan on Wednesday morning, October 6. He was given a briefing by the concurrent Commander of JTF Basilan and 101st Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Domingo Gobway on the current thrust and accomplishments of the military under his leadership.

Brigadier General Gobway reported, “We continue to establish a good relationship with our partners and stakeholders while we conduct interrelated operations that include combat, civil-military, and intelligence to maintain the peaceful situation in our area of responsibility”.

During the talk to the troops, Major General Rosario, Jr. said, “You have successfully implemented the Small Arms and Light Weapons Program here in Basilan and degraded the capability of the Abu Sayyaf Group. For that, I commend you, our dedicated and gallant officers and soldiers of JTF Basilan and 101st Infantry Brigade for a job well done”.

Major General Rosario, Jr. also lauded the commitment of the soldiers to sustain the momentum, win peace, and protect the province from becoming a haven of the terrorists again. He also reminded the troops to strictly adhere to the IATF guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He also took time to pay a courtesy call on Basilan Governor Hadjiman S. Hataman-Salliman at the Provincial Capitol. Major General Rosario, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the local government of Basilan for the continued support extended to the military in the province.

In his visit to the Army troopers in Basilan, Major General Rosario, Jr. was accompanied by WestMinCom’s Chief of Unified Command Staff, Colonel Elmer Suderio, and other staff.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/western-mindanao-command-chief-lauds-basilan-troops-for-operational-accomplishments/

https://www.kalinawnews.com/western-mindanao-command-chief-lauds-basilan-troops-for-operational-accomplishments/

Kalinaw News: Inspired by Continuous Mass Surrenders in Masbate, Another Batch of CTG Members in Mainland Bicol Abandon the Terrorist Group

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 7, 2021): Inspired by Continuous Mass Surrenders in Masbate, Another Batch of CTG Members in Mainland Bicol Abandon the Terrorist Group

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Twenty-seven members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) are now added to the snowballing number of surrenderers in Bicol as the government sustains the momentum in its fight against communist insurgency.

Five of the surrenderers were regular NPA members who are part of Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya 3 of Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) including alias Weweng, the second in rank of Platoon 1, alias Jelay, logistics officer and alias Bricks, their squad leader while ten of others were members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL).

The group also turned in an M16 rifle, KG9, caliber .45 pistol, two caliber .38 revolvers, two anti-personnel mines, blasting cap and 8-meter wire.

Lt. Col. Marlon Mojica, Battalion Commander of 31st Infantry Battalion, welcomed the new batch of surrenderers at Barangay Rangas, Juban, Sorsogon around 6 o’clock in the evening, Wednesday, October 6.

Today, as early as 7 o’clock in the morning, another six regular NPA members from the same guerilla unit including their leader, alias Toraok, voluntarily surrendered to the troops together with six SPL members who brought with them one M14 rifle, AR 15 and ingram.

They said that upon learning about the continuous surrender of their former comrades who are now living a life that is not haunted by fear and danger, they also mustered their courage to ask help from the government troops.

According to Lt. Col. Mojica, this development is the fruit of the combined efforts of the Army, PNP, local government units (LGUs), local chief executives, and the Bicolanos.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, stressed that the non-stop mass surrenders in the area of 903rd Brigade in the southern part of Bicol, especially in Masbate and Sorsogon serve as an eye-opener and inspire the remaining communist insurgents to yield.

“Matapos ang walang humpay na pagsuko ng mga dati nilang kasamahan lalo na sa Masbate at Sorsogon, inasahan na natin ito at natitiyak natin na mas darami pa ang magbabalik-loob na mga miyembro at tagasuporta ng CTG hindi lang sa islang probinsya kundi sa buong rehiyon. Sa mga nagbalik-loob, ang inyo pong kasundaluhan ay nalulugod at mainit na tinatanggap ang inyong pagsuko. Kami po ay kasama ninyo at tutulungan kayo sa pagbabagong buhay sa pamamagitan ng mga programa ng pamahalaan. Sa natitirang CTG members, huwag na po kayong magdalawang-isip pa na sundan ang yapak ng mga dati ninyong kasamahan at tuluyang magbagong buhay para muling makasama ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay,” Col. Almase said.

Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) under PBGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO, on the other hand, congratulated the surrenders for finally abandoning the terrorist group.

“Ito na ang isa sa pinakamagandang desisyong nagawa ninyo hindi lamang para sa inyong mga sarili kundi sa inyong mga pamilya at sa kanilang kinabukasan,” PBGen. Estomo said.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia once again enjoined the LGUs and local chief executives (LCEs) to continue their active participation in the government’s thrust to get rid the CTG in every community in Bicol.

“Napakalaki ng naitutulong ng mga LGU at LCE sa ating adhikaing wakasan ang armadong tunggalian dahil sila ang nagsisilbing boses ng kanilang mga constituents at may kapangyarihan silang itakwil ang CTG sa kani-kanilang mga nasasakupang lugar. Right now, with these gains, we can already see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hindi magtatagal, Bicol will be armed conflict-free,” MGen. Robinson said.

Just last September, hundreds of CTG members and supporters yielded to the government troops in Masbate which caused ripple effect in the entire Bicol. Right now, there are already 1,092 surrenderers from the region alone this 2021.

[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/inspired-by-continuous-mass-surrenders-in-masbate-another-batch-of-ctg-members-in-mainland-bicol-abandon-the-terrorist-group/

Continued recruitment of minors by NPA slammed

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 7, 2021): Continued recruitment of minors by NPA slammed (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has slammed anew the continued exploitation of minors by the New People’s Army in Negros Island as child warriors.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, cited the confession of a 15-year-old, who admitted to be among those participated in recent armed clashes with the 94th Infantry Battalion in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Arevalo said that the minor, only known through his alias as RR, surrendered to the 94IB on October 4, accompanied by his mother.

He added that the minor confessed that he is a member of Squad 1, Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2.

The twin encounters in Brgys. Carabalan and Buenavista, all in Himamaylan City, led to the recovery of two high-powered firearms, including M16 and M14 assault rifles, two fragmentation grenades, two hand-held radio sets with chargers, assorted ammunition, subversive documents and personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels.

A temporary rebel camp was also seized by 94IB soldiers.

Arevalo said that the CPP-NPA in Negros Island are destroying the future of minors they are recruiting, by molding them into combatants to cast terrorism and fight against the government.

This devious and inhumane act is a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law,” he added. Arevalo called on Negrenses, especially the parents, to guide and protect their children from the deceitful recruitment maneuver of the local terrorist group.

https://visayandailystar.com/continued-recruitment-of-minors-by-npa-slammed/

Opinion/Parlade: In flagrante

Opinion piece posted in the Manila Times (Oct 8, 2021): In flagrante (By (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.)

THIS week we saw the usual hypocrites troop to Hotel Sofitel to register their intention to run and participate in the May 2022 national elections. I am of course referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) party-list groups led by Gabriela party-list Arlene Brosas; ACT party-list Antonio Tinio and France Castro; Kabataan party-list Raul Manuel, who is replacing Sarah Elago; Bayan Muna's Teddy Casiño and Neri Colmenares; and Anakpawis' Rafael Mariano. Are these people for real? These communists are taking us for a ride. They want to participate in a democratic process while pursuing their agenda for a communist takeover.

The party-list system, which is enshrined in our Constitution, was designed to encourage participation and representation of marginalized sectors in the electoral process. It is an adjunct to the peace process where the government was enjoining the left and the Communist Party to participate, after it was legalized with the repeal of Republic Act 1700. This was to pave the way for this terrorist organization to abandon the armed struggle and for them to take the legal and parliamentary track instead.

Perfect plan and strategy. But in truth?

The CPP never abandoned its armed struggle. It deceived us all into believing that it will pursue with the government the call for a peaceful resolution to its decades-old problems of social injustice brought about by the "isms" of democracy: feudalism, bureaucrat-capitalism, US imperialism. With that deception followed the release by the Cory Aquino government of the founders of the CPP Jose Ma Sison et al., New People's Army's (NPA) Dante Buscayno, and many more "political prisoners" cum criminals. While in exile, Sison had the luxury of creating a broad alliance from the youth, women, peasant and labor sectors under the umbrella of the CPP-National Democratic Front.

Today these CPP-led and CPP-created groups — KMU, ACT, Gabriela, KM, KMP, LFS, etc. — have evolved into party-list groups fronting for the CPP-NPA right in the halls of Congress and now proudly call themselves the Makabayan bloc.

Makabayan, my foot!

What's nationalistic about fronting for a communist terrorist group whose one single accomplishment is sowing violence and chaos that has brought about the utter retrogression of the country's economy over the past 53 years?

Today these same CPP party-list groups called the Kamatayan bloc are shamelessly parading themselves at the Comelec registration booth as if they have nothing to do with the thousands of children they have conned and recruited into the NPA, many of whom have perished in skirmishes with government forces. For sure many have long been buried in shallow graves, without their parents even knowing how much suffering they have gone through, not in the hands of their government captors, but from their vicious comrades who rape and exploit them. Many of them would literally just drop dead from hunger, exhaustion, or simply disappear after being obliterated by government projectile.

Indeed, the better to call these communist cohorts Kamatayan bloc. Their conscious connivance with the CPP-NPA makes them all responsible for the debt of blood the communist terrorist group must pay.

Gruesome, yes, and this is the story of NPA survivors.

Daniel Luis Santos of Anakbayan and Kabataan UP Manila, who became political officer of Guerrilla Front 55 and secretary of Front 2. This is the story of Kurt Russel Sosa @Ugnay of Kabataang Makabayan PUP and deputy secretary of sub regional committee 4. Together with @Virgo, they all trooped together not to the Comelec Manila but to the Department of Justice (DoJ), to shed light on the circumstances behind the recruitment of minor Louvaine Erica Espina of Anakbayan and how she ended up being abused in various manner by her recruiter, her political officer and her commanding officer in the NPA. The latter three would be witnesses on the criminal cases of child abuse, trafficking in person and expanded human trafficking against Jose Ma Sison, Sarah Elago, Vincer Crisostomo and four others of the CPP-NPA-NDF. With the bevy of former CPP-NPA cadres who have direct knowledge about the case now as witnesses to Louvaine @Pam's recruitment to the NPA, I wonder how the DoJ, as in various instances, can again have the chutzpah to dismiss the case.

Lack of merit? Let's see. Recycled? Oh no, Elago.

To confirm its direction toward the violent overthrow of our democratic government, the CPP-NPA-NDF has reaffirmed this in so many recent documents recovered by the government, including the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio Economic Reforms (Caser). Here it asserts the necessity for the continuance of the NPA as an armed component (Art VII) should they succeed in the peace talks, and calls for the demobilization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines instead (Section 1, Art VIII).

Further, the CPP Constitution Plans and Programs version 2016, includes in very clear terms the continuity of their strategy to wage armed revolution, while they participate in the parliamentary struggle. Five decades after its creation the CPP has not abandoned its thirst for power via violent means. That's 50,000 lives wasted and still counting. Jose Ma Sison has been raring to take over the reins of government by all means and many of our politicians are playing fire with him. That's until the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) was created and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020 passed.

Today it is a totally different ball game.

With a resilient NTF-Elcac driving a whole-of-government campaign, this time we have no less than the House of Representatives doing its part to avert another disaster hatched by the CPP in Congress. Recall that last week, the lower house passed HB 10171, or the "UP Security Act," on its third and final reading. It was almost a done deal until the senior deputy majority leader Boying Remulla, Rep. Martin Romualdez, and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco moved to strike it down for many reasons.

According to Remulla, the presence of the security sector inside UP campuses had nothing to do with academic freedom and freedom to teach. True. In fact students and teachers are able to exercise their rights more freely, if they are secured in the campuses by the presence of security officers.

The Kamatayan bloc was caught "smuggling" the bill with a hundred or so House representatives signing, many in absentia, without understanding the merits of the measure.

First they trafficked our children; now they are smuggling terrorist bills in Congress. Just their luck, the Kamatayan bloc was caught red-handed, in flagrante delicto.

It is time we cut the crap.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/08/opinion/columns/in-flagrante/1817520

‘Child soldier’ surrenders

Posted to Panay News (Oct 8, 2021): ‘Child soldier’ surrenders

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, accuses the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army in Negros Island of exploiting minors. Making them child warriors is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law, he stresses.

A 15-year-old boy, who recently became a child warrior of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), surrendered to the military and the police in central Negros on Oct. 4.

According to reports of the Philippine Army, the teen was among the combatants who clashed with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Oct. 1.

Captain Kim Apitong, officer-in-charge of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) Public Affairs Office, said alias “RR” was recruited about two months ago by communist terrorists.

“They frequently visited the child and convinced him to join them, without his parents knowing it. They used deceptive propaganda to recruit him,” he said.

The minor then became a member of the NPA’s Squad 1, Sentro de Grabidad Platoon, Central Negros 2.

Three days after the encounter, the boy, accompanied by his mother, surrendered to the joint personnel of 94IB and Himamaylan City Police Station.

In its report, the 94IB said his claim of being an NPA member was backed by a former rebel who positively identified him as one of the estimated 10 minors recruited by one alias “Carding”.

“RR” has been endorsed by the government forces to the City Social Welfare Department (CSWD), which classified him as a child-at-risk.

He was then temporarily placed under the care and protection of the 94IB troops upon the consent of his mother.

In a statement, Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID, assailed the CPP-NPA in Negros Island for exploiting minors. Making them child warriors is a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), he stressed.

IHL is a set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict and protects people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.

“Don’t allow these CPP-NPA terrorists to enter your communities. Be vigilant and report any suspicious movement in your area for us to spoil their recruitment activities. Let us save our children by putting communist terrorism to an end,” said Arevalo.

Lieutenant Colonel Angelo de Guzman, commanding officer of the 94IB, said he is grateful to the local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Himamaylan City for its commitment of support to the former child warrior and their unit’s pursuit of peace and progress in Negros.

“Recruitment of minors as combatants is a clear violation of the IHL. For decades, they have ruined the lives and future of many children with their deceptions. This devious tactic should be stopped,” he added. (PNA)

https://www.panaynews.net/child-soldier-surrenders/

Surrender of 12 Leyte allies stalls NPA infiltration plan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Surrender of 12 Leyte allies stalls NPA infiltration plan (By Sarwell Meniano)

PLEDGING OF LOYALTY. Supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) pledging loyalty to the government during their surrender on Oct. 1 in Abuyog, Leyte. The recent surrender of 12 staunch mass-based supporters of the NPA is a huge setback to the communist terrorist group's effort to influence communities, the Philippine Army said on Thursday (Oct. 7, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The recent surrender of 12 staunch mass-based supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Abuyog, Leyte is a huge setback to the communist terrorist group's effort to influence communities.

Maj. Ryann Velez, acting spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade said in a phone interview on Thursday these NPA allies belonging to the rebel’s politico-military group, have been helpful in the NPA’s effort to retake control in some Leyte villages.

“We are running after some remnants of the NPA in Leyte and crucial to their existence in the province is the support of masses. With their surrender, that means our enemies are losing resources,” Velez said.

The military identified the surrenderers as Lucy, Linda, Roger, Marites, Pidyo, Eduardo, Victor, Roberto, Bibi, Larry, Cesar, and Renato, all residents of a remote community in Balocawehay village in Abuyog town.

The 12 surrendered to the village officials in Balocawehay, Abuyog town on Oct. 1.

NPA terrorist leader Fermin Guzon recruited them three years ago with promises of assistance through the so-called “agrarian revolution”.

In exchange, they attended series of meetings and allowed themselves to be used either as contacts, active couriers, and supporters in villages.

The surrenderers revealed that their move to yield has aborted Guzon’s plan of establishing a politico-military organization in their village with the 12 of them composing the core group.

Their surrender brings to 33 the total active NPA supporters, couriers, candidate party members, and contacts who surrendered to authorities in recent months in Leyte province.

NPA supporters, according to Velez, are more dangerous than fighters since they interact with government forces without being noticed as rebels. They have been providing vital information to the communist group.

“Formers rebels formed into a peacebuilders group has helped a lot in convincing their friends to completely abandon the communist ideology,” Velez said.

The official believes that recent sightings of armed rebels in upland areas of Abuyog, Mahaplag, Burauen, Ormoc City, Kananga, and Carigara in Leyte indicate that there are still organized NPA supporters in the province.

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/1155885

Hospitals scrap plea for military docs, nurses as infections drop

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Hospitals scrap plea for military docs, nurses as infections drop (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The decline in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has prompted some hospitals in Metro Manila to cancel their request for military medical personnel, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Wednesday night.

"Mayroon pong magandang balita, Mr. President, dahil nag-cancel na 'yung St. Luke’s at bumaba raw 'yung kanilang kaso ng mga naospital. Initially, mayroon silang request na isang doktor at saka five nurses pero ayaw na nilang tanggapin 'yun (We have good news, Mr. President, as St. Luke's (in Quezon City) cancelled their request their augmentation request for medical military personnel as their Covid-19 cases went down. Initially, they have a request for one doctor and five nurses, but now they cancelled them)," Lorenzana told President Rodrigo Duterte during his Talk to the People.

Lorenzana, also the chairperson of the National Task Force against Covid-19, said the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Pasay City also scrapped its request for military medical personnel.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City has requested an extension of the deployment of the eight military medical personnel at the facility which is set to end on October 30.

"At ang gusto pa nila ay humihingi sila ng isang doktor at dalawang nurses na ibibigay naman ng ating (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Surgeon General (They are also asking for one more doctor and two nurses, which was already approved by our Surgeon General)," he added.

Lorenzana said they are also waiting for feedback from the Sta. Teresita General Hospital in Quezon City on whether it will push through with its request for personnel augmentation.

Last month, Duterte appealed to the medical personnel of the police and the military to help hospitals that are struggling with the surge of Covid-19 cases.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155901

AUKUS complements Asean Indo-Pacific Outlook: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): AUKUS complements Asean Indo-Pacific Outlook: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO (Photo by Joyce Rocamora)

Australia's move to forge a trilateral partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom complements the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO said on Wednesday.

The pact, known as AUKUS, provides for Australia's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, which Canberra believes is "appropriate" to beef up its defense capabilities against the backdrop of a rapidly changing security environment in the region.

Robinson assured that Australia is sticking to its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

"We're just going to get the propulsion mechanism from the US and the UK, no nuclear weapon. Being a signatory to the Treaty on Nuclear Non-Proliferation, we're not changing anything," he told reporters during a dinner at his residence in Makati City.

"It is just about a capability that's important to Australia's Indo-Pacific strategy, it does not impinge upon anyone else's strategy for the Indo-Pacific and is indeed complementary to-- our approach is complementary to the Asean outlook for the Indo-Pacific," he added.

The Asean Outlook, initiated and pushed by Indonesia, provides for the bloc's engagement in the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, with an aim to maintain peace, freedom and prosperity in the area.

Robinson said plans to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, enhance cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and undersea capabilities would not only boost Australia's capabilities but also strengthen its ability to work with regional partners in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

"AUKUS is an important partnership for Australia and our commitment to Asean centrality and working with Asean-led regional architecture remains steadfast," he said.

At the recent Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated its previous position, saying the Philippines "sees value in the enhancement of a neighbor’s capability to project power" and that it "believes it will restore and keep the balance in the region, rather than destabilize it."

“We continuously assess this agreement and welcome efforts made by the countries concerned to explain it further,” said Ambassador Ma. Theresa Lazaro, DFA Acting Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Affairs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155902

PH, Australia expand maritime security engagement

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): PH, Australia expand maritime security engagement (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Australian and Philippine governments are working on a new program that would strengthen Manila's capabilities to protect its waters, Australian Ambassador to Manila Steven J. Robinson AO said.

At a dinner he hosted in Makati City Wednesday, Robinson said the two governments are meeting on October 7 to move forward with the proposed Philippine Civil Maritime Security Program (PCMSP) with Australia.

"So we've been talking with a number of different bodies like the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Security Council. We're keen to commence this as quickly as we can because we think there is significant utility in this for the Philippines particularly on the civil side," he told reporters.

Robinson previously visited Palawan where he met with the military's Western Command and the Philippine Coast Guard and discussed first-hand the challenges they faced and how Australia could support them.

"One way is by expanding our engagement on maritime cooperation through a new Philippine Civil Maritime Security Program (PCMSP) which aims to support the Philippines to strengthen its civil maritime security," he said.

He said current discussions are centered on different areas, including the protection of coral and marine resources in the country's waters and mapping out some of the areas of key importance to Manila in the West Philippine Sea.

The envoy said Canberra and Manila's civil maritime cooperation will primarily focus on the following:

- Maritime governance systems, processes, and interagency coordination.

- Marine natural resources management and environment protection.

- Technical assistance, research, and workshops.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155910

Duterte ‘glad’ peace talks with communists terminated

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Duterte ‘glad’ peace talks with communists terminated (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is “glad” that the peace talks between his administration and the Communist Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) were terminated.

Duterte made the remarks during the inauguration of the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay, as he once again slammed the arrogance of the communist movement’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Hindi ako bilib sa tapang-tapangan nila (I’m not amused by their arrogance),” Duterte said. “Ewan ko kung ano ang nakuha nila (I don’t know what they get [or]) what gain they earned by killing people.”

Duterte said he could not give the communist guerillas another chance to resume the peace negotiations with the government, because they continue their killing spree.

He said the NPA insurgents’ continued attacks against government troops and civilians enraged him.

“Galit ako sa kanila (I am mad at them). To continue the killing and continue the ferocity of the hate, ewan ko kung ano ang gusto nitong mga ito (I don’t know what they want). But I’m not happy with them. I’m glad that we suspended the talk,” Duterte said.

Duterte said the communist group’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), has to wait for his successor to renegotiate the stalled peace talks with the government.

“Maybe the next president can do it but hindi ko kaya (I could not do it),” he said.

In June this year, Duterte said no peace talks can ever succeed, unless NPA stop attacking state forces and civilians.

The peace talks between the national government and NDF have been intermittent since 1986.

Duterte held a series of peace negotiations with the NDF, but was forced to scrap the talks following the NPA’s relentless attacks against government troops and civilians.

He formally ended the peace dialogue with the NDF through Proclamation 360 inked on Nov. 23, 2017.

The termination of talks was followed by the Dec. 5, 2017 signing of Proclamation 273 which brands the CPP-NPA as a terror group.

Apart from the Philippines, the CPP-NPA has been listed as a terror organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155950

Let tribal leader Bae Bibyaon go, kin appeals to groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7, 2021): Let tribal leader Bae Bibyaon go, kin appeals to groups (By Marita Moaje)

LET HER GO HOME. Relatives of tribal leader Bae Bibyaon appeal to the group holding to let her go home during a virtual press briefing on Thursday (Oct. 10, 2021). They said the 94-year-old Bibyaon should be home with her relatives who can better take care of her. (Photo grabbed from NCIP Facebook page)

Relatives of tribal leader Bae Bibyaon appealed to the groups in custody of the latter to let her return to her community.

During a virtual press briefing on Thursday, Bibyaon’s relatives who traveled all the way from Talaingod, Davao del Norte to Quezon City, said they have not seen her for years now.

In a message of Rurelyn Bay-ao, Bibyaon’s grandchild who previously worked with her since 2014 and joined the Lakbayan in 2015 but decided to surrender to the government, urged her to return to their community.

“If you want to defend our ancestral land, di ba palagi nating sinasabi ng organisasyon na yung sariling pagpapasya o yung self-determination, yung paguwi mo dun sa ating community (we have always said in the organization our self-determination, come home to our community),” Bay-ao said to Bibyaon.

Bibyaon’s relatives said they are not giving up, adding they wanted to meet her.

They said Bibyaon, 94, should be home with her relatives who can better take care of her.

She also made an appeal to the Save our Schools (SOS) Network currently holding Bibyaon inside the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City.

“Sa Save our Schools Network, maawa kayo kay Bae Bibyaon, matanda na po siya. Tama na yung paggamit sa aming tribu at lalong lalo na pauwiin nyo na si Bae Bibyaon (have pity on Bae Bibyaon, she is old already. Enough of using our tribe, allow Bae Bibyaon to go home),” Bay-ao said.

The SOS earlier held a virtual press briefing showing Bibyaon telling her relatives to stop.

Datu Benito Bigkay, her nephew, also told SOS to stop using Bibyaon.

He also urged Bibyaon to return to their community if she wants to fight for her tribe.

“Kung gusto mong tumayo sa sarili mong paa, doon tayo sa ating komunidad para mapansin at makita tayo ng gobyerno, hindi kung saan saan (If you want to stand on your own feet, do that in our community so the government can see and notice us, and not anywhere else),” he said.

CPP-NPA’s deceitful acts

Bay-ao said she knows how the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its legal front organizations move to get support from her fellow tribe members.

She said it would be even harder if they just stay silent and see the future of the youth, including her, and the lives of the IPs crumble.

“Gusto ko lang ipaabot na tama na yung panloloko, pagsasamantala, panlilinlang, yung paggamit sa aming mga tribu para makakuha ng malaking suporta, pera na isuporta sa CPP-NPA (I just want to say enough with the deception, abuse, and exploitation of our tribes to be able to get financial support for the CP-NPA),” she said.

“Dahil kung hindi kami magsasalita, kung hind namin isiwalat yung tunay na ginagawa ng mga front organization, mga CPP-NPA sa amin nung nandoon kami sa bakwit school na palaging sinasama sa pagra-rally ay maraming na re-recruit na hindi lang IP, mga kabataan na nasa lungsod kaya nandito kami para magsalita, kaming mga biktima ng patuloy na panlilinlang ay wala, hindi matuldukan yung kagagawan ng CPP-NPA (because if we will not talk, if we will not tell what the front organizations are really doing, the CPP-NPA when we were still in the bakwit school, that they always bring us to join the rallies, many youth will continue to be recruited, we, the victims, should talk, to put an end to all of this),” she added.

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

Lawyer Josie Rodriguez-Agusti of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-4A (Calabarzon) said they are also making an appeal on behalf of Bibyaon’s relatives.

Rodriguez-Agusti said legal remedies may be filed on behalf of the relatives if the groups holding Bibyaon refuse to listen to NCIP’s appeal.

“Maaaring sinasabi nila na nasa magandang kalagayan si Bae pero kinakailangan po talagang makita ng pisikal ng kaniyang mga kamaganak para talagang mapatunayan na siya ay nasa mabuting kalagayan. Kung hndi matugunan ang ating pakiusap may mga agarang kaso na maaaring magamit ng kaniyang mga kaanak sa tulong ng NCIP, ito yung isa sa mga sibil at agarang remedy na maaaring gamitin natin (They may be saying that Bae is in good condition but her relatives should be able to see her physically to prove that. If not, there are charges that may be immediately filed by her relatives with the help of the NCIP),” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155965