CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Walang-saysay ang mga reklamo ng AFP sa CHR—PKP

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Walang-saysay ang mga reklamo ng AFP sa CHR—PKP

Binatikos ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa panloloko sa publiko ng mga walang-saysay na reklamo ng diumano’y mga paglabag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa karapatang tao at internasyunal na makataong batas (HR/IHL o human rights and international humanitarian law).

Ito ang reaksyon ni Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer ng PKP sa isinampang dagdag na mga reklamo ng AFP laban sa BHB sa Commission on Human Rights (CHR) noong isang linggo. Ayon sa mga ulat, kasama dito ang umano’y mga insidente ng pagpapasabog ng mga eksplosibo at pagsira sa mga pribadong ari-arian.

“Sa kalakhan ay walang-saysay ang mga reklamo ng AFP dahil karamihan ng mga ito ay ulat tungkol sa mga lehitimong labanan sa pagitan ng AFP at ng BHB o kaya’y pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran ng rebolusyonaryong gubyerno tungkol sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan,” ani Valbuena.

Ani Valbuena, mali ang ginagawa ng AFP na ang kanilang mga kaswalti sa mga armadong labanan ay pinalalabas nilang mga biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao. “Kinikilala sa ilalim ng internasyunal na makataong batas na sadyang may namamatay o nasusugatan sa mga armadong labanan sa balangkas ng gera, at walang nilalabag hangga’t gumagamit lamang ng tamang lakas para sumuko ang kabilang panig.”

Iginiit rin ni Valbuena na lehitimo ang paggamit ng mga eksplosibong command-detonated at na ang paggamit nito ay naayon sa Ottawa Treaty o sa tratadong nagbabawal sa mga eksplosibog sumasabog kapag naaapakan o nalalapitan ng biktima.

Sa mga ulat ng Ang Bayan, pawang lehitimong mga target militar ang inasinta ng BHB gamit ang CDX. Natatangi ang kaso ng pagkakamali na nabiktima ng armadong aksyon ng BHB noong Hunyo ang ilang sibilyan sa Masbate City, bagay na inako ng yunit ng BHB at nangakong pananagutan ang insidente. Ang insidente ay ipinailalim sa imbestigasyon ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) bilang awtoridad na may saklaw sa usapin.

“Wala ring batayan ang paratang ng AFP na nagrerekrut ang BHB ng mga batang mandirigma,” ayon kay Valbuena. “Marami sa mga batang pinalalabas ng AFP na ‘child soldiers’ ay pawang mga bata sa baryo na kasama ng mga magulang nilang pinapila para tumanggap ng ayuda at pinalabas na mga ‘sumurender’ sa militar.”

Noong Hulyo, 18 menor de edad mula sa Baleno, Masbate ang pinwersa ng 2nd IB na “umamin” bilang mga myembro ng BHB at paglao’y iprinisinta sa publiko bilang umano’y mga sumurender na batang mandirigma.

Idiniin ni Valbuena na ang mga 18-taong gulang paitaas lamang ang maaaring sumapi sa BHB. (Kawanihan sa Impormasyon ng PKP)

[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. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/walang-saysay-ang-mga-reklamo-ng-afp-sa-chr-pkp/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Iboykot ang imported na galunggong, sigaw ng mga mangingisda

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Iboykot ang imported na galunggong, sigaw ng mga mangingisda

Ikinasa ng grupong Pamalakaya (Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas) ang kampanyang boykot laban sa mga imported na galunggong na bumabaha ngayon sa mga lokal na pamilihan. Nanawagan ang mga mangingisda sa mga nagtitinda at konsyumer na suportahan ang panawagan ng sektor na tangkilikin ang lokal na galunggong na sariwa at ligtas kumpara sa imported. Ayon sa grupo, mababa ang kalidad ng imported na galunggong at madali itong madurog.

Tugon ang naturang kampanya sa pagpapahintulot noong Agosto ng Deparment of Agriculture sa pagpasok ng hindi bababa sa 60,000 metriko toneladang imported na galunggong sa lokal na pamilihan nitong Oktubre para diumano ibaba ang presyo ng galunggong. Inirekomenda ng National Economic Development Authority na mag-angkat ng hanggang 200,000 metriko toneladang galunggong para sa huling kwarto ng taon at unang kwarto ng 2022.

Ayon sa mga mangingisda, mataas ang presyo ng lokal na galunggong dahil kontrolado ng mga komersyante ang presyo ng isda mula sa pagbili nito sa mga mangingisda hanggang sa presyo nito sa mga palengke. Kadalasang dumadaan sa kamay ng 4-5 komersyante ang isda bago makarating sa palengke at sa bawat antas ay may karagdagang patong sa presyo nito.

Lalong malulugi ang mga lokal na mangingisda kapag bumaha ang imported na galunggong dahil hihilahin nito pababa ang dati nang mababang presyo ng pagbili ng kanilang huling galunggong.

“Papatayin nito ang lokal na industriya ng pangisda,” ayon sa Pamalakaya. “Lalong babaratin ng mga fish trader ang presyo ng produkto ng maliliit na mangingisda na magsasadlak sa mga ito sa lalong pagkalugi bunga ng mataas na gastos sa produksyon,” ayon sa Pamalakaya. Kasalukuyang nasa ₱60 hanggang ₱70 kada kilo (sa prubinsya ng Palawan) lamang ang halaga ng pagbili ng lokal na galunggong.

Dagok din ang sunud-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis na nagpataas sa gastos sa produksyon ng mga mangingisda. Kung ibabatay sa pagsisimula ng taon, ₱19.70 kada litro na ang nadagdag sa presyo ng gasolina, at ₱18 kada litro naman ang nadagdag sa diesel. Komukonsumo ang mangingisda ng abereyds na 10-12 litro ng krudo sa palaot na tatagal ng 6-8 oras.

KAUGNAY NA BALITA: Presyo ng langis, abot langit ang pagsirit

Dagdag ng grupo, hindi matitiyak ng importasyon ng galunggong ang pagbaba ng presyo nito sa merkado. “Malayo pa rin ang posibilidad na bumaba ang presyo ng isda sa mga pamilihan dahil mananatiling kontrolado ng mga wholesaler ang presyo ng mga ito,” ayon sa grupo.

Sa huling tala ng DA noong Oktubre 19, nasa ₱240 kada kilo ang lokal na galunggong habang ₱220 kada kilo ang presyo ng imported.

Bahagi ng kampanya ng Pamalakaya ang pamamahagi ng mga polyeto na naglalaman g impormasyon para makilala ang pagkakaiba ng lokal sa imported na galunggong. Magsasagawa rin umano sila ng pagbisita sa mga pamilihan para ipabatid ito sa mga mamimili at nagtitinda. Sasaklawin din ng kanilang kampanya ang mga komunidad ng maralita at mga maliliit na mangingisda.

Paiigtingin rin umano ng mga mangingisda ang paggigiit sa gubyerno na bigyan sila ng subsidyo sa produksyon at ayuda para mapalakas ang lokal na industriya sa pangisda at wakasan ang pagsalalay sa importasyon. Kung ikukumpara ang produksyon ng galunggong mula 2016 na 213 libong metriko tonelada, bumaba ito nang 4.85% tungong 202.66 libong metriko tonelada noong 2020.

[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. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/iboykot-ang-imported-na-galunggong-sigaw-ng-mga-mangingisda/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Talaingod at Pantaron patuloy na niraratrat ng AFP

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Talaingod at Pantaron patuloy na niraratrat ng AFP

Hindi bababa sa 69 na bomba at misayl ang pinakawalan ng apat na batalyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa kabundukan ng Talaingod sa Davao del Norte at sa paligid ng Pantaron na nagdudulot ng labis na ligalig sa mamamayang Manobo sa lugar. Mula Setyembre 15, 51 beses na kinanyon, 18 beses na nagpasabog ng misayl at daan-daang bala ng machine gun ang rumatrat sa kabahayan at sakahan ng mga Lumad.

Bukod dito, tatlong barangay ng Talaingod ang nilagyan ng detatsment ng mga yunit ng 6th IB, 89th IB, 27th IB at 3rd IB. Mula maagang bahagi ng 2020, 46 komunidad na sa Barangay Palma Gil at Barangay Dagohoy ang kinakampuhan ng tropa ng AFP sa tabing ng Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). Sa aktwal, naglulunsad ang mga ito ng mga operasyong saywar, paniktik at kombat. Nagkakampo sila sa malapit sa mga bahay ng sibilyan, paaralan at mga barrio hall. Nakakordon ang mga ito sa apat na sityo (Saso, Lasakan, Nalubas at Sambulongan.)

Sapilitang pinatira ang mga Lumad ng Talaingod sa mga “pabahay” na malalayo sa kanilang sakahan at kabuhayan at malapit sa mga detatsment at kampo nang mga RCSP tim. Kontralado ng mga ito ang kanilang pagkilos at buhay. Pinagbabawalan silang pumasok sa kagubatan ng Pantaron ng mga militar at paramilitar na Alamara. Tinatakot silang tatawagin lamang na mga NPA kung masawi sa kagubatan.

Dumaranas ng matinding kahirapan ang mga bakwit na dating sumilong sa UCCP Haran na boluntaryong bumalik sa Talaingod noong nakaraang mga buwan. Hindi ligtas sa gutom at panggigipit maging ang mga Lumad na nalinlang ng kampanya ng kasinungalingan at bigong pangako ng NTF-ELCAC. Patuloy na minamanmanan ng militar ang kanilang mga lider. Pinipilit silang mag-ulat sa hedkwarters ng batalyon sa Sto.Niño at regular na pinipresyur na maglabas ng pahayag kontra sa mga naglulunsad ng protesta hinggil sa militarisasyon sa Talaingod. Pinagsasalita sila laban sa CPP-NPA-NDF. Marami sa mga lumad ang nangangamba na baka mapilitan silang muling magbakwit kung magpapatuloy ang okupasyon, pambobomba at operasyong kombat ng AFP.

Naglulustay ng pera ang rehimeng Duterte at berdugong militar sa mga sinasabi nitong “livelihood programs” at proyektong imprastruktura na tanging sila lamang ang nakikinabang. Ang mga proyektong kalsada sa ilalim ng maanomalyang “Build, Build, Build” ay ginagamit lamang upang madaling makapagdeploy ng mga pwersang pangkombat at pabilisin ang pag-biyahe ng mga produkto ng mga plantasyon at mina mula sa Pantaron. Ang mga sinasabing “accomplishment reports” ng AFP ay ginagamit lamang upang bigyang matwid ang militarisasyon. Para sa mga Lumad ng Talaingod at Pantaron, wala itong silbi.

[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. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/talaingod-at-pantaron-patuloy-na-niraratrat-ng-afp/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Desisyon na gawing regular ang 50 manggagawa ng Uni-Pak, ipatupad na

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Desisyon na gawing regular ang 50 manggagawa ng Uni-Pak, ipatupad na

Nitong linggo, napag-alaman ng mga manggagawa sa Uni-pak na pinagtibay ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) noong Hulyo ang resolusyong unang inaprubahan ng ahensya noong 2019 na nagsasaad na dapat nang gawing regular ang 50 manggagawa ng SLORD Development Corportation, may-ari ng Uni-Pak. Ayon sa Samahang Manggagawa sa Slord Development Corporation (SMSDC), susubaybayan nila ang pag-usad nito at igigiit ang implementasyon ng naturang resolusyon.

“Hangga’t hindi naiimplementa ang mga desisyong ito ng DOLE, mananatiling malabnaw, hanggang papel lamang, at walang gulugod ang mga desisyon nito,” ayon sa pahayag ng samahan.

Noong Oktubre 18 natanggap ng mga manggagawa ang desisyon na nagsasaad na “pinal at executory” na ang naunang resolusyon ng DOLE. Ayon sa SMSDC, kinakailangang maglabas ang ahensya ng maglabas ito ng Proprio Vigore Order to Execute para magkaroon ng pangil ang desisyon nito.

Ang SLORD Development Corporation ay isang toll processing company (isang kumpanyang kinokontrata ng ibang kumpanya para magsagawa ng pagpoproseso) na nakabase sa Navotas. Pangunahing ginagawa nito ang paglalata ng mga pagkaing-dagat na galing sa Korea at Japan. Nagpoproseso din ito ng gulay.

Nangungunang isyu ng mga manggagawa ng SLORD ang malawakang kontraktwalisasyon, kawalang-benepisyo at pang-aabuso ng maneydsment. Sa isang ulat noong 2018, nasa 350 sa 500 manggagawa ay kontraktwal. Kumpara sa mga regular na sinasahuran ng P512 kada araw, mas mababa ang ibinibigay na sahod sa kanila. Ang mga manggagawang tinatawag na “regular extra” ay pinasasahod ng P370 bawat 8 oras. Ang mga kaswal na tumatanggap din ng P370 kada araw ay sinisisante matapos ang limang buwan ng trabaho.

[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. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/desisyon-na-gawing-regular-ang-50-manggagawa-ng-uni-pak-ipatupad-na/

CPP/NPA-Cagayan Valley ROC: Bunton ng mga kasinungalingan at panlalansi ng 5th ID

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 20, 2021): Bunton ng mga kasinungalingan at panlalansi ng 5th ID

Guillermo Alcala

Spokesperson 

Cagayan Valley Regional Operational Command (Fortunato Camus Command)

New People's Army

October 20, 2021

Masyadong halatado ang pinatindi at sinkronisadong kampanya ng kasinungalingan at panlalansi ng iba’t ibang dibisyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa nakaraang ilang buwan, na grumabe pa nitong Oktubre, na ang pinakapaborito nila ay ang mga diumanong sunud-sunod na pagsurender ng mga mandirigma, milisya at baseng masa ng New People’s Army. Hindi patatalo at nakikipagdaigan dito ang 5th Infantry Division Philippine Army.

Ilang araw pa lamang ang nakalipas, ibinalita ng 5ID PA ang diumanong “pagsurender ng anim na kasapi ng NPA” sa Ilagan City at Nueva Vizcaya na dala-dala ang isinalong nilang mga armas. Subalit kahit ang mga karaniwang mamamayang nakarinig at nakabasa sa naturang balita ay nakahalatang isa na naman itong sinalamangkang propaganda ng AFP. Ito’y dahil ipinakilala lamang ang mga diumanong “surenderi” sa kani-kanilang mga “alyas” daw at di sinabi ang mga tunay at buo nilang pangalan, at sa inilabas nilang litrato ay tinakpan ang kanilang mga mukha at may halos magkakaparehong malulusog na pangangatawan, halos magkakaparehong tangkad at halos magkakaparehong kasuotan (pawang mga naka-T shirt, short pants at sandalyas). Malamang na mga militar din o mga istambay lamang na pinulot sa kung saan-saan ang mga pinahilera at linitratuhang huwad na surenderi.

Gumagawa ng mga ganyang kabalbalan ang 5ID PA upang huwag madaig ng iba pang mga dibisyon ng Philippine Army na pawang magagaling ding magpalabas ng mga komedya ng “pagsurender.” Bagama’t alam nilang imposibleng mangyari, naghahabol ang AFP sa ibinigay na taning dito ng rehimeng Duterte na paggapi sa CPP-NPA sa pagtatapos ng termino nito, na mahigit kalahating taon na lamang. Bahagi ng paghahabol nila ang pinatinding mga palabas ng pagpapasuko, bilang gatasan at sikwatan nila ng malaking halagang ibinubulsa ng mga heneral mula sa malaking badyet ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP); para makakuha ng promosyon sa kanilang diumanong mga “achievement”; at para palabasing matagumpay ang kampanyang kontra-insurhensya ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), na nanghihingi na naman ng ilang bilyong badyet para rito sa taong 2022.

Halos kasabay ng naturang balita, iniharap din sa media ang isang nagpakilalang “Ka Kira”, na bumubula ang bibig sa pagluluwa ng kasinungalingan. Totoo na may ganyang tao na sumampa sa NPA sa Cagayan noong 2017, na madikit sa mga kalalakihang hukbo at isang taon pa lamang makaraang sumampa ay itinanan niya ang kanyang iskwad lider. Nanirahan sila pagkatapos sa iba’t ibang probinsya, at dahil walang mahanap na pagkakakitaan ay sumurender at tumanggap ng malaking pabuya sa militar kapalit ng pakikipagkusabahan sa kanila. Walang naging ganyang isyu at malaking kasinungalian ang pinalalabas nitong negatibong karanasan diumano niya sa isang yunit ng NPA noong naroroon pa siya.

Kaugnay nito, si Ivylyn Corpin na regular na sinuswelduhan ngayon ng 5ID at aktibong nagpo-post sa Facebook page ng 5ID PA ay mas walang pakundangan kung magbuga ng mga kasinungalingan. Tumakas siya sa isang yunit ng NPA makaraang imbestigahan siya sa di niya maipaliwanag na paggastos sa mahigit P200,000 badyet ng kinabibilangan niyang yunit. Isinama niya sa pag-alis ang kanyang karelasyon (Rico), na di-nagtagal ay sumurender at nagpagamit sa militar kapalit ng malaking pabuya, kabilang ang pagkakaroon ng bahay. Kumikita ang mag-asawang ito sa militar mula sa kanilang pagpaparatang sa mga karaniwang mamamayang bilang mga diumanong pwersa o baseng masa ng NPA, pagtuturo ng mga pinaglibingan ng mga nagmartir na mandirigma ng NPA, pagtuturo ng mga imbak na gamit militar ng NPA, pagsasalita sa mga pa-miting ng militar sa mga baryo at sa propaganda nila sa mass media at social media.

Ikinukumpara nina Corpin ang relatibong magaan na nilang buhay sa piling ng militar sa mahirap na buhay at puspusang pakikibakang naranasan nila sa NPA. Pero sasandakot lamang ang mga katulad nila na para lamang sa pansariling interes ang itinataguyod at nangabulok at nadapa sa lusak sa proseso ng maigting na pakikibaka. Ang kalakhang mayorya ng mga opisyal at mandirigma ng NPA ay may mataas na rebolusyonaryong kamulatan at disiplina, ipinagpapanguna ang kapakanan ng sambayanan at walang kapagurang isinusulong ang pakikibaka para sa tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan, gaanuman kahirap at kapanganib ang sinusuong sa landas ng rebolusyon, at buhay man ay ialay kung kinakailangan. Kaylanman ay hindi naunawaan ni Corpin, “Kira” at katulad nila ang kahulugan ng pagiging rebolusyonaryo, ang simulain ng rebolusyon at ang pinakamatayog na adhikaing paglingkuran ang sambayanan.

Isa pang madalas na nilulubid ng 5ID ang diumanong mga labanan sa pagitan ng mga tropa nila at mga gerilya ng NPA, na sa katotohanan ay misencounter sa pagitan ng mga yunit ng AFP sa ilalim ng dibisyon at kung saan ay nalagasan sila sa mga labanang ito, katulad ng pinalabas nila sa Cabagan at Ilagan City sa Isabela, at sa diumanong pangalawang labanan, noong Setyembre 28, sa Sta. Teresita, Cagayan na kung saan ay makapal ang mukha nilang ibinabando na nakasamsam pa diumano sila ng tatlong high-powered rifles mula sa NPA!

Nais palabasin ng kanilang mga psy-war operations at kampanya ng panlalansi na patuloy na humihina at patungo na sa pagkalansag ang mga yunit ng NPA at pumapanig na sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno at sistemang mapagsamantala at mapang-api ang mga mamamayan sa Cagayan Valley. Ngunit kabaliktaran ito sa mga tunay na nangyayari sa malawak na kanayunan ng rehiyon. Sa kabila ng ilang pangyayaring nagkakaroon ng kaswalti sa mga labanan sa panig ng mga Pulang mandirigma, patuloy ang pagdagsa ng mga kabataan mula sa mga baryo at bayan hanggang sa mga lungsod na sumasapi sa NPA. Di sinasadyang inaamin ito ng 5ID PA kapag inuulat nito sa mass media ang pagkasawi o pagkadakip ng ibang mga gerilya na humigit-kumulang isang taon pa lamang sa NPA.

Di rin maikukubli ng 5ID PA ang malaking kabiguan ng focused military operations nito kapag inilalahad sa media na nanduon uli at nagbababad ang mga tinagurian nitong Community Support Program (CSP) sa mga baryo na dati na at di-mabilang na ulit nang nagpapabalik-balik, nanghahalihaw, nananagasa sa mga demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan, at nagsasagawa ng mga mapanlinlang na maliliit na proyekto sa baryo sa nakaraang ilang dekada na pero hanggang ngayon ay di pa nito masabi-sabing pumanig na ang mga taumbaryo sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Ang ipinang-aaliw lamang ng 5ID sa sarili nito ay kapag naibalitang “nagdeklara” ng ganito at ganyang baryo at bayan ng pagiging “persona non grata” ng NPA, na sa aktwal ay ipinilit itong gawin ng mga militar sa mga konseho de barangay at mga militar mismo ang gumawa at nagtayo ng mga placard, nagsulat ng pahayag sa media at lumitrato sa mga tagabaryong pumapanig na diumano sa militar.

Sa kabuuan, lalo pang tumaba ang lupa para sa pagsulong ng rebolusyon para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya. Ang dati nang nagnanaknak na sistemang panlipunang mapagsamantala at mapang-api ay higit lalong nasadlak sa walang kaparis na lalim sa panahon ng pandemyang COVID-19. Ang napakarami at dati nang mga kinasusuklaman at isinusukang mga manipestasyon ng nabubulok na sistemang pinaghaharian ng sasandakot na malalaking panginoong maylupa, burgesyang kumprador at burukrata-kapitalistang tagasilbi sa interes ng mga dayuhang kapitalista ay sige pang nabulgar at lumala sa gitna ng patuloy na pagsasamantala at pang-aapi sa mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid, manggagawa at mala-manggagawa, pambansang minorya, petiburgesya at lokal na kapitalista ng mga mangangamkam ng lupa, usurero-komersyante, burukrata-kapitalistang kurakot at mangungulimbat at mga imperyalistang Tsino, Australiano, Amerikano at iba pang dayuhan sa pagmimina, logging at namumuhunan.

Sa panahon ng pandemya at maging sa panahon ng matitinding kalamidad, nasaksihan ng masa ng sambayanan ang malubhang kapabayaan ng gubyerno sa kanilang kapakanan, kalusugan at kaligtasan na sinabayan ng walang kasing-garapal na pagbulsa sa bilyon-bilyong badyet na disin sana’y nailaan para sa pagsugpo sa COVID-19, kalusugan, kaligtasan at kapakanan ng milyun-milyong mamamayan. Ang sistema ng “blended learning” ay lalo pang nagtulak sa pagkamulat ng mas maraming kabataan upang makibaka at lumahok sa mas masaklaw na kilusang bayan. Sa paglawak ng naaabot ng mga yunit ng NPA na mga baryo at bayan bunga ng kanilang mga pagpupursigeng maabot at mapaglingkuran ang mas malawak na hanay ng masa, nasaksihan ang pagdami ng mga kabataan at iba pang api na lumalahok sa hukbong bayan at pumapailalim sa mga organo ng Pulang kapangyarihang pampulitika.

Ito ang katotohanang nais ikubli ng mga bunton ng kasinungalingan at panlalansi ng 5ID PA.

https://cpp.ph/statements/bunton-ng-mga-kasinungalingan-at-panlalansi-ng-5th-id/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: AGC-NPA commemorates Sagay 9 massacre

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 20, 2021): AGC-NPA commemorates Sagay 9 massacre

Juanito Magbanua

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

October 20, 2021

After three years, families of nine farm workers who were brutally massacred while engaging in “bungkalan” or land cultivation activities at Hacienda Nene, Purok FireTree, Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental are still shedding tears as justice continues to evade them.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the New People’s Army – Negros Island (AGC-NPA) issued a statement denouncing the reactionary government for its failure in holding accountable even a single suspect from “the goons of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army and Special Civilian Active Auxiliary or RPA/SCAA and the Marañon family, the mastermind of the massacre.”

“In truth, the people can no longer expect justice for the victims of the Sagay 9 massacre from the Duterte regime since behind the perpetrators are the powerful and despotic land lords in North Negros who are under the protection of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police (AFP/PNP),” said AGC-NPA spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua.

He added that the Sagay 9 massacre was used by the regime as basis to declare a “state of lawlessness and violence” in Negros Island and impose Memorandum Order 32.

Magbanua pointed out that the “tyrannical regime can no longer rule the old way” which is why it has to use fascism, the military and police as agents, to keep those resisting it under its power and so Duterte can remain beyond his term.

“Now, more than ever, the evil intent of Duterte must be opposed,” he said.

He urged peasants and farm workers to continue arousing, organizing and mobilizing their ranks to fight the fascism and terrorism of the state; carry on with their ‘bungkalan’ and heighten anti-feudal struggles to improve their economic situation and strengthen the people’s fighting spirit.

The NPA, as the genuine fighter of the people, he added, will commemorate the gruesome Sagay 9 massacre through launching tactical offensives that will punish those with blood debts against the people and give justice to victims of human rights violations.

According to Magbanua, the NPA will continue to defend the interest of the peasants and farm workers against the butcher, tyrannical, and blood-thirsty Duterte regime, mercenary AFP/PNP and bandit RPA-SCAA.

https://cpp.ph/statements/agc-npa-commemorates-sagay-9-massacre/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Pahayag sang AGC-NPA sa ikatatlo ka tuig nga pagsukat sang Sagay 9 masaker

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 20, 2021): Pahayag sang AGC-NPA sa ikatatlo ka tuig nga pagsukat sang Sagay 9 masaker

Juanito Magbanua

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

October 20, 2021

Tatlo ka tuig na ang nagligad sini nga adlaw matapos matabu ang pagmasaker sang siyam ka mga mangunguma nga mga katapu sang National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) sa Hasyenda Nene, Purok FireTree, Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Tubtob subong padayon nga nagabakho ang pamilya sang mga biktima bangud wala mahatagan sang reaksyonaryong gobyerno sang nagakaigo nga hustisya ang ila mga himata. Wala man lang bisan isa sa mga suspetsado (ang bayaran nga mga goons halin sa Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Special Civilian Active Auxiliary ukon RPA/SCAA) kag utok sa pagmasaker (pamilya Marañon) ang napasakaan sang kaso.

Sa matuod, wala na sang lauman ang pumuluyo sa rehimen Duterte nga mahatagan sang hustisya ang biktima sang Sagay 9 masaker nga ang nasa likod amo ang poderoso kag dispotiko nga agalon may duta sa Norte sang Negros nga ginaproteksyunan sang Armed Forces of the Philippines kag Philippine National Police (AFP/PNP).

Gani ang natabo nga masaker sa Sagay sadto ginhimo nga rason para ideklara sang rehimen ang Isla sang Negros nga yara sa “state of lawlessness and violence” kag mapanaog ang Memorandum Order 32. Indi na makagahum ang tiraniko nga rehimen sa daan nga pamaagi rason nga kinahanglan nga maggamit sang pasismo, instrumento ang militar kag pulis, agud magpabilin ang pumuluyo nga nagahimakas sa idalum sa gahum sini kag makapabilin si Duterte sa poder lampas sa iya termino.

Subong mas nagakadapat nga pakig-ayawan ang itom nga handum ni Duterte. Padayon nga pukawon, organisahon kag pahulagon ang mga mangunguma kag mga mamumugon sa uma agud pamatukan ang pasismo kag terorismo sang estado. Ipadayon ang mga bungkalan kag pabaskugon ang mga kontra-pyudal nga paghimakas agud mapataas ang ila pang-ekonomiya nga kahimtangan kag mapabaskog ang diwa nga makig-away sang pumuluyo.

Bilang matuod nga hangaway sang pumuluyo, handurawon sang NPA ang makasiligni nga Sagay 9 masaker paagi sa paglunsar sang mga taktikal nga opensiba agud silotan ang mga may utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo kag mahatagan hustisya ang mga biktima sang paglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Padayon nga pangapinan sang NPA ang interes sang mga mangunguma kag mamumugon sa uma batok sa berdugo, tiraniko kag uhaw sa dugo nga rehimen Duterte, mersenaryo nga AFP/PNP kag bandido nga RPA-SCAA.

Mabuhay ang Masang Pigos!
Isulong ang pungsodnon demokratiko nga rebolusyon tubtob sa kadalag-an!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pahayag-sang-agc-npa-sa-ikatatlo-ka-tuig-nga-pagsukat-sang-sagay-9-masaker/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Negros Island: PKM-Negros promotes agrarian revolution, broadest unity to overthrow insufferable and fascist Duterte regime

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): PKM-Negros promotes agrarian revolution, broadest unity to overthrow insufferable and fascist Duterte regime

Felicidad Mercado

Spokesperson

Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid-Negros Island

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

October 21, 2021

The peasants and farm workers in Negros Island are in life and death conditions brought about by widespread land grabbing, neoliberal agrarian policies, yearly dead season (colloquially referred to as ‘tigkiriwi’) and intensified militarization in peasant communities according to the Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid or PKM-Negros (National Association of Peasants) in its statement commemorating this year’s Philippine Peasant Month.

PKM-Negros also called on the entire peasant class in the Island, a well-known bastion of land lords, to further broaden and strengthen the struggles to advance agrarian revolution, build the broadest unity of the people and overthrow the insufferable and fascist Duterte regime.

Felicidad Mercado, spokesperson of PKM-Negros, lambasted the Duterte regime describing it as “corrupt, inutile and an executioner” for prioritizing “infrastructure projects under its Build, Build, Build program” and procuring “firearms, ammunition and bombs for its vicious counter-insurgency problem” while the country is in the middle of a public health and socio-economic crisis.

Mercado noted the successive and rampant killings of peasants, forced and fake surrenders, illegal arrests and imprisonment of leaders and members of peasant organizations and bombing of communities since Duterte imposed Memorandum Order No. 32 in Negros Island, Samar and Bicol together with Executive Order No. 70 (establishing the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF-ELCAC).

“It paved the way for the AFP and PNP to sow fear and terror, and murder farmers and people defending their rights and livelihood,” she said.

She added that it unmasked the butcher nature of the mercenary AFP/PNP serving as protector and goons of the ruling class of despotic land lords, big bourgeois compradors and bureaucrat capitalists who grab vast lands from peasants and tumandoks (indigenous peoples) to convert its use into plantations, foreign projects, mining and quarry causing dislocation of the people from their communities and destruction of natural resources.

Buried in feudal and anti-feudal exploitation
PKM-Negros expressed discontentment over the situation of peasants who are buried in feudal and semifuedal exploitation under the government of the ruling class represented by Duterte.

In its statement it noted the decrease of rice farmers’ income caused by the implementation of the anti-people Rice Liberalization Law that lowered the price of palay (unhusked rice) to Php10-Php14 per kilo leaving farmers to suffer gravely.

According to Mercado, the price of corn and other farm products also decreased and, moreover, the wages of hacienda workers and other farm workers are very low and they still do not enjoy benefits.

She pointed out that Duterte has outrightly exposed himself as anti-farmer and turned his back on the demands of farmers for genuine land reform and free land distribution after he proclaimed last May 16, 2019 his decision to stop land reform and implemented instead Executive Order No. 75 and DAR Administrative Order No. 1 exempting private agricultural lands from land reform and expediting the process of land use conversion.

Advance agrarian revolution
PKM-Negros called on all its leaders and members in the Island “to build a strong unity with the broad oppressed masses.”

“Advance agrarian revolution to destroy land monopoly and end centuries of feudal and semi-feudal exploitation of peasants,” Mercado said. “And like the previous regimes, Duterte will fail in destroying the revolutionary movement in the countryside due to the wide support of the peasants and the people resulting to the success of agrarian revolution.

The revolutionary peasant organization acknowledged the important role of the peasant army, the New People’s Army, as anti-feudal struggles make headway since it mainly upholds agrarian revolution and the democratic aspirations and interests of the people.

It concluded that more farmers, farm workers, women and youth must be organized and mobilized for them to join the NPA and carry forward the people’s democratic revolution.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pkm-negros-promotes-agrarian-revolution-broadest-unity-to-overthrow-insufferable-and-fascist-duterte-regime/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Negros Island: Pasingki-on ang kahublagan mangunguma sa bilog nga Isla sang Negros! Isulong ang agraryo nga rebolusyon!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Pasingki-on ang kahublagan mangunguma sa bilog nga Isla sang Negros! Isulong ang agraryo nga rebolusyon!

Felicidad Mercado

Spokesperson

Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid-Negros Island

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

October 21, 2021

Nagapasidungog ang Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM-Negros) sa tanan nga mga mangunguma kag mamumugon sa uma sa Isla sang Negros nga yara sa tunga-tunga sang kabuhi kag kamatayon nga kahimtangan sang pagkalubong sa tuman nga kagutom kag kaimulon dala sang malapnagon nga pagpang-agaw sang duta, neoliberal nga patakaran sa agrikultura, tuigan nga tigkiriwi ukon “tiempo muerto” kag masingki nga militarisasyon sa komyunidad sang mga mangunguma.

Subongman padayon nga nagapanawagan ang PKM-Negros sa tanan nga mga mangunguma sa bilog nga Isla nga ginakabig nga balwarte sang mga agalon may duta: labi pa nga palaparon kag pabaskugon ang mga paghimakas para isulong ang rebolusyong agraryo, itukod ang pinakamalapad nga pag-isa sa bug-os nga pumuluyo kag rumpagon ang paantus kag pasista nga rehimen Duterte.

Sa tunga sang krisis sa pampubliko nga ikaayong lawas kag sosyo-ekonomiko, mga proyekto pang-imprastraktura sa idalum sang Build, Build, Build program; kag armas, bala kag bomba sa iya mapintas nga programa sa kontra-insurhensya ang prayoridad sang korap, inutil kag berdugo nga rehimen.

Sumugod sang ginpatuman ni Duterte ang Memorandum Order No. 32 sa Isla sang Negros, Samar kag Bikol nga gin-updan sang Executive Order No. 70 ukon ang pagtukod sang National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), sunod-sunod kag malapnagon na ang mga pagpamatay sa mga mangunguma, pwersahan kag peke nga pagpasurender, iligal nga pagpang-aresto kag pagpreso sa mga lider kag katapo sang mga organisasyon sang mangunguma kag pagpangbomba sa mga komyunidad.

Ini ang naghatag dalan sa AFP kag PNP para magsabwag sang kahadlok kag kakugmat, kag pagpamatay sa mga mangunguma kag pumuluyo nga nagapangapin sang kinamatarung kag pangabuhian. Ginhublasan sini ang pagkaberdugo nga dagway sang bayaran nga AFP/PNP nga protektor kag nagaserbi nga goons sang nagahari nga sahi sang mga despotiko nga agalon mayduta, dalagko komprador burgesya kag burukrata kapitalista para sa malaparan nga pagpang-agaw sang duta sang mga mangunguma kag tumandok agud himu-on nga plantasyon, proyekto para sa mga dumulu-ong, minahan kag quarry nga kabangdanan sang pagkadislokar sang mga pumuluyo sa mga komyunidad kag pagkaguba sang dunang manggad.

Sa idalum sang gobyerno sang mga nagahari nga sahi nga ginarepresentahan ni Duterte labi nga nalubong sa pyudal kag malapyudal nga pagpanghimulos ang mga mangunguma. Nag-usmod ang kita sang mga mangunguma sang humay dala sang kontra-pumuluyo nga Rice Liberalization Law sa diin nagalab-ot lamang sa Php10-Php14 pesos ang presyo sang kada kilo sang humay nga tuman nga nagpa-antus sa mga mangunguma. Nagbarato man ang presyo sang mais kag iban pa nga produkto sang mga mangunguma. Naglala ang tuman ka nubo ukon limos nga swelduhanay sa mga mamumugon sa uma kag kampo kag padayon nga wala nakaangkon sang benepisyo.

Matapos ginpahayag ni Duterte sadtong Mayo 16, 2019 nga untaton na ang reporma sa duta kag ginpapanaog niya ang Executive Order No. 75 kag DAR Administrative Order No. 1 para sa eksempsyon sang mga pribado nga agrikultural nga duta sa ano man nga reporma sa duta kag labi pa nga pagpadasig sang proseso sang land use conversion, hayagan nga nabuyagyag ang iya pagkakontra-mangunguma kag pagtalikod sa panawagan sang mga mangunguma para sa matuod nga reporma sa duta kag libre nga pagpanagtag sang kadutaan.

Nagapanawagan ang PKM-Negros sa tanan nga mga lider kag katapu sang PKM sa Isla nga itukod ang hugot nga pagpakig-isa sa mas malapad nga masang pigos. Isulong ang rebolusyong agraryo para mawasak ang monopolyo sa duta kag tapuson ang gatos ka tuig na nga pyudal kag malapyupdal nga pagpanghimulos sa mga mangunguma. Kaangay sang mga nag-agi nga rehimen, mapaslaw si Duterte nga wasakon ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa kaumhan bangod sa malapad nga suporta halin sa mga mangunguma kag pumuluyo sa kaumhan nga resulta sang kadalag-an sang rebolusyong agraryo.

Kadungan sa pagsulong sang kontra-pyudal nga paghimakas ang dako nga papel sang hangaway sang mangunguma nga amu ang New People’s Army (NPA) nga nagapanguna nga nagatib-ong sang rebolusyong agraryo kag mga demokratiko nga handum kag interes sang pumuluyo. Dapat organisahon kag pahulagon ang mas madamo pa nga mga mangunguma, mamumugon sa uma, kababainhan kag pamatan-on agud makigbahin sila sa NPA kag sa pagsulong sang demokratiko nga rebolusyon sang banwa. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pasingki-on-ang-kahublagan-mangunguma-sa-bilog-nga-isla-sang-negros-isulong-ang-agraryo-nga-rebolusyon/

Kalinaw News: 53rd Engineer Brigade welcomes new commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 21, 2021): 53rd Engineer Brigade welcomes new commander



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The 53rd Engineer Brigade, Philippine Army, welcomed Colonel Proceso S Rebancos as its new commander in a ceremony on October 20, 2021, at Camp Lapu-lapu, Cebu City.

Lieutenant General Andres C Centino, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), presided over the Change of Command Ceremony as incoming commander Colonel Rebancos assumed the position from Brigadier General Gerardo P Catindoy.

Colonel Rebancos is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bantay-Laya” Class of 1994. He served as the Army Chief of Engineers before his new post. He also held various key positions from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics of the 4th Infantry Division and the 51st and 52nd Engineer Brigades. Colonel Rebancos also possesses a background in Civil Engineering, Management Engineering, and Public Management Major in Development and Security.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Catindoy has led the Visayas Builders since March 2020. He led the implementation of the first three tranches of the PAMANA projects in Panay and Negros Islands and accelerated the inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in the Visayas Region. He also supported the National Task Force-ELCAC through the Project Partnership Agreement scheme with the Local Government Units that resulted in the completion of 129 Engineer Civic Action and 122 various Base Support System and Development projects. He also prioritized the brigade’s capability development and the personnel’s morale and welfare.

Brigadier General Catindoy graduated from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Officer Candidate School in 1989 and finished a Master of Engineering Science from the University of New South Wales in Australia.

The CGPA congratulated both Brigadier General Catindoy and Col. Rebancos for their new designations.

He also urged the personnel of the 53rd Engineer Brigade to support their new commander in accomplishing the Army’s thrusts.

“I urged you to continue to pursue excellence and determination in all you do as public servants. You have a big role to perform here in the Visayas to uplift the well-being of the people,” remarked Lt. Gen. Centino.
“As one Team Army, we shall work together. And in doing so, we must ‘sustain excellence amidst challenges’ and instill among ourselves the ‘culture of discipline’ to realize our vision as a world-class Army that is a source of national pride,” he added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/53rd-engineer-brigade-welcomes-new-commander/

Kalinaw News: CTG-cleared barangays in Cagayan receive 20 million pesos each

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 21, 2021): CTG-cleared barangays in Cagayan receive 20 million pesos each



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Six barangays in the province of Cagayan received 20 million pesos each under the Support to Barangay Development Program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on October 18, 2021.

Barangays Apayao and Villa Reyno in the municipality of Piat; Anurtutu, Liuan, and Minanga in Rizal town; and Balanni in Sto. Nino are the first beneficiaries in Cagayan Province of the said program for the infrastructure projects in their barangay. All projects are identified by the locals based on their primary needs. It includes farm-to-market roads, health stations, school buildings, water systems, solar dryers, livelihood projects and additional electric posts among others.

The said barangays were cleared from the Communist Terrorists’ influence and they sustained being free from any affiliation with the said group.

Lt Col Angelo Saguiguit, Commanding Officer of 17th Infantry Battalion said that this is part of the government’s effort to resolve the issues raised in the community. “The government endeavors to help its citizens specially those in far flung barangays. Let us all stay united against insurgents to keep developments flow in our community.”

BGen Steve D Crespillo, Brigade Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade urged the remaining barangays in the CTG infested areas to also support the government’s call to end local communist armed conflict in order to attain progress and development.

Meanwhile, MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said that the locals have created their own peaceful and progressive community by deciding to abandon the CTGs. “This is the government’s response to address the concerns of its people. The ultimate goal is to lift every community to progress and that no Filipino will be left behind.”

[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/ctg-cleared-barangays-in-cagayan-receive-20-million-pesos-each/

Kalinaw News: Northern Negros Peace and Environment Volunteers Take Oath

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 21, 2021): Northern Negros Peace and Environment Volunteers Take Oath



SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental — At least 200 volunteers from 1st, 2nd and 3rd District of Negros Occidental took their oath as Peace and Environment Volunteers in separate activities held on October 18-19 2021.

The activity kicked off in the 1st District of Negros Occidental where volunteers from the cities of San Carlos and Escalante and the Municipalities of Calatrava, Toboso and Don Salvador Benedicto and volunteers from the 2nd District coming from the municipality of Manapla and Cities of Sagay and Cadiz took their oath before Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson on October 18, 2021 at San Carlos City Auditorium for 1st District and Balay Kauswagan, Sagay City in 2nd District, respectively.

The same activity was also conducted in the 3rd District comprising volunteers from the cities of Silay, Talisay, Victorias, and municipalities of EB Magalona and Murcia which attended by their respective Local Chief Executives on October 19, 2021 at Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center, Silay City.

Provincial Administrator’s Office staff and Forester Diana Therese Samson said that the program is in line with Abante Negrense Development Agenda through the Provincial Integrated Water Security Program and cited that the volunteers will receive monthly incentives amounting to PhP1,500 funded by the Provincial Government.

The program is also supported by the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade and 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion 3ID, Philippine Army in line with its community-based approach to monitor illegal logging and deforestation activities especially in the vicinity of the Northern Negros Natural Park and the presence of the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterland. Through this program the local residents are involved and empowered. With their involvement, the program is made more sustainable, efficient and effective.

Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, Commanding Officer of 79IB said that it is important to recognize the efforts and “spirit of volunteerism” among these individuals as they play an important role in our desire to end the local communist armed conflict in Northern Negros but more importantly for protection and preservation of the Northern Negros Natural Park and Protected Areas. More importantly, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Provincial Government of Northern Negros for the support and approval of the said program.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson also expressed his support to the program and thanked the volunteers. He said that the program is in line with the restoration and protection of the remaining forest cover which will ensure that our watersheds are safeguarded and will produce steady supply of water for the people of Negros.

Also present during the Oath Taking of volunteers were 303IBde Commander Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte; Chiefs of Police of the Local Police Stations; Representatives from 1st, 2nd and 3rd Districts; officials from the Provincial Government and agencies; and Local Chief Executives from the Cities and Municipalities of Negros Occidental, among others.

[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/northern-negros-peace-and-environment-volunteers-take-oath/

Philippines protests China’s challenges vs West PH sea patrols

From Rappler (Oct 20, 2021): Philippines protests China’s challenges vs West PH sea patrols (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

The Department of Foreign Affairs says Chinese government vessels issued over 200 radio challenges, sounded sirens, and blared its horns against Philippine patrols

The Philippines has lodged a new diplomatic protest against China, after Beijing’s government vessels issued a series of unlawful challenges against Philippine authorities who were conducting patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) made the announcement on Wednesday night, October 20, saying Chinese government vessels had carried out over 200 radio challenges, sounded sirens, and blared horns against Philippine vessels.

Patrols done by the Philippines in its own territory were “legitimate, customary, and routine,” it added, warning China’s “provocative acts threaten the peace, good order, and security of the South China Sea.

It was not immediately clear when challenges carried out by Chinese vessels took place. The DFA did not disclose details on the incident. Rappler will update this story with more information.

The protest announced on Wednesday came just weeks after Philippine Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. ordered the filing of three protests against China over infractions that included radio challenges, the restriction of Filipino fishermen from fishing in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), and the continued presence of Chinese ships in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef, some 125 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan.

The Philippines has recently increased its routine patrols in the South China Sea, sending ships out to several maritime features in the country's waters more frequently in past months, according to tracking done by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (AMTI CSIS) in the United States.

But these pale in comparison to “China’s near-permanent coast guard and militia presence throughout the South China Sea,” AMTI CSIS said. Unlike China, the Philippines has limited numbers of vessels that could regularly patrol the country’s waters, including the West Philippine Sea.

Alongside this, the DFA has continued to protest China’s infractions in the West Philippine Sea, with at least 160 other protests filed under the Duterte administration, 143 of which were lodged since 2018, under Locsin’s post.

The series of Chinese violations aired on Wednesday are the latest to be publicly called out by the Philippines after tensions in the West Philippine Sea flared earlier this year, following the “incessant, illegal, prolonged, and increasing” presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels in several features in the West Philippine Sea.

MUST READ
Duterte and the West Philippine Sea: A strategy of failed compromises

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, has largely chosen to continue downplaying China’s aggressive behavior in Philippine waters in favor or fostering warmer ties with Beijing.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-protests-china-challenges-vs-west-ph-sea-patrols-october-20-2021

Pulis, Marines sumailalim sa special operations platoon training sa Sofronio Española

From Palawan News (Oct 21, 2021): Pulis, Marines sumailalim sa special operations platoon training sa Sofronio Española (By Ruil Alabi)

Photo from AIM High Facebook account.

May kabuuang 30 sundalo mula sa Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4) at anim na miyembro ng 1st Palawan Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PPMFC) ng pambansang pulisya ang sumailalim sa isang Special Operations Platoon (SOP) training na isinagawa sa Camp Daypo, sa Barangay Abo-abo, bayan ng Sofronio Española, at nagtapos noong October 13.

Sa nasabing pagsasanay na nagsimula noong August 17 at tumagal ng 57 araw, sumailalim ang grupo sa dalawang stage ng training na kinabilangan ng individual toughening phase kung saan, pinapalakas ang kanilang pisikal na pangangatawan upang makayanan ang tindi ng mga pagsasanay, at ang special operations phase kung nilinang at hinubog ang mga trainees sa iba’t ibang kakayahan pagdating sa tactical combat at reconnaissance patrol.

Ayon kay Maj. Glenn Llorito, commanding officer ng MBLT-4, mahalaga ang pagsasanay na ito upang magampanan ng trainees ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin sa komunidad at upang magkaroon ng kahandaan at disiplina sa sarili sa pagharap sa mga sakuna.

“Ang SOP Training ay napakaimportante upang paghusayin ang ating warfighting skills upang tayo’y laging handa anumang oras sa digmaan man o sakuna,” pahayag ni Llorito sa isang press release na inilabas ng MBLT-4 noong October 16.
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“Sa ating mga kasamahan sa pambansang pulisya, ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyong pagtugon sa aming imbitasyon sa pagsasanay na ito. This is truly a sign of unity in promoting jointness when it comes to operations and strengthening camaraderie, while focusing towards the same objectives,” dagdag niya.

Samantala, ang 36 SOP trainees ay kabilang sa mga tumulong sa mga mamamayan na naging biktima ng pagbaha noong nagdaang bagyong Maring sa ilang bahagi ng lalawigan ng Palawan.

“Ito ay isang patunay na ang inyong mga marines at pulisya ay laging handa upang tumulong at magbigay serbisyo sa mga mamamayan,” ani Llorito.

https://palawan-news.com/pulis-marines-sumailalim-sa-special-operations-platoon-training-sa-sofronio-espanola/

Marines apprehend 3 NPA fighters, including pregnant 14-year-old in Roxas town

From Palawan News (Oct 21, 2021): Marines apprehend 3 NPA fighters, including pregnant 14-year-old in Roxas town (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

Major Ryan Lacuesta, commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3, inspects the items seized from the three NPA rebels. (Photo by Philippine Marine Corps)

Troops from the Philippine Marines apprehended three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) last week in Sitio Karatong, Barangay Tinitian in Roxas town, including two minors, one of them a pregnant 14-year-old.

A statement released by the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) said they were apprehended while their troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) under Maj. Ryan Lacuesta were conducting focused military operations (FMO) in Tinitian on October 13.

According to the Marines, their capture was more of a rescue since two of them were minors, a 16-year-old and her sibling who is pregnant with the child of an NPA comrade.

The three apprehended NPA members, two of them are females who are minors. (Photo by Philippine Marine Corps)

An M14 rifle, an improvised shotgun, anti-personnel mine components, communication devices, various ammo, and subversive materials with “high intelligence value” were among the items seized from the three rebels.

Prior to their capture, the Marines alleged that their troops in Palawan had received information from locals that a group of rebels had been recruiting and extorting money.

Government troops, who are constantly conducting Community Support Programs (CSPs) in the northern part of Palawan under the operational authority of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde), immediately searched the area and took action in response to the community’s concern.

“My troops sighted numerous huts and they tactically moved towards their direction, the apprehended personalities were sleeping soundly and our Marines surprise them without firing a single shot,” the statement quoted Col. Jimmy Larida, commander of the 3MBde, in saying.

“Ipinapaabot ko ang aking pasasalamat sa komunidad dahil napakaagap ng kanilang pagbibigay ng impormasyon sa atin. Lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na ang laban natin sa teroristang NPA ay hindi lamang laban ng militar at ng nasa gobyerno kundi laban din nila. Alam kong hirap na rin sila sa panghihingi at pananakot ng NPA kaya’t ituro [na] lamang nila at kami na ang gagawa ng paraang hulihin sila,” he added.

Larida further said they are thankful that no encounter transpired because they were able to save the two minors.

“Nakakagulat pa dahil ang isa sa dalawang menor-de-edad na ito ay buntis. Dito makikita natin na walang respeto ang NPA. Dito makikita natin na hindi lamang ang kinabukasan ng bata ang sinira nila kundi ang dignidad nito,” he said.

https://palawan-news.com/marines-apprehend-3-npa-fighters-including-pregnant-14-year-old-in-roxas-town/

NPA explosives, ammos seized in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): NPA explosives, ammos seized in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Hundreds of explosives and live ammunition owned by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were recovered by the personnel of Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) on Wednesday in the hinterlands of Km. 18, Barangay Segunda, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

In a phone interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. Darwin Yu, the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit of ADSPPO, said the recovery of the explosives and ammunition was the result of intelligence work and the support of residents in the area.

“A confidential informant provided the tip saying that cache of explosives and ammunition were concealed by the NPA rebels in the area. Residents also provided support information on the intelligence report that resulted in the recovery of the war materials of the NPA rebels,” Yu said.

When the exact location of the war materiel was positively pinpointed on Wednesday, ADSPPO Director Col. Ruben Delos Santos immediately launched an operation that involved the personnel from the First and Second Mobile Force and the Intelligence Unit of ADSPPO, he said.

Recovered from the area were 111 pieces of Nitro EM 1000g Metro Explosive Emulsion Dynamites, two anti-personnel mines, an 80-meter firing wire, nine pieces of blasting caps, 484 pieces of 5.56 live ammunition for the M16 rifle, 15 pieces of 7.62 live ammunition for AK-47 rifle, and one Garand rifle.

The government forces also recovered various medical supplies, books, and an NPA flag.

“The seizure of these explosives and ammunition will weaken the capability of the NPA rebels in the area to sow terror in communities. The insurgents will utilize these explosives against government forces and civilians, especially the businessmen and contractors who would refuse from their extortion demands,” Yu said.

He added that the recovered war materiel belonged to the Sub-Regional Committee 3, Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

In a separate statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Delos Santos commended the ADSPPO personnel for the success of the operation and the recovery of the explosives and ammunition.

He added that the ADSPPO will continue to perform its mandate and work with the other stakeholders and communities to end the local communist armed conflict in Agusan del Sur.

The Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA, and the National Democratic Front as terrorist groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157313

Gov't sincerity prompts surrender of NPA couple in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): Gov't sincerity prompts surrender of NPA couple in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW LIFE. An NPA couple, identified only through their aliases “Amad/Saijie”, 34 (left), and “Nam/Xian”, 33, of the New People’s Army’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, have finally abandoned their communist ideology and yielded to the Agusan del Sur Police on Wednesday (Oct. 20, 2021). The couple decided to renew their lives after seeing the government’s sincerity in providing opportunities to former rebels. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)

After years of involvement in different terroristic activities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), a couple finally surrendered to police authorities in Agusan del Sur to renew their lives.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga), commended the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) for its efforts to reach out to the NPA couple that led to their surrender.

“The intelligence operatives of ADSPPO had been in constant negotiation with the two for a month until they both decided to finally lay down their arm(s) and surrender to the government,” he said.

The couple formally turned themselves in to the provincial police on Wednesday afternoon.

Caramat identified the NPA couple through their aliases “Amad/Saijie”, 34, and “Nam/Xian”, 33, who belonged to the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

The couple also handed over to authorities an M-16 rifle during their surrender.

Amad is the leader of Squad 1 of Sentro De Grabidad Compaq of the NCMRC while Nam is the former secretary and political officer of the Guerilla Front 4A (GF-4A), Sub Regional Command 3 (SRC-3) of the NCMRC.

“Amad has been in the communist movement from 2004 until June 2021, while Nam served as top leader of GF-41, SRC-3 from 2015 until 2018,” Caramat said.

The GF-4A is now considered a dismantled front after its top leaders and about 15 other guerrillas were killed in an encounter with government troops in the boundary of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental in May 2020.

Several months after the encounter, the underground support groups of GF-4A in remote villages of the two provinces also cut their ties with the NPA and pledged allegiance to the government.

“The couple disclosed that they have seen the sincerity in the efforts of the police and the government in helping those who have been deceived by the terrorist group to start anew and be reintegrated with the mainstream society,” Caramat said.

In the same statement, he urged the remaining NPA rebels in the Caraga region to surrender peacefully and avail of the livelihood support being offered by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP is a government program targeting to help the rebel members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA - National Democratic Front (NDF) restore their wasted lives fighting for a futile cause and become productive citizens of their community again.

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157366

PH Navy to virtually host 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): PH Navy to virtually host 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Navy (PN) will host the 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic from October 26 to 27.

This year's iteration of the WPNS' theme is "Effective Ocean Governance for Regional Partnership and Stability".

"20 WPNS members and eight WPNS observers represented by their chiefs of navies or designated representatives from countries within and bordering the Pacific Region will converge to discuss and address naval matters of mutual concern, with PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Adeluis Bordado, as the chair of the entire proceedings," Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement on Wednesday night.

The WPNS is a series of biennial meetings of the Pacific nations held on even-numbered years.

The Philippines was supposed to host the event in May last year but it was put on hold due to the pandemic.

"The PN's hosting of this international symposium demonstrates its commitment to peace and diplomatic measures that strengthen relationships with neighboring and other countries. Promoting a peaceful Western Pacific paves the way for the equitable and just use of our oceans, thereby propelling sustainable and inclusive development," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157310

'Super Tucano' aircraft fleet now in Sangley airbase

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): 'Super Tucano' aircraft fleet now in Sangley airbase (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force 15th Strike Wing

The Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s fleet of newly-acquired Embraer A-29B "Super Tucano" aircraft officially transferred to its new home at the Major Danilo Atienza Air Base (MDAAB) in Sangley Point, Cavite City on Wednesday.

"The fleet of A-29B ST (Super Tucano) commanded by Maj. Jonathan C. Barawed, Squadron Commander, 16th Attack Squadron, took off from Clark Air Base and performed formation low pass before making their first landing at MDAAB. After landing, the aircraft were rendered the traditional water cannon salute and were blessed by Maj. Edison M. Lotilla, CHS (Chaplain Service). It was followed by the ceremonial champagne pouring to mark both the joy and sanctity of the occasion," the PAF's 15th Strike Wing said in a Facebook post on Wednesday night.

It added that 15th Strike Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Aristotle D. Gonzalez, and other ranking officials of the unit, welcomed the pilots and the five A-29B aircraft.

“This very significant event culminates years of hard work and a realization of a dream for the 15th Strike Wing to acquire a modern and more capable fixed-wing platform that will continue to enable the AFP to deliver the much-needed firepower against all forms of enemies who intend to distort peace in our country," Gonzalez said.

Four of the A-29B close-support attack aircraft arrived in the country on Sept. 19, 2020, while the remaining two arrived on October 1 of the same year.

One of the aircraft is still undergoing repairs following a mishap in July this year.

Embraer pilots flew the aircraft from the company airfield in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and made fueling stops in the Canary Islands, Portugal, Malta, Egypt, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, and Vietnam before landing in the Philippines.

The A-29B aircraft were earlier scheduled to be delivered by the end of July last year but the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent travel bans skewed the delivery timetables.

The "Super Tucano" is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter-insurgency, close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments, as well as providing pilot training.

The contract for the aircraft is worth PHP4.97 billion and was issued in late 2017.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157322

Remain non-partisan in polls, Army reminds troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): Remain non-partisan in polls, Army reminds troops (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday reminded all of its officers and enlisted personnel to remain non-partisan in the conduct of next year's national and local elections.

In a media interview, PA spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad said this means Army troops cannot join any activity that can be considered political in nature.

Trinidad also said this "guidance" came straight from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"It only means that the PA will always be fair and (ready to) secure everybody if needed and not to join in any activity that can be considered political in nature," he added.

He said the directive emphasized that Army personnel should maintain its discipline and professionalism.

"This guidance (serve) as a constant reminder for our personnel, for the Armed Forces and actually for the security forces to remain non-partisan (with the elections coming near), the marching orders of our commanding general (Lt. Gen. Andres Centino) is to (maintain our) professionalism and discipline among the ranks so these things should be avoided, encouraged to be non-partisan," Trinidad added.

He added that PA personnel found violating this order can be charged.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157352

Exercises vital in boosting troops' competencies: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21, 2021): Exercises vital in boosting troops' competencies: AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

'DAGIT-PA' EXERCISE. AFP chief of staff, Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. (2nd from left) leads the official opening of the annual AFP Joint Exercise "Dagat-Langit-Lupa (AJEX DAGIT-PA) at the Visayas Command Headquarters in Cebu City on Thursday (Oct. 21, 2021). Around 1,533 active personnel and 71 reservists will participate in drills that will focus on territorial defense, internal security, and cyber defense operations. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

It is only through exercises like the annual "DAGIT-PA" that Filipino troops' warfighting competencies can be guaranteed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. said on Thursday.

“Continuous military education and training are indispensable to the AFP. It is through the conduct of training exercises such as AJEX DAGIT-PA (AFP Joint Exercise "Dagat-Langit-Lupa) that we can truly guarantee our troops’ competencies and capabilities are enhanced and optimized in order for them to promptly respond to a wide spectrum of combat and non-combat requirements,” Faustino said during the opening of the exercises at the Visayas Command Headquarters in Cebu City.

"DAGIT-PA" refers to the annual unilateral maneuver that seeks to further enhance its land, air, and maritime assets in joint interoperability operations.

Faustino was joined by Visayas Command head, Maj. Gen. Robert Dauz, and AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command deputy commander, Commodore Reginald B. Rapanan.

Senior officers from the different participating units joined in the blended opening ceremony through teleconferencing.

“AJEX DAGIT-PA integrates our Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Special Operations Forces including the Reserve Force to elevate our operational effectiveness and propel forward our skills and competencies across all mission areas,” Rapanan said.

Most of this year’s training activities will be held from November 4 to 18 in the areas of Visayas Command, and the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Among major events are air detection and interception, live-fire exercise, urban, maritime amphibious operations, and cyber defense exercise.

Around 1,533 active personnel and 71 reservists will participate in drills that will focus on territorial defense, internal security, and cyber defense operations.

Joining the events are Philippine Army’s light armored vehicles, and howitzers; the Navy’s frigate, patrol ship, landing dock, naval helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft; the Air Forces’ FA-50PH, SF-260, Hermes 900, and Black Hawk choppers; and Marines’ amphibious assault vehicles, and M-35 and KM-450 trucks.

All face-to-face activities during AJEX DAGIT-PA will be carried out with strict adherence to health protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Participants will undergo testing and shall be authorized by medical professionals before the start of the training.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157362