Washington urged to unmask supporters of CPP-NPA in the U.S.

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 28, 2921): Washington urged to unmask supporters of CPP-NPA in the U.S.

FILIPINO-AMERICANS in New York staged a lighting rally and urged American authorities to investigate U.S.-based supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) for terrorist financing, recruitment, and other illegal activities.

Chanting anti-communist slogans and carrying Philippine flags and other banners, members of the Filipino-Americans Against Crime and Terrorism (FACT) marched Sunday evening along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, Queens, where they distributed leaflets denouncing the CPP-NPA and their supporters in the U.S. The rally coincided with the CPP’s 53rd founding anniversary.

“U.S. authorities should investigate CPP-NPA leaders, members, and supporters in the U.S. for terrorist financing, recruitment, and other illegal activities given the fact that the Department of State has designated it a terrorist organization as early as 2002,” FACT said in a statement.

“US authorities should impose additional sanctions on the CPP-NPA for crimes committed not just against Filipinos but also against Americans in the past 50 years. For those who are not aware, the CPP-NPA was responsible for the deaths of thousands, including a number of U.S. citizens, among them Vietnam War hero Col. James Rowe and several other American service members on duty in the Philippines,” it added.

Rowe was gunned down in Manila on April 21, 1989 by communist rebels Donato Continente and Juanito Itaas. Continente, who was captured and detained, was freed from prison in June 2005 after serving 14 years, and Itaas was ordered released just this month after 32 years in jail.

FACT also questioned the introduction of a bill in the U.S. Congress entitled the Philippine Human Rights Act (PHRA), which seeks to suspend U.S. military assistance to the Philippines because of alleged human rights violations.

The proposed legislation, according to the FACT, would benefit neither the Philippines nor the United States. “It is unfortunate that supporters of the CPP-NPA here in the U.S. were able to convince American legislators into supporting the PHRA by making them believe the Philippine government is on a rampage and is responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women, and children,” the group said.

“These groups conveniently failed to mention the horrendous atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA against the Filipino people—civilians accused of various crimes and who were later summarily executed in the name of “revolutionary justice,” it added.

The group called on the members of the Filipino community in the U.S. to let their representatives in Congress know their opposition to the PHRA “because the bill will benefit only those who have vowed to subvert the interests of both the Philippines and the United States and the Filipino and American peoples.”

“Instead of punishing the Filipino people by depriving their government of the security assistance needed to protect them against CPP-NPA atrocities, US authorities should assist Philippine authorities in defeating the communist insurgency the same way they are assisting in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf and other Islamist terrorist groups,” it added.

FACT said instead of suspending military assistance, U.S. authorities should provide technical and other assistance to help build the capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in protecting the Filipino people from drug syndicates and other criminal organizations while at the same time helping improve their human rights records.

It also urged the members of the Filipino community to be wary of CPP-NPA efforts to deceive them and their families, especially the youth, into supporting their self-serving goal of overthrowing the Philippine government and installing in its place a communist regime.

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

 
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/12/washington-urged-to-unmask-supporters.html

WW2 corvette to serve as command post in Dinagat relief ops: Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): WW2 corvette to serve as command post in Dinagat relief ops: Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy (PN) will be using the recently decommissioned World War II-era corvette, BRP Magat Salamat (PS-20), as a temporary command post for the duration of the relief operations in Dinagat Islands which was severely devastated by Typhoon Odette.

In a statement Monday night, PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said the ship will also be serving as a "mother-ship" for smaller naval craft now helping in the relief efforts.

"As a floating command post, PS-20 will once again play a critical role as a jumping-off point for various humanitarian assistance and disaster response units and other relief efforts for the people of Dinagat Island(s). She will act as a 'mother-ship' for smaller PN boats and crafts that are operating in the area," he added.

Negranza said the former BRP Magat Salamat will set sail again with a volunteer force composed mainly of its last crew.

The BRP Magat Salamat, along with BRP Miguel Malvar, was formally retired last December 10.

Both ships served the PN for 44 years. BRP Magat Salamat was acquired by the Philippine Navy in April 1976 and was originally commissioned in the US Navy as USS Gayety (AM-239) in 1945.

"Efforts are now underway to prepare for her relief voyage and to consolidate much-needed relief items for the people of Dinagat Island(s)," he added.

Aside from the humanitarian aid-focused vessels assembled by the PN and deployed in the areas devastated by the recent calamity, Negranza said the Navy intends to exhaust all available resources to assist other government agencies and partner stakeholders in providing relief and assistance to typhoon-stricken Filipinos.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163878

Mobile kitchens, AFP transport assets used in 'Odette' response (By Priam Nepomuceno)

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): Mobile kitchens, AFP transport assets used in 'Odette' response (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

The deployment of mobile kitchens is among the efforts of the military in helping those affected by the recent calamity aside from using its sea, air, and land transportation assets for the ongoing relief efforts.

This, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed its mobile kitchen to feed communities in Cebu City severely affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

"Through the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, OJ4; AFP Visayas Command; 14th Civil Military Operations Battalion, and the 3rd Civil Relations Group, the AFP Mobile Kitchen aims to serve three barangays in Cebu City until 29 December," said AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Jorry Baclor, in a statement Monday night.

On Christmas Day, the mobile kitchen served three hot meals each for around 1,000 residents of four sitios in Barangay San Roque.

On December 27, it moved to Barangay Ermita and Pasil where it also served an additional 3,000 meals for 1,000 residents.

"It is scheduled to park at Barangay Tejero on December 29 and is expected to continue operating in Cebu City until December 31," Baclor said.

Speaking to President Rodrigo Duterte during his pre-recorded address to the nation Monday night, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expounded on the role of the AFP in the government's relief efforts for "Odette" battered provinces.

He said total air assets deployed for this effort numbered 35 aircraft which have so far conducted 147 sorties.

"Total weight of transported goods and equipment is 202,405 pounds; number of stranded tourists evacuated from Siargao to Manila is more than 300," Lorenzana added.

As for naval vessels, 15 ships have been deployed so far and the total weight of items transported is around 1,400 tons.

"Other updates, the Armed Forces conducted Rapid Damage Assessment through the concerned Unified Commands. They will also participate in the post damage assessment later on, Mr. President," he added.

Aside from transport assets, the military also deployed personnel to help in the clearing and rehabilitation operations in the devastated communities

"There’s a Marine Amphibious Ready Unit deployed for clearing operations in Cebu City. And the AFP also deployed a mobile kitchen in Cebu. And there is a carpentry team --- AFP Carpentry Team in Southern Leyte to help reconstruct destroyed houses and other facilities," Lorenzana said.

Aside from this, the AFP also provided medical assistance to the devastated communities like the BRP Ang Pangulo which was repurposed into a hospital and deployed in Siargao.

Lorenzana also said the nine Philippine-owned features in the Kalayaan Island Group were given their Christmas food and everything to celebrate the holidays via naval helicopter which was onboard a Navy ship.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163879

DND, SoKor shipbuilder ink deal for 2 new corvettes

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 29, 2021): DND, SoKor shipbuilder ink deal for 2 new corvettes (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SIGNED. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (center) shows the copy of the signed contract with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries in a virtual ceremony at the DND main office in Quezon City on Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2021). The contract is for the acquisition of two brand-new missile corvettes worth PHP28 billion for the Philippine Navy. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday signed the PHP28-billion contract with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the acquisition of two brand-new corvettes for the Philippine Navy, which are capable of conducting anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and HHI representative Ka Sam Hyun signed the deal in a virtual ceremony which was also attended by Minister Kang Eun-ho, head of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and HHI president and chief executive officer Chung Ki-Sun.

Other ranking DND, HHI, and officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including chief-of-staff, Gen. Andres Centino and Navy chief Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado also witnessed the event.

Lorenzana, in his speech, said they are very pleased that they are able to meet their target of having the PN Corvette Lot 1 Acquisition Project contract signed before the end of 2021 despite the delays caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"We are finally signing the contract, the last phase of the procurement process. For a total approved budget of PHP28 billion, this project will give the PN two modern corvettes that are capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-air warfare missions," he added.

Lorenzana said acquiring the two corvettes from HHI, where the two Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigates, will ensure commonality and interoperability.

The two ships will also serve as backstops for the two frigates now in commission with the PN.

"With a common shipbuilder for all our naval platforms, we expect ease of maintenance and repairs," the DND chief added.

Lorenzana also said he is commending HHI for being an active and reliable partner in the modernization program of the PN.

"Like the two frigates which were built in record time, we expect this acquisition project will likewise run smoothly," he added.

The Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the 15 percent advance payment for the PN's Corvette Acquisition Program (CAP) was released by the Department of Budget and Management last December 10.

The SARO worth PHP3.75 billion is intended to "cover the funding requirements for the 15 percent advance payment for the CAP of the PN under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program."

"They are smaller than the (two Jose Rizal-class frigates) but will also be sufficiently armed," Lorenzana said when asked for a description of the ships.

The two Jose Rizal-class frigates measure 107 meters and weigh around 2,600 tons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163890

Contracts for Black Hawk choppers, OPVs possibly out by January

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 29, 2021): Contracts for Black Hawk choppers, OPVs possibly out by January (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed hope that the contracts for the additional 32 Polish-made S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) will be finalized and signed by January.

"Those (Black Hawks and OPVs) could be the last two contracts to be signed next month," Lorenzana said when asked if there will be other major modernization contracts signed, shortly after the signing of the PHP28 billion contract for two missile corvettes with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on Tuesday.

Lorenzana earlier said the government has allocated a total of PHP62 billion for the acquisition of 32 "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters for the Air Force and six OPVs for the Philippine Navy.

"Newly approved funding for capital assets acquisition: 32 units 'Black Hawk' helicopters - PHP32 billion and six units of OPV - PHP30 billion," he added.

Asked where the country intends to acquire the additional helicopters and OPVs, Lorenzana replied, "OPV with Austal (the Australian defense manufacturer and shipbuilder) and 'Black Hawk' from PZL Mielec, Poland."

He, however, clarified that there is still no contract issued for these assets as it is “still under negotiation.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on December 27 released two Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) to cover the initial funding requirements of the "Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System Acquisition Project of the Philippine Navy under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program."

The first SARO is worth PHP1.3 billion while the second is worth PHP1.535 billion.

Earlier reports said the medium-range ramjet supersonic BrahMos cruise missile system is being eyed for this project.

The BrahMos cruise missile can be launched from a ship, aircraft, submarine, or land and has a top of Mach 3 and is capable of carrying warheads weighing 200 kg. to 300 kg.

The acquisition of a land-based missile system is under Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, which is slated for 2018 to 2022 and geared for the acquisition of equipment for external defense. It has a budget of PHP300 billion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163977

PAF transports 2.2K tons of relief goods to 'Odette'-hit areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 29, 2021): PAF transports 2.2K tons of relief goods to 'Odette'-hit areas (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AID ON THE WAY. Relief goods are loaded on a C-295 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force bound for Siargao in this undated photo. The Philippine Air Force said Tuesday (Dec. 28, 2021) it has transported 2,275 tons of relief goods for typhoon victims in various parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has transported 2,275 tons of relief goods to areas affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

"As of today, the PAF transported a total of 2,275 tons of relief goods, such as rice, water, canned goods, and toiletries, as well as generator sets and water tanks," PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano said in a statement Tuesday night.

The PAF also ferried 99 "locally stranded individuals" from Siargao to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on December 28 alone, he added.

"Meanwhile, personnel from the 355th Aviation Engineer Wing, along with several heavy equipment, were deployed from Basa Air Base to Mactan, Cebu to assist in the planning for recovery and rehabilitation of the typhoon-stricken areas," Mariano said.

On Christmas Day, PAF aircraft transported relief goods to Siargao, Surigao, Bohol, and Mactan, Cebu from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

The PAF's C-295, Fokker F-27, and NC-212i transport aircraft were used to bring 246 sacks of rice, five boxes of sardines, and 90 boxes of water, which will be distributed to those affected by “Odette”.

Two S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters also delivered relief goods, 60 sacks of rice, and 30 sacks of assorted goods and medicine to Cagayancillo Island, Palawan.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army's (PA) humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations continue in areas and communities ravaged by the typhoon.

Different PA units have intensified their HADR operations and participated in the rehabilitation efforts in Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, and other provinces in the Visayas devastated by the typhoon, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night.

"The Army Reserve Command and other engineer battalions committed to the road-clearing operations in collaboration with the local government units of the affected areas to ensure the speedy transport of relief supplies for the affected residents," he added.

Meanwhile, troops of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) and 65th Infantry Battalion under the 4th Infantry Division supported the government's relief operation in Barangay Cuarenta, San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

The 30th Infantry Battalion also provided transportation assistance to the stranded individuals going to the Port of Dapa and airport in Del Carmen, Siargao Islands.

Other PA units in Eastern Visayas, northern and eastern Mindanao have been assisting the local government agencies in their disaster response efforts.

Army units not directly affected by "Odette" are focused on facilitating the donations of relief goods from private companies and individuals.

The 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th Infantry Divisions partnered with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) to facilitate consolidations and distributions of relief goods from stakeholders.

These divisions also pursued donation drives as they opened their lines for willing donors. Army units also joined hands with other major services of the Armed Forces in transporting and distributing relief goods to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, PA Chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. acknowledged the troops' efforts in helping “Odette”-affected citizens.

He directed all units to comply with President Rodrigo Duterte's directive to use available resources to support the affected residents to return to their normal lives.

"To our soldiers, once again, the Filipino people need our services, especially during this trying time. Let us give them a little comfort by doing our best in continuing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. To our fellow Filipinos in affected areas, do not lose hope. Rest assured that we will stand with you during these challenges. Together, we will rebuild communities," Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163975

US announces add'l P950-M 'Odette' aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 29, 2021): US announces add'l P950-M 'Odette' aid (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

File photo

The United States government on Wednesday announced an additional USD19 million (approximately PHP950 million) in humanitarian aid to help communities affected by Typhoon Odette, bringing its total assistance to the Philippines to more than PHP1 billion.

“The United States is pleased to announce additional and significant assistance of PHP950 million, which brings our total amount of aid for Typhoon Odette to over PHP1 billion. We stand steadfast with our long-standing friend, partner, and ally in helping support communities devastated by the typhoon,” US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava said in a statement.

Through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the additional aid will provide food, water, hygiene supplies, and shelter assistance to the affected population.

The new funding is in addition to the PHP50 million Washington DC announced earlier to support emergency logistics efforts to ensure aid is delivered to those in hard-to-reach areas.

The US Embassy in Manila said it also builds on the PHP10 million assistance that the USAID provided immediately after the storm for food, water, and hygiene supplies, as well as to restore water supply services and sanitation facilities, and support hygiene promotion activities.

Variava, meanwhile, is expected to visit communities affected by “Odette” and see ongoing US relief activities.

“Odette” made landfall on December 16, bringing in destructive winds and torrential rains. The latest government data showed that more than 4.3 million people were affected across 11 regions in 6,115 barangays, with a total of 397 reported casualties and 1,147 injured.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 561,000 people have also been displaced with 305,229 people taking shelter in evacuation centers.

The embassy said Washington DC would continue to partner with the Philippines to respond to natural disasters and support Filipinos in their recovery efforts.

Through existing programs, the USAID’s partners are transporting relief supplies, including food provided by the Philippine government to feed nearly 103,000 families.

USAID partners are also helping manage evacuation shelters, deploy mobile operations vehicles to support emergency telecommunications, and provide heavy-duty plastic sheeting to meet the shelter needs of 4,800 families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163983

9 NPA rebels surrender in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): 9 NPA rebels surrender in Sorsogon (By Connie Calipay)

NEW LIVES. Nine New People's Army rebels abandon the armed struggle in Sorsogon province on Sunday (Dec. 26, 2021). They also surrendered two firearms and an anti-personnel mine. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

The continuous mass surrender of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the Bicol Region fans the flame of hope of peace-loving communities that communist insurgency will soon meet its total downfall.

On Tuesday, Maj. John Paul Belleza, Army's 9th Infantry Division spokesperson, confirmed that nine NPA rebels surrendered over the weekend to government troops in Sorsogon province.

They turned over two low-powered firearms, an anti-personnel mine, a printer, and propaganda materials.

Col. Aldwine Almase, commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, assured the former rebels (FRs) of the government's help now that they have returned to the fold of the law and decided to embrace peaceful lives with their families.

"Tuloy-tuloy na ang kanilang pagbabagong buhay at tayo ay mananatiling nakaalalay sa kanila upang tiyaking sila at ang kanilang pamilya ay ligtas at may mapagkukunan ng maayos na hanapbuhay (Their lives will change and we are here to ensure that they are safe with their families and they have sources of income)," Almase said in a statement.

Police Regional Office 5 chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo and acting commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, Brig. Gen. Adonis Bajao, recognized the bravery of the FRs for choosing peace over terrorism.

“We will celebrate New Year with new hope that we are united against insurgency. It is not impossible to win the war," Estomo said.

Bajao said the FRs will be celebrating what may be their happiest New Year “because they will now enjoy a new life, a life that they truly deserve".

The JTF Bicolandia said government-initiated engagements this month resulted in the killing of seven rebels and the confiscation of high-powered firearms, explosives, and propaganda materials.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163887

Soldiers lauded for neutralizing BIFF group sub-leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): Soldiers lauded for neutralizing BIFF group sub-leader (By Edwin Fernandez)

STRICT INSPECTION. Police and soldiers implement stringent checkpoint operations following clashes between Moro gunmen and government forces that left a Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters subleader dead in Shariff Saydona, Mustapha, Maguindanao on Sunday (Dec. 26, 2021). The precautionary measure is to avoid an escalation of violence in the area in anticipation of retaliatory attacks from the BIFF terror group. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Saydona Mustapha MPS)

The head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) has called on Moro rebel armed groups to grab the opportunity of availing the government’s reconciliation program as the national government continued its peace approaches in the southern Philippines.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), made the appeal Tuesday to the extremist groups following a brief clash that left a sub-leader of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) killed in Maguindanao earlier this week.

"As part of the marching order of President Rodrigo Duterte, we are dedicated to putting an end to these terror groups," said Uy, appealing to the remnants of terror groups to return to the fold of the law and live a peaceful life with their families.

Zukarno Guilil, alias “Commander Motorola,” a sub-leader of the BIFF Kagi Karialan faction, was killed after he and his men clashed with government forces belonging to the 6th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao on December 26.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, the 6IB commander, said the armed clash erupted when his men were sent to verify reports from civilians about the presence of gunmen in Barangay Ganta.

As the soldiers were approaching, they were fired upon, triggering a brief firefight until the rebels fled deep into the marshland, leaving behind the body of Guilil.

Soldiers found two grenades beside Guilil, a bomb-making expert, while his rifle was believed to be taken by his fleeing comrades.

Uy said Guilil was responsible for various attacks and bombings in Maguindanao and has several warrants of arrests for murder, multiple attempted murder, destructive arson, and violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

"The neutralization of alias Motorola gives justice to all victims of BIFF atrocities. The lead given by the residents further shows their desire for a stoppage to the terror group," Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade, the mother unit of the 6IB, said.

Uy vowed to continue hunting down the remnants of the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya who have been attacking communities in Central Mindanao for almost a decade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163902

Army vows justice for Negrense killed by NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): Army vows justice for Negrense killed by NPA rebels (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

GUNNED DOWN. A police investigator documents the shooting of Mario Landisa, a resident of Sitio Mantuhod, Barangay Cabacungan in La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Dec. 20, 2021. The victim died after he was shot by four men, who introduced themselves as CPP-NPA rebels, after refusing to give food and cash as their family was then reeling from the devastation of Typhoon Odette. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) has vowed to bring to justice the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels responsible for killing a resident of La Castellana, Negros Occidental on December 20.

According to the military report, victim Mario Landisa, 53, a resident of Sitio Mantuhod in Barangay Cabacungan, was gunned down by four armed men after he refused to give them food and cash.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303IBde, commended the courage of the people of La Castellana, particularly those in Barangay Cabacungan, for rising against the atrocities of the CPP-NPA.

“We will not let this pass. We will bring to account all those behind this despicable act against an innocent civilian amid the destruction brought by Typhoon Odette. The full might of the law will take its course,” Pasaporte said in a statement on Tuesday.

One of the suspects, Joveto Landisa Leonar, the victim’s cousin, has already been arrested by the police, based on a report on Monday.

The four armed men, who were speaking in Cebuano, introduced themselves as members of the CPP-NPA, it added.

Pasaporte thanked the residents for providing information in seeking justice for the victim.

Based on initial investigation, the rebels demanded rice and money from Landisa, who refused because he also needs to provide for his family as they have been affected by Typhoon Odette.
Pasaporte said the incident shows the fight against the CPP-NPA no longer just involves the security forces.

“It is a fight of the entire people in Negros Island. The CPP-NPA does not value life. They do not have a conscience,” he 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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163921

5 BIFF rebels, 2 NPA members yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): 5 BIFF rebels, 2 NPA members yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

TIRED, WEARY. One of the five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered to the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion in Sultan Kudarat province shares his life story during an event on Monday (Dec. 27, 2021). Two New People's Army rebels also yielded to the 40IB on the same day. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Some five Moro extremists, four of them bomb makers, and two communist rebels surrendered on separate incidents in Sultan Kudarat province, a top military official here said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander and concurrent head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the seven men turned in firearms and explosives to the 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) during separate surrender rites held Monday inside the 40IB headquarters in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, the 40IB commander, said the four extremists belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), while the two New People's Army rebels belonged to the NPA’s Army Guerilla Front 73.

One of the BIFF members admitted being a collector of “protection money” for the Dawlah Islamiya (DI), an ally terror group of the BIFF, according to the 40IB report.

The five BIFF members, all under the Kagui Karialan faction, were trained in bomb-making and fabrication of explosive devices.

The BIFF group has been blamed for the series of bombings and bus burning in Maguindanao and North Cotabato. The group was also linked to attacks against off-duty soldiers on motorbikes in Maguindanao.

With the help of concerned government agencies, Uy said the surrenderers will be reintegrated into the mainstream society on top of their enrolment to the provincial government’s livelihood package for rebels who wish to live normal lives.

“We are tired, we want to live peacefully with our families. We now realized our cause is going nowhere,” one of the surrenderers told reporters via phone patch on Tuesday.

Uy said the surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 40IB headquarters.

Since January this year, the Army-led JTFC has successfully convinced 162 BIFF, 37 DI, and 154 NPA rebels to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, parts of North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163943

New homes, productive lives for ex-NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 28, 2021): New homes, productive lives for ex-NPA rebels (By Marita Moaje)

NEW HOMES. A PHP20-million housing project for former rebels is being built at the Peace and Prosperity Village in San Isidro, Leyte in this undated photo. Each house and lot package costs PHP450,000 and has a lot size of 60 square meters and a floor area of 21 sqm. (PNA photo)

In a remote village in San Isidro, Leyte, former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels try to rebuild their lives shattered by years of armed conflict, together with their families and through the help of the government.

“Ka Mayang”, 50, told the Philippine News Agency that she is committed to help the government in return by guiding former rebels at the Peace and Prosperity Village.

For 21 years, Ka Mayang carried firearms, embraced the ideology of the CPP-NPA, and fought the government.

She was only 15 years old when she joined the terrorist communist group after she was promised a life devoid of poverty.

She later realized that the CPP-NPA has no means or plans to help improve their lives.

She was captured by soldiers in 2007 and since then, has been cooperating with the government and convincing rebels that it is never too late to restart their lives.

“Siguro walang rebelde ang hindi magbago sa ginawa ng gobyerno, sa ginawa ng Presidente Duterte, kaya isa sa panawagan ko sa mga kasamahan ko ngayon na hindi pa huli ang lahat para bumaba sila para makapiling nila pamilya nila at mga anak nila dahil sa karamihan ng mga nanay na kadre iniwan ang mga anak nila sa masa (Rebels will change because of the opportunity for a better life that the government and President Duterte are offering. That is why I appeal to my comrades that it is never too late for them to reunite with their families and children, because most of the cadres who are mothers left their children),” Ka Mayang said.

Gov’t aid

A former provincial federation president of a group of former rebels, the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association, she now leads a bigger group of former rebels in establishing their community.

Among the assistance provided to former rebels in the village are the construction of 458 units of permanent houses, livelihood training, provision of capital, farm-related technical skills, new access roads, product development, and marketing know-hows.

When President Rodrigo Duterte visited San Isidro in January 2020, he promised former rebels the PHP20-million housing project that is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Each house and lot package costs PHP450,000 and has a lot size of 60 square meters (sqm) and a floor area of 21 sqm.

The PHP67-million access road from the main road to the housing site is under construction, along with the PHP235-million road from the village to nearby Calubian town.

The Department of Agrarian Reform has also completed the distribution of 2,000 sqm farm lot each to 458 former rebels.

Ka Mayang said they now have 13 cooperatives with more than 700 members.

“Kapag pumunta pa dito ang NPA, sila na mismo ang umaayaw. Ito na mismo ang gusto naming, ‘yung lupa para sa magsasaka at andyan lahat ng mga training nabigay na kaya nakilala ang Peace Prosperity Village (When the NPA comes over, the people drive them away. This is what we want, land for the farmers and all the trainings are being provided in the Peace and Prosperity Village),” she said.

There are also 22 poultry egg-laying facilities on a property provided by the local government.

Most of the surrenderers were recruited by Ka Mayang herself from the 1990s to early 2000. She has also been instrumental in convincing them to trust the government.

She now considers fellow former rebels and the Philippine Army as her families.

“Handa kaming tulungan ang mga gustong bumaba at gustong makipag-meet sa amin. Sana matulungan pa din kami. Syempre ang coop parang mga bata na parang kailangan pa din namin ng mga training. Kailangan pa din namin ng hindi din mapabayaan sa mga agency kung anong request namin na mapalago pa ang business namin (We are ready to help those who want to surrender and meet with us. I also hope that the government will continue to help us and guide our cooperatives because we still need trainings to make the business grow),” she said.

The 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/1163939