Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 01/29/22

Saturday, January 29, 2022

WESCOM: Palawan-based Marines are participating in MAREX 2022

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jan 28, 2022): Palawan-based Marines are participating in MAREX 2022

ICYMI: Our Palawan-based Marines are participating in a combined PH-US Marine Forces bilateral and near-simultaneous amphibious operation exercises dubbed as MAREX22 from 27 January to 02 February 2022, in order to develop PH-US Marine Forces’ capabilities on Amphibious Operations in support to Counter Terrorism, Internal Security Operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response.

MAREX22 is an annual combined military exercise between the Philippine and US Marine Corps, It is an interoperability training that will improve the amphibious operations and CTO of the PMC and USMC forces. It is also a humanitarian exercise operation with the participation of the Local Government Units in WESCOM JAO in the execution of the HADR.

In adherence to health and safety protocols, only 340 AFP personnel and 500 US forces members will be participating in the exercise. With the current situation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the MAREX22 PH will have a few modifications in adherence to health and safety protocol set by the Philippine Government.

Above all, this exercise shows no offensive military operations concerning issues in the WPS. It is an exchange of knowledge and skills for smooth cooperation between two Marine Corps Forces.

MBLT 4

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=300670735428561&set=a.223973506431618

https://www.facebook.com/wescom

WESTMINCOM: Marine Exercise 2022 Philippines (MAREX 22 PH) Formally Opens

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jan 29, 2022): Marine Exercise 2022 Philippines (MAREX 22 PH) Formally Opens

MARINE EXERCISE 2022 PHILIPPINES (MAREX 22 PH) FORMALLY OPENS

27 January 2022 - BGEN ROMEO T RACADIO PN(M), Commander, 2MBde, attended the formal opening ceremony of this year’s Marine Exercise 2022 Philippines, dubbed “MAREX 22 PH” via Zoom, held at the Marine Corps Force Development Center, Feliciano Hall, MBRB, Taguig City. The Commandant, Philippine Marine Corps, MGEN ARIEL R CACULITAN PN(M), presided over the conduct of the activity where he declared the formal opening of MAREX 22 PH. During his remarks, the Commandant expressed his gratitude to the exercise planners from the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for making the exercise possible.

COL NESTOR E NARAG PN(M)(GSC), the Deputy Brigade Commander, 2MBde, and the designated Commander Marine Ready Group (MRG) Tawi-Tawi also attended the virtual opening ceremony at Toong Hall, H2MBde, MDBB, Sanga-Sanga, Tawi-Tawi. He was joined by the designated MRG staff and Commander of Marine Ready Elements (MREs) with USMC counterpart led by CPT BENETTE GUILLORY USMC.

MAREX 22 PH is a combined PH-US Marine Force bilateral exercise that focuses on capability development for Amphibious Operation in support to Counter-Terrorism, Internal Security Operations, and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HADR) operations. It aims to improve and strengthen both countries readiness to respond to crisis, develop interoperability and standardize tactics, techniques and procedures through Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) and joint mission planning. The exercise is simultaneously conducted in other areas of Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan and Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) Joint Area of Operations (JAO), particularly in the AOR of 2MBDe covering Tawi-Tawi Province from 27 January to 03 February 2022.

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#PHMarinesCorps
#thefewtheproudthemarines

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=712926896357324&set=pcb.712927343023946

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

Troops attack NPA lair

From the Manila Times (Jan 30, 2022): Troops attack NPA lair (By Leander C. Domingo)

A suspected communist lair located at the foot of Mount Cagua in Gonzaga town, Cagayan province was bombarded by the military on Saturday.

A flash report by the 5th Infantry Division based at Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province revealed that the Philippine Army's 501st Infantry Brigade and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) launched their offensive against members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) at 3 a.m.

Reports from Gonzaga residents said they saw ground troops advancing toward Mount Cagua in Sitio Maging, Barangay Santa Clara and choppers providing air support.

Jet fighters also dropped bombs in the area of the NPA den.

A witness who identified himself as Rod Erick Sola said he was in Barangay Rebecca in Gonzaga when bombs were dropped and occasional gun shots were heard at the foot of Mount Cagua.

"It seems the groups have clashed as choppers cover the advancing troops. Gunfight has started as bombs were dropped anew," Sola was quoted as saying in a Facebook post by Dr. Ferdinand Cortez, Department of Agriculture-Region 2 public relations officer and broadcast unit head.

Cortez said long and heavy machine gun fire could be heard in Barangay Maging in Gonzaga as the firefight between military troops and the communist group escalated by mid-morning.

"Heavy bombardment by the Philippine Air Force air assets flushed the communist group at the foot of Mount Cagua earlier today," he added.

Local authorities in Gonzaga town have advised civilians to stay away from the battle zone.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/01/30/news/regions/troops-attack-npa-lair/1831063

1ID names commander for reservist and retiree affairs

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 29, 2022): 1ID names commander for reservist and retiree affairs

ZAMBOANGA. The 1st Infantry Division (ID) assigns Colonel Antonio John Divinagracia (right) as the new Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (ADC-RRA) replacing Brigadier General Jose Randolf Sino Cruz (left). A photo handout shows Major General Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander (center), presiding over the change of chief of office ceremony Friday, January 28, at the 1ID headquarters. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE 1st Infantry Division (ID), the premier command of the Philippine Army, has assigned a new Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (ADC-RRA).

Installed as the new ADC-RAA chief in a ceremony Friday, January 28, 2022, at the 1ID headquarters is Colonel Antonio John Divinagracia.

Divinagracia replaced Brigadier General Jose Randolf Sino Cruz, who was installed as the 1ID’s Assistant Division Commander on October 12, 2021.

Major General Generoso Ponio, 1ID commander, who presided over the change of chief of office ceremony, presented a command plaque and awarded Military Merit Medal to Sino Cruz for his meritorious and invaluable achievements.

Ponio said that the various activities conducted by Sino Cruz’s office were efficaciously fulfilled, thereby contributing to the Command’s mission accomplishment pertaining to reservist and retiree affairs and strengthening the reserve force.

Sino Cruz recalled the challenges encountered by the 9th Regional Community Defense Group (9RCDG) in terms of capability development.

Thus, when he was designated ADC RRA, Sino Cruz stressed the need for training and the 9RCDG to develop capable reservists.

Divinagracia has assured Sino Cruz that he will continue to do the office’s best practices and will look for things to improve.

“What has been established will be my baseline,” Divinagracia said.

“We will make the office of the RRA more significant and relevant,” he added.

The functions of the ADC-RRA is to assist the Land Component Command on the employment of the Reserve Force, assist in the integration training of Ready Reserve Units, support the implementation of Mobilization Exercises, and support the Reserve Officer Training Course or ROTC programs of the RCDG in the area, among others.

Divinagracia was previously assigned as the deputy commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, one of the brigades under the jurisdiction of the 1ID.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1919534/zamboanga/local-news/1id-names-commander-for-reservist-and-retiree-affairs

NPA rebel held for extortion

From the Philippine Star (Jan 30, 2022): NPA rebel held for extortion (By John Unson)

KALAMANSIG, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines — A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a mayoral candidate in this town on Friday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said Toyang Sikel Sanong was apprehended after he received P20,000 from an emissary of mayoral bet Ronan Eugene Garcia in an entrapment conducted by personnel of the 37th Infantry Battalion and Kalamansig police in a cemetery in Barangay Pag-Asa.

Probers said Kas Cielo dela Vega, an official of the NPA’s Daguma Operations Command- Far South Mindanao Region, demanded the payment of the so-called “protection money.”

Sanong reportedly confessed that he collected money from farmers and owners of establishments and public transportation on a monthly basis.

Meanwhile, two NPA commanders identified only as Bakilo and Ranger and six of their men surrendered in Lebak town, also in this province.

Uy said the two turned over rifles, two caliber .45 pistols and a fragmentation grenade.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/01/30/2157282/npa-rebel-held-extortion

Police verifying if notorious Abu Sayaf gunman Mundi Sawaadjan is alive

From The Star (Jan 29, 2022): Police verifying if notorious Abu Sayaf gunman Mundi Sawaadjan is alive (By MUGUNTAN VANAR)

PH-US start naval training to boost maritime security

From the Manila Times (Jan 29, 2022): PH-US start naval training to boost maritime security (By Francis Earl Cueto)

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has started its training with the United States Navy and Marine Corps, as part of the Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2022.

According to a statement from the US Embassy in Manila, both countries are expected to further their maritime security capabilities.

"We appreciate this opportunity to strengthen our enduring alliance with the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region through combined amphibious operations," Capt. Karry DeWayne Sanders, commodore of Amphibious Squadron One said.

"Our shared focus of regional security, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific will continue to enhance our partner nation's capability as it has for the last seven decades," he added.

MAREX 22 PH is a combined PH-US Marine Forces bilateral exercise that aims to develop PH-US Marine Forces' capabilities in amphibious operations in support of counter-terrorism, internal security operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR).

It will have simultaneous amphibious operation events in the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan and the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Joint Areas of Operation (JAO) from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, 2022.

All amphibious planning and executions will be in the WESCOM area, while all HADR and medical training exercises will be held in the WESTMINCOM area with the participation of the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi.

Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Commandant, MGen. Ariel Caculitan PN(M) expressed his appreciation for the partnership with the US Marine Corps.

He underscored the importance of training to equip the Marines with better skills and knowledge and to achieve a smarter Marine Corps.

"We must continue to conduct relevant training that will improve our individual and collective capabilities. MAREX is joined by our foreign counterpart and our major ally, the United States Marine Corps, that has long been training with us and sharing with us the duty to preserve regional peace and security," he said.

"Our goal is to successfully integrate our forces during planning and execution to conduct a full-scale expeditionary amphibious operation, side-by-side with our Filipino partners. Marine Exercise 2022 Philippines will further strengthen our commitment in the Indo-Pacific region as well as be a memorable experience for our Marines and sailors," Col. James Lively, Commanding Officer of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, said.

Due to the pandemic, the forces will minimize contact throughout the exercise and implement protocols to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Among the events include the amphibious assault coordination and execution, subject matter expert exchanges, and integrated maritime operations such as search and seizure operations and tactical maneuvering.

"Our goal is to successfully integrate our forces during planning and execution to conduct a full-scale, expeditionary amphibious operation, side-by-side with our Filipino partners. This exercise will further strengthen our commitment in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as be a memorable experience for our Marines and sailors," Col. James Lively, Commanding Officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit said.

"We must continue to conduct relevant training that will improve our individual and collective capabilities," said MGen. Ariel Caculitan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

"MAREX is joined by our foreign counterpart and our major ally, the United States Marine Corps, that has long been training with us and sharing with us the duty to preserve regional peace and security," he added.

US maritime assets participating in the exercise include the ships of the Essex (ESX) Amphibious Ready Group comprised of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Portland (LPD 27), and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) with the embarked forces of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to include Battalion Landing Team 1/1, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, and Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 11. Together, these units form a robust team to work alongside their Philippine Navy and Marine Corps counterparts.

As the Philippines and US celebrate 75 years of security cooperation, MAREX 22 represents a mutual commitment to enhance the security and stability of the region.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/01/29/news/ph-us-start-naval-training-to-boost-maritime-security/1831044

U.S, Philippine Forces Kick Off Marine Exercise 22

From US Embassy Philippines (Jan 28, 2022): U.S, Philippine Forces Kick Off Marine Exercise 22

On January 27, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps began training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as part of Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2022 to further the maritime security capabilities of the U.S. and the Philippines.

During MAREX 22, the U.S. and the Philippines will conduct maritime operations training to boost their joint ability to enhance mutual defense capabilities and respond to natural disasters. Due to the pandemic, the forces will minimize contact throughout the exercise and implement protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“We appreciate this opportunity to strengthen our enduring alliance with the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region through combined amphibious operations,” said Capt. Karry DeWayne Sanders, commodore of Amphibious Squadron One. “Our shared focus of regional security, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific will continue to enhance our partner nation’s capability as it has for the last seven decades.”

Among the events for this year’s MAREX, which will last until February 2, are amphibious assault coordination and execution, subject matter expert exchanges, and integrated maritime operations such as search and seizure operations and tactical maneuvering.

“Our goal is to successfully integrate our forces during planning and execution to conduct a full-scale, expeditionary amphibious operation, side-by-side with our Filipino partners. This exercise will further strengthen our commitment in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as be a memorable experience for our Marines and sailors,” said Col. James Lively, Commanding Officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“We must continue to conduct relevant training that will improve our individual and collective capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. “MAREX is joined by our foreign counterpart and our major ally, the United States Marine Corps, that has long been training with us and sharing with us the duty to preserve regional peace and security.”

U.S. maritime assets participating in the exercise include the ships of the Essex (ESX) Amphibious Ready Group comprised of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Portland (LPD 27), and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) with the embarked forces of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to include Battalion Landing Team 1/1, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, and Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 11. Together, these units form a robust team to work alongside their Philippine Navy and Marine Corps counterparts.

As the U.S. and Philippines celebrate 75 years of security cooperation, MAREX 22 represents a mutual commitment to enhance the security and stability of the region.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-philippine-forces-kick-off-marine-exercise-22/

Palawan officials board USS Essex as MAREX22 kicks off

From Palawan News (Jan 29, 2022): Palawan officials board USS Essex as MAREX22 kicks off

WESCOM joint task forces, PNP, and provincial government officials aboard the USS Essex on January 28, 2022. (Photo from 3MBde)

Western Command (WESCOM) joint task forces, provincial police, and Palawan provincial government officials paid a visit to the USS Essex, the US Navy’s (USN) landing helicopter dock, on Friday as part of the Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2022.

MAREX aims to improve mutual defense capabilities and natural disaster response between the Philippines and the United States.

In a press statement released Saturday by the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde), it said the delegation was picked up on January 28 by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) MV-22 (Osprey) aircraft from Antonio Bautista Air Base in the city and transported to the USS Essex in southern Palawan.

An image of the USS Essex (LHD 2) taken in September 2021 as it transits the Arabian Sea. (File photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett McMinoway)

The 3MBde said the ship visit was part of the interoperability exercise events of MAREX, which also include combined amphibious operations planning and amphibious landings at designated training areas utilizing boats and aircraft.

The annual MAREX kicked off on January 27 in WESCOM’s Joint Area of Operations (JAO) between troops of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) stationed in Palawan under Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida, commander of the 3MBde, and the USMC’s 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) under Col. James Lively.

One rifle company from the 3MBde and two rifle companies from the USMC are participating in the amphibious landing exercise.

It is an interoperability training that will improve the amphibious operations capability in support of counter-terrorism, internal security operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) of both forces in close partnership with the local government units (LGUs) in Palawan.

“The conduct of MAREX22 in Palawan that focuses on amphibious operations in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster response is very timely, especially since the province was recently hit badly by super typhoon Odette,” Larida said.

“The exchange of knowledge and skills will enhance the capability and smooth cooperation between the two Marine Corps forces in responding to natural disasters,” he added.

He also lauded the provincial government of Palawan and the LGUs in Southern Palawan for their strong support to MAREX.

https://palawan-news.com/palawan-officials-board-uss-essex-as-marex22-kicks-off-in-palawan/

PH, US marines conduct MAREX22 in Palawan

From Palawan News (Jan 28, 2022): PH, US marines conduct MAREX22 in Palawan (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

Photo courtesy of MBLT-4 via Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines Facebook page

Personnel of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 (MBLT-4) and the United States Marine Corps are conducting a bilateral and near-simultaneous amphibious operation exercise dubbed MAREX22 in Palawan, with the aim of developing their capabilities in amphibious operations in support of counter-terrorism and internal security operations.

The exercise, which is being held annually, started last January 27 and will last until February 2. It is an interoperability training that seeks to improve the humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) execution of the local government units (LGUs) in the province.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, MAREX22 saw a few modifications, with a limited number of 340 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) along with 500 US forces members participating in the exercise, in adherence to health and safety protocols being implemented.

Photo of two V22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft flying in Barangay Samariñana in Brooke’s Point town. (Photo courtesy of Allen Joshua Rapues)

Meanwhile, 1Lt. Jaafar Omar, MBLT-4 Civil-Military Operations Officer, allayed fears of residents regarding the presence of US military aircraft flying over Palawan skies, saying they are part of the exercise.

“Wala pong dapat ikabahala [ang publiko sa mga nakikita nilang helicopters] dahil exercise lang po ito,” Omar said.

Last Thursday, photos of two V22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft flying in Barangay Samariñana in Brooke’s Point town circulated on social media with residents asking what they were doing there.

A statement from Western Command (WESCOM) also said the exercise has nothing to do with issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea and “shows no offensive military operations concerning the area.”

“It is an exchange of knowledge and skills for smooth cooperation between two marine corps forces,” the statement said.

In a separate statement from the U.S. Embassy, it said that during the MAREX 22, the U.S. and the Philippines will conduct maritime operations training to boost their joint ability to enhance mutual defense capabilities and respond to natural disasters.

It also stressed that due to the pandemic, the forces will minimize contact throughout the exercise and implement protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“We appreciate this opportunity to strengthen our enduring alliance with the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region through combined amphibious operations,” said Capt. Karry DeWayne Sanders, commodore of Amphibious Squadron One. “Our shared focus of regional security, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific will continue to enhance our partner nation’s capability as it has for the last seven decades.”

Photo of two V22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft flying in Barangay Samariñana in Brooke’s Point town. (Photo courtesy of Allen Joshua Rapues)

Among the events for this year’s MAREX, which will last until February 2, are amphibious assault coordination and execution, subject matter expert exchanges, and integrated maritime operations such as search and seizure operations and tactical maneuvering.

“Our goal is to successfully integrate our forces during planning and execution to conduct a full-scale, expeditionary amphibious operation, side-by-side with our Filipino partners. This exercise will further strengthen our commitment in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as be a memorable experience for our Marines and sailors,” said Col. James Lively, Commanding Officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

“We must continue to conduct relevant training that will improve our individual and collective capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. “MAREX is joined by our foreign counterpart and our major ally, the United States Marine Corps, that has long been training with us and sharing with us the duty to preserve regional peace and security.”

U.S. maritime assets participating in the exercise include the ships of the Essex (ESX) Amphibious Ready Group comprised of USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Portland (LPD 27), and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) with the embarked forces of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to include Battalion Landing Team 1/1, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 (Reinforced), Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, and Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 11. Together, these units form a robust team to work alongside their Philippine Navy and Marine Corps counterparts.

As the U.S. and Philippines celebrate 75 years of security cooperation, MAREX 22 represents a mutual commitment to enhance the security and stability of the region.

https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-marines-conduct-marex22-in-palawan/

6 NPA leaders surrender in Sarangani | military

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 29, 2022): 6 NPA leaders surrender in Sarangani | military (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military reported that six leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of 73rd and 38th Infantry Battalion in So Lebe, Brgy Kablacan, Maasim, Sarangani last January 19.

The report identified those who surrendered as Remydio Sambilad, secretary of Dismantled Guerilla Front Tala, Far South Mindanao Region; Benny A Española, former deputy secretary; Mary Jane Pason, former medical officer; Revelyn Pason, former finance officer; Meylen Laugo Tangan, and Jesabel Shangga Tango, both medical officers of Guerilla Front Musa, FSMR.

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said it was Marilyn Bago, who surrendered in November last year, who also facilitated the surrender of the six.

The former rebels also turned over to the soldiers two AK-47 rifles, two M-203 grenade launchers, and an M-79 grenade launcher.

Tito said the surrender was also the result of the series of activities that the soldiers conducted that resulted in the neutralization of the top-ranked rebels.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/01/29/6-npa-leaders-surrender-in-sarangani-military/

4 minors call on NPA parents to surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 29, 2022): 4 minors call on NPA parents to surrender (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Lt. Col. J-Javines, 79IB commander, turns over the four minors to Calatrava Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper disposition.* PA photo

The four minors, who are now under custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, issued an appeal for their parents who joined the New People’s Army, to surrender.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed that the four minors, including three boys, aged 16, 10, and seven, and a 13-year-old girl, who are residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, were left by their parents who entrusted them to a certain Dianita Batcheller in Sitio Taibak, Brgy. Hilub-ang, Calatrava, in October, 2020.

Javines said that it is a common practice of the New People’s Army, especially if parents are active members of the terrorist group, to leave their children under the care of their mass base supporters, or trusted contacts.

The children’s plight was reported by the 79IB to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) on January 20 after troops patrolling remote Barangay Hilub-ang learned about their situation.

The four minors told personnel of the DSWD that they never heard any news from their parents, who are members of the NPA operating in central Negros, especially in Guihulngan City, after leaving them in 2020, Javines said.

These kids should be taken care of by their parents and not abandoned in the mercy of other people, much more those who are not relatives, he stressed, noting that such practice that seems unimaginable within a Filipino culture that values close family ties.

The elder of the four siblings said they loved their parents and wants to reunite with them.

During a meeting with MSDWO personnel of Calatrava and Hilub-ang barangay officials, where the four minors were turned over by the 79IB, Javines said they discussed the need for them to register their birth with the Local Civil Registrar, allowing them to attend school, and providing them with a sustainable livelihood.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, 79IB Civil Military Operations officer, said they provided the children with personal items, such as clothes and slippers, and the family where the children are staying also received relief goods from the local government.

“We don’t know yet until when they will stay there. The MSWDO assessment is ongoing to determine if there are relatives who can take them in,” he added.

https://visayandailystar.com/4-minors-call-on-npa-parents-to-surrender/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Colmenares, inendorso ng 1Sambayan; Robredo, sinuportahan ng Makabayan

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 29, 2022): Colmenares, inendorso ng 1Sambayan; Robredo, sinuportahan ng Makabayan (Colmenares, endorsed by 1Sambayan; Robredo, supported by Makabayan)

January 29, 2022

Pormal na nagdeklara ang 1Sambayan, isang koalisyon ng oposisyon sa pulitika, ng pagsuporta kay Atty. Neri Colmenares, dating kinatawan ng Bayan Muna Partylist at lider ng Koalisyong Makabayan, sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang senador sa darating na eleksyon sa Mayo 2022. Isinagawa ang pag-anunsyo kagabi. Kasabay nito, nagdeklara ang Makabayan ng pagsuporta sa pagtakbo ni Vice President Leni Robredo at Sentor Kiko Pangilinan bilang presidente at bise presidente.

“Masaya ako na nagbunga ang ating pagsisikap. Isang malaking karangalan sa akin na mapili bilang isa sa mga senatorial candidates ng 1Sambayan,” ayon kay Colmenares sa isang talumpati ng pagtanggap sa nominasyon. Idinagdag din nito na sa suporta ng 1Sambayan ay kayang-kaya nitong maging tapat na boses ng karaniwang tao sa Senado.

Inilahad ni Colmenares ang kanyang mga plataporma sakaling manalo sa pagka-senador. Aniya, isusulong ng Makabayan ang batas para sa libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan para gawing libre ang pagpapa-ospital sa lahat ng pampublikong ospital. Isusulong rin niya ang pagwawakas sa ENDO o end-of-contract at pagpapatupad ng isang pambansang minimum na sahod para sa mga manggagawa at tunay na repormang agraryo sa mga magsasaka.

Ang 1Sambayan ay nabuo noong Marso 2021 bilang koalisyong ng mga organisasyon at indibidwal na tutol sa paghahari ni Rodrigo Duterte na nagkakaisa sa layuning gapiin ang kanyang pangkatin sa 2022. Kabilang sa mga tagapagtatag nito si Ret. Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.

Isang araw bago magsimula ang buong linggong pagsusumite ng mga papeles bilang kandidato sa eleksyong 2022, pinili ng koalisyong 1Sambayan bilang kandidato pagkapresidente ang kasalukuyang bise presidente na si Leni Robredo. Inanunsyo ito sa midya ni Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, isa sa mga convenor o tagapulong ng 1Sambayan, noong Setyembre 30.

Ayon kay Carpio ang desisyon ng 1Sambayan ay nakabatay sa mga sukatan tulad ng integridad, kakayahan, track record, patriyotismo, pananaw para sa bayan at ang posibilidad na mananalo. Nanguna si Robredo sa botohang isinagawa ng mga convenor ng 1Sambayan. Sa kabila ng mga pagkakaiba sa mga pananaw sa mga usaping panlipunan, pampulitika at relihiyon sa hanay ng mga kasapi ng 1Sambayan, nagkaisa silang dapat iisa lamang ang kandidato para sa presidente upang kalabanin ang sinumang magiging kandidato ng rehimeng Duterte.

Kasabay ng pagtanggap ni Colmenares sa nominasyon ng 1Sambayan kahapon, ipinabatid na rin nito at ng buong Koalisyong Makabayan ang pagsuporta sa kandidatura ni Robredo at Pangilinan. Ayon kay Colmenares, ang mga ito ay sa batayan ng nagkakaisang pusisyon sa mga usapin kaugnay ng pandemic response; pag-angat ng kabuhayan ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, maralita at katutubo; mga isyung pangkalikasan; pagtaguyod ng human rights at tunay na kapayapaan, at soberanya sa West PH Sea at buong kapuluan.

Malugod na sinalubong ni Renato Reyes, tagapagsalita ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, ang pagpapabilang kay Colmenares sa listahan ng 1Sambayan at pagpapahayag ng suporta ng Makabayan sa tambalang Robredo-Pangilinan.

“Isa itong mahalagang pagsulong sa pagbubuklod ng lahat ng demokratikong pwersa para talunin ang mga Marco at Duterte. Binibigyan nito ng pag-asa ang bayan para sa makabuluhang reporma sa harap ng tumitinding krisis,” pahayag ni Reyes.

Samantala, itinutulak ng mga pambansa-demokratikong organisasyon na maipabilang rin si Elmer Labog, tagapangulo ng Kilusang Mayo Uno at kandidato sa pagkasenador, sa listahan ng mga susuportahan ng 1Sambayan. Si Labog ay kilalang kampyon ng mga manggagawa at nagsusulong ng pagwawakas sa kontraktwalisasyon at pagtataas ng sahod.

Inilahad naman ng koalisyong Makabayan sa kanilang press conference ngayong araw, Enero 29, ang mga batayan at kundisyon ng kanilang pag-endorso sa tambalang Robredo-Pangilinan. Anila, “ang mga komon na tindig sa isyu, ang track record ng mga kandidato at ang napakahalagang laban na biguin ang tambalang Marcos-Duterte” ang mga naging batayan paraa suportahan ang dalawa.”

Mahalaga para sa grupong oposisyon ang pag-endorsong ito bilang simbolo ng pagkakaisa ng paglaban ng iba’t ibang grupo at sektor sa tangka ng mga Marcos at Duterte na manumbalik sa Malacañang. Ayon sa Makabayan, kinakatawan nila (Robredo at Pangilinan) ang pinakamahusay na tsansa para biguin ang tambalang ito.

Inihanay ng Makabayan ang sampung kumon na tindig ng koalisyon at ng tambalang Leni-Kiko. Kabilang dito ang pagpapatupad ng siyentipiko at makataong pagtugon sa pandemya, ang pagsusulong karapatan ng mga manggagawa at paglaban sa endo at karapatan ng mga magsasaka sa lupa. Mahalaga rin sa koalisyon ang pagtindig ng tambalan laban sa paglabag sa karapatang-tao, ang kanilang paninindigan para sa pambansang soberanya at karapatan sa West Philippine Sea. Suportado rin nila ang hangarin ng dalawa na rebyuhin ang mga kaso ng mga matatanda at maysakit upang mapalaya sa batayang makatao (humanitarian) at ang pagbabalik ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN. Kumon din sa kanilang tindig ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan, katutubo, magsasaka at mangingisdang Pilipino, sa pamamagitan ng pagrebyu at parebisa ng mga patakaran at batas sa pagmimina, pagrebyu sa mga kaso ng pagsasara at muling akreditasyon ng mga paaralang Lumad. Kapwa rin silang nagsusulong ng usapang pangkapayapaan at pagpapanagot sa mga matataas na upisyal na sangkot sa mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao at pandarambong at pagpapahintulot sa International Criminal Court para usigin si Duterte at iba pang kasapakat nito. Itinutulak din nila ang mga repormang elektoral at pulitikal upang malabanan ang pag-abuso sa kapangyarihan at mabigyan ng partisipasyon at boses ang mamamayan.

Inilinaw naman ng Makabayan na, “hindi sa lahat ng bagay ay magkakasundo kami…pero bukas na pag-usapan ang mga usapin at abutin ang kaisahan para sa kapakanan ng bayan.”

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/colmenares-inendorso-ng-1sambayan-robredo-sinuportahan-ng-makabayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Fact-finding mission sa Bulacan, pinaputukan ng mga maton ng pamilyang Araneta

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 28, 2022): Fact-finding mission sa Bulacan, pinaputukan ng mga maton ng pamilyang Araneta (Fact-finding mission in Bulacan, fired by bullies of the Araneta family)

January 28, 2022

Pinaputukan ng mga armadong maton ni Gregorio “Greggy” Araneta III noong Enero 28 ang mga kasapi ng Kilusang Magububukid ng Pilipinas at Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan-AMB na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa iligal na pagdemolis sa Lupang Teresa, Barangay San Roque, San Roque, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Ninakaw din ng mga maton ang mga selpon, bag, pitaka at dalang relief goods na para sana sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng tahanan.

Naiulat noong Enero 26 na sinalakay ng mga maton ng Araneta Properties Inc. at winasak ang apat na kabahayan at mga pananim sa Lupang Teresa. Ninakaw rin ng mga maton ang mga selpon, pera at iba pang ari-arian ng mga magsasaka. Sinira rin pati ang kanilang mga sasakyan.

Ayon kay Cecil Rapiz, tagapangulo ng Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan, nagpapakita ng kawalang-puso ng panginoong maylupa ang demolisyong naganap laluna sa gitna ng pagragasa ng baryant ng Covid-19 na Omicron.

Ani Rapiz, taong 2013 pa pinalalayas ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang lupang tinitirhan at binubungkal. Plano ng mga Araneta na magtayo ng pribadong subdibisyon sa kanilang mga sakahan. Winasak nito ang mga taniman ng gulay at prutas ng mga magsasaka. Nilagyan din nito ng harang ang daanan ng kanilang produkto noong Agosto 2021 at sinira ang kubo ng dalawang magsasaka noong Oktubre 2021.

Si Araneta ay asawa ni Irene Marcos, pangatlong anak ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at bayaw ng tumatakbong presidente na si Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Samantala sa Negros Oriental, iligal na inaresto ng PNP-Sta. Catalina ang dalawang magsasaka na nag-aani ng kanilang tanim na niyog sa Sityo Baknit, Barangay Nagbinlod. Ayon sa ulat, madaling araw ng Enero 25 sumalakay ang kapulisan sa kanilang tinutulugang kubo at iligal na idinetine sa Sta. Catalina Police Station. Sina Polen Naderna at Christopher Solano ay mga residente ng Sitio Payawpayawan, Barangay Nagbinlod.

Nagpapatuloy ang operasyong militar sa Sta. Catalina mula Enero 20.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/fact-finding-mission-sa-bulacan-pinaputukan-ng-mga-maton-ng-pamilyang-araneta/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pastor na iligal na inaresto sa Zamboanga, nakalaya na

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 28, 2022): Pastor na iligal na inaresto sa Zamboanga, nakalaya na (Pastor who was illegally arrested in Zamboanga, has been released)

January 28, 2022

Ibinasura ng RTC Branch 11 of Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte noong Enero 26 ang gawa-gawang kaso laban kay Pastor Benjie Gomez, pastor ng United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).

Noong Hunyo 6, 2021 inaresto si Gomez habang nagmimisa sa UCCP Mutia, Zamboanga del Nore ng mga pulis. Sinampahan siya ng gawa-gawang kaso ni 1Lt. Arlene Quijano Palafox ng 10th Infantry Battalion kaugnay sa pagkapatay kay Cpl. Marwin Ybañez sa naganap na engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at New People’s Army (NPA). Idinitine siya sa Leon Postigo Municipal Police Station.

Nauna na siyang inaresto noong Hulyo 2014, subalit ibinasura noong 2015 dahil sa kawalan ng ebidensya.

Tinarget si Gomez ng mga elemento ng AFP dahil sa kanyang pagtulong sa mga katutubong Lumad na Subanen. Ayon sa Karapatan, kasapi din siya ng grupong Dinteg, organisasyon na tumutuwang sa mga kasong ligal ng katutubo sa Cordillera.

Nagpasalamat ang pamilya ni Gomez at ang kanilang mga katrabaho sa simbahan sa lahat ng tumulong sa para siya mapalaya. Patuloy silang nananawagan para sa kaligtasan ni Pastor Benjie at kanyang pamilya na nananatiling nasa peligro dahil sa panggigipit ng estado.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pastor-na-iligal-na-inaresto-sa-zamboanga-nakalaya-na/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga umaatakeng yunit ng AFP sa Agusan del Norte, hinaras ng BHB

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 28, 2022): Mga umaatakeng yunit ng AFP sa Agusan del Norte, hinaras ng BHB (Attacking AFP units in Agusan del Norte, harassed by the NPA)

January 28, 2022

Limang operasyong haras ang magkasunod na inilunsad ng mga yunit ng BHB-Agusan del Norte laban sa mga pwersa ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na lumusob sa Barangay Puting Bago, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte mula gitnang linggo ng Disyembre 2021. Ito ay matapos nagbuhos ng mga tropa ng 29th IB at 65th IB, sakay ang 23 sasakayan, mula Disyembre 12 hanggang Disyembre 23 sa naturang barangay.

Magkasunod na operasyon ang isinagawa ng mga Pulang mandirigma noong Disyembre 15, alas-8 ng umaga; Disyembre 19, alas-10 ng umaga; Disyembre 20, alas-9 ng umaga; Disyembre 23, alas-11 ng umaga; at Disyembre 29, alas-12 ng tanghali, lahat noong 2021. Batay sa imbestigasyon, isang sundalo ang napatay. Walang kaswalti sa hanay ng mga Pulang mandirigma.

Kakambal ng mga operasyon ng kaaway ang mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao sa mga sibilyan sa mga baryong sinaklaw nito. Apektado ang kabuhayan ng mga residente matapos pagbawalan sila na pumunta sa kani-kanilang sakahan. Hindi makapangaso ang mga Lumad sa kagubatan at ginipit ang maliitang minero sa erya.

Tinatakot at ginigipit ng mga sundalo ang mga sibilyan. Walang patumangga silang nagpapaulan ng bala sa panahong nakapondo sila sa mga sityo. Nagdudulot ng matinding troma sa mamamayan ang pambobomba ng Philippine Airforce malapit sa mga komunidad at sakahan.

Mahigit tatlong buwan na ang malakihan at matagalang nakapokus na operasyong militar sa hangganan ng mga prubinsya ng Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur at Agusan del Norte sa rehiyon ng Northeastern Mindanao na sinimulan noong Oktubre 2021. Hibang na layunin ng operasyon ng kaaway na durugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon sa harap ng nalalapit na pagtatapos ng upisyal na termino ni Rodrigo Duterte sa Mayo 2022.

Ang inilulunsad na operasyon ay idinidirehe sa antas ng 4th Infantry Division na nilalahukan ng dalawang brigada at mga espesyal na pwersa ng militar. Kabilang dito ang 901st IBde kung saan nakapailalim ang mga nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 29th IB, 30th IB at 36th IB; 402nd IBde na sumasaklaw sa 65th IB; at Scout Ranger at Division Reconnaisance Company (DRC). Tinatayang aabot sa isang libo ang kabuuang bilang ng nag-ooperasyon sa mga kabundukan ng rehiyon. Gumagamit ang mga ito ng mga abanteng kagamitang pandigma tulad ng mga drone pangsarbeylans, attack helicopter, artileri at iba pa. (mula sa ulat ng Lingkawas)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-umaatakeng-yunit-ng-afp-sa-agusan-del-norte-hinaras-ng-bhb/

CPP/CIO: Condemn the abduction and cold-blooded murder of NDFP Peace Consultant Pedro Codaste

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 28, 2022): Condemn the abduction and cold-blooded murder of NDFP Peace Consultant Pedro Codaste

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 28, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly its Eastern Mindanao Command, the 4th Infantry Division and its fascist troops, for the abduction and murder of NDFP Peace Consultant Pedro Codaste (Ka Gonyong/Ka Serv) and his companion Ka Globe/Sandro (also recovering from battle wounds) which happened sometime between January 19 and January 25.

According to initial reports, Ka Gonyong was detached from the NPA since August 2021 to convalesce from various ailments and was staying in a house somewhere in Bukidnon. Communications with Ka Gonyong was cut on January 19 during which he was likely taken by armed enemy agents of the AFP. In all likelihood, Ka Serv was subjected to torture before he was summarily executed by the fascist butchers of the AFP.

The AFP Eastern Mindanao Command declared last January 25 that Ka Gonyong was killed in an armed encounter between the 16th IB and the NPA on January 21 in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. However, according to the NPA unit in the area, no such encounter took place in that area during that day.

Ka Gonyong was in his 70s. He served well the revolutionary movement for more than 50 years. He was among the first batches of Red fighters who forged the trail of armed struggle in Northern Mindanao, and was among those who built the first units of the NPA. He was an ardent student and untiring teacher of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism.

Ka Gonyong died a revolutionary hero. His lifelong commitment to serve the workers and peasants will forever inspire the new generation of revolutionary fighters to persevere along the arduous path of resistance to fight for the people’s national and democratic aspirations.

The CPP denounces the AFP for the string of murder of revolutionaries who were either captured or were unarmed and in no position to fight. At least 15 revolutionaries have been summarily killed by AFP forces since early 2020. They include the recent cases of NPA spokesperson Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris) who was killed with a medic in Bukidnon after they were abducted last October 29, 2021, and NPA commander Menandro Villanueva, who was captured alive in an armed encounter in Davao de Oro, but was declared killed by the AFP last January 6, 2022.

https://cpp.ph/statements/condemn-the-abduction-and-cold-blooded-murder-of-ndfp-peace-consultant-pedro-codaste/

CPP/NDF-MAKIBAKA-ST: Pahayag ng MAKIBAKA-Timog Katagalugan sa ika-53 anibersaryo ng PKP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 28, 2022): Pahayag ng MAKIBAKA-Timog Katagalugan sa ika-53 anibersaryo ng PKP

Veronica Makabayan

Spokesperson

Makabayang Kilusang ng Bagong Kababaihan-Southern Tagalog

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

January 28, 2022

Maalab at mapulang pagbati ang ipinapaabot ng Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan sa Timog Katagalugan (MAKIBAKA TK) sa ika-53 anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!

Pinakamataas na pinagpupugayan at dinadakila ng malawak na hanay ng kababaihan ang mga martir ng rebolusyong Pilipino sa Timog Katagalugan – kina Charity “Ka Rise” Diño, Lowel “Ka Bernie” Riza Mendoza, Cristina “Ka Billy” Estocado, Cristopher “Ka Omar” Buton, Cherry “Ka Edson” Velasco at Felimon “Ka Nick” Carabido, Queenie “Ka Kira” Daraman, at sa iba pang bayani ng sambayanan. Ang kanilang pagsisilbi sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon ay ang pagsulong para sa pagwawakas ng diskriminasyon at karahasan sa lahat ng kasarian.

Sa kasalukuyang rehimen, masahol ang trato ni Duterte sa babae. Imbis na wakasan niya ang sistemang pang-aabuso at pagsasamantala ay nangunguna pa siya sa pagpapalaganap nito sa pamamagitan ng pambabastos, pagmumura at pagdidiskriminasyon niya sa mga kababaihan sa harap mismo ng madla. Maliban sa pang-aapi at pagsasamantalang nakabatay sa kanilang uri, ang kababaihan ay nakararanas ng dagdag sekswal na pang-aabuso dahil sa busabos na katayuan nila batay sa kasarian. Hindi rin nawakasan ni Duterte ang patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng sekswal na karahasan sa mga kakabaihan lalo nitong pandemya, sa mga kasong rape na naitala nangunguna rito ang kanyang mga tutang AFP-PNP.

Hindi na natuto ang Rehimeng Duterte sa ilang taong niyang nasayang sa pagtatalikod sa usapang pangkapayapaan at paglulunsad ng mga bogus na kontra-insureksyong programa, tulad ng Executive Order 70 (EO 70), na kailanman hindi tumugon sa kagyat na pangangailangan ng masa at sa ugat ng umiiral na digmaan sa bayan. Patuloy pa ni Duterte binubusog ang NTF-ELCAC at AFP-PNP gamit ang pondo ng bayan, at higit pa sa lahat nagsanhi ito sa napakaraming pagpatay, ilegal na pagkulong, at iba pang paglabag sa karapatang pantao nung nakaraang taon.

Bagama’t maraming naibuhos na luha at luksa, patuloy padin ang pagbangon at walang humpay sa pagharap ng hamon ang kilusan ng kababaihan sa taong 2021. Sa umiigting kalagayan nararanasan sa rehiyon-TK at ang pagsusugpo ng pyudal at patriyarkal na kultura sa iba’t ibang larangan, ito ang nag-uudyok pa lalo sa mga kababaihan at LGBTQ+ na humulagpos sakanilang mga kadena sa pamamagitan ng pagsanib sa armadong pakikibaka sa kanayunan para ipagpunyagi ang sosyalistang pagbabago. Maliban sa dumaraming militanteng nakikibaka, ang mga biktima ng abuso ay matapang nang tumitindig para ilantad ang dumi at baho ng Rehimeng Duterte, numero unong nagpapalaganap ng karahasan sa kababaihan.

Gayunpaman, tuloy padin ang paghamon sa mga kababaihan at LGBTQ+ ng Timog Katagalugan, ang walang kapaguran na pagmumulat, pag-oorganisa, at pagpapakilos sa hanay ng mayoryang masang api at pinagsasamantalahan dahil sa kanilang uri at kasarian. Higit sa lahat, ang pagpapanday sa sarili upang tumanggap pa ng mas mabibigat na responsibilidad at tahakin ang mas mataas na antas ng pag-aambag – tumungo sa kanayunan at sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

Kahit anong panunupil ang gawin ng pasistang estado’t militar, hindi nila kalianman mapapatay ang tiyak na katotohanang mapapabagsak ng masang anakpawis, sa patnubay ng Partido, ang bulok na sistemang pilit pinapangalagaan ni Duterte at mga naghaharing-uri. Ang naging sandigan ng Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan sa Timog Katagalugan ay ang mapagpasyang pamumuno ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa proletaryong rebolusyon at ang ubos-kayang pakikibaka ng sambayanan upang ibagsak ang Imperyalismo, Pyudalismo, at Burukrata Kapitalismo at para sa hangaring sosyalismo!

MABUHAY ANG IKA-53 ANIBERSARYO NG PARTIDO KOMUNISTA NG PILIPINAS!
MABUHAY ANG BAGONG HUKBONG BAYAN!
MABUHAY ANG NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC PRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pahayag-ng-makibaka-timog-katagalugan-sa-ika-53-anibersaryo-ng-pkp/

CPP/CIO: “Responsible” does not make mining by foreign capitalists any better

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 28, 2022): “Responsible” does not make mining by foreign capitalists any better

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 28, 2022

Presidential candidate Isko Moreno was reported yesterday to support mining and foreign investments but asserted that it should be “responsible” in terms of its impact on the environment.

The Filipino people must be wary of this statement and repudiate the underlying concept that the key to the country’s economic development is foreign investments. This idea has long been promoted in the Philippines and other backward countries by the imperialists and IMF-WB technocrats to justify giving privileges to foreign capitalists to the detriment of local capitalists. For many decades, this has only stunted economic growth.

The most fundamental evil in the Philippine mining industry is that it is controlled and serves the interests of foreign big capitalists, and not local industrial production. Foreign companies, interested in maximizing profit, have plundered and caused massive devastation of our mountains, rivers and seas. The basic question should be, “mining for whom?” and corollarily, “mining by whom?”

The Philippines is rich in a wide range of mineral resources, including basic raw materials for the production of steel and other alloys. However, almost 100% of the country’s mineral riches are exported for processing abroad, especially in China, Japan, Canada, Australia and other big capitalist countries. This means, the country’s rich mineral resources are bought for cheap by foreign companies who produce steel and other commodities which are then sold back to us at profit.

What the Filipino people demand is that the local mining industry should not only cause the least possible impact on the environment, but more fundamentally, should be made to serve to develop local industrial production. It should be part of a more comprehensive plan to promote the country’s national industry, meaning its capacity to produce industrial commodities for consumption and capital goods or machines for production.

https://cpp.ph/statements/responsible-does-not-make-mining-by-foreign-capitalists-any-better/

Kalinaw News: NPAs in the Visayas are fast becoming irrelevant

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 29, 2022): NPAs in the Visayas are fast becoming irrelevant

Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – In a report on Friday, Visayas Command (VISCOM) disclosed that the communist terrorists in the Visayas are fast becoming irrelevant as the support from the community continues to weaken due to the sustained community engagement of the government forces through the community support program (CSP) and the national government’s barangay development program (BDP).

VISCOM Commander, Lieutenant General Robert C Dauz emphasized that “With our sustained community engagements, the people in the region started to break free from the clutches of the communist terrorists while embracing an active role in the government’s peace and development initiatives. This is manifested in the increasing number of information provided by the community which translates into successful internal security and law enforcement operations by your government forces.”

Last 25 January 2022, members of the 301st Infantry Brigade successfully seized a hideout of the communist terrorists in Capiz following a 10-minute firefight with the terrorist group at Sitio Nolwan, Barangay Siya, Tapaz of the said province. Recovered after the incident were; one (1) anti-personnel mine; one (1) hand grenade; a cellphone charger; a wristwatch; a pair of boots; a CPP-NPA flag; a backpack containing several personal belongings; assorted medicines; and several subversive documents. The successful operation emanated from an information provided by a concerned citizen in the aforementioned barangay
.
“Having witnessed the government’s sincerity to ensure the well-being of the people in the region through the BDP, more and more people, as well as local government units, alienate the communist terrorists and repulse their presence in their respective locality by reporting it to the government forces leading to these successful skirmishes.” Lt Gen Dauz added.

VISCOM further revealed that from 01 January 2021 to date, 8, 174 local government units in the Visayas declared the CPP – NPA persona non grata in their respective locality. 7, 759 of which are from the barangay level, 364 are from the municipal level; 39 are from the city; while 12 are from the provincial level. By these declarations, these local government units explicitly expressed that the communist terrorists are not welcome in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Lt Gen Dauz ended his statement by lauding the troops for their unwavering commitment to secure the people in the Visayas and ensure that the democratic way of life is sustained. He then called out the few remaining members of the communist terrorists to return to the fold of the law, saying “Your reign of terror in the Visayas are numbered. VISCOM and its subordinate units, being the Servants in the Visayas will never falter in our commitment to sustain peace and foster development for the people in this part of the country. Lay down your arms, abandon your armed struggle, and head to the call of the government for genuine peace. Return to the fold of the law, avail of the government’s local integration program, and live a peaceful and progressive life with your families.”

[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/npas-in-the-visayas-are-fast-becoming-irrelevant/

Kalinaw News: NoLCom Commander urges troops to intensify efforts in ending communist terrorism

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 29, 2022): NoLCom Commander urges troops to intensify efforts in ending communist terrorism

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – Northern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. visited the headquarters of Joint Task Force (JTF) Kaugnay and Joint Task Group (JTG) Agila in Nueva Ecija on January 28, 2022, to personally convey his guidance in the campaign in ending the local communist armed conflict.

Lt. Gen. Torres was accorded with the traditional full military honors by the officers and men of JTF Kaugnay led by Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo and JTG Agila Commander Col. Norwin Pasamonte. As part of his visit, Lt. Gen. Torres had the opportunity to personally give his guidance to the troops via face-to-face and video-teleconferencing.

In his talks, Lt. Gen. Torres urged the unit commanders and personnel to double their operational momentum and intensify efforts to completely decimate the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and other threats.

“President Duterte gave us the marching order to finish the local communist armed conflict by the end of his term this June 2022. Let’s continue to press on our campaign to eliminate the remaining communist terrorists,” said Lt. Gen. Torres.

“Let’s continue to engage and work with different agencies under the Task Forces on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF ELCAC) and our stakeholders in our area of operations to ensure that we are able to address the issues in local communities that Communist terrorist groups use to exploit as part of their manipulative ploys to deceive the people,“ Lt. Gen. Torres added as he emphasized the importance of the military’s Community Support Programs (CSPs) as a progressive and sustainable campaign that would address the root causes of internal conflict.

Moreso, Lt. Gen. Torres furthered that “the military will ensure that all Communist terrorists who return to the fold of the law will be given a chance to be reintegrated to mainstream society through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).”

ECLIP is a flagship program of the Duterte administration that seeks to address social healing and national unity toward the higher objective of attaining a just and lasting peace. It has a wide array of benefits based on the particular needs of the former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the Militia ng Bayan and their families through the convergence of the national and local government agencies.

Afterward, Lt. Gen. Torres expressed his gratitude to the Kaugnay and Agila troopers for their successive peace campaign accomplishments.

Since January 1 this year, JTF Kaugnay was instrumental in facilitating the voluntary surrender of 61 Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) members and supporters, discovery of two (2) arms and food caches of the enemy, and recovery of 5 low-powered and 7 high-powered firearms.

“I commend the JTF Kaugnay for your dedication, passion, and sacrifices in accomplishing your tasks of bringing lasting peace and ending communist terrorism in Regions 1 and 3,” said Lt. Gen. Torres.

“As your commander, let us continue to march in cadence with the Filipino people to attain the national vision: Para sa isang matatag, maginhawa at panatag na pamumuhay para sa bawat Pilipino,” Lt. Gen. Torres added.

Kalinaw News: Top NPA leaders yield, high-powered firearms captured as EastMinCom continues intensified military ops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 29, 2022): Top NPA leaders yield, high-powered firearms captured as EastMinCom continues intensified military ops

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – A top leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Sarangani and five of his high-ranking followers voluntarily yield to the combined troops of the 10th Infantry Division’s 1002nd Brigade (1002Bde), 73rd Infantry Battalion (73IB), 6th Infantry Division, and intel units at Sitio Lebe, Brgy. Kablacan, Maasim, Sarangani Province on January 19, 2022.

The surrenderers were identified as Remydio Sambilad alias Yoyong/Boyaks, Member of the CTG’s Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) Executive Committee (EXECOM), Vice Commanding Officer of the Regional Operational Command, and Secretary of the defunct Guerrilla Front (GF) Tala; Benny Española alias Ay-ar, also a member of FSMR’s EXECOM and former Deputy Secretary; Mary Jane Pason alias Nicole, party wife of Sambilad and former Medical Officer; Revelyn Pason alias Jinky, mother of alias Nicole and former Finance Officer; and Meylen Laugo Tangan alias April and Jesabel Shangga Tango alias Baby Colot, Medical Officers of GF MUSA, FSMR.

They also handed over two AK-47 rifles, two M203 Grenade Launchers, and an M79 Grenade Launcher to government troops.

On a separate occasion, six high-powered firearms were recovered by the troops of the 4th Infantry Division’s 901st Brigade, 29th Infantry Battalion together with the Philippine National Police, following the intensified combat operations in the hinterlands of Sitio Ancili, Brgy Puting Bato, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on January 25, 2022.

The said operations were launched through the directive of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, the Commander of EastMinCom to fast-track the dissolution of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao.

The seized firearms were composed of two AK-47 rifles, an EMTAN rifle, an M16 rifle, an M653 rifle, and an M203 Grenade Launcher, while seven magazines with ammunition for AK-47, nine 40mm Grenade Launcher ammunitions, Bandolier, a Nokia cellular phone, assorted food supplies, and other personal belongings with subversive documents were also recovered.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol welcomed the decision of Sambilad and his members to surrender peacefully to finally attain genuine peace in the country.

He also said that the series of operations launched by the EastMinCom is in response to the information shared by the former CTG members to the troops on the whereabouts of their former comrades.

“The information shared by the surrenderees increased our capacity to locate other members of the CTG and conduct intensive operations to drive them away from communities. We attribute this to the growing trust of some NPA members in the government, not only because of our programs for their former comrades but also the delivery of basic services to the people living in far-flung areas,” LtGen. Almerol said.

The EastMinCom Commander also pointed out that the series of surrenders of the CTG’s top-ranking personalities and encounters with their elements are manifestations of their crumbling leadership and the fall of their former mass bases, which served as pillars of their operations.

“From this vantage point, it is apparent that the CTG has a nil chance of winning this war now that their former mass bases have already rejected them while their high-ranking leaders are either dead or are already allies of the government,” he said.

LtGen. Almerol also reiterated his invitation to remaining CTG leaders and members to “lay down their arms as the government’s door is always open for those who wanted to embrace a new life,” assuring that they will get all assistance they need through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Kalinaw News: PTF ELCAC of Davao del Sur pursue Peace and Development through continuous implementation of BDP

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 29, 2022): PTF ELCAC of Davao del Sur pursue Peace and Development through continuous implementation of BDP

MAKILALA, NORTH COTABATO – Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict of Davao del Sur conducted Ground Breaking Ceremony of Barangay Health Station and Farm to Market Road at Barangay Sibayan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur on January 28, 2022.

It can be recalled that Brgy Sibayan was a former stronghold of NPA terrorist in which series of atrocities happened including an ambush involving four (4) SOCO personnel who were supposed to investigate a shooting incident involving the armed group. The ambush resulted to the early demise of the four (4) SOCO personnel where one was confirmed as pregnant.

This ground-breaking ceremony highlights the efforts of the government in providing basic health care and protection in the barangay level as well as free and accessible roads to the far flung communities throughout the country.

This initiative establishes an avenue for barangay health workers to provide its constituents with efficient and immediate basic medical attention by accurately identifying health issues and addressing them accordingly.

Further, this also exemplifies the neccessity to create public and feasible way to be able to deliver goods and services from the community to the corresponding market for economic and commodity purposes.

Hon Divina T Dicdican, Barangay Captain of Sibayan exalts her heartfelt gratitude as a recipient of BDP.

She said, “We are grateful in Brgy Sibayan that at last, our community will now have a health home and health station, and we will not anymore find difficulty in transporting our products. This initiative is really vital for our barangay that is far-flung, and indeed needs of medical, health, and free way action.”

This activity is a manifestation of the government’s vision of providing quality assurance of service even in distant areas and remote communities as a key in attainment of lasting peace and prosperity.

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA Field Commanders and 6 Followers Yield in Sultan Kudarat Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 28, 2022): 2 NPA Field Commanders and 6 Followers Yield in Sultan Kudarat Province

CAMP SIONGO, Maguindanao – Two (2) Field Commanders and six (6) of their followers returned to the folds of the law in two (2) batches at Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on January 24 and 26, 2022.

Major General Juvymax Uy disclosed that both of the NPA Field Commanders are Platoon Commanders of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Daguma, Far-South Mindanao Region (FSMR) operating in the tri-boundaries of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani Provinces.

Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Commanding Officer of 37IB said that the first batch of surrender was led by alias Bakilo, the Commanding Officer of Ulayan Platoon, and alias Ranger, the CO of Dabu-Dabu Platoon all under SRC Daguma, FSMR along with five (5) of their followers on January 24, 2022. It was then followed by the surrender of another three (3) CTG members from West Daguma Front, SRC Daguma, FSMR on January 26, 2022. All of the surrenderers were received by representatives from the military, police, and local government units at Headquarters 37th Infantry Battalion, Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

The former rebels brought along with them a 5.56mm M16 Rifle, one (1)7.62mm M14 Rifle, two (2) Caliber .45 Pistols, and one (1) fragmentation grenade.

“Their surrender is a huge setback to the mainstream communist terrorist group and is an indication that their group is continuously weakening”, said Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, Commander of 603rd Brigade.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said, “The surrender of the CTG Field Commanders and their followers can be attributed to the concerted effort of the different government agencies under the Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF ELCAC) of Sultan Kudarat. Eventually, the communist movement will become irrelevant as their members and the communities they have threatened already came into the realization of the importance of having a peaceful and sustainable community.”

Further, Maj. Gen. Uy stressed that the JTF Central and the government is willing to accept those CTG members that are still in hiding, back to the folds of the law. “We have various programs that will help surrenderers live a normal and peaceful life again together with their families. But those who refuse to cooperate with the government, the JTF Central will be relentless in hunting them down in order to protect our communities from their atrocities,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-npa-field-commanders-and-6-followers-yield-in-sultan-kudarat-province/

Kalinaw News: Barangay Chiefs Hand Over Loose Firearms to Military in Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 28, 2022): Barangay Chiefs Hand Over Loose Firearms to Military in Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Chairpersons of the different barangays in Carmen, Cotabato handed over seven loose firearms to the military on January 27, 2022. According to Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the firearms were received by Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of 602nd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, Commanding Officer of 90th Infantry Battalion at the Convention Hall of the abovementioned municipality.

Col. Gonzales said that Barangay Chairpersons Jimmy Cabrillo of Kibudtungan, Percival Bacudo of Aroman, Reynaldo Camique of Tonganon, Acob Guiamilil of Palanggalan, Ronald Akmad of Kibenes, Robert Baguat of Ranzo, and Pepito Calibara of Tacupan handed over a total of five M1 Garand rifles and two US Carbine Cal. 30 rifles.

“The activity is part of the Balik Baril Program of our unit in partnership with the municipality of Carmen. This is to eradicate illegal firearms in our area of operation,” Lt. Col. Mundala said.

Chairman Cabrillo said that this is their way of expressing their support for the government’s campaign against illegal firearms and to be a good example to their constituents.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central, commended the 602nd Infantry Brigade and 90th Infantry Battalion for establishing good relationships with the local officials.

All surrendered firearms are currently deposited at H90IB for custody and proper disposition.

“Their gestures are very much appreciated. May they inspire their constituents who are owners of illegal firearms to also yield their weapons to the military. It would be of great help especially during this election period when we double our efforts to clear the communities from undocumented firearms and sustain the peace in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

Kalinaw News: 2.5 million worth of benefits awarded to 15 Former rebels in Misamis Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 28, 2022): 2.5 million worth of benefits awarded to 15 Former rebels in Misamis Oriental

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – 15 former Rebels received their benefits during the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Awarding held at Headquarters 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion on January 27, 2022.

The benefits under E-CLIP that the FRs received are livelihood, immediate, reintegration assistance, and firearms remuneration. All are in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s advocacy of reintegrating the FRs back into mainstream society and helping them improve their living conditions.

15 beneficiaries received cash ranging from PHP15,000.00 to PHP916,000.00, which totaled Php2,392,000.00. This will certainly assist them in starting a small business or buying property to improve their way of life and contribute to community and nation-building. The recipients shared their appreciation of the government for continuing to be sincere in supporting those who had been victims of communist terrorist groups’ lies and deceit.

Alias Dino, a FR who received a total of Php981,000.00, expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders who worked together to help them return to mainstream society. “Nagapasalamat lang ko sa amahan sa nasod na si PRRD na iya gyong gihatagan, gibubo ang tabang labi na kanamong former rebels. Nagpasalamat pud kong dako kay Gov Emano. Walay hunong ang iyang pagtabang kanamo labi na usab sa tibuok probinsya niya, iyang mga sakop, gitabangan. Pasalamat usab ko’g dako sa 58IB nga nahimo nakong tulay nga nakabalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno. Labi na sa pagpanigkamot sa 58IB na makadawat ug grasya sa matag adlaw adlaw na panginahanglan labi na sa among pamilya. Nagpasalamat pud ko sa DSWD na mao usab nitabang kanamo. Salamat pud sa LGU na maoy dakong tabang diri sa amo kanunay. Gidasig pud nako ang akong kanhing mga kauban na unta mubalik na sila sa sabakan sa balaod aron ila usab matagamtaman ang among nasinati ug among nadawat na mga benepisyo. Nia na diri ang tinuod na gobyerno ug sa makausa pa, daghan kaayong salamat.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar said, “I want to express my gratitude to 15 of you here today because you have been an important part of helping Claveria prosper.” When it comes to insurgency, whenever they hear about our municipality, Claveria, people will immediately respond, “There are a lot of NPAs out there.” However, in recent years, I have witnessed the government force, the army, and various agencies working together to address the insurgency problem. So, thank you for making the decision to return to the folds of the law. You have played a significant role in the growth of Claveria. Congratulations to each and every one of us. “

BM Dexter B. Yasay thanked the 58IB and former rebels as stakeholders in the province in his message, saying, “We are grateful to the men and women of 58IB, especially you FRs, on behalf of Governor Emano. We hope and pray that you will persuade many more of your former comrades to understand that they should not return simply because the government promised them something. The most important thing, however, is that we must live in peace. In addition, we must make the Philippines livable. “I hope we are not among those who have lost interest in our society’s future. “

Furthermore, Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer, 58IB, reaffirms the anti-insurgency campaign’s viability through such activities. “I’m overjoyed that, after months of anticipation, the time has finally arrived for us to deliver what we promised as a team. Thank you to our FRs for patiently waiting and believing that the government would deliver on its promises. I’m glad you never gave up hope, that you trusted the government program, and that you continued to persuade your comrades to surrender.”

Kalinaw News, [1/28/2022 11:18 AM]
“I’d like to thank Gov. Bambi Emano’s team, as well as Mayor Abrogar’s, for taking such good care of our former rebels. We understand that due to the pandemic, these benefits will not be available immediately, but we appreciate your continued support, so thank you very much,” Lt. Col Canatoy ended.

The awarding was headed by E-CLIP Committee Chair, Hon. Yevgeny Vincente Emano, Provincial Governor of Misamis Oriental, represented by Hon. Dexter B. Yasay, Board Member, together with Hon. Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar, Municipal Mayor, Claveria, Engr. Marisia C. Naybe, Provincial Director, DILG MisOr, and Sir Jhunleymar Abella, Head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development.