Sunday, March 20, 2022

6 ex-rebels benefit from aid caravan

From the Manila Times (Mar 21, 2022): 6 ex-rebels benefit from aid caravan (By Francis Earl Cueto)

THE Municipal Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-Elcac) of Capas, Tarlac on Sunday distributed financial assistance to six former rebels during a Serbisyo Caravan held at Sitio Pisapungan, Barangay Sta. Juliana, in Capas held last March 15, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, said the financial assistance was an initiative of the MTF-Elcac of Capas as a form of subsidy, while the ex-rebels await their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

The former insurgents from the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (3MIB) last June 2021 as a result of intensified community support program operations in the area.


"We are happy for the relentless support of our LGU (local government unit) for the former rebels," Costelo said.

The caravan also benefited at least 200 Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

During the activity, an information awareness drive focusing on the NPA's allegedly deceptive recruitment among the IPs was conducted by a representative from the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management cluster of Elcac Region 3 (Central Luzon).

Food packs, shoes for children, vegetable seedlings, medicines and vaccination shots against Covid-19 were given to residents during the Serbisyo Caravan.


Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan, MTF-Elcac chairman, commended the former rebels for their commitment to supporting the government.

"Sa mga nagbalik-loob, binabati ko kayo at saludo ako sa inyo. Walang ibang tutulong sa atin kundi ang ating gobyerno, kahit tayo'y nasa kapatagan o sa kabundukan, dapat tayo ay magkaisa dahil iisa lang tayo, Pilipino tungo sa asensadong gobyerno (To those who returned to the government side, I salute you. No other person will help you aside from the government even if you are on the mountains or plain land, we should unite, Filipinos, toward a better government)," Catacutan said.

Lt. Col. Eugene Henry Cabusao, commanding officer of the 3MIB, called on other rebels to also surrender and return to their normal lives together with their families.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/21/news/regions/6-ex-rebels-benefit-from-aid-caravan/1836979

JTF Central Commander Led the Presentation of 80 Former Violent Extremists and Former Rebels at 6ID Headquarters

From the Journal Online (Mar 20, 2022): JTF Central Commander Led the Presentation of 80 Former Violent Extremists and Former Rebels at 6ID Headquarters



A total of 80 surrenderers composed of thirty-nine (39) Former Violent Extremists (FVEs) and forty-one (41) Former Rebels (FRs) were presented by Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division during a Press Conference held at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on March 18, 2022.

The thirty-nine (39) FVEs are composed of twenty-one (21) FVEs from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters – Bungos Faction, twelve (12) from the BIFF – Karialan Faction, and six (6) from the Daulah-Islamiya Turaife Group which all surrendered
to 6th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao. They were received and welcomed by Mr. Roger Dionisio, the AGILA-HAVEN Focal Person of the Province of Maguindanao during the presentation at 6ID Headquarters.




While the forty-one (41) FRs are composite NPA regulars and members of the underground mass organization (UGMO) of the Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Region Committee operating in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat Province which surrendered to 37th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. They were likewise received and welcomed by Rep. Datu Yahiya Sinenggayan, the PTF ELCAC Focal Person of the Province of Sultan Kudarat at 6ID Headquarters during the presentation.

The FVEs and FRs also surrendered 65 various firearms and war materials which includes two (2) 60mm mortars with base plate, nine (9) M16A1 rifles, one (1) M203 Grenade Launcher, six (6) M14 rifles, three (3) M79 grenade launchers, two (2) M653 rifles, three (3) Cal.30 Spring Field rifles, two (2) Cal.50 sniper rifles, eleven (11) 7.62mm sniper rifles, one (1) R4 rifle, one (1) Garand rifle, two (2) RPGs, one (1) M1 Carbine rifle, seven (7) 12-gauge shotgun, one (1) 5.56mm pistols, one (1) 12-gauge pistol, one (1) 20-gauge pistol, four (4) 9mm sub-machinegun, one (1) Cal.38 revolver, and one (1) Cal.357 revolver. Also surrendered are four (4) RPG ammunition, one (1) 105mm Projectile, one (1) Rocket warhead, and two (2) IEDs.



The 80 surrenderers were given initial cash and food assistance coming from the Local Government Units of the Province of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat intended as preliminary incentives to help the FVEs and FRs start a new and peaceful life with their families.

The event was also attended by the Commanders of 601st, 602nd, 603rd, 1st Mechanized Brigades; Mr. Roger Dionisio, AGILA-HAVEN Focal Person of Maguindanao; Rep. Datu Yahiya Sinenggayan, PTF ELCAC Focal Person of Sultan Kudarat; Atty. Josefina TorreƱa, Maguindanao Legal Adviser; Ms. Elenita Saavedra, RSW PSWDO of Sultan Kudarat; and the Battalion Commanders under JTF Central.

Mr. Roger Dionisio, representing Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao said, “Panahon na tayo ay magkaisa at ito ay ipinapaintindi ng ating AGILA-HAVEN sa lahat. Hikayatin ninyo ang inyong mga kasama at kumbinsihin sila na makipag-usap sa ating gobyerno. Hindi pa huli ang lahat, nasa inyo rin ang paraan at solusyon kung paano natin ialis ang ating sarili sa kahirapan. Ang gobyerno po ay nandyan para tumulong.”

At the same time, Rep. Datu Yahiya Sinenggayan, said during the press conference, “Kami sa Probinsya ng Sultan Kudarat ay nagagalak sa inyong pagbalik-loob sa gobyerno. Kayo ay aming tutulangan sa inyong pagbabagong buhay.”



Major General Juvymax Uy congratulated the former violent extremists who decided to surrender and return to the mainstream society to live normal and decent lives. “I congratulate you dahil naintindihan ninyo na ang gobyerno ay hindi nagpapabaya sa inyo. Magandang kinabukasan ang naghihintay sa inyong lahat”, Maj. Gen. Uy said.

It can be recalled that on February 16, 2022, a total of 140 Former Violent Extremists from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Daulah Islamiya who surrendered to the government also received livelihood and farm assistance from the Maguindanao Province peace initiative program known as Anak Na May Ginintuang Layunin, Upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) at the 6th Infantry Division Grounds, Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.



The grant was composed of seven (7) Rotavators, fifteen (15) Hand Tractors or “Kuliglig”, seven (7) “Payong-payong”, grocery items and livelihood support to help these former violent extremists start their new and peaceful lives with their families.

The recent surrenderers are now undergoing custodial debriefing and processing prior to being enrolled with the AGILA-HAVEN Program for the FVEs and the Enhanced – Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for the FRs.

https://journal.com.ph/jtf-central-commander-led-the-presentation-of-80-former-violent-extremists-and-former-rebels-at-6id-headquarters/

ASG man surrenders in Basilan, says military

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 20, 2022): ASG man surrenders in Basilan, says military (By Martin Sadongdong)

An alleged member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) yielded to the Philippine Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion in Basilan, the military said Sunday, March 20.

Courtesy of Western Mindanao Command

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao command (WestMinCom), identified the surrendered ASG as Mujib Hassan Muranding, who proclaims to be a member of the terrorist group under the command of sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri.

Rosario said that Muranding’s surrender came after Jamiri and 13 of his followers also voluntarily submitted themselves to authorities in March 2018.

Jamiri’s group was notorious for kidnapping locals in Basilan and in nearby provinces. One of their victims was Zamboanga native nurse Preciosa Feliciano who was abducted by the group in her house in 2008.

Apparently, the 27-year-old fighter went on lie low status after his former leader and comrades laid down their weapons and turned themselves in four years ago.


He told the military that he wanted to immediately join the footsteps of his comrades but he was afraid he would be harmed by the state forces, hence, it took him four years to finally muster the strength to surrender.

“We welcome all those who wish to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. We assure you that we will give our full support to their reintegration into mainstream society,” Rosario said as he assured Muranding that the military will extend all the necessary assistance to him.

Muranding also turned over an M16A1 rifle to the troops as he availed of government intervention programs that will help him recover and join his community in Al-Barka, Basilan.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/20/asg-man-surrenders-in-basilan-says-military/

Abu Sayyaf member surrenders in Basilan

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 20, 2022): Abu Sayyaf member surrenders in Basilan



A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group identified as Mujib Hassan Maranding alias Abu Ohms (center) surrender to government authorities Thursday, March 17, in Basilan province. A photo handout shows Maranding handing over a rifle to a military official when he surrendered. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A MEMBER of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to government authorities in Basilan province, a top military official announced Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, 101st Infantry Brigade commander,
identified the ASG surrenderer as Mujib Hassan Maranding alias Abu Ohms, 27, a resident of Danapah village, Al-Barka, Basilan.

Gobway said Maranding surrendered and handed over a high-powered firearm on Thursday, March 17, to the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Maranding was a follower of former Basilan-based ASG leader Nurhassan Jamiri, who surrendered to the government along with 13 followers on March 28, 2018.

Maranding said he went on lie-low status after the surrender of his leader and comrades.


Maranding and the firearm he surrendered are currently under the custody of 18IB for proper disposition.

Since January, a total of 12 ASG members have surrendered to the military authorities in the Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa) areas.

“We welcome all those who wish to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. We assure you that we will give our full support to their reintegration into mainstream society,” said Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1924163/zamboanga/local-news/abu-sayyaf-member-surrenders-in-basilan

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga residente, nagbarikada para ipagtanggol ang kababaryo

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 20, 2022): Mga residente, nagbarikada para ipagtanggol ang kababaryo (Residents, barricaded to defend the villagers)
 






March 20, 2022

Pinalibutan ng mga residente ng Sityo Cabiti, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan ang bahay ng isa nilang kababaryo kaninang madaling araw para ipagtanggol siya laban sa mga sundalo at pulis.

Ayon sa ulat ng Panghimutad, alternatibong grupong midya sa Negros, alas-3 ng madaling araw nang pumasok ang 40 elemento ng AFP at Special Action Force ng PNP sa Sityo Cabiti, malapit sa bahay ni Lucia Sales. Si Sales ay isang magsasaka na kasapi ng Asosasyon para sa Kauswagan sang mga Mangunguma kag Mamumugon sa Uma, lokal na samahan ng magsasaka sa lugar.

Bandang ala-5 ng umaga nang paalis na sana ang anak na lalaki na Sales papunta ng trabaho, nakita niya ang di bababa 15 tropa ng AFP at PNP ang papunta sa kanilang bakuran. Tinangka ng mga ito na pasukin ang kanilang bahay.

Upang pigilan ang mga ito, nagbuo ng barikada ang mga residente palibot ng bahay. Sa ulat ng Panghimutad ngayong tanghali, nakabarikada pa rin ang magkababaryo sa paligid ng bahay ni Sales.

Ayon pa grupo, hinahanap umano ng mga berdugo ang isang alyas “Juaning” sa lugar. “Nagbanta ang mga ito na aarestuhin ang mga residente na walang ipinakikitang warrant of arrest,” anito.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-residente-nagbarikada-para-ipagtanggol-ang-kababaryo/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Lider-manggagawang si Bong Labog, inendorso ng 1Sambayan

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 19, 2022): Lider-manggagawang si Bong Labog, inendorso ng 1Sambayan (Labor leader Bong Labog, endorsed by 1Sambayan)
 





March 19, 2022

Upisyal nang inendorso ng 1Sambayan kahapon, Marso 18, ang kanditura ng lider-manggagawa at kandidato sa pagkasenador ng Koalisyong Makabayan na si Elmer Labog sa kanilang hanay para sa pambansang halalan sa Mayo 2022. Kasabay ang pag-aanunsyo ng isang taong anibersaryo ng 1Sambayan. Una nang inendorso ng grupo ang kapwa kandidato ng Makabayan na si Atty. Neri Colmenares.

Ang 1Sambayan ay itinatag noong 2021 para buklurin ang boses ng oposisyon laban sa pangkating Duterte at Marcos. Dala ng grupo si Leni Robredo at Kiko Pangilinan bilang mga kandidato pagkapresidente at bise presidente. Inendorso rin nito ang orihinal na anim na mga kandidato pagkasenador sa ilalim ng tambalahang Leni-Kiko.

Si Labog ay naging unyonista noong kasagsagan ng batas militar ng rehimeng US-Marcos. Naging lider siya ng unyon sa pinagtatrabahuan niyang hotel noong 1977. Kalaunan ay gumampan siya ng mga susing tungkulin sa mga pederasyon ng Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU). Kasalukuyang tagapangulo si Labog ng KMU na kumakatawan sa ilampung libong manggagawa at kanilang mga unyon.

“Maraming salamat sa 1Sambayan sa inyong pagpili at pag-endorso. Ang suporta at tiwala niyo ay lalong magpapasidhi sa akin para ihatid ang makabayang pagbabago sa mamamayan,” ayon kay Labog.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/lider-manggagawang-si-bong-labog-inendorso-ng-1sambayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Resisting heightened fascist attacks in Central Negros: The revolution is a mass movement

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 18, 2022): Resisting heightened fascist attacks in Central Negros: The revolution is a mass movement
 





March 19, 2022

Much like its failed predecessors, the US-Duterte regime has once again declared that it will launch “decisive battles” to end the armed struggle once and for all. And yet in Central Negros, through the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the revolution has scored comprehensive victories amid the regime’s relentless attacks.

Since October 2021, brigade-led operations of the 303rd IBde (comprised of the 62nd, 79th, and 94th IB) along with troops of the 33rd DRC, 16th SRC, and PNP-SAF have consistently terrorized communities in Central Negros despite the worsening socioeconomic crisis amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the government’s militarist response, and the recent wrath of Supertyphoon Odette.

Since 2018, Central Negros has been the target of the regime’s brutal and dirty counterrevolutionary war through its sustained combat operations coupled with crimes that affect mostly civilians. Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 and other similar operations have killed innocent farmers, farm workers, leaders of legal organizations and even progressive politicians. International rules of war and humanitarian law are brazenly violated by the AFP, PNP, and NTF-ELCAC in blurring the distinction between the NPA combatants, civilians, and hors de combat. They see red everywhere in their desperate attempt to quell the movement. Military operations are marked by rampant human rights violation including intimidation, red-tagging, enforced surrenders, indiscriminate firing, illegal detention, torture, or murder.

These attacks have not prevented the CPP, NPA, and mass organizations in the guerrilla front to push through with tasks through creative and clandestine means, even with intensified military presence in the mass bases and expansion areas especially in the final months of 2021.
Comprehensive victories

Party members, Red fighters and revolutionary activists sharpened their understanding of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism through the study of the Basic Party Course, and other Party documents, publications & statements. Comrades have been armed with the revolutionary ideology of the proletariat to guide them in their daily tasks and learning from both positive and negative experiences. The 53rd anniversary celebration of the CPP was met with both victories and challenges in the upcoming year as the end of Duterte’s official term approaches.

Within 3 months, the LPC-NPA carried out the three integrated tasks of base building, agrarian revolution, and armed struggle in around 70% of its mass base of over 150,000.

Despite additional deployment of fascist troops in the area, the LPC-NPA maintained its guerrilla base while also expanding to new municipalities. New sectoral organizations of the PKM, MAKIBAKA, and KM have also been established. Meanwhile, mass organizations in consolidated areas continued to increase and execute livelihood, medical, educational, rehabilitation for the victims of calamities and other programs of the People’s Democratic Government. Meetings are held secretly even with military presence in the area.

Contradictions among the ranks of the masses were also resolved. They consult with NPA units or leaders of mass organizations to resolve conflicts involving property boundaries, intrigues, and other issues. Some of these conflicts are due to the AFP’s divisive tactics to sow chaos among the masses. With the masses eager to listen and heed their army and local leaders, they are united further and they continue to act as a collective force, strengthening the revolution more than ever.

While fascist troops are busy hijacking cooperatives to convert them to military-led organizations, antifeudal campaigns guided by the CPP and aided by the NPA have benefited the masses. Farmers took over 54 hectares of land through the implementation of revolutionary and genuine land reform. Farm worker wages in two local haciendas also increased by ₱50.

During the focused military operation in the final quarter of 2021, the NPA mounted 18 military actions against the AFP, PNP, their network of spies, and lawless elements. Red fighters seized weapons and new recruits, mostly from the youth, added to the strength of the people’s army in the guerrilla front. The support of the broad masses through monitoring enemy activity and economic support have immensely helped the people’s army seize the initiative and wage offensives.

The Party also swore in new candidate and full members, and current members renewing their commitment to wholeheartedly serve the people and the revolution. New Party branches in expansion and recovery areas were also established. Aside from this, potential cadres were developed and tempered by the comprehensive tasks of the revolution.
The revolution flourishes in ceaseless and tireless struggle

In a span of three months, the ideological, political, and organizational gains of the CPP in the guerrilla front is a clear sign that the intensified attacks of the US-Duterte regime has not at all weakened the fighting spirit of Party cadres, Red commanders and fighters, and revolutionary masses. Instead, the forces of the revolution have been forged by ceaseless and tireless struggle and strengthened unity.

Revolutionary forces are prepared to face the challenges of the upcoming year. Mass organizations and the people’s army will continue to address the global pandemic through herbal treatment, medical orientation and assistance. Relief and rehabilitation efforts to help the masses whose livelihood and homes have been destroyed by Supertyphoon Odette will also continue.

The upcoming 2022 national elections primarily controlled by the alliance of proven plunderer families of the Marcoses, Arroyos, Estradas and Dutertes will compel the broad united front of progressive and patriotic forces to consolidate their strength to frustrate the looming threat of a Duterte extension and a similarly tyrannical Marcos regime. The unholy alliance’s local tenets in Central Negros are bound to resort to needless violence against the people.

The AFP’s aim to destroy the revolutionary movement by the end of Duterte’s official term will also indubitably result to more grave human rights violations. Like its fresh experience in the last quarter of 2021, the CPP, LPC-NPA, and all revolutionary forces in Central Negros are determined to face and overcome the attacks of the US-Duterte regime.

What the focused military operations and the offensive of the AFP, PNP, NTF-ELCAC combine have only proven is that the more they attempt to stop the revolution, the more the people are veered towards it. In the immortal words of Chairman Mao, the masses are the true makers of history. The revolution is a mass movement, and indeed the experience of the revolutionary forces in Central Negros is a proof of this. Despite the enemy’s focused military operation and overspending, the national democratic revolution advances wave upon wave to greater heights.

The more openly and tyrannically the ruling class oppresses the people, the more the masses are left with no choice but to support and join the armed revolution. The revolutionary forces’ fervor cannot be dampened by the shadow of a paper tiger like Duterte and his imperialist masters. In another year of struggle, the CPP, NPA and the broad masses in Central Negros are sure to frustrate the brutal counterrevolutionary war of the US-Duterte regime, and to overcome hurdles to carry forward the people’s war. (Ang Paghimakas)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/the-revolution-is-a-mass-movement/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 1st Scout Rangers Battalion at 88th IB, naunahan ng BHB-Bukidnon

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 18, 2022): 1st Scout Rangers Battalion at 88th IB, naunahan ng BHB-Bukidnon (1st Scout Rangers Battalion and 88th IB, preceded by the NPA-Bukidnon)
 






March 18, 2022

Pitong sundalo ang napatay sa kontra-opensiba ng BHB-Bukidnon laban sa nag-ooperasyong mga tropa ng 1st Scout Rangers Battalion at 8th IB sa Sityo Kiito, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City tanghali noong Marso 3.

Bilang ganti, binweltahan ng mga sundalo ang mga sibilyan sa lugar. Inaresto nila ang isang datu at apat na magsasakang Lumad sa parehong araw, pinahirapan at pinalabas na mga Pulang mandirigma. Nakapiit ngayon sa Malaybalay City Jail sina Datu Elyurin Goaynon, isang IP chieftain at 37 taong gulang, Reboy Goaynon, 16, Giovani Licayan, 30, Michael Peraga, 20, at Andro Mahul, 33. Pinalalabas na mayroong mga nakumpiskang armas mula sa kanila.

Ayon sa mga ulat, ang limang inaresto ay nadatnan lamang nilang kumukuha ng mga punong kahoy para sa kanilang bahay sa Sityo Kilap-agan sa Barangay Can-ayan. Tinortyur ang lima. Inilinaw ng kanilang mga pamilya na pawang mga sibilyan ang lima at umaasang magkakaroon ng masusing imbestigasyon para kagyat silang mapalaya.

Naghabi pa ng kwento ang mga sundalo na nadampot ang mga sibilyan sa isang engkwentro kung saan nakasamsam umano ng mga armas, laptop at kagamitang militar.

Ilang araw matapos nito, muling nakauna ang BHB kontra sa reyd ng 88th IB noong Marso 9 sa Sityo Bendum, Barangay Busdi. Isang sundalo ang iniulat na napatay.

Para itago ang kanilang magkasunod na pagkatalo, nagpakana ang 8th IB ng bugso ng umano’y pagsuko ng mga Pulang mandirigma noong Marso 15. Sinundan pa ito ng “pagkadiskubre” ng isang “bangkay” ng isang alyas Prodo sa Sityo Kilap-agan na di umano’y napaslang sa labanan noong Marso 3. (Ang Kalihukan)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/1st-scout-rangers-battalion-at-88th-ib-naunahan-ng-bhb-bukidnon/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pasistang terorismo ng AFP, bigong pigilan ang mga opensiba ng BHB-Northern Samar

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 18, 2022): Pasistang terorismo ng AFP, bigong pigilan ang mga opensiba ng BHB-Northern Samar (Fascist terrorism of the AFP, failed to stop the NPA-Northern Samar offensives)
 






March 18, 2022

Hindi napipigilan ng pasistang terorismo ng 20th Infantry Battalion, 803rd Infantry Brigade at PNP laban sa mamamayan ng Northern Samar ang sunud-sunod na mga opensiba ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Rodante Urtal Command (BHB-RUC) nitong Pebrero. Sa loob lang ng walong araw, walong pasistang tropa ang natamong kaswalti ng kaaway sa bayan ng Catubig.

Pebrero 16. Pinaputukan ng BHB-RUC ang mga tropa ng PNP-Special Action Force sa pagitan ng Barangay Roxas at Barangay San Jose (Hebobollao) bandang ala-1:30 ng hapon. Dalawang pasistang kaaway ang napatay at dalawa ang nasugatan, na dinala ng helikopter matapos ang opensiba. Narinig pang magsigawan sa takot ang apat sa mga pasistang tropa.

Ang nasabing kaaway ay nagsilbing pwersang pangseguridad sa kumander ng 20th IB na si Lt. Col. Joemar Buban na pumunta sa Barangay Roxas sa tangkang linlangin at magpakitang tao sa mga residente umaga ng araw ding iyon. Kasunod ito ng pamamaslang ng mga tropa ng 20th IB sa apat na residente ng Roxas, kabilang ang tatlong bata kung saan dalawa ang namatay.

Pebrero 21. Naunang paputukan ng BHB-RUC ang nasa 20 nag-ooperasyong pasistang tropa sa Barangay Tungodnon bandang alas-9 ng umaga. Sa inisyal na ulat, dalawang pasistang tropa ang napatay.

Pebrero 24. Muli na namang pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga nag-ooperasyong tropa sa CM Recto (Lobedico) bandang alas-2 ng hapon. Hindi man lang nakaganti ng putok ang kaaway.

Patunay ang matatagumpay na opensiba ng BHB na hinding-hindi magagawang pigilan ng karahasan ng estado ang armadong paglaban ng hukbong bayan upang depensahan ang mamamayan.

Nanunumpa ang BHB-RUC na tuluy-tuloy itong maglulunsad ng mga taktikal na opensiba upang ipaghiganti ang mga batang walang awang pinatay ng pasistang 20th IB, at ang lahat ng naging biktima ng pasistang AFP-PNP. (Larab)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pasistang-terorismo-ng-afp-bigong-pigilan-ang-mga-opensiba-ng-bhb-northern-samar/

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Justine Kate “Ka Celin” Raca: taksil sa rebolusyon at sa mamamayang PalaweƱo!

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 20, 2022): Justine Kate “Ka Celin” Raca: taksil sa rebolusyon at sa mamamayang PalaweƱo! (Justine Kate “Ka Celin” Raca: traitor to the revolution and the PalaweƱo people!)
 


Andrei Bon Guerrero
Spokesperson
NPA-Palawan (Bienvenido Vallever Command)
Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)
New People's Army

March 20, 2022

Mariing tinutuligsa ng Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC)-BHB Palawan ang tahasang pagpapagamit ni Justine Kate Raca sa Western Command (WESCOM) at Palawan Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sa paghahasik ng mga kasinungalingan at panlilinlang sa mamamayan.

Itinatakwil ng BVC si Raca, na nakilala ng mamamayang PalaweƱo bilang Ka Celin/Mira, at dating Pulang mandirigma at opisyal ng BVC na sapilitang pinasuko ng isang lokal na opisyal ng Roxas matapos mapahiwalay sa depensibang labanan noong Disyembre 10 ng nagdaang taon sa Brgy. Tinitian, Roxas. Sumailalim siya sa presyur ng mga pasistang WESCOM at PTF-ELCAC hanggang sa tuluyang bumigay sa kagustuhan ng mga militar na gamitin siya sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong pakana ng nito sa buong probinsya ng Palawan.

Habang kinukundena ang ginawang pagpapahirap at mental na tortyur na isinagawa ng mga militar laban sa kanya na kung tutuusi’y isang bihag-ng-digma, tinutuligsa naman ng BVC ang ginawang pagpapagamit ni Raca sa mga militar, na siyang nagpahirap sa kanya at isa sa mga pangunahing dahilan ng pagyakap niya sa rebolusyonaryong simulain. Sa ginawang ito ni Raca, tinalikuran niya ang kanyang dating mga panininidigan at paniniwala at binalewala ang lahat ng kanyang naging pagsisikap, sakripisyo at ambag sa pagsusulong ng rebolusyonaryong gawain sa Palawan. Hindi niya sinundan ang yapak ng magigiting na kababaihang martir ng Palawan na sina Charity “Ka Rise” DiƱo at Andrea “Ka Naya” Rosal na kahit sumailalim sa matinding pagpapahirap at presyur ng militar ay naging matatag at lalong humigpit ang pagyakap sa rebolusyonaryong prinsipyo at adhikain.

Nagtaksil si Raca hindi lamang sa rebolusyon kundi maging sa mamamayang PalaweƱo na nagtiwala, nag-aruga at nagtanggol sa kanya sa di lamang iilang napakahihirap na sitwasyong kinasangkutan niya at ng yunit na kinabilangan niya sa gitna ng masinsing operasyong militar ng mga yunit sa ilalim ng WESCOM. Namumuhi ang mamamayang PalaweƱo hindi lamang sa ginawa niyang pagtalikod sa isang dakilang pakikibaka laban sa pang-aapi’t pagsasamantala kundi sa ginagawa niyang pagkakanulo sa rebolusyon at sa mamamayang PalaweƱo.

Sa pagpapauna niya sa kanyang makasariling interes, ngayon ay aktibo si Raca sa mga kampanya ng PTF-ELCAC sa sapilitang pagpapasuko, pagpapakalat ng mga pekeng balita at paninira laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isla. Masaya siyang kahalubilo ang mga pasista’t kriminal, ang mga korap na lokal na burukrata-kapitalista sa Palawan na kabilang sa mga pangunahing dahilan sa labis na kahirapang dinaranas ng mga PalaweƱo. Aalagaan siya ng WESCOM at PTF-ELCAC at mga galamay nito hangga’t pinapakinabangan siya sa kanilang mga anti-mamamayang proyekto at aktibidad at kapag wala nang mahita sa kanya’y matutulad din siya sa iilang mga naunang nagtaksil na dinidispatsa ng mga pasista,

Maituturing si Raca bilang isa sa mga basura ng magiting na kasaysayan ng pakikibaka ng mamamayang PalaweƱo, sampu ng mga katulad niyang nagtaksil at nagkanulo sa bayan at kanilang pakikibaka. Ngunit ang mga katulad niya’y hindi kailanman panghihinayangan ng mamamayan, kumpara sa higit na nakararaming mabubuting anak ng bayan, sasandakot ang katulad ni Raca na piniling manikluhod at maglingkod sa mga naghahari’t pasista kapalit ng mumong halaga at papaliit na garantiya ng kaligtasan. Hindi maglalaon, si Raca at ang mga katulad niya’y sisingilin ng mamamayang PalaweƱo at aabutin ng mahabang kamay ng rebolusyonaryong hustisya.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/justine-kate-ka-celin-raca-taksil-sa-rebolusyon-at-sa-mamamayang-palaweno/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: Itakwil ang traydor na si Justine Kate Raca!

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 20, 2022): Itakwil ang traydor na si Justine Kate Raca! (Reject the traitor Justine Kate Raca!)



Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)
New People's Army

March 20, 2022

Itinatakwil ng Melito Glor Command-NPA Southern Tagalog ang taksil sa rebolusyon at mamamayang PalaweƱo na si Justine Kate Raca o kilala bilang “Ka Celin”. Sa kanyang mulat na pagpapagamit sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong pakana ng AFP-PNP at rehimeng Duterte, ganap na niyang tinalikuran ang rebolusyonaryong simulain at sinumpaan sa rebolusyon—isang kataksilan upang itiwalag sa Partido, hukbo at rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Si Raca ay buhay na negatibong halimbawa ng elementong nabigong maghubog ng sariling pananaw at paninindigang rebolusyonaryo at tuluyang nagpakabulok sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong kataksilan. Para iligtas ang sarili naatim niyang ipagkanulo ang masa na nagtaguyod sa kanya sa gitna ng mga kahirapan at ang kilusan na naging karamay nya sa gitna ng mga sakripisyo at mahirap na mga sandali. Pagkaraang isuko ang sarili sa mga mersenaryong tropa matapos mapahiwalay sa isang labanan sa Brgy. Tinitian, Roxas noong Disyembre 10, 2021, napakabilis niyang talikdan ang rebolusyon at walang pag-aatubiling ipinagkanulo ang rebolusyon at mamamayan para isalba ang sarili. Si Raca ay isang hunyango na mabilis magpalit ng kulay ng balat. Sa kanyang pagpapakasangkapan sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera ng AFP-PNP, may mukha pa itong humarap sa masang PalaweƱo para sapilitang pasukuin, maghasik ng kasinungalingan, magpakalat ng pekeng balita at disimpormasyon sa hanay ng mamamayan.

Sa landas na pinili ni Raca, labis siyang kinamumuhian at isinusuka ng rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa Palawan, sa rehiyon at buong bansa. Siya ay larawan ng isang oportunistang nagpapakasangkapan at nasilaw sa mga hugkag na pangako ng rehimen sa mga taksil sa rebolusyon. Pinawalangsaysay niya ang sakripisyong inilaan ng mga PalaweƱo sa pagtataguyod sa kanya sa harap ng paninibasib ng WESCOM at PNP-MIMAROPA sa kanayunan.

Hindi dapat manghinayang ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayan sa Palawan at buong rehiyon sa sasandakot na taksil na katulad ni Raca. Hindi nito kailanman mapasusubalian ang wastong landas ng rebolusyon ni madudungisan ang dalisay na hangarin ng CPP-NPA-NDFP sa pagpapalaya ng sambayanan anumang kasinungalingan ang ihasik ng mga ito sa bayan. Nalalantad sila bilang mga walang kahihiyang traydor sa harap ng mga taumbayan. Higit silang kinasusuklaman lalo ng mga biktima ng terorismo ng estado dahil sa pagpanig sa mga mersenaryo at sagadsaring kaaway sa uri na maraming inutang na dugo sa bayan.

Samantala, nakatatak na sa kasaysayan ang kapalaran ng lahat ng mga taksil at reaksyunaryong lumalaban sa interes ng mamamayan. Itatapon sila sa basurahan ng kasaysayan. Hindi malayong matulad si Raca at iba pang katulad niya ang sinapit ng mga naunang taksil sa rebolusyon na matapos magpagamit at mapakinabangan ay dinispatsa ng mga militar at pulis sa bandang huli.

Nararapat na patuloy na ilantad ang mga kasinungalingan ng AFP-PNP at ang madugong rekord nila sa bayan. Magpunyagi sa pakikibaka ang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa Palawan at rehiyon sa harap ng papatinding atake ng AFP-PNP. Paigtingin ang armadong pakikibaka sa kanayunan at parusahan ang mga sagadsaring pasista at mga kasabwat nitong pahirap sa sambayanan.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/itakwil-ang-traydor-na-si-justine-kate-raca/

CPP/PKM-NDF-Southern Mindanao: 72nd IB’s hamletting of peasants in Culaman Valley in Bukidnon is NTF-ELCAC and ATC’s fascist sleight of hand in action—PKM-SMR

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 20, 2022): 72nd IB’s hamletting of peasants in Culaman Valley in Bukidnon is NTF-ELCAC and ATC’s fascist sleight of hand in action—PKM-SMR
 


Restituto Baguer
Spokesperson
Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid-Southern Mindanao
NDF-Southern Mindanao
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 20, 2022

BRGY. WHITE CULAMAN, KITAOTAO, BUKIDNON—They were coerced with the promise of freedom but were locked up instead.

Nine farmers, eight Manobo and one Ilonggo, are currently being unlawfully detained in a local Paanakan center (lying-in clinic) of a peasant community here, after being coerced to “voluntarily surrender” to troops of the 72nd Infantry Battalion over trumped-up charges.

The farmers, who prior to their recent arrest and detention were living in other neighboring villages, had initially learned that warrants for their arrest have been issued in early January. Their families and relatives were told that the farmers’ cases would be resolved if they voluntarily submit themselves to 72nd IB troops currently occupying Brgy. White Culaman. The soldiers told them that the nine farmers have been charged with illegal possession of firearms, frustrated murder and murder.

By early March, the farmers came to the village one by one. To their surprise, the awaiting soldiers subsequently arrested and detained them.

The 72nd IB told the local government unit and the tribal council to mediate on its behalf in order to deceive the farmers to consent to the grievously unlawful affair, promising to provide legal assistance as they supposedly await the “legal process.”

For almost a month now, the nine detained farmers have been guarded by armed soldiers, their movement restricted within the premises of the center and barred from going out to make a living. The soldiers gave no definite period on how long the farmers would be detained, only vague assurances that their case were still being “processed.”

Frustrated over the prolonged captivity and with no other means to support themselves, the families of the nine farmers were forced to join them in detention. “What with the pandemic and the skyrocketing of the prices of basic commodities, we had no choice. We will go hungry,” a member of one of the families reportedly said.

Even then, only the spouses and children of the nine farmers were allowed to go out of the center and find work under very limited and monitored schedule.
“Fascist sleight of hand”

Restituto P. Baguer, spokesperson of the revolutionary peasant organization PKM in Southern Mindanao, condemned the hamletting of the nine peasants and their families, saying this was the “fascist sleight of hand” of Duterte’s recent Anti-Terror Council Resolution No. 28 and the NTF-ELCAC’s relentless terror-tagging of patriotic organizations, legal activists and even unarmed civilians.

ATC Resolution No. 28, issued on January 22 but published only a month later, declared as “terrorist” 16 patriotic and democratic organizations allied with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

“The fascist soldiers no longer need to fabricate an elaborate story of armed encounters or plant firearms anymore. They just need to accuse, without evidence, peasants and Lumad as members of any revolutionary or patriotic mass organization in order to arrest and detain them. State terrorism against non-combatants and unarmed civilians has taken a turn for the worse,” declared Baguer.

He also added that Lumad and peasants in the rural and hinterland villages under AFP’s focused military operations are especially vulnerable to abuses by state forces. “The AFP is notorious in controlling and distorting the flow of information, even going as far as fabricating fake news, when its elements commit grave human rights violations against civilians.”

He cited the incident in October 2021 where a drunk soldier shot and wounded several civilians following an illegal gambling game gone awry in Brgy. Calapaton in Kitaotao. “The media, even the local radio stations, did not carry the story because the AFP implemented a news blackout,” Baguer said.
Long history of persecution

The arrest and detention is not the first for the nine farmers. In August 2015, they had also been included in the arrest of 15 farmers, five of whom were minors, who were later detained inside the headquarters of the 19th IB in Maramag, Bukidnon. They were released 22 days later when the trumped-up charges against them were dropped for lack of evidence.

Like many peasants and Lumad around the region, they have long suffered the terror-tagging, harassment and intimidation by AFP troops. Baguer also pointed out the similar case of the Duterte regime’s legal blackmail against ten peasant individuals in Paquibato District in Davao City in early 2021.

He said that in the case of the Paquibato 10, the peasants were forced to surrender in order to clear their names from false criminal charges. The case was dropped less than two weeks later for lack of evidence, after the peasants surrendered to the 27th IB and Sara Duterte’s insidious Peace 911, the city’s local iteration of the NTF-ELCAC.

“The White Culaman peasants will surely share the same fate as the Paquibato 10. Their case will be thrown out because it has no legal basis to begin with, but only on the condition that they admit to being members of patriotic mass organizations and surrender as supporters of the NPA,” Baguer concluded.

https://cpp.ph/statements/72nd-ibs-hamletting-of-peasants-in-culaman-valley-in-bukidnon-is-ntf-elcac-and-atcs-fascist-sleight-of-hand-in-action-pkm-smr/

CPP/CIO: Surface and release NDFP peace consultant Edwin Alcid and Northern Samar farmers

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 20, 2022): Surface and release NDFP peace consultant Edwin Alcid and Northern Samar farmers
 


Marco Valbuena
Chief Information Officer
Communist Party of the Philippines

March 20, 2022

We reiterate our demand for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), specifically the 803rd Infantry Brigade under the 8th Infantry Division, to surface and release peace consultant Edwin Alcid (Ka Veejo or Ka Terry) who was accosted with two others last March 8 in Barangay San Jose (Hibubuylao), Catubig, Northern Samar.

According to local reports, Ka Veejo was taken together with residents Siloy Mendez and Antonio Ero. They were last seen being made to board two military helicopters which landed on the village at around 12:40 p.m.

We denounce the arrest of Alcid as an outright violation of his rights under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

We also condemn the AFP for failing to release information about the status of Ka Veejo and his companions in violation of their democratic rights and legal processes even under laws of the reactionary government.

We demand the AFP to immediately surface Ka Veejo et al. and and allow them to avail of medical and legal services in line with their democratic rights.

We urge human rights groups and peace advocates to press the AFP to surface and release Ka Veejo.

Families and friends of Alcid, Mendez and Ero are gravely worried about their conditions.

Ka Veejo is 74 years old and suffers from acute diabetes. He has been retired from active service in the Party.

He graduated engineering from the University of the Philippines and was among those who designed and built the Cloverleaf interchange in Balintawak, Quezon City. His children reside in the United States.

https://cpp.ph/statements/surface-and-release-ndfp-peace-consultant-edwin-alcid-and-northern-samar-farmers/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Arrest of peace consultant, activists in Himamaylan denounced

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 19, 2022): Arrest of peace consultant, activists in Himamaylan denounced
 


Bayani Obrero
Spokesperson
NDF-Negros Island

March 19, 2022

National Democratic Front-Negros (NDF-Negros) in a statement today convey its vehement condemnation over what it bared as an unlawful arrest of its peace consultant Ramon M. Patriarca along with two youth peace advocates and activists in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental yesterday morning by joint military and police operatives.

Patriarca, was apprehended together with John Michael Tecson and Carmen Jonahville Matarlo in a farm workers’ community situated in Sitio Tondo, Barangay Suay. The said area is adjoined by large swathes of haciendas owned or linked to the former feudal kingpin Danding Cojuangco.

This reprehensible incident constitutes a flagrant violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) which gives protection to all consultants, staff and personnel involve in the peace process from arrest, surveillance and other similar measures that may hamper their work, according to NDF-Negros spokesperson Ka Bayani Obrero.

“Contrary to the dimwitted interpretation of the Duterte regime, the JASIG is still in effect despite the suspension of formal peace talks. It can only be rescinded by a bilateral process clearly stipulated in the agreement itself and not by mere whim and unilateral decision of a deranged president,” Ka Bayani added.
Ka Bayani explained that Patriarca was in the area to conduct an in-depth study on how these immense Cojuangco estates were exempted from land redistribution, what were the schemes utilized to circumvent existing agrarian reform laws and programs and how these impacted the lives of farm workers. The study aims to contribute to the second substantive agenda of the peace talks which is the crafting of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reform (CASER).

“He tapped the skills and experience of Matarlo and Tecson for this project. Matarlo is renowned activist in Cebu with significant experience in the conduct of social investigation. While Tescson has wide range of practical experience on various issues confronting hacienda workers being a community organizer. On the day they were unjustifiably arrested, they were holding a meeting to discuss research methodology”, Ka Bayani said.
As per records, Patriarca was arrested in Consolacion, Cebu in 2009 for rebellion but subsequently acquitted for lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Matarlo and Tecson, on the other hand, are no strangers to state attacks.

Matarlo was closely monitored and repetitively red-tagged as the previous chairperson of Anakbayan-Cebu. In 2017, she was seriously wounded when the police-backed goons of a despotic landlord in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental ambushed the fact-finding mission team she was leading that investigated the abuses of said landlord.

In the same year, Alberto Tecson, the father of John Michael and erstwhile chairperson of the Guihulngan branch of fisherfolk group Pamalakaya, was gunned by 79th IB death squad.
“The barrage of cases against Patriarca are obviously trumped-up. How come 16 criminal cases were simultaneously issued warrants without single notice and proceeding. It must come from the warrant mill of the AFP-PNP akin to the one they employed in Sauron operations. The planted weapons and other fabricated evidence are now the hallmark of so-called joint law enforcement operations,” Ka Bayani further said.

NDF-Negros calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Patriarca and the other two detained activists. It maintains that the military and police have no legal basis and justifiable ground to keep them in detention.

“We urge the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights organizations to conduct an independent probe on the incident and help protect the rights of the arrested. The probability of them being tortured and assaulted to compel confession is high,” Ka Bayani ended. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/arrest-of-peace-consultant-activists-in-himamaylan-denounced/

CPP: Celebrate Makibaka’s 50 years of leading Filipino women’s revolutionary struggle

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 18, 2022): Celebrate Makibaka’s 50 years of leading Filipino women’s revolutionary struggle
 


This article is available in BisayaHiligaynonPilipino

Communist Party of the Philippines
March 18, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) extends its warmest revolutionary greetings to the Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Makibaka) on the 50th anniversary of its foundation. Over the past five decades, the Makibaka has been at the forefront of the struggle of Filipino women to end gender oppression against women and in mobilizing them to fight imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

Fifty years ago today, the Makibaka held its founding congress where it formally established its organization in order to consolidate its achievements in mobilizing women workers and students in the First Quarter Storm, the Diliman Commune and other upheavals since 1970. It changed its name from “Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan” to Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan to underscore the fact that the struggle for the liberation of women in the Philippines is firmly connected to the struggle for national democracy.

The Makibaka was a trailblazer in shattering the stereotyped image of women as meek and having no role in society, much less in social transformation. The women of Makibaka denounced and fought the feudal and patriarchal social structures and demanded that women be recognized and be given equal rights in the family, workplace, society and revolution. Makibaka has also inspired other oppressed genders to defend their rights and take active part in social transformation.

Makibaka drew inspiration from women proletarian revolutionaries as well as from the rich history of women’s participation and leadership in the Philippine revolution. Makibaka took to the streets and picketlines to link arms with fellow workers, peasants, youth and other classes in their day to day struggles and resistance against the corrupt, fascist and puppet reactionary state.

When martial law was imposed, Makibaka went underground and continued to to its work of arousing, organizing and mobilizing women. It was among the founding organizations allied with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Despite working underground for the past five decades, Makibaka continues to effectively perform its tasks of raising the Filipino women’s revolutionary consciousness and mobilizing them for the national democratic revolution. In the guerrilla fronts, revolutionary peasant women are organized under Makibaka, which also serves as among the foundation for building the organs of political power.

From the ranks of Makibaka have emerged communist cadres of the Party and Red fighters and commanders of the New People’s Army. They continue to prove that women are co-equals of men in performing the various tasks in waging revolution. The leading committees of the Party at various levels has its fair share of women cadres, and in many cases, perform key roles of leadership. Women also play an equal role within the NPA serving as commanders, teachers and medics as with men.

Makibaka must draw inspiration from its past achievements and recall the life of selfless commitment to the revolution of its heroes and martyrs. Indeed, the work of Makibaka is far from over.

Filipino women continue to suffer from grave forms of oppression as workers and peasants, and as women in their homes and workplaces. The feudal and patriarchal structures and culture of misogyny continue to dominate. Over the past six years, while promoting the culture of fascist impunity, Rodrigo Duterte also promoted the culture of impunity against women, a clear manifestation of the putrid and rotten semicolonial and semifeudal system.

We call on Makibaka to continue its revolutionary task of arousing, organizing and mobilizing Filipino women for the Philippine revolution. As allies, the Makibaka, the CPP and NPA must continue to work together to continue strengthening the role of women in the Philippine revolution.

Long live Makibaka!

Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!

Long live the revolutionary women’s movement!

Long live the Philippine revolution!

https://cpp.ph/statements/celebrate-makibakas-50-years-of-leading-filipino-womens-revolutionary-struggle/

Kalinaw News: 11ID joins the MNLF 54TH Founding Anniversary Celebration

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 20, 2022): 11ID joins the MNLF 54TH Founding Anniversary Celebration



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – As the Moro National Liberation Front was founded in commemoration of so-called Jabidah Massacre on March 18, 1968, the 11th Infantry Division joined its 54th Founding Anniversary celebration held at Camp Astana Mt. Dragon Bakud, Brgy Kagay, Indanan, Sulu on Friday of March 18, 2022.

Sec. Gen. of MNLF Ustadz Murshi Ibrahim recalls their organization’s history on how Professor Nur R. Misuari founded the MNLF. He shared what happened on the past and what they stand for today as he emphasized their advocacy for peace. He also expressed the group’s willingness to cooperate with the government’s thrust on transformation program package. “When we signed the peace agreement on 1996, the MNLF assured that we will utmost uphold peace advocacy. We do not want war because it will only bring suffering and it is uncivilized. We hope that the coordination with AFP, OPAPP, BARMM and other government agencies will continue”, he said.

The 11th ID and Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius N Patrimonio was represented by 1102nd Infantry Brigade Executive Officer Col. Sali Limpahong who was born in Sulu and has many relatives in Indanan together with Lt. Col. Saupi Julkanain who was a former member of MNLF and a recipient of the MNLF Integration to AFP as they both voiced the Commander’s message of peace. “Nawa’y panatilihin natin na laging bukas ang linya ng usapan, at higit sa lahat, ay ang tiwala sa bawat-isa at pagtutulungan upang harapin ang mga pagsubok ng hinaharap tungo sa kapayapaan dito sa probinsya ng Sulu”, as the Commander’s statement.

OPAPP coordinator to MNLF Ms. Maria Magdalena Barrios represented the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec. Carlito G Galvez, Jr. and extended his message on government’s thrust to deliver the transformation program package to Peace-inclined groups. She also re-echoed the purpose of their profiling program to validate bonafide members of former MNLF combatants and its families as beneficiaries of government’s support program.



[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/11id-joins-the-mnlf-54th-founding-anniversary-celebration/

Kalinaw News: Military assures secure, accurate, fair and free election in Parang, Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 20, 2022): Military assures secure, accurate, fair and free election in Parang, Sulu



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – The Commander of 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu participated the Peace Covenant Signing with all the local electoral candidates of Parang Municipality in the morning of March 19, 2022.

The peace covenant signing was spearheaded by the Acting Election Officer II Sharifa Jalmaani-Lim to ensure Secure, Accurate, Fair and Free Election (SAFE) conduct of local election in the municipality of Parang, Sulu.

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio said that “the AFP, being one of the deputized agencies of the Commission on Election (COMELEC), will ensure the conduct of orderly and peaceful election in the province of Sulu here in the municipality of Parang”.

More so, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio expressed his gratitude to Sulu COMELEC, different local government agencies, and to all the local candidates of Parang with their united action. “Today, we lead through actions by putting our signature on this peace covenant signing, which marks our responsibility and our commitment to service. This reflects on what we genuinely do,” he said.

“As your partner in promoting peace and security here in Sulu, we fully support this significant initiative. Rest assured that we will do our role with the best of our abilities and with all our available resources. Thus, we will take actions against those who would challenge peace; on before, during and even after the election,” he added.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the event was the peace covenant signing of all aspiring candidates and the releasing of white doves as a sign of peace by the mayoralty candidates of Parang.



[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/military-assures-secure-accurate-fair-and-free-election-in-parang-sulu/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels/Local Residents reveal cache of war materials in Southern Leyte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 20, 2022): Former Rebels/Local Residents reveal cache of war materials in Southern Leyte



Camp Jorge Downes, Ormoc City, Leyte – A former NPA couple, alyas “Roc” and alyas “Jhon”, who previously surrendered to the Army’s 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade last January 13, 2022, revealed the location of arms cache in the vicinity of Brgy. Old Kauswagan, Saint Bernard and Sitio Tabjon, Brgy. Calag-itan, Hinunangan, both of Southern Leyte province.

With the help of alyas “Roc” and alyas “Jhon”, former members of Squad 1, P1, SRC “LEVOX”, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, together with the BTF-ELCAC of Brgy. Old Kauswagan, the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade launched an operation to locate the said arms cache. The troops were able to discover one (1) AK47 rifle with defaced serial number and two (2) magazines, one (1) M653 rifle, two (2) caliber .45 pistols, fourteen (14) rounds of 5.56mm ball cartridge ammunition and three (3) M16 magazines. The former NPA couple divulged that the AK47 and M653 rifles were the issued firearms of an active NPA member alyas “Romnick” and former NPA member Pacita Correa alyas “Elen”, respectively. It was further disclosed that these rifles were buried due to lack of ammunition for safe keeping purposes as they evade the government forces.

Meanwhile, troops of 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade also discovered one (1) M16 rifle with defaced serial number placed inside a plastic jug, two (2) M16 long magazines and two (2) water containers at the vicinity of Sitio Tabjon, Brgy. Calag-itan, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. The said firearm was disclosed to be the issued firearm of alyas “Majay” that was also buried as the said personality evades the government forces operating in the area.

Furthermore, concerned citizens of Brgy Kauswagan, St Bernard, Southern Leyte turned over one (1) unit of Techblast tablet and three (3) units of Samsung keypad cellphones from alyas “Matus/Manoy/Lope” of P1, SRC “LEVOX”, EVRPC, to the troops of 14IB at Brgy. Catmon of the same municipality. These electronic gadgets were buried at the backyard of the former contacts/couriers who recently withdrew their support from the Communist Terrorist Group.

Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto R. Dela Rosa Jr., Commanding Officer of 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion said that these capture of war materials manifests the declining support of the masses to the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist group. He said that the growing support of the people in the former CPP-NPA-NDF mass base areas would eventually led to the downfall of the remnants of the said terrorist group.

Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, lauded the former rebels and the BTF-ELCAC of the above-mentioned barangays for their active cooperation and further expressed his gratitude to the local populace for their all-out support to the campaign of ending the 53 years of local communist armed conflict. He further calls on the remaining active members of the Communist NPA Terrorist to return to the folds of the law. “We assure you of your safety. You will be treated humanely and the government will help you start a peaceful life along with your families,” Colonel Vestuir concluded.



[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]

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Kalinaw News: SAKM Cluster Conducts Local Peace Engagement, Community Consultation; 74 FRs Pledge to Support Gov’t Peace and Dev’t Efforts in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 20, 2022): SAKM Cluster Conducts Local Peace Engagement, Community Consultation; 74 FRs Pledge to Support Gov’t Peace and Dev’t Efforts in Aurora



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster Region 3 conducted a peace engagement and community consultation attended by 74 Former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members held at the covered court of Barangay Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Aurora on March 18, 2022.

According to the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Commander, Major General Andrew D Costelo PA lauded the unity among the FRs in its firm stand in denouncing the lies, deceptive schemes, and atrocities of the CTG in the province of Aurora and reaffirming its support to the peace and development efforts of the government.

“The unity among FRs in re-affirming their support to the government is vital to our continued campaign to end the insurgency because they proved that to surrender to the government is not their loss but a defeat to the terrorist organization. We welcome support and welcome this kind of initiative,” said MGen Costelo.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army lauded the efforts of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) (lead unit), concerned agencies, and security forces where 74 FRs have took their Oath of Allegiance to the government to help end the insurgency.

He also emphasized that whatever assistance from the government should be given importance by the FR beneficiaries to help them get back on their feet.

“Pahalagahan po natin kung anuman ang tulong na maaring maibigay ng gobyerno katulad ng kwento kong nabanggit sa inyo kaugnay sa pagpapahalaga ng mga naibigay na ayuda upang maging matagumpay at umasenso sa buhay,” LTC Recto said.

Apart from their Pledge of Allegiance to the government, the FRs also burned CTG’s flags to show their sincerity in abandoning the terrorist organization and strong condemnation of the CTG’s atrocities against innocent civilians.



[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/sakm-cluster-conducts-local-peace-engagement-community-consultation-74-frs-pledge-to-support-govt-peace-and-devt-efforts-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: Abu yield, loose firearms seized in Basilan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 20, 2022): Abu yield, loose firearms seized in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 20, 2022

A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrendered to the military in Basilan on March 17, 2022.

Mujib Hassan Maranding, a.k.a. Ohms, 27 years old, a resident of Barangay Danapah, Al-Barka, Basilan handed over his M16A1 rifle to the CSP Team of the 18th Infantry Battalion. He was a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group under ASG sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri.

It can be recalled that Jamiri and 13 of his followers surrendered to the government forces and local authorities in Basilan sometime in March 2018. Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway said that the surrendered personality revealed that he went on lie low status after the surrender of his leader and comrades.

Meanwhile, two loose firearms were handed over to the CSP teams in Al-Barka. Two M1 Garand rifles were also handed over by Macalang Barangay Chairman Idris Nasal and Cambug Barangay Chairman Mohammad Sokor.

Surrendered personality and firearms are currently under the custody of 18IB for proper disposition. From January 2022 to date, a total of 12 ASG personalities have surrendered to the military in the ZamBaSulTa area.

“We welcome all those who wish to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. We assure you that we will give our full support to their reintegration into mainstream society,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/abu-yield-loose-firearms-seized-in-basilan/

Kalinaw News: RPOC meeting held in Zamboanga City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 19, 2022): RPOC meeting held in Zamboanga City



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 19, 2022

Department heads, local government officials, and top security officials in Region IX joined in the 1stRegional Peace and Order Council meeting for 2022 held at the Grand Astoria Hotel located at Mayor Jaldon St., Barangay Canelar, this city on Wednesday morning, March 16. This was the first meeting conducted on a blended set-up since the pandemic started.

Among those physically present were 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Joint Task Force Zamboanga Commander Col. Randolph Rojas, WestMinCom’s Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations Col. Wendell Basat who represented WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., other military and police officials, and representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine Information Agency, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Chairperson of RPOC IX, welcomed the participants during her opening remarks while the representatives of PBrig. Gen. Franco Simborio, RPOC Vice Chairperson and Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, RPOC IX Co-Vice Chairperson presented briefings on the security situation in Region IX, delving on the current military and police operations against terrorism, insurgency, and lawlessness in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Other agencies also presented their updates on their respective campaigns that were related to peace and order in the region. Other matters discussed include the 2019 and 2021 POC audit and the creation of the regional assessment team for the 2019 and 2021 POC audit.

The meeting was adjourned at noon of the same day.





[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]

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Kalinaw News: Massive surrender of members manifests terror groups’ downfall, says WMC Chief

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 19, 2022): Massive surrender of members manifests terror groups’ downfall, says WMC Chief



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 19, 2022

A total of 39 members of the local terrorist groups operating in Central Mindanao laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law on March 18, 2022. Of the 39, 21 were from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Bungos Faction, 12 from the BIFF-Karialan Faction, and six from the Daulah Islamiyah-Turaife Group.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the massive surrender of local terrorists was facilitated by the 601st Infantry Brigade led by Col. Oriel Pangcog; 6th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag; the 4th Brigade, Field Guard, Base Command National Guard Front, MILF-BIAF led by Datu Rhenz Tukuran.

The former violent extremists handed over a total of 37 firearms including three 5.56mm M16A1 rifles, three cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, two 7.62mm M14 rifles, two cal. 30 converted to M14 rifles, one 5.56mm M653 Carbine, three 5.56mm rifles, eleven 7.62mm Sniper rifles, two cal. 50 Barrett Sniper rifles, two rocket-propelled grenade Lauchers, four 40mm M79 grenade launchers, two 60mm mortar, one cal. 30 Bolt Action rifle, one cal. 30 Carbine , four rocket-propelled grenade high explosive ammunition, one 105mm projectile, one rocket warhead, one 2.75 inch rocket warhead, three Sidik RPG, five rounds 40mm HE AVACOR cartridges, and five improvised explosive devices.

Surrendered personalities were presented to Maj. Gen. Uy and Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu who was represented by AGILA-HAVEN Focal Person Roger Dionisio.

Maj. Gen. Uy revealed that among the surrendered personalities are field commanders and high-ranking officers of the three local terrorist groups mentioned. “We are happy that they finally decided to come out and surrender together with their followers. They will receive livelihood assistance to be catered by the AGILA-HAVEN program of the province of Maguindanao,” the JTF Commander added.

“I commend the troops of Joint Task Force Central led by Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy for this laudable accomplishment. We also attribute this success to our partners, the local chief executives, and our stakeholders,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

“This massive surrender of former combatants proves that we are winning the war against terrorism and insurgency in our area of operation. If this will continue, we will soon be able to dismantle the terror groups and put an end to the threats posed by these menaces of society. All of us are hoping that those who are still hiding will decide to surrender and join us as we walk the path towards peace and development here in Mindanao,” the WestMinCom Commander added.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/massive-surrender-of-members-manifests-terror-groups-downfall-says-wmc-chief/