Tuesday, March 22, 2022

EASTMINCOM: NPA losing foothold in MisOr, 3 rebels killed in skirmish.

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 20, 2022): NPA losing foothold in MisOr, 3 rebels killed in skirmish.

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – With the intensified focused military operations directed by LtGen. Greg T. Almerol to the maneuver forces of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) to put more pressure among the remnants of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), troops of the 402nd Brigade’s 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) has neutralized three CTG members belonging to North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) during a series of encounters in the hinterlands of Barangay Plaridel, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 18.
 
The killed terrorists were identified as Agay Taquin, Andrew Odiongan, and Joan Pajardo.
 
Troops also seized high-powered firearms and war materiel composed of a M16 rifle with magazine and ammunitions, a Carbine rifle with magazine and ammunitions, a KG9 rifle, five makeshift tents, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
 
LtGen. Almerol said that the continuous growing number of neutralized CTG members is a clear manifestation of the strong cooperation of the populace to ending local communist armed conflict.
"With no letup in our intensified combat operations, coupled with the strong support from the Local Government Units and the populace, we are optimistic that we can achieve our goals to put an end to the communist armed conflict in Eastern Mindanao and finally make way for unhampered peace and development,” LtGen. Almerol expressed.
 
The EastMinCom Commander also lauded the troops for the recent accomplishment, saying that these are crucial to the attainment of EastMinCom’s campaign for peace and development in Eastern Mindanao.
 
He also commended the active participation of the populace of Misamis Oriental who gave timely and vital information on the presence of the armed group.
 
"Your unwavering passion and strong determination to pursue the remaining CTG make our vision of an insurgency-free country closer to its realization,” LtGen. Almerol said.
 
Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol expressed that he had continually encouraged the remaining members of CTG to yield and offered them a second chance but some have still chosen the hardest option, which led to their demise.
 
"Time and again, we have given them the opportunity to live a new and peaceful life through the programs of government. The death of the three terrorists is an example that to those who will not heed will surely fall at the hands of government security forces," he said.
 
He also reiterated his call to the remaining members of CTG to peacefully surrender and and emulate their comrades who have already chosen the path of peace.
 
"For those who will choose to surrender, various government services through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are waiting on your return. For those who will remain, we will relentlessly hunt you down until you will have no other option but to lay down your arms," LtGen. Almerol added.###







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EASTMINCOM: CTG dwindling as Army apprehends 1 CNT while another surrenders in Surigao Norte

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 20, 2022): CTG dwindling as Army apprehends 1 CNT while another surrenders in Surigao Norte









36th Infantry ''VALOR" Battalion, Philippine Army

Press Release

CTG dwindling as Army apprehends 1 CNT while another surrenders in Surigao Norte

𝗚𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗨𝗜𝗧, Surigao del Norte - The Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) has continuously dwindled as one of its members was apprehended and another surrendered in Surigao Norte last Saturday, March 12.

The joint effort of the 36th Infantry ''VALOR" Battalion and 30th Infantry Battalion with the PNP’s Police Mobile Force Company resulted in the successful apprehension of Jojo Cabadongga Plaza alias LR/SANDAWA, Team leader Platoon 1, Guerilla Front 30, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF30, NEMRC) and the voluntary surrender of Jack Montenegro Catubigan alias BOBI a member of Platoon 1, Sub Regional Sentro De Gravidad, Sub Regional Committee 2130, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRSDG, SRC 2130, NEMRC).

36IB Commanding Officer, Lt Col. Michael Rey S Reuyan lauded the troops’ efforts and welcomed the decision of Jack to return to the folds of the government stressing that fighting the government is a futile cause. He stated, “There is no direction in joining the faulty and forced propaganda of the CTGs. A life of terror and ambiguity by holding arms is not the solution to the menial problem of our nation. It is in harmony and absolving poverty hand in hand with the government that we may reach our goal of a prosperous country”, LTC Reuyan said.

“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as the government’s reintegration program for the Former Rebels (FR) has played the key role for the CNTs decision to surrender and have a better future. The program shoulder different benefits: financial assistance package, sustainable livelihood skills training, educational assistance for the FR and his family, housing assistance, and other aftercare services and interventions from different government agencies and local government units,” Lt. Col. Reuyan added.

30th Infantry "Fight On" Battalion, Philippine Army
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WESTMINCOM: Influx of surrenders continue as 30 communist terrorists yield in Central Mindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 19, 2022): Influx of surrenders continue as 30 communist terrorists yield in Central Mindanao

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

30 communist terrorist group members surrendered to the military in Maguindanao on March 18, 2022. Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the former rebels surrendered at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division at Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

“This success is a result of the joint efforts of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, 37th Infantry Battalion, and the intelligence units,” Maj. Gen. Uy said. He further stated that the former rebels handed over firearms including three 5.56mm M16A1 rifles, two 7.62mm M14 rifles, one cal. 30 rifle, two 9mm SMG, two cal. 38 revolvers, three cal. 357 revolvers, one hand fragmentation grenade, one 5.56mm pistol, two 12 gauge Shotgun, and one 12 gauge pistol.
 
Meanwhile, six other communist terrorist group members who surrendered to the 37th Infantry Battalion last January 25 disclosed recently that they still possess firearms hidden in their farm lots. Troops proceeded to the identified locations on March 16 and recovered eight firearms including one 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, one 12 gauge Shotgun, one 20 gauge pistol, one cal. 45 submachine gun, one 9mm submachine gun, one cal. 38 revolver, and two 12 gauge shotguns.
 
All the surrendered personalities and recovered firearms were presented to the JTF Central Commander on March 18.
 
During the debriefing, the former rebels revealed that they decided to surrender because they realized that all promises by their Cadres were not given to them and their communities.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said the influx of surrenders is attributable to the good governance of the local chief executives and the strengthened multi-sector collaboration and cooperation.
 
From January 2022 to date, a total of 56 communist terrorists have surrendered within WestMinCom’s area of operation. The military also reported a total of 46 firearms gains.
“Your armed forces remain steadfast in conducting combat and non-combat operations because we know that the Mindanaoans are with us in this quest for peace,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. further stated.









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WESTMINCOM: Abu yield, loose firearms seized in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 19, 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.







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

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 20, 2022): Massive surrender of members manifests terror groups’ downfall, says WMC Chief



4th Civil Relations Group

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.
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WESTMINCOM: 41 na miyembro ng NPA, Sumuko at Tumanggap ng Inisyal na Tulong mula sa PTF-ELCAC Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 20, 2022): 41 na miyembro ng NPA, Sumuko at Tumanggap ng Inisyal na Tulong mula sa PTF-ELCAC Sultan Kudarat (41 members of NPA, Surrender and Receive Initial Aid from PTF-ELCAC Sultan Kudarat)




4th Civil Relations Group

41 na miyembro ng NPA, Sumuko at Tumanggap ng Inisyal na Tulong mula sa PTF-ELCAC Sultan Kudarat

41 na miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group o New People's Army na mula sa Lalawigan ng Sultan Kudarat nagbalik loob sa Pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng 37th Infantry Batallion ng 603rd Brigade at pormal na iprinisinta ngayong araw, March 18, sa 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division Commander na si MGEN. Juvy Max Uy sa Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Ang mga sumukong kasabi ng New People’s Army na mula sa bayan ng Kalamansig ay nakatanggap ng paunang cash assistance at kalahating sakong bigas mula sa kay Governor Suharto Teng T. Mangudadatu, Ph.D sa pamamagitan ng PTF ELCAC Focal Person na si Mr. Yuri Sinenggayan. Sa kanyang mensahe, ipinaabot ni Mr. Sinenggayan ang pasasalamat ng butihing Gobernador sa pagbabalik-loob sa lipunan ng mga surrenderees at binigyang papuri ang hanay ng 6ID na isa sa mga katuwang ng Probinsiya sa pagsusulong ng isang tahimik, mapayapa at maunalad na Sultan Kudarat.

Inihayag din ng PTF ELCAC Focal Person na lalo pa nilang pag-iigtingin ang suporta at partnership sa mga Agencies and Partners ng Probinsiya upang lalo pang makahikayat ng nga members ng Communist Terrorist Group na magbalik-loob sa Pamahalaan. | @Sultan Kudarat Province - PTF ELCAC

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41 members of NPA, Surrender and Receive Initial Aid from PTF-ELCAC Sultan Kudarat

41 members of the Communist Terrorist Group or New People's Army who from the Sultan Kudarat Province returned to the Government through the 37th Infantry Batallion of the 603rd Brigade and formal to be crowned today, March 18, at 6th Infa MGEN's trying 'Kampanan' Division Commander. Juvy Max Uy in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The New People's Army who surrendered from the town of Kalamansig received advance cash assistance and half a sack of rice from Governor Suharto Teng T. Mangudadatu, Ph.D via PTF ELCAC Focal Person Mr. Yuri Sinenggayan. In his message, Mr. Sinenggayan expressed his gratitude to the good Governor for giving back to the society of surrenderers and praised the line of 6ID which is one of the Provincial partners for advancing a quiet, peaceful one What a great and successful Sultan Kudarat.

PTF ELCAC Focal Person also announced that they will further consolidate the support and partnership with Agencies and Partners of the Province to encourage the members of the Communist Terrorist Group to return to the Government. | @Sultan Kudarat Province - PTF ELCAC

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WESTMINCOM: Three Former CPP-NPA Rebels Receive P220K Financial Assistance From DILG-LDN

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 21, 2022): Three Former CPP-NPA Rebels Receive P220K Financial Assistance From DILG-LDN

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4th Civil Relations Group

Three Former CPP-NPA Rebels Receive P220K Financial Assistance From DILG-LDN

Three (3) former rebels (FRs) of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) New People's Army (NPA) terrorists received financial assistance of a total of P 220,000.00 through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 10-Lanao del Norte last March 15, 2022, at the Virtual Room of Old Capitol Building, Pigcarangan Tubod.

This program of the DILG is under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) where two (2) of the FRs, alias "Dot-Dot" and "Harold", received Immediate and Livelihood Assistance worth P 65,00.00 each, and the other, alias "Alas", was granted his Firearms Remuneration worth P 90,00.00 upon a thorough examination and cost evaluation of the PNP.

"The Provincial Government headed by Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo expressed sincere gratitude to DILG, Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Army (PA) for the active implementation of the ECLIP in our province. I would also like to appreciate these three former rebels in entrusting their lives to the Government," Hon. Achmad Taha, head of the Peace and Order Committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said during his welcome message.

Provincial Director Bruce A. Colao, CESO V, shared that "The ECLIP is seen to play a pivotal role in the attainment of the desire of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the aspiration of the Filipino people to end the local communist armed conflict that has caused so much sufferings."

(Read full article in facebook.com/fourcrg) | @Province of Lanao del Norte
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Opinion: Rethinking and renewing the GRP-NDFP peace talks in 2022

Opinion piece posted to Rappler (Mar 22, 2022): [OPINION] Rethinking and renewing the GRP-NDFP peace talks in 2022 (SOLIMAN M. SANTOS JR)



'There can really be no genuine and meaningful peace negotiations until there is a paradigm shift on both sides'

Every advent of a new presidential administration in the Philippines, including for its election campaign prelude period, it has become fashionable to call for the resumption of peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), but strangely forgetting (unwittingly or wittingly) any call for a ceasefire. While such peace talks can be said to be in the best interests of the country, it has become increasingly clear that they cannot viably (or even should not) be conducted in the old way – perhaps just like what is said about revolutionary situations arising when the ruling class can no longer rule in the old way (but also perhaps something ought to be said too about when revolutions can or should no longer be conducted in the old way).

What then is the old and unviable way of the GRP-NDFP peace talks that has to be rethought and renewed so that its resumption does not become another exercise in futility? The most fundamental aspect of the old and unviable way are their respective overarching or operative frameworks. The avowed protracted people’s war (PPW) strategy and armed struggle primacy of the NDFP with its leading organizations the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) subsumes the peace talks to only of tertiary, and consequently only tactical not strategic, importance (their authoritative issuances show this). If the real value of the peace talks for one side is only or mainly to draw certain tactical concessions that ultimately support the overall PPW strategy, then the sincerity of that side in the peace talks can be questioned, and it would be reasonable or understandable to do so.

On the other hand, the GRP’s operative framework to end the local communist armed conflict, at least under the outgoing Duterte administration, appears to be to end the local communists PERIOD. It is in effect a “military victory” policy position, and also partly or secondarily a “pacification and demobilization” policy position, but not at all an “institutional peace-building” policy position. Its proponents outrightly reject some election campaign calls for resumption of the peace talks, but referring to the existing or old way these have been conducted. Such rejection of “more of the same” is not without reason based on experience in the peace talks whereby the GRP perceives their merely tactical use by the CPP-NPA-NDFP to advance its PPW strategy – to the GRP, therefore, the CPP-NPA-NDFP “has failed to show sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peace negotiations.”




There can really be no genuine and meaningful peace negotiations until there is a paradigm shift on both sides. This is of course easier said than done. It will likely take more needed time for each side to honestly, thoroughly, and creatively review and rethink their respective war and peace strategies. Surely, 53 years of armed conflict since 1969 still unresolved either way ought to be more than enough impetus for such a review and rethinking. This will entail much internal and closed-door discussions, but there is also a need to have room or space for more public discussions with stakeholders, concerned sectors, and resource persons. These two levels of discussion, internal and public, would be best pursued and facilitated in a purposive, proactive, and even programmatic manner, with the necessary infrastructure for such discussions. Of course, paradigm shifts can also come about due to certain relevant developments on each side and in the overall situation, including in the balance of forces. Leadership changes on both sides can be a factor but this will not be enough without the aforementioned efforts toward rethinking and renewal of the peace talks, and the necessary trust and confidence building.

Even a mutual, if at all, reaffirmation of the existing framework and related agreements for the peace talks – e.g. the 1992 Hague Joint Declaration, the 1995 Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and its 1998 Additional implementing Rules, the 1995 Agreement on the Ground Rules of the Formal Meetings, the 1995 Joint Agreement on the Formation, Sequence, and Operationalization of the Reciprocal Working Committees and its 1997 Supplemental Agreement – will not be enough for genuine, meaningful, and viable peace negotiations without the aforesaid paradigm shifts and the necessary trust in each other side’s sincerity for a negotiated political settlement rather than “sincerity” for a politico-military victory over the other side with the peace process merely instrumentalized for this. The latter orientation would only negate the inherent character and purpose of the peace negotiations, and is tantamount to negotiating in bad faith. The above-mentioned honest review and rethinking should thus also cover the said existing framework and related agreements for the peace talks. This could or even should lead to any necessary improvement of the same as well as any necessary additional new agreements that rectify the extreme protraction of the peace negotiation – as there have in fact been attempts at this by both sides but gone to naught.

In the necessary review and rethinking that should be done by both sides of their respective war and peace strategies as well as of the existing framework and related agreements for the peace talks, they cannot and should not avoid problematizing what some consider “the elephant in the room” – the role or bearing of the Philippine Constitution that is the ultimate framework of the GRP. This underlying reality and the counterpart assertion by the NDFP of its own constitutional framework is indeed a challenge in constitutional problem-solving in the process of seeking creative constitutional solutions and making good, if not the best, constitutional choices. Many successful peace processes abroad, but also here with the two Moro liberation fronts (the MNLF in 1996 and the MILF in 2014), show that this “elephant in the room” problem can be creatively surmounted, including by deferring final political determinations, such as by a later referendum like for the Northern Ireland peace process.

But there may still be another “elephant in the room” brought in by the NDFP – its related assertion of a status of “co-belligerency in civil war.” Apart from the questionable currency of this old international law concept considered obsolete by many modern international law authorities, there may be application by analogy here of a standard provision in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocol I, avowedly adhered to by both sides, that their application “shall not affect the legal status of the Parties to the conflict.” Instead, there might be adoption of the principle of “parity of esteem” from the Northern Ireland peace process which was in fact adopted for the MILF peace process.

On the other hand, the GRP side has also brought in its own “elephant in the room” in the form of the several successive “terrorist” designations of the CPP, NPA, and NDFP as well as certain related “front organizations” and personalities, such designations now governed by the new Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020, the overall constitutionality of which was upheld by the Supreme Court in a Decision in December 2021. And the NDFP through its Chief Political Consultant Prof. Jose Maria Sison has posed apparent preconditions for the resumption of the peace negotiations (but which the outgoing Duterte administration does not want): the withdrawal of the said “terrorist” designations, the nullification of the ATA, and the dissolution of the rabid anti-communist National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The next presidential administration which would be the one to resume the peace talks, if ever, would likely have to grapple with these apparent preconditions of the NDFP.




In theory, the conventional wisdom is that “we do not negotiate with terrorists.” But in practice, it happens. It happened in the MILF peace process. And it happened more recently in the 2020 Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan between the US and its designated “foreign terrorist organization” the Afghan Taliban, but with the designation withdrawn upon the signing of that peace agreement. “Terrorist” designation in itself is not a decisive counter-factor against peace negotiations. There are other, more decisive factors, like lack of trust and confidence and the politico-military situation. The problem is that both sides here, the GRP and the NDFP, believe (or would like to believe) that they are winning the war, so no need to negotiate peace, without regard to those caught in the crossfire of continuing armed hostilities.

At this point, we may as well state that the above-mentioned honest review and rethinking by both sides on their respective war and peace strategies should include a “last resort” discussion on a Plan B, if there can be one, for the peace process (note, not just the peace talks) IF there are still no forthcoming paradigm shifts by one or both sides. In other words, given the latter and thus likely no genuine and meaningful peace negotiations, what kind and form of peace effort should and can be made? A menu of options for this can be found among the so-called “Six Paths to Peace” under old Ramos and Arroyo Executive Orders for government’s comprehensive peace efforts. It is not only “3. Peaceful Negotiated Settlement with the Different Rebel Groups;” it is also “1. Pursuit of Social, Economic and Political Reforms,” “2. Consensus-Building and Empowerment for Peace,” “4. Programs for Reconciliation, Reintegration into Mainstream Society and Rehabilitation, “5. Addressing Concerns Arising from Continuing Armed Hostilities,” and “6. Building and Nurturing a Climate Conducive to Peace.” There is also more to learn from other country peace processes, whether for Plan A or Plan B.

A crucial question might be, IF there are still no forthcoming paradigm shifts and no genuine and meaningful peace negotiations, can there be in the meantime some necessary trust and confidence building, at least something to start with that can be built on? We cannot overemphasize enough the importance of this aspect. With or without peace negotiations, there is merit to working out and having specific measures of goodwill and confidence building. A ceasefire can be seen in this regard, especially to create a favorable climate for peace negotiations. Much of the problematic peace talks conducted in the old way was to hold them without ceasefires in the spoiler-prone mode of “talking and fighting” at the same time. But the more fundamental sincerity and humanity question here is: if we are going to have a peace settlement anyway, why in the meantime waste irreplaceable lives arising from continuing armed hostilities? Is the common goal of the attainment of a just and lasting peace not also for those lives? Stated otherwise in the vernacular, aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo?

If there will be no peace talks and no ceasefire, the minimum trust and confidence building measure ought to be along the “fifth path to peace” of addressing concerns arising from continuing armed hostilities by better respect for human rights and international humanitarian law (IHL) by both sides, for which they already have a comprehensive agreement (the 1998 CARHRIHL) but whose implementation is impeded by an inherently stalemated Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) mechanism. As this was operationalized in the old way, propaganda became more important than truth, and belligerency meant not only a subject of status obsession but also a hyper-adversarial mode of language. What ever happened to specific measures of goodwill and confidence building to create a favorable climate for peace negotiations? A better mechanism is one that includes the constitutionally independent Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as well as independent and competent civil society peace, human rights and IHL advocacy organizations, guided not only by the CARHRIHL but also by other available national and international terms of reference, most of the latter also mutually agreed or adhered to by both sides.

In fact, the matter of addressing concerns arising from continuing armed hostilities would be best addressed in both preventive and quick reaction terms at the local level, following the principle of subsidiarity, used again in the Northern Ireland peace process. These could very well be viable mechanisms of addressing such local concerns that are of course not matters of political negotiations and settlement at the necessary national level. The point is not to await or be dependent on the latter kind of peace process before being able to act quickly and effectively on humanitarian concerns arising from continuing armed hostilities affecting local communities. Honest-to-goodness local-level peace processes to address such humanitarian concerns are not of the same kind as the “localized peace talks” with a counter-insurgency “divide and rule” orientation, that by their nature cannot substitute for political negotiations necessarily undertaken at the national level. It goes without saying that honest-to-goodness local-level peace processes to address humanitarian as well as even public health (e.g. anti-COVID vaccination) and socio-economic (e.g. food security) concerns should entail the necessary safety and security safeguards for local CPP-NPA-NDFP representatives who may have to deal with local government and military officials, with the assistance of independent local civil society peace and humanitarian workers. There ought to be utmost good faith on both sides, if there is to be a starting point for trust and confidence building. And this simply has to start somewhere.

Related to local socio-economic concerns, after some necessary initial trust and confidence built, the honest-to-goodness local-level peace processes may consider, with some national level authorization on both sides, and with the necessary technical expertise and support, the piloting or experimentation of the possible recognition and legitimization of whatever applicable revolutionary land reform effected by the local CPP-NPA-NDFP. Whatever positive results from this piloting may serve as inputs for the national-level peace talks when ready and/or into agrarian reform legislation that would address the land problem root cause of the armed rebellion and conflict. In this way, some due recognition would be given to what may be considered a just cause or a legitimate social grievance. This approximates what is mentioned in the aforesaid old Ramos and Arroyo Executive Orders on a third principle of the comprehensive peace process that “seeks a principled and peaceful resolution to the internal armed conflicts, with neither blame nor surrender, but with dignity for all concerned.”

The idea of piloting or experimentation relates to at least two other ideas or concepts for a rethought and renewed peace process. One is the idea of testing first certain arrangements or compliance with interim agreements, including for a ceasefire, before adopting them on a wider scale and for a longer or more permanent duration. Another concept, applied in the MILF peace process, is incrementalism. A good international peace advocate friend, who was once involved in that peace process, points out that the understanding of what a peace agreement can and cannot achieve has also developed. Peace agreements are fundamental but insufficient in themselves to fully address structural problems of social injustice. They brought major change to South Africa in 1993, Northern Ireland in 1998 and Nepal in 2006. But deep problems remain in all these countries, even where former combatants eventually accessed government.

What is important, to again use wording from the aforesaid old Ramos and Arroyo Executive Orders on the second principle of the comprehensive peace process, is for peace agreements to AT LEAST “establish a genuinely pluralistic society, where all individuals and groups are free to engage in peaceful competition for predominance of their political programs without fear, through the exercise of rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, and where they may compete for political power through an electoral system that is free, fair and honest.” The lessons from the coming May 2022 national and local elections should be perhaps the last country experience-based input into that long-overdue process of political, electoral, and even constitutional reforms. Such hopefully game-changing societal reforms exemplify the “first path to peace” that should be pursued through administrative action, new legislation or even constitutional amendments. The corresponding institutionalization of societal reforms may in turn help cause the necessary paradigm shifts in the war and peace strategies of both sides. Otherwise, as John F. Kennedy said, “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable.” There are thus those who are “rabid,” Sison says, who “unwittingly help the armed revolution of the Filipino people.” But there are also those who are rabid who wittingly help the armed revolution. Both rabid paradigms have to change. – Rappler.com

[Soliman M. Santos Jr. is a long-time human rights and IHL lawyer; legislative consultant and legal scholar; peace advocate, researcher, and writer; author of a number of books; founding and long-time Coordinator, now Chair Emeritus, of the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines, and a member of the new Editorial Board of the prestigious International Review of the Red Cross. His views here are his own.]

https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-rethinking-renewing-grp-ndfp-peace-talks-2022/

Military in S. Leyte towns retrieve cache of firearms allegedly owned by NPA

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 21, 2021): Military in S. Leyte towns retrieve cache of firearms allegedly owned by NPA (By: Joey Gabieta)


Southern Leyte map

Government forces in two Southern Leyte towns on Sunday, March 20, found several firearms and ammunition believed to be owned by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Among those recovered were an AK47 rifle; two magazines; a M653 rifle; two calibers of .45 pistols; 14 rounds of 5.56 mm ball cartridge ammunition; and three M16 magazines in Barangay Old Kauswagan, Saint Bernard town, Southern Leyte province.

Soldiers also found an M16 rifle and two M16 long magazines at the vicinity of Sitio Tabjon, Barangay Calag-itan, Hinunangan town.


Col. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade which is based in Ormoc City, Leyte, said their recovery of these firearms was due to the information relayed to them by former rebels, alias “Roc” and alias “Jhon.”

Both were alleged members of Squad 1, P1, SRC “LEVOX”, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, the military said.


Vestuir urged those still in the rebel movement to surrender and stop fighting the government.

“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,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1571471/military-in-s-leyte-towns-retrieve-cache-of-firearms-allegedly-owned-by-npa

Army engineers rehab farm-to-market road in Dumingag

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 21, 2022): Army engineers rehab farm-to-market road in Dumingag



ZAMBOANGA. The Army’s 551st Engineer 'Kasarigan' Battalion (551EBn) in partnership with the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) finish the rehabilitation of a six-kilometer Datu Tutukan-Labangon farm-to-market road in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. A photo handout shows a portion of the newly rehabilitated road, giving easy access to farmers and residents in the area. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Army’s 551st Engineer “Kasarigan” Battalion (551EBn) in partnership with the 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) have completed the rehabilitation of a six-kilometer Datu Tutukan-Labangon farm-to-market road in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The road project was turned over Thursday, March 17, 2022, and was received by Mayor Joan Abejuela of Dumingag, who also chairs the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-Elcac).

“We express our utmost gratitude to the Army Engineers and the 53IB for the road project. Surely, this will be remembered for generations to come,” Abejuela said.

Lieutenant Colonel Lorvina Lamug, 551EBn commander, expressed her gratitude to the municipal government of Dumingag and 53IB for the collaboration and support in the realization of the project.

“We also express our optimism that this road project will bring hope to the people of Barangays Labangon and Datu Tutukan. This is a tangible proof of the government's sincerity to end the insurgency and bring its services to far-flung barangays,” Lamug said.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said the road project sustains Elcac gains in the town of Dumingag as it will translate to the delivery of basic government services such as food security, health, education, and job opportunities for the people.

“This engraves our Elcac gains here in Barangays Labangon and Dumingag because this road project will bring better services to the people we have sworn to protect,” Herrera said.

Labangon village is included in the government's Barangay Development Program, which is the flagship program of Elcac.

Elcac was conceptualized to finally address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

Labangon village was declared "clear" of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army influence through the 53IB's Community Support Program on May 19, 2020.
 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1924260/zamboanga/local-news/army-engineers-rehab-farm-to-market-road-in-dumingag

Mayor's ‘friendly’ stance toward leftist orgs alarms groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 21, 2022): Mayor's ‘friendly’ stance toward leftist orgs alarms groups (By Marita Moaje)



SPECIAL GUEST. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong Jr. (3rd from left) attends an event of Kabataan party-list, a suspected recruiter of students into the communist movement, in this photo posted by the group on social media Saturday (March 19, 2022). The group thanked Magalong for banning so-called red-tagging posters in the city. (Photo courtesy of Kabataan Party-list Facebook)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and a parents’ organization are alarmed over Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s order to take down posters and tarpaulins condemning acts of terrorism.

The League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) also said the mayor and former police officer is being “friendly” with the Kabataan party-list, which is suspected of recruiting students to join communist terrorist groups.

In a statement issued Monday, the LPP said “it is implausible that the mayor does not know that by supporting the Kabataan party-list, he is answerable to the lives of thousands of children and youths who are being targeted by this perfidious group led by (outgoing Representative) Sarah Elago”.

“It is very alarming to know that Mayor Benjie Magalong, who was a former PNP (Philippine National Police) Deputy Chief for Operations, would be in cahoots with the Makabayan bloc which is, of course, the mouthpiece of the terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front),” read the LPP statement posted on Facebook.

The NTF-ELCAC said in another statement Monday that Magalong’s “betrayal” made it “exceedingly clear to our people why this communist terrorist scourge has lasted as long as it has”.

“It’s not just because of the tenacious deceit of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF but also because of politicians like Mayor Magalong who participate in the deceit and who would put our children in harm’s way and who think nothing of continuing the grief, the bloodbath, and the destruction of our country for their own selfish political gains,” the statement read.

Magalong’s recent directive to forbid the posting of so-called red-tagging posters was in direct violation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders, the NTF-ELCAC said.

“And so are his orders for them to take down these tarpaulins that educate our children about these deceitful party-list that asks for our trust in the coming elections while at the same time lying to us about who they truly are,” said Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for sectoral concerns.

The Philippine News Agency tried to reach out to Magalong but his staff replied via text message that the mayor has no comment yet on the matter.

Magalong’s claims that he issued the order because he cares for children run counter to his directive because it will lend “his powerful protection to the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF front, Kabataan party-list, the top recruiter of our children into the criminal NPA,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

LPP spokesperson Arlene Escalante said Magalong should instead help in stopping the recruitment and brainwashing of students by CPP-NPA-NDF front organizations that include the Kabataan party-list.

From mere activists, Escalante said students eventually take up arms against the government.

“Why be friendlier with them than those who fight for the truth? Why take down posters that condemn acts of terrorism in his city?” the LPP asked.

A Twitter post of the Kabataan party-list on Saturday showed Magalong at its gathering and posing for photos with Elago.

The LPP hopes that Magalong will change his mind “to redeem his name and to save many more lives by condemning any form of alliance with the terrorists”.

The NTF-ELCAC said if there were more Dutertes than Magalongs, the fight to end the insurgency should have ended a long time ago.

“Our President’s time with us is fast running out but he has taught us so much. One of these is what the face of a true public servant looks like. Let us not forget its granite features: incorruptibility, great courage, great love for country. In these coming elections, we ask our countrymen to elect into office these leaders who will lead us out of the morass of terrorism and into the light of a new day,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170292

Army: Raps filed against rebel leader, companions

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Mar 21, 2022): Army: Raps filed against rebel leader, companions (By ADRIAN P. NEMES III)



NEGROS. String of charges were filed against Ramon Patriarca, an alleged top ranking official of the New People's Army, and his two companions. (File photo)

CHARGES for violations of Republic Act 9561 or Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives and Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act were filed against an alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his two companions last week.

The charges were filed against Ramon Patriarca, Carmen Jonahville Matarlo, and John Michael Tecson before the Himamaylan City Prosecutor’s Office, the Philippine Army said in a statement Monday, March 21.

Military records showed that Patriarca is the deputy secretary and finance officer of Komiteng Rehiyun–Negros while Matarlo alias "Loisa and Avon" is a staff member.

Patriarca is wanted for 10 counts of murder and has a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Susesco Arcam of the Bohol Regional Trial Court Branch 47 based in Tagbilaran City.


The trio was arrested with several high-powered firearms and explosives in Sitio Tondo, Barangay Suay in the city around 4 a.m. Thursday, March 18.


Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the military and Philippine National Police in Negros Island will continue to hunt down the armed NPA terrorists without let-up.

"I am calling the remaining members to return to the folds of the law and avail the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program while there is still a chance," Pasaporte said.

"We thank the populace who reported the presence of the rebels and showed the dwindling support to the NPAs who continue to intimidate the local populace," he added.

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

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the Communist Party of the Phi;ippines-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1924303/bacolod/local-news/army-raps-filed-against-rebel-leader-companions

'Makabayan bloc demonizing military'

From the Manila Times (Mar 22, 2022): 'Makabayan bloc demonizing military' (By Francis Earl Cueto)

A REBEL returnee under the custody of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) on Monday accused party-list groups belonging to the Makabayan bloc of demonizing the military to protect the legal fronts of the communist movement.

The former rebel, identified as Monzon, who claims to have worked as a political instructor of the Regional Operations Command of the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), said the party-list groups Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Karapatan and Act Teachers were legal fronts of the communist movement and have been crying "red-tagging" as a tactic to shield the groups.


Monzon recently surrendered to authorities together with two others.

"'Red tagging' is a word used by the communist group to cover and protect its legal fronts which the Commission on Elections has unwittingly accredited via the party-list system. We can see them in Congress," he said.

In Philippine jurisprudence, "red-tagging" was defined through the dissenting opinion of Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Mario Victor Leonen in the 2015 court case Zarate vs Aquino 3rd as "the act of labelling, branding, naming and accusing individuals and/or organizations of being left-leaning, subversives, communists or terrorists [used] as a strategy...by State agents, particularly law enforcement agencies and the military, against those perceived to be 'threats' or 'enemies of the State.'"

Monzon said he was recruited in 2009 when he was a civil engineering student at the University of Mindanao in Davao City and had spent 13 years being part of the core group of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Monzon said his father was killed that year and his recruiter from Karapatan brainwashed him into believing that soldiers were the ones responsible for his father's death.


He warned students and the youth not to be swayed by the deceitful propaganda of the communist movement's so-called legal fronts.

Monzon said he became a volunteer for the Karapatan's allied organization called Hustisya (Justice) and called for justice for his father's death. Later on, Monzon said, he was deployed to teach those in the countryside and became the secretary general of the Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan, the CPP-NPA-NDF's front organization that exploits Indigenous peoples (IPs) by offering them free education.

"It is based on a defense mechanism, to demonize the military in a public campaign using the IPs and to pressure government troops into abandoning hinterland areas under their influence," he said.

The hardships of living in the mountains prompted him to escape along with two other IP rebels and surrendered to authorities led by Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang.

"Hindi naman pala totoo ang sinasabi nila sa 'kin na berdugo ang mga militar, in fact approachable sila. Nagpapasalamat ako sa binigay ng mga sundalo sa akin na second chance," Monzon said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/22/news/national/makabayan-bloc-demonizing-military/1837172

Soldier killed in Agusan del Norte ambush

From the Philippine Star (Mar 22, 2022): Soldier killed in Agusan del Norte ambush (By Michael Punongbayan)

A soldier was killed while a government militia was wounded in an ambush by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte on Sunday.

S/Sgt. Darryl Jay Rivera died at the scene while John Odon suffered a gunshot wound during the attack that occurred at around 6:40 a.m. in Barangay Puting Bato.


Reports said Rivera and Odon were on a motorcycle on their way to their base in Sitio Lusong when the rebels waylaid them.

Rivera and Odon came from the city proper for a meeting about the distribution of livelihood projects for residents in the village.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/22/2168946/soldier-killed-agusan-del-norte-ambush

CPP/Ang Bayan: Panunumbalik ng open-pit mining at TGCP, mariing tinututulan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): Panunumbalik ng open-pit mining at TGCP, mariing tinututulan (Restoration of open-pit mining and TGCP strongly opposed)
 


Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya




March 21, 2022

Mariing tinututulan ng mamamayan ng South Cotabato ang hakbang ng lokal na gubyerno na amyendahan ang Environment Code na nagbabawal sa open-pit mining sa prubinsya. Noong Pebrero, dalawang serye ng konsultasyon ang kunwa’y isinagawa ng mga lokal na upisyal para kunin ang upinyon ng mga residente. Ito ay kahit wala namang nagbabago sa mga batayan kung bakit una nang ipinagbawal ang pamamaraang open-pit sa prubinsya. Mahigit 3,000 mamamayan ang lumahok sa konsultasyon para tutulan ang open-pit mining. Kabilang sa mga tumututol ang Archdiocese ng Marbel, mga organisasyong magsasaka, mga lider ng mga setler at ng tribung B’laan na lubhang apektado sa mga operasyon ng kumpanya.

Ang mga konsultasyon ay isinagawa sa tulak ng Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI), kasabwat ang ilang mga upisyal at gamit ang ilang lider-katutubo, para muling bigyan-daan ang operasyon ng Tampakan Gold-Copper Project (TGCP). Isa ito sa mga proyektong muling nabuhay matapos ilabas ng rehimeng Duterte ang Executive Order 130 na muling nagpahintulot sa pamamaraang open-pit sa pagmimina sa tabing ng pagbuhay ng ekonomya. Ipinatigil ang ganitong mga operasyon ng noo’y Deparment of Environment and Natural Resources Sec. Gina Lopez.

Noong Oktubre 2021, lumagda ang mahigit 90,000 indibidwal sa petisyon laban sa pag-amyenda sa Environment Code. Bago nito, ibinasura ng isang lokal na korte noong Oktubre 2020 ang kasong isinampa ng SMI para ipawalambisa ang lokal na batas.

Isinabatas ang Environment Code noong 2010 dulot ng paggigiit ng mamamayan sa prubinsya na itigil ang open-pit mining ng noo’y Xstrata-SMI. Naging kasangkapan ang kodigo sa paghadlang ng mamamayan sa TGCP sa harap ng Executive Order 79 ng rehimeng Benigno Aquino III na naglalayong pangibabawan ang pagbabawal sa open-pit mining at pagkalooban ng Environmental Compliance Certificate ang SMI noong Pebrero 2013.

Ang TGCP ay sumasaklaw sa ilampung libong ektarya ng mina sa hangganan ng mga prubinsya ng South Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat at Sarangani Province. Sinasabing ito ang pinakamalaking mina ng ginto sa buong South East Asia. Sinasabi ring isa ito sa may pinakamalaking deposito ng copper sa buong mundo.
Walang lubay na paglaban

Tatlong dekada nang nilabanan ng mamamayan ng Far South Mindanao ang TGCP sa paraang armado at di armado. Dahil sa malakas at malawakang demokratikong kilusang masa at sa pakikiisa ng masigasig na armadong paglaban ng masa at matatagumpay na mga aksyong pagpaparusa at opensiba ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa rehiyon ay napalayas ang mga dambuhalang multinasyunal na noo’y nag-oopereyt ng mina.

Mula nang buksan ang mina, nagpalit-palit na ito ng may-ari. Noong 2005, ibinenta ng Western Mining Corporation ng Australia ang minahan sa Xstrata Plc., na nagbenta naman ng mga sapi nito sa Glencore noong 2013. Umalis ang Glencore noong 2015 at naiwan na solong opereytor ang SMI.

Sunud-sunod din ang mga tagumpay na ligal ang nakapigil sa tuluy-tuloy na operasyon ng mina sa mga panahong ito. Noong 2004, nanalo ang petisyong inihain sa korte ng organisasyong La Bugal na kumukwestyon sa ligalidad ng Mining Act of 1995. Binaliktad ito ng Korte Suprema dahil kinakailangan umano ng estado ang kita mula sa mga dayuhang mamumuhunan sa mina.

Noong Marso 2020, pinalawig ng rehimeng Duterte ang paso nang Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement nang 12 taon. Sinundan ito ng paglalabas ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples ng “Certification Precondition” gamit ang diumano’y pagsang-ayon ng mga lider ng tribung B’laan. Subalit ayon sa mga ulat, hayagan ang panunuhol ng kumpanya para mapapayag nito ang mga lider ng mga tribo. Ang pinaghihinalaan namang patuloy na kumukontra ay tinatakot at pinagbabantaan ng militar.

Laganap na karahasan ang itinugon ng militar at mga bayarang ahente ng kumpanya para sa mga kumukontra sa proyektang mina sa anyo ng mga ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang, pagdukot at pagtortyur laban sa mga humahadlang sa mga operasyong mina. Ilan sa mga biktimang pinaslang ay ang mga aktibistang sina Renato Pacaide, magkapatid na Lagaro, Boy Billanes, ang mag-amang Datu Anting at Viktor Freay at si Jovy Capion at kanyang dalawang maliliit na anak. May mga kaso ng pagkawala ng ilang indibidwal ang iniuugnay din sa militar.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/panunumbalik-ng-open-pit-mining-at-tgcp-mariing-tinututulan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga masaker sa mga Moro sa panahon ng diktadurang US-Marcos

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): Pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga masaker sa mga Moro sa panahon ng diktadurang US-Marcos (A look back at the massacres of the Moros during the US-Marcos dictatorship)
 


Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya




March 21, 2022

Isang malaking kahibangan at mapanlinlang na kasinungalingan ang paggigiit na walang naganap na masaker tulad ng insidenteng Jabidah sa ilalim ng batas militar ni Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Ito ang naging tugon ng mga Moro sa paulit-ulit na pagdedeklara ng mga reaksyunaryong maka-Marcos na gawa-gawa at panloloko lamang ang mga kwentong masaker laban sa mga Moro.

Nakikita nilang mahalagang gunitain ang mga ito habang papalapit ang eleksyon at muli na namang lumalapit ang mga pulitiko para kunin ang kanilang boto.

Isa sa gayong mga masaker ang tinaguriang Jabidah massacre kung saan pinatay ang 28 kabataang Moro matapos tumanggi sa utos ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na patayin ang kanilang kapwa Muslim para sakupin ang Sabah. Naganap ang masaker noong Marso 18, 1968 habang sinasanay sila sa isla ng Corregidor, Cavite City.

Kinikilala sa kasaysayan na ang Jabidah massacre ang naging mitsa ng armadong pakikibaka ng Moro National Liberation Front o MNLF na itinatag ni Prof. Nur Misuari noong 1969. Pero ang itinuturing ng mga Moro na pinakamarahas at pinakamalaking kaso ng masaker sa kanilang kasaysayan ay ang naganap sa Palimbang sa Sultan Kudarat noong Setyembre 24, 1974. Hanggang ngayon, sariwa sa alaala ng mga biktimang nakaligtas ang karumal-dumal na pangyayari at kalupitan na kanilang dinanas sa kamay ng pasistang pwersa ng estado.

“Tyempong madaling araw noon, at katatapos lamang ng ikaapat na araw ng aming taimtim na pag-oobserba ng Ramadan nang biglang pinaulanan kami ng mga bala ng kanyon ng militar,” salaysay ni Ama Amed, punong guro ng isang madrasah sanawi (eskwelahan ng hayskul) na nakapanayam ng Ang Bayan. “Ilang barangay sa aming bayan ang tinamaan sa pambobomba. Sumisigaw na ang mga tao sa sobrang takot, laluna ang mga bata at kababaihan. Wala na kaming nagawa kundi manalangin kay Allah.”

Tinedyer pa lamang si Ama Amed noon na nangangarap makapagtapos para makatulong sa kanyang mga kapwa Muslim. Nang lumusob ang mga sundalo, kabilang siya sa mga kabataang nakaligtas at nagtago sa gubat hanggang umalis ang mga sundalo. Gayunpaman, ilang myembro ng kanyang pamilya ang hindi nakaligtas.

“Pagkatapos ng pambobomba ay hindi pa nakuntento ang militar. Apat na batalyong pwersa ng AFP ang sumugod sa mga sibilyang komunidad at dinakip ang lahat ng mga taong kanilang naabutan. Pwersahang kinaladkad ang mga lalaki at ikinulong sa mosque ng Tacbil sa Barangay Malisbong.”

Ayon sa mga natipong salaysay ng mga biktimang nakaligtas, may 1,500 na kalalakihang edad 11 hanggang 70 taong gulang na ikinulong sa mosque ang pinatay ng mga pasista. May mga ulat na nagsasabing umabot sa 3,000 ang namatay sa iba’t-ibang mga insidente sa panahong iyon.

“Araw-araw ay may pinapalabas na grupong tig-10 o higit para patayin. Sila mismo ang pinapahukay ng kanilang libingan bago sila barilin ng mga sundalo. Kapag nagrereklamo ang mga bihag na nagugutom ay hinahagisan lamang sila ng kopra. Sapilitan silang pinaghuhubad at pinagagawa ng kalaswaan, bagay na itinuturing na mabigat na kasalanan kay Allah. Nilapastangan nila at niyurakan ang aming pagkatao at pagiging Muslim,” maluha-luhang inaalala ni Ama Amed ang brutal na karanasan.

Naitala rin na umabot sa 3,000 kababaihan at mga bata na may edad 9 hanggang 60 ang inaresto at ikinulong sa isang bodega sa baryo at sa mga barko ng militar. Mahigit 300 bahay ang sinunog ng mga pasista.

“Maraming kababaihan ang ginahasa ng mga sundalo. Maraming mga bata rin ang namatay sa sobrang gutom at hirap ng kanilang kalagayan.”

Nangyari ang masaker sa Palimbang dalawang taon matapos ideklara ng rehimeng Marcos ang batas militar noong Setyembre 21, 1972.

Ayon sa ilang impormasyon, pinangangambahan noon ng rehimeng Marcos na lalawak pa ang kilusan ng MNLF hindi lamang sa Palimbang at ibang bahagi ng Sultan Kudarat, kundi sa buong eryang saklaw ng noo’y Central Mindanao Command ng AFP. Idinahilan ng AFP na pakay umano nilang tugisin ang mga rebeldeng MNLF. Subalit ang inilunsad ng estado ay operasyong paglipol sa mamamayan ng Palimbang. Sa utos ng diktador, idinirihe ng mga heneral ng AFP ang pambobomba at pagmasaker sa mga sibilyang Moro. Kasama sa namuno sa pagpapatupad nito ang hinirang ni Marcos bilang gubernador noon ng Sultan Kudarat na si BGen. Gonzalo H. Siongco.

Bukod sa mga masaker ng Jabidah at Palimbang, hindi rin malilimutan ang masaker sa Manili noong 1971. Dito, umabot sa 70 mananampalataya ang pinatay sa loob ng kanilang mosque sa Barangay Manili sa bayan ng Carmen, North Cotabato. Naganap din sa taong iyon ang Tacub massacre na kumitil sa 40 sibilyang Moro. Pauwi ang naturang mga biktima matapos na nabigong makaboto sa ginanap na espesyal na eleksyon. Hinarang sila ng mga sundalo at pinagbabaril sa isang tsekpoynt sa bayan ng Tacub sa Lanao del Norte.

Sa buong panahon ng paghaharing militar ni Marcos ay nawasak ang maraming pamayanang Moro sa Mindanao, mahigit 200,000 ang kinitilan ng buhay at marami ang napilitang lumisan, kabilang na ang kalahating milyon na lumikas sa Sabah, Malaysia.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/pagbabalik-tanaw-sa-mga-masaker-sa-mga-moro-sa-panahon-ng-diktadurang-us-marcos/

CPP/Ang Bayan: #StopTheBombingsPH, ikinakampanya sa ibang bansa

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): #StopTheBombingsPH, ikinakampanya sa ibang bansa (#StopTheBombingsPH, overseas campaign)
 


Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya




March 21, 2022

Inilunsad ng Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS) ang kampanya para sa pagwawakas sa walang-patumangga at labis na nakasisindak na mga aerial bombing sa mga sibilyang komunidad sa Pilipinas. Naitala na ang higit sa 200 kaso ng mga aerial bombing at panganganyon ng mga pwersa ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ni Duterte.

Inilunsad ng grupo ang kampanya para makahikayat ng mga kaibigan at alyado sa iba’t ibang bansa na suportahan at palawakin ang pagtutol sa aerial bombing na sibilyan ang pangunahing apektado. “Ang mga komunidad ng mga mahihirap na magsasaka at katutubo sa pinakamalalayong lugar ang hinahambalos nito,” ayon sa grupo.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/stopthebombingsph-ikinakampanya-sa-ibang-bansa/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 3 konsultant ng NDFP, iligal na inaresto

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): 3 konsultant ng NDFP, iligal na inaresto (3 NDFP consultants, illegally arrested)
 


Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya




March 21, 2022

Tatlong konsultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang iligal na inaresto ng mga pwersa ng militar nitong nakaraang dalawang linggo. Dalawa sa kanila ang hindi pa inililitaw. Samantala, dalawang lider masa na sangkot sa kampanyang elektoral ang magkasunod na tinangkang patayin at 13 sibilyang Lumad ang iligal na ikinulong.

Dinukot ng mga elemento ng Eastern Mindanao Command ng AFP si Ezequiel Daguman, konsultant ng NDFP sa Southern Mindanao. Mula pa Marso 7 nawawala si Daguman. Dinukot siya habang nasa biyahe papuntang komunidad ng mga magsasaka sa New Corella, Davao del Norte. Nakatakda sana siyang makipagkonsultahan sa mga manggagawa at magsasaka sa plantasyon.

Sa Northern Samar, dinukot ng militar ang konsultant na si Edwin Alcid, kilala bilang Ka Veejo, at dalawa niyang kasamang sibilyan noong Marso 8 sa Barangay San Jose, Catubig. Si Ka Veejo, 74 taong gulang, ay may diabetes at kailangan ng atensyong medikal. Hindi pa rin inililitaw ng AFP si Ka Veejo, retiradong kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Ayon sa ulat, dalawang helikopter ng AFP ang lumapag sa baryo para kunin sila.

Isa pang konsultant, si Ramon Patriarca, ang iligal na inaresto noong Marso 18 sa Negros. Kasamang inaresto sina Carmen Jonahville Matarlo at John Michael Baldonado, mga aktibistang mananaliksik na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa mga asyenda ng pamilyang Cojuangco sa Sityo Tondo, Barangay Suay, Himamaylan, Negros Oriental. Sinampahan sila ng gawa-gawang kaso.

Bigong pagpatay. Binaril ng di kilalang mga lalaki si Larry Villegas, lider ng Piston-General Santos at kampanyador ng Bayan Muna noong Marso 13. Pinasok ng mga salarin ang kanyang bahay sa Barangay Buayan, General Santos City. Nauna na siyang ni-redtag ng NTF-ELCAC.

Samantala, hinarang at tinutukan ng kalibre .45 ng di kilalang kalalakihan si Amalia Alcantara, lider-maralita sa Pook Malinis, Barangay UP Campus, Quezon City noong Marso 12. Nabigo naman ito nang agad na rumesponde ang mga residente sa lugar.

Iligal na pang-aaresto at detensyon. Sa Bukidnon, limang sibilyan ang iligal na inaresto sa Sityo Kilap-agan, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City noong Marso 3, habang nagtotroso para sa kanilang mga bahay nang maabutan sila ng 1st Scout Ranger Battalion. Sila ay tinortyur, tinaniman ng matataas na kalibreng baril, pampasabog at laptop, at pinalabas na mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Siyam na magsasaka, walo ang Lumad, ang idinetine simula unang linggo ng Marso sa Barangay White Culaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon ng mga sundalo ng 72nd IB sa isang lokal na klinik. Pinwersa silang “sumuko” bilang kasapi ng BHB para “linisin” ang kanilang mga pangalan at ngayon ay iligal na ikinulong ng mga sundalo.

Sa Cavite, 10 boluntir ng kampanyang Makabayan for Leni-Kiko ang inaresto noong Marso 10 sa Sityo Silangan at Talaba 7, Bacoor. Sa tabing ng “gera kontra-droga” sinalakay ng yunit ng PNP-Bacoor ang komunidad. Tatlo rin ang sugatan sa pagsalakay na kinilalang sina Charlie Aquino, Richard Felipe at Johnmelda Lucernas. Binugbog din si Joel Salabanya, bise presidente ng Anakpawis Partylist-Cavite at pinaputukan ang kanyang asawa.

Iligal ding idinetine ng PNP-Silang, sa Silang, Cavite si Jonathan Mercado, tagapagsalita ng Teatro Kabataan Mula sa Nayon at dalawa pa niyang kasama. Nakalaya rin siya makalipas ang dalawang araw na pagkakakulong. Inaresto ang mga progresibo ilang araw matapos i-red tag ni Sen. Panfilo Lacson at Cong. Crispin Remulla ang mga dumalo sa raling Leni-Kiko sa Cavite.

Inaresto si Carlo Reduta, organisador ng grupong Coco Levy Funds Ibalik sa Amin-Quezon noong Marso 18 ng gabi sa Barangay Cawayan, Gumaca.

Pambobomba. Noong Pebrero 20, hindi bababa sa walong bomba ang inihulog ng AFP sa limang sakahan sa Barangay Deit de Turag, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar. Kinaumagahan inistraping ng mga helikopter nito ang mga sakahan. Wasak ang isang bahay sa sakahan at mga puno ng niyog. Isang sakahan din ang nasira matapos lapagan ng helikopter.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/3-konsultant-ng-ndfp-iligal-na-inaresto/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga protesta

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): Mga protesta (Protests)
 


Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya




March 21, 2022

Barikada ng taumbaryo sa Negros. Pinalibutan ng mga residente ng Sityo Cabiti, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan ang bahay ng kababaryo nilang si Lucia Sales noong madaling araw ng Marso 20 para ipagtanggol siya laban sa sumasalakay na sundalo at pulis. Si Sales ay tinarget ng mga pwersa ng estsado dahil kasapi ng Asosasyon para sa Kauswagan sang mga Mangunguma kag Mamumugon sa Uma.

Ika-27 taong kamatayan ni Flor Contemplacion. Ginunita ng Migrante noong Marso 17 ang pagpatay kay Flor Contemplacion sa pamamagitan ng isang piket sa Mendiola, Maynila. Si Contemplacion, isang domestic helper, ay binitay sa Singapore sa kasong pagpatay. Hinatulan siya ng kamatayan doon noong 1995. Biktima siya ng kapabayaan ng reaksyunaryong estado sa Pilipinas sa mga migranteng Pilipino.

Hustisya para sa New Bataan 5! Nagkaroon ng programa sa Davao City, Cebu City at Quezon City upang ipanawagan ang hustisya para sa New Bataan 5 noong Marso 11 matapos lumabas ang inisyal na autopsy sa katawan ni Chad Booc. Lumabas sa imbestigasyon na namatay si Booc matapos paulanan siya ng bala. Bagamat hindi na dumaan sa awtopsiya ang iba pang biktima, naobserbahan sa mga katawan nina Elgyn Balonga at Gelejurain Ngujo III ang katulad na bakas ng maraming bala at pasa.

Alawans ng mga titser, huwag buwisan. Nagpiket ang mga myembro ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) sa harap ng upisina ng Comelec noong Marso 10 para kastiguhin ang 20% buwis na ipinataw sa kanilang alawans pang-eleksyon. Sa ulat ng mga lokal na unyon ng ACT, ang kakarampot na ₱2,000 na alawans ay kakaltasan ng ₱400 na buwis. Sa nakaraan, nasa 5% lamang ang kaltas na buwis. Panawagan na noon na tanggalin ito.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/mga-protesta-46/