Cops brace for NPA offensives as Reds mark anniv today

From Panay News (Mar 29, 2022): Cops brace for NPA offensives as Reds mark anniv today (By Ruby Silubrico)

PH.VLTRENDS.COM

The New People’s Army (NPA) is celebrating its 53rd anniversary today.

“We expect offensives against our men and police stations. They are ready and alert,” said Police Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

The NPA is known to mark its anniversary by attacking government forces and installations.

“We issued directives to our lower units last week yet, especially in areas where there are rebels, to press on with the offensives and prepare themselves from possible attacks from the enemies,” Dongbo added.

The NPA that is the arm wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

On Saturday afternoon, two rebels were killed in an encounter with troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

According to the progress report of the Himamaylan City police station, Barangay Carabalan councilman Rochie Sabanal identified the fatalities as Arnulfo Sabanal, 41, and Jayson Sabanal, 30, both residents of Purok Lunoy in Sitio Cunalom.

As of Monday, the remains of the two, who were believed to be siblings, were still in a local funeral parlor, the 94IB said.

The two fatalities were among those who engaged the soldiers conducting a pursuit operation in the afternoon of March 26.

On March 25, the 94IB troops also clashed with the rebels twice in the same area that led them to seize the NPA hideout, where they recovered firearms, explosives, mobile phones, rice supply and suspected shabu, among others.

The anniversary of the NPA means nothing but lives lost and suffering due to its meaningless cause, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday

“Over the years, the NPA took pride in committing lawless activities such as extortion, destruction of civilian-owned properties, and undermining the government, all in the name of their so-called ideology,” Lorenzana said in a statement,

The NPA was established on March 29, 1969

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

In a statement, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the 94IB troops for their successful encounters with the NPA rebels in Himamaylan City.

“We will not give them breathing space as they continuously refuse to heed our call to surrender, abandon the life of violence and embrace the path of peace,” he said./

https://www.panaynews.net/cops-brace-for-npa-offensives-as-reds-mark-anniv-today/

On NPA’s 53rd anniversary, PNP vows continuous anti-terrorism ops vs rebels

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 29, 2022): On NPA’s 53rd anniversary, PNP vows continuous anti-terrorism ops vs rebels (By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to continue anti-terrorist operations as the New People’s Army (NPA), the communist rebel front waging guerrilla warfare in the countryside, celebrates its 53rd anniversary.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 29, PNP said that it would continue to press operations against the NPA, through the implementation of arrest orders against its members which were issued by courts.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said that NPA has already become irrelevant, saying that it has nothing to celebrate because its existence is an affront to the lives of people they have claimed.

“The CPP-NPA continues to wallow in irrelevance on the 53rd year of its campaign of terror and violence that has only made life more miserable for poor people in the countryside,” Carlos said.

“The CPP-NPA has nothing to celebrate because its anniversary serves only as a grim reminder of the thousands of Filipino lives lost over the past five decades of the underground movement’s murderous history,” the PNP chief said.

As proof of their commitment to anti-insurgency operations, PNP said they arrested a certain Elmer Forro Sr., allegedly a secretary-general of party-list group Bayan Muna in Iloilo, for an outstanding arrest order based on murder complaints.

“Forro is the subject of Warrants of Arrest issued by Hon. Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 76 of Janiuay, Iloilo in Criminal Case No. 21-0908 for Attempted Murder and Criminal Case No. 21-0909 for the crime of Murder with no bail recommended,” PNP said in the same statement.

INQUIRER.net has sought the side of Bayan Muna but they have not yet given any statement as of posting time.

However, the group in the past has maintained that they are not part of the communist movement, claiming that they are only being red-tagged or linked to NPA.

Activist groups have been accused over the course of the current administrations as either supporter, financiers, or recruitment grounds for NPA and its mother bureau, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Recently, groups have started to push back against red-tagging, filing complaints against government officials especially those from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

READ: Red-tagging: It’s like ‘living with a target on your head’

Earlier, CPP called for an ‘intensified recruitment’ on NPA’s 53rd anniversary to increase the communist movement’s military strength.

“There must be a clear plan to recruit thousands upon thousands of Red fighters from among the peasant masses, especially the youth,” the CPP said in a statement.

In the same manner, government forces called on the rebels to put down their arms and rejoin society.

READ: On NPA’s 53rd anniversary: CPP calls for ‘intensified recruitment’

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1575218/on-npas-53rd-anniversary-pnp-vows-continuous-anti-terrorism-ops-vs-communist-rebels

Bayan Muna Panay official held

From the Philippine Star (Mar 30, 2022): Bayan Muna Panay official held (By Emmanuel Tupas)

The secretary general of militant group Bayan Muna in Panay was arrested in Cabatuan town in Iloilo yesterday.

Elmer Floro Sr., 52, was apprehended in Barangay Lutac at around 4:10 a.m., Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said.

Carlos said the arrest was based on a warrant for murder and attempted murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 76 Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol.

Renato Reyes, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Bayan, condemned Floro’s arrest, saying it was based on a warrant for trumped up charges.

“Forro is not NPA (New People’s Army) but state forces have charged him nonetheless,” Reyes said in a statement.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/30/2170892/bayan-muna-panay-official-held

Duterte claims some party-lists acting as NPA’s ‘legal front’

From ABS-CBN (Mar 30, 2022): Duterte claims some party-lists acting as NPA’s ‘legal front’

Protesters call on the government to stop the red-tagging of activists and journalists but instead focus on the COVID-19 response during a protest in Mendiola in Manila on Friday, February 5, 2021. ABS-CBN News/File photo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday blasted the country's party-list system, saying it allows too many sectors to have a say in government, including communists.

"Totoo 'yan, nakapasok sila sa Congress. The party-list. Eh alam mo, bright kasi 'yung gumawa noon eh," Duterte said in a taped public briefing. (That's true, they have infiltrated Congress. The party-list. The one who made this law was bright.)

While Duterte named the party-lists in the public briefing, ABS-CBN News did not post them in this article until his allegations are independently verified.

Without evidence, Duterte said these groups are legal fronts of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army.

"Makita naman ninyo sa behavior nila and the way they espouse their advocacy for a left ... Left ang talagang drift nila," he said. (You can see from their behavior and the way they espouse their advocacy for a leftist approach.)

"Ang problema, they are supporting ... They are really legal fronts ng Communist Party of the Philippines. (The problem is, they are supporting ... They are really legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines.)

Duterte also said these party-lists are espousing to "end this government".

"And they are espousing an advocacy that in the end ang gusto nila, tapusin itong gobyerno na ito. This government was not imposed upon the people. This government was created or established through legal means. Noon pa, noong nag-republic tayo," he said. (And they are espousing an advocacy that in the end will finish this government. This government was not imposed upon the people. This government was created or established through legal means, way before, when we became a republic.)

"Ang problema ginagamit nila ang pera, kinukuha nila ang pera ng gobyerno at binubuhay nila ang NPA. They are supporting a bunch of ... Wala na silang ideology," Duterte added. (The problem is they are using government funds to support the NPA. They are supporting a bunch of people with no ideology.)

Established in 1995 through Republic Act 7941 or the Party-list System Act, the party-list system "is a mechanism of proportional representation in the election of representatives to the House of Representatives from national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations or coalitions thereof registered with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)."


This is not the first time Duterte claimed that the progressive party-lists in the House of Representatives are "legal fronts" for the CPP-NPA. Back in 2017, he threatened to arrest members of its legal fronts, following the collapse of the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

READ: Duterte threatens to order arrest of Left's ‘legal fronts’
READ: Palace: Members of Left's 'legal fronts' can be arrested for 'conspiracy' with NPA

Duterte, a former student of Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, had sought to end the nearly 50-year communist insurgency early in his term, even appointing left-leaning individuals to his Cabinet as a demonstration of warming ties between government and the communist movement.

Government officials and negotiators from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) had 4 rounds of talks in Europe, where Sison is based, before Duterte suspended negotiations in May 2017.

READ: Duterte to consider CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorist group

The talks, however, were stalled following armed clashes between government troops and communist guerrillas.

The Makabayan bloc of lawmakers, whose members are often victims of red-tagging, have repeatedly denied links with the CPP-NPA.

READ: Makabayan bloc disputes Senate report on red tagging probe

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/30/22/duterte-claims-some-party-lists-acting-as-npas-legal-front

7 alleged NPA militiamen surrender in Quezon

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 29, 2022): 7 alleged NPA militiamen surrender in Quezon (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

At least seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) militia unit surrendered to the military in Mauban town in Quezon province on Monday, March 28, police said Tuesday.

Quezon police reported Wednesday that the alleged members of NPA’s people’s militia (milisya ng bayan), identified as Angelito Aresna, 57; Rudy Zilot, 48; Merlito Aresna, 33; Alex Lorica, 31; Marlo Aresna, 31; Rose Ann Saavedra, 30; and Rayner Saavedra, 29 – all residents of Barangay Sta Catalina in the neighboring town of Atimonan – voluntarily turned themselves in to the Army’s 59th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Barangay (village) Lual Barrio.

According to police, Angelito is the father of Merlito and Marlo, while the Saavedras are siblings.

The surrenderees are now under the custody of the 59th IB. They did not bring any firearms with them.

The former rebels were expected to receive financial and related assistance through the National Task Force for Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict.

RELATED STORY:
3 alleged NPA rebels yield in Quezon

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1574961/7-alleged-npa-militiamen-surrender-in-quezon

Army: 12 rebels surrender in Masbate

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 29, 2022): Army: 12 rebels surrender in Masbate (By: Mar S. Arguelles)

At least 12 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), two of whom were allegedly commanders, surrendered Tuesday to police and military authorities in Mandaon town in Masbate province.

Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, Bicol police chief, said in a press statement that the surrenderers were identified only by their aliases.

“Rembo,” a Platoon Commander of the Sentro De Grabidad, and 10 companions, were members of the Larangan Central, KP4-Masbate under the Bicol Regional Party Committee led by Luding Tolingin.

The other surrenderer was “Ka Victor” of Larangan 1 Guerilla Front under the command of Eddie Rosero.

Estomo said the surrender ceremony held Tuesday at Barangay San Juan was significant as the NPA was observing its 53rd founding anniversary.

The former rebels also gave up an Ingram machine pistol, a Magnum 357, two .38 caliber handguns, two 12-gauge shotguns, and several rounds of ammunition.

Estomo said this batch of surrenderers brought more than a hundred rebels in Masbate away from the movement and were in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1575220/army-12-rebels-surrender-in-masbate

1 NPA guerrilla slain, 2 captured in Albay clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 29, 2022): 1 NPA guerrilla slain, 2 captured in Albay clash (By: Mar S. Arguelles)

New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo

The military said Tuesday in a report that a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was slain and two captured in separate encounters on Sunday, March 27, in a remote village in Oas town in Albay province.

Major John Paul Belleza, public affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said soldiers on operation in Barangay Badbad captured Franklin Roaring, 34, and Mary Chris Reblando, 27, after a 20-minute firefight that started around 5 a.m.

Both were members of the “Komite Probinsyal 5” Larangan 1 Guerilla Front of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

Belleza said the sighting of the 15-man rebel group triggered the firefight where another rebel, identified as Armancio Manto, 51, was slain.

He said Roaring was injured during the firefight and was taken Tuesday to a nearby hospital, where he remained while being treated for bullet wounds.

Reblando was detained in the town police custodial facility while awaiting the filing of complaints to the town prosecutors’ office.

Recovered from the clash scene were two M16 rifles, three landmines and explosive materials, two laptops, and propaganda materials.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1575062/1-npa-guerrilla-slain-2-captured-in-albay-clash

Military says alleged NPA official, 2 others killed in Davao de Oro

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 29, 2022): Military says alleged NPA official, 2 others killed in Davao de Oro (By: John Eric Mendoza)

Davao de Oro map

The military on Tuesday said they foiled an alleged attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao de Oro over the weekend after they killed one of its ranking officers and two others in an encounter.

Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander Lt Gen. Greg Almerol said in a statement that troops and communist rebels figured in a firefight in Barangay Tupas Maragusan, Davao de Oro, on March 27.

He also said that Ezequil Cortez Daguman, allegedly a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), and a certain Ruel Baylon and Quirino Remegio were killed during the skirmish.

Almerol further said that government soldiers consequently seized high-powered firearms composed of three M4 rifles, an M16A1 rifle, an AK47, two M203 grenade launchers, an improvised explosive device (IED), several 40mm high-explosive ammunition, as well as 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition, from the battle scene.

The alleged rebels were supposedly planning attacks to mark the 53rd anniversary of the NPA, but it was preempted after concerned citizens reported the purported plan to authorities, according to Almerol.

“Our troops who have been conducting focused military operations since last year to sustain our crackdown against the remaining [communist rebels] were alerted by concerned citizens to the presence of armed groups attempting to plant an IED along the road. This was immediately responded to by the 1001st Brigade’s troops, which led to a series of armed encounters and resulted in the death of Daguman and his comrades,” he explained.

INQUIRER.net sought CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena for a comment on this incident but has yet to get a response as of posting.

The military claimed that Daguman was involved in the attack on the Lapanday Corp. Plastic Plant and Lorenzo Farm in Davao City and the Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City in 2017, and in the murder of Datu Ruben Labawan, a tribal leader in Paquibato, Davao City, in 2015.

RELATED STORY
On NPA’s 53rd anniversary: CPP calls for ‘intensified recruitment’

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1575398/military-says-alleged-npa-official-2-others-killed-in-davao-de-oro

Authorities nab two high-ranking NPA members in Oriental Mindoro

From Palawan News (Mar 29, 2022): Authorities nab two high-ranking NPA members in Oriental Mindoro (By Romar Miranda)

Two high-ranking members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were apprehended Monday night in Sitio Sigsag, Barangay Batasan in Occidental Mindoro province, according to authorities.

Jessie Paclivar Payas, alias “Ka Rico/Vergel”, 59, and his brother, Noel Paclivar Payas, alias “Ka Elmo”, 56, were arrested based on murder raps lodged against them, a report by the Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA said.

Ka Rico was nabbed under arrest warrants issued by Branch 46 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in San Jose for the crimes of two counts of murder and multiple murder, while Ka Elmo was apprehended under a separate warrant for the crime of two counts of murder. No bail was recommended for the Payas brothers.

The police report also said Ka Rico was formerly designated as the deputy secretary of the Sangay Military Sektor Rapos, KD Felizardo Aquino, Mindoro Island Party Committee (MIPC) and team leader of the former APU ERROL, SC RAPOS, District Committee FAD, MIPC whose areas of operations cover the Municipalities of Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro and Magsaysay, Rizal, and San Jose in Occidental Mindoro.

The said personalities were arrested in a joint police operation launched by the Regional Special Operations Team; Occidental Mindoro Provincial Field Unit of CIDG Regional Field Unit MIMAROPA; 10th Special Action Battalion of the PNP SAF; 23rd Military Intelligence Company of 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion, and 4th Infantry Battalion, 203rd Brigade of the Philippine Army; Provincial Intelligence Units of Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro Police Provincial Offices; Provincial Intelligence Team of the Regional Intelligence Unit 4B; PNP Intelligence Group; 1st Provincial Maneuver Force Company; San Jose Municipal Police Station of Occidental Mindoro Police Provincial Office and 405th Maneuver Company of the Regional Maneuver Force Battalion 4B.

PRO MIMAROPA Regional Director P/Brig. Gen. Sidney Sultan Hernia said they attributed the success of the said operations to the concerted efforts of PNP units and the Philippine Army backed by the support of the public which was considered vital to their information gathering.

“The arrest of these Communist Terrorist Group members is another manifestation of our strong commitment to rounding up all criminals and terrorist groups hiding from the law,” Hernia said.

https://palawan-news.com/authorities-nab-two-high-ranking-npa-members-in-oriental-mindoro/

P2-M worth of livelihood projects given to ex-NPAs

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 29, 2022): P2-M worth of livelihood projects given to ex-NPAs (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

FORMER New People’s Army (NPA) mass supporters received an estimated P2 million worth of livelihood projects from the local government of Surigao del Norte.

1Lt. Christian Elpedes, the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 30IB, said the recipients are from different people’s organizations within the conflict-affected areas in Surigao del Norte who were former members of the underground mass organization of the communist rebels who withdrew their support from the group through the 30IB Community Support Program (CSP).

The former NPA mass supporters received livelihood projects from the different government agencies under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force of Ending Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in Surigao del Norte during a series of turnover activities this month.

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) on their part, has turned over 5,000 pieces of dwarf coconut seedlings worth P750,000 to the farmers of Barangay Mahanub and San Antonio of the municipality of Gigaquit.

PCA Caraga officer-in-charge, who graced the activity, handed over the coconut seedlings. Meanwhile, Gigaquit Mayor Chandru T. Bonite, Vice Mayor Jennifer T. Bonite, municipal agriculturist Hazel Verano, and Maj. Jasper T. Gacayan, executive officer of the 30IB, were also present at th event.

Moreover, the Department of Social welfare and Development–Sustainable Livelihood Program (DSWD-SLP) also turned over different livelihood projects worth P300,000 in the form of farm supplies to the farmers of Barangay Pongtud and income-generating projects for the women of Barangay Campo, both of the municipality of Bacuag, and Agrivet Supplies and Frozen Products, to the farmers and homeworkers of Barangay Dayano of Mainit municipality.

The series of activities was graced by Mr. Jhunrey A. Betonio DSWD-SLP provincial coordinator,. Cedric R. Tantoy, Sangunian Bayan Member of the municipality of Bacuag, Ms. Minerva I. Lomugdang, MSWDO-Bacuag, Ms Maria Ali Yuan, senior business councilor (DTI NC), Hon Teodoro A. Ibarra, barangay captain of Pongtud, and Carlos P. Oval, barangay captain of Campo, both of the municipality of Bacuag, and Ronnie C. Orcullo, barangay captain of Dayano of the municipality of Mainit.

Ritchel O. Otaza, resident of the Kabuhayan ng mga Kababaihan Association said, “The women’s organization would like to extend our gratitude to all the government agencies behind this program, especially to the troops from 30IB headed by Lt. Col. Callanta for all the assistance and support they rendered for us, from establishing the organization to letting us avail the government livelihood projects to uplift our way of living.”

Also, Betonio said in his statement, “One way to address the many problems in the community is to bring the Livelihood Services of the government to the people, particularly in the conflict-affected areas. Rest assured that we will extend our assistance and support to the communities and advocate the attainment of lasting peace and progress.”

Lt. Col. Ryan Charles G. Callanta, commanding officer of 30IB stated, “The convergence efforts of the different agencies of the government are big/significant steps in helping to address issues being exploited by the CTGs in Conflicted-Affected Communities.”

“Such activity is a manifestation of the government’s efforts in achieving sustainable peace and development in the whole province of the Surigao del Norte,” Callanta added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/03/29/p2-m-worth-of-livelihood-projects-given-to-ex-npas/

Nearly 9K soldiers join Balikatan 2022

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 29, 2022): Nearly 9K soldiers join Balikatan 2022 (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photos courtesy of Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

APPROXIMATELY 8,900 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military are teaming up for Balikatan 2022, the Philippine-led annual exercise taking place across Luzon, from March 28 to April 8, that will bolster and expand mutual defense, humanitarian, and disaster response and contribute the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

The 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 U.S. military personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

 

Photos courtesy of Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

In his opening statement, AFP chief of staff General Andres Centino, said for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we are truly blessed to uphold this activity dubbed as the Philippines- United States Balikatan exercise 37-2022.

“Through the years the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US have constantly worked together to enhance each other’s capabilities to confront current and emerging security threats within our domestic landscapes as well as the international environment,” Centino said.

“In light of the volatile and uncertain nature of ambiguous nature of the security settings that we are faced with and the fast-changing advancement in the warfare, it has indeed a shared responsibility to address vulnerabilities and ensure that both our Armed Forces are able to promptly and effectively respond to any crisis or emergency under all circumstances,” he added.

The AFP chief of staff said that the annual Philippine Balikatan exercise, one of the long-standing mutual engagement between our two countries that have paved the way to enhance interoperation, collaboration, and mutual commitment, all aimed at collective security.

“More importantly the Balikatan exercise truly embodies the friendship and alliance between our two countries after all Balikatan from the Filipino word Balikat means “shoulder to shoulder,” he added.

Last, he further said that “as we work continuously shoulder to shoulder, this exercise will certainly strengthen the Interoperability of the both our Armed Forces mutual defense, humanitarian and disaster response and decisively contribute to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region,”

Moreover, Centino said the Philippine- US Balikatan exercise 37-2022 is truly special as the magnitude of this year’s exercise is a testament to the deepening alliance between the two countries.

“With that I would like to express on behalf of my government our profound gratitude to the US government and US Armed Forces for your unwavering commitment and support to uphold our obligations to the mutual defense treaty,” he further said.

Photos courtesy of Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

“Balikatan is a critical opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies toward a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,’ as our Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for. The U.S. is proud to continue our participation in this long-standing exercise,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.

“During Balikatan, the U.S. military and AFP will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General.

“The friendship and trust between our forces will enable us to accomplish any mission across the spectrum of military operations,” Bargeron said.

The exercise also includes a command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment. This training will bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance.

“Exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22. “The experience gained in the exercise complements our security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.”

The AFP and U.S. military will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during this year’s Balikatan, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.

These construction projects, health engagements, and community relations events improve local infrastructure, facilitate the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine and American military forces.

COVID-19 mitigation remains a priority for both nations. U.S. forces will comply with all Philippine government COVID-19 travel regulations and will maintain social distancing and wear face masks during exercises as operationally feasible.

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

“Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron. “Our alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

He further said that the United States is proud to participate in this Philippine-led exercise to improve both nations’ capabilities across a wide range of military operations.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/03/29/nearly-9k-soldiers-join-balikatan-2022/

Family claims: Not rebels, but farmers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 29, 2022): Family claims: Not rebels, but farmers (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A makeshift tent discovered by Army soldiers inside a seized rebel camp in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.* PA photo

The family of two brothers reported by the Philippine Army to have been killed during an encounter on March 26 in Sitio Maliko-liko, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, strongly debunked allegations that they were members of the New People’s Army.

Jane Marie Ybañez, live in partner of Jason Sabanal, strongly debunked claims that her partner is a member of the New People’s Army, as she insisted that he was a farmer.

Jason and his elder brother Arnulfoboth died in an encounter with 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers on March 26, who were conducting pursuit operations on rebels they had encountered twice on March 25 in the same area.

A press statement from the 94th Infantry Battalion said that the Sabanal brothers were identified by former rebels as members of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2, who were both operating in the barangays of Carabalan, Mahalang and Buenavista, all in Himamaylan City.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said that Army soldiers were clearing the rebel camp they had seized earlier of anti-personnel mines when they were fired upon by five rebels that resulted in another encounter and claimed the lives of the two insurgents.

Almonte said the fleeing rebels left behind their two casualties, while recovered from the encounter site were a caliber .45 pistol with three ammunition, a medical kit, a monocular scope, nine shotgun rounds and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

While they grieved with the family of slain rebels, Almonte said it is unfortunate to see two more NPA members who paid with their life for senseless armed struggle.

But Ybañez told RMN DYHB that they have a witness to prove that her live in partner was picked up from their abandoned residence in the place and killed.

Adelfa and Jell, sisters of the slain Sabanal brothers, backed up the statement of Ybañez that their two siblings are not rebels, but ordinary farmers.

The Sabanal family is calling for speedy justice on what happened to their family members.

https://visayandailystar.com/family-claims-not-rebels-but-farmers/

Drug use among NPA rebels ‘alarming’: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): Drug use among NPA rebels ‘alarming’: Army (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

DRUGS RECOVERED. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion seize suspected shabu and a tooter tube from a New People’s Army (NPA) hideout after a series of encounters in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on March 25, 2022. “It is alarming the CPP-NPA are starting to force their members to use illegal drugs,” Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement on Tuesday (March 29, 2022). (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has raised concern about the recovery of suspected shabu from the hideout of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last weekend.

The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) said based on the information they received, NPA leaders are using illegal drugs to “lure and psychologically control their members”.

As of Tuesday, the 303rd Infantry Brigade is awaiting the result of the examination of the recovered prohibited drugs, which they turned over to the forensic laboratory.

“It is alarming the CPP-NPA terrorists are starting to force their members to use illegal drugs. (This) command, through the engaged units, will coordinate with the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies in filing appropriate charges related to this discovery,” Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3ID, said in a statement.

Arevalo said the series of encounters in Negros Island should serve as an eye-opener to the remaining NPA rebels who are still on the run.

“As we always say, there are only two things that could happen. They can either be captured and go to jail, or get killed. Again, we urge them to surrender before it’s too late,” he added.

On March 25, troops of 94th Infantry Battalion clashed with the rebels twice in Sitio Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan, leading them to seize the NPA hideout, where they recovered firearms, explosives, mobile phones, rice supply and suspected shabu with tooter tube, among others.

The following day, another encounter took place and claimed the lives of siblings Arnulfo Sabanal, 41, and Jayson Sabanal, 30, both residents of Purok Lunoy in Sitio Cunalom, and members of the NPA’s Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2.

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

The 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 CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170890

DepEd takes over rebel-linked tribal school

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): DepEd takes over rebel-linked tribal school (By Che Palicte)

DEPED-RUN SCHOOL. The former Salugpongan Ta' Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. school in Sitio Cambudlot, Barangay San Miguel, Compostela town in Davao de Oro is now replaced with a Department of Education-run learning facility. Completed on March 23, 2022, the two-classroom building is worth PHP2.5 million. (Photo courtesy of Davao de Oro PIO)

The Department of Education (DepEd) has taken control of a former tribal school whose management is hounded by links with communist rebel movement, replacing its makeshift classroom with a modern building worth PHP2.5 million.

In a statement Tuesday, the Davao de Oro provincial government said the two-classroom tribal school in Barangay San Miguel, Compostela municipality, was completed on March 23 and is now under the DepEd management.

The school used to be operated by the controversial Salugpongan Ta' Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI), which is affiliated with the Save Our School Network.

STTICLCI and SOS are accused by the military and the police of being controlled by the communist New People's Army (NPA), using the tribal schools to promote armed rebellion and as recruitment centers for the rebels.

Former teachers and learners have come out to support the allegations, with no less than the secretary general of the "Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan" (PASAKA), Jong Monzon, admitting that NPA-linked tribal schools are being used by the rebels to raise funds for anti-government activities.

Monzon, himself an NPA fighter, surrendered to authorities in Boston town, Davao Oriental, on March 8.

According to the Davao del Oro provincial government, the school was completed through its "Bayanihan Sa Paaralan" program.

In January this year, the provincial government led a campaign to convert NPA-linked tribal schools into DepEd-accredited schools with proper budgets.

Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said Brgy. San Miguel in Compostela became one of the first "Bayanihan" program recipients after the village council sought help through a resolution.

Sitio Cambudlot in Brgy. San Miguel, where the school is located, is the last geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDA) in the province to receive a school building, Uy said.

“I’m very happy to say that I will step down as a governor with a fulfilled heart. I have established schools in GIDAs and this is what we dreamed of,” he said.

The school is equipped with armchairs, teachers' desks, blackboards, wall fans, and toilets to ensure a conducive learning environment.

Uy also attributed the success of the project to the "whole of nation approach" Oplan Pagbabago- End Local Communist Armed Conflict, with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay program of the Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, DepEd Division chief Ruben Reponte thanked the provincial government for supporting the education sector to provide IP children equal opportunity to "achieve a bright future."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170876

NPA surrenderer reveals arms cache in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): NPA surrenderer reveals arms cache in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED NPA FIREARMS. The Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion present the four AK-47 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, four AK-47 magazines, and ammunition they recovered from the communist New People’s Army rebels at Sitio Mahogany, Barangay Ibuan in Las Nieves town, Agusan del Norte on Monday (March 28, 2022). A female NPA surrenderer wounded during the series of gun battles in the area pinpointed the location of the arms cache. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

An 18-year-old female New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who surrendered after getting wounded during a series of clashes with government forces has revealed the location of the group's stash of firearms and ammunition in Agusan del Norte, a military official said Tuesday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said alias "MJ", the political guide of Squad Dos (Joker), Platoon Sagay, NPA Sub-Regional 3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), voluntarily surrendered on Monday.

MJ sustained a wound on her left calf during the running gun battles between the 23IB troops and Squad Dos of NCMRC, NPA on February 4 and March 16 in Barangay Tungao here.

Upon her surrender, MJ pinpointed to 23IB intelligence operatives the exact location of concealed firearms and ammunition in Sitio Mahogany, Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves town.

Recovered from the area were four AK-47 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, four AK-47 magazines, and live ammunition.

MJ, meanwhile, was immediately transported by the 23IB troopers to a medical facility in Agusan del Norte for treatment, Paulo said.

“Despite the history of Alias MJ being an enemy of the state and having inflicted harm to the government troops in the past, the 23IB troopers have manifested professionalism in handling her during her difficult physical condition, and with full respect for her human rights,” he added.

He said the recent encounters were the result of the failed attempt of the rebels to re-infiltrate far-flung communities here and in Las Nieves.

“This is a manifestation that the people are awakening from the lies and deceptions of the NPA rebels and refused to be victims again of their exploitations and violence,” Paulo said.

Paulo urged the remaining NPA insurgents in the area to surrender.

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

The 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 CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170898

12 NPA rebels surrender, turn over firearms in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): 12 NPA rebels surrender, turn over firearms in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)

Map of Masbate province (Google image)

A total of 12 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels voluntarily surrendered on Tuesday and were welcomed by police and military authorities in Mandaon town in Masbate province, a police report said.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) regional director, said two of the surrenderers were allegedly NPA commanders operating in Masbate.

"The surrenderers were identified only as alias 'Rembo', a platoon commander of the communist movement Sentro De Grabidad while 10 of his companions were members of the Larangan Central, KP4-Masbate, Bicol Regional Party Committee led by Ka Luding Tolingin alias Ka Dady, and the other surrenderer, alias Ka Victor (is) member of Larangan 1 Guerrilla Front under Eddie Rosero's 'Ka Star' command," Estomo said.

A ceremony to receive the surrenderers was held in Barangay San Juan on Tuesday morning, coinciding with the 53rd founding anniversary of the NPA.

During the event, the former rebels laid down their firearms including an Ingram machine pistol, .38 caliber handguns, 12-gauge shotguns, and several rounds of ammunition, among others.

"The rebel returnees and their firearms were (placed) under the custody of police authorities for proper disposition," the statement added.

Estomo said the latest batch of surrenderers brought to over a hundred the total number of rebels operating in Masbate who have returned to the fold of the law and are currently included in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

He noted that the voluntary surrender of the rebels was an offshoot of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), which helps those who signify their desire to rejoin mainstream society.

The Bicol police together with the Philippine Army are united in helping resolve the insurgency problem in the region, he added.

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 NDF 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 CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170912

CPP-NPA’s 53-year reign over: NTF-ELCAC spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): CPP-NPA’s 53-year reign over: NTF-ELCAC spox (By Che Palicte)

GAME OVER. Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), declares Tuesday (March 29, 2022) in Davao City that the reign of terror of the New People's Army (NPA) is over. During a gathering of former NPA fighters, Badoy said former rebels are given the opportunity to work for peace, away from NPA threats. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

The 53-year armed struggle of the New People's Army (NPA) has come to an end, an official from the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said here Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, the NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for sectoral concerns, also said this year's anniversary of the NPA signified “loud and clear” that the communist armed group is “finished and beaten.”

Badoy, who graced the “Celebration of Peace and Freedom for Former Rebels (FR),” said she was elated as she saw more than a thousand ex-NPA fighters who have returned to the fold of the law.

"This is the real face of peace as they (FRs) are now one with the government. They are part of the rebuilding of the nation that was destroyed by the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front), and these are lives that are no longer being destroyed by the communist group," she said in an interview.

With the government's success against the communist insurgency, Badoy said a new chapter has opened for the country, "one that is full of hope, peace, and free from the lies and deception" of the communist group.

Gov’t interventions

Badoy admitted that solving insurgency is an ongoing process.

However, she vowed the government will have a direct engagement with the FRs and assured them of a 'whole of nation' intervention.

"We should build museums, and our curriculum must be changed. I agree with Mayor Inday Duterte, we should build something for our children, the mandatory national service so that the youth would know that they can help the country," she added.

For the continuing programs for peace, Badoy also hopes for the institutionalization of the NTF-ELCAC.

"It's just the start of a journey of a thousand steps. If they end the NTF-ELCAC, the insurgency will come back. The programs are so beautiful like the Barangay Development Program, " she said.

Reject CPP-NPA

Jong Monzon, the former secretary-general of the "Pasakaday Salugpongan Kalimodan" (PASAKA), thanked the government for accepting his surrender.

"I have been in the armed group for a decade. I thanked all of you (fellow FRs) for choosing the right direction. Let us help our government," Monzon said.

He also urged the remaining NPA members to surrender and "leave the world of hunger, fatigue, and lies."

"We thank the programs of the NTF-ELCAC, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police for giving us a chance of hope," Monson said.

Monzon recounted that he was afraid to surrender, for he was told that the military will torture him and he will be arrested and locked in jail.

"Now that I am here, I have proven that it's all lies. Let us serve the people along with our government and serve them with no fear," Monson added.

Meanwhile, Evangelyn Superales alias Maggie, former medical officer of the NPA and a student of Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Incorporated (MISFI), urged the youth to listen to their parents and avoid the deception of the NPA's front organizations.

"Avoid the recruitment of the NPA and listen to your parents. We all hope for peace and serve the people," she said.

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

The National Democratic Front (NDF) 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 CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170934

Remaining Reds told to surrender, start anew

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): Remaining Reds told to surrender, start anew (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Task Force Balik Loob (TFBL) chair Reynaldo Mapagu and Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu (File photo)

As the New People's Army (NPA) observed its 53rd founding anniversary on Tuesday, Task Force Balik Loob (TFBL) chair Reynaldo Mapagu reiterated the government's call on all remaining communist terrorists to surrender and return to mainstream society.

"As the communist terrorist group (CTG) marks this day of infamy, we take this opportunity to encourage the remaining active members to turn their backs on the NPA's life of violence and hardship, and return to their families," he said.

The NPA was established on March 29, 1969, as the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“The government is here and ready to assist you in starting anew," said Mapagu, who is also an Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense.

Assistance will be provided through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) overseen by TFBL for former rebels (FRs) and former violent extremists (FVEs).

"E-CLIP benefits are intended to ensure that they can live peacefully and productively once they have decided to lay down their arms," Mapagu said.

"Our reintegration program provides them with tangible solutions to their grievances, of which decades of lies and empty promises of the CTG have never been able to provide or solve. We hope that they will not waste this opportunity," he added.

Mapagu expressed hope that the country's momentum in bringing back FRs and FVEs into the fold of the law will continue.

"Instead of a grim reminder of the death and destruction caused by the NPA, today is a celebration of peace and freedom for former rebels. We hope that with the support of all Filipinos, our efforts for the reintegration of our brothers and sisters will be sustained so that the entire nation will enjoy the dividends of peace," he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to press operations to account for members of the NPA and its affiliates who are the subject of warrants of arrest for their crimes.

PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos said their legal offensive gainst the CPP-NPA will continue with renewed vigor, particularly against key personalities who are wanted by the law to stand trial for their crime before the justice system.

This developed as Western Visayas police arrested Elmer Forro Sr., 52, Secretary-General of Bayan Muna Panay, at 4:10 a.m. Tuesday in Sitio Bangko, Barangay Lutac, Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Forro is the subject of warrants of arrest issued by the Janiuay, Iloilo Regional Trial Court Branch 76 for charges of attempted murder and murder with no bail recommended.

“The CPP-NPA has nothing to celebrate because its anniversary serves only as a grim reminder of the thousands of Filipino lives lost over the past five decades of the underground movement’s murderous history,” he added.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the 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/1170865

PAF gets first of 3 C-295 aircraft acquired from Spain

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): PAF gets first of 3 C-295 aircraft acquired from Spain (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of PAF

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced the delivery of one of its three Airbus Defense and Space C-295 medium-lift transport aircraft acquired from Spain under a new contract.

Col. Maynard Mariano, PAF spokesperson, said the aircraft safely landed at the base around 5 p.m. at the Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Monday.

"(It is) a part (of the) Modernization Program, which was approved by the current administration. This project will fill in our gap in airlift requirements," Mariano said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Monday night.

The contract for the three aircraft, which was signed in 2019, is worth PHP5.288 billion.

"Three C-295 aircraft were acquired under the Medium Lift Aircraft Acquisition Project pursuant to the Republic Act (Number) 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act," Mariano said.

He added the PAF's 220th Airlift Wing of the Air Mobility Command will operate these aircraft which will be utilized to transport troops and equipment to various parts of the country.

These planes will augment the four C-295 aircraft previously acquired by the PAF in 2015 and 2019.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170854

PH continues to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): PH continues to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc  (By Azer Parrocha)

FULL SOVEREIGNTY. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reports another close distance maneuvering of a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel during the BRP Malabrigo’s maritime patrol operations in Bajo de Masinloc on March 2, 2022. Malacañang on Tuesday (March 29) said the Philippines will continue to exercise full sovereignty over one of the many disputed maritime features in the West Philippine Sea (Screengrab from PCG video posted on DOTr Facebook page)

Despite China's assertions that Bajo de Masinloc is part of China’s “inherent territory”, Malacañang on Tuesday maintained that the Philippines has "full sovereignty" over one of the many disputed maritime features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar made this statement after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China has sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its adjacent waters "as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over relevant waters."

“The Philippine position is we continue to exercise full sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea, as well as sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the surrounding EEZ (exclusive economic zone) and continental shelf,” Andanar said in a press statement.

Over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship conducted a "close distance maneuvering" towards one of its ships, BRP Malabrigo, in Bajo de Masinloc on March 2, 2022.

The PCG said the incident is “a clear violation of the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).”

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the incident was the fourth reported close distance maneuvering incident involving CCG vessels in Bajo de Masinloc.

The first incident of close distance maneuvering involving a CCG vessel was reported on May 19, 2021 and the second and third ones happened on June 1 and 2, 2021.

On Monday, Wang justified the CCG’s action by maintaining that the disputed shoal is “China’s inherent territory.”

“We hope that the Philippine ships will earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and rights and interests, abide by China’s domestic law and international law, and avoid interfering with the patrol and law enforcement of the China Coast Guard in the above-mentioned waters,” Wang said, referring to a moniker used by China to refer to Bajo de Masinloc.

The Philippines lost control over the shoal after a standoff with China in 2012.

Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales, and is within the country’s 200-nautical mile EEZ.

On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated Beijing's nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea.

China refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling and instead ramped up its militarization.

Apart from the Philippines and China, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam are also laying claim to parts of the contested sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170909

Parents group alarmed by CPP-NPA’s call for intensive recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): Parents group alarmed by CPP-NPA’s call for intensive recruitment (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

STOP RECRUITMENT. Members of the anti-communist groups League of Parents of the Philippines, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Yakap ng mga Magulang, march from Morayta Street going to Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila City on Tuesday (March 29, 2022) to condemn the long-standing atrocities and deceptive recruitment of minors of the CPP-NPA- NDF. The groups raised alarm over the CPP-NPA's call for intensive recruitment, including among the youth, to join the armed revolution. (Contributed photo)

The League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) has raised alarm on the call for “intensified recruitment” particularly among the youth by the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), during its 53rd founding anniversary on Tuesday.

LPP chairperson Remy Rosadio said there’s nothing to celebrate in “another attempt” to destruct Filipino lives, particularly the youth.

“It must not be a joyous celebration for Filipino people. This day only marks the atrocities of the communist terrorist groups for already 53 years. This day should only remind us that many of our children's lives had been sacrificed by the communists’ worthless ideologies,” Rosario said during an indignation rally in Mendiola, Manila City on Tuesday.

Members of the anti-communist groups LPP, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Yakap ng mga Magulang condemned the 53 years of atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its front organizations’ illegal recruitment of youth to join the armed struggle.

“Many parents still crying for the loss of their children who were deceptively recruited by the legal front of CPP-NPA-NDF headed by Joma Sison,” Rosadio said.

On its official website, the CPP-NPA said it will creatively enhance its guerilla tactics “in order to wage extensive and intensive guerrilla warfare on an ever-widening and deepening mass base.”

“As always, the key is to arouse the broad masses of the Filipino people in order for them to rise up in great numbers against the fascist tyranny. In the coming year or two, we must carry out some specific tasks to raise the fighting capacity of the NPA and the masses in order to steadily advance of the revolution,” the CPP's 20-page anniversary statement read.

The CPP said the NPA should muster its strength “militarily and politically.”

“The masses are the source of strength of the NPA. We must aim to strengthen the ties that bind the NPA and the masses. We must aim to mobilize the masses in their numbers,” it said. “There must be a clear plan to recruit thousands upon thousands of Red fighters from among the peasant masses, especially the youth.”

With this, the anti-communist groups have cautioned their fellow parents to be wary of the mass recruitment schemes of the CPP-NPA-NDF, especially engaging minors through its allied organizations to join in the armed revolution.

“We are speaking as parents of the students who were victimized by the legal front organization of the communist terrorist group and we hope to stop their atrocities and make sure they will no longer celebrate their anniversary next year,” Rosadio said.

“We want a communist-free country for the sake of our children and the next generation. Stay away from deceptive recruitment processes of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts,” she added.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the 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/1170916

Cases filed by party-lists vs. NTF-ELCAC ‘order’ from Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29, 2022): Cases filed by party-lists vs. NTF-ELCAC ‘order’ from Reds (By Marita Moaje)

NTF ELCAC Spokesperson and PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy (PNA file photo)

The cases filed against the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) and its spokesperson Lorraine Badoy “come straight” from the central committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“So, this filing of charges against officials of the NTF-ELCAC comes straight from the central committee of the terrorist organization, CPP-NPA-NDF, and are merely being implemented by their urban operatives on the ground,” Badoy said during the weekly NTF-ELCAC press conference at the National Press Club on Monday.

In a statement issued by the NTF-ELCAC, the personalities running in the May 9 elections under party-list groups are CPP-NPA-NDF’s urban operatives who filed charges against the task force officials.

“Hindi ito Lorraine Badoy statement kung hindi (This is not a Lorraine Badoy statement but) NTF-ELCAC’s statement on the filing of cases against the NTF-ELCAC by the CPP-NPA-NDF operatives,” Badoy said.

Badoy identified the urban operatives as Roberto de Castro, alleged Komiteng Tagapagpaganap member of CPP-NPA-NDF’s National United Front Committee (NUFC); Satur Ocampo, an alleged honorary member of the Central Committee and former Education Deputy Secretary of the NUFC; Sarah Elago, alleged Komiteng Tagapagpaganap member of the National Youth Sector Bureau for NUSP of the CPP-NPA-NDF; Teddy Casiño, also alleged Komiteng Tagapagpaganap member of the NUFC of the CPP-NPA-NDF; Arlene Brosas, alleged former Komiteng Tagapagpaganap member of the Manila-Rizal Regional Party Committee, Secretary of the Women’s Bureau in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the CPP-NPA-NDF; France Castro, alleged Education Deputy Secretary of the National Teacher’s Bureau of the CPP-NPA-NDF; and Ariel Casilao, alleged member of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s National Peasant Bureau.

She said the action is done to serve the propaganda purposes of the CPP-NPA-NDF which is to bring the government to court.

Badoy, however, said the charges will eventually end in the trash can as the communists have no cases to begin with against the NTF-ELCAC officials.

Voting KABAG means voting terrorists

Badoy said it is the NTF-ELCAC that has “a mountain of cases” against the party-list groups Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Bayan, Anakpawis, and Gabriela, which she called KABAG.

She said the NTF-ELCAC “stands firm and unstinting in fulfilling our obligations to the Filipino people of defending and protecting them from these deceitful communist terrorists who have the pure unmitigated gall to stand before the Filipinos to campaign for seats in Congress and ask that we trust them while at the same time lying to us about who it is who they truly are and denying with a passion that they are all members of the CPP-NPA-NDF”.

Badoy said if elected again in Congress, these party-lists that collectively represent themselves as the Makabayan Bloc will only continue to cause unrelenting destruction that the CPP-NPA-NDF did in the past 53 years.

She said the CPP-NPA-NDF is the biggest crime syndicate in the country.

“Vote them back in Congress and you vote back the worst, the most powerful terrorist enablers out to destroy our beloved Philippines. This is the cold unstinting truth,” she said.

The NTF-ELCAC, she said, will continue without missing a bit the unmasking of the CPP-NPA-NDF, more specifically KABAG.

“And we will hammer this truth over and over to the Filipino people – Kabataan is CPP-NPA-NDF; Anakpawis is CPP-NPA-NDF; Bayan Muna is CPP-NPA-NDF; Alliance of Concerned Teachers is CPP-NPA-NDF; Gabriela is CPP-NPA-NDF – so they will never forget whose rotten hearts we must slay to finally free our beloved Philippines from the inhumane shackles of communist terrorist vermin,” she added.

On March 25, lawmakers and nominees of the Makabayan bloc filed complaints at the Commission on Election (Comelec) against Badoy and other NTF-ELCAC officials for allegedly engaging in partisan politics and for red-tagging them.

Ex-CPP-NPA cadres back NTF ELCAC

Meanwhile, Jade Cinco, former secretary-general and youth organizer for Kabataan Party-list in Catbalogan, Samar, and Alma “Ka Janel” Gabin, former third-ranking official of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Eastern Visayas, supported NTF-ELCAC’s statement.

Gabin said as a former CPP-NPA cadre, she personally knows those who filed the cases against Badoy and the NTF ELCAC.

“So, iyong mga nag-file kay Usec. Lorraine, talagang mga kilalang-kilala ko. Alam ko iyong designation nila sa loob ng partido, kaya hindi nila maitatanggi na iyong ginagawa nila ngayon ay utos ng CPP-NPA at kabahagi ng sistema ng CPP para doon sa electoral na gawain (I know very well those who filed against Usec. Lorraine. I know their designation inside the party, so they cannot deny that what they are doing know was ordered by the CPP-NPA and is part of the CPP system for electoral works),” she said.

Gabin said since Makabayan was formed at the national level in 2007, she has already been sitting on the national electoral committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF as Eastern Visayas representative.

She said the CPP has a process for supporting a specific candidate during elections.

“Dumadaan siya ng process ng mga negotiation, sumusulat po ang NPA unit. Ang NPA command at ipinapaabot doon sa mga kandidato and then pag okey na iyong kandidato kakausapin na po namin (It passes a negotiation process, the NPA unit writes a letter, The NPA Command will then deliver this to the candidate and if the candidate is okay with it, they start the formal talks),” Gabin said.

She said this is a series of long tedious talks which means candidates cannot deny they were talking to CPP-NPA urban operatives.

Cinco, on the other hand, said he was introduced to the CPP-NPA by the Kabataan party-list back in 2015.

He then became the Kabataan Party-list secretary-general for Western Samar and eventually pledged as an official member of the CPP-NPA, and a white area commander from 2018 to 2019 before he surrendered.

“So, ito po iyon, bakit ko sinasaysay ang Kabataang Party-list at ang NPA? Kasi ang laki ng koneksiyon ng Kabataan Party-list sa NPA. Bakit kamo? Mismong si Sarah Elago, ang representative ng Kabataan Party-list ang nagsabi na kayong mga taga-Samar, sa Region 8, pumunta na kayo ng kanayunan at humawak ng armas para sa armadong pakikibaka, siya mismo in person na nagsabi sa amin. Kailan nangyari at anong taon iyon? Kung hindi po ako nagkakamali taong 2018 March po (So why do I talk about Kabataan Party-list and NPA? Because there is a big connection between them. Why? It is Sarah Elago herself of the Kabataan Party-list who told us, you from Samar, from Region 8, go to the mountains and take up arms and join the armed struggle, she in person told us that. When did it happen? If I am not mistaken, it happened in March 2018),” Cinco said, adding that this happened at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines near Mendiola.

He also said he met with senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares in 2016 when the latter went to Catbalogan City to campaign.

“Hindi namin kayang konsensiyahin na patuloy kayong uupo sa Kongreso at ikaw Neri Colmenares na makaupo mismo sa Senado. Ang kapal ng mukha mo, isa kang terorista, isa kang mamamatay-tao. Actually, hindi naman dapat Makabayan Bloc ang tawag sa inyo. Kamatayan Bloc kayong KABAG kayo sana mawala na kayo sa ating bansa (We cannot take it in our conscience that you continue in the congress, and you Neri Colmenares in the senate. You are a terrorist, a murdered. Actually, you should not be called Makabayan Bloc, KABAG is “Kamatayan Bloc” and I wish you all perish from the earth,” Cinco said.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the 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/1170951