WESTMINCOM: LOOK|| TROOPS, INTER-FAITH LEADERS, YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES FREE IFTAR TO MOSQUE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATED BY ABU SAYAFF BANDITS

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): LOOK//Troops Inter-Faith Leaders, Youth Groups Provide Free Iftar to Mosque Previously Dominated by Abu Sayyaf Bandits

4th Civil Relations Group

LOOK|| TROOPS, INTER-FAITH LEADERS, YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES FREE IFTAR TO MOSQUE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATED BY ABU SAYAFF BANDITS

Youth and inter-faith leaders, along with Special Forces Operators, provided free Iftar (meals to break the fast) to 120 mosque-goers of Masjid Maas in Upper Sinumaan Talipao, Sulu last Friday, April 15, 2022.

 
Interfaith leaders from the Adventist-Muslim Relations (AMR) Group based in Jolo, Sulu, in collaboration with The Youth Leaders of Sulu Towards Peace and Development (YLS-TPD), Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) Talipao and Operators from the 6TH Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion, conducted the activity to promote and strengthen inter-faith ties between different religious groups. The Moro Youth Catalyst Association (MYCA) also facilitated the event.
Among those benefitting are dependents of ASG Returnees.

Until November last year, Masjid Maas has been under the influence of ASG bandits. During several occasions, the area has been reported as their staging ground and refuge during military operations.
Last January 2022, Special Forces Operators were able to liberate Sito Banglot in Upper Sinumaan and exert control over the area where the the Mosque stands. This marks the end of ASG influence in one of the notable religious landmarks in the Municipality of Talipao.

Masjid Maas, the lone Mosque in Upper Sinumaan, is regarded as one of the oldest Mosque in Sulu. The Mosque, according to elders, dates back before the Second World War.

As part of the activity, AMR donated PHP 10,000.00 to support the rehabilitation of the Mosque.
A simple religious exchange was conducted over a bonfire to cap the Iftar.

Through intensified Mass Base Operations and Community Support Program of the 6th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the 1101st Infantry Brigade, several initiatives where made to strengthen and insulate religious institutions from intrusion by extremist groups.

As part of the 6SFC,2SFBn's PCVE efforts, in partnership with several private stakeholders, the said Mosque will be rehabilitated to provide a conducive venue to preach peace according to the teachings of Islam.

More than just fighting the enemy, we are here to build communities..
..We are here to serve the Bangsa Sug - the Bangsa Moro.

This is your Armed Forces.
Reaching the Unreached.
Protecting the Vulnerable.
Liberating the Oppressed.
Because we can. Because we will

This is your Special Forces.

Photos:
2LT Willy Sa-ao Jr, 6SFC, 2SFBn
Cpl Jonathan Jamorawon, 1CMOCoy, 12CMOBn
PFC Donard Desoza, 6SFC, 2SFBn
PFC Al-Jim Calisang, 1CMOCoy, 12CMOBn

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=353389966815767&set=a.226169562871142

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

WESTMINCOM: Former rebels participated in a peace rally held in front of the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, Dipolog City

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): Former rebels participated in a peace rally held in front of the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, Dipolog City

1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army

IN PHOTOS | Former rebels participated in a peace rally held in front of the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, Dipolog City, yesterday, April 20, supporting the 44th and 97th Infantry Battalions under the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

 
During the rally, FRs burned the CTG flags; some of them shared their testimonies and condemned the cruel acts of the communist terrorist group, and further pledged allegiance to the flag and the country.
They are also calling out their former comrades to lay down their arms, start anew, and live a normal and peaceful life.

Follow us on Instagram & subscribe to our YouTube channel:
IG: @team.tabak
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TABAKDPAO
Photo by: Pvt Edu Kenny Saludar

#ilovetabak
#TeamTabak
#TeamWestMinCom
#PhilippineArmy
#ParaSaBayan
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#NTFELCAC
#EO70

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=298654365778717&set=pcb.298655122445308

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

WESTMINCOM: Zambo Norte is now insurgency-free

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): Zambo Norte is now insurgency-free

4th Civil Relations Group

Zambo Norte is now insurgency-free

DIPOLOG CITY, Apr. 20 (PIA) - 53 years, and finally, the province of Zamboanga del Norte can truly be freed from the clutches of the notorious NPA terrorists that has been plaguing vulnerable sectors in far-flung communities, spreading lies and deception.

Former rebels, who witnessed and personally experienced the barbaric acts and cruelty of the communist group, are now making a stand against it and even called on their brothers and sisters who are still being deceived and operate in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and live the life they should have.

In a testimony, Ka PeeWee, former commanding officer of Kalaw, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) testified on the exploitation and lies of the CTG.

 
He said that he was easily recruited to join the organization since there was no government presence in their barangay and only NPA members conducted orientations and provided services. He served about 20 years with the communist group.

Meanwhile, Ka Ason, who served for 34 years in the NPA, shared she served as a rebel for a long time because she was indoctrinated and made to believed that the government (military) will kill her once she surrendered or captured.

 
The FRs initiated a rally admonishing the atrocious acts of the CPP-NPA-NDF during a consultation meeting with the armed conflict-affected areas in Zamboanga del Norte province held recently at Dipolog City.

As a show of strong support to the ELCAC initiatives of the government, they burned down an NPA-NDF flag and strongly advocated in hand-written banners and placards “freedom from terrorism and insurgency!”.

Provincial Governor Roberto Uy declared the province insurgency-free upon the recommendation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) after rigorous implementation of programs and projects in the 25 priority barangays of different municipalities.

The 102nd “Igsoon” Brigade, Philippine Army including all of its battalions operating in the different parts of the province take pride in announcing the dismantling of guerilla fronts in the area during the PTF-ELCAC meeting held today, April 20, at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center.

 
“Based on our parameters, the bulk of the NPA’s forces are with us. Nandito na sa atin. Binibigyan natin ng tulong at hanapbuhay,” said BGen. Leonel M. Nicolas, brigade commander of 102nd Brigade.

The last guerilla front “Big Beautiful Country” (BBC) operating in the province has been dismatled around second quarter of 2022.

 
“We have no more guerilla fronts or any entity in the province that is affecting our peace and security,” stressed Nicolas.

Zamboanga del Norte is now insurgency-free and ready for development as per declaration of the PTF-ELCAC. (EDT/PIA Zamboanga del Norte)

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamCRSAFP

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=353933113428119&set=a.226169562871142

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

WESTMINCOM: Two ASG Members Surrender to Authorities in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): Two ASG Members Surrender to Authorities in Sulu

4th Civil Relations Group

Two ASG Members Surrender to Authorities in Sulu

PRO BAR, under the supervision of PBGEN ARTHUR R CABALONA, Regional Director, is committed to eliminate all forms of criminality through the intensified implementation of police intelligence and anti- terrorism strategy.

Joint intensified intelligence driven operation of Indanan Municipal Police Station together with law enforcers of Zamboanga City Intelligence Team (ZCIT), RIU 9, PNP-IG (lead Unit), Sulu PIT RIU 9, CTG PNP IG, RID PRO BAR, PIU SULU PPO, and PNP SAF FIID-SIU SIT 9 resulted to the successful surrender of two (2) members of Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) last April 10, 2022 at Brgy. Kandang Tukay, Indanan, Sulu.

 
The surrenderees turned over one (1) unit of 9mm caliber with defaced serial number and magazine loaded with five (5) rounds of ammunition which was now under the custody of Sulu Provincial Forensic Unit (SPFU) for ballistic examinations and proper safe keeping.

Accordingly, the two (2) subject personalities were involved in several armed encounters which instigated the death of some government troops in an encounter with the Philippine Marines in Patikul, Sulu last 2016 and in Brgy. Budwis, Panamao, Sulu in 2018. Further, their encounters with the law enforcers also led to the death of some of their members and kidnapped victims.

PBGEN CABALONA commended the determination of the law enforcement units for their continuous campaign against criminality and terrorism thru peaceful means by encouraging former members, supporters, and sympathizers of Local Terrorist Groups (LTG) to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law. Surrenderees were now under the protection of Zamboanga City Intelligence Team for proper debriefing. 

Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#SupportOurTroops
#TeamWestMinCom

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=353956816759082&set=a.226169572871141

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

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pekeng balita kaugnay ng “paggabay” ni Ka Joma sa kampanya ni Robredo, pinasinungalingan

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 23, 2022): Pekeng balita kaugnay ng “paggabay” ni Ka Joma sa kampanya ni Robredo, pinasinungalingan (Fake news regarding Ka Joma's "guidance" in Robredo's campaign, denied)

April 23, 2022

Pinabulaanan ni Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Chief Political Consultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang lumabas na pekeng balita kaugnay ng umano’y “paggabay” niya sa kampanya ni Vice President Leni Robredo, kandidato pagkapangulo.

Ani Ka Joma, walang katotohanan ang inilabas na artikulo ng journalnews.com.ph at sinabing hindi siya nilapitan o ininterbyu ng sumulat ng artikulo. Gayundin, sinabi na ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP), na walang inilalabas ang publikasyon nitong Ang Bayan na artikulo na siyang “basehan” ng manunulat ng journalnews.com.ph.

Ayon pa kay Ka Joma, hindi siya nagpapayo kay Robredo pero binigyang-diin niya na naniniwala siyang si Robredo ay “higit na mas may kakayahang kanidato sa pagkapangulo kumpara kay Ferindand Jr. na walang kwalipikasyon kundi ang mangampanya gamit ang labis-labis na pera mula sa burukratikong nakaw ng yumaong pasistang diktador, si Ferdinand Sr.”

Pinasinungalingan din ni Ka Joma na nakikipagkonsultahan siya sa tagapagsalita ni Robredo na si Barry Gutierrez. Kaugnay ng naturang pekeng balita, naglabas na rin ng pahayag ang kampo ni Vice President Robredo.

Sa panig ni Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer ng PKP, sinabi niyang ang pekeng balitang ito ay siguradong inilabas ng kampo ni Marcos para bigyang-kredibilidad at itambol ang umano’y “koalisyon” sa pagitan ni Robredo at ng PKP.

Nauna nang itinanggi ng PKP na nakikipag-usap ito sa kahit sinumang kandidato para sa isang “koalisyong gubyerno.”

Idinadgdag din ni Valbuena na ang pakanang ito ay sa imbing layunin ni Marcos na “konsolidahin ang suporta ng anti-komunistang upisyal militar at pulis ni Duterte.”

“Ang taktika ng panrered-tag kay Robredo at kanyang mga tagasuporta ay naglalatag ng mga batayan para sa papatinding panunupil laban sa demokratikong mga pwersa,” ayon kay Valbuena.

Aniya, kaugnay din ito ng paulit-ulit na pahayag ni Duterte na nagbabanta sa “panggugulo ng mga komunista” sa panahon ng eleksyon, na maaaring gamitin para paigtingin pa ang mga pag-atake laban sa mga taga-suporta ni Robredo habang papalapit ang Mayo 9.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pekeng-balita-kaugnay-ng-paggabay-ni-ka-joma-sa-kampanya-ni-robredo-pinasinungalingan/

CPP/CPP-North Central Mindanao RC: Manglimbasog sa pagpaasdang sa gubat sa katawhan! Isalikway ang tanang bagahe!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 23, 2022): Manglimbasog sa pagpaasdang sa gubat sa katawhan! Isalikway ang tanang bagahe! (Strive to advance the people's war! Discard all baggage!

Norsen Manggubat

Spokesperson

North Central Mindanao Regional Committee

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 23, 2022

Atol sa ika-49 nga anibersaryo sa National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), labaw kitang manglimbasog sa pagpaasdang sa gubat sa katawhan ug atong wagtangon ang tanang bagahe sa paglihok. Niini nga okasyon, atong ihatag ang pinakataas nga pagsaludo sa NDFP sa padayong pagbarog niini isip tinuod nga representante sa katawhan sa ilang pakigbisog alang sa nasudnon ug katilingbanong kalingkawasan.

Atong hatagan og taas nga pagsaludo ang 18 ka alyadong organisasyong masa sa NDF. Maisugon silang mibarog isip rebolusyonaryo, patriyotiko ug demokratikong organisasyon taliwala sa bangis nga pagpamig-ot sa estado kanila. Ang pagdeklara sa Anti-Terrorism Council sa 16 ka alyadong organisasyon sa NDF isip “terorista” labaw lamang nagbutyag sa maskara sa Anti-Terrorism Law nga nagsilbi lamang kini alang sa pulitikanhong pagpanumpo ug terorismo sa estado.

Patapusay na ang termino sa pasistang rehimen ni Rodrigo Duterte ug ang bugtong nakab-ot niini mao ang: kapakyasan sa ilang hinungog nga damgo ug labaw pang kasilag gikan sa katawhan. Pinaagi sa absolutong pagpangulo sa PKP sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, malampusong napakyas sa BHB sa atong rehiyon ang unom ka tuig nga estratehikong opensiba ug plano sa kaaway nga puuhon ang armadong pakigbisog. Sa samang higayon, sa laraw nga iterorisa ug pugngan ang pagsukol sa masa, labaw pa hinuong mitaas ang kasilag sa katawhan aron tapuson ang himalatyong semipyudal ug semikolonyal nga katilingban.

Sa kasamtangan, padayong init ang pagsuporta sa lapad nga masa sa armadong rebolusyon. Pabiling dakong ihap sa mga pwersa sa armadong pagsukol ang mga mag-uuma, lumad ug Moro tungod kay kini lamang ang ilang bugtong masandigan aron madepensahan ang ilang kaugalingon.

Niini nga bahin, kinahanglang labaw pang manglimbasog ug mangahas ang BHB sa atong rehiyon aron ipalapad ug ipalalom ang iyang baseng masa. Kinahanglang isalikway niya ang tanang bagahe ug sagupon ang mga bag-o ug mamugnaong paagi aron mahimong epektibo sa gimbuhatong masa. Kinahanglang magpakamaayo ang atong mga Pulang kumander ug hukbo sa pagtubag sa kaayuhan, ug interes sa katawhan aron mas molalom pa ang iyang gamot sa masa.

Angayan usab manglimbasog ang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa aron padayon silang makabarog sa kaugalingon atubangan sa mga bangis nga atake sa kaaway. Dili kayang tabunan sa pasismo sa estado ang batakang mulo sa masa sa matag adlaw – ang kagutom. Busa, samtang ibutyag nato ang tanang porma sa kalapasan sa AFP, PNP, CAFGU ug paramilitar, angayang, labaw sa tanan, ipasubsob sa mga organisasyon ang lain-laing tipo sa pakigbisog alang sa ilang ekonomikanhong interes. Ilunsad ang mga aksyon ug kalihukang masa nga magdemanda alang sa pagpataas sa suhulan, pagpaubos sa presyo sa mga palaliton ug gasolina, pagsingil sa subsidiyo ug ayuda gikan sa gobyerno ug uban pa. Angayang ihingusog sa mga mag-uuma sa rehiyon ang katungod sa pag-adto sa ilang uma ug makapuyo sa hilit tungod kay taas na nga panahon nga gipig-otan sila sa berdugong sundalo.

Manglimbasog kita aron subling modilaab ang kusog nga kalihukang masa sa kasyudaran. Angayang mosukol ang mga mamumuo sa kaylap nga disempleyo, kawalay trabahong masudlan ug ubos kaayo nga suhulan. Angayang mosukol ang mga drayber batok sa nagsutoy nga presyo sa gasolina. Angayang molihok ang mga kabatan-onang estudyante batok sa palpak nga programa sa gobyerno sa edukasyon atubangan sa pandemya. Angayang moalsa ang tanang kabus sa kasyudaran aron mahatagan sila og disenteng kinabuhi ug panginabuhian.

Angayang sakmiton sa katawhan ang kahigayunan sa umalabot nga eleksyon. Niini nga panahon, paborable kaayo aron idemanda sa katawhan diha sa mga nagdagan nga politiko ang tinuod nga adyenda sa katawhan. Angayang magpakamaayo ang katawhan nga dili na subling makalingkod ang karaang mga kawatan, ituy-itoy sa langyaw, kriminal, warlord ug uban pang hiyas nga dili angayan molingkod sa gahum.

Kalambigit niini, manglimbasog usab kita batok sa pagbalik sa mga Marcos sa Malakanyang. Atong hiusahon ang tibuok masa sa rehiyon aron pakyason ang paglingkod sa uhaw-sa-gahum nga Marcos-Duterte tandem. Atong kanunay hinumdumon ang mga pait nga panid sa atong kasaysayan sa dihang naglingkod ang diktador nga mga amahan niini nga pundok – ang maduguon nga Martial law ni Ferdinand Marcos, ang pagbungkag sa Marawi City ug pagpamatay sa mga inosente ni Rodrigo Duterte ug uban pang managsusama nilang hiyas sa pagka-kriminal, kurakot ug tiraniko.

Manglimbasog kita alang sa pagpakaylap ug subling pagpahibalik sa atong makinasudnon ug masukulong diwa. Atong ibutyag ang tanang sayop nga impormasyong ginasabwag sa kaaway. Atong alkontrahon ang tanang burgis ug dekadente nga kultura nga gipakaylap sa imperyalismo nga mao usab ang nagapasigpit sa nasyunalismo sa katawhan, ilabina sa mga kabatan-onan.

Sa katapusan, manglimbasog kita aron labaw pang molapad og mokusog ang armadong pagsukol sa katawhan. Atong aghaton ang tanang lagsik, aktibo ug mga mamugnaong kabatan-onan nga mogakos ug moduyog sa armadong rebolusyon. Ang pinakakongkretong ekspresyon sa makinasudnong diwa sa mga kabatan-onan karon mao ang walay duha-duha nga mosampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

https://cpp.ph/statements/manglimbasog-sa-pagpaasdang-sa-gubat-sa-katawhan-isalikway-ang-tanang-bagahe/

Soldiers seize 3 rifles, nab courier in Cotabato town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 23, 2022): Soldiers seize 3 rifles, nab courier in Cotabato town (By: Edwin O. Fernandez)

The seized guns (Photo from Philippine Army)

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Soldiers manning a checkpoint here have prevented the transport of high-powered firearms and arrested a courier, the Army said Saturday.

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, soldiers from the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion flagged down a tricycle in Barangay Kapinpilan on Friday afternoon.

Three high-powered firearms believed to be from the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), were seized from the tricycle driven by 28-year-old Avier Amal, a resident of Barangay Damatulan, Midsayap.

Soldiers found two M-14 rifles and one M653 carbine rifle from the tricycle.

Amal, who refused to talk to the media, is facing charges for violation of the election gun ban and for illegal possession of firearms.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1586968/soldiers-seize-3-rifles-nab-courier-in-cotabato-town

Nur Misuari’s office clarifies he did not endorse Pacquiao

From Rappler (Apr 23, 2022): Nur Misuari’s office clarifies he did not endorse Pacquiao (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

It was a mere courtesy call, says Misuari's camp about his photo-op with presidential bet Senator Manny Pacquiao

Five days after they posed together for a photo, the office of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari clarified that the former rebel leader did not endorse presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The MNLF Central Committee said in a statement on Saturday, April 23, that the boxer-turned-senator merely had a courtesy call on Misuari on April 18.

“The picture circulating online of Chairman Nur Misuari with Presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquaio is not an official endorsement for his candidacy. It was a courtesy call by the good Senator to the Chairman at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati before the Chairman’s upcoming trip abroad,” the office said.


Misuari’s office added that the MNLF chair remains “neutral” and has yet to endorse a candidate for the May 9 polls.

Its erstwhile rival organization, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which now runs the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, endorsed on Saturday the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Misuari’s office said he “maintains an open-door policy to all presidential candidates who wish to share their visions and platforms with him, especially those which relate to the Bangsamoro people and for peace and development of the entire nation.”

After Pacquiao avoided journalists following the the Easter Sunday briefing of some male presidential candidates that he was supposed to join, the senator met with Misuari on April 18. A photo sent to reporters showed that Misuari raised Pacquiao’s hand – a gesture associated with supporting or endorsing a bet.

But Misuari’s office shared photos of the MNLF chair raising the hands of other people who had courtesy calls on him.

Pacquiao said that the support from the MNLF chair is important to him. The former rebel movement still holds influence in Muslim-dominated provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The governors of both provinces, however, have already endorsed presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

When Pacquiao ran for congressman in 2010, he scored the support of the MNLF and the MILF, according to a Philippine Star report.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/office-nur-misuari-clarifies-he-did-not-endorse-manny-pacquiao/

PH, US launch inaugural maritime dialogue

From Palawan News (Apr 23, 2022): PH, US launch inaugural maritime dialogue

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Ponce (center right) and U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Jung Pak (center left) lead discussions in the inaugural Philippines-U.S. Maritime Dialogue.

The Philippines and the United States launched their inaugural Maritime Dialogue in Manila on April 20.

The Dialogue, led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce and U.S. Department of State (USDS) Deputy Assistant Secretary Jung Pak, highlighted the successes of ongoing cooperative efforts and discussed ways for the two sides to cooperatively address current challenges and shared maritime concerns, especially in the South China Sea.

The Dialogue was established by the 9th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held on November 15 and 16, 2021 in Washington D.C., as reflected in the Joint Vision Statement.

“It is no coincidence that this Maritime Dialogue was agreed upon during the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relations. These are not new roots we are planting, just new shoots to the trunk of this old tree that is the abiding alliance between the Philippines and the United States, that will grow to define and articulate the deepening maritime relations,” said Assistant Secretary Ponce.
- Advertisement -

Deputy Assistant Secretary Pak said the Dialogue allowed for a wide-ranging exchange, offering officials a greater understanding of shared priorities.

“Demonstrating our enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific and our collaboration with our allies and partners will help us to achieve a free and open, interconnected, prosperous, resilient, and secure region for all,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.

The delegations underscored their shared interest in a strengthened rules-based order in the South China Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Award on the South China Sea arbitration.

The Dialogue also discussed challenges to Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction; the growing sophistication of transnational crime; and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). In particular, it was noted that IUUF destroys marine habitats and depletes fish stocks, threatens food security, and threatens maritime security.

Other topics discussed were environmental conservation including on marine plastic pollution, climate action, and marine scientific research.

Participants included representatives from the defense, security, fisheries, environment, and law enforcement agencies of both sides.

The Philippines and the United States look forward to holding the Maritime Dialogue annually.
https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-launch-inaugural-maritime-dialogue/

Former rebel surrenders to Puerto Princesa City police director

From Palawan News (Apr 23, 2022): Former rebel surrenders to Puerto Princesa City police director (By Arphil Ballarta)

Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) director P/Col. Roberto Bucad (left) with rebel surrenderee Ka Javier (right) on April 21, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PPCPO Police Community Relations)

A former member of the Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) operations in northern Palawan surrendered to Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) director P/Col. Roberto Bucad on Thursday following his command’s continuous campaign to end the local communist armed conflict.

In a statement released Saturday by the PPCPO through P/Lt. Col. Salvador Tabi, Bucad said the 22-year-old rebel’s surrender was facilitated on April 21 by the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) under the leadership of P/Lt. Col. Victor Lacwasan in Barangay Luzviminda in Puerto Princesa.

He is a former member of the BVC’s Operation Northern Palawan, which he joined while still working as a gold miner in Roxas town in 2019.

“He was recruited when he was still in gold mining by means of deception and manipulation,” Bucad said in the statement.

Bucad added that his surrender is in active partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other line agencies implementing the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

Ka Javier is now under the custody of the CMFC for debriefing before he is enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (ECLIP).

He said his surrender proves the PNP’s continuous efforts in implementing the Whole of Nation Approach stated under the NTF ELCAC.

Bucad also encourages other members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to surrender and rejoin the mainstream society through the ECLIP.

https://palawan-news.com/former-rebel-surrenders-to-puerto-princesa-city-police-director/

2 rebels injured in renewed armed clashes

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 23, 2022): 2 rebels injured in renewed armed clashes (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Two suspected New People’s Army rebels were reported by the 62nd Infantry Battalion to have been injured in renewed armed clashes on April 21 in Sitio Halog, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company in pursuit of the remnants of the Sentro De Grabidad platoon of Central Negros Front 1, engaged its 15 members in an encounter.

Lt. Col. William Pesase, 62IB commander, disclosed that traces of bloodstains were discovered along the rebel withdrawal route, bolstering reports of civilians in the area that fleeing rebels carried their injured comrades.

Recovered from the encounter site were a Vektor R4 assault rifle with a short magazine containing seven ammunition, a KG-9 sub machine gun with a magazine with five ammunition, communication equipment, assorted foodstuff with cooking paraphernalia back pack containing personal belongings, a sack of charcoal, a solar panel, two hammocks, a CPP-NPA flag, two pairs of rain boots and subversive documents.

No Army soldiers were injured, according to Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.

https://visayandailystar.com/2-rebels-injured-in-renewed-armed-clashes/

MILF expands territories

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 23, 2022): MILF expands territories

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with the government in March 2014, continues to expand its territories in the South, sparking occasional clashes with patrolling government forces in the restive region.

Even in Sulu, locals were surprised to learn that there are MILF members in the province. The province is a known stronghold of Moro National Liberation Front and has no known MILF presence or territories until now after the military said it collected dozens of weapons from the MILF members for “decommissioning.”

Tausugs are now demanding the MILF to get out of Sulu and leave them in peace. Sulu has previously opposed its inclusion in the MILF-led Bangsamoro autonomous region under Murad Ebrahim, the chieftain of the MILF.

Many Tausugs are planning to hold a peace rally and denounce the MILF’s presence in Sulu, saying the province is now peaceful.

Just recently, MILF forces attacked a group of patrolling soldiers and ignited a gun battle in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Members of the 33rd Infantry Battalion were patrolling the village of Datu Kilay in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town when MILF gunmen led by Ustadz Guiahudin Monib attacked them. Monib, who belonged to the 105th Base Command, was killed in the clash, according to reports.

Ebrahim signed the peace accord with the Aquino government and eventually appointed as governor of the autonomous region. But despite the peace deal, former MILF rebels are still armed and the number of its members suddenly ballooned from about 12,000 - according to a previous military estimate - to tens of thousands and now seeking government aid as part of the provisions in the accord.

Dawlah Islamiya

Last month, government troops also clashed with MILF members who were also fighters of the Dawlah Islamiya, a pro-ISIS militant group, in Maguing town in the neighboring province of Lanao del Sur. Troops recovered a cache of weapons and at least five kilos of crystal meth from the hideout of the Dawlah Islamiya.

Army Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers captured the terrorist camp in the village of Ilalag following fierce clashes that killed at least three gunmen and one soldier.

Just last week, MILF forces attacked a group of patrolling soldiers and ignited a gun battle in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Members of the 33rd Infantry Battalion were patrolling the village of Datu Kilay in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town when MILF gunmen led by Ustadz Guiahudin Monib attacked them. Monib, who belonged to the 105th Base Command, was killed in the clash, according to reports.

The MILF, under Murad Ebrahim, signed the peace accord with the Aquino government and eventually appointed as governor of the autonomous region. But despite the peace deal, former MILF rebels are still armed and the number of its members suddenly ballooned from about 12,000 - according to a previous military estimate - to tens of thousands and now seeking government aid as part of the provisions in the accord.

Denial

Ebrahim accused the military of attacking MILF members in Maguing town and denied they were Dawlah Islamiya fighters as what the Western Mindanao Command claimed. He said the Muslim regional government is making sure that the on-going ceasefire between the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will produce positive outcomes and provide permanent resolution to the conflict.

But Lt. Col. Palawan Miondas, a spokesman for the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said those killed in the fighting were terrorists and members of the Dawlah Islamya and the Maute Group which were also involved in the deadly siege of Marawi in May 23, 2017 that lasted five months. He said the terrorist lairs were also near an illegal camp of the MILF. “We are sure that those terrorists are members of the Dawlah Islamiya,” Miondas said.

The acronym of the group’ full Arabic name is al-Dawla al-Islamiya fi al-Iraq wa al-Sham, translated as “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (or the Levant).”

The Western Mindanao Command also maintained the gunmen were terrorists and that troops recovered a total of 22 improvised explosives, anti-personnel mines, and at least 45 assorted crew-served weapons and high-powered firearms, including three .50-caliber machine guns, one .30-caliber machine gun, two M60 machine guns, twelve M16 automatic rifles, one M653 rifle, one M4 Carbine rifle, one AR15 rifle, five M14 rifles, one M4 automatic rifle, six anti-tank grenade launchers, two M203 grenade launchers, six .50-caliber sniper rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, one Browning automatic rifle, one AK47 assault rifle and a shotgun, assorted ammunition, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised rockets and ISIS flags, among others.

“Our troops averted and countered possible desperate attacks employed by the Dawlah Islamiya to inflict casualties not only to the armed forces but even the innocent civilians,” Rosario said.

Lawless groups

Early this year, the MILF also questioned law enforcement operations against lawless groups in North Cotabato’s Pikit town after police forces clashed with criminals that left five gunmen dead and four cops wounded.

Policemen, backed by army soldiers clashed with gunmen on December 29 after security forces tried to serve a warrant to arrest Joel Manampan alias Maula Manampan, who is allegedly wanted for various crimes and has a P175,000 bounty on his head.

Manampan managed to escape arrest and is being hunted by security forces. The suspect was involved in illegal possession of firearms and explosives, carnapping, gun-for-hire and proliferation of illegal drugs in Pikit and nearby towns, according to the police.

The MILF leaders insisted that government forces should have coordinated with them because the area is considered as their “territory.”

Col. Henry Villar, the provincial police director, flatly rejected the MILF claims and said the area where Manampan operated is a haven of lawless elements involved in carnapping, gun-for-hire and illegal drug trade.

Camp Rajamuda

Villar said the only recognized MILF camp in North Cotabato is Camp Rajamuda located in the village of Rajamuda, also in Pikit town, as agreed upon by the government and stipulated in the 2014 peace deal.

During the operation, security forces seized assorted weapons and over 400 motorcycles in a makeshift warehouse. The motorcycles were believed stolen after over a dozen owners came forward to claim their motorcycles.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, the regional police chief, said they have intensified operations against lawless groups and criminals, especially those wanted by the law in an effort to protect innocent civilians from violence.

Datu Turno Sultan, Sr., President of the Association of Barangay Captains in Pikit town, also told journalists during a news conference on January 5 that gunmen opened fire on security forces as soon as soldiers and policemen arrived in the village of Gokotan to arrest Manampan. The attack sparked a gun fight that lasted three hours.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/04/milf-expands-territories.html

Nur Misuari endorses Pacquiao

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 23, 2022): Nur Misuari endorses Pacquiao (By: Dexter Cabalza)

Nur Misuari and Sen. Manny Pacquiao

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari is supporting the presidential bid of Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao confirmed the endorsement during a presser on Friday in Bohol province

“I am thankful for the all-out support that the MNLF gave me, especially to my master Nur Misuari. We share the same advocacy of pushing for federalism in the country,” he said.

According to his camp, Pacquiao met with Misuari on Monday in an undisclosed hotel in Manila.

On Thursday night, they showed a photo of Misuari raising Pacquiao’s hand—a gesture, which is long associated with showing support and endorsing one’s candidacy.Pacquiao said the support of Misuari and the MNLF was important.

“They (the MNLF) are from Mindanao and, most importantly, they understand the problems of Mindanao. It’s impossible to resolve the problem of Mindanao if those who try to resolve the problems are from Luzon,” he explained.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1586732/nur-misuari-endorses-pacquiao

WesMinCom, inalerto ang puwersa sa Basilan hinggil sa posibleng panggugulo ng mga terror group sa halalan

Posted to Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)(Apr 22, 2022): WesMinCom, inalerto ang puwersa sa Basilan hinggil sa posibleng panggugulo ng mga terror group sa halalan (WesMinCom, forces in Basilan alert to possible disruption by terrorist groups in elections)

Inalerto ng Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) ang puwersa nito sa Basilan laban sa mga terror group na posibleng manggulo sa Halalan 2022.

Ayon kay WesMinCom Commander Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr., dapat maghanda sa posibleng “worst case scenario” ang mga tropa sa Basilan dahil maaaring magtangka ang mga terrorist group na guluhin ang eleksyon.

Nabatid na ang Basilan ay posibleng masama rin sa ilalim ng COMELEC control dahil sa mataas na banta ng karahasan.

Bumisita si Rosario sa mga tropa ng Joint Task Force Basilan kung saan binigyan ito ng security briefing kaugnay sa pagpapatupad ng seguridad sa kanilang area of responsibility ngayong halalan.

https://rmn.ph/wesmincom-inalerto-ang-puwersa-sa-basilan-hinggil-sa-posibleng-panggugulo-ng-mga-terror-group-sa-halalan/

Ebrahim’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party endorses Robredo

From ABS-CBN (Apr 23, 2022): Ebrahim’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party endorses Robredo

Maguindanao Second District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu (left) and United Bangsamoro Justice Party chairman Ahod Balawag Ebrahim raise the arms of presidential candidate Leni Robredo on Saturday.

MAGUINDANAO – Vice President Leni Robredo got the endorsement of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim in a ceremony at Camp Darapanan, here Saturday morning.

Robredo flew to Maguindanao on her 57th birthday to secure the endorsement of Ebrahim, who also sits as chairman of his United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

The Chief Minister said Robredo was one of two “courageous” presidential candidates who sought their endorsement.

“The UBJP categorically endorses Leni Robredo as its presidential candidate for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections. Her track record consistently demonstrates strong support of the advocacies of the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said.

Besides the Office of the Vice President projects for the past six years in the region, Robredo has a five-point plan for BARMM:

• hasten the implementation of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro including the political track and normalization track,
• fully implement the Bangsamoro Organic Law
• immediate passing of transitional justice
• activating the amnesty commission and,
• completing the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

“It is really a commitment to further the peace process. It is a commitment to assure the Bangsamoro people na pagtatrabahuhan natin ng sabay-sabay ang autonomy. Ito ang commitment na bibigyan natin ng heart and soul ang mga batas na ipinasa ng Kongreso,” Robredo said.

Asked during the press conference if the UBJP can deliver votes for Robredo, Ebrahim expressed confidence, despite several provincial governors supporting former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“We cannot say na ganito karami, but I assure you na as far as the leadership of BARMM, we are still in control of the entire BARMM area,” Ebrahim said.

Robredo added: “Mas pinapahalagahan ko ang suportang ito, na ito ’yung mga tao na nag-spend most of their life fighting for justice. Tumataya sa isang hindi frontrunner, speaks so much of the kind of principles ng lalim ng pinaghuhugutan ng pinaglalaban.”


On Friday, Bangsamoro leaders, namely Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu, Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Sayadi, Tawi-Tawi gubernatorial candidate Sadikul Sahali, and Basilan gubernatorial candidate Alfiya Akbar, signed an "oath of commitment" to the UniTeam tandem. 

READ: UniTeam gets 'oath of commitment' from BARMM leaders

BARMM has more than 2.5 million registered voters in the May elections, according to data monitored by the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group.

Robredo ally and Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman, meanwhile, welcomed the endorsements from Ebrahim and the UBJP.

“Napakahaba ng kasaysayan ng karahasan, kawalan ng hustisya at pagmasaker sa mga kapatid nating Moro noong panahon ng Martial Law,” Hataman said in a statment.

“At bilang isang organisasyong nagsusulong ng karapatan ng Bangsamoro, naniniwala ako na tama ang desisyon ng MILF sa pagpili ng kandidatong hindi lamang kumikilala sa pinagdaanan ng mga Moro sa kasaysayan, kundi sumusuporta rin at naniniwala sa karapatan natin sa self-governance and self-determination.”

The Basilan lawmaker also pointed out that Robredo supported the Bangsamoro Basic Law when it was still in Congress.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/23/22/ebrahims-united-bangsamoro-justice-party-endorses-leni

Robredo gets backing of MILF in historic endorsement

From the Philippine Star (Apr 23, 2022): Robredo gets backing of MILF in historic endorsement (By Xave Gregorio)

Vice President Leni Robredo is endorsed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and its political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party on April 23, 2022.  Sourced photo

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front and its political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, has endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo, a much-needed boost in the Bangsamoro region where provincial governors have declared support for survey frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

This is the first time that the MILF and the UBJP came out in support of a presidential candidate. UBJP was organized in 2014 in anticipation of the passage of a law that would implement the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and create the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Even before their endorsement, signs were already pointing that they were mulling to back the independent presidential candidate, with Bangsamoro chief minister Ahod Ebrahim saying in a meeting with her last month that they are looking forward to a Robredo presidency.

“We look forward for the vice president to be our next president in order to achieve the continuity we need for the implementation of the peace process,” he said then.

In the 16th Congress, Robredo was one of the co-authors of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which was the predecessor to the Bangsamoro Organic Law — the culmination of years-long peace negotiations that created a new autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao led primarily by the MILF.

BARMM Chief Minister Ebrahim, also known as Al-hajj Murad Ebrahim, is chairman of the MILF.
BARMM guvs go for Marcos

While the MILF and UBJP is endorsing Robredo, four of the five Bangsamoro governors have come out in support of Marcos.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr., Maguindanao Gov. Mariam Mangudadatur, Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael Sali have all declared support for Marcos.

Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman is the only BARMM governor to come out in support of Robredo.

The governors' endorsements come despite the atrocities committed during the regime of Marcos’ father, the ousted dictator Ferdinand Sr., including the infamous Jabidah Massacre that sparked the Moro independence movement that also eventually led to the creation of the MILF.

The MILF and UBJP’s endorsement of Robredo will likely not sway the four governors to defect from Marcos.

"Hindi kami ang sasama sa inyo. Kayo ang sumama sa amin. (We will not join you. You join us)," Sulu Gov. Tan, who said Friday night as he endorsed Marcos. Sulu voted against ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2019.

The Bangsamoro region has just 2.58 million registered voters, but it proved to critical in the 2016 vice-presidential race as Marcos chose to contest poll results there. Marcos lost his electoral protest, with the Presidential Electoral Tribunal voting unanimously against his bid.

Robredo won against Marcos in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Tawi-Tawi in 2016.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/04/23/2176195/robredo-gets-backing-milf-historic-endorsement

Imam gunned down, 4 hurt in Basilan town incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 23, 2022): Imam gunned down, 4 hurt in Basilan town incident (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – The police have deployed a quick reaction force to prevent the escalation of violence in the municipality of Sumisip, this province, following a shooting incident on Friday night.

Col. Pedro Martirez Jr., provincial police director, said additional cops have been dispatched after an imam was killed while four others were wounded in a shooting incident at around 7:45 p.m. Friday in Barangay Sapa Bulak, Sumisip.

An imam leads Muslim worshippers in prayer at a mosque.

“We have deployed the quick reaction platoon (forces) to prevent similar incidents and escalation of violence,” Martirez said in an interview on Saturday.

Twenty-year-old imam, Mutilan Como Ajanab, expired while at a hospital here.

Wounded and hospitalized were Rashid Hajibain Suraman, 48; Abdulmalik Suraman Jumlatal, 34; Harisa Hajibain Hadjail, 15; and, Hafidz Suraman Jumlatal, 23.

The police report stated the victims were resting in front of their house after they arrived home from a nearby mosque for their Tarawih prayer.

The Tarawih is a night Ramadan prayer performed after Iftar, the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

A rido (family feud) is the alleged cause of the incident but Martirez said they have yet to ascertain it.

“I have ordered the chief of police there to conduct an in-depth probe to determine the real cause of the incident,” Martirez said.

He said the Sumisip town police are coordinating with their military counterparts to ensure the maintenance of law and order in the municipality.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172780

CPP/Ang Bayan: 12 armadong aksyon sa 3 rehiyon

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 21, 2022): 12 armadong aksyon sa 3 rehiyon (12 armed actions in 3 regions)

 

Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya

April 21, 2022

Labindalawang armadong aksyon ang naiulat na inilunsad ng mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa mga rehiyong Eastern Visayas, Northeast Mindanao at Ilocos-Cordillera.

Inambus ng BHB-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command) ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng militar at pulis noong Abril 3 sa Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas. Dalawa ang napaslang at lima ang nasugatan sa tropa ng sundalo at pulis.

Bago nito, pinasabugan ng command-detonated explosive ng BHB ang tropang militar na nag-ooperasyon sa Barangay MacArthur, Las Navas noong Marso 25. Tatlong sundalo ang napaslang.

Kasunod ito ng pag-atake ng BHB sa 20th IB sa Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig noong Marso 22. Isa ang nasugatan sa naturang aksyon. Samantala, magkasunod na operasyong haras ang inilunsad ng BHB noong Marso 4-5 sa Barangay Trangue, Catarman at sa kampo ng 43rd IB sa Barangay Santander, Bobon. Isa ang napaslang habang isa ang nasugatan sa mga sundalo.

Pinatawan ng kaparusahang kamatayan ng BHB-Central Negros ang elemento ng CAFGU na si Jeger Flores sa Barangay Sandayao Patrol Base ng 62nd IB sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental noong Abril 10. Sangkot si Flores sa pagpaslang kay Arnold Suerte, isang magsasaka, noong Enero.

Sa Surigao del Norte, inambus ng BHB ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng 30th IB at PNP sa Barangay Binukaran, Malimono noong Marso 26 ng hapon. Dalawa ang naiulat na sugatan sa hanay ng mga sundalo at pulis.

Noong Abril 6, dalawang elemento ng CAFGU sa ilalim ng 30th IB ang nasugatan sa ambus ng BHB sa Sityo Tumay-as, Barangay Ferlda, Alegria sa parehong prubinsya. Sa sumunod na araw, inaresto ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang dalawang aktibong aset ng 30th IB sa Barangay Mayag, Sison.

Nasamsam ng yunit ng BHB mula rito ang ilang kagamitang militar kabilang ang mga backpack, combat boots, mga selpon, GPS tracker at isang pistola.

Inambus naman ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng BHB-Agusan del Norte ang nag-ooperasyong 40-kataong yunit ng 29th IB sa Palo 12, Barangay Poblacion 2, Santiago noong Abril 14. Dalawang sundalo ang namatay.

Samantala, tatlong sundalo ang nasugatan sa operasyong haras ng BHB-Kalinga sa detatsment ng CAFGU sa Barangay Mabaca, Balbalan noong Pebrero 4. Apat na elemento naman ng 24th IB ang napatay sa kontra-reyd na isinagawa ng BHB sa Barangay Anayan, Tineg, Abra noong Marso 23.

[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/2022/04/21/12-armadong-aksyon-sa-3-rehiyon/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 8 aresto sa loob ng 6 na araw

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 21, 2022): 8 aresto sa loob ng 6 na araw (8 arrests in 6 days)

 

Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya

April 21, 2022

Walong iligal na pang-aaresto ang isinagawa ng mga armadong pwersa ng estado sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa sa loob lamang ng anim na araw sa kapanahunan ng Semana Santa. Lahat sila’y pinagbibintangang kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) at tinaniman ng ebidensya para sampahan ng gawa-gawang kasong kriminal.

Inaresto ng di bababa sa 15 yunit ng militar at pulis ang tatlong kababaihang magsasakang kasapi ng grupong Bayan Muna noong Abril 13 sa Barangay Mawaque, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Sina Maria Teresa Buscayno, Erlinda David, at Evelyn Muñoz na pawang may edad na. Ayon sa Karapatan-Central Luzon, deka-dekada na silang nagtataguyod sa interes at kagalingan ng mga mangingisda, katutubo, manggagawang bukid, magsasaka at maralita.

Dalawang araw bago nito, inaresto habang nakapila para magpabakuna sa Parañaque City sina Ernesto Lorenzo, Maria Fe Serrano at Plinky Longhas. Si Lorenzo ay kilalang konsultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines sa usapang pangkapayapaan. Ang kasama niyang si Serrano ay asawa ng bilanggong pulitikal na si Eduardo Serrano na namatay sa kulungan dulot ng pagtangging palayain siya kahit pa ibinasura na ng korte ang gawa-gawang mga kaso laban sa kanya.

Bago sila, inaresto sa Cagayan de Oro ang lider-kabataan na si Aldeem Yanez ng Iglesia Filipina Independiente noong Abril 10. Madaling araw nang sinalakay ng mga sundalo at pulis ang bahay ng kanyang mga magulang kung saan siya nakatira.

Noong Abril 8, inaresto sa Nueva Vizcaya si Isabelo Adviento, pang-apat na nominado ng Anakpawis Partylist sa eleksyong 2022.

Sa panahon din ng Semana Santa, kinanyon ng militar ang mga sibilyang komunidad sa Palo 12, Barangay Poblacion 2, Santiago, Agusan del Norte noong Abril 15. Ito ang ganti ng mga sundalo matapos sila mabigwasan ng BHB.

Hindi pa rin inililitaw ang organisador ng Kadamay-Negros na si Iver Larit, matapos dukutin ng hinihinalang mga elemento ng estado noong Abril 5. Huli siyang nakita palabas ng kanilang bahay sa Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. Matagal na siyang biktima ng panre-redtag.

Sa Southern Tagalog, ginipit ng mga sundalo ng 85th IB ang libreng klinika na inorganisa ng Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (Kasama-TK) sa Agdangan, Quezon noong Abril 10. Binulabog ng mga sundalo ang benyu at kinwestyon ang “ligalidad” ng aktbidad.

Samantala, kinwestyon ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ang agarang pagsunog (cremate) ng 1st Special Forces Battalion noong Abril 7 sa apat na bangkay ng umano’y mga myembro ng BHB na napatay sa sinasabing engkwentro sa Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag, Bukidnon.

Iniulat naman ng NDF-Eastern Visayas noong Abril 9 ang pagdakip, pagpapahirap at pagpaslang ng 20th IB kay Bryan Obin (Ka Tanel), isang dating Pulang mandirigma, sa Barangay Sag-od, Las Navas, noong Marso 12.

Sa Piat, Cagayan, pinatay ng mga sundalo ng 17th IB noong Abril 14 ang di-armadong mga myembro ng BHB na si Saturnino Agunoy (Ka Peping), at mga medik na sina Augusto Gayagas (Ka Val) at Mark Canta (Ka Uno). Bumibiyahe sila upang ipagamot si Agunoy nang harangin at patayin ng militar.

Sa Bicol, pinatay ng 49th IB si Armancio Malto, sa kanyang bahay sa Purok 5, Barangay Badbad, Oas, Albay noong Marso 27. Dinakip din nito si Maricris Reblando, residente ng naturang lugar. Inaresto naman si Franklin “Ka Drilon” Roaring, sugatan na Pulang mandirigma at residente ng Barangay Mayag sa parehong bayan.

[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/2022/04/21/8-aresto-sa-loob-ng-6-na-araw/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ang kasuklam-suklam na pagsasanib ng NCIP at NTF-Elcac

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 21, 2022): Ang kasuklam-suklam na pagsasanib ng NCIP at NTF-Elcac (The horrific merger of NCIP and NTF-Elcac)

 

April 21, 2022

Malaon nang panawagan ng mga katutubong Pilipino ang pagbubuwag sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) at pagbabasura sa batas na lumikha nito, ang Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act. Matagal nang tinalikuran ng NCIP ang mandato nitong protektahan at itaguyod ang interes at kapakanan ng mga minorya. Isiniwalat ng mga katutubo na bukod sa lantarang korapsyon ng ahensya, malaking kataksilan ang isinasagawa nito sa pagbebenta ng mga lupaing ninuno sa dayuhan at lokal na mga kumpanya sa pagmimina, pagtotroso, komersyal na plantasyon at mga plantang pang-enerhiya.

Lalupang tumindi ang pagiging kontra-minorya ng ahensya matapos ipwesto ni Rodrigo Duterte bilang pinuno nito si Allen Capuyan, isang korap at kriminal na retiradong heneral.

Si Capuyan ay dating koronel na may madugong rekord ng pananalasa sa mga katutubo. Naging pangulo siya ng Task Force Gantangan na taga-organisa ng mga grupong paramilitar na dumidepensa sa malalaking mina at notoryus sa paghahasik ng teror at pamamaslang sa mga lider ng Lumad. Sangkot din si Capuyan sa iba’t ibang mga krimen at katiwalian kabilang ang malakihang pagpupuslit ng iligal na droga. Nagsilbi siyang hepe ng Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines sa panahon ni Gloria Arroyo at nasangkot sa pagpalusot sa malawakang pandaraya sa eleksyon.

Kasabay ng pagiging pinuno ng NCIP, itinalaga rin si Capuyan bilang executive director ng NTF-Elcac. Sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno, naging pangunahing instrumento ng NTF-Elcac ang NCIP para sa “pagnyutralisa” sa mga katutubo sa ngalan ng “kontra-insurhensya.” Pasimuno ang ahensya sa pinakamasisidhing pangre-redtag na pasiuna sa malawakang pamamaslang, pang-aaresto, pagpapahirap, sapilitang pagpapasurender at pagpapalayas ng mga minorya sa kanilang mga lupa. Nagsilbi itong tagapagtanggol sa pinakakarumal-dumal na mga krimen ng militar at ng rehimen laban sa mga pambansang minorya.
Kapitalistang pang-aagaw ng lupang ninuno

Sa ilalim ni Capuyan, umarangkada ang pang-aagaw ng lupa at pagpapapalayas sa mga pambansang minorya sa kanilang mayayaman-sa-rekursong lupa. Umaabot sa 5 milyong ektarya ng mga lupaing ninuno ang iginawad ng rehimeng Duterte para sa eksplorasyon at operasyon ng dayuhang mga kumpanya sa pagmimina. Inilaan din ng rehimen ang mga ilog at lawa para tayuan ang ito ng mga megadam at plantasyong komersyal ng mga kumpanyang Chinese.

Naging pangunahing papel ng NCIP ang manipulahin at pwersahin ang mga apektadong komunidad para sa kanilang “Free, Prior, and Informed Consent” (FPIC) o pagpayag sa operasyon ng pinaborang mga kumpanya. Nitong nakaraang mga taon, naging instrumento ito sa pagmanupaktura ng FPIC sa Kalinga para bigyan daan ang pagtatayo ng dalawang Gened Dam. Naglabas din ito ng mga kwestyunableng FPIC para sa mga kumpanya sa minang TVI-Pacific sa Zamboanga del Norte at Sagittarius Mines Inc. sa South Cotabato. Ang mga komunidad na ito, kasama ang iba pang komunidad na nagsisikap ipagtanggol ang kanilang kabuhayan at kultura, ang target ng mga operasyong kombat ng militar at ipinaiilalim sa matinding militarisasyon.
Kampanyang henosidyo

Para bigyang katwiran ang malalaking operasyong kombat, pambobomba, matagalang militarisasyon at panunupil sa mga minoryang lumalaban, bukambibig ni Duterte na pinagmumulan ng malaking bilang ng mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang mga komunidad nito.

Naging ahente ang NCIP sa kampanya ng pwersahang pagpapasurender ng sibilyang mga katutubo. Gumamit ang ahensya ng mga pekeng datu (na mga pinuno ng mga grupong paramilitar) para siraan ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan, kasama ang kanilang mga katribu na inaakusahan ng militar na sumusuporta sa armadong kilusan. Kapag hindi nagpapadala sa kanilang mga panlilinlang ay tahasang pinapaslang.

Noong 2021 lamang, tampok sa mga krimen ng rehimen ang masaker sa tatlong kabataang Manobo sa Lianga, iligal na pang-aaresto sa mga katutubong sina Renalyn Tejero, Gary Catamin at Beatrice Belen at pagsampa ng gawa-gawang kaso sa lider Igorot na si Windell Bolinget. (Sa katapusan ng 2020 naganap ang pagmasaker ng estado sa siyam at pag-aresto sa 17 Tumandok na lumalaban sa pagtatayo ng megadam sa Panay.)

Liban dito, naging tampok din ang pagsalakay sa Bakwit School sa Cebu, pag-aresto sa 25 kalahok at detensyon sa pito. Isa sa mga inaresto at ikinulong sa panahong iyun ay si Chad Booc, na pinatay ng militar noong Pebrero, kasama ng Lumad na si Jurain Nguho at tatlo pa habang bumibiyahe sa New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

[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/2022/04/21/ang-kasuklam-suklam-na-pagsasanib-ng-ncip-at-ntf-elcac/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 50-taong pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang kababaihan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 21, 2022): 50-taong pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang kababaihan (50-year advancement of the revolutionary women’s movement)

 

Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya

April 21, 2022

Isang maningning na tagumpay hindi lamang para sa kababaihan kundi maging sa buong kilusan ang 50 taong pagpupunyagi ng Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (Makibaka) sa rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka upang baguhin ang sistemang nagsasadlak sa kababaihan sa matinding kahirapan at kaapihan.

Sa nakalipas na limang dekada, nananatiling mahigpit ang paghawak nito sa pagsusuri sa katotohanang ang kapangyarihang pampulitika ng naghaharing uri ang siyang gulugod ng lahat ng iba pang sistema ng awtoridad na nang-aapi at nagsasasamantala sa kababaihan, at dapat ibagsak upang tumungo sa ganap nilang paglaya. Pangunahing ekspresyon nito ang paglahok ng masang kababaihan sa armadong pakikibaka para sa pambansang demokrasya.

Pinangunahan ng Makibaka ang pagbasag sa pyudal at burges na kultura at mga ideya na ang babae ay mahina, pambahay o isang pribadong pag-aari na maaaring ilako. Hinawan nito ang landas para sa paglahok ng kababaihan sa pakikibaka para sa pagbabagong panlipunan. Sa mga pagawaan, komunidad, kampus at mga sakahan, lumitaw ang laksang libong kababaihang aktibista at rebolusyonaryo.

Inilunsad at nakilala ang Makibaka noong 1970 at pormal na itinatag noong Marso 18, 1972 matapos ang unang kongreso nito noong Marso 11-12 sa Sampaloc University Center. Higit na inilinaw ng kongreso na ang susing kawing sa pagpapalaya sa kababaihan ay ang masiglang paglahok nito sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon. Mula sa “Malaya” ay binago tungong “Makabayan” ang pangalan bilang pagdidiin sa puntong ito.

Tampok sa kasaysayan ang naging papel ng Makibaka sa Sigwa ng Unang Kwarto at paglaban sa batas militar. Kabilang sila sa makasaysayang Komuna ng Diliman. Pinasimunuan nito ang protesta sa Binibining Pilipinas laban sa pagkakalakal sa kababaihan. Kaisa sila sa welga sa US Tobacco Corporation. Lumitaw ang mga kababaihang aktibista sa hanay ng mga manggagawa tulad ni Liza Balando, manggagawa ng Rossini’s Knitwear na nasawi sa protesta noong Mayo 1, 1972 sa pamamaril ng mga pasistang sundalo.

Nang ipataw ang batas militar noong 1972, maramihang nagtungo ang mga kababaihan sa kanayunan at naging bahagi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), kabilang si Lorena Barros na unang tagapangulo ng Makibaka. Nagpunyagi ang Makibaka sa paglalathala ng pahayagan nitong Malayang Pilipina. Kabilang ang mga kasapi nito sa pangunahing nag-organisa sa hanay ng mga sakada ng Western Visayas at lumahok sa mga pakikibakang agraryo sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Nagtayo rin ng mga balangay ang Makibaka noong batas militar sa Mindanao. Nagkaroon ng mga kasapi ang organisasyon mula sa mga kampus sa Davao, at sa mga pamayanan sa Ozamiz, Pagadian, at Dipolog. Kabilang ang Makibaka sa mga organisasyon nagtatag ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines noong 1973.

Bunga ng pagpupunyagi sa pag-oorganisa at pakikibaka sa unang mga taon ng batas militar, muling nakabwelo ang mga pakikibakang masa. Rumurok ito noong 1983-1986 sa sunud-sunod na mga dambuhalang rali hanggang napatalsik ang pasistang diktadurang Marcos. Sa panahong ito ay bumwelo ang pagpapalawak ng kasapian ng Makibaka.

Patuloy na nagpunyagi ang Makibaka sa pagsulong ng pakikibaka ng mga kababaihang Pilipino sa balangkas ng pambansa-demokratikong kilusan. Sa kasalukuyan, sa harap ng pasistang mga atake ng rehimeng US-Duterte, pinag-iibayo nito ang lihim na pagkilos sa mahirap at delikadong sitwasyon. Sa panahon ng pasistang lockdown at paghihigpit ng rehimen mula 2020, nagsilbing kanlungan ng kilusang lihim—para sa pulong at pag-aaral—ang mga komunidad na may balangay ng Makibaka.

Determinado ang mga kasapi ng Makibaka na pukawin, organisahin at pakilusin ang mga kababaihan sa kalunsuran at kanayunan. “Matinding dedikasyon at tiyaga ang kailangan,” ayon sa isang organisador, “para maipakita sa masa ang pangangailangang magkaisa at lumaban.”

Noong Enero, kabilang ang Makibaka sa idineklarang “terorista” ni Duterte. Anang Makibaka, ang gayong hakbang ni Duterte ay “ginaya lang sa kanyang idolo na si Marcos Sr,” ang paghahasik ng mga teroristang pakana na ibubunton sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan upang bigyang katwiran ang kanyang imbing mga plano.

Mulat ang Makibaka na dominado ng naghaharing uri ang reaksyunaryong eleksyon, subalit kinikilala nito ang masidhing pagnanais ng kababaihan at mamamayan na maalis na sa pwesto ang pahirap at pasistang rehimeng Duterte. Malaking hamon sa Makibaka na aktibong pakilusin ang kababaihan para biguin ang tambalang Marcos–Duterte.

Hindi nagbabago ang mga batayan at lalo pang lumalakas ang pangangailangan para sa radikal na pagbabago ng lipunan. Ang paglulunsad ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan ay patuloy na yayakapin ng kababaihan. Nasa mas mahusay na katayuan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusang kababaihan sa kasalukuyan upang suungin ang mas mahirap na sitwasyon.

Patuloy itong nagpapalawak at nagpapalakas kasabay ng pana-panahon na pagtatasa at pagsusuma ng mga karanasan upang higit na mapangibabawan ang mga kahinaan at pagkakamali, kumuha ng mga aral mula rito upang itulak pa ang higit nitong pagsulong.

[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/2022/04/21/50-taong-pagsulong-ng-rebolusyonaryong-kilusang-kababaihan/

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 (Apr 21, 2022): Mga protesta (Protests)

 

Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya

April 21, 2022

Kalbaryo ng maralita sa Semana Santa. Inilunsad ng mga grupo ng maralita ang taunang Kalbaryo ng Maralita bilang paggunita sa Semana Santa. Noong Abril 8, naglunsad ng protesta-prusisyon ang Kadamay sa Tatalon, Quezon City. Sa Cebu noong Abril 15, nag-organisa ang Panaghugpong-Kadamay Cebu at Movement Against Carbon Market Privatization ng mga istasyon ng krus na tumatalakay sa isyu ng mamamayan tulad ng pribatisasyon, pagtaas ng singil sa langis, pangangamkam ng lupa at kontraktwalisasyon. Nagkaroon din ng katulad na aktibidad sa Davao City.

Protesta ng mga manggagawa sa Cebu. Nagprotesta ang 293 kontraktwal na manggagawa ng Universal Robina Corporation sa harap ng pagawaan nito sa Tabok, Mandaue City, Cebu noong Abril 13. Ito ay para tutulan ang paglilipat sa kanila mula sa agency na People First Labor Service Cooperative tungong agency na HR Team Asia. Tutol ang mga manggagawa sa paglilipat na ito dahil ituturing sila na mga bagong mga empleyado ng URC at hindi nila matatanggap ang kanilang separation pay.

Embahada ng US, sinugod. Sinugod ng 30 kabataan sa pangunguna ng League of Filipino Students ang embahada ng US sa Roxas Boulevard, Manila noong Abril 8 nang madaling araw para batikusin ang Balikatan 2022 war exercises na idinaos sa Pilipinas noong Marso 28 – Abril 8.

Pagtutol sa proyektong incinerator sa Davao. Nagpiket sa harap ng Sangguniang Panglunsod ng Davao City ang grupong Panalipdan-Youth noong Abril 20 para tutulan ang proyekto na Waste-To-Energy Incineration. Nakatakda itong itayo sa Barangay Biao Escuela, isang komunidad na agrikultural sa loob ng syudad. Ayon sa grupo, magdudulot ng masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng mga residente ang naturang proyekto.

[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/2022/04/21/mga-protesta-50/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Manggagawa at sambayanang Pilipino: Huwag magpagupo! Manindigan at lumaban!

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 21, 2022): Manggagawa at sambayanang Pilipino: Huwag magpagupo! Manindigan at lumaban! (Filipino workers and people: Don't give up! Stand up and fight!)

Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya

April 21, 2022

Sa mga manggagawa at sambayanang Pilipino: Sa darating na Mayo Uno, kasabay ng mga manggagawa at anakpawis sa buong mundo, sama-sama nating dagsain ang lansangan at ipamalas ang ating pagkakaisa, tapang at determinasyong ipaglaban ang ating maka-uring interes, at ang kalayaan at demokrasyang hangarin ng buong bayan. Sa sabay-sabay na nagngangalit na yabag at sigaw, yanigin natin ang mga dayuhang imperyalista, at mapagsamantalang naghaharing uring burgesyang kumprador at mga panginoong maylupa, at ang estadong sumisiil sa buong bayan.

Sa gitna ng lumalalang pandaigdigang krisis ng kapitalismo, palala nang palala ang mga anyo ng pagsasamantala para sagad-sagarang pigain ang lakas-paggawa ng mga manggagawa. Milyun-milyon na manggagawa ang tumatanggap ng minimum na sahod na mas mababa sa halaga ng araw-araw nilang pangangailangan at ng kanilang mga pamilya. Palaki nang palaki ang agwat sa pagitan ng tinatanggap nilang sahod at ng nililikhang labis na halaga na kinakamkam bilang tubo ng mga kapitalista.

Pinahahaba nang pinahahaba ang kanilang oras ng paggawa upang lumikha ng papalaki nang papalaking halaga na walang karampatang kabayaran. Binabatak ang hangganan ng katawan at lakas ng mga manggagawa upang pabilisin nang pabilisin ang produksyon at distribusyon ng mga kalakal. Ang saligang karapatan sa walong-oras na paggawa at karampatang minimum na sahod katumbas ng halaga ng arawang pangangailangan ay sistematikong binabaklas at niyuyurakan.

Sa nagdaang anim na taon sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte, labis na pagdurusa ang idinulot ng mga patakarang anti-manggagawa na pagpako at pagbawas sa sahod. Mahigit dalawang taon nang walang umento sa sahod ang mga manggagawa sa National Capital Region. Pinaasa ang mga manggagawa sa huwad na pangakong tatapusin ang “endo” o kontraktwalisasyon. Sa halip, lumitaw ang lalo pang mas malalalang anyo ng pleksibleng paggawa laluna simula noong panahon ng pandemya.

Wala na sa 1% ng mga manggagawang Pilipino ang sakop ng “collective bargaining agreement.” Ito’y matapos ang halos tatlong dekada ng walang habas na pag-atake sa karapatan sa pag-uunyon. Sa kumpas ng NTF-Elcac, sinusupil ang mga unyon upang hindi makapagtanggol ang mga manggagawa. Sa ngalan ng “counterinsurgency,” ang mga unyonista at lider manggagawa ay pinapatay, sinasampahan ng gawa-gawang mga kasong kriminal, ikinukulong at walang tigil na tinatakot para talikuran ang interes ng mga manggagawa, manahimik o magpagamit sa estado.

Sadlak ngayon ang mga manggagawang Pilipino sa labis na pagdurusa at papatinding pagsasamantala at pang-aapi sa harap ng walang awat na pagsirit ng presyo, mababa at kinakaltasang sahod, papabigat na buwis, at laganap na disempleyo. Sumisidhi ang kanilang pagnanais na mag-organisa, kumilos at lumaban para sa kanilang kapakanan at para sa kagalingan ng buong bayan.

Dapat magpunyagi sa buhay-at-kamatayang pagsisikap na buuin o muling itayo ang mga unyon ng mga manggagawa para tipunin ang lakas na ipaglaban ang nararapat para sa kanila. Dapat mapagpasyang paramihin at palakihin ang mga unyon para pagkaisahin ang lumalaking bilang ng manggagawa. Dapat labanan at pangibabawan ang pananakot, pandarahas, panunuhol at lahat ng maniobra ng mga kapitalista na sirain ang pagkakaisa ng mga manggagawa. Hasain ang welga, piket at iba’t ibang anyo ng sama-samang pagkilos bilang mga sandata para sa pakikipaglaban.

Dapat ibayong isulong ng mga manggagawa ang pakikibaka para sa umento sa sahod upang mabigyan ng sapat na pagkain at disenteng buhay ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Dapat labanan ang iba’t ibang iskema ng pleksibilisasyon. Makibaka para wakasan ang laganap na sistema ng kontraktwalisasyon at ipaglaban ang regularisasyon sa trabaho. Itulak na kilalanin o ibalik ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa sa bayad na 8-oras kada araw na trabaho at ibasura ang sistemang quota at piece-rate sa iba’t ibang anyo nito.

Dapat ipamalas ng uring manggagawang Pilipino sa darating na Mayo Uno ang kanilang pagkakaisa. Dagsain ang lansangan at magmartsa mula sa mga pabrika at komunidad, magtipon sa mga liwasan at sabay-sabay na isigaw ang hinaing ng mga manggagawa at sambayanan. Marapat na alalahanin ang malaking papel ng kilusang manggagawa at kilusang welga at noong dekada 1970 sa pagbasag ng takot sa panahon ng batas militar ng diktadurang Marcos.

Ikawing ang pakikibakang pangkabuhayan sa pakikibaka laban sa pasismo at sa maka-imperyalista at anti-manggagawang tiraniya ni Duterte, kabilang ang panawagang itakwil ang tambalang Marcos-Duterte sa eleksyon ang pagtanaw sa malalaking pakikibaka pagkatapos ng eleksyon.

Sa Mayo Uno, ilang araw bago ang eleksyon sa Mayo 9, dapat pagtibayin ng masang manggagawang Pilipino ang kanilang determinasyon na tuluy-tuloy na isusulong ang kanilang mga pakikibaka para sa karagdagang sahod, regularisasyon at karapatan sa pag-uunyon, kaakibat ng panawagang panagutin at parusahan si Duterte at mga kasabwat sa mga krimen ng pasistang terorismo, at pakikibaka ng buong bayan para sa tunay na kalayaan, demokrasya at katarungan.

Sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo, sumisiklab ang mga pakikibaka at pag-aaklas ng mga manggagawa sa iba’t ibang bansa sa Europe, sa Latin at North America, Asia at Africa laban sa patindi nang patinding pagsasamantala at pagdurusa sa harap ng lumalalang pandaigdigang krisis ng kapitalismo. Ipagdiwang natin ang mga tagumpay na nakamit ng mga manggagawa sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo sa pamamagitan ng pagbubuo ng kanilang mga unyon at paglulunsad ng mga welga.

Dapat magpunyagi ang Partido Komunista na palawakin at palalimin ang pagkakaugat nito sa mga pabrika at mga komunidad ng mga mangaggawa. Buuin, palawakin at paramihin ang mga sangay ng Partido at maramihang magrekrut at magsanay ng mga kadreng komunista na magsisilbing haligi at pinuno ng masa sa kanilang mga pakikibaka. Hikayatin ang papalaking bilang ng mga manggagawa na maging Pulang mandirigma at lumahok sa rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka. Tuluy-tuloy na itaas ang kamulatan ng mga manggagawa para bagtasin ang landas ng pambansa-demokratiko at sosyalistang rebolusyon.

[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/2022/04/21/manggagawa-at-sambayanang-pilipino-huwag-magpagupo-manindigan-at-lumaban/

CPP/NPA-Southwest Negros: NPA launches disarming operation in Cauayan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 22, 2022): NPA launches disarming operation in Cauayan

Andrea Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Southwest Negros (Armando Sumayang Jr. Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 22, 2022

At about 9:00 am today, about 10 Red fighters from Armando Sumayang Jr. Command (ASJC) successfully carried out a disarming operation against military intelligence asset Anecito Palabrica in Sitio Kuyapan, Barangay Masaling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

Seized from Palabrica were three assorted short firearms and other materials pertinent to his espionage and counter-revolutionary activities.

This action took place in just two days after ASJC’s simultaneous encounters with 15th IB in Sitio Bajay and Lungon-lungon, in adjacent barangay Caliling, in which a member of local guerilla unit Celso “Ka Greg” Trebunalo was martyred.

ASJC will be issuing a statement in honor of Ka Greg and related to April 19 encounters.

ASJC is ever determined to mount more tactical offensives to frustrate Duterte’s repressive schemes to repress people’s resistance against his tyrannical rule. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-launches-disarming-operation-in-cauayan/