Monday, July 24, 2023

ReCAAP ISC: Half Yearly Report 2023, Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia

Posted to Safety4Sea (Jul 24, 2023): ReCAAP ISC: Half Yearly Report 2023, Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia (By The Editorial Team)



Credit: Shutterstock

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) has released its Half Yearly Report 2023 for the period of January to June.

Atotal of 59 incidents of ARAS were reported in Asia during January-June 2023. No piracy incident was reported during this period. All were actual incidents. There was a 40% increase in the number of incidents reported during January-June 2023 compared to 42 incidents (comprising 40 actual incidents and two attempted incidents) reported during the same period in 2022.

Incidents of January-June 2023 Vs January-June 2022

The total number of incidents reported during January-June 2023 has increased compared to January-June 2022, in the following locations:

  • In the Philippines, seven incidents were reported compared to three incidents.
  • In the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, 41 incidents were reported compared to 27 incidents.
  • In Thailand, one incident was reported compared to no incident.
  • In Vietnam, two incidents were reported compared to no incident.
Credit: ReCAAP ISC

The increase of incidents during January-June 2023 occurred in the Philippines, Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), Thailand and Vietnam. Of concern was the continued occurrence of incidents in the SOMS, with 41 incidents reported compared to 27 incidents during the same period in 2022. However, there was a decrease of incidents in Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.

There were two areas of concern arising from incidents of piracy and ARAS in Asia during January- June 2023:Increase of incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS)

A total of 41 incidents were reported in SOMS during January-June 2023 compared with 27 incidents during the same period in 2022. Of the 41 incidents, three incidents occurred in the Malacca Strait (MS) and 38 incidents in the Singapore Strait (SS). During January-June 2022, all 27 incidents occurred in the SS, and no incident was reported in the MS. More details of the situation in SOMS can be found in Part Two of this report.Threat of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas

No incident of abduction of crew by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was reported in the Sulu-Celebes Seas during January-June 2023. However, due to the presence of the remnants of the ASG in the Sulu and Tawi Tawi area, the threat of abduction of crew for ransom remains. More details of the threat of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas can be found in Part Three of this report.

The observations are as follows: Majority of the incidents occurred to bigger ships, namely bulk carriers and tankers (32 incidents). The other eight incidents occurred on board tug boats towing barges (eight incidents) and a supply vessel (1 incident).

Of the 41 incidents, 21 incidents reported groups of 4-6 perpetrators while another 12 incidents involved groups of 1-3 perpetrators. There was one incident that involved 9 perpetrators, two incidents involved 10 perpetrators, and five incidents had no information on the number of perpetrators involved.

Majority of the incidents (61%) had no information if the perpetrators carried weapons (17 incidents) or the perpetrators were not armed (8 incidents). Of the remaining 16 incidents, the perpetrators carried knives, jungle bolo and other weapons such as adjustable wrench, spanners and a shovel-like weapon. Notably, 10 of the 16 incidents that involved armed perpetrators were reported in the western part of the eastbound lane of the TSS.

90% of the incidents reported that the perpetrators did not harm the crew (37 of 41 incidents). In two incidents, the crew were assaulted and resulted in minor injuries. In another two incidents, the perpetrators tied the crew who managed to free themselves and raise alarm.

The perpetrators were sighted in or in the vicinity of the engine room in 19 incidents, and engine spares were stolen in nine of these incidents. In addition, the perpetrators were sighted in the steering gear room in six incidents, but nothing was stolen in all six incidents.

Of the 41 incidents, 36 incidents occurred during hours of darkness. The other five incidents that occurred during daylight hours were reported on board tug boats towing barges. Notably, three of the five incidents during daylight hours occurred in the westbound lane of the TSS.

Credit: ReCAAP ISC

Situation in Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters Off Eastern Sabah

There was no report of abduction of crew for ransom by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the SuluCelebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah during January-June 2023. The lastincident of abduction of crew occurred on 17 Jan 20. No crew is currently held in captivity by the ASG. With the presence of the remnants of the ASG in the area, the threat of abduction of crew for ransom in Sulu and TawiTawi continues to remain. With the reduction of incidents, the Philippine Coast Guard recommended the downgrading of the threat in Sulu-Celebes Seas from ‘potentially high’ to ‘moderate’ which implies that ‘incidents are possible to occur, but are relatively less severe in nature’.

Conclusion

The total number of incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia reported during January-June 2023 has increased compared to the same period in 2022.

Of concern was the continued occurrence of incidents in the SOMS which accounts for 69% of the total number of incidents in Asia (41 of 59). While the majority of the incidents (56%) were CAT 4 (where the perpetrators not armed and crew not injured), several attempts in boarding ships on consecutive days demonstrated the boldness of perpetrators in committing crime in the area.

https://safety4sea.com/recaap-isc-half-yearly-report-2023-piracy-and-armed-robbery-against-ships-in-asia/

Marcos offers amnesty to rebel returnees, asks for Congress support

From ABS-CBN (Jul 24, 2023): Marcos offers amnesty to rebel returnees, asks for Congress support (By John Gabriel Agcaoili)

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos offered rebel returnees amnesty and asked for congressional support during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

He said insurgents' armed struggle in the Philippines has "evolved" towards "peace and development".

"Through community development and livelihood programs, the Barangay Development and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs have been effective in addressing the root cause of conflict in the countryside," Marcos said.


"To complete this reintegration process, I will issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor," he added.

The Philippine military said earlier this month that only one out of 89 known guerrilla fronts of the New People's Army (NPA) remains active in the country.

As of July, only some 1,800 communist rebels are still bearing arms, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told reporters.

The Philippines has the world's longest communist insurgency, which has been going on for more than five decades since the late Jose Maria Sison founded the CPP in 1968.

AFP: Only one active NPA guerrilla front remaining in Philippines

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/24/23/marcos-jr-offers-amnesty-to-rebel-returnees
BARMM PEACE PROGRESS

Marcos, meanwhile, highlighted the progress in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"It (BARMM) will be self-governing, it will be progressive, and it will be effective. But this was only made possible because of the cooperation of all key groups," he said.

"We talked to the local governments, the royal families. The (Moro National Liberation Front) and the (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) were all consulted and represented in this transition phase," he added.

"The international community has also supported us in this smooth transition. Former adversaries are now partners in peace. Its functions have been defined, and its basic laws are now being written."

Marcos said that "through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines."

Since BARMM was established in 2019, more than 20,000 former MILF combatants have been disarmed through the decommissioning process.

But some of the former militants fear that they may one day be apprehended and imprisoned due to pending cases.

Before the SONA, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim urged Marcos to tackle developments on the amnesty and decommissioning of former MILF members during the SONA.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/24/23/marcos-jr-offers-amnesty-to-rebel-returnees

Families claim bodies of 2 slain suspected rebels

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jul 24, 2023): Families claim bodies of 2 slain suspected rebels (By TERESA D. ELLERA)


The bodies of two alleged rebels who died in a clash with the soldiers in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on July 20 were claimed by their respective families over the weekend. (62nd IB photo)

THE bodies of two alleged members of the New People's Army (NPA) who died in an encounter with state troopers in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on July 20 were claimed by their respective families over the weekend.

Slain rebels were identified as Marivic “Ivan” Ebarle, commanding officer of Section Guerilla Unit (SGU), 37, of Brgy. Macagahay, and Romy “Nonoy” Catacio, 23, of Brgy. Quintin Remo, all in Moises Padilla.

Military records claimed that Ebarle was a hitman responsible for various killings of civilians. His cadaver was claimed by his live-in partner.

Both were killed in an encounter that transpired between the troops of the 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion and six members of the NPA on July 20 at Sitio Kawayanan, Brgy. Montilla.

The encounter also resulted in the recovery of one .45 caliber pistol, one .357 revolver, serviceable ammunition, steel magazines, two backpacks with personal belongings, medical kits, and assorted medicines, the military reported.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1967661/bacolod/local-news/families-claim-bodies-of-2-slain-suspected-rebels

Makilala, North Cotabato acknowledges peace initiatives of 39IB

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jul 24, 2023): Makilala, North Cotabato acknowledges peace initiatives of 39IB



ZAMBOANGA. The municipal government of Makilala, North Cotabato awards a certificate of commendation to the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in appreciation for the unit’s peace efforts and initiatives that paved the way in achieving an insurgency-free town. A photo handout shows Lawyer Ryan Tabanay, vice mayor of Makilala, North Cotabato, handing over the certificate of commendation to Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, 39IB commander, in a convocation Monday, July 24, at the municipal grounds of the municipality. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE municipal government of Makilala, North Cotabato has awarded a certificate of commendation to the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion in appreciation for the unit’s peace efforts and initiatives that paved the way in achieving an insurgency-free town.

Lawyer Ryan Tabanay, vice mayor of Makilala, North Cotabato, handed over the certificate of commendation to Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, 39IB commander, in a convocation Monday, July 24, at the municipal grounds of Makilala.

Tabanay said the municipal government of Makiala is grateful to the contribution of the 39IB in the maintenance of peace and order.


“LGU (local government unit) Makilala has witnessed how dedicated 39IB together with other government agencies through Whole-of-Nation Approach in every aspect to achieve and sustain peace in our municipality that stabilizes our security which led to uplift Makilala’s economic status,” Tabanay said.

In previous years, the Guerrilla Front ALIP of the Far South Mindanao Region and the Pulang Bagani

Command of the Southern Mindanao Region Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) thrived in Makilala town.

However, with the peace initiatives launched by the 39IB, through the Community Support Program, led to the collapse of the mass based and the organs of political power of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Makilala two years ago.

The collapse of the NPA’s mass base and political power led to the declaration of Makilala as an insurgency-free town through Municipal Peace and Order Council Resolution Number 306 dated April 12, 2023. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1967740/zamboanga/local-news/makilala-north-cotabato-acknowledges-peace-initiatives-of-39ib

Army identifies NPA fighter slain in Negros Occidental encounter

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 24, 2023): Army identifies NPA fighter slain in Negros Occidental encounter (By GLAZYL MASCULINO)

BACOLOD CITY – The Army 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) has identified the second New People’s Army (NPA) rebel killed in an encounter in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental last week.

The slain rebel was Romy Catacio, alias “Nonoy,” 23, of Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, a member of Central Negros (CN) 1.

Catacio and Marivic Ebarle, alias “Ivan,” 37, of Barangay Macagahay, Moises Padilla, commander of Section Guerilla Unit (SGU) of CN 1, were killed in a firefight when the military responded to information about the presence of communist rebels in Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Montilla on July 20.


Catacio’s remains have yet to be claimed by his family while Ebarle’s body has been received by his live-in partner, according to the Army.

In a statement, Major Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that the NPA rebels have paid the price for the injustices they have committed against the innocent people they have executed.

“Justice is served,” he added.

Sison said that they will not stop until the communities are free from atrocities. "For those who refuse peace, we will continue to pursue you until you are rendered irrelevant,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the NPA-Northern Negros Guerrilla Front denied ownership of the cache of firearms and ammunition recovered by the Army 79th IB in Calatrava, Negros Occidental early this month.

Cecil Estrella, RJPC-NPA spokesperson, said the 79th IB made up stories to justify their focused military operations in the area.

Estrella said there was no NPA unit in the area.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/24/army-identifies-npa-fighter-slain-in-negros-occidental-encounter

Wounded NPA woman combatant rescued by soldiers in Sultan Kudarat town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 22, 2023): Wounded NPA woman combatant rescued by soldiers in Sultan Kudarat town (By: Edwin O. Fernandez)



WOMEN soldiers assist the wounded NPA woman combatant inside a hospital. Troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion found her after a firefight in Barangay Hinalaan, Kalamansig Sultan Kudarat on July 19. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS FROM THE PHILIPPINE ARMY

CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE – Army troopers rescued a New People’s Army (NPA) woman guerilla wounded in a clash with soldiers in Kalamansig town of Sultan Kudarat.

Lt. Colonel John Paul Baldomar, commander of the 37th Infantry Battalion based in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, identified the woman wounded in a clash in Barangay Hinalaan on July 19 as “Alias Charklyn,” 30, political instructor of the platoon Beijing, sub-regional committee Daguma, NPA’s Far South region.

Hinalaan village, where the firefight happened, is situated in the mountains of Kalamansig near the border of the towns of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and Lebak.

Baldomar said the soldiers rescued the wounded combatant, gave her first aid, and brought her to a hospital in Lebak town.


“Our soldiers have been trained to extend humanitarian aid to injured enemies of the state who needed medical attention, so we rushed her to the hospital according to the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of 603rd Infantry Brigade, said in a statement.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded troopers of 37IB and 603rd brigade for their kindness.

“I call on the NPA rebels to lay down guns and live normal lives with your families and loved ones again,” Rillera said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1805475/wounded-npa-woman-combatant-rescued-by-soldiers-in-sultan-kudarat-town

2 suspected rebels killed in clash with troops in Philippines

From Xinhua (Jul 23, 2023): 2 suspected rebels killed in clash with troops in Philippines

MANILA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops and suspected rebels clashed in Northern Samar province in the central Philippines on Saturday afternoon, killing two insurgents and injuring a soldier, the military said on Sunday.

The military said a 20-minute gunfight between the troops and New People's Army (NPA) rebels broke out before 1 p.m. local time on Saturday in a coastal town. The troops recovered two M16 assault rifles and an M14 rifle at the clash site.


NPA rebels have been fighting the government since 1969. They concentrate their attacks on rural areas and have skirmishes with the military.

Military data showed that the NPA is estimated to have 2,000 members, significantly lower than its peak strength in the 1980s. 

https://english.news.cn/20230723/40cb90c740a740f9b1f1b6137585f772/c.html

25 NPA rebels killed in govt ops

Posted to the Manila Times (Jul 24, 2023): 25 NPA rebels killed in govt ops (By Cris Diaz)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City: State forces killed 25 communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels, captured one and apprehended three others during encounters from Jan. 30, 2023 to June 30, 2023, a military report said on Saturday.

Of the 25 dead, 18 were high-value targets, nine were top commanders and officers while nine others were combatants, Maj. Francisco Garello, chief of the Philippine Army's Division of Public Affairs Office, said.

Garello also said the military captured 158 high-powered firearms and 22 low-powered firearms during the sustained military offensive from January to June this year.

He added that the military offensive also led to the surrender of 135 communist members coming from various NPA commands within the area of responsibility of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

The assessment was presented during the 2nd quarterly command conference in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City, end of June 2023.


In response, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo 2nd, commander of the 4ID, ordered the whole Joint Task Force Diamond to increase its operation for the total downfall of the communist rebels in Northern Mindanao.

Cuerpo said an intensified operation is necessary to deny the communist rebels the opportunity to regain mass bases, increase manpower, and reinvigorate resources through recruitment and alleged extortion activities.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/24/regions/25-npa-rebels-killed-in-govt-ops/1902040

AFP ready to mobilize add'l troops for SONA security

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): AFP ready to mobilize add'l troops for SONA security (By Priam Nepomuceno)



(Photo courtesy of AFP Joint Task Force-NCR)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to deploy more troops to augment the security efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for Monday's second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

"Likewise, the Chief of Staff, AFP (Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.) emphasize(s) making the SONA 2023 peaceful, orderly, and secure. Further instructed AFP units to deploy more troops if needed in coordination with the PNP," the AFP said in a statement late Sunday.

An initial 500 military personnel from the AFP's Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) were deployed to support the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in its SONA security efforts.

"Troops deployment includes civil disturbance management (CDM) companies, ambu-medic teams, K-9 and EOD Teams from AFP units to augment the security operations of the NCRPO in Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City," the AFP added.

Brawner also directed JTF-NCR to closely coordinate with the PNP to improve the security preparations conducted since last week to preempt serious threats that may compromise peace and security during SONA.

"In addition, the AFP with the JTF-NCR is ready to support the LGUs (local government units) and other government agencies for 'Libreng Sakay' to ease the inconvenience of commuters who will be affected by the possible transport strike on Monday," it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206233

AFP vehicles on standby for routes affected by transport strike

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): AFP vehicles on standby for routes affected by transport strike (By Priam Nepomuceno)



(File photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it would deploy 17 vehicles to help ferry passengers affected by the ongoing transport strike.

"In support to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be providing 17 military trucks, buses, and coasters from the AFP Major Services and AFP Logistics Command to assist commuters who may be affected by the transport strike on July 24 and the following days," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

He added that this is also part of the AFP's efforts to help ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the President's State of the Nation Address this Monday afternoon.

Aguilar said these vehicles for the "Libreng Sakay" program will be under the operational control of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region.

"They are in their respective headquarters until they are given service routes determined by the DOTr and the MMDA. The military vehicles will be deployed when called upon by the Interagency Coordinating Center," he added.

Memorandum Circular (MC) 25, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 21, declared the suspension of classes and work in government offices in the National Capital Region for Monday in anticipation of Typhoon Egay and the 72-hour transport strike.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206238

Defense upgrades to continue amid PH 'friend to all' stance: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): Defense upgrades to continue amid PH 'friend to all' stance: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday assured that it remains committed to building up the military's capability to protect the country's territorial integrity.

"From where we stand, our role is really to build up our capability upgrades to protect the territorial integrity of our republic," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.


While the Philippines is a "friend to all and enemy to none," as stressed earlier by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Teodoro said protecting the country's territory is non-negotiable.

"The President has already said what needs to be said. We are friend to all, enemy to none but our territorial integrity is sacrosanct under the Constitution and our Law, so I mean that says it all and there are many nuances, and there are many interactions under this paradigm," he added.

In a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office, Teodoro said he also expects the Chief Executive to highlight the government’s efforts to further modernize the defense system of the country in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

He also clarified that these intensified efforts would deter any form of aggression and improve the overall integrity of the Philippines’ defense system.

“He (President Marcos) will put a stress on effective modernization of our capabilities to deter any form of aggression,” Teodoro said when asked what defense achievements and programs should be expected in the President’s second SONA.

“Let me once again clarify that the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the defense establishments are not directed towards any country but towards the overall integrity of our security engagements, facilities, and capabilities.”

The President has previously declared his commitment not to give up even one inch of the country's territory while pursuing an independent foreign policy.

Teodoro noted that the President may focus on the need to continuously fund the AFP Modernization Program, especially the proper use, maintenance, and upkeep of the facilities and systems, saying these would not come cheap for the government.

He also emphasized the need to further train soldiers to operate and maintain military equipment, along with ensuring their welfare.

“We’ve noticed that there needs to be an improvement in project execution and integration of our human and command and control systems with our equipment,” Teodoro said, adding that the DND is looking at non-traditional allies that could help the ongoing modernization of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206256

Modernized police, military to ensure strong, stable rule of law

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): Modernized police, military to ensure strong, stable rule of law (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



(File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured continued efforts to strengthen the country's police and military to ensure "strong and stable rule of law" as the foundation of the country's transformation.

"Our Police and Armed Forces are being strengthened and modernized, to be more effective in maintaining peace and order and in defending our sovereignty," the Chief Executive said in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday.


He also said the stiff campaign against illegal drugs continues, which he said has taken on "a new face" and is now geared towards community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among the affected citizenry.

"Last year, we launched the 'Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan' or BIDA Program, and established additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers nationwide," Marcos said.

While focusing on rehabilitation of drug dependents, Marcos vowed to continue the fight against drug syndicates by shutting down their illegal activities and dismantling their network of operations.

This includes going after law enforcers and their accomplices found implicated in the illegal drug trade.

"Unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed. I will be accepting their resignations. In their stead, we will install individuals with unquestionable integrity, and who will be effective and trustworthy in handling the task of eliminating this dreaded and corrosive social curse. We cannot tolerate corruption or incompetence in government," Marcos said.

As this developed, the Chief Executive also said that the country is now nearing a peaceful solution to its problems concerning Filipinos who have taken arms against the government.

"For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms to make their views heard. We are now at a point in our history when their armed struggle has evolved. We have now progressed together towards peace and development," he noted.

Marcos said the government had incorporated capacity-building and social protection into its reintegration programs, to guarantee full decommissioning of former combatants.

"Through community development and livelihood programs, the Barangay Development and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Programs have been effective in addressing the root cause of conflict in the countryside," the President emphasized.

Amnesty

Marcos also said that he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees to complete the reintegration process.

"I ask Congress to support us in this endeavor," the President said. Marcos is also pleased to note that five years after the Marawi Siege, communities there have started to recover anew with the completion of many projects and infrastructures aimed at improving the life of the citizenry.

He also said the government is now processing the granting of financial aid to those severely affected by the conflict. The assistance, Marcos said, will allow these residents to start fresh.

"Nawa’y mamayani ang pag-asa. Nawa’y magpatuloy ang pagkakaisa, pagmamatyag, at paghahangad ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran (may hope prevail, may unity continue along with vigilance and the desire for peace and progress)," he added.

Marcos also touted the progress achieved by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"We are proud of the progress that the BARMM has taken. It will be self-governing, progressive, and effective," he added.

This progress, the Chief Executive emphasized, was made possible only because of the cooperation of all key groups.

"The local government, the royal families, the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) were all consulted and represented in the transition phase. The international community has also supported us in this smooth transition. Former adversaries are now partners in peace. Its functions have been defined, and its basic laws are being written," Marcos said.

With the progress of peace in the BARMM, the Chief Executive said the nation has strengthened its prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in the southern Philippines.

"We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos," Marcos said.

Judiciary reform

Marcos also stressed the executive department's unqualified commitment to back reforms and efforts to modernize its co-equal branch, the judiciary.

"We fully support the Judiciary’s efforts to improve the justice system and to protect constitutional rights," the Chief Executive said, citing that a responsive and modern justice system is part of the crucial underpinnings of a new Philippine republic.

Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo on Oct. 14, 2022, formally launched the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022-2027, the High Court’s plan of action to address institutional challenges under the guiding principles of striving for timely and fair delivery of justice, transparency and accountability, equality and inclusivity, and technologically adaptive.

Under these principles, the Court targets three major goals: efficiency, innovation, and access in its service delivery.

Last December, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the high tribunal met to map out how the UNODC’s Anti-Corruption Programme can best support several activities under the SPJI.

These include a campaign for ethical responsibility, strengthening the Judicial Integrity Board, and enhancing public access to information and legal services.

The Chief Justice's vision includes modernizing court processes and operations, strengthening information and communication technology governance, management and operations, ensuring the effective use of data in policy and decision-making, and upgrading information sharing in the justice system.

In providing accessible justice for all, the Supreme Court has also vowed to enhance its public access to information and legal services, improve legal aid initiatives, strengthen the foundations of Shariah justice, and promote gender fairness and inclusivity. (with report from Benjamin Pulta/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206280

2 NPA fighters killed, firearms seized in Northern Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): 2 NPA fighters killed, firearms seized in Northern Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)



RECOVERED FIREARMS. Firearms and belongings recovered by the Philippine Army after a clash with rebels in Pambujan, Northern Samar on July 22, 2023. Two New People’s Army fighters were killed after a 20-minute firefight. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with soldiers in the upland village of Pambujan, in Northern Samar past noon on July 22, the Philippine Army has reported.

The armed encounter in upland Cagbigajo village also led to the recovery of three high-powered firearms, Lt. Col. Marvin Maraggun, commander of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion, said in a report sent to journalists on Monday.

“Security forces were validating reports of the rebels’ plan to conduct atrocities in the said area when they were fired upon by more or less 10 CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines [CPP] - New People's Army [NPA] Terrorists) belonging to Squad 2, Front Committee 1, led by a certain Jerry Lutao, alias Nadi,” Maraggun said.

Recovered after the 20-minute firefight with about 10 rebels are two M16A1 rifles and an M14 rifle, personal belongings, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.


A soldier was reportedly wounded during the clash and was taken to the nearest hospital.

Pambujan, a fourth-class town in Northern Samar with a population of more than 35,000 is about 290 km. from Tacloban, the regional capital.

Meanwhile, in the remote village of Bangon, Catbalogan City, Samar, the military has recovered three M16A1 rifles, a hand grenade, three magazine assemblies (30 rounds), three magazine assemblies (20 rounds), and a binocular during a clash with a small group of rebels on July 21.

Troops of the 87th Infantry Battalion responded to the information from concerned citizens regarding the presence of an armed group in the village, extorting food and demanding financial support from the community.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, lauded the villagers for the timely information given to the troops that led to the success of the internal security operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206246

86 ex-Moro rebels get P430-K cash aid, other benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): 86 ex-Moro rebels get P430-K cash aid, other benefits (By Edwin Fernandez)



INITIAL AID. Social workers interview former members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who want to avail of government aid, at the Army base in Maguindanao del Sur on Monday (July 24, 2023). Initially, they received PHP5,000 cash assistance each from the BARMM’s Ministry of Social Services and Development. (Photo courtesy of MSSD-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – At least 86 former Moro rebels in Maguindanao del Sur who had earlier surrendered to the government, received PHP430,000 worth of cash assistance from the Ministry of Social Services and Development – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) on Monday.

“It was a significant step towards the reintegration of individuals who have returned to the fold of the law,” Mohammad Muktadir Estrella, MSSD director general, said.


Each beneficiary received PHP5,000 during the distribution held at the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Battalion (6IB) located in Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur.

The surrenderers, all from the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), came from the municipalities of Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

“The financial assistance is part of the Bangsamoro Critical Assistance to Indigents in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES) Program,” Estrella said.

“Beyond the immediate cash aid, MSSD conducted intake interviews to assess the ex-rebels and their families’ eligibility for various regular social protection programs.”

He said the aid aligns with the perspective of “just peace” as an immediate response to the underlying socio-economic issues faced by the former insurgents.

“This issue is about peace and security but more than anything else, it is also about socio-economic issues like poverty and access to opportunities. That is why the programs and services of MSSD are relevant,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Abdul, a former BIFF member, said he made the right decision in returning to the fold of the law, especially when the BARMM government was born.

“When we knew about the programs of the BARMM and the military for us, we were inspired to return to society. We felt their sincere efforts in helping us to change our lives,” Abdul said in the vernacular.

Aside from cash assistance, the former extremists also received farm inputs from the BARMM agriculture office and a “kanduli” or thanksgiving celebration from Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Mohammad Tong Paglas.

Lt. Col. Michael Glenn Manansala, 6IB commander, said after the series of the Moro rebels’ surrender, they were immediately linked to government agencies, such as the BARMM.

“The objective is to make them feel supported and not neglected by the government,” Manansala said.

He said the ex-BIFF combatants would be provided with certificates of clearance, enabling them to return to normal life once their names are cleared through due process.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206277

Viscom intensifies peace efforts, military ops as BSKE nears

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): Viscom intensifies peace efforts, military ops as BSKE nears (By John Rey Saavedra)



Visayas Command commander, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo. (PNA file photo)

CEBU CITY – The Visayas Command (Viscom) on Monday said that soldiers are now conducting focused military operations side by side with localized peace engagements to deter attempts of insurgents to influence the outcome of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“Our focused military operations will be sustained. This will form part of our security preparations for the upcoming Barangay and SK elections,” Viscom chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo said.

Arevalo said soldiers in the Visayas are working with the local government units in peace initiatives to ensure peaceful village polls in October, this year.


The top Army official here, meanwhile, assured the people in the Visayas that amid their busy works in coordinating with local authorities as part of extensive preparation for the elections, the soldiers will not stop running after peace spoilers who are still out in the mountain planning to derail the democratic process.

“We cannot allow the CPP-NPA to regain their foothold by terrorizing our people and influencing the result of the upcoming electoral process,” Arevalo said.

Viscom’s public information officer Lt. Col. Israel Galorio said that from July 17 to 20, the CPP-NPA in the Visayas suffered a major setback following the encounter in Barangay Magsaysay, Mapanas, Northern Samar against the members of 803rd Infantry Brigade.

Galorio also said that soldiers from the 62nd Infantry Battalion encountered the insurgents in Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental.

These armed encounters, he said, resulted in the death of three NPA rebels and the recovery of four firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206300

CPP/Ang Bayan: US, nagpadala ng ipinagbabawal na cluster bombs sa Ukraine

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): US, nagpadala ng ipinagbabawal na cluster bombs sa Ukraine (US sent banned cluster bombs to Ukraine)
 





July 21, 2023

Hindi bababa sa 11 bansa ang nagpahayag ng pagkabahala sa hakbang ng US na gumamit ng cluster bomb sa gerang proxy nito sa Ukraine laban sa Russia. Kabilang sa mga ito ang Laos at Cambodia, at kaalyado ng US na mga bansa tulad ng Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, at United Kingdom. Ipinadala sa Ukraine ang mga cluster bomb dahil nauubusan na ng bala ang hukbo nito sa ginagawang “kontra-opensiba” laban sa Russia.

Labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas ang paggamit ng mga cluster bomb dahil isa itong klase ng armas na walang pagtatangi at mapaminsala sa mga sibilyan. Ang isang cluster bomb ay bomba na naglalaman ng maraming mas maliliit na bomba o bomblet. Pinapakawalan ito mula sa lupa o eroplano at sumasabog sa ere. Nagpapakawala ng puu-puo o daan-daang bomblet na bumabagsak sa malawak na erya.

Hindi lahat ng mga bomblet ay sumasabog paglapat sa lupa at sa halip ay nababaon at sumasabog kapag nasagi o naapakan ninuman. Ayon sa mga pag-aaral, hanggang 40% ng nilalamang bomblet ng mga cluster bomb ang hindi kaagad sumasabog. Ito ang karanasan ng mga bansa na ginamitan ng mga cluster bomb, tulad ng Laos, na binagsakan ng US ng mahigit 20 milyong tonelada ng cluster munitions noong dekada 1970 at kung saan 30% ng mga bomblet ang di sumabog. Tinatayang 20,000 sibilyan, kalahati ay mga bata, ang namatay o nasugatan sa nakabaong mga bomblet mula 1975.

Dahil sa pinsalang dala nito sa mga sibilyan, mahigit 120 bansa ang pumirma sa isang kasunduan noong 2008 para ipagbawal ang produksyon at paggamit ng mga cluster bomb. Bukod sa China at Russia, hindi rin kabilang sa mga pumirma ang US. Nananatili itong pinakamalaking kapangyarihang militar na nagmamanupaktura at gumagamit ng gayong mga armas hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Mariing kinundena ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, National Democratic Front of the Philippines, gayundin ng ibang mga demokratiko at maka-kapayapaang organisasyon sa bansa, ang pagpapadala at paggamit ng cluster bomb ng US sa Ukraine. Magpapatagal at magpapaigting ito sa gerang proxy sa kapinsalaan ng mga sibilyan.

Tulad ng inaasahan, tahimik sa usaping ito ng papet na Armed Forces of the Philippines. Kabalintunaan ito sa kanilang walang batayang pagrereklamo laban sa paggamit ng command-detonated explosive ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, na hindi ipinagbabawal sa Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention o Ottawa Treaty.

[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://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/07/21/us-nagpadala-ng-ipinagbabawal-na-cluster-bombs-sa-ukraine/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 501st IBde, salot sa mamamayan ng Cagayan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): 501st IBde, salot sa mamamayan ng Cagayan (501st IBde, plague to the people of Cagayan)
 





July 21, 2023

Pinasinungalingan kamakailan ng National Democratic Front (NDF)-Cagayan ang pinalalabas ng 501st IBde na mga “tagumpay” laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon sa unang hati ng 2023. Anito, malawak na kapahamakan sa mamamayan ang dala ng ipinagmamalaking mga tropeyo ng brigada. Ang mga ito’y nakamit sa pamamagitan ng dahas, paggamit ng kamay na bakal at paghahasik ng takot at ligalig sa masang magsasaka at minorya sa kanayunan.

Pinakahuli sa matitinding paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng brigada ang pangunguna nito sa focus military operation mula Pebrero hanggang Mayo ngayong taon. Sa kumpas ng 5th ID at Task Force Tala, dinumog nito ang East Cagayan gamit ang 2,000 pinagsanib na pwersang militar, paramilitar at pulis.

Layunin ng operasyon ang “ubusin” ang “natitirang Pulang mandirigma” sa prubinsya sa unang hati ng taon. Bahagi ito ng di maabot-abot na target ng bulok na estado na pabagsakin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan, gayundin bilang suportang panseguridad sa Balikatan 2023, ang pinakamalaking war game na inilunsad noong unang kwarto ng taon. Bahagi din ito ng estratehiya para gawing lunsaran ng gera ng US ang Northeast Luzon at tuluyang isubo ang bansa sa pinaghahandaan nitong gera laban sa China. Dobleng kapahamakan ang tiyak na matatamo ng mamamayan sa Cagayan na posibleng unang tatanggap sa ganting atake ng China.

Pangunahing ibinuhos ang pwersang militar sa bayan ng Baggao kung saan may militanteng pagkilos ang masa laban sa usura, gayundin sa mga laylayan ng Northeast Cagayan kung saan itatayo ang sinasabing radar base ng US sa ilalim ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Ginamit ang mga batalyon ng 501st IBde sa paghahasik ng lagim sa mga bayan ng Lal-lo, Buguey, Sta. Teresita, Gonzaga at Sta. Ana.

Sa loob ng tatlong buwan, hindi bababa sa 30 bomba, rocket at kanyon ang pinakawalan malapit sa mga komunidad at sakahan. Nagresulta ito sa pagkawasak sa kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan at takot lalo na sa mga bata at matatanda na hindi na nakatutulog dulot ng troma.

Sa panahon ding ito idineklara ng 501st IBde at Provincial Task Force-Elcac sa Cagayan ang “pagsurender” ng 21 personahe at diumano’y pagsuko nila ng mga armas. Pinasubalian ito ng NDF-Cagayan at sinabing sa 21 na “sumurender”, lima ang deklaradong nadakip, lima ang recycled o taon nang wala sa hukbo pero paulit-ulit pa ring ipinaparada. Ang iba pa ay tinugis kahit hindi na sila bahagi ng armadong sigalot at sa gayon ay dapat nang ituring na mga sibilyan sa ilalim ng internasyunal na makataong batas. Mayorya sa kanila ay dumanas ng pambabanta at panggigipit, habang ang iba ay tahasang niloko, para pwersahing “sumurender” kahit hindi na sila bahagi ng hukbong bayan.

Noong Abril 2022, sadyang pinatay ng mga elemento ng brigada sina Saturnino Agunoy (Ka Peping) at dalawang medik na sina Augusto Gayagas (Ka Val) at Mark Canta (Ka Uno) sa kahabaan ng kalsada ng Piat, Cagayan. Di armado at wala sa katayuang lumaban ang tatlo, laluna ang dalawang senior citizen na sina Agunoy at Gayagas.

Saan galing ang 501st IBde?

Ipinakat ang muling-tatag na 501st IBde sa prubinsya ng Cagayan at katabing Apayao noong Oktubre 2020 matapos ang anim na buwang pagsasanay. Ayon mismo sa 5th ID, ang dibisyong kinabibilangan ng brigada, pangunahing layunin ng muling pagpapagana sa brigada ang “makipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na gubyero at ahensya sa dalawang prubinsya na kaugnayan ng National Task Force-Elcac at pagwawakas sa insurhensya.” Ang hedkwarters ng brigada ay nasa bayan ng Lal-lo sa Cagayan, isa sa inangkin ng US bilang “lokasyong EDCA.”

Nasa ilalim ng kontrol ng brigada ang 17th IB at 77th IB, mga batalyong nagsilbing pwersang pangkombat sa Mindanao. Kasalukuyan itong pinamumunuan ni BGen. Ferdinand Melchor C. dela Cruz bilang kumander. Itinalaga si dela Cruz sa pwesto noong Pebrero 23 at noong Hulyo 3 ay tumanggap ng promosyon kasama ang 15 iba pang heneral. Si dela Cruz ay bahagi ng Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992 at dati nang nagsilbi sa 5th ID bilang upisyal paniktik nito.

[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://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/07/21/501st-ibde-salot-sa-mamamayan-ng-cagayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 6, arbitraryong tinaguriang “terorista”

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): 6, arbitraryong tinaguriang “terorista” (6, arbitrarily called “terrorist”)






July 21, 2023

Nagprotesta noong Hulyo 11 sa Commission on Human Rights ang iba’t ibang organisasyon upang kundenahin ang arbitraryong pagtaguring ng Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) sa anim na indibidwal bilang mga “terorista” sa ilalim ng Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL). Iginiit nilang ibasura na ang mapaniil na batas.

Ang anim ay sina Windel Bolinget, Sarah Abellon-Alikes, Jen Awingan, at Steve Tauli, lahat mga lider ng Cordillera People’s Alliance, at sina Jovencio Tangbawan at May Vargas-Casilao. Isinapubliko ang designasyon noong Hulyo 10.

Kabilang sa nakilalang “Northern Luzon 7” ang apat na lider na ipinawalang sala noong Mayo laban sa gawa-gawang kasong rebelyon na isinampa sa kanila noong Enero.

Sa kautusan ng ATC, inatasan ang Anti-Money Laundering Council na imbestigahan at i-freeze ang salapi at mga ari-arian ng mga inakusahan. Ang anim ay dagdag sa 61 naunang tinaguriang “teroristang indibidwal” sa ilalim ng ATL.

[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://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/07/21/6-arbitraryong-tinaguriang-terorista/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Tatlo, iligal na inaresto

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): Tatlo, iligal na inaresto (Three, illegally arrested)
 





July 21, 2023

Tatlong inidbidwal ang inaresto ng mga pwersa ng estado sa gawa-gawang mga kaso noong Hulyo 12 sa Quezon at Romblon. Samantala, naitala naman sa Negros at Leyte ang panggigipit sa samahan ng mga magsasaka at lokal na midya sa nagdaang linggo.

Dalawang aktibista ang inaresto ng 85th IB sa kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives noong Hulyo 12 habang nagsasagawa ng pagsisiyasat sa komunidad sa Atimonan, Quezon. Inaresto sina Miguela Peniero, isang manggagawang pangkalusugan, at kabataang boluntir na si Rowena Dasig sa Purok Banaba, Barangay Caridad Ibaba.

Nasa komunidad ang dalawa para imbestigahan ang epekto ng pinaplanong itayo na cycle gas turbine power project at liquefied natural gas terminal plant sa naturang lugar. Ang proyekto na itatayo ng Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E), subsidyaryo ng Meralco PowerGen Corp, ay pinangangambahang magkakaroon ng matinding epekto sa mga magkokopra at mangingisda sa bayan ng Atimonan.

Inaresto naman noong Hulyo 12 si Fabert Reyes sa Barangay Poblacion, Sibuyan Island sa Romblon sa patung-patong na 19 kaso ng libel. Si Reyes ay masugid na tumututol sa pagmimina sa Sibuyan Island.

Pandarahas. Iniulat ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines ang panghaharas ng mga pulis sa tatlong mamamahayag sa Barangay Jones, Pastrana, Leyte noong Hulyo 14. Nag-uulat sina Lito Bagunas, Noel Sianosa at Ted Tomas kaugnay sa isang kaso ng pangangamkam ng lupa sa lugar nang palayasin sila ng pulis na si Rhea Mae Baleos. Habang nagaganap ang pagpapalayas, nakarinig ang tatlo ng mga putok ng baril.

Sa Negros Occidental, anim na asosasyon ng mga magsasaka, manggagawang bukid at mangingisda sa apat na barangay sa bayan ng Cauayan ang nag-ulat na sila’y tinatakot at ginigipit ng mga sundalo ng 15th IB at 47th IB simula Hulyo 10. Pinatatawag ng mga sundalo ang mga lider at kasapi ng mga asosasyon para sa isang “pulong.”

Ang mga asosasyon ay nakabase sa mga barangay ng Toyum, Caliling, Man-uling at Guiljungan. Nagbabahay-bahay at iniinteroga ng mga sundalo ang mga residente laluna ang mga lider ng mga asosasyon.

Pananakit. Magkakasunod na kaso ng pambubugbog ang naitala sa Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental noong Hulyo 6. Pinaratangan sila ng 62nd IB na may kaugnayan sa hukbong bayan.

Binugbog ng mga sundalo sina Edward Sandot, Budok Sandot, Christopher Sandot, Joselito Patulada at Roberto Francisco na residente ng magkakaibang sityo sa naturang barangay.

[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://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/07/21/tatlo-iligal-na-inaresto/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Operasyong haras at demolisyon, inilunsad ng BHB

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): Operasyong haras at demolisyon, inilunsad ng BHB (Operation haras and demolition, launched by the NPA)
 





July 21, 2023

Magkakasunod na operasyong harasment at demolisyon ang inilunsad ng mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa nakaraang dalawang linggo.

Sa Barangay Das-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur noong Hunyo 27, pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 41st Division Reconnaissance Company bandang alas-4:30 ng hapon. Isang sundalo ang napatay sa naturang operasyon.

Napalayas naman ng BHB-Sorsogon ang mga sundalong tatlong linggo nang nagkakampo sa evacuation center at kapilya ng Barangay Calpi, Bulan, Sorsogon nang paputukan nito ang mga sundalo noong Hulyo 6 bandang 8:30 ng gabi. Sa takot ay nagsitakbuhan ang mga sundalo at nagsisukob sa kalapit na kabahayan. Ginawa nilang pananggalang ang mga sibilyan at walang habas na nagpaputok sa kung saan-saang direksyon. Nasundan ang operasyong haras na ito ng pagpapasabog ng isa pang yunit ng BHB sa bakod ng kampo ng 22nd IB sa Barangay Calmayon, Juban noong Hulyo 10.

Isang elemento naman ng CAFGU ang napatay nang paputukan ng BHB-North Central Mindanao sa Barangay Lawaan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental noong Hulyo 7. Nakumpiska sa kanya ang isang .45 kalibreng baril.

[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://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/07/21/operasyong-haras-at-demolisyon-inilunsad-ng-bhb/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pamamayagpag ng militar ng US sa ilalim ng papet na rehimeng Marcos

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): Pamamayagpag ng militar ng US sa ilalim ng papet na rehimeng Marcos (US military expansion under the Marcos puppet regime)


Ang artikulong ito ay may salin sa Bisaya




July 21, 2023

Sa harap ng pamamayagpag ng ilanlibong mga tropang Amerikano, dala ang kanilang dambuhalang mga barko de gera, eroplanong pandigma, mga kanyon at samutsaring sandata, tumitingkad lalo ang kawalan ng tunay na kasarinlan ng Pilipinas at mababang pagtrato sa bansa bilang malaking base militar ng US.

Habang nasa Pilipinas, tumatamasa ang mga sundalong Amerikano ng mga karapatang ekstrateritoryal at espesyal na pribilehiyo, kadalasa’y higit pa sa karaniwang mga Pilipino. Ibinigay ito sa kanila sa ilalim ng Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) at ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), mga tagibang na kasunduang pabor sa US.

Sa ilalim ng EDCA, binigyan ang US ng malalawak na “pinagkasunduang lokasyon” sa loob ng mga kampo militar ng AFP, para gamiting ekslusibong pasilidad at base militar. Ginagamit ito ng US na daungan, paliparan, imbakan ng krudo, tirahan ng mga tauhan, imbakan ng mga sandata, sasakyan at iba pang kagamitang pandigma. Ipinagagamit ang lupaing ito sa US “nang walang upa o katulad na kabayaran.”

May absolutong kontrol ang militar ng US sa mga lokasyong ito hanggang ang mga ito ay “hindi na kailangan ng United States,” nangangahulugang kahit hanggang kailan nito gusto at kailangang gamitin ang mga lokasyong ito. Walang soberanya o awtoridad ang Pilipinas sa mga base militar at pasilidad ng US. Hindi ito pwedeng pasukin o inspeksyunin liban na lamang sa mga paraang aprubado (o sinang-ayunan) ng US.

Pinagkakalooban din ang US ng karapatang gumamit anumang oras ng pampublikong lupain at pasilidad tulad ng mga daanan, daungan at paliparan, laluna kung naglilipat-lipat o nagpapakat sila ng mga kagamitan. Taliwas sa mga batas ng Pilipinas, ibinigay din sa US ang karapatan na magtatag ng sariling sistema ng telekomunikasyon at gamitin ang “lahat ng kinakailangang spectrum sa radyo” na walang bayad, isang karapatan na wala ang karaniwang mga Pilipino. Dagdag pa, sa ilalim ng EDCA, binigyang pribilehiyo ang US na gumamit ng tubig, kuryente at iba pang yutilidad na katumbas ang singil sa gubyerno ng Pilipinas, na mas mababa sa bayarin ng karaniwang Pilipino.

Hindi inoobliga ng kasunduan ang US na magbayad para sa kahit anong pagkawasak sa kalikasan na maaaring idulot ng pagtatapon ng nakalalason o delikadong mga materyal. Maaalala na noong katapusan ng 1992, iniwan ng US ang Clark Air Base at Subic Naval Base nang hindi nilinis ang kanilang mga basura na lumason sa mga bukal at tubig dagat at mga lamang-dagat.

Habang nasa Pilipinas, ang mga sundalong Amerikano ay tumatamasa ng espesyal na katayuang ligal. Liban kung hihingin, hindi sila saklaw ng mga batas kriminal o sibil ng Pilipinas sa panahong nakatigil sila sa bansa. Sa nagdaang 25 taon, ang mga sundalong Amerikano na nasangkot sa mga kasong kriminal (pagpatay, panggagahasa, pambubugbog, pamamaril at iba pa) ay hindi hinuli, inasunto o pinaharap sa korte, bagkus ay mabilis na pinatatalilis. Kahit sa dalawang tampok na kaso ng Subic Rape Case at pagpatay kay Jennifer Laude, ang mga sundalong Amerikano na napatunayang may sala ay pinalusot at pinauwi sa US.

Ngayong 2023, hindi bababa sa 500 war games—mga ehersisyong militar na paghahanda sa digmaan—ang isasagawa ng US sa Pilipinas. Ibig sabihin, araw-araw sa buong taon, may mga sundalong Amerikano sa Pilipinas para mang-udyok at manulsol ng gera. Kabilang dito ang ehersisyong Balikatan noong Abril, na pinakamalaki sa kasaysayan, kung saan dinumog ng 12,600 tropang Amerikano ang hilagang bahagi ng Luzon para magpakitang-gilas sa China. Kabi-kabila ang pagpapalipad ng mga jet fighter at helikopter ng US, paglalayag sa mga karagatan, pati na ang pagpapalipad ng mga misayl at paghuhulog ng bomba na gumagambala sa kapayapaan at sumisira sa kalikasan. Ginagamit ang mga “magkasanib na ehersisyo” para tiyaking makokontrol nito ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (tinatawag ng US na “interoperability”) sakaling sumiklab ang gera. Itinutulak ang “modernisasyon” ng AFP para bumili ng ilampung bilyong pisong sarplas, gamit o pinaglumaang mga sandata ng US.

Habang nangyuyurak at naghahari-harian sa lupa, himpapawid at karagatan, ang malaking presensya ng mga sundalong Amerikano ay pinalalabas na tanda ng “balot-sa-bakal na pagkakaibigan” ng US at Pilipinas. Malaking kabalintunaan ang sinasabing nasa Pilipinas ang US para ipagtanggol sa higanteng China. Ang totoo, sariling interes ang ipinagtatanggol ng US, katulad na sariling interes rin ang dahilang sinaklot at sinakop ang Pilipinas nang kalahating siglo, at ginawang malakolonya simula 1946 na pinaghaharian ng mga sunud-sunurang burukrata.

Ang presensya ng US sa Pilipinas ay bahagi ng estratehiya nito na palibutan ang karibal nitong imperyalistang China at pigilan ang lalong paglago ng kapangyarihan nito sa militar at ekonomya. Tuluy-tuloy na pinalalaki ng US ang pwersang militar nito sa East Asia, Southeast Asia hanggang sa Pacific islands, maging sa India, habang inuudyok at iniipit ang mga alyadong militar (kabilang ang Japan, Australia, hanggang sa United Kingdom) nito na sumanib sa mga operasyong nabal sa South China Sea sa tabing ng “freedom of navigation.” Para sa US at sa estratehiyang heopulitikal at pangmilitar, ang Pilipinas ay isang mahalagang himpilan dahil sa lapit nito sa China. Para naman sa China, ang presensya ng mga pwersang militar ng US sa Pilipinas ay tinitingnan na banta sa kanyang seguridad at tiyak na magiging target ng armadong pag-atake oras na gamitin ng US na lunsaran ng gera laban sa China.

Ang pagbibigay daan sa papalaking presensya sa Pilipinas ay ginamit ng gubyernong Biden ng US na kundisyon para sa pagpapalaki ng pautang, pamumuhunan pati na ayudang militar na desperadong hiningi ng rehimeng Marcos sa dalawang ulit na pagbisita sa US. Kapalit ng tahasang pagsusuko ng teritoryo sa US at pagpahintulot na gamitin ang bansa bilang base militar at lunsaran ng gera ng US, sabay-sabay na inaprubahan ng World Bank nitong Hunyo ang apat na pakete ng pautang na umaabot sa $1.14 bilyon, upang punuan ang labis na kakulangan sa badyet ng rehimeng Marcos. Ginagamit ngayon ang mga pautang para itulak ang mga patakaran sa ekonomya para ibayong palawakin ang interes ng dayuhang mga kapitalista at mga kasosyong burgesyang komprador at panginoong maylupa, sa kapinsalaan ng kabuhayan ng masang anakpawis at mga karaniwang Pilipino.

Sa ilalim ng papet na rehimeng Marcos, lalupang lumulubha ang katayuan ng Pilipinas bilang bansang malakolonya ng US na walang tunay na kalayaan. Ang kontrol at dominasyon ng US sa Pilipinas sa mahigit nang 125 taon ang pinakaugat kung bakit ang bansa ay subsob sa krisis, atrasado, agraryo, hindi industriyalisado at hindi nakatatayo sa sariling paa. Lalong mahigpit ngayong ginagamit ng US ang dominasyon nito sa pulitika, ekonomya, militar at kultura upang isulong ang interes nito sa Pilipinas at sa buong rehiyon ng Asia.

Dapat ipaglaban ng mamamayang Pilipino ang pagbabasura sa EDCA, sa VFA, sa Mutual Defense Treaty at lahat ng iba pang hindi patas na kasunduang militar sa US. Walang tunay na soberanya ang Pilipinas hangga’t kinukubabawan ito ng kapangyarihang militar ng US. Dapat makibaka ang sambayanan upang palayain ang Pilipinas mula sa kontrol ng US at paunlarin ang nagsasariling kakayahan ng bansa na ipagtanggol ang sarili. Matatamo lamang ito kung ang Pilipinas ay mayroong tunay na kasarinlang pang-ekonomya at pampulitika at ganap na pambansang kalayaan.


ENGLISH TRANSLATION: US military expansion under the Marcos puppet regime

In the face of the arrival of thousands of American troops, with their gigantic warships, warplanes, cannons and various weapons, the lack of true independence of the Philippines and the low treatment of the country as a large US military base become even more apparent.

While in the Philippines, American soldiers enjoy extraterritorial rights and special privileges, often more than ordinary Filipinos. It was given to them under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), lopsided agreements in favor of the US.

Under the EDCA, the US was granted extensive “agreement locations” within AFP military camps, for exclusive use as military facilities and bases. It is used by the US as a port, airport, crude oil storage, personnel accommodation, storage of weapons, vehicles and other war equipment. This land is being used in the US “without rent or similar compensation.”

The US military has absolute control over these locations until they are “no longer needed by the United States,” meaning however long it wants and needs to use these locations. The Philippines has no sovereignty or authority over US military bases and facilities. It cannot be entered or inspected except by means approved (or agreed to) by the US.

The US is also granted the right to use public land and facilities such as roads, ports and airports at any time, especially if they are moving or deploying equipment. Contrary to Philippine laws, the US was also given the right to establish its own telecommunications system and use “all necessary radio spectrum” free of charge, a right that ordinary Filipinos do not have. In addition, under the EDCA, the US was given the privilege to use water, electricity and other utilities at an equivalent charge to the Philippine government, which is lower than the average Filipino's bill.

The treaty does not obligate the US to pay for any environmental damage that may be caused by the disposal of toxic or hazardous materials. It will be recalled that at the end of 1992, the US left the Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base without cleaning up their waste that poisoned springs and seawater and lagoons.

While in the Philippines, American soldiers enjoy special legal status. Unless requested, they are not covered by the criminal or civil laws of the Philippines during their stay in the country. In the past 25 years, American soldiers who have been involved in criminal cases (murder, rape, beating, shooting and others) have not been arrested, brought to court or brought before the court, but are quickly eliminated. Even in the two prominent cases of the Subic Rape Case and the murder of Jennifer Laude, the American soldiers who were found guilty were smuggled out and sent back to the US.

This 2023, at least 500 war games—military exercises that prepare for war—will be conducted by the US in the Philippines. That means, every day throughout the year, there are American soldiers in the Philippines incite war. This included the Balikatan exercise in April, the largest in history, where 12,600 American troops swarmed the northern part of Luzon to show off China. Flying US jet fighters and helicopters, sailing the oceans, as well as launching missiles and dropping bombs that disrupts peace and destroys nature. "Joint exercises" are used to ensure that it can control the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (what the US calls "interoperability") should war break out. Pushing the "modernization" of the AFP to buy tens of billions of pesos in sarplus, used or obsolete US weapons.

While trampling and reigning in the land, air and sea, the large presence of American soldiers is shown as a sign of the "iron-clad friendship" between the US and the Philippines. It is a big irony that the US is said to be in the Philippines to defend against the giant China. The truth is, the US is defending its own interests, just as its own interests are the reason why the Philippines was surrounded and occupied for half a century, and turned into a semi-colony since 1946 ruled by submissive bureaucrats.

The presence of the US in the Philippines is part of its strategy to surround its rival imperialist China and prevent the further growth of its military and economic power. The US is constantly increasing its military forces in East Asia, Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands, even in India, while encouraging and pressuring its military allies (including Japan, Australia, and even the United Kingdom) to join naval operations in the South China Sea under the guise of "freedom of navigation." For the US and its geopolitical and military strategy, the Philippines is an important base because of its proximity to China. As for China, the presence of US military forces in the Philippines is viewed as a threat to its security and will surely be the target of an armed attack when the US uses its pretext of war against China.

Giving way to an increased presence in the Philippines was used by the US Biden government as a condition for increased loans, investments and military aid that the Marcos regime desperately requested during two visits to the US. In exchange for the outright surrender of territory to the US and permission to use the country as a military base and US war base, the World Bank in June simultaneously approved four loan packages totaling $1.14 billion, to fill the Marcos regime's excessive budget deficit. Loans are now being used to push economic policies to further the interests of foreign capitalists and comprador bourgeois partners and landlords, at the expense of the livelihood of the toiling masses and ordinary Filipinos.

Under the Marcos puppet regime, the status of the Philippines as a US-colonial country without real independence is getting worse. The control and dominance of the US in the Philippines for more than 125 years is the root of why the country is in crisis, backward, agrarian, not industrialized and not standing on its own feet. The US is now using its political, economic, military and cultural dominance more strictly to advance its interests in the Philippines and the entire Asian region.

The Filipino people must fight for the scrapping of the EDCA, the VFA, the Mutual Defense Treaty and all other unfair military agreements with the US. The Philippines does not have true sovereignty as long as the US military power reduces it. The people must fight to free the Philippines from US control and develop the country's independent ability to defend itself. This can only be achieved if the Philippines has true economic and political independence and full national independence.

[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://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/07/21/pamamayagpag-ng-militar-ng-us-sa-ilalim-ng-papet-na-rehimeng-marcos/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: Paghahasik ng teror ng 203rd Brigade, pasakalye ng papasidhing pandarambong at pangangamkam ng lupa sa Mindoro

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 23, 2023): Paghahasik ng teror ng 203rd Brigade, pasakalye ng papasidhing pandarambong at pangangamkam ng lupa sa Mindoro (Sowing terror by the 203rd Brigade, rampant looting and land grabbing in Mindoro)
 


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

July 24, 2023

Dapat pagbayarin nang mahal ang mga pasistang tropa at mga opisyal ng 203rd Brigade sa mga kaso ng brutalidad at paglabag sa karapatang-tao na naganap kamakailan sa Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro at noong Mayo sa Rizal, Occidental Mindoro. Nagmula sa pambansang minorya ang mga biktima na pawang iniuugnay ng mga militar sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Bahagi ang nagpapatuloy na pang-aatake sa mga komunidad ng paghahanda ng AFP-PNP para papasukin ang mga proyektong tinututulan ng mamamayan sa mga nasabing lugar.

Sa Mansalay, pinangangambahan ang mga proyektong quarry at huwad na reforestation sa pamamagitan ng National Greening Program. Noong nakaraang taon, inamyendahan ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang 25-taong moratorium sa mina ng probinsya para payagan ang pagkuha ng armour rocks na sangkap sa paggawa ng semento. Nagkaroon din ng mga pulong ang DENR sa mga pamayanan sa kabundukan kung saan inabisuhan ang mga katutubo, magsasaka at setler na “itigil ang pagkakaingin” dahil magpapatanim umano rito ng hardwood.

Kasabay ng mga gayong aktibidad ang tuluy-tuloy na FMO-RCSPO sa Barangay Panaytayan, ang pinakamalaking barangay sa Mansalay. Naging sentro ito ng kampanyang panunupil at kasalukuyang hinahalihaw ng dalawang kumpanyang pwersa ng 4th IB, RMFB-4B at PNP-Special Action Battalion. Noong Hulyo 13, dinukot at tinortyur ng mga pwersa ng estado si Pedro Ambad, isang Hanunuo-Mangyan sa Sityo Kilapnit ng nasabing barangay. Dinakip ng 4th IB ang biktima habang nagtatrabaho siya sa kanyang lupa noong tanghali at pinakawalan lamang matapos ang 12 oras na iligal na detensyon. Sa panahong iyon, walang awa siyang binugbog at paulit-ulit na ininteroga hinggil sa mga itinago umanong “armas ng NPA”. Nagresulta ito sa pagkabali ng tadyang ni Pedro.

Pagdating ng Hulyo 16, pinasok naman ng mga militar ang bahay ng kapatid ni Pedro na si Admiraw Ambad sa parehong sityo. Mabuti lamang at hindi nasumpungan ng mga berdugo si Admiraw dahil tulad ni Pedro, pinararatangan din siyang “tagasuporta ng NPA”.

Samantala, patuloy ang pandarahas sa mga residente sa bulubundukin at ilang bahagi ng kapatagan ng Rizal na masasaklaw ng Tamaraw Reservation and Expansion Project (TREP). Inulat ng NPA Mindoro ang kaso ng iligal na pang-aaresto, imbestigasyon at tortyur ng 68th IB sa apat na katutubong Buhid na hinuli sa tsekpoynt sa Brgy Manoot noong Mayo 23. Pinwersa ang mga inaresto na sumama sa isang operasyong militar kung saan muling nanghuli ng sibilyan ang 68th IB. Nagpalit-palitan ang mga pasista sa pambubugbog sa sibilyan. Hayok na hayok sa karahasan, dinakip din ng mga ito ang isa pang Buhid na nakasalubong lamang sa daan. Kinaladkad siya sa magubat na lugar at doon tinortyur.

Ang ganitong mga insidente ng karahasan ay hindi maaaring ihiwalay sa presyur na ginagawa ng LGU sa Barangay Manoot at mga katabing baryo. Naglagay na ng mga bakod at signage na nagbabawal sa sinumang magsagawa rito ng mga aktibidad na walang pahintulot ng gubyerno. Nagkaroon din ng mga papulong ang LGU sa mga kinatawan ng mga pamayanang minorya para kunin ang kanilang pag-sang-ayon sa pagmimina ng natural gas, na kataka-takang nasa mga lugar na saklaw ng TREP. Dahil dito pinagdududahan ang TREP na tabing lamang para sa mapanirang proyekto ng mina. Matatandaang aprubado ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang aplikasyon sa mina ng Pitkin Petroleum sa isla ng Mindoro.

Nagsisilbi ang terorismong inihahasik ng AFP-PNP sa isla sa imbing hangarin ng lokal na naghaharing uri, dayuhang kapitalista at ng mismong reaksyunaryong rehimen na agawan ng lupa ang masang Mindoreño. Laos nang katwiran ang paggamit sa kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera bilang batayan ng pang-aatake sa mga komunidad at sibilyan. Wala naman silang target na NPA sa mga operasyon, bagkus, ang tunay nilang layunin ay sindakin ang mga katutubo’t magsasakang lumalaban para manatili sa at magbungkal ng kanilang lupa. Sa ganito, lalong kasuklam-suklam ang mga berdugong militar na sumusunod sa mga pasistang atas sa ngalan ng kakarampot na salapi.

Nananawagan ang MGC sa masang Mindoreño na tumindig at makibaka para sa kanilang karapatan. Buuin ang pagkakaisa ng iba’t ibang sityo at maging sa pagitan ng mga katutubo at di-katutubo. Sama-samang kumilos upang itaboy ang mga pasistang tropa ng AFP-PNP at ang mga mapangwasak sa kabuhayang mga negosyo’t proyektong pinoprotektahan nila.

Para sa mga nagnanais magtanggol sa sarili at kanilang kapwa, hinihikayat kayong sumapi sa NPA at armadong labanan ang pasistang estado. Kallangang lumahok ang pinakamaraming mamamayan sa demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan upang ibagsak ang mga mapaniil at gahamang nang-aapi sa ating mahihirap at sa buong bayan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/paghahasik-ng-teror-ng-203rd-brigade-pasakalye-ng-papasidhing-pandarambong-at-pangangamkam-ng-lupa-sa-mindoro/

CPP/NDF-Mindoro: Serye ng Panibagong kaso ng karahasan sa mga Mangyan sa Mindoro ng 203rd Brigade-PNP-MIMAROPA, umaani ng galit at paglaban ng mga katutubo’t mamamayan!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 23, 2023): Serye ng Panibagong kaso ng karahasan sa mga Mangyan sa Mindoro ng 203rd Brigade-PNP-MIMAROPA, umaani ng galit at paglaban ng mga katutubo’t mamamayan! (Series of new cases of violence against the Mangyans in Mindoro by the 203rd Brigade-PNP-MIMAROPA, reaping the anger and resistance of the natives and citizens!)
 


Ma. Patricia Andal
Spokesperson
NDF-Mindoro
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

July 23, 2023

Ikinagagalit ng mga katutubong Mangyan at sambayanang Mindoreño ang walang tigil na mga operasyong militar ng 203rd Bde-PNP-MIMAROPA sa kanilang mga pamayanan at ang kaakibat nitong mga kaso ng karahasang militar sa mga sibilyan sa isla ng Mindoro. Sa ngalan ng kontra-insurhensya, mga sibilyan ang pangunahing biktima ng mapaminsalang operasyong FMO at RCSPO ng mga sundalo’t pulis. Dapat na panagutin ang buong Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict-MIMAROPA (RTF-ELCAC), kasama ang teroristang 203rd Bde-PNP-MIMAROPA sa mga krimen nito sa mga Mindoreño.

Dinukot, binugbog, tinortyur at iligal na bininbin si G. Pedro Ambad, isang Hanunuo-Mangyan sa Sityo Kilapnit, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro noong katanghalian ng Hulyo 13 sa kanyang bukid, sa panahon ng operasyon ng hayok-sa-dugong 4th IB, Philippine Army. Piniringan, binusalan, at kinaladkad ng mga ito ang biktima sa isang lugar bago walang habas na binugbog habang paulit-ulit na tinatanong kung nasaan ang mga ipinatagong armas ng NPA sa kanilang lugar. Inalpasan lamang ito ng hatinggabi ng Hulyo 14, matapos ang 12 oras na tortyur. Bali ang tadyang ng biktima dahil dito. Matapos ang insidente, hinadlangan din mismo ng mga sundalo na maghabla sa barangay o makakuha ng serbisyong medikal ang biktima na naghahangad ng hustisya sa kanyang sinapit. Pinasinungalingan pa ng mga sundalo na ang nambugbog sa biktima ay mga NPA kung kaya’t hindi na dapat iulat pa sa lokal na pamahalaan. Kasunod nito, iligal namang pinasok ang bahay at pinagtangkaang dukutin si G. Admiraw Ambad noong gabi ng Linggo, Hulyo 16. Nagkataon lamang na nasa kapitbahay siya ng panahong iyon at wala sa kanyang pamamahay. Dahil sa takot, lumikas ang hindi bababa sa limang pamilya na mayroong 15 katao sa iba’t-ibang lugar. Apektado ang kabuhayan maging ang pag-aaral ng mga bata dahil dito.

Nauna pa dito, noong Mayo 23, apat na katutubong Buhid naman na mula sa Barangay Manoot, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro ang hinuli sa tsekpoynt, iligal na inaresto at sapilitang dinala sa kampo ng Murtha ng mga elemento ng 68IB. Habang nasa kampo, isinailalim ang mga katutubo sa iligal na interogasyon at toryur. Kinabukasan, isinama sila sa operasyon sa Barangay Manoot upang diumano ay hulihin ang mga NPA. Ngunit sibilyan ang kanilang hinuli at matapos hulihin ay sapilitang iginiya at matapos ay walang awang palit-palitang binugbog ng pasistang pwersa. Kinaladkad din ang isa pang katutubong Buhid na nasabat nila sa daan habang binubugbog ang isa pang biktima. Binitbit nila ito sa masukal na lugar habang tuluy-tuloy na tinortyur at sinaktan.

Ipinakikita ng mga insidenteng ito ng karahasan at paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang desperasyon ng 203rd Bde at PNP MIMAROPA sa kanilang programa sa kontra-insurhensya na ang karaniwang biktima ay mga sibilyan. Sa pagtagal ng operasyon sa mga nasabing lugar, tiyak na buong komunidad ang isasaklot sa teror, pandarahas, at panlilinlang alinsunod sa hibang na pangarap na makamit ang “paglilinis” sa mga “focus barangay” sa ilalim ng RCSPO. Ang Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay at Barangay. Manoot, Rizal ay dalawa sa mga barangay na itinakdang prayoridad sa programang kontra-insurhensya sa ilalim ng NTF-ELCAC ng rehimeng Rodrigo Duterte. Nagpapatuloy ang tutok na ito hanggang sa kasalukuyang rehimeng Marcos-Duterte.

Matagal nang lantad sa mga Mindoreño ang karahasan at mapanlinlang na katangian ng FMO at RCSPO. Matatandaang higit 126,000 mamamayang pininsala ng FMO at RCSPO sa anim na taong panunungkulan ng kriminal na rehimeng US-Duterte. Kabilang dito ang 40,348 biktima mula sa 15 pamayanan na nilukuban ng RCSPO sa Occidental at Oriental Mindoro nang ginawang kampo-militar ito ng berdugong 203rd Bde at PNP-MIMAROPA. Sa pagpapatuloy naman ng papet, pahirap at pasistang rehimeng US-Marcos II sa programa ng NTF-ELCAC, sumahol ang kalagayan ng mga komunidad sa kapatagan at kabundukan sa isla. Katunayan, sa unang taon ng ilehitimong rehimen, hindi bababa sa 55,000 sibilyan ang biniktima nito sa kanyang hibang na kampanyang supresyon at panunupil.

Walang ibang dapat panagutin sa mga krimeng ito kundi ang AFP-PNP-MIMAROPA, partikular si BGen. Randolph Cabangbang ng 203rd Brigade at Police General Joel Doria ng PNP-MIMAROPA. Tigmak sa dugo ng mga inosenteng sibilyan ang kamay ng sundalo at pulis sa hibang na kampanyang supilin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isla. Hindi rin dapat iabswelto ang pinuno ng RTF-ELCAC sa katauhan ni Alfonso Cusi at Gobernador Humerlito ‘Bonz’ Dolor na tumatayong pinuno ng PTF-ELCAC sa Oriental Mindoro bilang mga kasabwat sa pamamayagpag ng terorismo ng RCSPO at FMO sa buong isla. Sa kanilang aktibong pagpapakasangkapan sa ELCAC, kabilang sila sa may pananagutan sa pag-iral ng kultura ng impunity o kawalang-pananagutan ng mga pasista na siyang nagsasapanganib ng buhay at seguridad ng milyong mamamayang Mindoreño.

Lalo lamang nitong ginagatungan ang paglaban ng mga Mindoreño. Pinatutunayan nito na walang masusulingan ang aping mamamayan kundi ang sama-samang pagdepensa at paglaban. Dapat lang na magkaisa ang mga mamamayan sa paglalantad ng pasismo at tunay na mukha ng FMO-RCSPO. Dapat paglingkurin ang galit ng mamamayan sa kongkretong aksyon, paniningil, at pagpapanagot sa humahabang lista ng pang-aabuso sa mga sibilyan.

Dapat na buuin ang malapad at militanteng alyansang kontra-pasista na magtatambol sa sitwasyon ng karapatang pantao sa buong isla. Organisahin ang buong pamayanan upang palayasin ang mga sundalong nagkakampo sa lugar. Kabigin ang lahat ng sektor na kumikilala at kaisa sa kampanya para itaguyod ang karapatang pantao. Dapat na puspusang lumaban ang mamamayang Mindoreño upang salagin ang patuloy na atake ng pasistang estado.

Pinakamahalaga, dapat paglingkurin ang lahat ng pagsusumikap na ito sa paglakas ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isla. Ang magkatuwang na paglakas ng rebolusyonaryong paglaban ng mamamayan at ang armadong pakikibaka ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang magtitiyak sa lahatang panig na paglaban. Kaakibat nito ang pagpupunyagi na isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan na may sosyalistang perspektiba. Ito lamang ang wawakas sa nagpapatuloy na siklo na pasismo at karahasan ng nabubulok na reaksyunaryong estado, at tutupok sa lumang nagnanaknak na lipunan upang halinhan ng panibagong makatarungang gubyerno ng mamamayan.

Panagutin ang AFP-PNP-MIMAROPA at RTF-ELCAC sa kasalanan nito sa mamamayang Mindoreño!
Palayasin ang sundalo at pulis sa mga komunidad!
Digmang bayan, sagot sa terorismo ng estado!
Mamamayang api, mag-armas! Sumapi sa New People’s Army!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/serye-ng-panibagong-kaso-ng-karahasan-sa-mga-mangyan-sa-mindoro-ng-203rd-brigade-pnp-mimaropa-umaani-ng-galit-at-paglaban-ng-mga-katutubot-mamamayan/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros: Pagsaludar kay Ka Arnold, martir sang rebolusyon!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 23, 2023): Pagsaludar kay Ka Arnold, martir sang rebolusyon! (Saluting Ka Arnold, martyr of the revolution!)
 


Cecil Estrella
Spokesperson
NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)
Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)
New People's Army

July 23, 2023

Ang mga Pulang kumander kag hangaway sang Roselyn Jean Pelle Command sang New People’s Army – Northern Negros Guerilla Front (RJPC-NPA) kag bilog rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa kag mga alyado, nagasaludar kay Armado “Ka Arnold” Atoy sa paghalad sa iya kabuhi sa altar sang rebolusyon.

Na-martir si Ka Arnold matapos maisog nga gin-atubang ang superyor nga tropa sang #DiMasaligan79IB nga nag-reyd sa balay nga ila ginpahuwayan agud luwas nga maka-atras ang iya upod sadtong Abril 20, 2023 sa Sityo Tabunoc, Barangay Libertad, sakop sa syudad sang Escalante, Negros Occidental. Nabatian pa sa iya upod ang panawagan sa pasistang tropa nga magsurender si Ka Arnold apang ginsabat niya ini nga, “Mamatay anay ko antes ko magsurender!”

Si Ka Arnold o Ka Jemer ang naghalin sa Hacienda Pura sa Barangay San Pablo sakop sa banwa sang Manapla. Nagsampa siya sa NPA sadtong 2021 matapos makita ang grabe nga pagpahimulos sa mga agalon sa iya bilang isa ka tapasero sa tubuhan kag iya nakita nga paagi sa rebolusyon lang maangkon ang maayo nga buwas-damlag sang mga mamumugon sa kampo.

Sa isa ka base, sikreto nga nagtigum ang pinili nga mga masa kag mga Pulang kumander kag hangaway para handurawon si Ka Arnold nga nakilala sa iya kaupdanan bilang hipuson apan tutom sa iya mga tahas.

Sa amo man nga programa ginhanduraw ang kabuhi sanday Rogelio Posadas (Ka Cocoy), Ericson Acosta (Ka Fredo) kag Romeo Nanta (Ka Juanito Magbanua), upod sa pagsaludar sanday Wilma Austria (Ka Bagong-Tao) kag Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan) paagi sa silent 21-gun salute.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pagsaludar-kay-ka-arnold-martir-sang-rebolusyon/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Cagayan Valley: Opisyal na Pahayag ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – Cagayan Valley sa RA 11953 o New Agrarian Emancipation Act at ikalawang SONA ng rehimeng US-Marcos IIItaguyod ang rebolusyong agraryo! Isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 23, 2023): Opisyal na Pahayag ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – Cagayan Valley sa RA 11953 o New Agrarian Emancipation Act at ikalawang SONA ng rehimeng US-Marcos IIItaguyod ang rebolusyong agraryo! Isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan! (Official Statement of the National Association of Farmers - Cagayan Valley on RA 11953 or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act and the second SONA of the US-Marcos III regime, Support the agrarian revolution! Advance the people's democratic revolution!)
 


Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid-Cagayan Valley
NDF-Cagayan Valley
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

July 23, 2023

Hindi kalutasan sa maraming siglo nang pagkaalipin ng mga pesante ang pagsasabatas ng rehimeng US-Marcos II sa RA 11953 o New Agrarian Emancipation Act. Hanggat walang tunay na repormang agraryo, pambansang industriyalisasyon at pagpapaunlad sa kanayunan, hindi lalaya ang mga magsasaka sa tanikala ng pyudal at malapyudal na pagsasamantala at pagkasupil sa pulitika.
Magsasaka, tunay na may-ari ng lupa

Walang dapat ipagmalaki ang rehimen dahil masaklap ang katotohanan na inabot pa ng mahigit tatlong dekada bago “i-condone” o pinatawad ang aabot sa halos P60 bilyong hindi nabayarang amortisasyon, interes at surcharge ng kabuuang 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) na sumasaklaw sa 1.2 milyong ektarya ng lupa kung saan 2,500 dito ay mga magsasaka ng Cagayan Valley. Patunay lamang ito sa kawalan ng tunay ng reporma sa lupa at samakatwid ay naging pahirap at pasanin ng mga magsasaka ang napakamahal na amortisasyon at interes sa ilalim ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Kung tutuusin, napakaliit lamang ng naturang mga benepisyaryo kumpara sa mga magsasakang walang sariling lupa at kulang ang lupang sinasaka gayundin ang mga hindi saklaw ng CARP na aabot sa mahigit pitong milyong magbubukid at mahigit pitong milyong ektaryang lupain dahil halos isang dekada nang walang programa para sa pamamahagi ng lupa sa ilalim huwad na programa. Sa isang estadong interes ng dayuhan at negosyo ang batas, baligho ang mangarap na may maisasabatas na tunay na reporma sa lupa.

Sa pinakaubod, magsasaka ang tunay na nagmamay-ari ng lupang “pinatawad” ang utang. Inagaw lamang ng mga kolonyalistang Kastila ang malalawak na lupain sa Pilipinas, nagsalin-salin ang pagmamay-ari sa salinlahi ng mga ganid na panginoong maylupang nangamkam, nakabili o nakasangla. Mula’t sapol magsasaka ang nagbukas, naghawan, nagpaunlad at nagpayaman sa lupa saka sila pinagbabayad ng estado ng mga ganid sa hindi man lamang nadungisan ng lupa ang mga kamay! At ngayon, sinasabing pinatatawad na sila sa pagkakautang. Sino ang may utang kanino?

Mananatiling nasa bingit ng gutom at paghihikahos ang mga lumilikha ng pagkain sa bansa hangga’t ang estado ng panginoong maylupa-malaking burgesya kumprador ang nagpapanday ng batas. Sa rehiyon ng Cagayan Valley, kontrolado ng mga burukrata kapitalista at mga usurero-komersyante-panginoong maylupa ang malalawak na lupaing agrikultural. Hawak sa leeg ng mga ito ang mga magsasaka sa napakataas na interes sa pautang na batay sa pag-aaral ay aabot sa 30-45% sa bawat taniman. Ang kapirasong lupang pinaunlad ng ilan nang henerasyon ay kisap-matang nawawala bilang mga kolateral.

Dahil sa malapyudal na sistema, walang ibang pagpipilian ang mga magsasaka kundi ang pagsasakang nakabatay sa dikta ng imperyalistang korporasyon at mga usurero-panginoong maylupa—klase ng pananim at binhi, presyo ng mga pestisidyo at abono, interes sa pautang, pati presyo ng naaning produkto. Binabalikat ng mga magsasaka sa ilang dekada nang walang habas na paggamit ng agrokemikal ang pagkasira ng lupa maging ng biodiversity.
Estadong kontra-magsasaka

Nag-uumapaw ang kayabangan ng rehimeng US-Marcos II sa pagiging sekretaryo ng Kawanihan ng Agrikultura gayung lalong sumadsad ang kalagayang pang-agrikultura ng bansa. Wala na ngang suporta sa pagsasaka, pabigat pa na pasanin ang bigwas ng papalaking kantidad ng importasyon sa paparaming produktong agrikultural, pagpapasa ng Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at pagpapatuloy ng Rice Tarrification Law ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Hindi lang kapabayaan sa magsasaka ang kasalanan ng mapagsamantalang estado, nandadaya at nanlilinlang pa sa lala at epekto ng implasyon habang nakatanghod lang sa di maampat-ampat na pagsirit ng presyo ng langis at produktong petrolyo sa kabila ng malaking bahagi ng gastos sa palayan at krudo para sa mga waterpump at iba pang makinarya. Ang huling nakamamatay na kasalanan ng papet na estadong ito ay ang pagiging sunud-sunuran sa patakarang neoliberal na siyang sumasakal nang mahigpit sa mga magsasaka. Tunay na kontra-magsasaka ang bulok na estado sa pamamahala ngayon ng rehimeng US-Marcos II.
Lumalalang pasismo ng estado

Hindi ligtas ang mga pambansang minorya at magsasakang pinalayas sa kapatagan at itinaboy sa pinakaliblib at sulok ng kabundukan dahil sa mga mapanlinlang na iskema at pasismo ng estado. Sa tabing ng NGP, rubber tree plantation at pagmimina, pinapasok ng DENR, NCIP, NIA, NTF-ELCAC at iba pang ahensya ang mga lupang sinasaka ng mga katutubo at inagaw ito sa kanila, na pinasahol ng whole-of-nation approach sa ilalim ng EO 70. Sa pamamagitan nito, binigyang katwiranan ang pasismo ng AFP-PNP upang supilin ang paglaban ng mga magsasaka para sa kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan. Ngayon higit kailanman, humaharap ang masang magsasaka sa rehiyon sa nakaambang panganib sa pagtatayo ng EDCA sites. Maghahatid ito ng tiyak na kapahamakan sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka sa harap ng banta sa pag-atake o kontra-atake ng China.
Daan sa paglaya ng magsasaka

Panlilinlang lamang ang RA 11953 o New Agrarian Emancipation Act. Kasaysayan na ang patunay na kung walang pambansang industrialisasyon at pagpapaunlad sa kanayunan, maibebenta o maisasangla lamang ng magsasaka ang lupa. Malaking bahagi ng gastusin ng magsasaka ang mahal na abono at pestisidyo, upa sa makinarya o manggagawang bukid, patubig at iba pa. Sa kakulangan o kawalan ng puhunan, kanino pa nga ba naman, maisasangla o maibebenta ang lupa kundi sa mga usurero-panginoong maylupa, mga malaking burgesya kumprador at burukrata kapitalista. Naglipana na ang mga resort, mga subdivision, plantasyon at “farms” na hindi farmer ang may-ari.

Samakatwid, hanggat nananatiling malapyudal ang moda ng produksyon sa isang malakolonyal na estado, hindi lalalaya ang mga magbubukid mula sa pagsasamantala. Magkakaroon lamang ng katuparan ang ilang siglo nang hangarin ng mga magsasaka na ariin ang lupang binubungkal sa pagtayo ng estado ng mga demokratikong uri na siyang titiyak na hindi makapanumbalik ang paghahari at pagsasamantala ng malaking burgesya kumprador-panginoong maylupa at mga bulok na burukrata kapitalista.

Tanging ang daan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang magsasaka ay ang pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka, pagsusulong ng rebolusyong agraryo at pagtatayo ng mga kapangyarihang pampulitika sa kanayunan. Batay sa kakayahan at pampulitikang lakas, ipatutupad ang maksimum na programa, ang mga nakumpiskang lupa ay libreng ipapamahagi sa mga wala at kulang ang lupang sinasaka. Sa kagyat at sa malawak na saklaw, hakbang-hakbang na ilunlunsad ang mga minimum na programa–ang pagpapaba sa upa sa lupa hanggang sa tuluyan na itong mawala, pagpapababa sa interes ng pautang, pagpapataas sa sahod ng mga manggagawang-bukid at pagpapataas sa produksyon.

Kailangang pasiglahin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang magsasaka ang pagsusulong sa armadong pakikibaka bilang digmang magsasaka. Kailangan makipagkumbina ang digma ng magsasaka sa malaganap, masinsin at papasidhing armadong pakikibaka ng NPA kasabay ng pagsuporta ng iba’t ibang pampulitika at pang-ekonomyang pakikibaka ng mamamayan. Pagsikapan itong ituloy-tuloy hanggang mapabagsak ang estado ng naghaharing-uring mapagsamantala.

Sa tagumpay ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon, matitiyak ang karapatan sa lupa ng magsasaka, maging ang pag-unlad ng produksyon. Sa kolektibisado at kooperatibisadong agrikultura kasabay ng pagpapaunlad sa kanayunan at pambansang industriyalisasyon, saka lamang makakalaya ang mga magsasaka mula sa kahirapan, kamangmangan at pagkasupil.

Sagot sa kahirapan, digmang bayan!
Isulong at ipagtagumpay pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang lumalaban!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/itaguyod-ang-rebolusyong-agraryo-isulong-ang-demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan/