State troopers kill NPA leader in Quezon

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 30, 2023): State troopers kill NPA leader in Quezon (By DANNY ESTACIO)

SARIAYA, Quezon – A New People’s Army leader was gunned down when he opened fire at government forces serving warrants of arrest on Sunday morning, July 30, in Barangay Lutucan Malabag, this town.

Sariaya police chief Police Major Romar Pacis identified the communist rebel as Isagani Isita, alias “Alkin,” “Sid,” “Gani,” and “Shoge,” 42, a resident of Barangay Banana, Padre Garcia, Batangas.

Pacis said the police and military arrived in the area to implement five warrants of arrest against the suspect for various criminal cases issued by the courts in Occidental Mindoro, Rosario, Batangas; Tanauan City, Batangas, and Batangas City.

Pacis said Isita fired at lawmen who retaliated and wounded him.

Isita was taken to a hospital in Candelaria, this province, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Authotiries said the suspect is a vice platoon leader of Sinag 2, team leader of Tax Implementing Unit, Sub-Regional Military Area 4C, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (SRMA4C-STRPC), affiliated with Bayan Batangas, leader of Bayan Muna-Batangas, acting secretary general and spokesperson of Defend-Batangas, and member, Wacom-Batangas, in 2008.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/29/state-troopers-kill-npa-leader-in-quezon

Army troops encounter rebels in Cagayan amid typhoon relief op

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 30, 2023): Army troops encounter rebels in Cagayan amid typhoon relief op (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

Philippine Army (PA) personnel from the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) have figured in an armed encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while they were conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operation in Lasam, Cagayan amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Egay”, the NolCom revealed on Sunday, July 30.

Troops from the Philippine Army's 17th Infantry Battalion recover various firearms, ammunition, and personal belongings after an encounter with alleged New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Sicalao, Lasam, Cagayan on July 27, 2023. (Courtesy of Northern Luzon Command)

Maj. Al Anthony Pueblas, acting chief of NolCom public information office, said members of the 17th Infantry Battalion were on an HADR deployment in Barangay Sicalao last July 27 when one villager spotted at least 15 armed men in a mountainous area of the community.

The 17th IB then deployed personnel to initiate security operations and cover their comrades who were conducting HADR operation. This triggered a 20-minute gunbattle, Pueblas said.

Pueblas identified the armed men as members of the NPA’s Cagayan Provincial Committee (KomProb Cagayan) and Cagayan Valley Regional Committee (Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley) led by a certain Edgar Bautista alias “Ka Simoy,” the alleged secretary of the West Front Committee of KomProb Cagayan.

No casualty was recorded on both sides but Pueblas noted that stains of blood were left on the trail where the rebels escaped.

The troops also recovered an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, two shotgun ammunitions, two rifle grenades, 40 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, three backpacks, three claymore mines, four magazines, one hand grenade, and commercial radio at the encounter site.

Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, NolCom commander, thanked the concerned citizen who reported the sighting to the military.

“The willingness and active cooperation of the residents and the community to end the local communist armed conflict led to the success of this operation,” he said.

He also commended the troops and reaffirmed his commitment to continue the HADR operations for the victims of Egay in Cagayan.

“No compromises will be made in addressing security challenges. The gains scored against the CTG [communist terrorist group] manifest the military's intensified efforts in pursuit of peace, security and development in Northern Luzon,” Buca said.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/30/army-troops-encounter-rebels-in-cagayan-amid-typhoon-relief-op

Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack leaves barker injured

From NDBC News (Jul 31, 2023): Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack leaves barker injured (By: Edwin O. Fernandez)

GRENADE BLAST. Police cordoned off the main entrance of Husky Bus private terminal in Cotabato City after unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at about 5 a.m. on Monday, July 31. (Photo courtesy of DXMS Radyo Bida)

COTABATO CITY – Unidentified men on board a motorbike tossed a hand grenade at the main entrance of bus terminal here that injured a barker, police said.

Maj. John Vincent Bravo, police station 2 chief, said The blast occurred at about 5 a.m. at the gate of Husky Bus terminal along national highway, Esteros district, Cotabato City.

Grenade shrapnel also damaged a passenger van parked outside the terminal compound.

Witnesses said they heard a speeding motorbike away from the bus terminal followed by a loud explosion.

No one has claimed responsibility but investigators believed the grenade attack was not meant to hurt but to threaten the bus firm that had been receiving extortion demands from lawless elements.

The wounded barker was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for minor injuries.

Due to today’s blast, the bus first trip that was supposed to leave for Gen. Santos City before 6 a.m. was delayed while the bomb experts conduct post blast probe.

Last May 31, three improvised explosive devices were planted in the same bus terminal here that bomb experts safely detonated while the city was hosting Palarong Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association’s (BARMMAA) sports regional competition.

On April 17 this year, at least six passengers were hurt after an improvised explosive went off inside a new double-decker bus at the public terminal in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Police have filed charges for frustrated murder against about 15 men, mostly from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Maguindanao provinces.

https://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/cotabato-bus-terminal-grenade-attack-leaves-barker-injured

Military sees ‘total victory’ vs terrorists in Mindanao

From Malaya Business Insight (Jul 31, 2023): Military sees ‘total victory’ vs terrorists in Mindanao (By Victor Reyes)

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr yesterday said the military is optimistic it will achieve “total victory” in the fight against terrorist groups in Mindanao this year.

In a radio interview, Brawner said there had been kidnap-for-ransom activity in the past two years due to intensified military operations against these terrorist organizations.

Brawner also said terrorists in Mindanao are no longer that many. He did not give figures but sources said the number could be in the range of 100 to 200.

“That’s why, as you can see, especially in the areas of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, it’s been more than two years now that we’ve not heard of any kidnap-for-ransom (incident),” said Brawner.

Several terrorist groups are operating in Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for a number of kidnapping cases and even beheading of kidnap victims.

“There were many kidnap-for-ransom cases reported before. “In fact, many foreigners fell victim,” said Brawner.

“But for more than two years now, there are no more such incidents because of the military operations we are conducting. Many of them were neutralized. Many of them died but more of them surrendered,” said Brawner.

“That is why we are very optimistic that by the end of the year, we are going to defeat them, we will achieve total victory against all of these terrorist groups,” he said.

Last week, President Marcos Jr lifted the state of emergency national emergency in Mindanao. Former President Duterte placed Mindanao under a state of emergency in 2016 due to a spate of violent and lawless acts, including kidnappings and bombings, committed by different terrorist groups.

Brawner said soldiers will maintain presence in key areas in Mindanao to attain “sustainable peace.”

“We are not going to be satisfied with the neutralization of these threat groups. We have to sustain our gains. So what will happen is that soldiers will continue their presence in these area and contribute to the whole of nation approach (in achieving peace),” he said.

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/military-sees-total-victory-vs-terrorists-in-mindanao/

Sayyaf in kidnap-slay of farmer captured

From the Manila Times (Jul 31, 2023): Sayyaf in kidnap-slay of farmer captured (By Al Jacinto)

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Police are holding a suspected Abu Sayyaf man linked to the kidnap-slay of a farmer here in April 2009 with officials saying the suspect is a relative of an Abu Sayyaf commander in the southern Philippine province of Basilan.

Maj. Shellamie Chang, a regional police spokesman, confirmed on Saturday, July 29, 2023, the capture of Muhamad Akbar Bakil in the village of Buenavista. She said the 63-year-old Bakil is a relative of Wahab Bakil, an Abu Sayyaf subleader in Basilan's Sumisip town; and Ben Mungkay, also an Abu Sayyaf member whose group is operating in Zamboanga City.

Chang added that joint Zamboanga and Basilan police forces armed with warrants swooped down on Friday, July 28, on Bakil's hideout and arrested him. Policemen also seized a.45-caliber pistol and ammunition from Bakil.

"The search warrant was served in the presence of two village officials from Buenavista. The subject person is allegedly involved in a kidnapping that transpired on April 25, 2009 in Buenavista," she said, referring to the kidnapping of Doroteo Gonzales, then 61.

Gonzales' captors spirited him to Basilan where he was beheaded a month after his kidnapping in the town of Akbar when his family failed to pay P25-million ransom. Since then, several of Bakil's cohorts had been captured separately in Zamboanga and Basilan. There was no immediate statement from Gonzales' family over this latest development.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/07/31/regions/sayyaf-in-kidnap-slay-of-farmer-captured/1903198

Exercise Pagsasama 2023 enhances interagency operations, reserve force

From Palawan News (Jul 31, 2023): Exercise Pagsasama 2023 enhances interagency operations, reserve force (By Gerald Ticke)

The country continues to hone the skills of its reserve units as the Philippine Navy, through the Naval Forces West, hosts Exercise Pagsasama 2023, with the focus on utilizing its reservists and other auxiliary reserve units as force multipliers in maritime security and interagency operations.

Exercise Pagsasama 2023, which started last Saturday, July 29, aims to continually evaluate the extent of the navy’s interoperability with the reserve force and has the objective of enhancing their capability and testing their integration with the regular force for conducting amphibious operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), and other duties and missions.

This year’s Exercise Pagsasama, which will run until August 4, will focus on Maritime Security Operations (MARSEC), HADR, and Civil-Military Operations (CMO).

During the opening ceremony, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, Brig. Gen. Doroteo Jose Jalandoni, emphasized the need for further development of the AFP reserve corps to stand alongside the regular force in addressing the actual security and defense needs of the country.

“The concept of an AFP total force shall be a capable professional regular force supported by an operationally ready and responsive AFP reserve. That’s why naval and joint exercises that involve the reserve force is very important for developing the AFP,” Jalandoni said.

He further stated that the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Retirees and Reservist Affairs (OJ9) is currently designing a progressive six-year reserve force development plan from 2023 to 2028 that will pursue a more propulsive reserve force development.

Jalandoni explained that, with the development plan, the AFP aims to conduct more mobilization exercises for reservists to be incorporated with regular forces in order to prepare them in case the need arises for them to join active duties.

“Aside from the plans and policy development efforts, we also facilitate the conduct of mobilization exercise that will evolve into a joint training exercise to improve the readiness and capabilities of our ready reserve and affiliated reserve units,” he said.

“Thus, this undertaking is timely and fundamental as it will test and constantly improve the operational readiness and interoperability of our naval reservists with the regular force,” he added.

Furthermore, he said that the conduct of regular mobilization exercises will also familiarize reservists and allow them to engage in various scenarios resembling emerging challenges in the country’s maritime domain. This provides them with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, learning and progressing from past training activities and exercises.

“Moreover, this will develop the needed capabilities to ensure the interoperability and seamless integration of the reservists into the regular force when the need arises,” he said.

Meanwhile, Navforwest commander Commodore Allan Javier said Exercise Pagsasama will involve a series of trainings on shipboard operations where reservists will be boarding navy vessels to train them in navigational duties.

This is to familiarize them and then when time comes that there will be a calamity that we will need to land our regular force and it is augmented by our reserve force where we will be conducting medical procedures using our assets in order to deploy navy, marines and reservists in a literal environment to be able to relieve our citizenry,” Javier said.

https://palawan-news.com/exercise-pagsasama-2023-enhances-interagency-operations-reserve-force/#google_vignette

Grenade explodes outside Cotabato terminal

From Rappler (Jul 31, 2023): Grenade explodes outside Cotabato terminal (By FERDINANDH CABRERA)

Police suspect an extremist group into extortion is behind the explosion in BARMM's regional capital

COTABATO, Philippines – A grenade went off outside a bus terminal in Cotabato City, before 6 am on Monday, July 31.

Police said a man who works as a barker was wounded after being hit by a splinter.

In May, bomb experts detonated at least three crude bombs at the bus terminal hours before the start of the Palarong Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association’s (BARMMAA) fourth regional competitions in the city.

Major John Vincent Bravo, a police precinct chief, said the explosion at the main gate of the Husky Bus Terminal delayed the first bus trip from Cotabato to General Santos City.

The passengers are all safe, said Bravo.

In recent months, police said the company’s buses and terminal have been targeted by an extremist group that has resorted to extortion to raise funds for their causes.

Police suspected that Monday’s explosion was part of attempts to pressure the bus company to give in to the group’s demands.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/grenade-explodes-cotabato-city-terminal-july-31-2023/

2 rebels killed in Leon encounter

From Panay News (Jul 31, 2023): 2 rebels killed in Leon encounter (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a gun battle with government troops on Saturday, July 29, in Sitio Pagas, Barangay Ayabang, Leon, Iloilo.

John Eric “Blue” Talibo of Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo and Jennifer “Hope” Fariolan of Barangay Cabala-unan, Miag-ao, Iloilo were allegedly the squad leader and finance taxation implementor, respectively, of the NPA’s Sibat Platoon, Southern Front, KR-Panay.

Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said the encounter occurred around 6:20 a.m. and lasted five minutes.

An improvised M16 rifle, two shotguns, one .45 pistol, anti-personnel mines, six blasting caps, one detonating switch, one NPA flag and four backpacks containing extortion letters and valuable subversive documents were recovered.

“This encounter served as a resounding confirmation that ending the decades-long insurgency is a collective responsibility. The support and cooperation of the people have thwarted the NPA’s extortion activities,” said Samson./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/2-rebels-killed-in-leon-encounter/

NPA unit head nabbed in Himamaylan City

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 31, 2023): NPA unit head nabbed in Himamaylan City (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

An alleged commanding officer of the New People’s Army Yunit Militia was apprehended on July 28 in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, during a Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation (JEMPO) of the police and military, by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Walter Zorilla.

The arrested suspect identified as Lodorico But-ay, alias Jude, was tagged by the police and military as the commanding officer of Yunit Militia in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City.

According to the 94th Infantry Battalion, But-ay was denied bail by Judge Zorilla, the presiding judge of Himamaylan Regional Trial Curt Branch 55, due to being charged with rape.

Troopers of the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company also apprehended Jesus Mahinay, with aliases of Kit, Suli and Jose, by virtue of an arrest warrant for the crime of homicide, at Purok 4 in Brgy. San Antonio, also in Himamaylan City.

The apprehension of Mahinay, 43, of Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, also yielded a hand grenade, according to a report of the Himamaylan City Police Station.

The court recommended P120,000 bail for his temporarily release from jail.

Troopers of the 2nd NOCPMFC were assisted by the 94IB, 604th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 and other law enforcement agencies in the serving of arrest warrant issued to Mahinay.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said the successful operations serves as a testament to the continuous commitment of law enforcement agencies and the military in ensuring public safety and upholding the law.*

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-unit-head-nabbed-in-himamaylan-city/

Former NPA rebel inches way to becoming soldier

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 31, 2023): Former NPA rebel inches way to becoming soldier (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Former rebel-turned CAFGU member James Durimon with 1Lt. Analyn Lonjawon, who attended his graduation on July 28 in Escalante City.* PA photo

Former rebel James “Ka Joros” Durimon is on his way to his dream of becoming a member of the Philippine Army, as he completed on July 28 his Basic Education, through the efforts of the 79th Infantry Battalion and the Department of Education.

Ka Joros was among the 212 K-to-12 graduates from 21 barangays of Escalante City, who attended the graduation rites and completion ceremony held at a coliseum in Hacienda Fe, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Now serving as a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, the achievement of Ka Joros, who previously surrendered to the 79IB, serves a stepping stone for him to continue serving his country, in order to become a qualified enlistment in the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, according to 1Lt. Analyn Lonjawon, the battalion Civil Military Operations officer.

The former rebel expressed his gratitude to the continued support of 79IB and his “Ate Glen,” also a former rebel, who is now a regular member of the Philippine Army, whom he described as his “mentor and adviser.”

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commanding officer, also congratulated Ka Joros, whose perseverance and sacrifices to secure a better future for himself and his family, will serve as a “call” to the remaining rebels to surrender, lay down their arms, and pursue their education to secure brighter future as they return to the mainstream of society.*

https://visayandailystar.com/former-npa-rebel-inches-way-to-becoming-soldier/

Grant of amnesty to former rebels: a long wait from Duterte to Marcos

From MindaNews (Jul 31, 2023): Grant of amnesty to former rebels: a long wait from Duterte to Marcos (By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 July) – In his State of the Nation (SONA) last Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, a move that is long overdue because the year-long period for application in the amnesty proclamations of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, had lapsed in January this year.

“For almost half a century, some of our fellow Filipinos have taken to arms to make their views known and felt. We are now at a point in our history when their armed struggle has evolved. We have now progressed together towards peace and development,” Marcos said during his SONA.

He said his administration has incorporated capacity-building and social protection into its reintegration programs to guarantee full decommissioning of former combatants. 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,” he added.

To complete the reintegration process, Marcos vowed to “issue a Proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees, and I ask Congress to support me in this endeavor.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24, 2023 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City. Malacanang Photo

Marcos has not issued the Proclamation as of Sunday, July 30. “It might be out this August,” Galvez told MindaNews on Sunday, adding that “language is being finalized.”

“What is good is that we have already the guidance from the President and we have now a working National Amnesty Commission,” he said.

Long wait

For members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and other revolutionary groups, it has been a long wait for amnesty, from the Duterte administration to Marcos Jr. administration.

On February 5, 2021, President Duterte signed Proclamations 1090, 1091, 1092 and 1093, granting amnesty to members of the MILF (1090) and MNLF (1091), the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa – Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (1092) and the “communist terrorist group” (1093), “who have committed crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under the Revised Penal Code or special penal laws” such as rebellion or insurrection, conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection, among others.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants in a military formation at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. MindaNews file photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Applications for the grant of amnesty in the four proclamations, however, were to be filed with the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) within one year from the effectivity of the Proclamations. The Proclamations took effect on January 24, 2022. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives concurred on Proclamations 1090, 1091 and 1092. Only the House of Representatives concurred on Proclamation 1093.

Under Article VII, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, a presidential amnesty proclamation takes effect only upon the concurrence of a majority of all the members of Congress.

Duterte issued Executive Order 125 creating the NAC on the same day he signed the four amnesty proclamations. The NAC is tasked with receiving and processing applications for amnesty and determining whether the applicants are entitled to amnesty under the four proclamations.

But Duterte, the first Mindanawon to rule the nation, stepped down as President on June 30, 2022 without constituting the NAC.

Marcos constituted the NAC only in February 2023, when the year-long period for amnesty application had already lapsed a month earlier.

The NAC is chaired by Atty. Leah Tanodra-Armamento with Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic and Atty. Jamar Kulayan as commissioners. Armamento was a former member of the legal team of the government peace panel in the negotiations with the MILF.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. thanked the President for his unwavering support to the Bangsamoro and for helping former rebels in their transformation process.

“What we have witnessed in today’s SONA is President Marcos’ genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation,” Galvez said after the SONA.

In a press statement, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan of 4Ps partylist, said Marcos’ amnesty plan is “an act of grace that will help heal the nation.”

“Forgiveness is necessary in conflict resolution. We are in full favor of the President’s amnesty plan. It is an act of grace that will help heal the nation,” Libanan said.

Extend application period

On July 18, six days before Marcos’ SONA, several members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) called on the President to extend the application period for the grant of amnesty to the MILF and MNLF as the deadline was last January 24.

He said they hope Marcos will grant a blanket amnesty to qualified applicants

“We are asking the President to extend the application for amnesty for MILF and MNLF members. The granting of amnesty will help sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process,” Deputy Parliament Speaker Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. said in a hybrid press conference livestreamed from Cotabato City.

“We appeal to President Marcos to extend and fully complete the amnesty program in the spirit of unity,” Deputy Floor Leader Mary Ann Arnado said.

Arnado noted that amnesty is part of the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement signed by government and the MILF in 2014.

The Annex on Normalization provides that in order to “facilitate the healing of the wounds of conflict and the return to normal life,” Government shall take “immediate steps through amnesty, pardon and other available processes towards the resolution of cases of persons charged with or convicted of crimes and offenses connected to the armed conflict in Mindanao.”

“By granting them blanket amnesty (for waging an armed revolution against the government), you remove the sword hanging over their heads that they can be arrested anytime. Amnesty is about forgiveness,” Arnado said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 24, 2023. According to the 1987 Constitution, Presidential proclamations granting amnesty require the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives. Malacanang Photo

In response, the NAC welcomed the recommendation of the BTA members on the extension of the application period but noted that the amnesty proclamations enumerated the specific crimes that are the subject of amnesty.

“Blanket amnesty… will obliterate criminal liabilities for crimes committed by private individuals with self-serving interests. Consequently, this will have an adverse impact on the nation’s quest for justice,” Armamento said.

Armamento and Commissioner Kulayan attended the Stakeholders’ Forum on the Bangsamoro Amnesty in the MILF’s Camp Darapanan, Maguindanao del Norte last Thursday, three days after Marcos’ SONA. The Commission touched base with MILF base commanders and BTA members.

According to the Proclamations, amnesty shall not be granted to those who have already been proscribed or those charged under RA 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007) or RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Amnesty, according to the Proclamations, “shall not cover kidnap for ransom massacre, rape, terrorism, and other rimes committcd against chastity .. crimes committed for personal ends, violation of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of the Geneva Convention of 1949, and those identified by the United Nations as crimes that can never be amnestied such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances and other gross violations of human rights.”

Before the NAC was constituted, the Action for Advancement and Development of Mindanao (AFADMin, Inc.), a Cotabato City-based Moro youth-led organization submitted to the MILF’s Peace Implementing Panel on October 4, 2022 in Cotabato City, a total of 523 application folders for amnesty, mostly from within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The applicants filled out forms “that contain validation from the chain of commands of the MILF. This is for purposes of making sure that only bona fide members can be granted under 1090,” the AFADMIN said.

The folders were turned over to the MILF Peace Implementing Panel “for further processing” and later for submission to the NAC. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2023/07/grant-of-amnesty-to-former-rebels-a-long-wait-from-duterte-to-marcos/

96 families flee as armed group burns tribal worship hall in Maguindanao Sur

From MindaNews (Jul 30, 2023): 96 families flee as armed group burns tribal worship hall in Maguindanao Sur (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (July 30) — At least 96 Teduray families in Sitio Nunagen, Barangay Blanting in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur fled their homes Wednesday night after armed men stormed their village and burned a tribal worship hall.

“Their tenines or Tribal Worship Hall was burned, the people left the area for fear of their lives,” Member of the Parliament Froilyn Mendoza, a Teduray who represents the Non-Moro Indigenous Groups in the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), said.

Displaced residents sought shelter in Barangay Biarong, South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur.

Some of the 96 Teduray families who fled their homes in Barangay Blanting in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur Wednesday night after armed men stormed their village and burned a tribal worship hall. They sought shelter in Barangay Biarong, South Upi in Maguindanao del Sur. Photo courtesy of MP Froilyn Mendoza

Mendoza, who also serves as women empowerment and tribal rights leader for the Teduray and Lambangian Indigenous Peoples said the reason behind the attack was that “the armed men don’t like the new installed leader in the area.”

MindaNews asked the provincial police command for details but it has not responded as of 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency on Disaster Incidence (READi) immediately sent food and relief assistance to the affected families. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/07/96-families-flee-as-armed-group-burns-tribal-worship-hall-in-maguindanao-sur/

Cadaver of slain top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao now with family

From MindaNews (Jul 31, 2023): Cadaver of slain top NPA leader in Northern Mindanao now with family (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Scene of encounter in the mountains of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Inset: Dionisio Micabalo alias “Muling.” Photo courtesy of EastMinCom

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 31 July) —Military and police officials handed over the remains of the slain top communist rebel leader, Dionisio Micabalo, to his family last Saturday in a small courtyard outside a funeral parlor in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Brigadier General Adonis Ariel Orio, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade, said the cadaver of Micabalo, alias “Muling,” was turned over to his siblings, Ronelo and Fely, who came to Gingoog City, along with officials from Dangcagan municipality in Bukidnon, to fetch his corpse.

Orio said the 61-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) leader hailed from Dangcagan town and his family wanted him to be buried there.

“There was no hassle. As soon as the PNP (Philippine National Police) and my soldiers ascertain their identities, his remains were turned over to the family,” Orio said.

Micabalo, who was secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, was killed during a brief firefight with soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City last July 27.

Colonel Christian Uy, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, said they have been tracking the movements of Micabalo after he transferred to Gingoog City from Mt. Pantaron range in Bukidnon, where the latter was previously based.

Orio said that with Micabalo gone, a young rebel leader named “Kumander Rida,” a former student from Cagayan de Oro City, is expected to become the next secretary general of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

During his second State of the Nation Address on July 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he will issue a proclamation granting amnesty to rebel returnees. He asked Congress for support on this matter.

But Marco Valbuena, Communist Party of the Philippines information officer, rejected the offer of Marcos, calling it “a treacherous offer of amnesty and surrender.” (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/07/cadaver-of-slain-top-npa-leader-in-northern-mindanao-now-with-family/

Police, DSWD, US Marines dispatch teams to assist storm-hit LGUs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2023): Police, DSWD, US Marines dispatch teams to assist storm-hit LGUs (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan and Anna Leah Gonzales)

NO MASSES FOR NOW. The Jesus in the Sepulchre Parish in Sto. Cristo, Guagua, Pampanga is still flooded on Sunday (July 30, 2023) following continuous rains for more than a week now. Tropical cyclones Egay, already outside the country, and Falcon both enhanced the southwest monsoon. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) started Sunday the mobilization of 11,000 of its personnel to assist local government units (LGUs) in responding to the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Falcon.

Police forces -- 2,000 cops and a 9,000-strong reactionary standby support team -- were instructed to coordinate with local officials for possible preemptive evacuation, rescue and relief operations in areas already affected or likely be hit by the tropical cyclone, according to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo.

“Nakahanda ang inyong pambansang pulisya. In fact, ‘yung ating mga regional director lalong lalo doon sa mga lugar na sinasalanta ng bagyo ay meron silang discretion na itaas ‘yung alarma ng alert level nila (The national police is on standby. In fact, our regional directors, especially in areas hit by typhoons, have the discretion to raise their alert level),” Fajardo said in a radio interview.

Falcon was spotted 1,170 km east of extreme Northern Luzon as of the 5 p.m. bulletin of state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

The southwest monsoon enhanced by Falcon will bring occasional to monsoon rains over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas in the next three days. It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility Monday night or Tuesday early morning.

Fajardo said the PNP also deployed 200 personnel to bring PHP2.3 million worth of relief goods to areas severely hit by Typhoon Egay.

Fajardo said they received reports that some police stations, mostly in the Ilocos and Cagayan regions, have damaged roofing, ceilings and signage, and broken glass windows.

"The PNP stands united with the Filipino people in facing the aftermath of Typhoon Egay. Our dedicated personnel are on the ground, ready to provide assistance and support to the affected communities. We are committed to ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of relief goods and aid to those who need it the most. Together, we will rise above this calamity and rebuild stronger and more resilient communities," PNP chief Gen Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in a statement.

Proper coordination

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian instructed all regional directors to intensify their coordination with LGUs severely affected by Egay in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa and Cordillera.

In an emergency meeting on Sunday, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of close coordination of the DSWD - Field Offices with the LGUs in ensuring that appropriate interventions are immediately implemented.

“Part of the success natin (our success) is because the national agencies and local government units are talking, are coordinating,” Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also ordered the regional directors to fast-track the preparations for the rollout of the Emergency Cash Transfer program in the municipality of Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro and northern provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Apayao, Mountain Province and Cagayan.

Allies

The Unites States (US) likewise stayed true to its commitment to help allied countries by sending members of its Marine Corps to deliver supplies and conduct cleanup operations in Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

In a news release, the US Embassy said troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces are taking part in ongoing relief operations in parts of Northern Luzon.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was also in Northern Luzon on Saturday to assess the damage, listen to the concerns of local officials and distribute assistance.

Marcos assured government responders are working to reach isolated areas to bring food and basic necessities, using all means to provide assistance to far-flung communities.

In its latest bulletin Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said 16 people were reportedly killed, 16 were injured and 291,262 families were affected due to the combined effects of Egay and the southwest monsoon.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206757

AFP chief says security ops continue amid Egay relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): AFP chief says security ops continue amid Egay relief efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said internal security operations against the remaining New People's Army (NPA) insurgents continue while military troops are engaged in humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) missions for communities severely affected by Typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon.

"Bagamat tumutulong po tayo yung tinatawag po natin na HADR, with all the core competencies ng AFP, pero hindi po natin pinababayaan ang seguridad ng ating bayan, unang una po in terms of internal security, tuloy tuloy ang ating operations lalong lalo laban sa mga communist terrorists dahil po yung mga nakaraang kalamidad nakita natin na they take advantage itong situation na ganito (While we are helping with HADR, with all the core competencies of the AFP, we are not neglecting the security of our country, especially in terms of internal security. Our operations, especially those aimed at communist terrorists, as these groups, during past calamities are shown to take advantage of these times," he added in a radio interview Sunday.

Brawner was referring to past incidents where AFP units or troops were ambushed by NPA insurgents while conducting HADR missions as the rebels attempt to snatch away relief goods from government troops.

PAF holds relief ops in Ilocos Norte

As this developed, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) deployed two S-70i "Black Hawk" combat utility helicopters to deliver food packs, medicines and other essential items to the municipalities of Adams and Vintar in Ilocos Norte last July 28.

"The mission was accomplished through the efforts of the PAF's Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon (TOWNOL), Tactical Operations Group 1 (TOG 1), along with several personnel from 4th Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps and local Government Agencies of Ilocos Norte," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement Sunday.

On July 29, Castillo said TOG 1 in cooperation with the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Logistics Cluster, transported the second batch of food and non-food items, which included shelter repair kits, family food packs, hygiene kits, and water filtration units for affected communities in Abra.

She added that these items were facilitated by the Office of Civil Defense - Cordillera Administrative Region and delivered to the affected communities in the province.

PH Navy dispatches rescue teams to Northern Luzon

As this developed, the Philippine Navy (PN), through the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), deployed 27 disaster response and rescue teams (DRRTs) from July 24 to 28 to help affected communities in Northern Luzon.

Navy spokesperson Captain Benjo Negranza said four of these DRRTs came from Naval Station Ernesto Ogbinar, 17 from the 4th Marine Brigade, one from Naval Base Camilo Osias, and five from Naval Reserve Units in Northern Luzon.

These units were deployed to the NFNL'S area of responsibility in different municipalities and barangays of Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur.

These DRRTs were able to evacuate more or less 140 civilians in Gonzaga and Mira Cagayan on July 25; and rescued more than 50 families in Vigan City, Bantay Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, and delivered 6,500 boxes of relief goods in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on July 27.

As of July 28, these DRRTs are actively engaged in search and rescue operations in the flood-stricken areas of Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and Abra.

"Furthermore, the Navy has provided assistance in lifting an overturned vehicle in Vigan, and transportation of relief goods to Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. Moreover, the NFNL and the 4th Marine Brigade's rescue teams, in coordination with local government units, have delivered relief goods to residents in Laoag, Ilocos Norte," Negranza said.

Also, NFNL rescue teams have been involved in repackaging and distributing relief goods in Vigan City, particularly at Gazebo, Bulala.

"Further coordination i(s) being made with the local government for the packing of relief goods to be distributed to affected households," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206770

2 NPA rebels slain in encounter with gov’t troops in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2023): 2 NPA rebels slain in encounter with gov’t troops in Iloilo (By Perla Lena)

ENCOUNTER. Two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army were killed in a five-minute encounter with the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion in Leon, Iloilo on Saturday (July 29, 2023). The clash happened after government troops responded to information from locals about their presence in the area. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 61IB)

ILOILO CITY – A five-minute encounter with the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) led to the death of two regular members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Sitio Pagas, Barangay Ayabang in Leon town, Iloilo province on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Arturo Balgos Jr., 61IB commander, said in an interview on Sunday that the fatalities were identified as “alias Blue,” a squad team leader, and “alias Hope” of the Front Taxation Implementing Group of the CPP-NPA's Southern Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay.

The clash happened after government troops responded to a tip from residents about their presence in the area.

Balgos said they reached out to the families of Hope and Blue with the help of local government unit officials of Miagao and Igbaras, respectively.

The 61IB also provided financial assistance to their families, but Balgos did not disclose the amount.

“The encounter site is a forested area, a boundary of Barangay Tagsing and Ayabang. The civilians informed us because they don’t want the presence of the armed group in the area,” he said.

Recovered from the site of the encounter were one M16 rifle, two shotguns, one caliber .45 pistol, war materiel and extortion letters.

Balgos expressed his condolences to the bereaved families as he called on their remaining members to give up and return to the government.

Maj. Gen. Marion R. Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, also urged the remaining members of the local terrorist group to “give peace a chance and give up the senseless armed struggles.”

“The government is very much ready to accept you to the mainstream society. Programs of the government await you for your new beginning and for a normal life together with your family,” Sison said in a press statement released Saturday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206752

Surigao villagers traumatized by clash receive psychological aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2023): Surigao villagers traumatized by clash receive psychological aid (By Alexander Lopez)

INTERVENTION. The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region conducts psychological first aid sessions on July 28 and 29, 2023 for 83 families who were forced to abandon their homes following a skirmish between government forces and New People’s Army insurgents on July 24 in Barangay Bigaan, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. The evacuees were provided with non-food items before they returned home on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-13)

BUTUAN CITY – Families affected by a clash between soldiers and insurgents in a far-flung village in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur were given psychological first aid (PFA) by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13).

The series of PFA activities were conducted on Friday and Saturday following an armed encounter in Barangay Bigaan between government forces and the communist New People’s Army rebels on July 24.

At least 83 families from Sitios Almaria and Urabangon abandoned their homes and evacuated to a school building after the skirmish.

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) returned to their homes on Saturday.

“The FPA is a psychological support provided to individuals who have experienced a traumatic incident, such as armed conflict, that aims to reduce their stress and promote resiliency,” the agency said in a statement.

On the second day of the intervention, the DSWD-13 also distributed 83 sleeping kits, 83 hygiene kits, 249 pieces of malong (wraparound cloth) and 249 blankets to the affected residents.

Earlier interventions were also provided by the local government unit (LGU) of Hinatuan through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

In a separate statement on Sunday, the LGU thanked the DSWD-13 and the other support groups for the interventions done for the IDPs in Barangay Bigaan.

The LGU also checked the conditions of all the affected residents before they were allowed to return home.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206746

CPP/Ang Bayan: 501st Inf Bde pesters the people of Cagayan

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): 501st Inf Bde pesters the people of Cagayan

 

This article is available in Pilipino

July 21, 2023

The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Cagayan recently refuted the 501st IBde’s claims of “victory” against the revolutionary movement in the region in the first half of 2023. They said the trophies boasted of by the brigade only brought widespread harm to the people. These were won through violence, an iron-fist policy and sowing of terror and fear among the peasant masses and minorities in the countryside.

The latest of these grave human rights violations include the brigade’s spearheading of focused military operations from February to May this year. At the drumbeat of the 5th ID and Task Force Tala, it laid siege on East Cagayan using 2,000 combined military, paramilitary and police forces.

The declared aim of the operation was to “completely decimate” the “remaining Red fighters” in the province in the first half of the year. This is part of the wishful thinking of the rotten state to crush the revolutionary movement, as well their security support for Balikatan 2023, the biggest war exercises launched during the first quarter of the year. This is also part of the US strategy to turn Northeast Luzon into a launching pad for war and draw the country to its war preparations against China. This will certainly bring double suffering for the people of Cagayan, who are likely the first to bear China’s reprisal.

Military forces were mainly deployed to Baggao where people are carrying out militant actions against usury, as well as in the foothills of Northeast Cagayan where a US radar base was said to be established under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The battalions of the 501st IBde were used to sow terror in the towns of Lal-lo, Buguey, Sta. Teresita, Gonzaga and Sta. Ana.

In three months, at least 30 bombs, rockets and artillery shells were released near communities and farms. This resulted in the destruction of people’s livelihood and caused fear especially among children and elderly who since had trouble sleeping due to trauma.

Within this same period, the 501st IBde and Provincial Task Force-Elcac in Cagayan declared the “surrender” of 21 people along with alleged weapons. NDF-Cagayan refuted the claim and said that of the 21 who “surrendered”, five were declared captured, five were recycled or have long left the people’s army but are still being paraded repeatedly. Others were hunted despite having long left the army and should be considered civilians under international humanitarian laws. Majority of them suffered from threats and intimidation, while others were outrightly deceived, to force their “surrender” despite being no longer part of the people’s army.

In April 2022, elements of the brigade summarily killed Saturnino Agunoy (Ka Peping) and two medics Augusto Gayagas (Ka Val) and Mark Canta (Ka Uno) along the road in Piat, Cagayan. The three were unarmed and in no position to fight, especially the two senior citizens, Agunoy and Gayagas.
From where did the 501st IBde originate?

The reconstituted 501st IBde was deployed to Cagayan and adjacent Apayao in October 2020 after six months of training. According to the 5th ID, the brigade’s mother division, the main objective of reactivating the brigade is to “relate with local governments and agencies in the two provinces working with the National Task Force-Elcac and ending the insurgency.” The brigade’s headquarters is located in Lal-lo, Cagayan, which is among the US’ “EDCA locations.”

Under the brigade is the 17th IB and 77th IB, which served as combat forces in Mindanao. BGen. Ferdinand Melchor C. dela Cruz currently serves as its commander. He was appointed to the post on February 23 and on July 3 was promoted along with 15 other generals. Dela Cruz is part of the Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992 and previously served in the 5th ID as its intelligence officer.

[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-pesters-the-people-of-cagayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: US provides Ukraine prohibited cluster bombs

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): US provides Ukraine prohibited cluster bombs

 

This article is available in Pilipino

July 21, 2023

At least 11 countries have expressed concern over the US’ move to use cluster bombs in its proxy war in Ukraine against Russia. Among them are Laos and Cambodia, and US-allied countries such as Belgium, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Cluster bombs were sent to Ukraine as its army is running out of ammunition in a “counter-offensive” against Russia.

The use of cluster bombs violates international humanitarian law because it is a type of weapon that is indiscriminate and harmful to civilians. A cluster bomb is a bomb that contains many smaller bombs or bomblets. It is launched from the ground or the air and explodes mid-air. It releases dozens or hundreds of bomblets that fall over a wide area.

Not all bomblets detonate upon contact with the ground and instead are buried and explode when hit or stepped on. According to studies, up to 40% of the bomblet content of cluster bombs do not explode when deployed. This was the experience of countries where cluster bombs were used, such as Laos, where the US dropped more than 20 million tons of cluster munitions in the 1970s and where 30% of the bomblets did not explode. An estimated 20,000 civilians, half of them children, were killed or injured by buried bomblets since 1975.

With the harm it causes to civilians, more than 120 countries signed an agreement in 2008 to ban the production and use of cluster bombs. Apart from China and Russia, the US also did not sign. The country remains the largest military power that continue to manufacture and use such weapons.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, National Democratic Front of the Philippines, as well as other democratic and pro-peace organizations in the country, strongly condemned the provision and use of cluster bombs by the US in Ukraine. This will prolong and intensify the proxy war at the expense of civilians.

As expected, the puppet Armed Forces of the Philippines is silent on this matter. It runs contrary to their baseless complaints against the New People’s Army’s use of command-detonated explosives which is not prohibited by the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention or the 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-provides-ukraine-prohibited-cluster-bombs/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces illegally arrest three

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): State forces illegally arrest three

This article is available in Pilipino

July 21, 2023

Three individuals were arrested by state forces on fabricated charges on July 12 in Quezon and Romblon provinces. Meanwhile, cases of harassment against peasant associations and local media were recorded in Negros and Leyte in the past week.

Two activists were arrested by the 85th IB on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives on July 12 while conducting community research in Atimonan, Quezon. Health worker Miguela Peniero and youth volunteer Rowena Dasig were arrested in Purok Banaba, Barangay Caridad Ibaba.

The two were in the community to investigate the impact of the planned cycle gas turbine power project and liquefied natural gas terminal plant in the area. Locals fear that the project, to be built by Atimonan One Energy, Inc. (A1E), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corp, will severely affect coconut farmers and fishermen in Atimonan town.

Fabert Reyes was arrested on July 12 in Barangay Poblacion, Sibuyan Island, Romblon on 19 charges of libel. Reyes strongly opposes mining in Sibuyan Island.

Harassment. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reported last July 14 that three journalists were harassed by police in Barangay Jones, Pastrana, Leyte. Lito Bagunas, Noel Sianosa and Ted Tomas were reporting on a case of land grabbing in the area when police officer Rhea Mae Baleos drove them away. While they were being forced to leave, the three heard gunshots.

In Negros Occidental, six associations of farmers, farm workers and fishermen in four barangays of Cauayan town reported intimidation and harassment by 15th IB and 47th IB soldiers since July 10. The soldiers ordered the leaders and members of the associations to gather for a “meeting.”

The associations are based in the barangays of Toyum, Caliling, Man-uling and Guiljungan. Soldiers went from house to house and interrogated residents, particularly the associations’ leaders.

Physical assault. A series of mauling cases were recorded in Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on July 6. The 62nd IB accused them of links with the people’s army.

Soldiers mauled Edward Sandot, Budok Sandot, Christopher Sandot, Joselito Patulada and Roberto Francisco who come from different sitios in the said 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/state-forces-illegally-arrest-three/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 6 individuals arbitrarily designated as “terrorists”

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): 6 individuals arbitrarily designated as “terrorists”

 

This article is available in Pilipino

July 21, 2023

Various organizations staged protests on July 11 at the Commission on Human Rights to condemn the Anti-Terrorism Council’s (ATC) arbitrary designation of six individuals as “terrorists” under the Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL). They demanded the repeal of the draconian law.

The six are Windel Bolinget, Sarah Abellon-Alikes, Jen Awingan, and Steve Tauli, all leaders of the Cordillera People’s Alliance, and Jovencio Tangbawan and May Vargas-Casilao. The designation was made public on July 10.

The four CPA leaders were part of the so-called “Northern Luzon 7” who were acquitted last May on fabricated charges of rebellion filed against them in January.

In the ATC’s resolution, the Anti-Money Laundering Council was tasked to investigate and freeze the bank accounts and assets of the accused. The six are in addition to 61 previously designated as “terrorist individuals” by the 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-individuals-arbitrarily-designated-as-terrorists/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA mounts harrassment and demolition operations

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): NPA mounts harrassment and demolition operations

 

This article is available in Pilipino

July 21, 2023

The New People’s Army (NPA) units launched a series of harassment and demolition operations during the past two weeks.

In Barangay Das-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur on June 27, Red fighters opened fire on the 41st Division Reconnaissance Company’s operating troops at approximately 4:30 p.m. One soldier was killed in the said operation.

The NPA-Sorsogon drove away soldiers encamped for three weeks in the evacuation center and chapel of Barangay Calpi, Bulan, Sorsogon after firing shots at soldiers on July 6 at around 8:30 p.m. The soldiers scampered in fear and took cover in nearby houses. They used civilians as shields and fired indiscriminately in all directions. Another NPA unit followed this harassment operation by detonating an explosive at the fence of the 22nd IB camp in Barangay Calmayon, Juban on July 10.

A CAFGU element was killed when shot by the NPA-North Central Mindanao in Barangay Lawaan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on July 7. A .45 calibre pistol was seized from him.

[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/npa-mounts-harrassment-and-demolition-operations/

CPP/Ang Bayan: US military audacity under the Marcos puppet regime

Propaganda editorial from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 21, 2023): US military audacity under the Marcos puppet regime

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

July 21, 2023

The brazen presence of thousands of American troops, along with their giant warships, jet fighters, cannons and all sorts of weapons all puts a spotlight onto the absence of genuine Philippine independence and how it is treated with contempt as a mere large US military base.

While in the Philippines, American soldiers enjoy extraterritorial and special privileges, much more than ordinary Filipinos. These were given them under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), unequal military agreements that favor the US.

Under the EDCA, the US was provided extensive “agreed locations” inside military camps of the AFP, for its exclusive use as military facilities and bases. The US uses these as docks, airports, fuel storage, personnel accommodation, storage of weapons, vehicles and other war matériel. The US is allowed to use these locations “without rental or similar costs.”

The US military exercises absolute control over these locations until these are “no longer required by the United States,” meaning as long as it wants and deems necessary to use these locations. The Philippine government has no sovereignty or authority over these US military bases and facilities. These cannot be subjected to inspection unless under procedures approved (or agreed upon) by the US.

The US is also granted the right to use at any time public land and facilities such as roads, ports and airfields, particularly when moving or deploying equipment. Contrary to Philippine laws, the US is also given the right to establish its own telecommunications system and use “all the necessary radio spectrum” for free, a right Filipinos do not enjoy. In addition, the EDCA gives the US the privilege to use water, electricity and other utilities at rates similar to the Philippine government, which is below the fees paid for by ordinary Filipinos.

The agreement does not oblige the US to pay for damages to the environment that may be caused by the disposal of toxic or dangerous materials. It will be recalled that at the end of 1992, the US left the Clark Air Base and the Subic Naval Base without cleaning up their toxic waste which poisoned the ground water, sea water and marine resources.

While in the Philippines, American soldiers enjoy a special legal status. By default, they are not covered by Philippine criminal or civil laws at a time while stationed in the country. For the last 25 years, American soldiers involved in crimes (murder, rape, beatings, shooting and so on) have not been arrested, charged or made to face the courts, but were quickly sent home. Even in highly-publicized Subic Rape Case and the killing of Jennifer Laude, American soldiers who were found guilty were given the slip and returned to the US.

This 2023, at least 500 war games—military exercises in preparation for war—will be held by the US in the Philippines. This means every day throughout the year, American soldiers are in the Philippines to stir up and provoke war. These include the Balikatan exercises last April, the largest ever which saw 12,600 American troops swarmed the northern part of Luzon to display war prowess before China. All over, the US flies their jets fighters and helicopters, sails their carriers, and launch missiles and bombs that destroy the peace and environment. “Joint exercises” are being held to ensure the US will have operational control (which the US terms “interoperability”) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the event of a war. The US pushes the AFPs “modernization” to induce it to spend tens of billion pesos to buy surplus, second-hand or previous generation weapons.

While trampling and lording over Philippine land, air and waters, the large presence of American soldiers is falsely depicted as indicator of US “iron-clad commitment” to the Philippines. American claims of defending the Philippines against the giant China is a tall tale. What the US, in fact, defends is its self-interest, the same self-interest that motivated it to annex the Philippines for half a century, and rule it as a semicolony since 1946 with puppet bureaucrats.

The military presence of the US in the Philippines is part of its strategy to surround its imperialist rival China and contain its further military and economic growth. The US relentlessly expands its military forces from East Asia, Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands, even in India, while goading and arm-twisting its military allies (including Japan, Australia, to the United Kingdom) to join naval operations in South China Sea on the pretext of “freedom of navigation.” Under US geopolitical and military strategy, the Philippines is an important outpost because of its proximity to China. To China, the presence of US military forces in the Philippines is considered a threat to its security and will surely be targets of armed reprisals once the US uses the country to launch a war against China.

Allowing increased military presence in the Philippines was used by the US Biden government as condition for extending more loans, investment as well as military assistance desperately sought for by the Marcos regime in past two visits to the US. In exchange for explicit surrender of territory to the US and allowing it to use the country as a military base and launching pad, the World Bank last June approved four loan packages amounting to $1.14 billion, to bridge the Marcos regime’s massive budget deficit. These loans are now used to push economic policies that further expand the interests of foreign capitalists and their bourgeois comprador and landlord partners, at the expense of the livelihood of the toiling masses and the average Filipinos.

The Marcos puppet regime is further downgrading the Philippines status as a US semicolony without genuine independence. More than 125 years of US control and domination is the fundamental reason why the Philippines is mired in crisis, remains backward, agrarian, non-industrialized, and cannot stand on its own feet. The US is further tightening its political, economic, military and cultural grip to advance its interests in the Philippines and throughout Asia.

The Filipino people should fight for the abrogation of the EDCA, the VFA, the Mutual Defense Treaty and all other unequal military agreements with the US. The Philippines has no real sovereignty as long as its dominated by US military power. The people must struggle to liberate the Philippines from US control and develop the country’s capability to defend itself. This can only be achieved if the Philippines enjoys full economic and political sovereignty and genuine 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/us-military-audacity-under-the-marcos-puppet-regime/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Tugon ng LDGC-NPA-Mindoro sa SONA ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos II//Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan ang tanging solusyon sa paglutas ng ugat ng kahirapan at armadong tunggalian

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 28, 2023): Tugon ng LDGC-NPA-Mindoro sa SONA ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos II//Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan ang tanging solusyon sa paglutas ng ugat ng kahirapan at armadong tunggalian (LDGC-NPA-Mindoro's response to the SONA of the illegitimate US-Marcos II regime //The People's Democratic Revolution is the only solution to solving the root of poverty and armed conflict)

 


Madaay Gasic

Spokesperson

NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command)

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

July 28, 2023

Pawang buladas lamang ang binanggit ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos II na mga “tagumpay” sa kanyang ikalawang SONA. Tulad ng inaasahan, puros kahibangan at delusyon lang ang sinambit ng rehimen kaugnay sa tunay na kalagayan ng bansa. Bilang beteranong salamangkero, lumikha ito ng ilusyon na sa isang taon, naihatid ng kanyang rehimen ang pagbabago at kaunlaran ng kabuhayan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Sa totoong buhay ang kanyang pamilya at mga kroni lamang ang tumatag at bumuti ang kabuhayan habang wala itong dinalang pakinabang sa mamamayang naghihirap. Pinatunayan lamang ng ikalawang SONA na hindi dapat bitawan ng sambayanan at mamamayang Mindoreño ang landas ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon na may sosyalistang perspektiba.

Lalo pa itong nasasalamin sa proklamasyon ng pasistang rehimen na magbibigay ito ng amnestiya sa mga miyembro ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan, lalo na sa mga kasapi ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) at Barangay Development Program (BDP). Matagal nang lantad sa mamamayang Mindoreño ang tunay na mukha ng mga huwad na programang ito ng pagpapasuko ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Taliwas sa sinasabi ng delusyonal na rehimeng US-Marcos II, kinasusuklaman ng mga Mindoreño ang Focused Military Operations (FMO) at Retooled Community Support Program Operations (RCSPO) na walang ibang ginawa kundi perwisyo sa kanilang buhay at kabuhayan. Wala nang maloloko ang buhong na rehimen sa tagumpay ng ECLIP at BDP bilang tugon sa ugat ng kahirapan. Nangangarap nang gising ang rehimen na maaakit ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayan sa binabalandra nitong inasukalang kampanya ng malupit na pagsupil gamit ang ECLIP at BDP ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Hindi malilimutan ng mamamayang Mindoreño kung paano sila dinahas, ginipit, hinamlet, tinortyur, sapilitang pinapirma sa pagsuko at pinagkakitaan ng mga burukrata, sundalo at pulis ang RCSPO-ECLIP-BDP. Mula taong 2019 hanggang sa kasalukuyan, hindi bababa sa 40,348 mamamayan ang naging biktima ng mala-Martial Law na paniniil na ginagawa ng berdugong AFP-PNP-MIMAROPA sa mga pamayanang nilulunsaran ng RCSPO. Hindi bababa sa 7,000 ang nabiktima ng pekeng pagpapasuko sa ilalim ng nasabing programa, kalakhan sa kanila ay mga sibilyan na walang kinalaman o ugnayan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Garapalang ginamit ang ECLIP at BDP na palabigasan ng mga matataas na opisyales ng AFP-PNP, RTF-ELCAC, at maging ng mga katuwang nitong relihiyosong organisasyon tulad ng Seventh Day Adventist (SDA). Ang ipinangangalandakang ₱15,000 na ayuda at ₱65,000 tulong pangkabuhayan sa ilalim ng ECLIP sa mga ibinalandrang “sumukong miyembro ng BHB” ay showcase lamang sa ilang pekeng napasuko upang makahimok ng iba pa. Tanging ilang pirasong sardinas, ilang salop na bigas, isang kahang tabako, at ilang pirasong noodles lang ang natanggap ng karamihan ng mga biktima. Ganito rin ang sinapit ng mga ipinagmamalaking BDP na ang konkretong proyektong naipatupad ay ilang maliliit na multi-purpose na kubo, kasilyas, ilang pansamantalang maiikling tulay at kalsada, palaro, pasayaw, mga proyektong pakitang-gilas lamang para masabing matagumpay ang mga nailunsad na BDP sa mga pamayanang tinarget paunlarin ng RCSPO. Hindi na nga nasapatan sa panggugulang, ginamit pa ng mga pulis at sundalo ang ECLIP para patuloy na gipitin ang mga nabiktima. Inoobliga silang magpabalik-balik sa kampo para mag-ulat kung may nakitang NPA gayong malaking abala na ito sa kanilang kabuhayan at pamumuhay.

Saanman ipakat ang yunit ng militar at pulis sa operasyong RCSP, ligalig ang hatid sa mamamayan. Pinakahuling naitalang karahasan at panunupil sa ilalim ng RCSPO ang Sityo Kilapnit, Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. Sa kasagsagan ng operasyon ng mga pulis at sundalo, dinukot, binugbog, tinortyur at iligal na bininbin si G. Pedro Ambad, isang Hanunuo-Mangyan sa kanyang bukid. Piniringan, binusalan, at kinaladkad sa isang lugar ng mga elemento ng 4th IB, Philippine Army ang biktima bago walang habas na binugbog. Paulit-ulit itong tinanong kung nasaan ang mga pinatagong armas ng NPA sa kanilang lugar. Bali ang tadyang ni G. Ambad resulta nito. Inalpasan lamang ang biktima matapos ang 12 oras ng tortyur.

Samantala, iligal namang pinasok ang bahay at pinagtangkaang dukutin si G. Admiraw Ambad noong gabi ng Hulyo 16. Nagkataon lamang na wala siya sa kanyang pamamahay nang mangyari ang insidente. Dahil sa takot at tumitinding represyon sa sityo ng RCSPO tim, lumikas ang hindi bababa sa limang pamilya dahil sa banta sa kanilang seguridad. Naantala na ang kabuhayan at pag-aaral ng mga bata dahil dito, dagdag pa ang pangamba dahil sa karahasan ng mga pulis at sundalo.

Ginamit ng mga nakakampong sundalo ang pagpapalinis ng pangalan at pagpapasuko sa mga pinaghihinalaan nilang “tumutulong sa NPA”, bilang rekisito upang mabenepisyuhan ng ECLIP at BDP. Ito ang paraan ng panggigipit sa mga residente ng Sityo Kilapnit. Ito rin ang kairalan sa iba pang mga pamayanan na tinatakan ng rehimen na “focus barangay” sa ilalim ng RCSPO. Isang mapait na biro sa hanay ng mga residente na kailangan pala nilang maging NPA muna para makakuha ng ayuda sa gobyerno. Patunay lamang na malaking kasinungalingan ang pinangangalandakan ni Marcos na tinutugunan ng ECLIP at BDP ang pangangailangan ng mamamayan!

Pinatutunayan lang nito na madilim ang tunay na kalagayan ng bansa hangga’t nananatiling nakaupo sa estado poder ang mga naghaharing-uring kumakatawan sa mga panginoong maylupa, burgesya kumprador at malalaking burukrata na ngayon ay pinangungunahan ng kawatan, pahirap, pasista at papet na rehimeng US-Marcos II. Nananatiling wasto ang pagsusulong ng mamamayang Mindoreño ng rebolusyon. Pagtangkaan man ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos II na apulahin ang rebolusyonaryong diwa sa isla sa pamamagitan ng proklamasyon ng amnestiya, paulit-ulit itong mabibigo sa kanyang hibang na pangarap. Sing-aga pa lang ng dekada 1980, niyakap na ng mamamayan ang DRB at armadong pakikibaka upang lumahok sa digmang mapagpalaya.

Matagal nang batid ng rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa isla na hindi amnestiya ng gubyerno, ECLIP, at BDP ang magwawakas sa ugat ng armadong tunggalian. Hindi matutumbasan ng mga huwad na programang ito ang ginhawa ng tunay na paglaya ng mamamayang naghihirap sa tanikala ng pang-aapi at pagsasamantala, na siyang makakamit lamang sa tagumpay ng Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan (DRB). Lulutasin ng DRB ang matagal nang problema sa kawalan ng lupa ng mamamayan, at hahawanin ang daan upang makaalpas ang bansa sa kolonyal na paghahari ng imperyalismong US, ang amo ng tutang rehimeng Marcos II.

Sa ganitong diwa, patuloy na maglulunsad ang mga Mindoreño ng makatarungan at makauring digma at lalahok sa armadong pakikibakang nilulunsad ng BHB sa gabay ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas. Tuloy ang rebolusyon hanggang makamit ang pagkapatas at opensiba, at hanggang sa ganap na tagumpay at paglaya ng aping uri!

Mamamayang Mindoreño, mag-armas! Sumapi sa BHB!
Makatarungan ang magrebolusyon!
Digmang bayan, sagot ng mamamayan sa pasistang estado!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan-ang-tanging-solusyon-sa-paglutas-ng-ugat-ng-kahirapan-at-armadong-tunggalian/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: Walang NPA sa TK na tatanggap sa amnestiyang alok ni Marcos Jr

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 28, 2023): Walang NPA sa TK na tatanggap sa amnestiyang alok ni Marcos Jr (No NPA in TK will accept Marcos Jr.'s amnesty offer)

 


Armando Cienfuego

Spokesperson

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

July 28, 2023

Nangangarap nang gising ang ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte na papatulan ng mga yunit ng NPA ang alok nitong amnestiya. Binanggit ito ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa ikalawa niyang State of the Nation Address (SONA) noong Hulyo 24.

Walang kasapi ng NPA-ST na tatanggap sa alok na amnestiya at titigil sa pagrerebolusyon. Mahigpit ang hawak ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa disiplinang bakal ng NPA at marubdob na naniniwala sa kawastuhan ng rebolusyon. Ang mga buhay ng bawat Pulang mandirigma ay laan sa malawak na hanay ng mamamayan, hindi sa kapritso ng iilang naghaharing-uri. Handa ang mga NPA na magsakripisyo, buhay man ay ialay upang isulong ang digmang bayan hanggang tagumpay.

Sinasalaula ng rehimeng US-Marcos II ang dakilang rebolusyonaryong simulain ng NPA. Isinusulong nito ang demokratikong interes ng lahat ng uring inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan at ang pambansang kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng digmang bayan. Ang pagkamakatarungan ng digmang ito ay kinilala, hindi lang sa bansa kundi sa buong daigdig. Nakamit nito ang status of belligerency kung saan kinilala bilang kapantay na pwersang katunggali ng reaksyunaryong estado sa nagaganap na digmang sibil sa Pilipinas. Kabaligtaran nito ang di-makatarungan, para sa iilan at dayuhan na gerang kontra-mamamayan ng naghaharing estadong pinamumunuan ngayon ng papet na si Marcos Jr sa direksyon ng imperyalismong US.

Ipokrito rin ang rehimeng US-Marcos II sa pag-aalok ng amnestiya habang walang habas ang militarisasyon sa kanayunan. Walang awang tinatarget ng pinaka-brutal na tipo ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao ang mga mandirigma, laluna ang mga tukoy na kadre at yunit ng NPA at walang pakundangang idinadamay ang mga sibilyan.

Malinaw na parte lamang ang “paggawad ng amnestiya” ni Marcos Jr. ng kampanyang pagpapasuko sa rebolusyonaryong mamamayan. Katulad ng inaalok na lokalisadong peace talks, inasukalang bala ito na naglalayong wasakin ang armadong paglaban ng bayan. Isa itong anyo ng saywar para linlangin ang masa at bigyan ng dagdag hangin ang bigong kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera.

Sa kabilang banda, pinatutunayan ng pag-alok ni Marcos Jr ng amnestiya sa NPA na natatakot ito sa kapangyarihan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na nananatili at tumatatag sa gitna ng papalalang krisis ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na estado. Hibang na hinahangad ng reaksyunaryong estado at imperyalismo na lagutin ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino. Patuloy pang susulong at lalakas ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon hangga’t hindi napapawi ang imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata kapitalismo.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/walang-npa-sa-tk-na-tatanggap-sa-amnestiyang-alok-ni-marcos-jr/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Inhustisya sa Southeast Negros, gapadayon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 28, 2023): Inhustisya sa Southeast Negros, gapadayon (Injustice in Southeast Negros, will continue)

 


Estrella Banagbanag

Spokesperson

NPA-Southeast Negros (Rachelle Mae Palang Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

July 28, 2023

Sobra na usa ka tuig human sa brutal nga pagpatay kang Crisanto Lagradilla niadtong July 1, 2022. Mahinumdoman nga gipatay siya bisan klaro nga sibilyan ug dili armado, ug igo rang niabot sa lugar para motabang og pananggi aron adunay makaon ang pamilya. Nangaliyupo siya sa berdugong batalyon sa 11th IB pero igo rang giingnan nga, “Gulang na ka ‘Tay, wala na kay pulos,” usa gipatay. Biktima usab si Lagradilla sa istraping sa 11th IB pila ka bulan usa siya gipatay.

Sukad sa panghitabo, gadugang lang ang mga krimen sa estado ug sa iyang armadong mga tropa kontra sa katawhan, bisan sa mga gagmayng bata ug mga tigulang nga walay ikasukol sama ni Labradilla. Sa taho sa RMPC-NPA, dili moubos sa usa ka kaso sa pagpatay, tulo ka kaso sa peke nga engkwentro, 10 ka kaso sa pugos ug peke nga pagpasurender, ug duha ka kaso sa iligal nga detensyon, wala pay labot ang kuyanap nga pagpanghulga ug paghimo sa mga tawo isip ahente paniktik sa AFP sa tunga sa walay hunong nga operasyon militar sa mga lungsod sa Santa Catalina, Siaton, Pamplona, Valencia, Sibulan, ug lungsod sa Bayawan.

Nahitabo usab ang brutal nga Pamplona massacre niadtong Marso 4 sa diin ang mga imbolbado kasagaran anaa sa han-ay sa militar ug pulis.

Padayon nga gapanawagan ang katawhan sa sidlakan sa sur sa Negros og hustisya, ug amgo sila nga dili gyud kini maangkon ubos sa kasamtangang alang-alang kolonyal ug alang-alang pyudal nga sistema. Taliwala sa balik-balik nga deklarasyon nga “dismantled” na ang larangang gerilya sa Southeast Negros, nagbaga-baga gihapon ang rebolusyonaryong diwang masuklanon sa katawhan. Padayo nilang paasdangon ang gubat sa katawhan pinaagi sa pagsalmot ug pagsuporta sa ilahang tinuod nga sundalo—ang Bag-ong Hukbong Bayan, nga dili basta-basta malutos, ug gani padayon nga mulambo sa tunga sa kalisod ug kabrutal sa reaksyunaryong estado.

Dili mapukan ang rebolusyonaryong kalihukan sa tibuok Negros hangtod nagpabilin ang pagpahimulos ug pagpanglupig. Katawhan linupigan sa Southeast Negros, sulong hangtod sa kadaugan! ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/inhustisya-sa-southeast-negros-gapadayon/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Lumalalang impyunidad sa ilalim ng ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte: DOJ, walang balak parusahan ang mga maysala sa Bloody Sunday Massacre

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 28, 2023): Lumalalang impyunidad sa ilalim ng ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte: DOJ, walang balak parusahan ang mga maysala sa Bloody Sunday Massacre (Worsening impunity under the illegitimate Marcos-Duterte regime: DOJ, has no intention of punishing the perpetrators of the Bloody Sunday Massacre)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

July 28, 2023

Napakalupit ng Department of Justice (DOJ) sa ilalim ng kalihim nitong si Jesus Crispin Remulla sa paulit-ulit na pag-abswelto sa mga mamamatay-taong pulis ng Bloody Sunday Massacre. Kamakailan, isinapubliko ng panel of prosecutors nito ang pasyang pagbasura sa apela ng mga kaanak nina Ariel at Chai Evangelista na pinatay noong Bloody Sunday, at kung gayon, tinindigan ang hatol noong Marso na iabswelto ang 17 pulis na salarin. Inapirma at pinirmahan ang resolusyon nina Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon at Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento.

Naganap ang Bloody Sunday Massacre sa ilalim ng COPLAN ASVAL ng nagdaang rehimeng US-Duterte kung saan pinaslang dito ng AFP-PNP ang siyam na aktibista at dinakip ang anim na iba pa sa Cavite, Laguna, Batangas at Rizal noong Marso 7, 2021. Biktima ng madugong crackdown sina Emmanuel Asuncion ng BAYAN-Cavite; mag-asawang Evangelista ng UMALPAS KA sa Batangas; Greg Dasigao, Mark Bacasno, Abner at Edward Mendoza ng SIKKAD K3 sa Rizal; at mga Dumagat na sina Puroy at Randy dela Cruz sa Rizal. Mismong ang National Bureau of Investigation ang nagsabing may malinaw na intensyong pumatay (deliberate intent to kill) ang mga pulis kaya murder ang isinampang kaso. Subalit ipinawalang-sala ng DOJ ang mga pulis na pumatay kay Asuncion noong Enero at sa mag-asawang Evangelista nitong Marso sa kung anu-anong mga palusot dahilan upang maghain ng apela ang mga kaanak.

Ibinasura ng DOJ ang apela sa baluktot na dahilang “bigo ang mga umapela na tukuyin kung sino ang pumatay”. Pinalalabas ng ahensya na walang batayan para kasuhan pa ang mga pulis. Pinakamasaklap, ipinagtanggol pa ang operasyon dahil sa “pagsunod at pagtupad ng mga pulis sa mga proseso” bago ang paghahain ng warrant kaya “lehitimo” ang operasyon.

Malinaw na walang ibang layunin ang mga prosecutor ng DOJ kundi ang humanap ng dahilan para mapawalang-sala ang mga kriminal. Sa unang hatol ay sinabing hindi tugma ang mga bala sa katawan ng mga biktima sa baril na gamit ng mga pulis habang sa ikalawa ay idineklarang “lehitimo” ang operasyon. Kung sa una’y nais palabasin na iba ang pumatay sa mga biktima, ngayon naman ang mga kapamilya ng biktima ang nais siraan at hinahanapan ng ebidensya. Malinaw na pagbalewala ito sa salaysay ng mga kaanak at kapitbahay ng mga biktima hinggil sa krimen, kaparis nang modus nila sa pagpapawalang-sala sa mga kapural ng pagpatay kay Manny Asuncion.

Walang puso ang DOJ na binubudburan ng asin ang malalim na sugat ng mga kaanak ng mga biktima ng Bloody Sunday. Bukod sa pagkakait ng hustisya, pinaglalaruan pa ng DOJ ang mga biktima at kaanak sa matagal na paglalabas ng pasya sa apela. Kasuklam-suklam na ginawa ng prosekusyon ang resolusyon noon pang Mayo 29 subalit isinapubliko lamang nitong Hulyo 21. Sa ganitong postura ng DOJ, ipinapakita nito sa mamamayang Pilipino kung kanino ito pumapanig—sa mamamatay-taong estado. Konsistente ang DOJ na tagapagpalaganap ng impyunidad at inhustisya sa bayan gaya ng matigas nitong paghadlang sa imbestigasyon ng International Criminal Court sa mga krimen laban sa sangkatauhan ni Rodrigo Roa Duterte at Ronald dela Rosa kaugnay ng mga pamamaslang sa ilalim ng gera kontra-iligal na droga.

Malakas ang loob ng AFP-PNP na gawin ang mga atrosidad sa mamamayan dahil tiwala ito sa DOJ at sa estado na maglilinis ng kanilang mga pangalan. Ipinagpapatuloy ni Marcos Jr. ang kalakaran ng yumaong amang diktador at ng tiranong si Duterte na maghasik ng pasismo habang pinalalala ang impyunidad.

Sa harap ng karimarimarim na panahong ito, malaki ang hamon sa sambayanan na maghanap ng hustisya at labanan ang terorismo ng estado. Hindi dapat mawalan ng loob ang mga kaanak ng mga biktima ng pamamaslang ng estado. Nararapat nilang ipagpatuloy ang laban at ihatid ito sa lahat ng larangan lalo’t hindi hiwalay ang kanilang pakikibaka sa kabuuang laban ng bayan para sa hustisyang panlipunan. Kaisa nila ang NDFP-ST at lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa kanilang pakikibaka.

Kailangang patuloy na pahigpitin ng buong bayan ang kanilang pagkakaisa para singilin at panagutin ang estado. Tinatawagan ang lahat ng mga grupong makatao, mga abogado, paralegal at iba pang manananggol ng bayan at tunay na lingkod-bayan na tulungan ang mga biktima sa pagkakamit ng hustisya.

Nararapat na isulong ng buong bayan ang pambansa-demokratikong pakikibaka upang kamtin ang tunay na kalayaan at hustisyang panlipunan. Makakaasa ang mamamayan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagkakamit ng katarungan sa landas ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/lumalalang-impyunidad-sa-ilalim-ng-ilehitimong-rehimeng-marcos-duterte-doj-walang-balak-parusahan-ang-mga-maysala-sa-bloody-sunday-massacre/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 62nd IB pilason sa Isabela

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jul 28, 2023): 62nd IB pilason sa Isabela (62nd IB destroyed in Isabela)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

July 28, 2023

Pilason ang isa ka suldado sang berdugong 62nd IB sang ginharas sang isa ka yunit sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) sadtong Hulyo 25, 2023 alas 7:30 sang gab-i ang 62nd IB Bravo Coy nga nahamtang sa Brgy. Sikatuna, Isabela, Negros Occidental. Hungod naman gintago sang nasambit nga tropa ang ila kaswalti sa publiko sa pihak sang mga saksi nga residente sa lugar.

Ini nga aksyon militar sang NPA ang kongkreto nga sabat sa padayon nga militarisasyon kag madata nga pagbayolar sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pasistang 62nd IB sa Central Negros.

Ginapanawagan sang LPC-NPA ang tanan nga yunit milisya, iban pa nga mga yunit gerilya upod sa NPA dira sa absoluto nga pagpamuno sang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) nga maglunsar sang politiko-militar nga opensiba batok sa sentro nga kaaway. Pamatukan kag hublasan ang maki-dumuluong kag kontra-pumuluyo nga mga laye kag iban pa nga pakana sang inutil nga rehimen US-Marcos Jr.

Ilunsar ang lapnagon kag madaugon nga taktikal nga opensiba! Palayason sa kaumahan kag silotan ang pasistang AFP, PNP upod sa korap nga NTF-Elcac!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/62nd-ib-pilason-sa-isabela/