US military in talks to develop port in Philippines facing Taiwan

From Rappler (Aug 30, 2023): US military in talks to develop port in Philippines facing Taiwan (By REUTERS)

US military involvement in the proposed port in the Batanes islands, less than 200 km from Taiwan, could stoke tensions at a time of growing friction with China and a drive by Washington to intensify its longstanding defense treaty engagement with the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines – The US military is in talks to develop a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, the local governor and two other officials told Reuters, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.

US military involvement in the proposed port in the Batanes islands, less than 200 km (125 miles) from Taiwan, could stoke tensions at a time of growing friction with China and a drive by Washington to intensify its longstanding defense treaty engagement with the Philippines.

The Bashi Channel between those islands and Taiwan is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea and a key waterway in the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, Taiwan’s defense ministry has said.

Marilou Cayco, the provincial governor of the Batanes islands, told Reuters in a message she had sought funding from the US for the building of an “an alternative port” there, which was intended to assist the unloading of cargo from the capital, Manila, during rough seas in the monsoon season.

She said the plans were to build a port on Basco island, where local authorities say high waves often make the existing port inaccessible, and that a decision could be made in October.

The Philippines has in the past year almost doubled the number of its military bases that US forces can access, ostensibly for humanitarian assistance, and also has thousands of US troops in the country at any given time, rotating in and out for joint training exercises. China has said these US. moves were “stoking the fire” of regional tensions.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the proposed port in Basco.

Two other Filipino officials, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media, said US troops had visited Batanes recently to discuss the port.

One, a senior military official, said the Filipino armed forces were interested in radar and improving monitoring capabilities in the area.

Cayco confirmed the visit, saying they came “one time to assess” the proposed alternative port.

The move comes as Washington pursues closer ties with Asian nations to counter China in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines, its former colony and treaty ally.

Kanishka Gangopadhyay, a spokesperson for the US embassy in Manila, said US Embassy and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) experts had been engaging the governor and local government, “at their request, to discuss ways USARPAC can support engineering, medical, and agricultural development projects in the province.”

He did not mention the port specifically.

Marcos increases US access

Previous President Rodrigo Duterte had threatened to scrap the U.S.-Philippines alliance and realign the country with Beijing but relations between China and the Philippines have grown tense under the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Marcos, the son and namesake of the disgraced late strongman president, has sought closer ties with Washington, granting it access to four more military bases, including several close to Taiwan, though not in Batanes, and announced joint patrols in the South China Sea.

Marcos has said the bases under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) could prove useful if China attacked Taiwan.

Security officials in Manila said they believed any military conflict in the Taiwan Strait would inevitably affect the Philippines, given its geographic proximity to Taiwan and the presence of over 150,000 Filipinos on the democratically-governed island.

Batanes also served as one of the training sites during this year’s joint military exercises, known as Balikatan, which involved more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops, making it the biggest ever edition of the military drill.

At the time of the exercise, Cayco said she was seeking investment to build seaports and airports in the island province that is home to 18,000 people. The province could harbor Filipinos fleeing Taiwan if conflict breaks out there and residents have been worried about mounting tensions, according to local government officials.

The Philippines and China have also clashed in recent months over disputed waters in the South China Sea, with Chinese vessels firing water cannons on a Filipino vessel trying to send supplies to an outpost.

Cayco said she didn’t have any conversation with the US about EDCA or about radar installations.

She also said there had not yet been discussions about what access the U.S would have to the proposed port, but troops could use all ports in the area for regular military exercises like the Balikatan.

Jay Batongbacal, maritime affairs expert at the University of the Philippines, said the proposed port “would certainly be needed for the island’s defence in a worst case scenario.”

“If I were a Chinese strategist, I would want to take the Batanes at minimum in order to ensure control of the Luzon straits and use the island to prevent the approach of adversary naval forces,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/united-states-military-talks-develop-port-philippines-facing-taiwan/

US ready to support PH in Ayungin supply missions

From Panay News (Aug 30, 2023): US ready to support PH in Ayungin supply missions

MIGHTY SHIP. The US aircraft carrier USS America docks at Pier 15, South Harbor in Manila for a routine port call on March 21, 2023. FILE PHOTO BY RICHARD A. REYES / PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER

MANILA — The United States is ready to provide support for the Philippines if needed when it embarks on supply missions to a grounded warship in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the country’s waters, a Pentagon official said.

The comments from Washington followed the reported presence of a US Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft during a resupply mission last week.

“Certainly, you’ve heard us publicly express our support for the Philippines and their right to sovereignty and their right to be able to operate within their own waters,” Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in an Aug. 24 press briefing when asked about US military assistance during the latest supply mission.

“Broadly speaking, again, we will continue to work closely with the Philippines to support them as they request. And we’ll just leave it at that,” Ryder added.

The Philippines successfully delivered fresh supplies to its troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal on Aug. 22, despite efforts by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia vessels “to block, harass and interfere” with the Philippine Coast Guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel and vessels tasked with the mission.

According to journalists who were invited to witness the operation last week, the US Navy surveillance plane flew overhead for more than three hours while Chinese ships blocked and shadowed the Philippine vessels on the way to deliver supplies to soldiers manning the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded World War II-era warship serving as a Philippine military outpost in Ayungin.

‘Full coordination’

On Aug. 5, one of two supply boats used by the Philippine Navy was forced to turn back after CCG vessels fired water cannons, preventing it from bringing food and other provisions to the naval outpost.

In a press briefing last Friday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the American plane was only “conducting freedom of navigation operations on their own, uncoordinated with us and which they do on a regular basis anyway.”

“They may have coordinated it, but that’s below my level, that level of coordination, if ever,” he said.

Teodoro also said he had “not come across” a reported plan by the Philippines to hold a joint resupply mission with the United States in Ayungin Shoal.

When asked about the deployment, US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said: “What I can say is that all of our military activities in the Philippines are conducted in full coordination with our Philippine allies.”

The expressions of support for the Philippines were largely welcomed in the country given China’s continued incursions into Philippine territory and the implied threats to freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, a vital waterway through which a significant portion of global trade flows.

Aside from the United States, the Philippines has been engaging in joint military exercises with other allies in a bid to keep China’s aggression in check.

Japan’s de facto aircraft carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183) and destroyer JS Samidare (DD-106), for instance, are in Manila after holding the first quadrilateral joint exercises with the Philippines, United States and Australia aimed at strengthening cooperation.

The JS Izumo at Manila’s South Harbor where it docked next to US aircraft carrier USS America.

The 19,500-ton JS Izumo is currently Japan’s largest warship since World War II and is capable of landing helicopters and carries advanced command, control, communications, computers and intelligence systems.

On Aug. 24 drills staged “in the vicinity of Manila” were joined by the Philippine Navy’s BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), US Navy’s USS Mobile (LCS-26) and Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Canberra (L02) and HMAS Anzac (D59).

JS Izumo’s Manila stopover is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment Exercises 2023, a five-month-long operation that involves the participation of Japan in various naval joint exercises with allies aimed at strengthening cooperation.

‘Claims by force’

The Japanese warship was seen docked next to the US Navy’s light aircraft carrier USS America (LHA-6) at Pier 15 in South Harbor.

On Sunday, selected journalists including this writer toured the Japanese warship. A reception followed and was attended by around 200 guests from the Philippines, Australia, and the United States.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in his remarks at the reception: “In line with our shared goal of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific,’ I strongly believe that we, as like-minded nations, can work together and deepen our ties to safeguard the freedom of navigation at the seas and uphold a rules-based maritime order in the region.”

“Peace and international order cannot be maintained if military superpowers ignore international law and try to achieve their own claims by force,” he added.

On Aug. 14, Manila and Canberra kicked off their largest military exercises called “Alon,” which is part of Indo-Pacific Endeavor, Australia’s flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions.

Alon 2023 is the first bilateral amphibious exercise between the Philippines and Australia.

On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June, the defense chiefs of the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia agreed during their first quadrilateral talks to step up security cooperation especially in the South China Sea, in an effort to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China’s actions in the region. (Frances Mangosing © Philippine Daily Inquirer)

https://www.panaynews.net/us-ready-to-support-ph-in-ayungin-supply-missions/

Rebel leader killed in NegOr gun battle

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 28, 2023): Rebel leader killed in NegOr gun battle (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army Combat Tracking K9, named Puti, helps 11IB soldiers track down fleeing NPA rebels, resulting in another encounter on August 26 in Brgy. Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental. *PA photo

Assisted by two K9 dogs, pursuing Army soldiers caught up with the fleeing New People’s Army rebels on Saturday in Sitio Taleo, Brgy. Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, triggering a gun battle.

The gun battle led to the killing of Ruby Almines, who was among the remnants of the defunct South East Front under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, disclosed by Lt. Col J-Jay Javines, Civil Military Operations chief of the 3rd Infantry Division.

On Thursday night, an Army soldier died in an encounter with about 10 NPA rebels in the same area, which prompted the 11th Infantry Battalion to press their pursuit against the fleeing insurgents.

The encounter on August 24 led to the recovery of two .45 caliber pistols, a hand grenade, an Improvised Explosive Device, and personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels.

Army soldiers further recovered M653 assault rifle with seven magazines containing ammunition, an Anti-Personnel Mine (APM) and its accessories, five backpacks containing personnel belongings, tarpaulins and assorted foodstuffs, following another gunbattle on Saturday.

The cadaver of Almines, who is reported to be a high ranking rebel personality by the military, was abandoned at the encounter site by his fleeing comrades, according to a statement issued by the 11th Infantry Battalion.

Combat Tracking Dogs, named Puti and Mugie, were credited by the 3ID for tracking down the fleeing rebels.*

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-leader-killed-in-negor-gun-battle/

Army vows to aggressively pursue NPA remnants

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 29, 2023): Army vows to aggressively pursue NPA remnants (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The top leadership of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has vowed to aggressively pursue the New People’s Army remnants in Negros Island, following the death of another Army soldier on August 24 in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said “we will hunt them and bring them (in)to the bar of justice, or otherwise to their grave.”

Cpl. Richard Rafols, a member of the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion, died in a gun battle on Aug. 24 in Brgy. Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, against around 10 suspected NPA rebels, who are remnants of the dismantled South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

It also resulted in the death of one of the fleeing rebels identified by the Philippine Army as Ruby Almines, alias Kende.

Army soldiers recovered an M653 assault rifles with a bandoleer containing 11 long and short magazines with ammunition, two caliber .45 pistols, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) with accessories, a hand grenade, and two back packs containing personal belongings.

The twin encounters took place more than two weeks after a policeman was killed, while two of his colleagues were injured after being ambushed by remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front in Sitio Icogan, Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava, Negros Occidental, on Aug. 9.

PCpl. Jaime Nuñez, a member of the Calatrava Police Station, who was killed in the ambush, was buried on Aug. 26 at a memorial park in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

Sison further said “we will not rest until none of them remain to continue their futile and senseless armed struggle,” apparently referring to the NPA remnants in Negros Island.*

https://visayandailystar.com/army-vows-to-aggressively-pursue-npa-remnants/

Soldiers beef up northern Negros police stations

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 31, 2023): Soldiers beef up northern Negros police stations (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers have been dispatched to augment personnel of various police stations in northern Negros, in line with the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, yesterday disclosed Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, Civil Military Operations officer of the 3rd Infantry Division.

The sendoff ceremony for Army soldiers was held on August 27, at the 79th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commanding officer, reminded soldiers who will be deployed in different police stations, to strictly follow and abide to the laws as embodied on different Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolutions and memorandums issued for the upcoming October 30 elections.

“Let us remain steadfast on our commitment to be a more dependable partner of Comelec and other stakeholders in order to have credible, honest, and clean BSKE election 2023.” Calaoagan said.

The 79IB soldiers will assist the various police stations in the conduct of Comelec checkpoints.

Calaoagan said that Army soldiers will serve as augmentation for the PNP members, who will take the lead role in election duties, in areas that requires extra security, particularly those listed as election hotspots.

The Provincial Joint Security Coordinating Center, which is composed of Philippine Army, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Comelec, has yet to come up with a list of election areas of concern in Negros Occidental.

Javines also said that other Army infantry units have been also tasked to augment manpower of police stations in their respective areas.*

https://visayandailystar.com/soldiers-beef-up-northern-negros-police-stations/

Filipino, Aussie troops successfully conduct 'Exercise Alon'

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 29, 2023): Filipino, Aussie troops successfully conduct 'Exercise Alon'

THE FIRST-ever "Exercise Alon" between Filipino and Australian troops was a resounding success, exercise director and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) deputy commandant Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida said Tuesday.

"So it was indeed a very successful exercise even though this is the first and big amphibious exercise between the ADF (Australian Defense Force) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the planners and the training audience were able to jell immediately and resulted in the success of the exercises both in the air assault in Punta Baja in Palawan and the amphibious assault in Zambales," Larida said on the sidelines of the drills' closing ceremonies at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers' Club (AFPCOC) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Larida said they would be able to improve the succeeding "Exercise Alon" and that they were able to identify the procedures Filipino troops are already proficient with and what skills they need to improve.

"So in the future we will able to improve, the beauty of this first-ever 'Alon' is, we were able to identify what particular procedures where we are already good in dealing with Australia and what particular tactical procedures that we should improve further so we will do everything to improve during the next iteration of this exercise," he added.

Larida said the next iteration of "Exercise Alon" is eyeing a larger number of participants in its next edition in 2025.

He also said he envisions the drills to be like the annual "Balikatan" exercises between the AFP and the United States military.

"Exercise Alon" is part of Australia's Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 (IPE23) which started on Aug. 14 and will end on Aug. 31.

It is also the first bilateral amphibious training activity between the AFP and the ADF.

IPE23 is Australia’s flagship international engagement activity in the Southeast Asian and Indian Ocean regions promoting security, stability, and stronger partnerships through bilateral and multilateral engagement training, capacity building, and humanitarian efforts.

"Exercise Alon" includes an air assault exercise in Palawan on August 21, combined amphibious assault exercise in Zambales on August 25, and live-fire training as the final phase in Capas Tarlac on August 31.

Participants included 560 from the AFP, and 1,200 from the ADF, with support from the 120 United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Participating assets included the helicopter landing dock HMAS Canberra and frigate HMAS Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur, close air support from RAAF F-35A Lightning II aircraft, Australian Army M-1A1 Abrams tank and two PMC amphibious assault vehicles.

"Exercise Alon" enhanced the forces’ capability in conducting combined operations and improved their tactics, techniques, and procedures on amphibious operations.

Meanwhile, Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ireneo Espino, who represented Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., in the closing ceremonies, said the exercise allowed the ADF and AFP with support from US troops "to successfully conduct complex operations in response to simulated security threat but also open avenues for more interoperability and deeper people to people cooperation".

"Australia's Indo-Pacific Endeavour or the IPE of which 'Exercise Alon' is a part presents a unique opportunity for the DND and the AFP to participate in and gather insights on regional security initiatives," he added.

Espino said the exercise also serves as a venue for the Philippine Navy to strengthen its naval capabilities on maritime security while enhancing interoperability and linkages with its Australian counterparts.

"Considering that Australia is one of the only two defense partners with which the Philippines has a status of Visiting Forces Agreement, the IPE also advances our bilateral defense correlations," he said. (Priam Nepomuceno)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/08/filipino-aussie-troops-successfully.html

Extremists attack police detachment in South, 3 wounded

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 29, 2023): Extremists attack police detachment in South, 3 wounded

COTABATO CITY – Police ordered its forces on high alert on Tuesday after local ISIS fighters attacked a detachment in the restive Muslim province of Maguindanao del Sur and wounded three security personnel.



Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, the regional police chief, said members of the Dawlah Islamiya under Commander Yusa Ganoy opened fire on policemen at the detachment in the village of Pagatin in Datu Salibo town on Monday evening.

Nobleza said the victims - Corporal Fernan Andres and Patrolmen Abdul Lipuas and Alesona Makasandig - are members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14. He condemned the attack and “vowed to use all its resources to find the people behind this harassment, which targeted our troops who were only performing their duties in maintaining peace and security in the town of Datu Salibo.”

“All police units in the Bangsamoro region are on high alert status effective today, August 29, and will not be disheartened, instead intensifying its effort in performing its mandate of serving and protecting the people of the Bangsamoro,” he said.

“This act of Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group clearly shows the utter disregard of human life and and welfare of the Bangsamoro communities despite of the efforts of the local government units, PNP and AFP for peace, and security of the Bangsamoro people,” he added.

Authorities have blamed the Dawlah Islamia for the spate of attacks on police and military targets, including innocent civilians in the South.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/08/extremists-attack-police-detachment-in.html

Abu Sayyaf operative nabbed at airport

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 29, 2023): Abu Sayyaf operative nabbed at airport

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced on Tuesday the arrest of an extremist, who allegedly took part in the 2011 attack on the Philippine Marines in Patikul, Sulu.

In a statement, the NBI-International Airport Investigation Division (IAID) said Abu Sayyaf Group member Mohammad Maca-Antal Said (a.k.a. Amah Maas), who has an outstanding warrant of arrest for kidnapping with homicide, was apprehended at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Aug. 10.

Bureau of Immigration personnel intercepted Said, who was bound for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, after seeing the Interpol Red Notice.

He was then turned over to NBI-IAID who unearthed the existing warrant.

The red notice is issued for fugitives wanted either for prosecution or to serve a sentence on serious ordinary law crimes such as murder, rape and fraud.

Said was one of the suspects charged in the beheading of two Marines during an encounter between the Marine Battalion Landing Team II and the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul on July 28, 2011.

Seven Marines were killed and 26 others were wounded during that encounter.

The NBI said Said was also charged with 25 counts of frustrated murder, three murder cases, kidnapping with murder, kidnapping with homicide and two counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention.

In November 2022, authorities also arrested Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Ibrahim Asara in Jolo, Sulu, who has been hiding for the past 10 years due to a string of criminal cases in the province, including the Patikul encounter.

The Abu Sayyaf Group was originally proscribed in 2015 by the Philippine government as a terror group after it was designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations Security Council.(
https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/08/abu-sayyaf-operative-nabbed-at-airport.html

Security adviser urges lawmakers to support BDP funding

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): Security adviser urges lawmakers to support BDP funding (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)

MANILA – National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Tuesday night urged the House of Representatives to continue supporting the "Barangay Development Program" (BDP), noting that it has been effective in helping neutralize the decades-long communist insurgency in the country.

In a statement, Año also urged the Senate and the House to approve the proposed BDP budget for 2024, which would be needed by at least 864 barangays previously influenced or controlled by the communist movement.

“(I’m appealing) to all the members of Congress and Senate to please support us and provide funds for the SBDP (Support to the Barangay Development Project) for 2024,” he said.

The BDP budget for next year is placed at PHP8.6 billion.

Under the proposed budget, each of the recipient barangays would be allotted PHP10 million worth of development projects in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision to unify the country and for the government to become “bringers of peace” to the Filipino people.

Marcos chairs the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which exists under Executive Order 70 issued in 2018 by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Año, who is also NTF-ELCAC co-vice chair along with Vice President Sara Duterte, pointed out that the quest to free the country from the scourge of the almost five-decade-old bloody armed struggle by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) is already in its final lap this year.

“It’s not only that we’re going to uplift the lives of our people in those isolated barangays once under the influence by the CPP-NPA but we’re now at this point of history that we really have to (eliminate) this insurgency and finally, we will have a peaceful country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Marlo Iringan of NTF-ELCAC’s Basic Services Cluster, clarified that the funds for the SBDP are directly downloaded to the local government units, contrary to the campaign by the three party list-member Makabayan bloc that the funds were in the form of a “pork barrel.”

Iringan said since the inception of NTF-ELCAC, 3,878 barangays have already been provided with SBDP funds that were used and chosen by the residents based on what they felt was most needed in their communities.

"(A total of) 773 km. of barangay farm-to-market roads were made, which gave greater impact to people who can now transport their produce to the market," he said.

NTF-ELCAC executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., on the other hand, said SBDP "is a game-changer in our campaign in ending the local communist terrorist."

Torres said NTF-ELCAC's mandate is to "harmonize (the) efforts of each government agency" in assisting and aiding communities vulnerable to the infiltration of communist groups.

"Empowering them (barangay residents in remote areas across the country) on what they need in their areas drastically changes the landscape of their socio-economic life. This translates to tangibles like raising the family income, improving the people’s access to education, health, food security, among others," he said.

In defense of VP

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya, meanwhile, slammed the ACT Teachers party list, one of the members of the Makabayan Bloc, which he said keeps on smearing the Vice President and threatening to impeach her over speculations about her as Secretary of the Department of Education.

Duterte, as co-vice chair of NTF-ELCAC, has been advocating for the elimination of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"They (ACT) should go back to what they are supposed to be doing," Malaya said, referring to the party-list's role of representing teachers in Congress.

"Every year, CPP-NPA-NDF front bloc would attack the SBDP, characterizing it as a ‘pork barrel’ of the NTF-ELCAC," he said.

Malaya also emphasized that the task force "is simply a coordinating body."

Año said the Marcos administration would work hard to attain genuine peace, unity and development for the country.

"We want to attain lasting peace. Di lang natin dinadala ang mga projects (we not only bring projects [through the BDP]) but also provide new life," he said, referring to former communist rebels who are living a productive and peaceful life with their families.

Año also offered an olive branch to the Makabayan bloc to work together with the government instead of espousing violence and "hitting government efforts for lasting peace."

He chided the three party lists – Gabriella, Kabataan and ACT – in Congress for being “anti-development” and for demonizing the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208801

US reaffirms 'ironclad commitment' to defense alliance with PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): US reaffirms 'ironclad commitment' to defense alliance with PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The United States reaffirmed on Wednesday its "ironclad commitment" to its alliance with the Philippines as the two countries mark 72 years since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The MDT, signed in 1951, obligates both sides to come to each other's defense in case an external party attacks the Philippines or the US.

"The United States stands firm in our ironclad commitment to our alliance and partnership with the Philippines as we face new and continuing challenges," US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said over Twitter.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III has previously reiterated that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, aircraft and public vessels, including the Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea, would invoke Washington DC's mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the MDT.

The US Embassy in Manila emphasized that the pact continues to serve as the foundation for the Philippine-US' "evolving alliance" and that both sides' security forces would continue to strengthen their capabilities and work together to secure a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

The two states earlier announced plans to expand new military sites in the Philippines under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 2014 agreement that seeks to advance the MDT's implementation.

The four new sites -- Naval Base Camilo Osias in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Balabac Island in Palawan; and Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan – aim to strengthen the interoperability of the US and Philippine armed forces.

Pillar of PH security

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said the 72-year-old MDT is a "pillar" of the country's security.

"The MDT is one of the pillars of our national security. The mechanisms under it shall continue to be implemented to further enhance the capability of the AFP to perform its constitutional duty of protecting our national sovereignty and territorial integrity," military spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement Wednesday. (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208815

PCO, PIA, OPAPRU ink partnership to amplify gov’t peace efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): PCO, PIA, OPAPRU ink partnership to amplify gov’t peace efforts

COOPERATION. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil and PIA Director General Jose Torres Jr. (left to right) show a copy of the memorandum of agreement they signed in Pasay City on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2023). The pact provides for cooperation among the three agencies to effectively disseminate government efforts to achieve peace in the country. (Photo courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) signed a Memorandum of Agreement on Wednesday to effectively disseminate the government’s efforts to achieve peace in the country.

In her speech during the MOA signing ceremony in Pasay City, PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil underscored the importance of effective communication as a catalyst for transformation, particularly in conflict-affected areas in the country.

“Beyond mere information dissemination, we aim to craft messages that resonate with diverse communities, building bridges of trust and understanding … We are dedicated to countering misinformation and crafting narratives that inspire, educate, and uplift,” Secretary Garafil said.

Garafil also expressed hope that the partnership will help empower former rebels and their families as they are integrated into their respective communities and become productive members of society once more.

“Our collective efforts have the potential to transform not only individual destinies but also the destiny of our nation. Let this agreement serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards unity, understanding, and prosperity for all,” she said.

Present during the event were OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and PIA Director General Jose Torres Jr.

Under the MOA, the PCO, which co-leads the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Strategic Communications Cluster, will develop and implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan together with OPAPRU and PIA.

Its responsibilities also include developing, conceptualizing, and producing IEC material; and establishing an online presence of the Local Peace Engagements (LPE) and Transformation Program (TP) of the OPAPRU using PCO and its attached agencies’ digital assets.

The PIA, which is an attached agency of the PCO, serves as the information network of the government in reaching the grassroots level as it also leads the media orientation workshops on target regions in the country and produces baseline survey reports.

For this partnership, the OPAPRU will develop and implement the comprehensive strategic communications plan to carry out the LPE and TP with the help of the PCO and the PIA and conduct workshops on the principles and tools of Conflict Sensitive and Peace Promoting (CSPP) Communities, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208861

CA confirms Brawner, 29 AFP officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): CA confirms Brawner, 29 AFP officers (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

CONFIRMED. Commission on Appointments Committee on National Defense Chairperson Rep. Jurdin Romualdo endorses before the plenary on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2023) the ad interim appointment of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. (standing left) and 29 other AFP flag and senior officers. Romualdo, who chairs the CA Committee on National Defense, attested to the plenary that the military officers are fit and qualified to be promoted to their ranks, particularly citing Brawner's background. (Screenshot from CA livestream)

MANILA – The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointments of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and 29 other AFP officers.

This was after Rep. Jurdin Romualdo, who chairs the CA Committee on National Defense, attested to the plenary that the military officers are fit and qualified to be promoted to their ranks, particularly citing Brawner's background.

"It is my honor and privilege to recommend the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Romeo S. Brawner Jr. to the rank of General. Gen. Brawner is a proud descendant of a long line of military men and is committed to continuing a legacy of service and sacrifice of his ancestors," Romualdo said.

"He is a strong and decisive leader known for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the defense of the Philippines.”

During the CA panel's deliberation, Brawner shared his vision for the AFP to be more modernized and backed up by a fully trained and developed Reserve Force.

"Our soldiers are well-trained, especially in modern weaponry and that we are modern in terms of doctrines, training and weapons. But more importantly, kelangan po natin ng developed na (we need a developed) Reserve Force," he said citing Ukrainians who have been showing the world their patriotism and willingness to defend their nation.

"Gusto po natin dito na magkaroon rin po tayo ng awareness na ang ating (We want here to also have the awareness that our) citizens should be ready for any eventual threat."

Brawner was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as AFP Chief-of-Staff on July 21 after serving as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army from Dec. 10, 2021 to July 21, 2023.

A proud member of the Philippine Military Academy "Makatao" Class of 1989, Brawner graduated salutatorian in his class and also got the highest levels of excellence in his military schooling.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208839

Firearm, war materiel seized in Masbate clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): Firearm, war materiel seized in Masbate clash with NPA (By Connie Calipay)

RECOVERED. A high-powered firearm and other war materiel of the New People's Army are recovered after a clash between soldiers and rebels in Masbate province on Wednesday (Aug. 30, 2023). Recovered at the site were an M16 rifle, three pieces of magazine assemblies, a bandolier, subversive documents and personal belongings of the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

LEGAZPI CITY – A high-powered firearm and other war materiel belonging to the New People's Army (NPA) were recovered after an armed encounter between soldiers and rebels in Masbate province on Wednesday.

In an interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, Army’s 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the encounter occurred in Barangay Guindawahan, Pio V. Corpuz town.

“Recovered were (an) M16 rifle, three pieces of magazine assemblies, a bandolier, subversive documents and personal belongings of the rebels," Roldan said.

Acting on reports from villagers, he said soldiers from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion proceeded to the area where they traded shots with nine NPA rebels for about 10 minutes.

"No soldier was reported injured or killed in the incident," Roldan said, adding that the military is still determining whether the rebels suffered casualties.

"Engaged troops are still on pursuit operations and the Quick Response Team was alerted," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208828

VP Sara, Viscom launch mobile e-learning hub in Cebu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2023): VP Sara, Viscom launch mobile e-learning hub in Cebu (By John Rey Saavedra)

E-LEARNING HUB. Vice President Sara Duterte delivers her speech during the launching of the mobile e-learning hub project of the Visayas Command and 3rd Civil Relations Group (3CRG) at the DepEd Ecotech Center Pavilion in Sudlon, Lahug in Cebu City on Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2023). The facility, a modified trailer truck with 20-foot container van equipped with 20 laptop computers, printers, Smart TV and internet connections, will be deployed in areas in Cebu province where the soldiers are conducting community support program activities. (Photo courtesy of Viscom PIO)

CEBU CITY – The Visayas Command has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) in rolling out a mobile E-Learning Hub project that will serve learners in far-flung areas where internet and computer access is a challenge, a ranking Army official said Wednesday.

Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte attended Tuesday the launching and ribbon-cutting of the mobile learning facility at the Ecotech Center Pavilion in Sudlon, Lahug here.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Viscom commander, expressed his thanks to Duterte and the department she represents for trusting them in rolling out the project, along with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in the region.

He said the project will be deployed in areas where the military is conducting its Community Support Program (CSP), an intensified community engagement aimed at eradicating insurgency down the barangay level.

The mobile e-learning hub is a modified trailer truck with a 20-foot container van.

Inside the van are 20 laptop computers and printers, tables, chairs and shelves, with a Smart TV and internet connection.

The hub has its generator set to ensure that it can operate in areas with electrical power issues.

“The mobile E-Learning Hub is a welcomed addition to our CSP efforts, as the CSP is not solely to ensure the safety and security of the people, but also on ensuring their well-being,” Arevalo said in a statement.

He thanked Duterte, saying that her presence inspired and motivated the soldiers to do more for peace and development in the Visayas.

“Hopefully, this project will not be the last. This is the first and we hope that there will be more of this project in the future,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208871

CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: “Walang Yunit ng NPA sa Camarines Norte ang tatanggap sa alok na amnestiya ni Marcos Jr.”—Carlito Cada

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 28, 2023): “Walang Yunit ng NPA sa Camarines Norte ang tatanggap sa alok na amnestiya ni Marcos Jr.”—Carlito Cada ("No NPA Unit in Camarines Norte will accept Marcos Jr's amnesty offer."—Carlito Cada)

 


Carlito Cada

Spokesperson

NPA-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

August 28, 2023

August 16, 2023 | Mulat at buo ang kapasyahang lumaban ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa probinsya ng Camarines Norte. Handa nitong paulit-ulit na biguin ang anumang atake ng mga berdugong militar ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno. Upang tupdin ang ultimong layunin nito na ipagtanggol ang rebolusyonaryong interes at karapatan ng masang api at pinagsasamantalahan.

Sa matibay at matatag na pamumuno ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, patuloy itong umaani ng matatag na suporta mula sa malawak na masa. Nagsusulong ito ng rebolusyong agraryo para tugunan ang hinaing ng nakararaming magsasaka, binibigkis ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan sa kanayunan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatayo ng mga saligang organisasyong masa at naglulunsad ng armadong pakikibaka upang ipagtanggol ang mamamayan sa pang-aabuso ng mga militar, pulis, para-militar at iba pang grupo o indibidwal na nang-aapi at nagsasamantala sa mamamayan.

Noon pa man ay pinatunayan na ng BHB sa Camarines Norte na kahit ano pa ang gawing panlilinlang ng reaksyonaryong estado ay tiyak itong mabibigo. Kahit pa nga ang malawakang kampanya ng pagpapasurender ng dating rehimeng US-Duterte ay bigo itong naipatupad sa probinsya. Wala kahit ni isang kasapi ng BHB ang sumuko o nagpagamit sa mga pasistang kaaway. Bagkus mga malalaking tagumpay na taktikal na opensiba ang itinugon dito ng ACC.

Ito ay dahil sa mahigpit na pagtangan sa mga prinsipyo, disiplina at patakaran ng Partido sa pamamagitan ng tuloy-tuloy na mga pag-aaral at pagtataas ng pang-ideolohiya, pampulitika at pang-organisasyong kamulatan. Ito ang laging tinitiyak ng komite ng Partido. Malinaw sa mga Pulang mandirigma at Pulang kumander ang susing tanong na “para kanino” ang pagsasakripisyo at pagbubuwis ng buhay kung kinakailangan.

Ipinapaabot ng ACC-BHB-CN sa rehimeng US-Marcos II at sa utusan nitong AFP-PNP-CAFGU na nag-aaksaya lamang sila ng panahon sa pag-aakalang malilinlang ng kanilang programang amnestiya ang mga kasapi ng BHB at ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Mahigpit ang hawak sa baril ng bawat pulang mandirigma at kumander ng BHB. At laging handang asintahin ang target na kaaway ng taumbayan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/walang-yunit-ng-npa-sa-camarines-norte-ang-tatanggap-sa-alok-na-amnestiya-ni-marcos-jr-carlito-cada/

CPP/CIO: Presence of US Poseidon plane in West Philippine Sea inflames tensions

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 27, 2023): Presence of US Poseidon plane in West Philippine Sea inflames tensions

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

August 27, 2023

The presence last August 22 of a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, a maritime surveillance aircraft of the US Navy, in the West Philippine Sea while Philippine Coast Guard ship accompanying a supply mission was confronted by a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, clearly exposes how US military presence and intervention in the West Philippine Sea inflames armed tensions.

The Philippine defense secretary himself said that the presence of the US Poseidon plane was “uncoordinated.” However, despite having no knowledge of the US operations in clear violation of the country’s exclusive rights, Sec. Gilbert Teodoro was quick to defend the US by claiming they were “providing freedom of navigation.”

Facing questions by the international media, the US State Department arrogantly refused to comment on the sightings, finding no reason to explain itself why it flew a surveillance plane above the Philippine seas during that time.

In addition to the presence of the US Poseidon surveillance aircraft, US warships including the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier, one of the biggest US war vessels with at least 5,000 troops and capable of carrying 75 war planes, have maintained presence in the Philippine. The presence of US military forces and “interoperated” Australian and AFP troops further surged over the past weeks in line with the conduct of maritime war games in Palawan.

Using the guise of “freedom of navigation,” the US military continues to heighten its armed presence in the Philippine seas, which further inflames tensions and seeks to provoke a hostile response from China. With US military presence in the Philippine seas, maritime operations of the Philippine armed forces, including routine supply missions, can easily be construed as forming part of US Indo-Pacific strategy of encircling and raising armed tensions with China.

Acting subserviently to the US, the Philippine government and military forces continue to allow and facilitate increasing US military presence, including giving the US access to hundreds of hectares of land to construct military bases and facilities, under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The subservience of the Marcos government to the US continues to pull the country into the increasingly tense inter-imperialist conflict between the US and China.

The demand for the demilitarization of the Philippine seas and exclusive economic zone must be urgently pushed in order to preempt any further escalation of armed tensions.

The Filipino people must continue to assert Philippine sovereignty and denounce China’s transgressions into the Philippine maritime territory and exclusive economic zone, and demand the pullout of Chinese military troops and dismantling of military facilities in the area.

At the same time, the Filipino people must give equal weight, if not even more push, to the demand for the withdrawal of all US military forces, including all war vessels, as well as the dismantling of all US military bases and facilities the country.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/presence-of-us-poseidon-plane-in-west-philippine-sea-inflames-tensions/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Pahirap na taas-presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo at bigas, resulta ng neoliberal na patakaran

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 27, 2023): Pahirap na taas-presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo at bigas, resulta ng neoliberal na patakaran (Harsh increase in prices of petroleum products and rice, result of neoliberal policies)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

August 27, 2023

Napatutunayang walang ibang aasahan ang bayan sa ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte kundi ibayong kahirapan sa sunud-sunod na taas-presyo partikular sa langis at bigas. Inutil ito sa harap ng modus ng mga kumpanya ng langis na linggu-linggong pag-aakyat ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo habang hinahayaang umalagwa ang presyo ng bigas. Malinaw na sa ilalim ng rehimen, patuloy na mananalasa ang malulupit at bulok na neoliberal na patakarang dikta ng imperyalismo sa papet na republika sa Pilipinas.

Ang di maawat na pagtaas ng mga presyo ay nagpapalalim sa galit ng taumbayan sa tambalang Marcos-Duterte. Umakyat ang presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo na sumusunod: P4/litro sa diesel, P0.50/litro sa gasolina at P2.75/litro ng kerosin noong Agosto 8. Ang taas-presyo sa diesel ang pinakamataas nito ngayong taon. Papatong ito sa malaking taas-presyo noong unang linggo ng Agosto. Mula rito, tiyak ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin dahil tataas ang gastos sa transportasyon ng mga kalakal at operasyon ng mga makinarya na gumagamit ng langis. Lumalakas ang namumuong panawagan sa hanay ng mga drayber at opereytor na magtaas ng pamasahe para bawasan ang epekto ng napakamahal na krudo sa kanilang kita. Bukod sa produktong petrolyo, nagmahal din ang singil sa LRT2 at mga utilidad.

Diretso naman sa sikmura ang tama ng matarik na taas-presyo ng bigas, na mula huling linggo ng Hulyo ay nadagdagan ng P7/kilo. Sa mga palengke, nasa pagitan ng P40-P52/kilo ang well-milled na bigas. Higit doble ito sa presyo ng parehong klase ng bigas na P19.98/kilo noong 2003 batay sa datos ng Philippine Rice Research Institute. Sa laki ng itinaas ng presyo ng bigas, napilitan na ang Department of Agriculture, kung saan nangangalihim si Marcos Jr., na amining hindi posible ang P20/kilong pangako ng ilehitimong pangulo.

Pinasisinungalingan ng sitwasyon ang tinuran ni Marcos Jr. noong SONA na nagtagumpay ang kanyang gubyerno na pababain ang presyo ng mga produkto at kontrolin ang implasyon. HIndi mapagtatakpan ang katotohanang lumalala ang kahirapan at dumarami ang nagugutom sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte. Nadagdagan ng 1.5 milyon ang bilang ng mga pamilyang naghihirap o nasa hangganan ng kahirapan ngayong Hulyo 2023 mula Hulyo 2022. Kahit sa simpleng kwentada ay malinaw na kapos ang napakababang minimum na sahod, na wala pa sa kalahati ng family living wage, para makakain nang sapat ang isang manggagawa at kanyang pamilya. Napakatindi na ng pambubusabos sa bayan ngunit pinasasahol pa ito ng mga nakaiinsultong komentaryo ng mga burukrata na “magtiis” o ”magtipid”.

Tulad ng mga sinundang inutil at tutang rehimen, nililinlang ng administrasyong Marcos-Duterte ang bayan sa pagpapakete sa mga taas-presyo bilang mga hindi mapipigilang kaganapan na nakabatay sa paggalaw ng pandaigdigang merkado. Mistulang taga-abiso lang sa publiko ang mga ahensya ng gubyerno tuwing maiisipan ng mga kumpanya sa langis na magdagdag-presyo. Sa kaso ng bigas, pinauugong ng gubyerno ang senaryong nanganganib ang suplay kaya’t nagiging mahal ang presyo nito. Isa pang tusong katwiran ang pagsasabing itinutulak ng pagtaas ng presyo ng palay sa farmgate ang taas-presyo ng bigas, sabay ang kongklusyon na “tapos na ang panahon ng murang pagkain”. Pinagbabangga ng mga burukrata ang interes ng konsyumer para sa murang pagkain at interes ng magsasaka para sa sapat na presyo ng palay sa farmgate—isang napakaruming taktika para ipatanggap sa mamamayan ang napakamahal na presyo ng bigas.

Kung anu-anong kalokohan ang isinusubo ng gubyerno sa publiko subalit ang totoo, ipinaubaya nito sa imperyalismo ang kapangyarihang kontrolin ang presyo ng mga susing kalakal. Tuluyang winasak ng neoliberal na imperyalistang globalisasyon hindi lamang ang mga estratehikong industriya ng bansa kundi maging ang agrikultura laluna ang industriya ng palay at bigas. Ganito ang nangyari sa langis sapul nang ipinasa ang Oil Deregulation Law (ODL) noong rehimeng US-Ramos at tuluyan namang hinayaan ang mga kartel at ismagler na manipulahin ang presyo ng bigas matapos isabatas ang Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) sa ilalim ng matandang Duterte.

Naging batas ang ODL at RTL alinsunod sa neoliberal na kaayusan ng daigdig kung saan ipinatutupad ang liberalisasyon, pribatisasyon, deregulasyon, at denasyunalisyon sa mga mahihirap na bansa upang higit na magkamal ng tubo ang mga pribadong korporasyon at mga imperyalistang kapangyarihan. Nagpailalim sa mapagsamantalang kaayusang ito ang reaksyunaryong republika ng Pilipinas dahil sunud-sunuran ito sa US. Ahente ng kaayusang ito ang mga organisasyon tulad ng World Trade Organization (WTO) na tagapagpatupad ng General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) at mga kasunod pang kasunduan tulad ng Agreement on Agriculture na nagtakda ng pag-aalis sa lahat ng restriksyon ng mga bansa sa kalakalan ng mga produktong agrikultural. Mula dekada 70 at 80 nang ipataw ng US ang mga patakaran ng neoliberal na globalisasyon sa mga kolonya at malakolonyang tulad ng Pilipinas, lalong bumagsak ang kabuuang bahagi ng agrikultura sa GDP (mula sa 1/3 ay naging 1/12 hanggang 2010). Ito rin ang nagbunsod ng pagbaba ng taripa sa importasyon ng bigas sa pamamagitan ng RTL at ang inilalarga ng rehimeng Marcos-Duterte na todong importasyon ng asukal.

Dahil puso ng bulok at naghaharing sistema ang neoliberalismo, hindi masosolusyonan ng mga pakitang-taong hakbang ng reaksyunaryong estado ang napakataas na presyo ng mga bilihin. Sa harap ng sunud-sunod na taas-presyo, nawawalan ng saysay ang mga mumong ayuda na ipinagmamalaki ng gubyerno tulad ng fuel subsidy. Iilan lang din ang nakikinabang sa mas murang bigas sa mga Kadiwa outlet dahil lubhang kakaunti naman ang nasasaklaw ng proyektong ito. Masahol pa, hindi inaalis, bagkus ay pinalalawig at pinalalaki pa ang mga buwis na konsyumer ang pumapasan sa huli. Kabilang dito ang excise tax sa langis at E-VAT na dati nang ipinapanawagang alisin para kagyat na mabawasan kahit papano ang presyo ng mga bilihin. Tahasang sinasabi ng mga burukrata na hindi tatanggalin ang mga pabigat na buwis dahil ayaw nitong bawasan ang kita ng gubyerno.

Malinaw ang kainutilan at kawalang puso ng paksyong Marcos-Duterte na nanonood lamang habang hinahambalos ng taas-presyo ang mamamayang Pilipino. Tumpak lamang na tawagin itong isang anti-mahirap at papet na rehimen na walang ibang dulot kundi pasakit sa bayan.

Kailangan lumaban ang nagkakaisang mamamayan upang igiit ang kagalingan ng bayan at pagbabasura sa mga patakarang neoliberal. Dapat magsama-sama ang mga magsasaka, manggagawa, maralitang lungsod, katutubo at lahat ng mga api’t pinagsasamantalahang sektor ng lipunan sa pagrerehistro ng kanilang kahilingang ibaba ang presyo ng mga pangunahing kalakal. Katambal nito ang pagpapalakas ng pambansang pakikibaka para sa taas-sahod at pagtataas ng presyo ng mga produktong bukid. Dapat ilantad ang kasamaang idinulot ng mga batas sa Oil Deregulation at Rice Tariffication. Makakatulong dito ang mga pananaliksik at akademikong pag-aaral na maglalantad sa epekto ng pananalasa ng mga neoliberal na patakaran.

Sa harap ng umiigting na krisis ng imperyalismo, higit kailangang itambol ang pagtutol sa neoliberalismo at igiit ang pagkalas ng Pilipinas sa mga kasunduan sa kalakalan na nagpapataw nito. Nasa ubod nito ang pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya. Isulong ang pagsasabansa ng mga susing industriya tulad ng langis at pagpapaunlad ng sariling produksyon ng pagkain upang hindi lubusang umasa sa di-istableng pandaigdigang merkado. Makipagkaisa sa mga mamamayan ng daigdig na nagtatakwil sa neoliberalismo. Ang pagbubuo ng internasyunal na pagkakaisa ay mahalagang sangkap sa laban para ibagsak ang imperyalismo.

Kasama sa programa ng pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon ang pagtakwil sa imperyalismo at sa mga ipinataw nitong neoliberal na patakaran sa Pilipinas. Itinataguyod nito ang pambansang industriyalisayon at tunay na reporma sa lupa bilang salalayan ng pambansang kaunlaran at pagtatatag ng tunay na nagsasariling ekonomya. Sa ganito makatitindig ang bayan sa sariling paa at malalabanan ang imperyalismo.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pahirap-na-taas-presyo-ng-mga-produktong-petrolyo-at-bigas-resulta-ng-neoliberal-na-patakaran/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Sa Internasyunal na Araw ng Pagkilos, Paigtingin ang pakikibaka para sa pambansang pagpapalaya at demokrasya!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 27, 2023): Sa Internasyunal na Araw ng Pagkilos, Paigtingin ang pakikibaka para sa pambansang pagpapalaya at demokrasya! (On the International Day of Action, Intensify the struggle for national liberation and democracy!)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

August 27, 2023

Nakikiisa ang NDFP-ST sa Internasyunal na Araw ng Pagkilos para sa kilusang mapagpalaya sa Pilipinas na inilunsad ng Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle. Ikinalulugod ng sambayanang Pilipino ang suporta at pakikiisa ng mamamayan ng daigdig para sa rebolusyong Pilipino lalo sa gitna ng papatinding terorismo ng estadong kinakatawan ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte.

Wala nang ibang napapanahong okasyon para ipagdiwang ito kundi ngayong anibersaryo ng Sigaw ng Pugad Lawin. Sa araw na ito, 127 taon nang nakalilipas, pinunit ng mga Katipunero ang kanilang mga sedula na naghudyat ng armadong paglaban sa mananakop na Espanyol. Inagaw ng US ang tagumpay ng rebolusyong 1896 at sinaklot ang bayan hanggang ngayon. Sa harap nito, higit na nararapat ipagpatuloy ang sinimulang pakikibaka ng mga ninunong bayaning Pilipino sa inilulunsad ngayong bagong tipong pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon sa ilalim ng pamumuno ng CPP, sa pangunguna ng NPA sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka at kalahok ang iba’t ibang rebolusyonaryo sa pamamagitan ng mga alyadong organisasyon ng NDFP.

Ang kasalukuyang panahon ay kritikal na yugto sa Pilipinas lalo’t patuloy na sumisidhi ang inter-imperyalistang bangayan ng US at China. Walang tigil sa pang-uupat ang US ng gera sa China sa Asia Pacific. Kinakasangkapan nito ang mga bansa sa palibot ng China, kabilang ang Pilipinas. Kinakaharap ng mamamayang Pilipino ang lumalaking posibilidad na maging lunsaran ang bansa ng digmaan sa pagitan ng mga imperyalista.

Kasabwat ng imperyalismong US ang ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte sa pang-aapi sa sambayanang Pilipino. Lantarang iniaayon ang reaksyunaryong batas sa pagpapadulas ng mga di pantay na kasunduan at maluwag na pagdambong ng imperyalismo sa yaman ng bansa. Pinahintulutan ni Marcos Jr. ang agresibong panghihimasok ng mga pwersa at kagamitang militar ng US at mga kaalyado nito. Tampok ang sunud-sunod at masinsing ehersisyong militar sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas na bahagi ng pagpapamilyarisa ng US sa tereyn at karagatan sakaling pumutok dito ang gera. Sa kabilang banda, tusong nakikipagmabutihan ang rehimen, laluna ang nakalipas na rehimeng Duterte sa China upang makaganansya sa mga pondo, pautang at iba pang kasunduang pang-ekonomiko at militar. Malamang na isinuko na rin nito ang soberanong karapatan at patrimonyang yaman sa ilang teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa China bilang kabayaran.

Kapalit ng pagpapakatuta ng ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte sa imperyalismong US ang kanilang pananatili sa kapangyarihan. Ginagamit nito ang pasismo ng estado para supilin ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan at ipagkaloob ang interes ng imperyalismo at lokal na naghaharing paksyon. Kaakibat ng pagpapasok ng pondo at kagamitang militar ng US laban sa China ang paghagupit ng terorismo sa bayan sa pamamagitan ng kontra-rebolusyonaryong kampanyang nakabalangkas sa US Counter-insurgency Guide. Sa unang taon pa lamang ni Marcos, naitala ang 104 pinatay o katumbas ng dalawang pinapaslang ng estado kada linggo.

Nauulit ang kasaysayan sa pagtataksil nina Marcos Jr. at kanyang mga alipores kagaya ng ginawa ng mga ilustradong paksyon nina Emilio Aguinaldo sa mamamayan sa rebolusyong 1896 at digmaang Pilipino-Amerikano. Tulad ng nakaraan, hinusgahan sila ng mamamayang Pilipino bilang mga palpak, inutil at pasistang reaksyunaryo. Sinisingil sila ng sambayanan, lalo ng mga tunay na makabayang Pilipino, sa kanilang karuwagan at pagtatraydor. Ang isinusulong ng mamamayang Pilipino na demokratikong rebolusyong bayan ay naglalayong ibagsak ang bulok na estado na pinangunguluhan ng mga taksil.

Nananawagan ang NDFP-ST sa lahat ng makabayan, mapagmahal sa kalayaan at demokrasya at progresibong Pilipino na isulong ang pakikibaka para sa tunay na pambansang pagpapalaya. Ilunsad ang iba’t ibang anyo ng paglaban — ligal, mala-ligal at armado para bigwasan ang imperyalismo at mga lokal na alipores nito. Tuluy-tuloy na makipagkaisa sa mamamayan sa ibayong dagat para ihiwalay ang imperyalismong US at China.

Ikinalulugod ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa Pilipinas ang aktibong paglahok ng mga Pilipino at iba pang mamamayan sa ibayong dagat sa pakikibaka sa pambansang pagpapalaya sa Pilipinas. Ang magiting nilang paglaban sa bakuran mismo ng imperyalismo at pagpapaabot ng karaingan ng mga Pilipino ay dagdag inspirasyon para sa pambansa-demokratikong pwersa. Marapat pa nilang ipagpatuloy ito lalo ang paniningil sa kainutilan at pagpapakatuta ni Marcos Jr. sa imperyalismo. Tuluy-tuloy na mag-organisa ng mga kapwa aping mamamayan sa ibayong dagat na handang sumuporta hanggang sa makipamuhay at magpasyang buong panahong mag-ambag sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon.

Nasa tamang landas ang rebolusyong Pilipino sa pagtanaw nito sa sosyalismo matapos ipagtagumpay ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Ang pagwawagi ng rebolusyong Pilipino ay dakilang ambag sa pandaigdigang proletaryong rebolusyon. Buong giting na ipaglalaban ng CPP-NPA-NDFP, kasama ang sambayanang Pilipino at suporta ng mamamayan sa ibayong dagat, ang pambansang kasarinlan, integridad at soberanya laban sa mga imperyalista.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/sa-internasyunal-na-araw-ng-pagkilos-paigtingin-ang-pakikibaka-para-sa-pambansang-pagpapalaya-at-demokrasya/

CPP/NPA-Aurora: Pahayag ng DOMINGO ERLANO COMMAND kaugnay sa inilabas na pahayag ng 91st IB///91st IB, mersenaryong Hukbo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 26, 2023): Pahayag ng DOMINGO ERLANO COMMAND kaugnay sa inilabas na pahayag ng 91st IB///91st IB, mersenaryong Hukbo (Statement of the DOMINGO ERLANO COMMAND in relation to the statement issued by the 91st IB///91st IB, mercenary Army)

 


NPA-Aurora (Domingo Erlano Command)

Central Luzon Regional Operational Command

New People's Army

August 26, 2023

Ipinamalas ng 91st IB ang pagiging mersenaryong Hukbo sa magkasunod na labanan sa probinsya ng Aurora noong Hunyo 3 at Hunyo 9.

Naglulubid ng kasinungalingan ang 91st IB para pagtakpan ang paghuhuramentado ng mga tropa nito dahil sa dalawang pagkakataon na na-isnayp sila ng NPA at nagtamo ng mga kaswalti. Sa parehong insidente ay walang patumanggang nagpaputok at nagpasabog ang mga sundalo kahit walang target. Para bigyan katwiran ang nilustay nilang bala, nagpalabas sila ng pahayag ng mga pekeng engkwentro. Masahol pa, itinago nila ang mga sundalong Killed in Action at ipinagkait sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya ang karampatang pagkilala.

Tiyak at presiso ang bawat balang pinakawalan ng NPA. Nagpapakita ito ng mataas na disiplina sa kondukta ng gera. Siguradong dalawang sundalo ng 91st IB na tumatawid sa ilog ang patay sa isnayping ng NPA noong Hunyo 3 sa Barangay Punglo, Maria Aurora, Aurora. Tiyak na tiyak din ang mga operatiba ng NPA na tatlong sundalo ng 91st IB ang kanilang naasinta at napatay noong Hunyo 9 sa Barangay Detike, San Luis Aurora. Walang kaswalti sa panig ng NPA sa naturang mga labanan.

Samantala, pitong bangkay ng mga sundalo ang iniulat ng mga masa na nakita nilang inilabas sa erya ng pinaglabanan noong Hunyo 9. Sa ulat ng mga kasamang napalaban, malaking porsyento na bala mismo ng army ang nakapatay sa kapwa nila sundalo. Umaasolt ang tropa nila ng maisnayp ng NPA na kagyat namang binugsuan ng putok ng tropa ng AFP kahit alam nilang malaki ang tsansa na matamaan ang sarili nilang tauhan.

Sa pelikula lamang mapapanood ang pagkakapatiran sa AFP. Sa totoong buhay, punong puno nito ng karahasan at gulangan simula pa lamang sa pagpapalista, treyning, pasweldo, promosyon at maging sa larangan ng labanan. Walang kwenta sa mga opisyal ng AFP kung may mapatay, masugatan o madisgrasya man sa kanilang tauhan na kalakhan ay anak ng mga magsasaka. Para sa AFP, madali lang magpalit ng sahuran na sundalo sa dami ng mga kabataang walang trabaho at pamilyang Pilipino na sadlak sa matinding kahirapan at kagutuman.

Nananawagan ang NPA-Aurora sa mga karaniwang sundalo at patriyotikong opisyal ng 91st IB na paimbistigahan ang katiwalian at pagtatakip sa katotohanan sa insidente noong Hunyo 3 at Hunyo 9. Sa panig ng NPA, ang mga karaniwang kawal, lalo na ang mga galing sa uring magsasaka na wala sa akto ng aktwal na labanan ay itinuturing nitong mga elementong dapat kabigin para maglingkod sa masa at hindi sa pasistang estado. Gayunman, ang sinumang ahente at tauhan ng AFP na aktibo sa kontra-mamamayan at kontra-rebolusyunaryong aktibidad ay tiyak na pananagutin ng rebolusyunaryong kilusan at ng rebolusyunaryong mamamayan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/91st-ib-mersenaryong-hukbo/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: Palpak na serbisyo ng Prime Water sa Camarines Norte, ikinagalit ng mga consumers nito

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 23, 2023): Palpak na serbisyo ng Prime Water sa Camarines Norte, ikinagalit ng mga consumers nito (Prime Water's sloppy service in Camarines Norte, angered its consumers)

 


Carlito Cada

Spokesperson

NPA-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command)

August 23, 2023

Labis na ikinadismaya ng mga consumers ng Prime Water sa Camarines Norte ang palpak nitong serbisyo sa tubig. Higit dalawang linggo na kasing hindi maayos ang daloy ng tubig sa mga bayan ng Mercedes, Vinzons, Daet at iba pang lugar na abot ng serbisyo nito.

Ang Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation ay isang pribadong kumpanya na pag-aari ng burgesya komprador na pamilyang Villar. Na sa kasalukuyan ay umaabot na sa lagpas 100 local water district sa buong bansa ang napasakamay nito sa pamamagitan ng joint venture agreement.

Ayon kay dating chairman ng Camarines Norte-Water District (CNWD) na si Atty. Doming Ferrer, naobliga silang pumasok sa kasunduang Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) sa pagitan ng WD at Prime Water noong bahagi ng 2014. Dahil sa wala umanong sapat na pondo ang CNWD para sa pagpapaunlad ng serbisyo nito. Dagdag pang naging dahilan ang lumalaki nitong utang na umaabot sa ₱300-₱400 milyon. Bunsod na rin ng kakulungan ng atensyon ng lokal na pamahalaan sa paglalaan ng pondo upang mapabuti at mapaunlad ang serbisyo nito.

Ayon sa pinirmahang kontrata sa JVA, sa loob ng 25 taon ang Prime Water ang mamamahala sa serbisyo ng tubig. Kasama na rito ang maintenance, rehabilitasyon, pangungulekta ng buwis at pagbayad sa milyong utang ng CNWD. Bunsod nito, maraming empleyado ng CNWD ang nawalan ng trabaho na halos 12 empleyado na lamang ang natira na tagapagmonitor na lamang ang tanging trabaho.

Samantala, hindi lang sa probinsya ng Camarines Norte palpak ang serbisyo ng Prime Water sa Bicol. Dahil nito lamang mga nakaraang buwan sa probinsya ng Sorsogon ay pinutakte ito ng pambabatikos ng mga netizens sa social media dahil sa putol-putol nitong serbisyo at maduming tubig na lumalabas sa mga gripo.

Dapat lamang na igiit sa pribadong kumpanya na Prime Water na ibigay nila ang makatarungang serbisyo sa kanilang consumers, kapalit ng ibinibigay nitong mataas na singil sa tubig. Huwag gawing negosyo at pagkakitaan.

Gayun din, dapat igiit sa lokal na pamahalaan ng probinsya ang pagbaklas sa kasunduang JVA sa pagitan ng pribadong kumpanya na Prime Water dahil sa palpak na serbisyo at mataas na singil sa tubig. “Ang tubig ay buhay” na dapat ay libreng ibinibigay sa mamamayan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/palpak-na-serbisyo-ng-prime-water-sa-camarines-norte-ikinagalit-ng-mga-consumers-nito/

CXPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Manggagawa, patatagin ang pagkakaisa, labanan ang pang-aatake ng estado

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 22, 2023): Manggagawa, patatagin ang pagkakaisa, labanan ang pang-aatake ng estado (Workers, strengthen unity, resist state aggression)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

August 22, 2023

Kasama ang laksang mamamayang Pilipino, kinukundena ng NDFP-ST ang tuluy-tuloy na pang-aatake ng estado sa kilusang paggawa. Sa Timog Katagalugan, tuluy-tuloy ang mga kaso ng pagbabanta at intimidasyon sa mga lider-manggagawa at kanilang mga unyon na pinangungunahan ng Task Force-Ugnay ng NTF-ELCAC at mga pwersa ng AFP-PNP.

Pinakahuling inulat na biktima ng sarbeylans at panghaharas ng estado si Mario Fernandez, tagapangulo ng alyansang Organized Labor Associations in Line Industries and Agriculture (OLALIA), noong Agosto 5. Dinikitan at sinubaybayan siya nang buong araw ng isang lalaking nagpakilalang kasapi ng UMPHIL, ang organisasyong itinayo ng Philfoods, Inc. upang tapatan ang Unyon ng mga Panadero ng Philfoods Fresh Baked Products, Inc. (UPPFBPI). Nang akmang irerekord ni Fernandez ang panghaharas sa kanya ay binantaan siya ng di nagpakilalang lalaki. Pananakot niya, may hawak umano siyang mga litrato at personal na impormasyon ni Fernandez. Naganap ang pangyayari bago matapos ang pre-election conference ng UPPFBPI-OLALIA. Tinatayang pakana ito ng UMPHIL upang guluhin ang nakatakdang Sole and Exclusive Bargaining Agreement (SEBA) process ng UPPFBPI-OLALIA.

Tuluy-tuloy ang pagbabahay-bahay ng NTF-ELCAC sa mga lider at kasapi ng unyon. Isang matingkad na halimbawa nito ang karanasan ng mga kasapi ng Wyeth Philippines Progressive Workers Union na hinaharas at pinipilit ng NTF-ELCAC na itakwil ang OLALIA, Kilusang Mayo Uno at lahat ng mga kaalyadong unyon.

Magkasabwat ang estado at mga kapitalista sa pagsupil sa pakikibaka ng mga manggagawa. Kasabay ng pandarahas ng mga armadong pwersa ng estado, gumagawa ng mga iskemang pambubuwag ng unyon ang mga kapitalista. Ang malawakang tanggalan sa Wyeth Philippines noong Mayo na magdidisempleyo ng 140 manggagawa ay malinaw na pakana para lansagin ang unyon. Kasapi ng unyon ang 125 na tatanggalin habang upisyal pa ng unyon ang sampu sa mga ito. Ang Wyeth Philippines ay pagmamay-ari ng conglomerate na Nestle na may mahaba at madugong rekord sa pagsupil sa unyon.

Desperado ang mga kapitalista na buwagin ang mga militanteng unyon upang malayang pagsamantalahan ang mga manggagawa at pumiga pa ng labis-labis na tubo sa gitna ng krisis. Ginagamit nito ang AFP-PNP upang supilin ang paglaban ng mga manggagawa lalo sa panahon ng mga welga kagaya ng pang-aatake sa mga manggagawa ng Wyeth Philippines, Gardenia Bakeries Philippines Inc. at iba pa. Sukdulang pinapaslang nila ang mga lider-manggagawa kagaya nina Emmanuel Asuncion ng BAYAN-Cavite na kabilang sa Bloody Sunday Massacre noong Marso 7, 2021 at Dandy Miguel na tagapangulo ng unyon sa Fuji Electric noong Marso 28, 2021. Bago paslangin, walang tigil na nired-tag ang mga biktima.

Kailangang higit na patatagin ang pagkakaisa ng mga manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga militanteng unyon upang maipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili sa pang-aatake ng estado. Sa panahong ito, higit na kailangang pagtibayin ang samahan at huwag maglubay sa pakikibaka upang makamit ang kanilang demokratikong karapatan.

Hindi dapat umatras, bagkus dapat ibayong sumulong ang pakikibaka para sa taas sahod. Malaon nang binabarat ang sahod ng mga manggagawa na wala pa sa kalahati ng family living wage (FLW) o halagang kailangan para disenteng mabuhay ang isang lima-kataong pamilya. Nasa P470 lamang ang pinakamataas na minimum wage sa CALABARZON, malayong malayo sa P1,082 na FLW rito habang P355 ang minimum wage sa MIMAROPA na may P1,162 na FLW (Abril 2023). Higit na kailangan nila ito sa gitna ng pagsirit ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin. Nararapat ding isulong ang regularisasyon sa trabaho at ang pagbibigay-garantiya sa kaligtasan sa paggawa para hindi maulit ang insidente ng pagkamatay ng dalawang manggagawa sa SM City Santa Rosa nito lamang Agosto 3. Gayundin, nararapat bigyang kompensasyon ang mga manggagawang napinsala sa paggawa.

Samantala, makakaasa ang manggagawang Pilipino sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan na isusulong nito ang kagalingan at interes ng kanilang uri. Ganap na matatamo ang karapatan ng manggagawa sa landas ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon. Bukas ang mga sonang gerilya sa mga manggagawang naghahangad ng pagbabago at hustisyang panlipunan, lalo sa yaong nanganganib ang buhay at naghahangad na ipagtanggol ang sarili mula sa estado.

Nararapat makiisa at manguna ang manggagawang Pilipino sa pakikibaka ng buong bayan para sa pambansang pagpapalaya at demokrasya. Pagsanibin ang kanilang lakas sa iba pang uri upang gapiin ang pasismo. Pamunuan ang rebolusyon at hawanin ang landas para maitayo ang makatarungang lipunang minimithi ng lahat ng masang api, laluna ang anakpawis.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/manggagawa-patatagin-ang-pagkakaisa-labanan-ang-pang-aatake-ng-estado/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 62nd IB Intel Asset sa La Libertad, Ginsilotan sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 22, 2023): 62nd IB Intel Asset sa La Libertad, Ginsilotan sang NPA (62nd IB Intel Asset in La Libertad, Punished by the NPA)

 


JB Regalado 

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

August 22, 2023

Silot kamatayon ang ginpatuman sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army kay Levy Sanoy sang Sityo Manghuya, Barangay Aya banwa sang La Libertad, Negros Oriental sadtong Agosto 21, 2023 alas 5:00 sang hapon, matapos ang desisyon sang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo.

Si Levy Sanoy ang masupog nga taglaksam sang luna sang duta nga palangabuhian sang kaangay niya nga mangunguma sa lugar. Nagapamahug sa iya mga biktima paagi sa pagpanaya kag pagpalupok sang iya ginahupot nga ilegal nga armas luthang.

Masupog man si Sanoy nga tag-organisa sang grupo sang “PULAHAN” sa nasambit nga lugar. Ang mga “PULAHAN” ang armado kag panatiko nga grupo sa lugar nga nagserbe force-multiplier sang PNP-La Libertad kag 62nd IB nga ginagamit sa kampanya kontra-insurhensya.

Isa man si Sanoy sa mga masupog nga Intel Assets sang 62nd IB sa La Libertad nga nagapaniktik sa hulag sang NPA kag regular nagareport sa Barangay Pacuan 62nd IB Patrol Base.

Tuig 2022 ginpaandaman na sang NPA si Levy apang padayon gihapon sa iya mga kontra-pumuluyo kag kontra-hublag nga gawi. Nagserbe man siya nga giya sa mga operasyon sang 62nd IB sa boundary sang La Libertad, Binalbagan kag Isabela.

Gina-athag lang sang NPA nga indi tanan nga panatiko nga grupo sa La Libertad kag Jimalalud, Negros Oriental ang target sang New People’s Army kundi ang may kaangay lang nga gawi ni Levy Sanoy. Apang kon nagapabilin ini nga gawi sa pipila nga mga katapu-an sang nasambit nga grupo, ang LPC-NPA indi man magduha-duha sa pagsilot sa inyo sandig sa kabug-aton sang kaso nga inyo nakomiter.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/62nd-ib-intel-asset-sa-la-libertad-ginsilotan-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Masbate: Pulang saludo kay Eddie “Ka Star” Rosero

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 22, 2023): Pulang saludo kay Eddie “Ka Star” Rosero (Red salute to Eddie “Ka Star” Rosero)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

August 22, 2023

Pinakamataas na parangal ang ipinapaabot ng Jose Rapsing Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan Masbate at ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan kay Eddie Rosero na nakilala ng masang Masbatenyo bilang si Ka Star/Art/Picolo. Para sa masa, siya ay dakilang bayani ng mamamayang Masbatenyo.

Kaisa ng masa, ng mga kaanak at pamilya ng mga biktima ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagdadalamhati. Si Ka Star ay isa sa mga pinakapipitagang Pulang kumander ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa prubinsya. Hindi kahina-hinala ang desperasyon ng kaaway na siya’y tugisin at siraan sa publiko.

Ipinanganak si Ka Star sa bayan ng Aroroy noong 1980. Namulat siya sa kalunus-lunos na kalagayan ng kanyang bayan dulot ng mapaminsalang pagmimina at doo’y nagpasyang lumahok sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Nagsimula siya sa grupo ng kabataan bilang kuryer ng mga kasama hanggang sa nagpultaym noong taong 1998.

Kinatangian ang higit 25 taong paglilingkod ni Ka Star nang kahusayan sa pamumuno sa mga labanan. Bilang isa sa mga namumunong kumander sa buong prubinsya, pinangunahan niya ang sustenidong pagsulong ng armadong pakikibaka. Tandang-tanda pa ng masa ang matagumpay na ambus ng NPA laban sa mga tropa ng PNP-507th Mobile Company na kagagaling pa lang sa pangingikil sa Barangay Manlut-Od, bayan ng Placer.

Sa kanyang kahusayan sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka, nahalal siya bilang regular na kagawad ng komiteng prubinsya.

Inalay ni Ka Star ang buong buhay, hinarap ang mga sakripisyo at kahirapan para sa pagsusulong ng rebolusyonaryong armadong pakikibaka. Hanggang sa mga huling sandali, namatay siyang lumalaban. Sa katunayan, 13 ang napatay sa hanay ng militar at pulis matapos ang naganap na labanan sa Barangay Jagnaan, taliwas sa ilinabas na ulat ng kaaway sa publiko.

Para sa pamilya nina Ka Star at Ka Jamon, taas-noo ninyong ipagmalaki ang inyong ama bilang mabuting bayani ng masang Masbatenyo. Ang kaniyang pagmamahal sa bayan ay makikita sa hindi matatawarang pagmamahal niya sa inyo.

Kinukundena ng Jose Rapsing Command – BHB Masbate ang pagdamay at pagmasaker sa tatlong sibilyang kababaihan na sina Jelyn Guis Dejomo (56 anyos), Sheryl Salazar Dejomo (29 anyos) at Divina Lubiano Ajitan (60 anyos). Sila ay walang pagtatanging pinaslang ng militar sa kabila ng malinaw nilang sibilyang katayuan.

Hindi rin dapat palampasin ang hindi makataong pagtrato sa mga biktima. Sa teroristang pakanang takutin ang publiko at maghasik ng lagim, walang pakundangang ibinuyangyang ng militar sa publiko ang brutal na pagpatay kina Ka Star at sa iba pang biktima.

Hibang ang rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte sa pag-aakalang malaking dagok sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa prubinsya ang pagpatay nila kay Ka Star. Ang naimbag na karanasan ni Ka Star sa pagsusulong ng pakikidigmang gerilya batay sa papalawak at papalallim na baseng masa ay nakaugat na sa puso ng bawat Pulang kumander at mandirigma. Marami pang bagong henerasyon ang uusbong at susunod sa yapak ni Ka Star upang isulong ang digmang bayan at tuluyang iahon ang Masbate at ang buong bansa sa kumunoy ng kahirapan tungo sa isang lipunang tunay na malaya at demokratiko.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pulang-saludo-kay-eddie-ka-star-rosero/

CPP/NDF-Laguna: Paigtingin ang pakikibaka ng sambayanan para sa pambansang demokrasya at sosyalismo!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 22, 2023): Paigtingin ang pakikibaka ng sambayanan para sa pambansang demokrasya at sosyalismo! (Intensify the people's struggle for national democracy and socialism!)

 


Malaya Asedillo

Spokesperson

NDF-Laguna

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

August 22, 2023

Ginugunita ng lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa ng Laguna ang buhay at dakilang pakikibaka nina Ka Benito Tiamzon at Ka Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, mga martir ng sambayanan at bayani ng uring anakpawis. Ala-ala at hamon para sa ating lahat ang kanilang pagpupunyagi sa pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon na may sosyalistang perspektiba.

Hindi masusukat ang bigat ng ambag nina Ka Benito at Ka Wilma sa pagsulong ng makatwirang rebolusyon ng sambayanang Pilipino. Bilang mga kasapi at kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, naging mapagpasya ang papel nila sa pagpunyagi sa wastong linya ng anti-rebisyunismo laban sa umiiral na lihis na linya noong panahon ng Ikalawang Dakilang Kilusang Pagwawasto. Napigilan ang tuluyang paglihis at pagkabalaho ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan at napagtibay ang kawastuhan ng rebolusyon sa ideolohiya, pulitika, at organisasyon.

Huwarang ehemplo ang mga dekada ng paglingkod nina Ka Benito at Ka Wilma sa sambayanan sa kabila ng hirap at sakripisyo na dinanas nila. Hanggang sa huling sandali ay nanatili sila sa piling ng masang pinagsisilbihan nila, at kumikilos para sa interes nila.

Nananatiling mabigat ang pagkawala nina Ka Benito at Ka Wilma, laluna’t sila ay pinaslang nang walang awa at walang pakundangan sa pandaigidan na makataong batas ng reaksyunaryong estado. Mahalaga para sa atin na suriin at tingnan ito mula sa konteksto ng nagpapatuloy na rebolusyonaryong digmaang sibil sa Pilipinas.

Likas na marahas ang digmaang kinakaharap natin. Dahil ito sa layunin ng digmaan natin: ibagsak ang lumang reaksyunaryong estado at itayo ang isang estado na magtatanggol ng ating pambansa at demokratikong interes. Salungat ito sa saligang interes ng mga naghaharing uri na manatili sa kapangyarihan at ipagpatuloy ang kanilang paghahari at pagsasamantala.

Dahil salungat ang interes ng mga rebolusyonaryong uri at ng mga reaksyunaryong naghahari, ubos-kayang ipinagtatanggol ng naghaharing uri ang kanilang pusisyon laban sa lumalakas na rebolusyonaryong agos ng mamamayan. Ang makahayop na pagpaslang kanila Ka Benito at Ka Wilma ay patunay lamang na desperado na ang mga naghaharing uri na supilin ang rebolusyonaryong interes ng mamamayan.

Desperado ang mga naghaharing pangkatin dahil alam nila na bilang na ang mga araw nila. Pulang bangungot para sa rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte ang lumalakas at lumalawak na rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Mismo ang rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte ang lumilikha ng obhetibong kundisyon para sa pagpapalawak ng rebolusyon. Pinapanatili ng naghaharing pangkatin na ito ang malakolonyal at malapyudal na krisis ng lipunang Pilipino. Nagsisilbi bilang masugid na tuta ang rehimen para sa pangkalahatang interes ng imperyalismong US.

Ang reaksyunaryong estado mismo ang gumagawa ng sarili nitong hukay. Ngunit hangga’t nagsisilbi ang naghaharing uri sa dikta at interes ng imperyalismo, hindi nito mapipigilan ang sarili na pasidhiin ang pagsasamantala laban sa mamamayan.

Nananatiling wasto ang paglunsad ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan dahil layunin nito na makamit ang pambansa at demokratikong interes ng mayorya ng mamamayan. Ito ay isang anti-imperyalista, anti-pyudal, at anti-pasistang pakikibaka para sa pagpapalaya ng bayan mula sa mga pangil ng dayuhang imperyalista at ng mga lokal na ahente nito, ang mga panginoong maylupa at malalaking burgesya komprador na kumokontrol ng reaksyunaryong estado.

Napapanahon ang malawakang pagsulong ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa Laguna. Nasasadlak sa kahirapan ang kalakhan ng Lagunense dahil sa kawalan ng maayos na trabaho at dumadausdos na antas ng sahod. Sa mga komunidad ng magsasaka, tinutulak ang land-use conversion para sa mga proyektong imprastruktura at eko-turista.

Sa ilalim ng neoliberal na programang “Build Better More,” papalayasin ng rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte ang libu-libong pamilyang maralita, magsasaka, at mangingisda sa kahabaan ng lawa ng Laguna upang magbigay daan sa Laguna Lakeshore Road Network project. Gayundin ang planong railway modernization at jeepney modernization na papatay sa kabuhayan ng mga drayber at iba pang maralita.

Hindi rin humupa ang militarisasyon at terorismo ng estado laban sa mamamayan ng Laguna. Sa mga komunidad ng mga manggagawa at mga engklabo, patuloy ang 2nd Infantry Division ng AFP at ang NTF-ELCAC sa kanilang pananakot at pagbabanta sa mga unyonista. Sunod-sunod din ang mga seminar ng ELCAC sa mga komunidad at eskwelahan na hinahambing sa terorismo ang demokratikong kilusang masa.

Tungkulin ngayon ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Laguna na pasiglahin ang gawaing pagpukaw, pag-oorganisa, at pagpakilos. Susi rito ang pagpapalawak ng mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa kanayunan at sa kalunsuran, ang pagpapalawak ng suporta sa demokrationg rebolusyong bayan, at ang paghikayat sa lahat na sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan at isulong ang armadong pakikibaka sa kanayunan.

Tiyak ang pagkamit ng pambansa-demokratikong tagumpay sa ating bayan! Magpunyagi tayo para sa tagumpay at sa sosyalistang kinabukasan!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/paigtingin-ang-pakikibaka-ng-sambayanan-para-sa-pambansang-demokrasya-at-sosyalismo/

CPP/NPA-Southern Panay: Kaangut sang pagpaslang kina Kasamang Blue kag Kasamang Hope

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Aug 22, 2023): Kaangut sang pagpaslang kina Kasamang Blue kag Kasamang Hope (The horror of killing Comrade Blue and Comrade Hope)

 

Ang artikulo nga ini may salhin sa Pilipino

Ariston Remus

Spokesperson

NPA-Front Twelve (Napoleon Tumagtang Command)

NPA-Southern Panay

Panay Regional Operational Command

New People's Army

August 22, 2023

August 3, 2023 | Mabaskog nga ginakundenar sang Napoleon Tumagtang Command- New People’s Army Southern Panay ang brutal nga pagdukot kag pagpatay sang duha ka kaupod nga sanday Jenny “Ka Hope” kag John Eric “Ka Blue” Talibo. Wala sang engkwentro nga natabu. Indi sila armado nga gindakop kag gin-salvage sang Dirty Tricks Department sang 61st IB kag 301st Bde PA.

​Kabutigan kag isa ka drama ang engkwentro nga ginpaggwa kag lunsay planted ang mga recoveries kalakip na ang mga beste nga ginpasuksok sa mga kaupod.

​Gina-ako namon nga sanday Ka Hope kag Ka Blue mga katapu sang yunit sa idalum sang Napoleon Tumagtang Command, apang indi sila armado kag wala sa sonang gerilya sang nadakpan sang kaaway.

​Ining brutal nga tikang sang 61st IB kag 301st Bde isa ka desperado nga taktika nga makatimalos sa mga kahalitan nga naagum nila sa mga aktibong depensa nga ginlunsar sang NPA para batu-an ang ila todo opensibang operasyon sa kabuangan nga handum nga himugsu-on ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sining tuig 2023.

​Indi nila matulon nga sa ila pag-atake sa Barangay Camandag, Leon, Iloilo sang Hulyo 11, 2023, nag-agum sang 2 ka KIA kag indi magnubo sa 3 ka WIA ang ila tropa. Sa Barangay Carara-an, Leon, Iloilo sang Hunyo 5, 2023, nag-agum man sila sang 2 ka kaswalidad.

​Matalaw kag indi makatarungan nga paukpan ang duha ka kaupod nga wala sang ikasarang nag magbatu. Lapas ini sa ila kaugalingon nga pagsulundan sa pagpatuman sang hustisya.

​Ginahatag namon ang pinakamataas nga pagpasaludar kanday Ka Hope kag Ka Blue. Ang inyong kamatayon labi nga maga padabdab sa rebolusyonaryong kaisog kag pagbatu sang masang anakbalhas.

​Mabuhay kamo!

​Mabuhay ang Rebolusyong Pilipino!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kaangut-sang-pagpaslang-kina-kasamang-blue-kag-kasamang-hope/

PH, UK enhance cooperation on trade, defense, energy, climate

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29, 2023): PH, UK enhance cooperation on trade, defense, energy, climate (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora and Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

COURTESY CALL. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly (left) pays a courtesy call on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2023). They sought enhanced cooperation on trade, defense, renewable energy, and climate action. (Photo courtesy of Presidential Photojournalists Association)

MANILA – The Philippines and the United Kingdom are eyeing to beef up their cooperation in key areas such as trade, security and defense, renewable energy shift and climate change action.

This developed after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday welcomed British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

Marcos told Cleverly that there are many opportunities the post-pandemic economy has to offer, adding that Southeast Asian nations’ recovery is “fast approaching.”

“There is a shift for Europe to look post-pandemic to the region, to Asia, Southeast Asia, to begin with for the transformation of our economies, and to improve the positioning of all our economies, post-pandemic. I think that’s basically what we have to face,” Marcos said during Cleverly’s courtesy call.

Cleverly agreed that the two countries need to enhance their trade relations, noting that there is still room for growth in the future.

Acknowledging Marcos’ efforts to attract more foreign investments, Cleverly said he is optimistic that British firms would put up business in the Philippines with the help of UK Export Finance (UKEF).

UKEF, the UK’s export credit agency, helps British companies to win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers; fulfill contracts by supporting working capital loans; and get paid by insuring against buyer default.

“I know that you are very focused on attracting investment into the country and I’ve been discussing with our ambassador about UK export finance facility which I hope would encourage UK companies to invest more broadly,” Cleverly told Marcos.

Data from the British Embassy showed that the two-way trade between the UK and the Philippines increased by 26 percent on an annual basis to GBP2.4 billion in 2022, with Philippine exports to UK reaching GBP1.2 billion.

CRUCIAL MEETING. Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (right) and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary James Cleverly shake hands after the signing of the "Joint Statement of Intent," which will define the scope of the two states’ bilateral cooperation, at Diamond Hotel Manila on Tuesday (Aug. 29, 2023). Cleverly is the first British foreign secretary to visit Manila since 2016. (Photo courtesy of DFA Secretary Manalo)

Framework agreement

Cleverly and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo also formally signed on Tuesday the “Joint Statement of Intent” to develop the framework agreement, which will define the scope of the two states’ bilateral cooperation under the Philippines-UK Enhanced Partnership.

The partnership was launched in December 2021 to strengthen UK-Philippines collaboration in key areas including defense, climate and environment, trade, maritime security and foreign policy, among others.

“The UK is building enduring partnerships and the Philippines is one of those key partners,” Cleverly said. “We are like-minded countries, we share many values and I am certain that the prosperity of the UK and the prosperity of the Philippines will be very closely interwoven for many years to come.”

Apart from boosting cooperation, the two foreign secretaries discussed “pressing and evolving regional and international issues of mutual concern” during a bilateral meeting at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

“The UK is an important long-standing partner of the Philippines, especially in this time of geographic upheavals, economic disruptions, and challenges to the rule of law,” Manalo said.

“Foreign Secretary Cleverly’s visit to Manila, the first British foreign secretary to do so since 2016, heartens us since it also signals the strengthening of our bilateral ties in trade, investments, security, maritime cooperation and other fields.”

Before meeting Manalo, Cleverly visited the Philippine Coast Guard to discuss cooperation on maritime security, counter-terrorism and environmental protection.

The UK was among the foreign governments that expressed serious concern over the Aug. 5 water cannoning incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard while a Philippine boat was en route to resupply the troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin.

Possible defense alliances

Marcos said he is open to the idea of forging alliances and partnerships with the UK when it comes to security and defense.

“But that seems to be the evolution, the geopolitics these days. It is a welcome evolution in my view, and again your visit here I think, is a clear indication of that intent,” he said.

Cleverly said there are lots of opportunities for the two nations to create a “positive” bilateral relationship and take advantage of huge growth potential for potential partnerships.

The Philippines, Cleverly said, is “a really good friend and partner to the UK.”

Climate change and renewable energy

Cleverly said the Philippines and the UK may also strengthen their cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as to promote the use of renewable energy.

“I think once again that’s an area where we can work very, very closely together,” he told Marcos.

“It was really a kind of an audit of two countries that are I think instinctively, very much like-minded, with very, very similar attitudes to world affairs, and very similar appetites to try and make the most of the bilateral relationship, as well as the UK’s focus on Southeast Asia.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208739