NPA arms cache seized in Batangas

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11, 2024): NPA arms cache seized in Batangas (Ramon Efren Lazaro, Michael Punongbayan)

MANILA, Philippines — Bombs, grenades and other war materials have been recovered from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Balayan, Batangas.

Capt. Renrick Cumaya, public affairs office chief of the 2nd Infantry Division (ID), said among the items seized were two six-kilogram improvised landmines, 10 improvised hand grenades, 105 cartridges of 5.56 mm, two improvised explosive device openers, an IED canister and a bandolier.

Cumaya said a former NPA leader who surrendered led them to the arms cache in Sitio Sales in Barangay Pooc.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 2nd ID commander, said collaboration between government troopers and surrenderees is essential in dismantling rebel forces and ensuring the safety and security of local communities.

Meanwhile, reports reaching Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo said an alias She of the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan surrendered on Tuesday.

The surrenderee reportedly turned over a 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber. 38 revolver and bullets.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/01/11/2324864/npa-arms-cache-seized-batangas

2 Moro clans in Maguindanao del Sur end bloody 'rido'

From the Philippine Star (Jan 10, 2024): 2 Moro clans in Maguindanao del Sur end bloody 'rido' (By John Unson)

Leaders of the feuding Moro clans from Montawal and Pagalungan towns in Maguindanao del Sur signed on Jan. 9, 2024 a peace covenant, ending years of hostilities.  Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — Two feuding Moro clans in the adjoining Pagalungan and Montawal towns in Maguindanao del Sur reconciled on Tuesday, ending years of hostilities that exacted no fewer than 10 fatalities on each side.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and Army Major Gen. Alex Rillera separately told reporters on Wednesday that they are grateful for the officials of the Peace, Security and Reconciliation Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for having settled amicably the “rido” between the Bacana and the combined Dimaagil and Masdal clans.

Rido is a generic term for clan war in most Moro vernacular, mostly triggered by affronts to family pride and honor, land disputes and political differences.

In an initial statement on Tuesday, Anwar Alamada, director of the PSRO-BARMM, said that the leaders of the feuding clans, whose members are scattered in Montawal and Pagalungan towns, have signed a peace covenant stating that they are to live in peace again as relatives and work together, along with local officials, in restoring normalcy in the barangays affected by their gunfights in years past.

“We are thankful to local officials, the police and the military for having supported our efforts to settle the longtime rido between these clans,” Alamada said.

The reconciliation of the rival clans was witnessed by officials of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front from different towns in Maguindanao del Sur and representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities that has a counterpart in the government, comprised of Army, police and local government officials.

The committee is in the forefront of addressing security issues in areas covered by the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose chairman, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, is appointed chief minister of BARMM.

 
https://qa.philstar.com/nation/2024/01/10/2324837/2-moro-clans-maguindanao-del-sur-end-bloody-rido

Brief: University Catholic Service Bombing Raises Fears of Abu Sayyaf Resurgence in the Philippine

 Posted to the Jamestown Foundation Terrorism Monitor (Dec 15, 2023): Brief: University Catholic Service Bombing Raises Fears of Abu Sayyaf Resurgence in the Philippine (By: Jacob Zenn)

Terrorism Monitor Volume: 21 Issue: 24

The aftermath of the bombing of a Catholic Mass at Mindanao State University. (Source: Detroit Catholic)

Abu Sayyaf is considered a group in “demise” according to leading Philippine military officials (Benar News, July 31). The killing of key commander Mudzrimar “Mundi” Sawadjaan on his way to Sulu island from Basilan Province in early December only furthered this government narrative (SunStar, December 3). As one of the highest-ranking Abu Sayyaf commanders still at large and the mastermind of numerous major bombings, his elimination should be expected to reduce the risk of Abu Sayyaf attacks going forward. Mundi’s death also makes it harder for the group to distract from its ongoing struggles, as well as its attempt to establish a narrative about an Abu Sayyaf comeback. Nevertheless, the December 5 bombing of a Catholic church service at Mindanao State University, which killed four worshippers, is an actual success for Abu Sayyaf, and may overshadow its other struggles and the loss of Sawadjaan (ABS-CBN, December 5).

Islamic State’s (IS) claim of the university bombing demonstrates that IS still maintains a line of communication with Abu Sayyaf. This may be true, even if such operational ties are not at the same level as they were when Abu Sayyaf—in particular, the Maute Brothers—controlled the city of Marawi for months. In fact, Mindanao State University’s location in Marawi suggests that the city retains Abu Sayyaf cells, despite being ousted from the city in 2017. Moreover, an article published in IS’s flagship magazine, al-Naba, in early December highlighted the group’s presence in the Philippines. This indicates that IS is once again focusing on boosting its Abu Sayyaf allies (X/@ZamYusa, December 10).

On the other hand, the use of old footage in photographs within the al-Naba article could suggest that the recent IS propaganda about the Philippines is a cover for a lack of actual progress on that front. Other new photographic footage of Abu Sayyaf released by IS in December did show the group’s attacks, but with relatively few fighters, which suggests the group’s cells operate in small numbers. However, Abu Sayyaf was able to eliminate several members of their rival group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has joined the government in a security-political pact in recent years. One element of this involves combining forces to combat Abu Sayyaf (X/@war_noir, December 10).

The Philippines is still releasing funds to compensate victims who lost their homes and livelihoods during the 2017 Siege of Marawi, as well as to the families of civilians killed in the crossfire (Asia News Network, October 9). However, various development and infrastructure projects have been delayed, hindering a return to normalcy in Marawi (Rappler, July 31). So long as Marawi’s inhabitants remain in dire living conditions, there will be a favorable climate in the city for Abu Sayyaf and IS (Al Jazeera, October 23). There is also concern in the Philippines that alienated youths may act against and/or rise up against the government, even if they do not join either of the two named jihadist groups (Benar News, February 18, 2020). This highlights the need for the Philippine government to prioritize the revival of Marawi if they intend to eliminate Abu Sayyaf once and for all.

https://jamestown.org/program/brief-university-catholic-service-bombing-raises-fears-of-abu-sayyaf-resurgence-in-the-philippines/

‘A cause of deep concern’: Adiong condemns killing of Army intel agents

Posted to Politiko (Jan 11, 2024): ‘A cause of deep concern’: Adiong condemns killing of Army intel agents (By Billy Begas)

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong condemned the killing of two Army intelligence operatives in Munai, Lanao del Norte while gathering information on Marawi bombing suspects.

Adiong said the incident is “a cause for deep concern.”

“This incident underscores the persistent threats posed by extremist groups like Daulah Islamiyah-Maute in our region, emphasizing the urgent need for collective condemnation and unity,” said Adiong in a press statement.

“In times of tragedy, our shared resilience challenges us to stand united against the forces of hatred and violence,” he added.

According to reports, the two non-uniformed soldiers were out on a mission when they were shot by assault rifles while riding a motorcycle in Barangay Lininding in Munai.

The attackers reportedly took their personal belongings and service pistols before escaping.

https://mindanao.politiko.com.ph/a-cause-of-deep-concern-adiong-condemns-killing-of-army-intel-agents/

‘Downgrade Abu kidnap threat in Sulu-Celebes seas’

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11, 2024): ‘Downgrade Abu kidnap threat in Sulu-Celebes seas’ (Roel Pareño)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A Singapore-based anti-piracy and high sea robbery monitoring group has recommended the downgrading of the threat of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the waters at the border of Malaysia and the Philippines.

In its report last week, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP) said the threat of kidnapping in the Sulu-Celebes Seas should be downgraded from “moderate” to “moderate low.”

The group said there was no report of kidnapping in the area in 2023, citing the security measures being implemented by the Philippines and Malaysia in addressing cross-border and high seas kidnapping.

At a briefing, ReCAAP executive director Krishnaswamy Natarajan noted the concerted efforts of Philippine and Malaysian authorities in thwarting kidnapping and piracy by Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“Which implies that incidents are unlikely to occur due to the perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack,” the ReCAAP said in its weekly reassessment.

However, the monitoring group issued an advisory to ships to exercise vigilance and adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting in the area.

It said incidents should be immediately reported to the operation centers of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command of Malaysia.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force Orion commander, said the surrender of Abu Sayyaf members and assistance provided for their rehabilitation prevented the former militants from engaging in crimes.

Patrimonio said the neutralization of suicide bombing mastermind Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, alias Mundi, last December was instrumental in the declaration of Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/01/11/2324866/downgrade-abu-kidnap-threat-sulu-celebes-seas

CPP/CIO: Reject Marcos misrepresentation of peace negotiations as surrender talks

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 4, 2024): Reject Marcos misrepresentation of peace negotiations as surrender talks

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 04, 2024

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces Marcos’ security and military officers for issuing statements yesterday misrepresenting the Oslo Joint Statement signed between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as an agreement for the surrender of the New People’s Army.

These statement issued by the NTF-Elcac, the National Security Council and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are a devious attempt to undermine efforts to revive peace negotiations, and prevent discussions from taking place to tackle the socioeconomic and political issues that are at the root of the civil war in the Philippines.

These officials are intentionally misreading the joint statement by claiming that it was signed with the aim of “ending the armed struggle.” While the Oslo Joint Statement includes such a phrase, this is accompanied and preceded by the phrase “resolving the roots of the armed conflict.”

This entails a thoroughgoing negotiations that should be undertaken with a clear agenda. Under the The Hague Declaration of 1992, this agenda comprises (a) human rights; (b) social and economic reforms; (c) political and constitutional reform; (d) disposition of forces.

Negotiations should address the widespread problems of landlessness, poverty and hardships, political repression and tyranny, are among the issues that drive the peasant masses to take up arms and wage war to defend their interests and fight for the aspirations of the Filipino people.

Indeed, the CPP and the NDFP consider peace talks as an additional battlefield, albeit unarmed, alongside revolutionary armed struggle, to advance the people’s national democratic cause, to assert across the negotiating table the people’s demands: for genuine land reform and national industrialization, social justice and true democracy. These are the same aspirations that drive the Filipino people, especially the peasant masses, to rise up in arms and wage resistance against their oppressors and exploiters.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/reject-marcos-misrepresentation-of-peace-negotiations-as-surrender-talks/

CPP/CIO: The NPA will frustrate the maniacal and decadent war of the US-Marcos regime

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 4, 2024): The NPA will frustrate the maniacal and decadent war of the US-Marcos regime

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 04, 2024

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac and the National Security Council yesterday issued dreamland statements of self-congratulations over their claims of having “strategically defeated” the New People’s Army.

Without proof, Marcos’ security and defense officials made ludicrous claims that all but 14 “weakened” guerrilla fronts of the NPA have been “dismantled.” This is pure wishful thinking on the part of the US-Marcos regime. It is a desperate attempt to fool the people and dampen their spirit of resistance.

The current strength of the NPA and the deep and wide mass support it enjoys is far from what the AFP wishes to imagine. Majority of the guerrilla fronts of the NPA across its 14 regional commands are far from dismantled. This is despite having suffered grave losses in 2019-2022 due primarily to its internal weaknesses and errors, and amid the relentless and ruthless onslaught of 70 to 80 thousand military and police fascist troops, excluding paramilitary forces since 2017. Squandering hundreds of billions of pesos, the reactionary armed forces have unleashed unimaginable state terrorist violence in the countryside.

Yesterday’s declarations by Marcos state agencies, in fact, are belied by their own actions. Marcos increased his military budget by almost 40% from ₱203.4 billion last year to ₱282.7 billion this year, including a last-minute ₱6.17 billion insertion.

A large part of military funds go to the purchase and maintenance of US-supplied jet fighters and drones used in its maniacal and decadent war of aerial bombing, artillery shelling and full-scale military operations in the countryside.

Despite repeated declarations of a “paradigm shift” in the AFP, the vast majority of its battalions remain deployed against the NPA. Fascist troops continue to carry out a campaign of state terrorism against the peasant masses, carrying out killings of civilians and covering up their crimes by claiming their victims to be NPA fighters.

Where units of the NPA have suffered losses, the peasant masses and minority people suffer too from worsening forms of exploitation and oppression. In the guise of carrying out “community support” operations, the AFP imposes de facto martial rule in the form of hindering the free movement of people, imposing curfew and prohibiting them from working in their fields, destroying their organizations, and other forms of suppression, in order to pave the way for the aggressive entry of mining operations, expansion of plantations, ecotourism and infrastructure projects.

In areas which were abandoned by NPA units by force of circumstance, the poor and lower-middle peasant masses and farm-workers desire the return of their beloved Red fighters.

Amid the hardships of the peasant masses under military rule, NPA units are determined to recover strength to defend the people, rebuild the revolutionary mass base by helping the broad peasant masses wage struggles against feudal and semifeudal exploitation, and wage armed struggle.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines, units of the NPA are steadily regaining their bearings since last year. It is to the credit of the NPA that they are able to carry out guerrilla maneuvers to disperse and shift their forces to break out of the AFP’s encirclement and focused military operations, expand to new areas and widen the front for waging people’s war.

The rectification movement launched by the Central Committee last December 26, 2023 has inspired the revolutionary fighters of the NPA to overcome all difficulties and make big strides in the coming years. It is certain that what the NPA has lost in space, will be regained in time as they build a bigger mass base by extending its reach through untiring mass work and serving the needs of people.

The New People’s Army exists to fight to advance the struggle of the peasant masses against feudal and semifeudal exploitation, defend them against state oppression, and fight for the Filipino people’s cause for national and social liberation. The Red commanders and fighters of the NPA, and cadres of the Party are all determined to carry forward the people’s war as long as it takes until complete victory is attained.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/the-npa-will-frustrate-the-maniacal-and-decadent-war-of-the-us-marcos-regime/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Masaker sa mga Mangunguma sa Moises Padilla, Ginakondenar sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 5, 2024): Masaker sa mga Mangunguma sa Moises Padilla, Ginakondenar sang NPA (Massacre of Farmers in Moises Padilla, Condemned by the NPA)

JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 05, 2024

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang wala kaluoy nga pagmasaker sa mag-amay nga mga mangunguma nga sanday Gudofredo Templatura, 70 anyos kag John Albert Templatura, 32, anak ni Gudofredo, may asawa kag kabataan tanan residente sang Purok Sab-a, Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental pasado las 4:00 sang hapon, Enero 2, 2024. Bangud sang patarasak nga pagpaniro nagresulta man sa pagkapilas sang duha pa ka iban nga sanday Marites Rafols kag Jessel Abaño sang amo gihapon nga lugar.

Sa inisyal nga pagpangusisa sang LPC-NPA, responsable sa pagmasaker sa mga biktima si CAFGU Donan Sosia, aktibo nga katapo sang CAFGU idalom sa 62nd IB Patrol Base sa Barangay Alingasaw, Moises Padilla. Nagluntad ang pagmasaker sa mag-amay Templatura matapos ang pinamilya nga komosyon samtang nagaselebrar si Albert Templatura sang iya nga kaadlawan.

Sa pinamilya nga komosyon, ginakabig nga pribado ang pagresolbar apang kon indi na masarangan sang mga natungdan, may kinamatarung ang Barangay Tanod ang magresponde paagi sa mando sang Barangay Kapitan. Kon indi pa gid masarangan sang LGU, papel na sang Philippine National Police (PNP) para ipaluntad ang kalinong kag katawhay sa lugar.

Wala sang kinamatarung ang CAFGU nga magresponder nga naga-isahanon kag armado pa kon wala sang mando halin sa iya superyor. Wala man nagapati ang LPC-NPA nga si CAFGU Donan Sosia lamang ang mangatubang sini nga kaso. Matuod nga direkta nga ginkomiter ni Sosia ang pagmasaker gamit ang iya armas, apang napaidalum ini sa command and control sang 62nd IBPA sa pagpanguna ni L/Col. William Pesase Jr-62nd IBPA Commanding Officer.

Wala rason si Sosia nga magpakamartir. Kinahanglan nga magkooperar si Sosia. Magsugid sang matuod sa publiko kon sin-o pa ang iya mga kaupdanan kag sin-o ang ila superyor nga nagmando sa ila agud himuon ini nga krimen. Wala man sang rason ang 62nd IB nga himuon nga tapalan si Sosia. Mas dako ang salabton ni L/Col.William Pesase Jr ang command responsibility sa sini nga pagmasaker nga nagresulta sang kamatayon sang mag-amay nga Templatura kag pagkasamad sang 2 pa nga iban.

Ginamanduan sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang yunit sang NPA malapit sa lugar sang insidente sa isa ka maid-id nga imbestigasyon. Ihatag ang nagakaigo nga hustisyà sa pamilya sang mga biktima kag pasabton ang mga perpetrators sa likod ni CAFGU Donan Sosia.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/masaker-sa-mga-mangunguma-sa-moises-padilla-ginakondenar-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros: Dili mga NPA ang bag-o nga nagsurender sa Escalante City

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 5, 2024): Dili mga NPA ang bag-o nga nagsurender sa Escalante City (It was not NPAs who recently surrendered in Escalante City)

​

Cecil Estrella

Spokesperson

NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 05, 2024

Walay aktibo nga katapo sa Roselyn Jean Pelle Command – Prenteng Gerilya sa Norte nga bahin sa Negros sa New People’s Army (RJPC-NPA) nga nagsurender sa Escalante City, Negros Occidental sa milabayng mga adlaw.

Subay sa balita, boluntaryong nipresentar sa ilang kaugalingon sa Philippine National Police (PNP) Escalante City ang kuno mga sakop sa RJPC-NPA nga sila ni Ka Ashly, Ka Chan ug Ka Kokoy kaniadtong Enero 3, 2024. Ang mga nasambit nga alyas ang anaa sa rekord sa mga nakaserbisyo sa RJPC-NPA apan pila na ka tuig nga ningpahuway ug dugay na nga nangabuhi isip mga sibilyan.

Nahimo nang pamaagi sa pasistang estado ang paggukod sa mga sibilyan ug malisyosong pagsapubliko og mga pekeng surenderi human ang madaugon nga mga aksyon sa NPA. Mahinumduman nga sunod sa malampusong ambus sa NPA sa Calatrava, Negros Occidental kaniadtong Agosto 9, 2023, giparada sa #DiMasaligan79IB kaniadtong Setyembre 29, 2023 ang 12 ka peke nga mga NPA. Karon, human nasilotan sa NPA kaniadtong Enero 2, 2024 ang Sarona Group may gibalita naman nga surenderi.

Dili na makahibulngan ang mao nga tayming sa peke nga surenderi kay tuyo lang sa pasistang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)/PNP kag National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac nga ilugon ang kadalag-an sa NPA ug ipatulon sa publiko ang ilang mga bakak nga “nadismantol” na ang prenteng gerilya sa Norte nga bahin sa Negros ug “nihuyang” na ang armadong pakigbisog sa katawhan.

Ang mga peke nga surenderi ug mga pampublikong aktibidad sa pagpresentar kanila ang gihimong lamas para matuohan sa katawhan ang giluto nga mga bakak sa AFP/PNP/NTF-Elcac kabahin sa “nagkahuyang” nga rebolusyonaryong kalihukan. Apan, sila lang gihapon ang nagpanghimakak sa ilang mga binuhatan pinaagi sa mga tigpamaba sa AFP/PNP/NTF-Elcac nga magkasumpaki ang mga gipagawas nga pahayag sa publiko.

Labing bag-o lang, sa usa ka lokal nga programa sa radyo, nakuratan si 3ID Spokesperson ug kanhi 79IB Commander, LtCol. J-jay Javines, sa pahayag nga gitantya 15 ka armado ang nakita sa pagsilot sa Sarona Group. Human ang ambus kaniadtong Agosto 2023, nag-ingon si Javines nga walo na lang ka NPA ang nahabilin sa Northern Negros.

Para molikay sa pagpangkantyaw sa publiko, gisumpayan ni Javines ang iyang istorya nga “basin nakarekrut ang NPA.” Mura na og masuko si Javines nga gibasol ang pagkakampante o dili pareha nga pag-operate sa AFP sa isla sa Negros gikan norte padulong sa sur nga bahin hinungdan nga nagpadayon pa ang armadong pagsukol.

Magkatawa nalang kita sa pahayag ni Javines, mura siya’g niangkon nga wala ninghuyang ang armadong pakigbisog sa katawhan; ug tungod niana, mapasalamaton kami nga nakita ni Javines ang kolektibong paningkamot sa mga Pulang kumander ug manggugubat sa RJPC-NPA nga mubangon gikan sa mga nagligad nga mga kapakyasan.

Kinahanglan hinumduman sa mga pasistang tropa sa AFP/PNP, ug sa mga tigpamaba niini, nga dili ang mga pahayag sa publiko ug mga pakarong-ingnon nga proyekto ang makapamatuod sa kakusgon (o paghuyang) sa armadong grupo; inay gihukman ang pagkamakatarunganon niini sa pag-alagad sa katawhan ug pagtigom niini og kusog gikan sa tibuok katawhan sa dalagan sa panahon.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/dili-mga-npa-ang-bag-o-nga-nagsurender-sa-escalante-city/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Wala-untat nga pagpamahug sang 62nd IB sa mga mangunguma sa La Castellana

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 8, 2024): Wala-untat nga pagpamahug sang 62nd IB sa mga mangunguma sa La Castellana (The 62nd IB did not stop harassing the farmers in La Castellana)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 08, 2024

Halin Nobyembre 7, 2023 tubtob subong, Enero 8, 2024, halos apat na ka beses nga ginapangsaka sang pasistang 62nd IB ang mga panimalay sang mga mangunguma sa Sityo Mandayao-4, Barangay Kamandag, La Castellana, Negros Occidental. Masami ginapangita sang nasambit nga militar ang mga lider kag opisyal sang MAFAWA (Mandayao Farmers and Workers Association). Pilit nga ginapatawag sang mga soldado ang mga membro paisa-isa kag ginapasibangdan nga mga supporter sang NPA. Nagtuga ini sang kakugmat sa mga katapuan sang nasambit nga asosasyon.

Kagahapon, Enero 7, may duha ka mga talalupangdon nga mga tawo ang nagsaka sa balay ni Baking Demerin sang nasambit nga lugar kag nagpakilala nga mga kapulisan. Nagdala sang mga litrato kag pilit nila nga ginapa-ako nga kilala sang tagbalay ang mga laragway sang tawo sa cellphone.

Subong nga adlaw, 15 ka tropa sang pasistang 62nd IB nga nagalambiyong sa publiko nga plaza sang Sityo Mandayao-4. Nagapanaka-saka sila sa mga puluy-an sang mga mangunguma. Samtang, 22 man ka tropa sang nasambit nga militar ang naga-operasyon sa mga sityo sang Mandayao-2 kag Mandayao-3 sang Barangay Mansalanao, La Castellana. May tropa man sang berdugong militar sa Sityo Texas, Barangay Kamandag sang amo gihapon nga banwa.

Alas 12:30 sang hapon kaganiha, may mga report kaangot sa mga mangunguma nga ginkastigo sang 24 ka tropa sang pasistang 62nd IB sa Sityo Mandayao-4, Barangay Kamandag. Nakugmat ang mga pumuluyo labi na ang mga menor de edad nga mga kabataan. Nagapangayo sila sang bulig subong.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/wala-untat-nga-pagpamahug-sang-62nd-ib-sa-mga-mangunguma-sa-la-castellana/

CPP?NPA-Central Negros: 62nd IB, ginhinabonan ang akawntabilidad sa pagpatay sang mag-amay nga Templatura

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 8, 2024): 62nd IB, ginhinabonan ang akawntabilidad sa pagpatay sang mag-amay nga Templatura (62nd IB, questioned the accountability in the killing of Templatura father and son)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 08, 2024

Subong nga adlaw, desperado nga nagpatigayon ang 62nd IB kag National Task force (NTF)-Elcac upod sa kapulisan sang Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental sang “pulong-pulong” sa covered court sang Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. Pilit nga ginapatambong ang pumuluyo para tursihon sang berdugong 62nd IB ang ila akawntabilidad bilang CAFGU handler kag hinabonan ang liability ni Lt. Col. William Pesase Jr bilang commanding officer sang pasistang 62nd IB.

Madumduman nga gintiro-patay ni Donan Sosia, isa ka CAFGU, ang mag-amay nga Templatura kag napilasan ang duha pa sang patarasak ini nga nagapaniro sa nasambit nga baryo sadtong Enero 2.

Subongman, may presensya sang 62nd IB nga nagapanglugayawan sa Sityo sang Paluhan, Brgy Sandayao kag sityo Agbagakay sang Brgy Binobohan tanan sang Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Ibuyagyag ang mga kabutigan kag kontra-pumuluyo nga kalakasan sang desperadong 62nd IB, PNP kag NTF-Elcac!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/62nd-ib-ginhinabonan-ang-akawntabilidad-sa-pagpatay-sang-mag-amay-nga-templatura/

CPP/Negros Island ROC: Amid state terrorism, the people’s war perseveres

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 9, 2024): Amid state terrorism, the people’s war perseveres

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 09, 2024

With boastful victory declarations in 2023, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command (AFP-VISCOM) inadvertently admits that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), and the entire revolutionary movement on Negros Island and the rest of the Visayas remain undefeated.

According to VISCOM’s fake news factory chief, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, in 2023 they initiated 82 encounters in Central and Western Visayas, but in reality these are mostly fake encounters aimed at justifying their crimes, including the brutal murder of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Rogelio Posadas and cold-blooded killings of peasant families. Along with this, Arevalo boasted of clearing communities and dismantling organizations which meant de facto martial law in the countrysides.

However, Arevalo could not hide the truth of the failure of his leadership and tried hard to sugarcoat their frustration by claiming that “there is still much to be done” and that “focused military operations will continue…as long as there are still unresolved issues, the threat of resurgence will remain.”

In fact, the other side of maintaining costly military operations purportedly to quash the NPA is that this is a source of military corruption. The AFP will lose a huge milking cow, not to mention endure utter humiliation, if they declare “total victory” over the NPA.

As the AFP is pressured into becoming cannon fodders for the increasing threat of an inter-imperialist war on Philippine shores, it is to be expected that Arevalo will continue shoving similar hallucinations. And yet, their unspeakable crimes against the people, under superficial terms of “internal security operations” and the like, will continue to wreak state terrorism. Unwittingly, however, this will only make the people’s war persevere. While the socioeconomic crisis continues to worsen day by day, the people will fight. Crisis generates resistance, and oppression fuels the revolution.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/amid-state-terrorism-the-peoples-war-perseveres/

CPP/Negros Island ROC: ‘Terror Law’ will boost HRVs, further nurture culture of impunity on Negros Island

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 9, 2024): ‘Terror Law’ will boost HRVs, further nurture culture of impunity on Negros Island

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 09, 2024

MGen. Marion Sison is outright mistaken if he thinks the Anti-Terror Law will put a stop to the people’s democratic revolution waged by the New People’s Army (NPA) that is under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The 3rd Infantry Division chief welcoming the Supreme Court’s procedural rules concerning petitions and applications related to the draconian Anti-Terror Law just exposes how fascist he is. More properly called Terror Law, it will only boost human rights violations and further nurture the persisting culture of impunity on Negros Island.

Resorting to tyrannical measures is a show of desperation on the side of the reactionary state. The 3rd ID can repeatedly declare “dismantled guerrilla fronts in Negros,” “insurgency-free areas,” and whatnot but it cannot hide the obvious truth—the people’s war remains undefeated, even after five years of all-out counterrevolutionary war on Negros Island.

As long as the roots of armed conflict remain, the people will continue to cherish, support, and join their genuine army, the NPA. The revolutionary movement is in stark contrast to reactionary fascist institutions that only act in subservience to their imperialist masters.

Reactionary leaders are egotistic and self-absorbed, while the rich treasure trove of the revolution continues to let older cadres train younger ones to advance the welfare of the masses. The old will be replaced by the new, and new revolutionary forces will take up new tasks against imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism.

No matter the millions the AFP and PNP spend on indescribable war crimes including aerial bombings and massacres, the political line of the revolution remains correct because it is based on the interests of the majority of the Filipino people. The Filipino masses seek genuine land reform and national industrialization, and no amount of fancy terms from the National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac or band-aid Barangay Development Programs can provide that. Only a national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective can truly address the damands of toiling masses—the same ones that AFP butchers kill every day.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/terror-law-will-boost-hrvs-further-nurture-culture-of-impunity-on-negros-island/

‘Knights’ battalion gets newly trained troops

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 8, 2024): ‘Knights’ battalion gets newly trained troops

ZAMBOANGA. The Army’s 64th Infantry “Knights” Battalion (IB) warmly welcomes the 38 newly assigned privates to the unit through the traditional reception rites at its headquarters in Tumahubong village, Sumisip, Basilan province, on Saturday, January 6. A photo handout shows the new soldiers swimming in murky water in a shallow pond at the 64IB camp as part of the reception rites. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Army’s 64th Infantry “Knights” Battalion (IB) headed by Lieutenant Colonel Abel Potutan has warmly welcomed the 38 newly assigned privates to the unit through the traditional reception rites, the military said Monday, January 8, 2023.

The 64IB said in a statement that the traditional reception rites were held at its headquarters in Tumahubong village, Sumisip, Basilan province on Saturday, January 6.

The new members of the Knights battalion underwent several sets of challenging activities such as road run, five stations of military exercises, and traditional drinking of “Knights wine” as a vow of loyalty to the unit, the 64IB said.

It was followed by a boodle fight meal together with the battalion officers and enlisted personnel held at the unit’s mess hall.

Potutan emphasized the crucial role of discipline, underscoring the importance of knowing how to follow orders, camaraderie, being a team player, and working with excellence.

Potutan said the reception rites are one of the rich traditions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to recognize and formally receive the newly assigned personnel.

He said it served as a symbol of unity and camaraderie within the unit, fostering a sense of pride among the soldiers.

He said the reception rites showcased the battalion’s commitment to excellence and professionalism.

He added the 64IB does not only emphasize the importance of its soldiers but also instills a sense of purpose and commitment to the mission at hand. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/knights-battalion-gets-newly-trained-troops

AFP promotes 5 officers, 8 personnel of 100IB

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 10, 2024): AFP promotes 5 officers, 8 personnel of 100IB

ZAMBOANGA. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has promoted five officers and eight personnel of the Army’s 100th Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion (IB) to the next higher rank. A photo handout shows the new insignia being pinned on the promoted officers and personnel during the donning of ranks ceremony at the headquarters of the 100IB in Langpas village, Indanan, Sulu on Monday, January 8. (SunStar Zamboanga)

FIVE officers and eight personnel of the Army’s 100th Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion (IB) have been promoted to the next higher rank by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 100IB said Wednesday, January 10, 2023.

The 100IB said the five promoted officers were the following: Second Lieutenants John Rey Herezo (Corps Engineer); Jovi Jayson Rivero (Ordnance Service); Jetram Taes (Infantry); Placido Romualdo Tagros (Infantry); and, Mark Jay Santiago (Infantry).

The eight promoted enlisted personnel include Sergeants Samad Gamoranao (Infantry); Dwight Eissen Fama; Mark Fel Daños (Medical Service); Naptali Ibbara, (Infantry); Manuelito Noveno (Infantry); Corporals Ramsee Pedroso (Infantry); Jomar Yap (Signal Corps); and Eugene Pagat, (Infantry).

The 100IB said the donning of ranks to the newly promoted officers and enlisted personnel was held during the flag-raising ceremony at the headquarters of the battalion in Langpas village, Indanan, Sulu on Monday, January 8.

“The team “Kalasag” proudly extended their heartfelt congratulations to the well-deserved promotion of officers and enlisted personnel, which serve as a testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment in the service to the people of Sulu,” the 100IB said in a statement. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/afp-promotes-5-officers-8-personnel-of-100ib

NPA officer surrenders in Iloilo, urges others to follow

From the Sun Star-Iloilo (Jan 10. 2024): NPA officer surrenders in Iloilo, urges others to follow (By Leo Solinap)

New People's Army rebels (File photo)

THE surrender of a top officer from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to the joint forces of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion of the Philippine Army and Tubungan Municipal Police Station in Iloilo on January 6, 2024 signifies a positive step toward peace and stability in the region, authorities said.

Carlo Tagong Flora, known by aliases Vic, Victor, Concon, Thor, and Denver, Flora served as the finance and logistic officer of Squad 2, Regional Sentro De Gravidad, Madia-as Platoon of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

Flora cited demoralization, false promises, ill-treatment, and corruption within the CTG as reasons for his surrender. His enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) is currently being processed by the 61IB.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division of the Philippine Army called on the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to follow Flora’s lead.

“Your organization is on the brink of downfall. You can still regain your future if you return to the government peacefully as early as possible,” said 3ID Commander Major General Marion Sison.

He said the government’s willingness to assist those who choose peace and return to their families through the E-Clip. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/npa-officer-surrenders-in-iloilo-urges-others-to-follow

9 NPA rebels killed on Christmas Day skirmishes in Bukidnon

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Dec 25, 2023): 9 NPA rebels killed on Christmas Day skirmishes in Bukidnon

From: Google map

BUTUAN CITY – Nine communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a series of skirmishes in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City in Bukidnon province on Christmas Monday.

The Army 4th Infantry Division (4ID) initial report said the series of encounters occurred in the villages of Can-ayan, Kibalabag, Kulaman, and Mapulo.

Eight high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition, and personal belongings were recovered by government forces from the encounter sites.

“The 4ID has sustained its military offensives against the communist terrorist groups on Christmas Day,” the 4ID said in a statement.

The 4ID said three of its Army Battalions under the 403rd Infantry Brigade joined forces in the series of offensives, which started early morning.

Three of the nine killed were females as the rebels battled it out against forces from the 8th and 88th Infantry Battalions and the 1st Special Forces Battalion.

As of posting time, pursuit operations were ongoing in the affected villages.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/9-npa-rebels-killed-on-christmas-day-skirmishes-in-bukidnon

Ilonggo general new APC-Visayas chief

From Panay News (Jan 11, 2024): Ilonggo general new APC-Visayas chief (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

RODRIGUEZ

ILOILO City – A native of this southern city has recently taken over the directorship of the Area Police Command (APC)-Visayas based in Negros Occidental.

Police Major General Robert Rodriguez of Jaro district assumed his new post on Jan. 1, replacing outgoing APC-Visayas commander Police Lieutenant General Patrick Villacorte.

“It is a dream come true for me to serve my fellow Ilonggos. When I graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) handum ko gid nga magserbisyo sa aton lugar,” Rodriguez told Panay News.

Rodriguez, who will soon be promoted to three-star general, previously served as chief of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Personnel and Records Management in Camp Crame.

He served as chief of the Pototan Municipal Police Station in Iloilo in 1997 and chief of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s intelligence and special operations group in 2001.

Rodriguez was also the former chief of the Police Regional Office 6’s (PRO-6) Regional Intelligence Division from 2011 to 2012 under then PRO-6 director Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol.

APC-Visayas covers three police regional offices in regions 6, 7 and 8.

With APC-Visayas’ mandate to orchestrate, supervise and control the conduct of inter-regional operations against insurgency, terrorism and other internal security threats, Rodriguez is calling for public cooperation in the fight against insurgency and terrorism.

“We are optimistic nga ma-solve naton ang insurgency with the help of the Philippine Army kag sang pumuluyo,” the Ilonggo general added.

On the other hand, Major General Marion Sison, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), welcomed Rodriguez as the news APC-Visayas chief.

“The whole of 3ID warmly welcomes the designation of Major General Robert Rodriguez as the acting commander of the APC-Visayas. The PNP plays a crucial role in our mutual goal and collaborative effort to end local communist armed conflict. With his visionary and sterling leadership, the Army and the PNP in Western Visayas would be more effective and efficient in achieving this goal which will eventually pave the way towards declaring both the islands of Negros and Panay as insurgency free,” said Sison.

For his part, Brigadier General Michael Samson, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, said he is confident that Rodriguez can deliver and could be an effective APC-Visayas chief given his experiences.

Rodriquez, Sison and Samson were classmates at the PMA (Class of 1991).

https://www.panaynews.net/ilonggo-general-new-apc-visayas-chief/

Opinion: PEACETALK: Room for the human element in the GRP-NDFP peace framework?

Opinion piece posted to MindaNews (Jan 9, 2024): PEACETALK: Room for the human element in the GRP-NDFP peace framework? (By SOLIMAN M. SANTOS JR.)

NAGA CITY (MindaNews / 9 January) – As we enter the New Year, it has been noted by Satur C. Ocampo that “by all indications, the coming year will see the continuation and even intensification of devastating wars in the world… Even here in the Philippines, deadly hostilities are taking place.” Some of these recent hostilities here have seen a highlighted human element of fratricidal war in the local communist armed conflict.

Last Christmas Day, of all days, there was a Philippine Army operation, with aerial bombardment and artillery shelling, against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, that reportedly resulted in the killing of 10 NPAs. Among them were a family of three — Beverly Sinunta (said to be secretary of the Sub-Regional Command in Bukidnon), her husband Alfredo Banawan (said to be the deputy secretary) and their daughter Chen-Chen Banawan – who all hail from Quezon town, Bukidnon.

Three days after, or on December 28, ironically Niños Inocentes day, in another Army-NPA clash, this time in Sergio Osmeña town, Zamboanga del Norte, three NPAs were reported killed. One of them was Maria Luz Ranan, said to be secretary of the Guerrilla Front Sendong operating in Misamis Occidental. Her remains were claimed by her brother, a soldier of the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion, the same unit that was pursuing that guerrilla front. Brig. Gen. Elmer Suderio, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, said: “It was only lately that we discovered this fact. It was a sad ending for her as we were told that her brother did everything to convince her to return to the fold of the law, to no avail.”

Ranan, of course, must have had her strong reasons for staying with the NPA, as did the Sinunta-Banawan family of three, and they themselves may even say “no regrets” in this life-and-death struggle choice of theirs. The NPA would undoubtedly hail them as new revolutionary heroes and martyrs. Still, there has to be an element of sadness about such fratricidal turns of events. And, of course, it is not only about NPA deaths but also those of government soldiers, police officers and related personnel as well as of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.

Also in the news last December 29 about old prisoners awaiting release was the story of ailing 84-year old Gerardo dela Peña of Camarines Norte. He was charged in a Daet court for murdering his nephew Melchor in 2001 but was arrested only in 2013 and eventually convicted in 2014. It was alleged that he and his brother Armenio were NPA members who suspected Melchor of being an intelligence asset of the military. Again, do we need this kind of fratricidal armed conflict even if waged for “resolving the roots of the armed conflict”? Does the line “from war, peace will be born” still ring?

The above-said news stories come as cautionary tales so soon after the hopeful development that was the new Oslo Joint Statement of last November 23. Here the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) “agreed to a principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict” and “agreed to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation with the aim of achieving the relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace.”

Aside from “the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and the foreign security threats facing the country,” is there room in that framework for the human element and repair of the tattered social fabric? After all, the Joint Statement speaks of “the need to unite as a nation in order to address these challenges and resolve the reasons for the armed conflict” and of “a country where a united people can live in peace and prosperity.” This spirit of the Joint Statement is just as important as its letter.

[MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. Soliman M. Santos Jr. is a recently retired RTC Judge of Naga City; a long-time human rights and humanitarian lawyer; legislative consultant and legal scholar; peace advocate, researcher and writer; author of a number of books, including How do you solve a problem like the GRP-NDFP peace process? Part 2 (Sulong Peace, 2022) and the recently launched TIGAON 1969: Untold Stories of the CPP-NPA, KM and SDK (Ateneo University Press, 2023]

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2024/01/peacetalk-room-for-the-human-element-in-the-grp-ndfp-peace-framework/

PH must adopt 'whole-of-society approach' to cybersecurity

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 10, 2024): PH must adopt 'whole-of-society approach' to cybersecurity

THERE IS a need for the Philippines to institute and adopt a "whole-of-society approach" to ensure that the country's economic and national defense systems are capable of weathering any cyberattacks.

International think tank Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRI) president, Professor Victor Andres "Dindo" Manhit made this remark ahead of its two-day conference titled “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security”, slated Jan. 16 to 17 in Makati City.

The forum would be held in partnership with the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines.

“The Philippines is expected to continue its pursuit of digital transformation with a focus on promoting inclusive economic growth and safeguarding cyberspace. But it takes a whole of society to do this. The public and the private sector must be actively engaged to achieve a digitally transformed and competitive Philippines. That is the whole idea behind the conference,” Manhit said in a statement Wednesday.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman are expected to participate in this event.

He also added the National Security Policy Framework 2023 – 2028 has identified cyber, information, and cognitive security as a national security interest and a national security agenda.

On the first day of the conference, Manhit said focus will be given on examining the current cybersecurity landscape of the Philippines, including policies and strategies to manage cyber risks, and different cyber-related issues in various sectors of the country including cybercrimes and disinformation.

On the second day, the conference will explore how the Philippines can work with the international community on cybersecurity and discuss recommendations on how to strengthen cyber resiliency to achieve digital security in the Philippines. (Priam Nepomuceno)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/01/ph-must-adopt-whole-of-society-approach.html

PCG completes resupply mission in Kalayaan Islands

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10, 2024): PCG completes resupply mission in Kalayaan Islands (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

RESUPPLY. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel drop off necessary supplies at PCG stations at the Kalayaan Island Group during a mission from Jan. 3 to 9, 2024. The PCG said the mission, performed by BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan, was successfully completed despite shadowing by a China Coast Guard vessel. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has completed a week-long rotation and resupply (RORE) mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite being shadowed by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PCG said multi-role response vessels BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan conducted the RORE mission from Jan. 3 until Tuesday when they arrived at the Port of Buliluyan in Bataraza, Palawan.

During the mission, it said the vessels and their crew delivered essential supplies to PCG personnel deployed at the Kalayaan Island Group --specifically at Lawak Island, Panata Island, and Pag-asa Island.

Members of the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group also took part in the mission.

Coast Guard District Palawan (CGDPAL) Commander, Capt. Dennis Labay, lauded the PCG personnel stationed in these islands for actively serving at far-flung units in the WPS, especially during the holiday season.

“While we fully understand that it is part of their job, we also want to lift their morale by allowing them to see their families after performing their duties for the nation. Then, they will prepare and be ready to be deployed again,” Labay said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said these islands will undergo improvements this year and earmarked PCG fiscal year 2024 additional budget for infrastructure development to boost response and monitoring capabilities in the WPS.

In a message to reporters, PCG spokesperson, Commodore Armando Balilo, said the mission went smoothly with no confrontations with any Chinese vessels.

However, Balilo said a CCG vessel was spotted to have monitored and shadowed the PCG vessels during the mission.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216716

US says fuel delivery to Subic made via proper channels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2024): US says fuel delivery to Subic made via proper channels (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The United States Embassy in Manila confirmed on Thursday that a fuel shipment is being transported from a US military facility in Hawaii to be stored in a “commercial storage facility” at Subic Bay.

US Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay told reporters that the delivery was made through proper channels, using established logistics contracts with Philippine commercial entities.

“We can confirm that the Yosemite Trader, a commercial tanker, is currently in the vicinity of Subic Bay, Philippines in order to transfer clean fuel from the US military facility at Red Hill, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to a commercial storage facility at Subic Bay,” he said.

“This is one of multiple shipments of safe, clean fuel from the Red Hill facility to other locations in the Pacific,” he added.

Gangopadhyay added that this was also one of the “many regular shipments of fuel” to the Philippines, made through existing logistics contracts in the Philippines.

The embassy official, however, declined to comment about the future use of said fuel shipment.

“Unfortunately, I can’t speak to future use. I can say that we regularly ship fuel to Subic Bay and various other locations in the region,” he told the PNA.

The clarification came after Senator Imee Marcos called out the "39 million gallons of fuel” being shipped by US Navy from Pearl Harbor to Subic.

Marcos, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, earlier said the "inexplicable silence" of both the Philippine and US governments about the delivery raises “suspicions about the pre-positioning of military supplies in the country amid predictions of an eventual war between China and the US over Taiwan”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216737

54 ex-militant farmers in Tarlac withdraw support for NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11, 2024): 54 ex-militant farmers in Tarlac withdraw support for NPA (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NO TO NPA. Farmers who are former supporters of the NPA burn the group's flag as a sign of their withdrawal of support in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City on Wednesday. The Armed Forces of the Philippines 1st Civil Relations Group on Thursday (Jan. 11) said these farmers will be officially joining the Malayang Magbubukid ng Hacienda Luisita (MALAYA), an organization of former NPA supporters and members in Tarlac. (Photo courtesy of AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)

MANILA – The mass support base of the communist New People's Army (NPA) has suffered another blow after 54 farmers in Tarlac withdrew their support to the group on Wednesday.

In a statement Thursday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 1st Civil Relations Group commander Maj. Al Anthony Pueblas said these farmers are former members of the "Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon" (AMGL).

The group's withdrawal of support ot the NPA took place in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City, he added.

"The event was facilitated and witnessed by the Philippine Army’s 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 702nd Brigade with the Philippine National Police –Tarlac and other member agencies of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict," he said.

Meanwhile, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col .Jeszer Bautista lauded the decision of the former AMGL members for having the desire to have peace and progress.

He also reminded them not to be easily swayed by the old schemes of NPA in offering and promising ways to stop the cycle of poverty, especially with the farmer sector.

These farmers will be joining the Malayang Magbubukid ng Hacienda Luisita (MALAYA), an organization of former NPA supporters and members in Tarlac. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216735

Rebels eyed behind killing of gov’t worker in Negros town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10, 2024): Rebels eyed behind killing of gov’t worker in Negros town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

NPA ATROCITY. Suspected New People's Army (NPA) members allegedly shot dead a government worker in the hinterland Sitio Mainiti, Barangay Bulado in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. The male victim, a casual employee of the Guihulngan City LGU, is believed to an asset for government security forces. (Google map)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A government worker was shot dead Tuesday night at a rebel-infested mountain sub-village in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office said the killers were members of the New People’s Army.

Authorities also refused to identify the victim except that he was a 54-year-old casual employee of Guihulngan local government and a resident of Sitio Mainit, Barangay Bulado.

He was shot at 8:40 p.m. inside his residence after three men armed with long firearms barged inside his house and shot him multiple times.

The sub-village of Mainit is about 15 kilometers from the city proper.

Lt. Col. Romeo Cubo, local police chief, said the victim was a "government asset" and was believed to be the reason behind the killing.

Cubo added the victim's father was also a "cadre" and actively involved in the campaign against the Communist insurgency and was also allegedly killed by NPA rebels several years ago.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216696

Female rebel surrenders to Bulacan police

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10, 2024): Female rebel surrenders to Bulacan police (By Manny Balbin)

TURNED OVER WEAPONS. The 12-gauge shotgun with seven live ammunition, caliber .38 revolver and live ammunition turned over by "Ka She", a Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan member, to the Bulacan police on Tuesday (Jan. 9, 2024). The female rebel operated in the coastal areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales. (Photo courtesy of BulPPO)

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – A female member of the communist terrorist group (CTG) Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB) voluntarily surrendered to the Bulacan police in the city of Malolos on Tuesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Col. Relly B. Arnedo, Bulacan Police Provincial Office director, identified the surrenderer as "Ka She", 43 years old, a member of the RHB operating in the coastal areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales. She turned over one single-shot 12-gauge shotgun with seven live ammunition, a Smith & Wesson caliber .38 revolver without serial number and four pieces of caliber .38 live ammunition.

"She was convinced to join the aforementioned rebel group for government reform to attain equal rights, to avoid social injustice," Arnedo said.

Joint elements of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Philippine National Police Special Action Force, and 70th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army facilitated Ka She's surrender and return to the fold of law.

The surrendered CTG member is presently under the custody of the 1st PMFC for investigation and custodial debriefing.

”Bulacan Police is stern in its intensified campaign against insurgency and terrorism to ensure the provision of social services, employment opportunities, and an improved quality of life in communities that have been experiencing or are vulnerable to armed communist conflict,” Arnedo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216664