CPP/CIO: The New People’s Army will outlast the US-Marcos regime

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 14, 2024): The New People’s Army will outlast the US-Marcos regime

 

This article is available in Pilipino/Bisaya

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 14, 2024

Like many of his past declarations, Marcos’ claims today that the New People’s Army (NPA) has no more guerrilla fronts leave the people and their revolutionary forces incredulous.

If Marcos’s declarations were true, why is it then that around 60-70,000 military and police combat troops (or around 150 battalions of AFP and PNP counterinsurgency units) remain deployed against the NPA across the country? With his claims, Marcos should answer why is it that the AFP continues to be focused and deployed mainly against the NPA, instead of gearing up to defend the country against US-China armed conflicts?

Why is it that the AFP continues to eat up a large portion of the national budget only to squander hundreds of millions of pesos to fly their jet fighters and drones, drop 250lb bombs and fire their howitzers? Why is it that they continue to spend hundreds of millions of pesos to maintain a 50,000 strong paramilitary force and set up camps in hundreds of villages across the country? Why is it that Marcos inserted ₱6 billion to further increase the AFP’s budget?

Marcos Jr is in dreamland when he claims there are no more active NPA guerrilla fronts. In truth, the NPA remains active in 14 regional commands across the country each with a number of guerrilla fronts. Despite having suffered from setbacks over the past years, the NPA is far from defeated. Under the guidance of the Party, the NPA has learned its lessons and is determined to frustrate the AFP’s brutal offensives. The CPP’s rectification movement has filled the NPA’s Red fighters and commanders with renewed revolutionary energy to serve the people.

Amid the grave economic crisis and worsening oppression under the semicolonial and semifeudal system, the NPA and the people’s war remains politically superior to the AFP and its US-supported war of state terror. The NPA represents the aspirations of the peasants and workers who comprise the vast majority of the Filipino people, while the AFP represents the interests of a small minority of big bourgeois compradors, big landlords, and corrupt bureaucrats who continues to defend the rotten ruling system. Under the leadership of the Party, the revolutionary mass movement and broad united front continues to be strengthened to fight the US-Marcos regime.

The NPA continues to carry out guerrilla maneuvers to break out of the AFP’s encirclement, to steadily build a bigger mass base and expand its guerrilla fronts. It will continue to mount tactical offensives to strike at the enemy’s weak points where they will least expect it. The NPA will make sure that it will outlast Marcos, just like it outlasted his father and all the US-supported governments of the past 35 years who all bragged of crushing the NPA.

Marcos declarations were made to play to the desires of foreign investors whom he desperately wants to entice with promises of unlimited access to the country’s land and natural resources.

To serve the interests of foreign big capitalists, the AFP has spent hundreds of billions of pesos over the past six years to carry out a bloody campaign of state terrorism, particularly in the countryside. It has mounted aerial bombings and artillery shelling, and committed hundreds of cases of extrajudicial killings, abductions and torture. This campaign has been most brutal in areas where big mining companies, plantations, ecotourism and infrastructure projects are most aggressive in taking away the peasant farmland and ancestral land.

Despite this, or more precisely, because of this, the Filipino people, especially the peasant masses and their youth, continue to support and join the NPA knowing that only by waging armed struggle can they defend their economic and political rights. The majority of oppressed peasants and farm-workers who suffer from land grabbing, economic dispossession and political repression, know that without the NPA, they have nothing.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/the-new-peoples-army-will-outlast-the-us-marcos-regime/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Guihulngan PNP Intel Asset, Ginsilotan sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 11, 2024): Guihulngan PNP Intel Asset, Ginsilotan sang NPA (Guihulngan PNP Intel Asset, Punished by NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 11, 2024

Ginapanginbulahan sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) ang yunit sang NPA sa pursigido nga pagpatuman sang silot-kamatayon kay Eddie Delosendo sang Sityo Mainit, Barangay Bulado, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental sadtong Enero 9, alas 7:30 sang gab-i.

Malawig na nga panahon nga ginareklamo sang pumuluyo sa lugar ang pagpang-abuso sa mga residente kag pagpaniktik ni Delosendo sa hulag sang NPA kag pagreport sini sa kapulisan sang Guihulngan City.

Si Delosendo ang masupog nga Intel Asset sang PNP-Guihulngan nga nagapanilag sa mga aktibidad sang rebolusyonaryong hublag. Direkta ini nga nagareport sa iya handler ilabe na sa mga pamilya Delara nga ginakabig nga mga masupog nga kontra-hublag kag mapintas sa mga pumuluyo sang Guihulngan City.

Responsable man si Delosendo sa pagpang-agaw sang mga kadutaan kag palangabuhian sang pumuluyo sa nasambit nga sityo. Ginahalitan tubtob sa pagpatay sang mga de-kantidad nga mga kasapatan sang mga mangunguma kaangay sa pagpatay sang karabaw, baka kag iban pa.

Masami ginareklamo ini sang mga biktima si Delosendo sa otoridad sang Guihulngan City, apang wala sang nagakaigo kag desaysibo nga tikang sa baylo mas nagasupog pa.

Nangin kinaandan na ni Delosendo ang pagpang-abuso sa pumuluyo sang Sityo Mainit bangud kay ginatolerar man ini ni Mayor Felomino “Mikoy” Reyes.

Maragtason na ang kapintas sang pamilya Delosendo sa pumuluyo sang Guihulngan, La Libertad, Vallehermoso tanan sang Negros Oriental lakip na ang banwa sang Isabela, Negros Occidental. Bantog sa kapintas ang nasambit nga pamilya kaangay sang pagpamatay, pagpanglugos, pagpanghold-up kag pagpangawat paagi sa ila amay sadto nga si Zequil Delosendo-lider sang panatiko nga grupo sang “Salvatore” diin ginsilotan man sang NPA sadtong tuig 1988.

Indi pagsundon ang mga malain, kontra-pumuluyo kag kontra-rebolusyon nga gawi ni Eddie Delosendo. Pabayaron man sang dako ang ara sa likod sang mga kalakasan ni Delosendo paagi sa NPA kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/guihulngan-pnp-intel-asset-ginsilotan-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros: AFP and its #DiMasaligan79IB is for the moneyed people

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 10, 2024): AFP and its #DiMasaligan79IB is for the moneyed people

 


Cecil Estrella

Spokesperson

NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

January 10, 2024

Like a spoiled child having tantrums, #DiMasaligan79IB’s Commanding Officer Lt.Col. Arnel Calaoagan released a statement lately bragging about the terrorist-tagging of the CPP-NPA-NDF as a whole and Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-Northern Negros Guerrilla Front of the NPA (RJPC-NPA) in particular. A trained fascist by US imperialism, peace saboteur Calaoagan flared up trying to cancel out the people’s victory, including long-sought justice meted on criminals and counterrevolutionaries like the Sarona Group, by merely branding it as ‘acts of violence.’

The people of Northern Negros has long demanded for the Sarona Group’s punishment. Involvement in the massacre of nine farm workers in Sagay City (more known as Sagay 9 massacre), land grabbing and labor malpractices particularly in barangays in Toboso and Calatrava, Negros Occidental, labor issues, contract issues for their lumber business (tricking log owners as to payment and exploitation of log cutters), and cohabiting with criminals are only some of the many crimes of this mercenary group led by Juvie Sarona.

The Sarona Group is also a counterrevolutionary gun-for-hire syndicate. These mercenaries are active PNP intelligence operatives monitoring movements of suspected NPA supporters in the area. RJPC-NPA requested for a meeting with the Sarona Group to make them understand the gravity of their actions and its implications, but they did not respond.

The Sarona Group was punished for their unforgivable actions against the people of Northern Negros as despotic landlord and counterrevolutionaries. The revolutionary movement does not allow business operations that endanger the people’s security and livelihood within its territory. RJPC-NPA has not transacted with the Sarona Group for revolutionary taxation or other financial obligations.

The complicity of the AFP to such crimes and its sheer hypocrisy of condemning acts to punish the Sarona Group, who has been proven to have perpetrated killings and other heinous crimes against the people, show that Lt. Col. Calaoagan and the AFP are instruments to preserve the class interest of landlords.

Calaoagan and the AFP’s terminologies and definitions are heavily contaminated with the narrative of imperialism, bureaucrat capitalism and feudalism. For them, ‘peace-loving individuals’ (like Sarona) are those who willingly submit themselves to carry out the corrupt aggressions of imperialists, and the big comprador bourgeoisie and local landlords that will result to ‘peace.’ Meanwhile, they tag as ‘terrorists’ those who openly oppose such aggressions to defend the vast number of people’s lives and livelihood that, to the AFP, will result to ‘violence.’

Calaoagan’s deceitful claims of #DiMasaligan79IB and PNP being ‘professionals committed to the performance of their duty’ disregarded numerous rights violations against civilians and poor Northern Negros communities perpetrated by their ranks, including the barbaric acts of killing hors de combat, like Ka Ella, Ka Monet, Ka Simo, Ka Huawei, and Ka Brod, and pronouncing them as casualties of fake encounters.

It is the RJPC-NPA’s obligation to own responsibility to its activities against criminals and counterrevolutionaries to protect the people against baseless accusations and trumped-up charges by the NTF-Elcac and its whole-of-nation approach. The NPA makes its action public for the people to be informed of the reasons behind each military action.

In a ‘he says-she says’ situation, the RJPC-NPA urges the public (and the media people) to investigate up to the grounds to gather truthful information. The vast number of ordinary citizens are the unbiased source of knowledge versus the AFP/PNP spokespersons who are in the pockets of landlords.

Even though farmers and farm workers are poor and live a modest life, they make sure their beloved NPA are nourished and clothed. The NPA, being the genuine people’s army, are always welcomed and sought after by the toiling masses. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/afp-and-its-dimasaligan79ib-is-for-the-moneyed-people/

Marcos meets with generals thrice in 3 weeks amid destab rumors

From CNN Philippines (Jan 17, 2024): Marcos meets with generals thrice in 3 weeks amid destab rumors (By Gerg Cahiles)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — For the third time in three weeks, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and high-ranking Palace officials met with star-rank officers from the military and police.

Destabilization rumors have been floating since late last year and Malacañang is still mum on the issue despite persistent inquiries from the media.

During the traditional New Year's call at the palace on Wednesday, the president, together with top military and police officers led by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner and Philippine National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda, was all smiles for photo opportunities.

Two days ago, the president himself presided over the military's command conference at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

In an Instagram post, the president said the administration is prioritizing the daily lives of uniformed personnel.

He said he has approved the budget for rice subsidies, and upgraded the AFP Medical Center for advanced medical services and overall wellness support for the soldiers.

"With an increased 2024 budget for the DND (Department of National Defense), we're dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our uniformed personnel and their families," he said. "This commitment is evident in our support for the Revised AFP Modernization Program and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, ensuring financial stability for military and civilian personnel."

Brawner earlier said that Marcos did not talk about the destabilization rumors during the three-hour closed-door meeting.

On several occasions, he mentioned that the AFP is loyal to the Constitution.

"Totoo yun na walang nabanggit [It’s true that there was no mention] about the destabilization that's happening... I gauge that there is no need for a loyalty check," Brawner told the media on Monday.

Meanwhile, two star-ranked officials confirmed to CNN Philippines that a meeting called by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo took place in the afternoon of Dec. 28, 2023.

Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity were present during the meeting.

One official said the executive secretary met with star-rank PNP officials first before talking with the combined military and coast guard officials.

"Nagpa-thank you lang kasi maganda ang security climate," said one official.

"Parang ano lang, assurance na we're behind the president. At walang problema sa amin," said another.

[Translation: They said thank you because of the peaceful security climate. They assured that they were behind the president and that there was no problem with us.]

Sources also said that there is no brewing destabilization coming from their respective units and they have not heard any plans coming from junior officers.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2024/1/17/Marcos-meets-with-generals-thrice-in-3-weeks-amid-destab-rumors.html

PH defense chief slams Chinese official for ‘gutter level talk’ directed at Marcos

From CNN Philippines (Jan 17, 2024): PH defense chief slams Chinese official for ‘gutter level talk’ directed at Marcos (By Kristel Limpot)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 17) — The country’s defense secretary hit back at the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson for supposedly insulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and resorting to “gutter level talk” when she expressed Beijing’s disapproval of a message issued by the Philippine leader.

“It is unfortunate that the PRC (People's Republic of China) Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter level talk – resorting to insulting our President and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the Ministry, and Party she represents in the process,” Teodoro wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

He was referring to foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who warned Marcos not to “play with fire” after he sent his congratulations to Taiwan's president-elect and pro-sovereignty leader Lai Ching-te.

During a press conference, the Chinese official also suggested that Marcos “read more to develop a proper understanding” of the dispute on the political status of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.

The president has yet to react to China’s rebuke.

But while Mao’s remarks are “unfortunate,” Teodoro said they are not surprising.

“[T]hen again, we should not at all be surprised — being a nation and people enjoying the privileges, rights, and freedoms of a democratic society — that an agent of a Party and system of government incompatible with our way of life and who routinely spouts State-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation would go that far and that low,” the defense chief said.

“The Spokesperson's statements were ‘on brand,’” he added. “We, and the world, should not expect more.”

Meanwhile, in an event in Manila, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian called on the Philippines to handle Taiwan-related issues "prudently” to maintain stable relations with China.

“China urges the Philippines to stay committed to the one-China policy pursued by successive Philippine administrations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Philippines,” read Huang's virtual presentation.

On Tuesday, China summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz to demand an explanation on the president’s message.

A day before Marcos’ remarks, the Department of Foreign Affairs reiterated Manila’s commitment to the one-China policy, which recognizes that Taiwan is a part of China and that the PRC is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2024/1/17/gilbert-teodoro-chinese-foreign-ministry-mao-ning-gutter-level-talk-with-marcos.html

Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – Brawner

From Rappler (Jan 15, 2024): Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – Brawner (REUTERS)

'We'd like to improve all the nine, especially the islands we are occupying,' AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner says after attending a command conference led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines will develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory to make them more habitable for troops, Manila’s military chief Romeo Brawner told reporters on Monday, January 15.

The plans come amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both of whom claim territory in the South China Sea and have traded accusations of aggressive behavior in the strategic waterway.

Apart from the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin, the Philippines occupies eight other features in the South China Sea, and considers them part of its exclusive economic zone.

“We’d like to improve all the nine, especially the islands we are occupying,” Brawner said after attending a command conference led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the military headquarters.

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The features include Thitu island, the biggest and most strategically important in the South China Sea. Known locally as Pag-asa, Thitu lies about 300 miles (480 km) west of the Philippine province of Palawan.

The military wants to bring a desalination machine for troops living aboard a warship that the Philippines deliberately grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to assert its sovereignty claim, he said.

Besides the Philippines, Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have competing claims of sovereignty in the South China Sea, a conduit for goods in excess of $3 trillion every year.

Also included in the military’s modernization plans is the acquisition of more ships, radars, and aircraft as the Philippines shifts its focus to territorial from internal defense, Brawner said.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-develop-islands-south-china-sea/

Defense chief Gibo Teodoro calls out China official for ‘gutter-level talk’

From Rappler (Jan 17, 2024): Defense chief Gibo Teodoro calls out China official for ‘gutter-level talk’ (By REUTERS)

'It is unfortunate that the (Chinese) ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter-level talk - resorting to insulting our president and the Filipino nation,' says defense secretary Gibo Teodoro

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine defense secretary on Wednesday, January 17, accused a Chinese foreign ministry official of insulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during a news briefing, stooping to what he called “low and gutter-level talk.”

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in a statement also accused spokesperson Mao Ning of “spouting state-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation”.

Teodoro was reacting to Mao’s remarks on Tuesday telling Marcos to “read more books to properly understand the ins and outs of the Taiwan issue” after he had congratulated the democratically governed island’s election winner Lai Ching-te, referring to him as president.

“It is unfortunate that the (Chinese) ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter-level talk – resorting to insulting our president and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the ministry, and party she represents in the process,” Teodoro said in a statement.

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Philippines reaffirms ‘One China policy’ after Marcos congratulates Taiwan’s Lai

'The message of President Marcos congratulating the new president was his way of thanking them for hosting our OFWs and holding a successful democratic process. Nevertheless, the Philippines reaffirms its One China Policy,' the Department of Foreign Affairs statement says

China, Taiwan opposition warn of threat to peace from ruling party candidate

Taiwan will hold a pivotal presidential and parliamentary election January 13, which is being closely watched internationally amid geopolitical tensions

China’s embassy in Manila and its foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Teodoro’s comments, the latest in a succession of rhetorical spats between Beijing and staunch US-ally Manila.

The congratulatory remarks on Monday by Marcos were followed by his foreign ministry reaffirming the country’s “One China policy” and stressing that the message of Marcos intended to recognize the Philippines and Taiwan’s “mutual interests”, including 200,000 Filipino workers in the democratically governed island.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/defense-secretary-gibo-teodoro-calls-out-china-official-gutter-level-talk/

China, Philippines seek better communication, management of conflicts in South China Sea

From Rappler (Jan 18, 2024): China, Philippines seek better communication, management of conflicts in South China Sea (By REUTERS)

China and the Philippines reaffirm that the South China Sea dispute is 'not the whole story of bilateral relations,' according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry

BEIJING, China – China and the Philippines agreed to improve maritime communication and to properly manage conflicts and differences through friendly talks in regards to issues around the South China Sea, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.

China Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong and Philippines Foreign Ministry undersecretary Theresa Lazaro held a frank and in-depth exchange of views on the situation while co-chairing the eighth meeting of the China-Philippines Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea in Shanghai, according to the statement released late on Wednesday, January 17.

In the talks, the two sides reaffirmed that the South China Sea dispute is “not the whole story of bilateral relations.”

The two countries have had numerous confrontations recently in certain disputed waters in the South China Sea, with both trading accusations of provoking conflict in the economically strategic waterway.

Other Stories

Defense chief Gibo Teodoro calls out China official for ‘gutter-level talk’
'It is unfortunate that the (Chinese) ministry of foreign affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter-level talk - resorting to insulting our president and the Filipino nation,' says defense secretary Gibo Teodoro

Philippines to develop islands in South China Sea – Brawner
'We'd like to improve all the nine, especially the islands we are occupying,' AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner says after attending a command conference led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr

China warns Philippines against South China Sea ‘miscalculation’
(1st UPDATE) 'China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads,' says Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Both officials believe “maintaining communication and dialogue is essential to maintaining maritime peace and stability”, according to the statement.

The two sides agreed to properly manage maritime conflicts and differences through friendly consultations, as well as properly handle maritime emergencies, especially the situation around the Second Thomas Shoal, also known in China as Renai Reef.

Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels have had heated and dangerous run-ins in that area, as China becomes more assertive in pressing its maritime claims there.

Relations have been strained for months, but both have reiterated a commitment to dialogue. Both said in the meeting they would advance practical maritime cooperation, “so as to create favorable conditions for the sound and stable development of China-Philippines relations.”

On Tuesday, China summoned the ambassador from the Philippines and warned the country “not to play with fire” after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr congratulated Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his election victory on Saturday.

China demanded that the Philippine side earnestly abide by the one-China principle.

The Philippine side reiterated that it adheres to the one-China policy and will continue to implement it, according to the Chinese foreign ministry statement. –

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/china-seek-better-communication-management-maritime-conflicts/

Soldiers seize NPA lair, guns, explosives

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 16, 2024): Soldiers seize NPA lair, guns, explosives (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

War material recovered by 79IB soldiers at the seized rebel camp in Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava.* PA photo

Army soldiers yesterday seized a temporary encampment of New People’s Army remnants in northern Negros, following an encounter in Sitio Martesan, Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

An encounter that lasted about five minutes between eight remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, also known as the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, led to the recovery of war materials, including a .30 caliber M1 garand rifle, a carbine rifle with two magazines containing 21 ammunition, a .38 caliber revolver, two rifle grenades, a handheld Baofeng radio, two cellular phones, assorted food supplies and medicines.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, reported that soldiers who were scouring the abandoned rebel lair also discovered traces of bloodstains along the rebels’ withdrawal routes.

None of the 79IB soldiers involved was hurt, he said.

Calaoagan further said that the encounter was a clear manifestation of the relentless efforts of the 79IB to hunt down and bring justice to the victims of NPA brutal killing spree in northern Negros.*

https://visayandailystar.com/soldiers-seize-npa-lair-guns-explosives/

NPA guerilla fronts in island dismantled – Army

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 16, 2024): NPA guerilla fronts in island dismantled – Army (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

All of the five New People’s Army guerilla fronts in Negros Island have been declared “dismantled” by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 3ID Civil Military Operations officer, disclosed yesterday that as December last year, the remaining “weakened” South West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/ Siquijor, was added to the list of dismantled guerilla fronts.

The four other dismantled guerilla fronts included the South East Front (SEF), Northern Negros Front (NNF), Central Negros (CN) 1 and Central Negros (CN) 2, which was already concurred through a resolution issued by the Joint Peace Security and Coordinating Committee (JPSCC), composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police.

Javines said they are waiting for the concurrence of the AFP Visayas Command and JPSCCC to formalize the declaration of South West Front as a dismantled guerilla front.

The challenge for us, Javines said, is to prevent rebel remnants from recovering lost territories and recruit new members.

He added that the focused military operations are also ongoing against the remaining 10 members of the regional strike force of KR NCBS, aside from remnants of the five dismantled guerilla fronts.

The 3ID under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Marion Sison is targeting to declare Negros Island as “insurgency free” within the first quarter of this year.

Sison, Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, were given recognition yesterday by the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, for the dismantling of CN2 guerilla unit, Javines said.

A guerilla front in a certain area is considered dismantled if its armed component is reduced to 8 to 10 members, the absence of their mass-based organizations, and they no longer have influenced areas, the implementation of government projects, and establishment of government territorial forces.

Declaring a guerilla front as dismantled does not necessarily mean that they will cease their operations against the NPA remnants, Javines said.

With the dismantling of Negros Island guerilla fronts, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council of Western Visayas, said he expects rebel remnants to show that they are still active to give the impression that they are still a force to be reckoned with.

Lacson also said that the Philippine Army will continue to remain in areas where rebel remnants are still hiding.

Javines also said that the admission of the NPA in their involvement in a series of killings of innocent civilians that they accuse as military or police informants, and of their former comrades who abandoned the armed struggle in Negros Island, are part of their effort to show the people of Negros that they are still alive.

Military records indicate that almost all top leaders of KR NCBS have been neutralized, following their deaths in series of encounters in Negros Occidental last year.*

https://visayandailystar.com/npa-guerilla-fronts-in-island-dismantled-army/

303IB, 94IB honored for dismantling Negros guerilla front

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 17, 2024): 303IB, 94IB honored for dismantling Negros guerilla front (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confers the AFP Campaign Streamer award to the 303rd Infantry Brigade led by Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin for the dismantling of a Negros guerilla unit, in the presence of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.* PA photo

The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade and 94th Infantry Battalion were given honors and recognition by the Armed Forces of the Philippines on January 15 at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, for the dismantling of Central Negros 2 guerilla front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., assisted by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and AFP chief of staff Romeo Brawner Jr. conferred the AFP Campaign Streamer to 303IB, led by Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin and 94IB commanded by Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, for their successful peace campaign in central Negros.

During the AFP anniversary on December 21, the 303IB and 62nd Infantry Battalion also received similar awards for the dismantling of Central Negros 1 guerilla front.

The South West Front of KR NCBS was recently added to the list of dismantled guerilla fronts in Negros Island.

Two other guerilla fronts, Northern Negros Front and South East Front, were both declared dismantled by the AFP, several years ago.

In a statement, Edralin expressed his gratitude to the AFP’s leadership for recognizing the relentless efforts of the Philippine Army in Negros in ending the decades-long insurgency.

This award is also a triumph for all Negrenses who have been our partners in all our endeavors, and also a testament to our genuine commitment to end the local communist armed conflict in Negros Island, he added.

“We will continue our efforts, until Negros Island is declared insurgency-free,” Edralin further said.*

https://visayandailystar.com/303ib-94ib-honored-for-dismantling-negros-guerilla-front/

2 NPA rebels killed in La Castellana

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 18, 2024): 2 NPA rebels killed in La Castellana (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Three firearms and other personal belongings recovered by Army soldiers from the encounter site in Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana.* PA photo

Two suspected New People’s Army rebel remnants died in a gunbattle yesterday with Army soldiers in Hacienda Gomez, Brgy. Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

1Lt. Mary Liza Joy de Guzman, 62nd Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations officer, disclosed that 62IB soldiers were responding to reports by civilians on the presence of about five remnants of the dismantled Central Negros 1 guerilla front, who were engaged in recruitment and extortion activities in the vicinity of the hacienda.

The firefight, according to de Guzman, lasted about three minutes, which resulted in the death of two rebels, whose cadavers were left behind by their fleeing comrades, some of them are believed to have been injured, as traces of bloodstains were discovered along their withdrawal route.

Aside from the two slain rebels, whose identities are yet to be established as of this time, the 62IB soldiers also recovered an AR15 assault rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, assorted magazines of firearms with ammunition, two backpacks containing assorted medical paraphernalia and personal belongings, as well as subversive documents.

The encounter in La Castellana took place several days after 79IB soldiers also overran and recovered assorted firearms, following an encounter with about five remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front in Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

De Guzman disclosed that remnants of the dismantled Central Negros I guerilla front fled to the hinterlands of La Castellana, due to series of debacles they suffered in their previous lairs in the mountainous area of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

https://visayandailystar.com/2-npa-rebels-killed-in-la-castellana/

Soldiers act swiftly to rescue flood-stricken families

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 17, 2024): Soldiers act swiftly to rescue flood-stricken families (By RHODA GRACE SARON)



THE 1001ST Infantry (Pag-asa) Brigade deployed its personnel to assist the local government units of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte in disaster relief and rescue amid the widespread flooding on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Both provinces were affected by heavy rains that flooded low-lying areas.

Major Roberto Escalona Jr., the brigade’s civil-military operation officer, said their disaster response unit is always on standby to assist LGUs.

The units comprise teams from its operationally controlled units, the 25th and 60th infantry battalions, together with the respective municipal disaster risk reduction offices, and the emergency response company.

According to the report, hundreds of affected families were successfully rescued and brought to safer grounds. Also, there was no reported casualty or injury during the operations.

Brigadier General Ronnie Babac, brigade commander, lauded the soldiers on the ground.

“I really appreciate your swift actions in responding to incidents like this. Time and again, you have proven that the Army in this part of the region is a reliable partner of the local government and the communities in times of need. Let us continue our monitoring and be prepared always to assist the communities when needed.” Babac said.

The 1001st Brigade covers Davao de Oro, the municipalities of Asuncion, New Corella, Kapalong, and San Isidro, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, and the municipalities of Veruela, Loreto, Sta Josefa and two barangays of Lapaz in Agusan del Sur.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/soldiers-act-swiftly-to-rescue-flood-stricken-families/

1 dead NPA, 3 high-powered rifles found at clash site

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 17, 2024): 1 dead NPA, 3 high-powered rifles found at clash site (By  RHODA GRACE SARON)

A NEW People’s Army (NPA) member was killed and three high-powered firearms were recovered when 23rd Infantry Battalion troops clashed with guerillas in Sitio Calaitan, Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Jan. 16.

The military has yet to identify the slain rebel but he was reportedly a member of Sub Regional Command (SRC )3, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), who was left to die by his comrades.

Second Lieutenant Paoula Andrea Ledesma, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer, said 23IB troops under commanding officer Lt. Col. Jeffrey P Balingao went to verify the information relayed by residents regarding the presence of the NPA rebels.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before the communists scampered in different directions. They left behind the wounded rebel, along with two M16 rifles, a .30 caliber M1 Carbine, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

“This operation is part of our relentless effort to end the local communist armed conflict in our Area of Operation. As we gain significant results against these terrorist NPAs, we will continue with our pursuit operations against the fleeing terrorists. With the continuous support of the residents in the area, I am confident that our troops can contain them from conducting further terroristic activities and finally pin them down,” Balingao said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of the 402nd (Stingers) Infantry Brigade, also credited NPA surrenderees for working closely with the government in pinning down their former comrades.

“This is how sincere we are in our effort to end this communist-driven local insurgency. As long as the people of Agusan del Norte continue to support us in all our peace initiatives, these accomplishments are always possible. Let us altogether end this menace in our society,” Brig. Orio said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/1-dead-npa-3-high-powered-rifles-found-at-clash-site/

Ilocos Region has 238 new policemen

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): Ilocos Region has 238 new policemen (By Hilda Austria)

GRADUATION. The 238 new policemen in the Ilocos Region during the graduation rites on Monday (Jan. 15, 2024) at the Ilocos Police Regional Office in San Fernando City, La Union. The new policemen graduated from the six-month Public Safety Field Training Program and gained permanent status. (Screenshot from PRO-1's live stream)

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Ilocos Police regional director Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista has urged the 238 police officers who graduated from the six-month Public Safety Field Training Program (PSFTP) to not lose sight of their purpose.

“Continue to evolve and raise your standards. It is the best defense against negative outside forces that seek to dismantle the organization,” he said during the graduation ceremony held at the Ilocos Police Regional Office in San Fernando City, La Union on Monday.

Evangelista asked the police officers to remember that police is a service profession and advised them to arrive at work on time, take pride in wearing their uniform, and never take action based merely on emotions.

“What you will do has life-long consequences with the citizens you deal with. Never allow victims to be victimized again due to poor police practice. Get to know who lives in the community you have chosen to serve regardless of who they are,” he said.

The new policemen held their training in the different police stations in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, the Ilocos Police Information Office said.

Areas of assignments of the new policemen will be announced in the coming days, it added.

PSFTP is a six-month compulsory training for all police trainees and is one of the requirements to make the personnel’s status permanent, initially with a patrolman/patrolwoman rank.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216972

160-man elite police unit deployed to Lanao Sur for peacekeeping

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): 160-man elite police unit deployed to Lanao Sur for peacekeeping (By Edwin Fernandez)

PEACEKEEPERS. Four companies of the police’s Special Action Force have been deployed to Lanao del Sur to help maintain security. Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, Bangsamoro police regional director (inset), leads the send-off ceremonies on Monday (Jan. 15, 2024) for the units that are assigned to Marawi City and the towns of Malabang, Masiu, and Marantao. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte – The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) has deployed four companies of the Special Action Force (SAF) to help maintain law and order in Lanao del Sur.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, BARMM police director, led the send-off ceremony for the 160 SAF troopers at Camp Brigadier General Salipada K. Pendatun here on Monday.

“There are gaps in terms of security in Lanao del Sur that is why we need to fill in,” Nobleza said in a statement issued Tuesday.

Nobleza said the SAF troopers, consisting of the 41st, 43rd, 44th, and 45th Special Action Companies, will be sent to the towns of Malabang, Masiu, Marantao, and Marawi City.

“With the presence of SAF, the security in Lanao del Sur will improve. When the security improves, there will be economic activities and the community will also improve,” he said.

Nobleza expressed confidence that threat groups operating in Lanao del Sur would "realize life is better when peace and security situations are stable and that life is productive and meaningful if they abandon violent extremism."

Moreover, he also expressed hope that the Dec. 3, 2023 bombing of the Mindanao State University (MSU) - Marawi gym that claimed four lives and hurt over 50 others "would never happen again."

The 45th SAF Company will be stationed inside MSU.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216993

Ex-rebels, farmers in Negros learn to make crafts for livelihood

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): Ex-rebels, farmers in Negros learn to make crafts for livelihood (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

TRAINING-WORKSHOP. Christina Marie Gaston (right), chairwoman of the Association of Negros Producers, and Sybel Nobleza (seated), external affairs manager of ANP, with the participants of the product development and basic marketing workshop in Barangay Riverside, Isabela, Negros Occidental. The Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion hosted the training workshop held in December 2023 at its headquarters in Barangay Libas. (Photo courtesy of Association of Negros Producers)

BACOLOD CITY – Former New People’s Army rebels and farmers in the remote village of Isabela, Negros Occidental are making craft products for livelihood through training facilitated by the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), the organizer of the renowned Negros Trade Fair.

Since last month, about 100 of them, all from Barangay Riverside, have attended the product development and basic marketing workshop hosted by the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion at its headquarters in Barangay Libas.

“The aim is to equip them with skills to create marketable products and participate in prestigious industry showcases,” Sybel Nobleza, ANP external affairs manager, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The participants learned about crafting products from locally abundant raw materials such as pandan, nito, bamboo and used straws.

Pandan weavers have to present prototypes of their designs of eco-pandan bags for target customers such as wine producers, millennials and eco-friendly stores by the second week of January.

They learned to produce prototypes after they were introduced to product development and branding by Christina Marie Gaston, an international designer and chairwoman of ANP, who shared the journey of her brand, the Hacienda Crafts Company.

Nobleza, who discussed product screening and basic marketing, guided the participants on aligning products with customer needs and ensuring a compelling narrative behind each creation.

Acknowledging the challenges, she emphasized solutions such as securing start-up capital, consistent market access, and protecting identities for former rebels-turned-entrepreneurs.

Nobleza said they plan to introduce the product prototypes to the Pilak Awards Competition in preparation for the 38th Negros Trade Fair later this year.

In a statement, one of the participants, Nanay Adelfa, a 78-year-old weaver, said she is thankful for the opportunity to become an entrepreneur through the training workshops conducted by the ANP in partnership with the Negros Occidental provincial government and the Isabela municipal government.

“The ANP commits to closely monitor the product prototyping and organize further workshops,” Nobleza said.

This month, they will introduce training on food product development together with the Provincial Technology and Livelihood Development Center.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217059

60 profiled former rebels seek own land, houses in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2024): 60 profiled former rebels seek own land, houses in Negros (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

LAND DISTRIBUTION. Manuel Galon Jr., (left) Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer 1 of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Negros Oriental, talks to stakeholders during a site inspection in this undated photo in Basay, Negros Oriental in this undated photo. The DAR has already issued a Notice to Proceed in the distribution of land titles to former New People's Army rebels who will benefit from the housing project. (PNA file photo by Mary Judaline Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Sixty former rebels (FRs) in Negros Oriental have completed the requirements for government land acquisition and titling, and are waiting for their Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA).

These former rebels had already been profiled, according to Maj. Jecey Batiller, the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) officer and spokesperson of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, so they may be included in the housing program under the provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

Manuel Galon Jr., Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARPO) 1 of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Negros Oriental, said they already received a Notice to Proceed with the granting of the CLOAs from their central office.

The FRs will be issued individual land titles through CLOA for 13 hectares of land in Barangay Bongalona, Basay town.

The area is part of the former CDCP Mining Corporation, now a government-owned and controlled corporation.

The land distribution is based on Executive Order 75 which “directs all departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities of the government to identify lands owned by the government devoted to or suitable for agriculture for distribution to qualified beneficiaries,” the DAR official said.

Alongside its private partners, the provincial TF-ELCAC will build at least 100 individual houses on a one-hectare lot while the remaining area will be for communal farming and a community center, Galon said.

Kawayan Collective, a private firm promoting the use of bamboo for housing and other projects, has been tapped to build the units.

Galon said another ocular inspection is set in the coming months to fast-track the implementation of the project, the first of its kind on Negros Island for former rebels who decided to return to the fold of law.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217041

Army’s 3ID renews commitment to make Negros Island insurgency-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): Army’s 3ID renews commitment to make Negros Island insurgency-free (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

AWARD. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in the presence of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (left), bestows the campaign streamer award to the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade headed by commander Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin (right), for dismantling guerrilla fronts in Negros Island and significantly contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ overall victory against communist-terrorist groups. The awarding ceremony was held during the AFP Year-End 2023 Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (Jan. 15, 2024). (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) remained firm in its goal to end the local communist armed conflict in Negros Island after receiving recognition from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its successful peace campaign in its area of operations.

In a statement on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of 3ID, said the campaign streamer award given to its units, 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) and 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), is a “solid testament to our unwavering efforts to achieve peace and prosperity in the island,” highlighted by the dismantling of all five New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla fronts in Negros as of the end of 2023.

“This recognition is a source of our endless commitment and dedication to liberate Negrenses from the shackles of insurgency,” he said.

AFP commander-in-chief, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., presented the awards to Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303IBde, and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commanding officer of 94IB, during the AFP Year-End 2023 Command Conference held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday.

The said units were awarded, specifically for dismantling guerrilla fronts, and significantly contributing to the AFP’s overall victory against communist terrorist groups.

In Negros, the 303IBde and the 94IB dismantled the Central Negros 2 of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor last Dec. 21, following the dismantling of the first three, including the South East Front, Northern Negros Front and Central Negros 1.

The remaining South West Front, already considered “weakened,” has also been recommended by the 3ID for a formal declaration of being dismantled by the AFP Visayas Command and the Joint Peace Security and Coordinating Committee.

Edralin, whose unit is based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, thanked the AFP leadership for recognizing the relentless efforts of the troops in Negros in ending the decades-long insurgency.

“This award is also a triumph for all Negrenses who have been our partners in all our endeavors. It is also a testament to our genuine commitment to end the local communist armed conflict. We will continue our efforts until Negros Island is declared insurgency-free,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217057

4 Army units recognized for peace efforts in Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): 4 Army units recognized for peace efforts in Visayas (By John Rey Saavedra)

AWARDS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. bestows the AFP Campaign Streamer Awards to one of the two Army brigades and two Army battalions stationed in the Visayas in a ceremony on Monday (Jan. 16, 2024) at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Visayas Command on Tuesday said the 303rd Infantry Brigade, 94th Infantry Battalion, 801st Infantry Brigade, and 3rd Infantry Battalion got the awards for their efforts to sustain peace and development in the three central Philippine regions. (Photo courtesy of Viscom PIO)

CEBU CITY – Two Army brigades and two battalions received awards from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their efforts to sustain peace and development in the three central Philippine regions, the Visayas Command said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Viscom said the AFP bestowed Campaign Streamer Awards to 303rd Infantry Brigade, 94th Infantry Battalion, 801st Infantry Brigade and 3rd Infantry Battalion, recognizing their “remarkable accomplishments of the units in dealing with the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).”

The 303rd Infantry Brigade and 94th Infantry Battalion are under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Spear in Western Visayas while the 801st Infantry Brigade and 3rd Infantry Battalion are under the JTF Storm in Eastern Visayas.

They received the award from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“These awards will surely provide a huge boost to the morale of our troops, knowing that their efforts and sacrifices have been recognized by no less than our commander-in-chief himself,” Viscom chief, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, who attended the awarding on Monday at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, said.

All NPA-infested communities in the Visayas region were cleared through Viscom’s operationally controlled units, Arevalo said.

The CPP-NPA’s manpower and armed capability have been severely degraded by the government forces that led to the dismantling of five guerrilla fronts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217040

Over 1K NPA members neutralized in Eastern Visayas in 2023

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2024): Over 1K NPA members neutralized in Eastern Visayas in 2023 (By Sarwell Meniano)

NEUTRALIZED. The casualties of a major clash between soldiers and rebels in Bobon, Northern Samar, in this photo on April 30, 2023. At least 1,065 active members and loyal supporters of the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas were killed, captured, arrested, or surrendered in 2023, attributing to the region’s attainment of guerrilla front-free status. (Philippine Army photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 1,065 active members and loyal supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas were killed, captured, arrested, or surrendered in 2023, attributing to the region’s attainment of guerrilla front-free status.

These neutralized rebels include 14 ranking NPA leaders in the region who got killed or turned themselves to authorities last year, said Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) commander Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo in a press briefing Wednesday.

“The remaining NPA is currently experiencing a vacuum of leadership. Nobody wants to be identified as their leader for fear of being the subject of our focused military operations,” Ligayo said.

Of the total neutralized regular NPA members last year, 28 were killed in combat operations, 13 were captured, and 164 surrendered to authorities.

Other surrenderers included 228 members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB), 163 from the Batakang Organisasyon sa Partido (BOP), 270 members of an underground mass organization (UGMO), and 199 mass supporters.

BOP members serve in intelligence-gathering activities, while MB-enlisted individuals provide mass support to the revolutionary movement of the communist terrorist group.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA established UGMOs inside open sectoral organizations and open alliances to advance and support their armed atrocities and terrorist activities.

“There are only 119 armed rebels left scattered in different parts of the region. Their number is just the same as one company size. We have 14 battalions in the region. We have the strength and equipment to hunt the remaining rebels,” Ligayo told reporters.

Each army battalion has up to four companies. Each company has 100 soldiers.

The dismantling of NPA guerrilla fronts is a result of 380 combat operations, 80 armed encounters, and three major armed engagements in Northern Samar province.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, 8th ID assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations, said the NPA continues to weaken with no new recruits and an increasing number of surrenderers every year.

“Right now, the recruitment is almost zero, and thousands have already surrendered. This is an indication that people are very aware of the NPA’s senseless armed struggle,” Buban added.

The military worked on dismantling front committees 1 and 15 in Northern Samar in the latter part of 2023.

Front committees 2 and 3, which used to operate on the boundaries of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar provinces, were dismantled early last year after the capture and surrender of some of their combatants and the recovery of several firearms.

The whole-of-nation approach, linking arms between basic service providers from the central government, community participation groups from the local governments, and the security sector from the military and the police, gets the credit for the weakening NPA in Eastern Visayas.

In support of the fight against the NPA, several local government units have formed their task force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), operationalizing Executive Order 70 issued in 2018.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217091

Former NPA-infested Samar town seeks help to develop spring, cave

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2024): Former NPA-infested Samar town seeks help to develop spring, cave (By Sarwell Meniano)

NATURE'S WONDER. The Sulpan Cold Spring and Cave in Matuguinao, Samar. The local government of Matuguinao, Samar, is pushing the development of the natural wonder as an eco-tourism site in their town, which has been affected by decades of armed struggle. (Photo courtesy of Matuguinao Vibes)

TACLOBAN CITY – The local government of Matuguinao, Samar, is pushing the development of its cold spring and cave as an eco-tourism site in the town, which has been affected by decades of armed struggle.

Mayor Aran Boller said in an interview Wednesday that they sought assistance from the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office to get funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) to set up facilities near Sulpan Cold Spring and Cave in Barruz village.

“Now that our town is peaceful, we want people to visit our tourism sites and create livelihood opportunities in communities,” Boller told the Philippine News Agency.

The proposed budget is PHP45 million to construct the grouted riprap, concrete path bridge, pathway, installation of amenities, storage area, entrance ticketing office, public grounds, and solar lights.

The cold spring and cave are about three kilometers from Matuguinao town center.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is currently implementing an opening and concreting of an access road. Boller said about 500 meters of the proposed road stretch are still up for opening.

Meanwhile, the local government said the Maslog Cold Spring within the town center has continued attracting tourists to Matuguinao since 2021.

“Last year, Matuguinao logged about 10,000 tourists. We didn’t have visitors in the past before the completion of the Gandara-Matuguinao Road,” Boller added.

The mayor noticed that after the completion of the access road, it has been usual to see visitors in their town, which used to be a site of clashes between rebels and government forces.

Matuguinao is only 30 minutes from the main road of Samar Island, after a four-hour boat trip from the highway in Gandara town.

Matuguinao is a fifth-class town in Samar province with a population of 7,288 people. The town is 105 kilometers from Tacloban City, the regional capital.

Almost all of its 20 villages used to be influenced by the New People’s Army (NPA). At present, all communities are free from NPA influence, although four villages are under monitoring for recovery attempts by rebels.

About 40 percent of the population is living in poverty, based on the 2018 survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217115

2 NPA fighters killed in central Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2024): 2 NPA fighters killed in central Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED. The weapons and other items seized by troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion after an encounter with remnants of the New People’s Army Central Negros 1 Front in Barangay Sag-ang, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Wednesday (Jan. 17, 2024). The clash claimed the lives of two unidentified NPA fighters. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels died in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in the remote Barangay Sag-ang of La Castellana, Negros Occidental Wednesday morning.

Personnel of the local disaster unit retrieved the bodies of the still unidentified male fatalities and brought them to a funeral parlor in the town proper.

First Lt. Liza de Guzman, civil-military operations officer of 62IB, said the troops responded to information from the locals on the presence of armed men attempting to conduct extortion and recruitment activities in the area of Hacienda Gomez.

Around 6:45 a.m., soldiers engaged about five remnants of the Central Negros (CN) 1 Front for about three minutes, after which the three rebels fled, leaving their two comrades behind.

The bodies of the unidentified rebels were found by the troops, along with several weapons, including an AR15 rifle, a homemade shotgun, a caliber .45 pistol, magazines with ammunition, as well as medical items, two backpacks containing personal items, and subversive documents.

According to the 62IB, the remnants of the CN1 Front left their lairs in the mountainous areas of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, due to numerous losses during encounters in recent months.

Lt. Col. William Pesase, commander of 62IB, acknowledged the continued cooperation and support of civilians in Barangay Sag-ang in tracking down the communist rebels.

“We call on the fleeing rebels to voluntarily surrender, especially the wounded, for them to be given proper medical treatment,” he said.

Pesase said the government forces are giving them a chance to return to the fold of the law and avail of benefits from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“Or they can suffer the same fate as their comrades as our troops will tirelessly hunt them down,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217119

NPA rebel killed, 3 firearms seized in Agusan Norte skirmish

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2024): NPA rebel killed, 3 firearms seized in Agusan Norte skirmish (By Alexander Lopez)

NEUTRALIZED. A still unidentified New People’s Army rebel was killed in a 10-minute encounter with the trooper of the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Tuesday (Jan. 16, 2024). Government troops also recovered from the encounter site three high-powered firearms with ammunition. (Photo from 23IB)

BUTUAN CITY – A communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla was killed after a 10-minute encounter in the hinterlands of Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte province, a military official said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Balingao, the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) commander, said soldiers were immediately sent to Barangay Simbalan of the town on Tuesday after residents reported the presence of armed rebels in the area.

“We immediately responded after receiving the report to prevent the terrorists from conducting extortions and atrocities on the civilians in the area,” Balingao said in a statement.

The rebels, he said, belong to the NPA Platoon 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay (SRSDG), Sub-Regional Committee 3 (SRC-3) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

After the clash, government troops recovered three high-powered firearms from the encounter site.

“The rebels managed to carry the wounded, as evidenced by the heavy blood stains our troops discovered along their withdrawal route,” Balingao said.

7 rebels yield to PRO-13

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) reported on Wednesday the surrender of seven NPA insurgents to various police field units in the region.

Among the surrenderers were “Jobert,” 35, the leader of NPA Squad 2, Platoon 2 of SRSDG, SRC-3, NCMRC, and “Ker-Ker,” 39, the courier of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Kingdom of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 4A of NCMRC.

The two also handed over a .38-caliber pistol and an improvised shotgun upon their surrender.

Over the weekend, five other insurgents turned themselves in to police units in the region, PRO-13 said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217096

NSC exec: Gov't 'in better position' on exploratory talks with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2024): NSC exec: Gov't 'in better position' on exploratory talks with Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Philippine government is now in a better position to make demands once the peace talks with the remaining communist rebels and their allies formally start, a ranking official of the National Security Council (NSC) said Monday.

In a radio interview, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the government has "leverage" to do this amid the NPA's weakened state due to focused military operations and dwindling mass base support.

"Marami akong mga kaibigan nagpupunta na ng Quezon, nagpupunta sa Bondoc Peninsula, dati NPA infested area yan. Ngayon, makikita mo sa FB (Facebook), nasa beach sila so yung ating bansa, nakamit na natin and we are enjoying the fruits of the victory of the government laban sa mga komunista (I have many friends who are travelling to Quezon, to the Bondoc Peninsula, which used to be an area infested by the NPA. Now you see them on Facebook, they are at the beaches in these areas. This shows our country, we have achieved victory and we are enjoying the fruits of the victory of the government against the communists)," he added.

Asked why the government still pushes for peace talks with the NPA, Malaya said this is to "speed up" efforts to achieve peace.

"If we can spare one life, we can prevent more violence, eh kailangan tugunan kasi syempre mas maganda kung ang kapayapaan ay mapapabilis. Sa kasaysayan ng conflicts sa buong mundo, kadalasan may political settlement yan, sa tingin po ng pamahalaan natin, itong Oslo Communique, 'yung pag-uusap for a political settlement, baka ito yung makapag pabilis sa tunay na kapayapaan (we need to address that because it would be better if we achieve peace faster. In the history of conflicts around the world, oftentimes there is what we call political settlement. Our government sees the Oslo Communique, the talks for a political settlement, this might speed up the process to achieve genuine peace)," Malaya said.

In November last year, the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), agreed to a “principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict" through the Oslo communique.

Malaya also raised alarm over the CPP's 55th anniversary statement on Dec. 26 last year, which called for a rectification movement, instructing its members to "stir up and spread the flames of the people's war."

"Kung magko-collapse man ang (In case of a collapse) of) peace talks o exploratory talks, it will not be the fault of the government, it will be the fault of the CPP-NPA-NDF," Malaya said, stressing that this is due to the insurgents' lack of sincerity.

Over the weekend, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. noted that there are no active guerrilla fronts in the country as of December last year.

He noted that in 2023, around 1,398 members of communist and local terrorist groups were neutralized and some 1,751 firearms were seized.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said focused military operations also resulted in the neutralization of 67 high-value individuals of communist and local terrorist groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216915

AFP chief: PBBM wants 'innovative approach' to security concerns

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): AFP chief: PBBM wants 'innovative approach' to security concerns (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. trusts his military commanders and prefers that they be innovative in their approaches to the country's security concerns.

Armed Forces for the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. made this response when asked whether the Chief Executive gave specific guidelines on how to go about with the "paradigm shift" he earlier called for in handling the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.

"Kailangan po natin magkaroon ng 'paradigm shift' pero hindi na po naging specific ang ating Pangulo because he also mentioned that he doesn't want to micromanage at kami na lang po sa AFP and our commanders on the ground will have to be very innovative, imaginative in our approaches (A 'paradigm shift' is needed but the President did not give specifics because he also mentioned that he does not want to micromanage and we in the AFP and our ground commanders will have to be very innovative, and imaginative in our approaches)," he said during the press conference shortly after the AFP Command Conference on Monday afternoon.

The President earlier said he is seeking a "paradigm shift" in addressing China's recent aggression and harassment in the WPS.

He made this call after noting that "very little progress" has been made using the "traditional methods of diplomacy" in addressing the issue between the Philippines and China.

Marcos, who was present during the conference, directed the AFP to "reconfigure" its approach to handling security threats posed by the remaining insurgents, local terrorist groups, the WPS issue, and natural disasters.

Brawner said the President's call seeks to ensure that the AFP becomes more effective in addressing these threats.

"He (Marcos) did not say that there is something wrong with the current organization we have, what he meant was that we have to reconfigure to be more effective in addressing the threats," Brawner stressed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216987

Survey: More Filipinos want PH gov't to work with US on WPS row

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): Survey: More Filipinos want PH gov't to work with US on WPS row (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – More Filipinos believe that the Marcos administration should work with the United States amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

This is based on the results of a recent Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the international think tank Stratbase Institute which it released on Tuesday during its forum titled “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security" in Makati City.

The survey conducted from Dec. 3 to 7, 2023, asked 1,200 respondents from all over the country about their view on the countries or organizations they want the Philippines to work with considering the implications of the tensions in the WPS on the country’s security and economy.

The respondents were allowed to choose up to three answers.

Around 79 percent of the respondents said they want the Marcos administration to work with the US, while nearly half of the respondents answered Australia (43 percent) and Japan (42 percent).

Stratbase president Prof. Dindo Manhit said the results show the need for the Marcos administration to bolster its alliance and partnerships with like-minded states like the US, Australia, and Japan.

“These countries have continued to voice their support for the Philippine position and have condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels. Their resounding statements of support boost the confidence of the Philippines in the international community. In the face of asymmetric security challenges, the Philippines must leverage its relations with states with shared values and with the same commitment to defend the rules-based international order,” Manhit said.

He also noted that only one out of 10 Filipinos or 10 percent favored working with China.

“As evidenced by the survey results, 90 percent of Filipinos are not in favor of working with China. This is only natural, as the Philippines continue to encounter aggressive and coercive acts in the WPS. In addition to diplomatic protests, the Philippines is also exiting from China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” he said.

Results from the same survey also show that the majority or 55 percent of Filipinos believe that the Marcos administration can fulfill its promise of protecting the WPS against the illegal and aggressive actions of other states.

“As he witnessed the harassment of Chinese vessels within Philippine waters, President Marcos Jr. is aware that there are gaps to be addressed. He observed that there has been 'very little progress' and that diplomatic efforts with China are heading in a 'poor direction.' With this, he called for a 'paradigm shift' in the country’s approach. As the Philippines moves on its third year under his administration, the Filipino public will hold him accountable for turning these statements and planned approaches into actual, effective actions,” Manhit stressed.

The survey also showed that the most important reason to defend or protect the WPS is to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that affirms the country's rights to the maritime territory and promotes a rules-based international order (31 percent), to maintain our sovereign and territorial integrity (27 percent), and to protect marine resources from further destruction and prevent the abuse of such valuable resources (23 percent).

To effectively assert Philippine rights in the WPS, 67 percent of Filipinos believe that there is a need to strengthen the external defense capability of the Philippines, especially the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

The majority of Filipinos also believe there is a need to reinforce the country's alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries, through the conduct of joint patrols and military exercises (56 percent), establish a stronger military presence in the WPS by repairing the BRP Sierra Madre and by conducting regular resupply missions, as well as ensuring control of the Ayungin shoal (52 percent) and improve inter-agency cooperation among agencies involved in maritime security (52 percent).

Reciprocal access pact with Japan

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., who attended the forum, expressed hope that the Philippines' Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan will be signed within the first quarter of this year.

"(Hopefully the RAA will be) signed within the first quarter," Teodoro said in a chance interview with reporters.

Once signed, the RAA will provide the legal basis for the two nations to send troops to each other's territories for exercises and other related matters.

Formal negotiations on the RAA were held in Tokyo on Nov. 29 to 30, 2023, with the Philippine delegation being headed by the DND, accompanied by negotiating teams from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Justice.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during the sidelines of the 50th Commemorative Summit of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo last Dec. 17, agreed to continue coordination to reach an early conclusion of the negotiations for the RAA.

Teodoro, meanwhile, said the Philippines and Canada are working on a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation.

"I think it's within the works, with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and with us," Teodoro said.

He added that this would possibly cover "increased defense cooperation between countries" just like the MOUs the Philippines had with other countries.

Teodoro also said the pact aims to increase "more specific exchanges" between the two nations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1216997

Canada sends team to PH to tackle MOU on defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2024): Canada sends team to PH to tackle MOU on defense (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Mr. Sami Khoury and Ambassador David Hartman (PNA photo)

MANILA – The Canadian government is sending a team to the Philippines to discuss ways to boost defense cooperation as it anticipates to sign a new deal.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman did not provide more details but said the officials would arrive within the week.

Last year Hartman said Ottawa and Manila are hoping to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation by January 2024, a deal that could also open up opportunity for a visiting forces agreement between the two states.

“Very soon (we’ll sign the MOU), we have colleagues coming from Canada this week, we’re waiting to receive a little bit of final direction from our Ministry of National Defense,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

READ: Canada-PH defense cooperation deal seen January 2024

Speaking on the sidelines of a Stratbase ADR Institute conference in Makati City, Hartman said the MOU would also serve as a “facilitative mechanism” to allow both countries to scope out potential opportunities to cooperate on cybersecurity.

“From the military-to-military perspective, that would be an area where there would be a potential cooperation but we want to go beyond that,” he said.

Strengthened cybersecurity

Beyond the military, Hartman said Canada wanted to expand this area of cooperation with other stakeholders, citing the prevalence of cyber threats directed against other sectors.

He said they can provide solutions and help the Philippines as a whole build its capacity, banking on Canada’s “world class information communication technology ecosystem”.

"[N]ow, more than ever, with the growing threat from the proliferation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, likeminded countries must work together to build a resilient and adaptable cyber workforce for the future; indeed, one trained and ready for the whatever the future may hold," he said.

"It is in this light that Canada is prepared to work hand-in-hand with the Philippines to build this capacity together," he added.

Meanwhile, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Head Sami Khoury agreed that the world faces various cyberthreats that necessitate a "whole-of-society" approach and closer collaboration between countries.

Some of the threats, he said, were misinformation, disinformation, data leakage down to cyberespionage.

"The threats that we see are the same threats that we see here so it's a whole-of-society-- we need to invest in not only making the government more resilient but also in the private sector and the civil society," he said.

"Because we live in a connected world, everything has to be factored in to those all investments," he said.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., meanwhile, said the agency is undertaking a transition to stricter operational security and exploring ways to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure and processes.

He said the Philippine government’s process models advanced openness, transparency and competitiveness, especially in acquisitions, could be “anathema to actual realities of cybersecurity, even in cooperation.”

“Naturally, cooperation in cybersecurity entails a critical political analysis of your foreign partners, like-minded nations, treaty partners. Your friend today could be an adversary tomorrow in different aspects,” Teodoro said during Tuesday’s "Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security" forum organized by Stratbase ADR Institute.

Due to vulnerabilities in cyberspace, he said, the DND is transitioning into stricter operational security, which “starts from individual security, facility security, to digital hygiene, to the architecture that we're going to put into our systems.”

“So we have to start from base zero. We have had a gap analysis, and there's a lot to do. We have to put in the right infrastructure, architecture, hardware, software, protocols, and hygiene," Teodoro said.

“Secondly, contrary to government rules of just-in-time, inventory, etc., we will be building in redundancy, taking into account vendor reliability or servicing reliability,” he added.

Citing national security as a paramount concern, the DND chief underscored the need to create government standards for accountability and prevention rules and regulations to avoid abuse.

Teodoro also urged the academe to spur further research and development, in consonance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instruction to utilize the vast potential of the country for the provision of revenue, security and employment to all Filipinos.

“We know that the Philippines now, as Ambassador (David) Hartman said, is patient zero for vulnerability. This gives us room for working and cooperating with like-minded partners, creating the proper frameworks and operational and institutional arrangements for long-term cooperation, with the Philippines’ interests in mind, and respecting those of like-minded nations,” he added. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217015