CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: NPA-Western Samar seizes R4 rifle in ambush against 3rd IB

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (English edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 2, 2024): NPA-Western Samar seizes R4 rifle in ambush against 3rd IB

 

This article is available in Pilipino

June 02, 2024

Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA)-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command) seized an R4 rifle when it ambushed the 3rd IB in Barangay Gayondato, San Jorge, Western Samar, at 9 a.m. on May 14. One officer of the 3rd IB was killed and another was wounded.

The report said 3rd IB soldiers went out of its camp in Barangay Gayondato to bathe when the Red fighters fired. The 3rd IB leadership brazenly lied that their troopers are in the area responding to residents’ reports of people’s army presence in the area.

The offensive killed Cpl. Reycon Remedio and injured another soldier.

Since January, the 3rd IB unit has been stationed in Barangay Gayondato after setting up a military camp despite the residents’ resistance. The barangay has been under martial rule since then.

Elements of the 3rd IB occupied and imposed their rule on all San Jorge barrios. In Barangay Matalud, a gate pass is required of every person going out and residents are called for a meeting every evening. Because of this, the masses extremely despise the 3rd IB for its militarization as this disrupts their living and livelihood.

Soldiers impose time limits for working in the fields. Bringing rice or sardines to their farm is banned. They are only allowed to bring cooked rice and sardines that are out of the can. Thus, they are forced to walk back home at high noon for lunch and lose rest time in the fields.

The people’s army explained the tactical offensive is its response to the masses’ complaint of fascist soldiers’ abuse and harassment. Before the ambush, the NPA-Western Samar also carried out a sting operation against CAFGU detachments in May.

The NPA harassed a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Santo Niño, Motiong and Barangay San Fernando, Jiabong where a soldier and a member of the CAFGU were killed.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/npa-western-samar-seizes-r4-rifle-in-ambush-against-3rd-ib/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: AFP-PNP illegally arrests two civilians and a baby in Masbate

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (English edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 3, 2024): AFP-PNP illegally arrests two civilians and a baby in Masbate

 

This article is available in Pilipino

June 03, 2024

Forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) illegally arrested two civilians and an infant last May in the province of Masbate. Karapatan-Masbate condemned this and demanded the immediate release of the victims and the dismissal of what it called fabricated cases against them.

On an unspecified date, state forces arrested Baby Arnejo and her infant in Barangay Madao, Uson. State forces accuse her to be a New People’s Army (NPA) member. Residents insist that Arnejo is a civilian and has long been living in the village.

“Worse, the military and police did not consider Arnejo’s baby, who was detained together with his mother. This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law,” Karapatan-Masbate said.

Due to the insistence of the villagers, the baby was placed in proper custody while his mother was still detained.

On May 18, state forces arrested Tinay Ontog in Barangay Maglambong, town of Monreal. Karapatan-Masbate said residents confirmed that Ontog is a civilian. She is a former Red fighter who has long been out of the NPA.

“Ontog’s arrest is proof of the worthless and deceitful scheme… of the AFP and PNP’s surrender campaign. The victim was still illegally arrested contrary to the military’s propaganda that anyone who allegedly turns to the government will be given security and a peaceful life or live again as a civilian,” the group said.

The group said more than 100 people were illegally arrested and detained by the military and police under the successive fascist Duterte and Marcos regimes. The AFP-PNP-CAFGU killed up to 116 civilians during those times. “Thousands were forced to surrender, threatened, harassed while hundreds of families were displaced from their land and livelihood,” Karapatan-Masbate added.

The group denounced the inaction of the officials of the Commission on Human Rights-Bicol amid widespread human rights violations. “Why are they silent? Are they being funded with the people’s money to serve the dictates or threats of the military?” the group said.

Amid injustice, Karapatan-Masbate asserted that only with the Masbatenyo masses’ united strength can true justice be achieved.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/afp-pnp-illegally-arrests-two-civilians-and-a-baby-in-masbate/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 5 soldiers of the 2nd IB killed in encounter with NPA-Masbate unit

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (English edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 3, 2024): 5 soldiers of the 2nd IB killed in encounter with NPA-Masbate unit

 

This article is available in Pilipino

June 03, 2024

At least five soldiers of the 2nd IB were killed in an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA)-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command) on May 23 in Barangay Lague-lague, Cawayan town. The NPA unit was in the area to hold consultations on the community residents’ situation and problems. The Red fighters withdrew safely.

In a statement, Ka Luz del Mar, NPA-Masbate spokesperson, extended the NPA’s condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of the 2nd IB troopers. She said, “they pay for the war where only Marcos Jr, Governor Kho and high AFP-PNP officials benefit.”

Ka Luz believes that many of the AFP soldiers were just deceivingly enticed by high salary. In fact, many of these soldiers fear entering guerrilla zones and hunt for NPA units, he said. He said that ordinary soldiers are forced to use illegal drugs just to be able to perform operations and become mad dogs who hunt down the people’s army and kill civilians.

Because of the crimes against the Masbatenyo masses, “[residents] spurn the AFP-PNP-CAFGU as butchers, murderers and armed mercenaries of the greediest and most power-hungry,” Ka Luz said.

Finally, he urged ordinary soldiers and policemen, many from the ranks of the toiling masses, to desert the rotten institution they serve. “You cannot bear the sacrifice and you are not ready to die for a salary that can be earned in an honorable and civil manner. You must think of your families before it’s too late,” he added.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/5-soldiers-of-the-2nd-ib-killed-in-encounter-with-npa-masbate-unit/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga myembro ng Partido, nakatapos sa batayang kurso sa Surigao del Sur

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 4, 2024): Mga myembro ng Partido, nakatapos sa batayang kurso sa Surigao del Sur (Party members, who completed the basic course in Surigao del Sur)

 

June 04, 2024

Nakapagtapos ng Batayang Kurso ng Partido (BKP) ang mga Pulang mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) at kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas noong unang linggo ng Mayo sa kabundukan ng Surigao del Sur. Ang pag-aaral ay inilunsad sa istagard na paraan bilang pag-angkop sa sitwasyong militar at iba pang mga gawain ng hukbong bayan sa naturang prubinsya.

Nagsimula ang pag-aaral sa BKP noong Abril 10 at upisyal na nagtapos noong Mayo 3. Tinalakay ng yunit ang isa o dalawang paksa ng pag-aaral sa bawat temporaryong kampuhan habang nagpapatupad ng kanilang mga gawain.

Isang seremonya ng pagtatapos ang inilunsad nila noong Mayo 6 na may temang “Ang tagumpay ng BHB, Tagumpay ng Mamamayan.” Dito, binigyan ng sulat-kamay na sertipiko ng pagkilala ang mga mandirigma at Partidista na nakagradweyt sa pag-aaral. Kinabitan din sila ng mga ribon.

Sa loob ng dalawang oras na programa, nagbigay ng mga mensahe ang mga upisyal ng yunit ng BHB at mga nagsipagtapos. Makulay na mga kultural na pagtatanghal din ang ipinamalas ng mga mandirigma.

Anang yunit, tugon ang pag-aaral sa iniatas ng Komite Sentral na pagpapatupad sa kilusang pagwawasto. “Inilunsad namin ang BKP para maarmasan ng teorya ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo ang aming pwersa laluna ang mga narekrut sa Partido na hindi kaagad nabigyan ng edukasyon dahil sa mahirap na kalagayang hinarap bunga ng internal na mga kahinaan,” pahayag ng yunit.

Liban dito, nakatulong rin ang pag-aaral para magsanay ng bagong mga instruktor para sa susunod na serye pa ng mga pag-aaral na kanilang ilulunsad.

Sa seremonya ng pagtatapos, muli silang nanumpa sa pulang bandila ng Partido para pagtibayin ang kanilang paninindigan at sariwain ang kanilang panata.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/mga-myembro-ng-partido-nakatapos-sa-batayang-kurso-sa-surigao-del-sur/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagdukot sa Bukidnon, kagagawan ng 4th ID

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/PRWC Newsroom (Jun 4, 2024): Pagdukot sa Bukidnon, kagagawan ng 4th ID (Kidnapping in Bukidnon, perpetrated by the 4th ID)

 

June 04, 2024

Higit dalawang buwan nang nawawala ang binatang si Joy Delica, 32 taong gulang, mula nang dukutin siya ng mga pwersa ng 4th ID sa bahay na kanyang tinutuluyan sa Barangay New Compostella, Damulog, Bukidnon noong Marso 18. Si Delica ay nakikituloy sa naturang komunidad dahil sa iniinda niyang sakit.

Ayon sa ulat, sinugod ng 30 sundalo ng 4th ID ang bahay na tinutuluyan ni Delica noong alas-3 ng madaling araw. Dinampot siya ng mga ito, itinali ang mga kamay at paa at isinakay sa sasakyan ng mga sundalo.

Iginiit ng mga residente sa komunidad na sasamahan nila si Delica para matiyak ang kanyang kaligtasan ngunit ipinagbawal ito ng mga sundalo. Noon pa lamang ay nangamba na silang itulad siya sa maraming biktima ng estado ng pagdukot at sikretong pagkulong, kundiman ekstrahudisyal na patayin ng mga sundalo.

Sa kwento ng mga residente, sinabihan sila ng mga sundalo na pumunta na lamang sa hedkwarters kinabuksan para bisitahin si Delica. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, hindi pa natutunton ang kinaroroonan niya o kung nasa ligtas ba siyang kalagayan.

Sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos, hindi bababa sa 13 na ang bilang ng mga desaparesido. Higit na marami rito ang bilang ng mga dinukot bago pinalabas na “sumukong” mandirigma ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ikinulong sa mga kasong kriminal, o sadyang pinaslang ng mga pwersa ng estado.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pagdukot-sa-bukidnon-kagagawan-ng-4th-id/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pag-freeze ng AMLC ng mga bank account na iniugnay sa "terrorism financing," kinwestyon

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/PRWC Newsroom (Jun 4, 2024): Pag-freeze ng AMLC ng mga bank account na iniugnay sa "terrorism financing," kinwestyon (AMLC freeze of bank accounts linked to "terrorism financing," questionable)

June 04, 2024

Naghain ng petisyon sa Court of Appeals noong Hunyo 2 ang Citizen’s Disaster Response Center Foundation (CDRC) para kwestyunin ang pag-freeze ng Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) sa bank account nito. Inutos ng AMLC ang naturang pag-freeze sa account ng institusyon sa pagdadahilang nagpadala dito ng pondo ang Leyte Center for Development Inc.(LCDe). Una nang pinatawan ng freeze order ang bank account ng LCDe dahil sa paglabag diumano nito sa Republic Act No. 10168 o Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act (TFPSA).

Ayon sa CDRC, ang pondong idineposito ng LCDe sa bank account nito ay pondong ibinalik lamang sa kanila dahil sumobra ang naideposito nilang pondo para sa relief operations ng LCDe sa mga biktima ng Bagyong Agaton noong Abril 2022. Lahat ng pondong ibinigay sa mga biktima ay maayos na natuos. Sa gayon, walang dahilan para pagsuspetsahan ng anumang kriminal na aktibidad kapwa ang CDRC at LCDe,” ayon kay Atty. Ephraim Cortez, presidente ng National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers. Mga abugado mula sa NUPL ang tumutulong sa CDRC para isampa ang petisyon.

Ayon sa NUPL, para mailatag ang batayan sa isang kasong “financing terrorism” alinsunod mismo sa batas, kailangang may “sadyang intensyon” o “kaalaman” na gagamitin ang pondo o ari-arian para “isagawa o i-facilitate ang pagsasagawa ng teroristang akto o ng isang terorista.”

“Nakamamangha paano naipirmi ng AMLC ang gayong sangkap mula sa nabanggit na mga bank recrod–liban na lang, syempre, kung gumamit ang AMLC ng gawa-gawang mga salaysay mula sa di kilalang mga saksi at ipinagkait (ang mga ito) sa CDRC ang pagkakataong salungatin na mga ito,” ayon kay Atty. Cortez.

Ayon sa abugado, nagsilbing “jury, judge at executioner” ang AMLC sa pagpataw ng mga freeze order nang walang pagpapaalam at pagdinig o anumang hudisyal na interbensyon. Wala ring nagagawa ang mga sinangsyon nito dahil wala sa batas na kailangang ipaalam sa mga may-ari ng bank account na ipi-freeze na ang mga ito.

Nakalakip sa petisyon ng CDRC ang paghamon sa konstitusyunalidad ng walang sagkang kapangyarihan ng AMLC na magkait ng ari-arian, dahil labag ito sa pundamental na karapatan sa due process, gayundin sa kalayaan sa pagpapahayag at malayang asosasyon.

“Ang malisyosong paninira at pag-freeze ng mga ari-arian ng mga NGO na ni-red-tag ay lumilikha ng chilling effect sa kanilang mga isinusulong at sumusupil sa kanilang karapatan na gamitin ang kanilang mga rekurso, na nakapaloob sa mga protektadong kalayaan,” ayon sa abugado.

Binatikos niya ang mga mapanupil na batas, tulad ng TFPSA at katambal nitong Anti-Terrorism Act na may masasaklaw na kapangyarihan na ginagamit ng estado para supilin ang mga boses na tumututol at walang pakundangang itinuturing nitong “terorista.”

“Saang lupalop ng mundo maituturing na akto ng pagsasagawa, pagpopondo o pagfacilite ng terorismo ang pagbibigay serbisyo sa mahihirap at mga komunidad na sinasalanta ng mga sakuna?” bwelta niya.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pag-freeze-ng-amlc-ng-mga-bank-account-na-iniugnay-sa-terrorism-financing-kinwestyon/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros/Negros Island ROC: Masingki nga Militarisasyon sa Central Negros, nagapadayon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 2, 2024): Masingki nga Militarisasyon sa Central Negros, nagapadayon (Massive Militarization in Central Negros, continues)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 02, 2024

Halos 200 ka tropa sang berdugong 62nd IB ang wala-untat nga nagapanglusob sa mga komunidad sang mga mangunguma sa sakop sang Central Negros halin pa sadtong Mayo 12 tubtob subong nga adlaw, Hunyo 2. Pilit nga ginapanglusob ang mga puluy-an sang mangunguma kag ginahimo kampo-militar ang mga eskwelahan. Nagamuntar sang checkpoints sa mga lugar nga nagadisturbo sa kinaandan nga paghulag sang mga pumuluyo ilabe na sang mga habal-habal drivers, estudyante, mga manunudlo lakip na ang mga barangay officials.

Sa Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental:

Halin Mayo 12 tubtob subong nga adlaw, Hunyo 2, nagpabilin ang 20 ka tropa sang 62nd IB sa Sityo Kambairan, Barangay Trinidad. Nagatiner sa eskwelahan samtang may panahon nga nagahimo sang tsekpoynt sa lugar.

Halin Mayo 30 tubtob subong, may duha ka kolum sang pasistang 62nd IB nga makit-an sa mga Sityo sang Bonbon kag Nahilig sakop sang Barangay Hinakpan sa nasambit nga syudad. Kadungan man sini, may 20 man ka tropa militar sa Sityo Baby Busay, Barangay Hilaitan. Samtang sa Barangay Sandayao, makit-an man subong ang kolum sang berdugong militar sa mga sityo sang Maluy-a kag Busluton.

Sa Canlaon City, Negros Oriental:

May kolum sang 62nd IB nga makit-an sa mga sityo sang Mabaha, Inatito kag Banban sang Barangay Bucalan. Kadungan man sini, may kolum sang berdugong tropa sa Sityo Gusa, Barangay Budlasan gikan pa sadtong Mayo 29 sang kaagahon tubtob subong, Hunyo 2.

Sa Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental:

Nagatiner ang 62nd IB sa Sityo Tibubong Elementary School. May tropa militar man nga makit-an sa mga sityo sang Binataan, Oway-oway kag Napiluan tanan sakop sang Barangay Quintin Remo halin pa Mayo 30 tubtob Hunyo 2.

Maghalong gid sa mga pasista kag berdugong 62nd IB. Padayon nga ibuyagyag sa publiko ang ila ginahimo nga mga kalakasan batok sa mga pumuluyo sang Central Negros.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/masingki-nga-militarisasyon-sa-central-negros-nagapadayon-2/

CPP/NPA-Masbate/Bicol ROC: Pakikiramay sa mga militar na napatay sa engkwentro sa Barangay Lague-lague, Cawayan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 3, 2024): Pakikiramay sa mga militar na napatay sa engkwentro sa Barangay Lague-lague, Cawayan (Condolences to the military who were killed in the encounter in Barangay Lague-lague, Cawayan)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

June 03, 2024

Lima ang napatay sa tropa ng 2nd Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army-Charlie Company mula sa mahusay na pagharap ng isang yunit ng Jose Rapsing Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa engkwentrong naganap sa Barangay Lague-lague, bayan ng Cawayan noong Mayo 23, 2024.

Nagmamaniobra ang Hukbo mula sa pagtulong sa problema ng komunidad nang maka-engkwentro ang mga nag-ooperasyong militar. Ligtas na nakamaniobra ang mga kasama.

Nakikiramay ang JRC-BHB Masbate sa mga pamilya nang napatay na mga tropa ng militar.

Sila ang pinagbabayad sa gerang sila Marcos Jr., Gov. Kho at matataas na upisyal ng AFP-PNP lamang ang nakikinabang. Marami sa mga sundalong ito ay nalinlang lamang ng mataas na sweldo. Marami sa mga sundalong ito ay natatakot pumasok sa sona at maghanap ng NPA. Para matulak na sumama, pinagagamit ang mga ordinaryong kawal ng bawal na droga tulad ng shabu para mag-operasyon, hanapin ang NPA at pumatay ng sibilyan kung walang matugis na Hukbo.

Kasuklam-suklam na itinatago ng mga upisyal ng 2nd IBPA ang kanilang kaswalti. Paglapastangan ito sa mga nasawi at kanilang pamilya.

Batid ng mga ordinaryong sundalo at pulis na ito na hindi kailanman magagapi ang rebolusyonaryong armadong paglaban. Walang katulad ang pagmamahal at suporta ng mga Masbatenyo sa NPA dahil alam nilang ang digmang bayan ay makatarungan at tunay na solusyon sa kahirapan. Samantala, isinusuka ng mga Masbatenyo ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU bilang mga berdugo, mamamatay-tao at bayarang armado ng mga pinakagahaman at pinakahayok sa kapangyarihan.

Alam ng mga sundalong ito na ang kanilang pang-aabuso at terorismo ay may hangganan. Alam nilang hindi nila matatakasan ang rebolusyonaryong hustisya.

Hinihikayat ng BHB-Masbate ang mga ordinaryong sundalo at pulis na lisanin na ang kanilang pinagsisilbihang institusyon. Hindi niyo kaya ang sakripisyo at hindi kayo handang mamatay para sa sweldong pwede namang kitain sa marangal at sibilyang pamamaraan. Dapat isipin nila ang kanilang mga pamilya bago mahuli ang lahat.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pakikiramay-sa-mga-militar-na-napatay-sa-engkwentro-sa-barangay-lague-lague-cawayan/

AFP belies China's gun-poking claim vs. PH troops in Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): AFP belies China's gun-poking claim vs. PH troops in Ayungin Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) logo

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday vehemently denied China's claims that Filipino troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in the Ayungin Shoal pointed their weapons at China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel that got too close to the detachment.

"Our personnel are governed by the ROE (Rules of Engagement) and clearly acted with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, and discipline in the performance of their mission to safeguard our sovereignty and sovereign rights," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

Trinidad said the ship's personnel exercise heightened vigilance and alertness when foreign vessels venture dangerously close to their vessel and violate safe-distance protocols.

"Hence, our troops were seen on guard because of the CCGs provocative presence near BRP Sierra Madre," he added.

China earlier released a video of the incident that took place on May 19, when the Philippine Navy (PN) mounted an airdrop operation to provide supplies to Filipino soldiers aboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

Reports, however, said CCG personnel seized and dumped food supplies meant for Filipino troops and prevented a medical evacuation of injured soldiers.

Despite these actions, Trinidad said, the Philippines is committed to peace and stability in the region.

"We reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the region, as emphasized by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Any aggressive actions that threaten this peace and the safety of our troops and stations will be met with the necessary and appropriate measures," he added.

Trinidad also maintained that the AFP remains resolute in defending the nation and its people against threats.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226153

AFP: Ayungin Shoal resupply successful despite Chinese interference

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): AFP: Ayungin Shoal resupply successful despite Chinese interference (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippines' recent resupply mission for Filipino soldiers manning the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was a success despite interference by the China Coast Guard (CCG), a military official said Tuesday.

"Despite the CCG's obstructions on May 19, our mission to resupply our valiant troops stationed in the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was largely successful. While some essential supplies were seized and dumped overboard by the CCG, our brave soldiers managed to secure the majority of the items that were delivered," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a media briefing.

She said the majority of the items brought by the Philippine Navy in an airdrop operation were secured by Filipino military personnel.

She added the CCG's "aggressive and unprovoked interference" not only jeopardizes the safety and well-being of Filipino military personnel but also violated established international norms and protocols.

"Such behavior is unacceptable and undetermined efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region. We will continue to carry out our mission with unwavering dedication, ensuring that our troops are well supplied and prepared to defend our nation's interest," Padilla said.

This incident is the latest in the spate of Beijing's acts of harassment in the WPS.

These include the March 23 incident in the Ayungin Shoal where a resupply mission and its escorts were heavily pummeled by water cannon blasts by the CCG and the April 30 humanitarian and patrol mission in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), which was also subjected to heavy water cannon attacks.

She said the AFP remains resolute and undeterred in its commitment to protecting Philippine sovereign rights and supporting Filipino troops stationed in the WPS.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226171

PH, Netherlands seek to forge stronger defense ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): PH, Netherlands seek to forge stronger defense ties

SINGAPORE – Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren have vowed to further step up their bilateral defense and security relations, notably in the areas of combatting cybercrimes and espionage.

Meeting on the sidelines of the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue here on Sunday, the two defense officials pledged to deepen cooperation as numerous issues and concerns emerge globally.

Ollongren said the Dutch government “can relate to the security concerns of the Philippine government.”

"We look forward to engaging The Netherlands in combatting cybercrime and espionage issues,” Teodoro told the Dutch Defense Minister.

This statement by Teodoro prompted Ollongren to say “we are moving in the right direction.”

The two defense officials were in Singapore to attend the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, considered as Asia’s most significant defense gathering.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226174

AFP: Soldiers aboard BRP Sierra Madre have right to defend themselves

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): AFP: Soldiers aboard BRP Sierra Madre have right to defend themselves (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ILLEGAL. Some of the food supplies airdropped to BRP Sierra Madre on May 19, 2024, intercepted by the China Coast Guard officers but eventually thrown away. The Chinese claimed Filipino soldiers pointed guns at them but the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was not deliberate and was a self-defense stance. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Filipino soldiers aboard the ship BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in the West Philippine Sea's (WPS) Ayungin Shoal have the right to defend themselves, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Tuesday.

Brawner said Filipino soldiers aboard BRP Sierra Madre are indeed armed because it is a commissioned Philippine Navy ship and authorized to have weapons.

"On the issue of the pointing of the guns, we are denying that any of our soldiers pointed deliberately their guns to any of the Chinese in the RHIBs (rigid hull inflatable boats)," Brawner said in a media briefing, reacting to Beijing's claim that Filipino soldiers pointed their guns at China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel who got too close to the BRP Sierra Madre.

The alleged gun-pointing happened May 19, when the Philippine Navy brought supplies to the troops in the WPS detachment via airdrop.

"If you saw in the video, the Chinese RHIBs were very close to the BRP Sierra Madre because the supplies were dropped really very close so that it would be very easy to retrieve the supplies and because of the risks that these supplies might sink so dapat pagbagsak nya, ma-recover kaagad natin (if they are dropped, it must be recovered immediately)," the AFP chief said.

With the CCG personnel getting too close to BRP Sierra Madre in an attempt to get to the airdrop supplies first, Filipino troops aboard saw this as a threat and danger to them, thus the self-defense stance.

Of the four drops, the second was seized by the Chinese.

"As you saw in the video when the second package resupply package was dropped, they attempted or they went to the area to recover it despite the fact that our boats were already there," Brawner said.

He said that the Chinese immediately threw the package back into the water after seeing that it contained just food.

"Siguro naghahanap sila ng (they were probably looking for) construction materials but it was just a small package enough to carry food items and enough for it to float in the water," Brawner said.

Aside from snatching supplies for Filipino troops, the Chinese also interfered with the medical evacuation to Palawan of a sick military officer aboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

"Unfortunately during the first attempt of bringing our soldier out of the Second Thomas Shoal or Ayungin Shoal, they were blocked by the Chinese so we were not able to complete the medical evacuation," Brawner said.

The evacuation was completed with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard the following day.

Unlawful

Brawner said the Chinese have no authority or right to confiscate the supply packages.

"We have reported this already to our Department of National Defense. We have provided the information to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)," he added. "It's up to DFA now whether they are going to file a protest."

Meanwhile, Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the two Chinese RHIBs were only five to 10 meters away from the BRP Sierra Madre at the time.

Aside from the Chinese RHIBs, there were also two Filipino boats tasked to recover the airdrop supplies.

Brawner said all actions of the AFP "will be within the bounds of international law."

Trinidad, meanwhile, said China's People's Liberation Army Navy announced Sunday that it would hold a drill near Sabina Shoal (Escoda Shoal), which is 123.6 nautical miles off Palawan.

"After the announcement they started exercising from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. This included the launching of the hovercrafts, of their aircraft and some maneuvers at sea. This was also repeated yesterday, June 3," Trinidad said.

He said China's acts are illegal.

"First and foremost they have no right to be within our EEZ (exclusive economic zone), the conduct of an exercise is unauthorized under UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Convention) it's not allowed," Trinidad said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226197

Artillery platoon to boost anti-insurgency drive in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): Artillery platoon to boost anti-insurgency drive in Northern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

FIGHTING FORM. The 2nd Howitzer Platoon of the Army’s Armor Artillery Regiment during a welcome ceremony in Catbalogan City, Samar on May 31, 2024. The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas has welcomed the arrival of an artillery platoon to help eradicate insurgents in Northern Samar province. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas has welcomed the arrival of an artillery platoon to help eradicate insurgents in Northern Samar province.

Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) spokesperson, Capt. Jefferson Mariano, said in a phone interview Tuesday that the 2nd Howitzer Platoon of the Army’s Armor Artillery Regiment is highly trained to perform artillery operations.

The platoon previously assigned to Capiz province under the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has two howitzer tubes and nine personnel.

“The platoon will be under the operational control of the 803rd Infantry Brigade. Their main effort is to confront the regional guerilla unit of the NPA’s (New People's Army) Eastern Visayas regional party committee in the province of Northern Samar,” Mariano said.

The NPA unit has regrouped after the dismantling of two front committees in Northern Samar. The military said these NPA remnants are not in control of any village in the province.

The deployment of the Howitzer Platoon will bolster the existing firepower capabilities towards the complete eradication of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA in the region.

The 8ID formally welcomed the newly assigned platoon during a ceremony at Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City, Samar.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226181

NPA squad leader, 2 pals surrender in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): NPA squad leader, 2 pals surrender in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. Military and local officials welcome three former communist rebels into the fold of the law after their surrender to the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on Tuesday (June 4, 2024). The rebels received a livelihood package from the local government unit of Lebak. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Three communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including a squad leader, voluntarily surrendered to the government on Tuesday morning, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Christopherson Capuyan, commander of the Philippine Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion, said the three rebels had turned in a .60-caliber machinegun and two Garand rifles during surrender rites at its headquarters in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

Capuyan said the squad leader belonged to the Dabudabu Platoon of Regional Sentro de Gravedad of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), while the two other rebels were under Platoon Baghdad and Platoon Beijing.

He said the surrenderers cited hardships and the difficulties of being always on the run in the mountains, evading government forces.

Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, said the trio also decided to come down to reunite with their families.

“The ongoing military operation, coupled with the lack of food in the forests, compelled the three to surrender,” Santos said.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, also lauded the surrenderers, telling them they "made a good decision."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226229

15 ex-NPA combatants in Agusan Norte seek amnesty

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 4, 2024): 15 ex-NPA combatants in Agusan Norte seek amnesty (By Alexander Lopez)

AMNESTY APPLICATION. The Agusan del Norte provincial government turns over to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity on Monday (June 3, 2024) the files and case folders of 15 former New People’s Army rebels who applied for amnesty. Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. described the move as a significant step in continuing efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

BUTUAN CITY – Fifteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from Agusan del Norte formally filed for amnesty through the government's program.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said it received files and case folders of the 15 former rebels on Monday.

OPAPRU's Local Conflict Transformation-Field Implementation Support Unit in Mindanao will handle the batch's documents.

“We laud the efforts of our peace partners in Agusan del Norte for making this endeavor possible,” OPAPRU LCT-FISU Mindanao director, Elisa Lapiña, said in a statement. “The files and case folders of the 15 former rebels were filed on Monday with the National Amnesty Commission’s Local Amnesty Board in Davao City.”

Lapiña said the rebels' move was a significant step in the continuing efforts "to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao within the context of our Local Peace Engagement initiatives" with the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF).

The ex-NPA combatants will avail of the Marcos administration’s Amnesty Program under Proclamation No. 404.

Most of the 15 ex-rebels who applied for amnesty are members of Indigenous People communities in Agusan del Norte, she noted.

In April this year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the immediate implementation of an amnesty program for the members of CPP-NPA-NDF.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded the former rebels for heeding the Marcos administration’s clarion call for peace.

“As the President has emphasized, peace is not just the absence of conflict but creating a social order that values human dignity, improves lives, and promotes progress," Galvez said in another statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226239