CPP/Ang Byan: 16-anyos na estudyante, pinatay ng militar sa Sultan Kudarat

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2024): 16-anyos na estudyante, pinatay ng militar sa Sultan Kudarat (16-year-old student, killed by the military in Sultan Kudarat)

June 21, 2024

Binaril at napatay ng 7th IB noong Hunyo 9 sa Sityo Kiluding, Barangay Kiadsam, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat ang 16-anyos na estudyante na si Eusibio Cranzo, na kilala rin bilang Kuni Cuba. Pauwi siya kasama ang kanyang kapatid at dalawang kaibigan nang mangyari ang pamamaslang.

Ayon sa mga ulat, nakasalubong nina Cranzo ang nag-ooperasyong yunit ng 7th IB nang paputukan sila. Agad na tinamaan si Cranzo, habang nakatakbo sa katabing maisan ang tatlo niyang kasama. Pinalalabas ng mga sundalo na nakumpiska sa biktima ang isang ripleng Garand at pinaratangan siyang myembro ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Samantala, naitala ang iba pang mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang-tao sa nagdaang mga linggo.

Pambobomba. Tinatayang 2,700 ang apektado ng aerial bombing ng 54th IB sa ilalim ng 503rd IBde sa Barangay Maling, Balbalan, Kalinga noong Hunyo 7. Dalawang helikopter ang naobserbahan ng mga residente na nagpaikut-ikot at naghulog ng mga bomba.

Sa Nueva Vizcaya, walong beses na binomba ng 7th ID ang Barangay Abuyo, Alfonso Castañeda noong Hunyo 20 ng madaling araw. Sunud-sunod din ang pagpapaputok ng dalawang attack helicopter at gumamit ng mga drone ang AFP dito.

Pag-aresto. Sampung araw na ikinulong si Edison Yu matapos arestuhin ng mga pulis noong Hunyo 8 malapit sa embahada ng Israel sa Bonifacio Global City sa Taguig City. Si Yu ay lalahok sana sa protesta kontra henosidyo ng Israel nang damputin.

Sa Kalinga, inaresto ng 54th IB ang isang nagngangalang Gap-idan Claver Bawit na pinararatangan nitong mandirigma ng BHB sa Barangay Balantoy, Balbalan noong Hunyo 6.

Panggigipit. Sa Bulacan, nireyd ng 80th IB at pulis ang bahay ng lider-pesante na si Ronnie Manalo sa Barangay San Roque San Jose del Monte City noong Hunyo 18. Pinalalabas ng mga pulis na nakuha sa bahay ang mga armas, granada at iba pang gamit kahit walang tao dito. Sa parehong araw, pinuntahan ng mga sundalo ang bahay ng lider-pesanteng si Cecilia Rapiz sa Barangay Paradise 3 sa syudad na iyon.

Sa Rizal, paulit-ulit na ginipit ng mga sundalo ang 80-anyos na lider-mangingisda na si Romy Antazo. Noong Mayo, kinuha siya ng apat na sundalo at sapilitang dinala sa munisipyo para “kausapin.”

Sa Negros Occidental, iligal na pinasok at hinalughog ng mga sundalo ng 94th IB at paramilitar ang pitong bahay sa Sityo Cabagal, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City noong Hunyo 7. Ginipit din ng mga sundalo si Evelyn Manait, myembro ng Ituman-Bukidnon, sa Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan noong Hunyo 13.

Noong unang linggo ng Hunyo, “binisita” ng mga pwersa ng estado sina Mafel Macalanda at Lina Ladino, mga lider-katutubo sa Cagayan Valley, sa kanilang mga bahay sa Baguio City at Cagayan para pagbantaan silang aarestuhin.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/06/21/16-anyos-na-estudyante-pinatay-ng-militar-sa-sultan-kudarat/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Koresponsal//Hindi kailanman masasaid ang suporta sa rebolusyon ng masa sa Samar

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2024): Koresponsal//Hindi kailanman masasaid ang suporta sa rebolusyon ng masa sa Samar (Correspondent//Never can it be said that there isn't support of the mass revolution in Samar)

 

June 21, 2024

Magsalin-salin man ng henerasyon ng masang magsasaka sa Samar, hindi masasaid ang kanilang suporta sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Ito ang mensahe ng rebolusyonaryong masa sa prubinsya nang magkaroon ng pagkakataong muling makasalamuha ang BHB matapos ng ilang panahong pagkaputol ng ugnay.

“Pinalaki kaming magkakapatid ng aming mga magulang na mataas ang pagrespeto sa mga kasama,” pahayag ni Ka Amboy sa isang simple pero makabuluhang pagdiriwang sa ika-55 anibersaryo ng BHB noong Marso 29. Kahit di siya pamilyar sa karamihan sa bagong mandirigma na dumaitng sa kanila, di siya nanibago at agad niyang nakapalagayang-loob ang mga kasama. “Naaalala ko ang sinasabi ng aking ama, na kahit saan kami mapunta at makakita kami ng NPA, atin iyan, dahil ang kanilang ipinaglalaban ay para sa tulad nating mahihirap.”

Laging pinaaalalahanan ni Ka Amboy ang kanyang mga kababaryo na nakamit nila ang mga tagumpay sa kabuhayan at mumunting biyaya mula ng gubyerno dahil sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Buong-tiwala nilang sinabi na marami pa rin ang tumatangkilik, nagmamahal at kumakampi sa BHB sa kanilang baryo dahil dito.

Nagpasalamat naman ang isa pang magsasaka sa mga mandirigma, na karamihan ay kabataan. “Ipinagpapatuloy ninyo ang pakikibaka na kinamatayan ng kapatid ko,” pahayag ni Ka Ambon. Namartir sa isang labanan ang kanyang kapatid noong 1987. Nais sana niyang magpultaym din pero marami siyang maliliit na anak noon. “Ngayon, hindi ko naman na kaya dahil matanda na ako at rayumahin na,” aniya. “(N)agpapasalamat ako sa inyo dahil nagpapatuloy kayo. Hindi man ako makasama sa inyo, kahit anong oras na kailangan n’yo ako, tutulong ako at ang aking pamilya.” Handa rin siyang suportahan kung sakaling sumapi sa hukbong bayan ang sinuman sa kanyang mga apo.

Ipinaabot ng taumbaryo ang kanilang pasasalamat sa pagtulong ng BHB sa kanilang mga sakahan. “Kahit wala kami doon, kahit di namin alam, patuloy kayong tumutulong sa amin sa bukid,” ayon naman kay Ka Huling. “Salamat talaga sa inyo. Sa totoo lang, dito sa inyo ko naramdaman ang tunay na kaligayahan ng paglilingkod. Kaya tunay na masaya ako kapag kasama kayo. Mahal talaga namin kayo.”

Pagbabahagi ng masa, muntik na silang napaniwala ng militar na wala nang hukbong bayan sa kanilang lugar dahil sa matagal-tagal na panahong di sila napuntahan ng yunit ng BHB. “Kaya nang mabalita namin na may mga kasama, nabuhayan kami ng loob,” ayon kay Ka Bining, isa sa mga dumalo sa pagtitipon. Pero kwento niya, nag-ingat din sila at baka mga nagkukunwari lamang na mga bagong salta na Pulang mandirigma. Napalagay naman ang loob niya nang makasalamuha niya ang mga mandirigma.

“Tama ako na hindi kailanman pwedeng mawala ang NPA basta hindi pa tayo nagtatagumpay,” aniya.

Ikinwento niya na hindi niya kailanman ipinagkanulo ang mga kasama. “Hindi ako nagbago, kahit nagtagal dito ang kaaway, hindi ako nagsurender,” aniya. “Ang alam ko, sa akin lang, hanggang ngayon napanatili ko ang mga sikreto.”

Liban sa makapagdadaming mga salita, nag-alay ng kanta at ibang kulturang pagtatanghal ang masa, na lubos na kinagiliwan at nakapagpataas ng moral sa mga kasama. Nagpasalamat rin ang mga kasama sa matapang at mainit na pagtanggap sa kanila ng mga residente at ang pagsisikreto sa kanilang presensya at galaw sa mata ng militar. Habang nagsasama-sama ang masa at hukbo sa lugar na iyon, hindi bababa sa 40 kolum ang nag-ooperasyong militar sa mga barangay na sakop ng mga bayan ng San Jose de Buan, Gandara, San Jorge, Catbalogan, Motiong, Jiabong at Paranas sa Samar at sa mga baryo ng Can-avid at Dolores sa Eastern Samar. Nasa 80 baryo ang nakapailalim sa mga operasyong RCSP.

Sa pagtitipon na iyon, kolektibong pinagtibay ng mga Pulang kumander, mandirigma at rebolusyonaryong masa ang kanilang dedikasyon at kapasyahang isulong ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka. Armado ng mga aral sa nakaraan, determinado silang igpawan ang natukoy na mga kahinaan at gawin ang lahat ng pagsisikap para tumugon sa panawagang pag-apuyin ang armadong pakikibaka at sumulong na may ibayong lakas.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/06/21/hindi-kailanman-masasaid-ang-suporta-sa-rebolusyon-ng-masa-sa-samar/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Banta sa kalayaan ng Pilipinas ang mga base militar at war games ng US

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2024): Banta sa kalayaan ng Pilipinas ang mga base militar at war games ng US (US military bases and war games are a threat to Philippine independence)

 

June 21, 2024

Sa mga komunidad sa paligid ng mga base militar ng US, o tinaguriang “EDCA site” at mga pinagdausan ng Balikatan 2024, laganap ang kapabayaan, disimpormasyon at panggigipit ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno at militar ng US. Ito ang kongklusyon ng isang fact-finding mission na isinagawa ng Bayan-USA at PINAS Peace mission sa Central Luzon, Ilocos Norte at Marawi City. Isinapubliko nila noong Hunyo 12 ang resulta ng 3-linggong imbestigasyon.

Kabilang sa mga natuklasan ng delegasyon ang pagtatambak ng US ng pinaghihinalaang gamit-militar sa labas ng itinakdang mga “EDCA site” at pagsasamantala ng mga sundalong Amerikano sa mga rekurso ng masang Cagayanon; pagsasabwatan ng mga pribadong kumpanya at militar; kawalang pagpapabatid sa mga komunidad sa Ilocos at Cagayan kung saan idinaos ang Balikatan na nagresulta sa troma at ligalig sa sibilyang populasyon; at militarisasyon, panggigipit at Red-tagging sa mga komunidad na nagtatanggol lamang ng kanilang kabuhayan. Sa Marawi City, naibahagi ng mga lokal na upisyal ang disimpormasyon kaugnay sa itinatayong base militar at “economic zone” kalapit nito sa “ground zero” gamit ang pondo ng EDCA.

Ayon sa delegasyon, banta sa kalayaan ng mga Pilipino ang lahat ng ito, at dapat papanagutin ang rehimeng Marcos, gayundin ang gubyerno ng US sa ilalim ni Joseph Biden sa pinsala ng dala nitong militarismo sa pinakamahihirap na sektor.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

US military bases and war games are a threat to Philippine independence

In the communities around the US military bases, or so-called “EDCA sites” and the venues of Balikatan 2024, neglect, disinformation and pressure by the reactionary government and the US military are widespread. This is the conclusion of a fact-finding mission conducted by Bayan-USA and PINAS Peace mission in Central Luzon, Ilocos Norte and Marawi City. They made public on June 12 the results of the 3-week investigation.

The findings of the delegation include the US stockpiling of suspected military equipment outside of designated "EDCA sites" and exploitation of the resources of the Cagayan people by American soldiers; collusion of private companies and the military; lack of notification to the communities in Ilocos and Cagayan where the Balikatan was held which resulted in trauma and unrest among the civilian population; and militarization, harassment and Red-tagging of communities that are only defending their livelihoods. In Marawi City, local officials shared disinformation related to the military base being built and its "economic zone" near ground zero using EDCA funds.

According to the delegation, all of this is a threat to the freedom of Filipinos, and the Marcos regime, as well as the US government under Joseph Biden, must be held accountable for the damage it brings to the poorest sectors of militarism.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/06/21/banta-sa-kalayaan-ng-pilipinas-ang-mga-base-militar-at-war-games-ng-us/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pagsabog ng Bulkang Kanlaon, tinugunan ng BHB-Negros

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2024): Pagsabog ng Bulkang Kanlaon, tinugunan ng BHB-Negros (Eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano, responded by NPA-Negros)

 

June 21, 2024

Kumikilos ngayon ang mga yunit at kumand sa ilalim ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Negros Island (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command) para umagapay at tumulong sa masang Negrosanon na apektado ng pagputok ng Bulkang Kanlaon. Pumutok ang bulkan noong Hunyo 3 at nakaranas ng pagragasa ng lahar mula sa bulkan ang mga komunidad sa Central Negros noong Hunyo 6 bunga ng malakas na pagbuhos ng ulan na humalo sa abo na ibinuga ng bulkan.

Dobleng pasakit sa masang Negrosanon ang pagputok ng Bulkang Kanlaon dahil hindi pa sila nakababangon mula sa delubyo ng tagtuyot noong panahon ng El Niño.

Sa mga ulat, umabot na sa 15,511 pamilya (halos 50,000 katao) sa 23 na barangay ang apektado ng pagputok ng bulkan noong Hunyo 18. Tinatayang aabot sa ₱10 milyon na ang pinsalang idinulot nito sa sektor ng agrikultura.

Sa halip na kongkreto at lehitimong tulong, nagpapakitang-gilas lamang ang rehimeng Marcos Jr sa pagbibigay nito ng hindi sustenableng ayuda para sa pamumulitika nito at propagandang militar. Sa gitna ng sakuna, idineklara pa ng 303rd IBde na hindi nito ititigil ang mga operasyong kombat sa mga apektadong komunidad. Sa ilang pagkakataon, ginamit pa ng mga sundalo ang pamamahagi ng ayuda para sapilitang “pasukuin” ang mga sibilyan.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/06/21/pagsabog-ng-bulkang-kanlaon-tinugunan-ng-bhb-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga sundalo, inisnayp ng BHB-Western Samar

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2024): Mga sundalo, inisnayp ng BHB-Western Samar (Soldiers, sniped by the NPA-Western Samar)

 

June 21, 2024

Inisnayp ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command) ang mga sundalo ng 87th IB na nagkakampo sa Sityo San Pedro, Barangay Poblacion 3, San Jose de Buan, Samar noong Hunyo 9. Nagtatayo ng bakod sa loob ng sityo ang mga sundalo para sa plano nilang itayong detatsment dito.

Napatay sa isnayp ang sundalong si Corporal Marvin Calvintos ng 87th IB. Pinaulanan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng bala ang mga sundalo na nagresulta sa pagkasugat ng marami sa kanila.

Bilang ganti, binalingan ng mga sundalo ang mga sibilyang komunidad. Kinanyon nila ang mga bundok at bukid malapit sa sityo na nagdulot ng ligalig sa mga magsasaka. Karamihan sa mga magsasaka ay hindi na nakapagsaka sa kanilang kaingin. Ang iba ay natulak na magbakwit sa takot na tamaan ng mga bomba.

Ang San Pedro ay militarisado na simula ng taong 2024. Naitala dito ang patung-patong na mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/06/21/mga-sundalo-inisnayp-ng-bhb-western-samar/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Gerang disimpormasyon ng US para itulak ang Pilipinas sa gera

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2024): Gerang disimpormasyon ng US para itulak ang Pilipinas sa gera (The US is spreading disinformation to push the Philippines into war)

June 21, 2024

Malinaw na malinaw na ang imperyalismong US ay hindi kaibigan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ito ang walang kaduda-dudang pinatunayan ng pag-asinta ng militar ng US sa mga Pilipino sa nabunyag na lihim na kampanyang disimpormasyon nito noong kasagsagan ng pandemyang Covid-19. Maitim na pakay noon ng US na lasunin ang isip ng mga Pilipino ng maling impormasyon kaugnay sa bakunang Sinovac mula China, palabasing hindi iyon ligtas o epektibo, upang paburan ang mga bakunang gawang-US tulad ng Pfizer at Moderna. Ang gayong pagpapakalat ng US ng disimpormasyon ay lubhang nagsapeligro sa pampublikong kalusugan sa Pilipinas, at pinaniniwalaang salik sa naging mabagal na pag-usad noon ng pagpapabakuna sa bansa.

Ang naturang kampanyang disimpormasyon ay pinangunahan at pinondahan ng Pentagon o Department of Defense ng US. Nagsimula iyon sa ilalim ng dating gubyernong Trump, at nagpatuloy hanggang sa unang mga buwan ng kasalukuyang gubyernong Biden. Malaking pondo ang ibinuhos ng US para sa pagpakat ng mga sundalo at iba pang tauhan para lumikha at magpatakbo ng daan-daang mga pekeng account sa social media para impluwensyahan ang mga Pilipino sa islogang “China ang virus”.

Ang kampanyang disimpormasyong ito ay isinagawa ng militar ng US alinsunod sa linya ng “aktibong kombat” na siyang doktrinang pinaiiral ngayon ng US sa kompetisyon at pakikipaggirian sa mga imperyalistang karibal nitong China at Russia. Ginagamit ng US ang mga pwersang militar nito sa “aktibong kombat” kahit walang nagaganap na tuwirang armadong sigalot. Ginagawa ito kasabay ang mga hakbanging panggigipit sa ekonomya (tulad ng mga sangsyon o pang-iipit sa pamumuhunan at kalakalan), pati na ang aktibong paggamit ng pwersang militar upang kontrahin ang lumalawak na lakas at impluwensya ng mga karibal nito.

Ang ganitong kampanyang disimpormasyon o gera sa impormasyon ay patuloy na isinasagawa ngayon ng imperyalismong US sa Pilipinas. Target nito ang isip ng mga Pilipino upang palabasing “kaibigan, katuwang at kakampi” nila ang US, at “kalaban” ang China. Kasabwat ang mga tuta nito sa gubyernong Marcos, pati na ilang senador at kongresista, at mga bayaran o naiimpluwensyahang institusyon at tauhan sa burges na masmidya, hinuhulma ang isip ng mga Pilipino upang maging katanggap-tanggap sa kanila ang presensya at pamamayagpag ng mga sundalong Amerikano sa loob at paligid ng bansa.

Muling sinusuhayan ang baluktot na paniniwalang “big brother” o “nakatatandang kapatid” ang US na “magtatanggol” sa “kawawang” Pilipino, taliwas sa katotohanang dalawang beses nang ginera ng imperyalismong US ang Pilipinas para agawin ang kalayaang natamo sa rebolusyonaryong paglaban ng mga Pilipino, una laban sa kolonyalismong Espanya, at ikalawa, laban sa pananakop ng Japan. Pinalalabas ngayon na sa ilalim ng Mutual Defense Treaty, “tutulungan” ng US ang Pilipinas laban sa China, gayong ang katotohanan, hindi kikilos ang US na hindi iniuuna ang sarili nitong interes. Ginagamit ng US ang mga kasunduang militar nito sa Pilipinas para magamit ang bansa na malaki nitong base militar upang ilunsad ang pang-uupat nito ng gera laban sa China.

Ginagatungan ngayon ng US at rehimeng Marcos ang Sinophobia o ang isterya, duda, takot o galit sa China at lahat ng Chinese sa Pilipinas. Wala mang kongkretong ebidensya, pinakakalat ang mga haka-haka tungkol sa mga espiyang Chinese, impiltrasyon at mga sikretong grupo ng mga sundalong Chinese sa Pilipinas. Mismong si Marcos ang numero unong promotor nito sa ilang ulit na niyang pagpahiwatig na isang malaking “panlabas na banta” ang China sa Pilipinas, dahil diumano sa mga hidwaang pangkaragatan. Habang hinahabi ang kwento ng “planong paglusob ng China,” naghahari-harian ang mga pwersang militar ng US at buong-layang ginagamit ang lupa, himpapawid at karagatan ng Pilipinas sa pagsasanay at paghahanda sa gera.

Kasabwat ang US, paulit-ulit ang AFP at Philippine Coast Guard sa pagtatangkang magdala ng mga kagamitang pangkonstruksyon sa mga “supply mission” nito sa Ayungin Shoal, na alam nilang uudyok sa China dahil labag ito sa dating mga kasunduan nito sa Pilipinas. Sadyang sinasagkaan ng US at rehimeng Marcos ang daan ng dayalogo o negosasyon na siyang dapat na landas para mapayapang lutasin ang sigalot sa karagatan. Sa walang tigil na pagkakanti ng rehimeng US-Marcos, ang China ay naging agresibo at mabalasik sa pakikitungo nito sa Pilipinas at sa hindi nito pagkilala sa mga karapatan ng Pilipinas na kinilala ng pandaigdigang hukom noong 2016.

Walang tigil, walang sawa at walang pagkaubos ang pondong ibinubuhos ng imperyalismong US sa lahat ng larangan ng gerang impormasyon, para itanim ang asal-alipin at asal-taksil sa kamalayan ng mga Pilipino. Araw-araw na maririnig ang tinig na imperyalismong US na nagsasalita sa iba’t ibang kaanyuhan at katauhan sa social media, sa mga balita, sa mismong bibig ni Marcos at mga upisyal ng kanyang gubyerno.

Imbing layunin ng imperyalismong US na puksain ang lahat ng alab ng pagmamahal sa bayan sa dibdib ng mga Pilipino, at ipatanggap sa sambayanan na sila ay masayang mga bilanggo sa ilalim ng malakolonyal na paghahari nito sa Pilipinas. Nais ipatanggap sa sambayanan ang ginagawang pagyurak sa kasarinlan ng Pilipinas at paggamit sa bansa bilang instrumento sa pang-uupat ng US ng armadong sigalot sa China. Nais nilang ipikit ng mga Pilipino ang kanilang mga mata sa maliwanag na katotohanan na ang bansa ngayon ay instrumento sa estratehiyang heyopulitikal ng US, na may layuning ipataw ang hegemonya sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo at sagasaan ang sinumang bansa o pwersang tututol.

Dapat matamang magbantay, ilantad at iwaksi ng sambayanang Pilipino ang gerang disimpormasyon ng imperyalismong US at tutang rehimeng Marcos para kontrolin o impluwensyahan ang kanilang pag-iisip, sikolohiya at emosyon. Walang ibang mas mabisang paraan kundi ang isagawa ang kilusang pag-aaral para balikan ang kasaysayan, hindi sa punto de bistang burges at maka-US, kundi sa pananaw ng masang lumalaban, upang pukawin at pag-alabin ang diwang makabayan ng sambayanan, sa kanilang pagbagtas sa landas ng pakikibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan ng bansa.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

The US is spreading disinformation to push the Philippines into war

It is very clear that US imperialism is not a friend of the Filipino people. This is what the US military's targeting of the Filipinos proved without a doubt in its revealed secret disinformation campaign during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was the dark intention of the US to poison the minds of Filipinos with false information related to the Sinovac vaccine from China, showing that it is neither safe nor effective, in order to favor US-made vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna. Such disinformation spread by the US greatly endangered public health in the Philippines, and is believed to be a factor in the then slow progress of vaccination in the country.

Such a disinformation campaign was led and funded by the Pentagon or Department of Defense of the US. That started under the former Trump administration, and continued into the first months of the current Biden administration. The US has poured huge funds into recruiting soldiers and other personnel to create and operate hundreds of fake social media accounts to influence Filipinos with the slogan “China is the virus”.

This disinformation campaign was carried out by the US military in accordance with the line of "active combat" which is the doctrine that the US now operates in competition and rivalry with its imperialist rivals China and Russia. The US uses its military forces in “active combat” even when no direct armed conflict is taking place. This is done in conjunction with economic pressure measures (such as sanctions or pressure on investment and trade), as well as the active use of military force to counter the expanding power and influence of its rivals.

This kind of disinformation campaign or war on information continues to be carried out today by US imperialism in the Philippines. It targets the minds of Filipinos to make the US appear as their "friend, partner and ally", and China as their "enemy". Its puppets are complicit in the Marcos government, as well as some senators and congressmen, and paid or influenced institutions and personnel in the bourgeois mass media, molding the minds of Filipinos to make the presence and approval of American soldiers acceptable to them. in and around the country.

Again supporting the distorted belief that the US is a "big brother" or "elder brother" who will "protect" the "poor" Filipinos, contrary to the fact that the US imperialism has twice destroyed the Philippines to seize the freedom gained in the revolutionary resistance of the Filipinos , first against Spanish colonialism, and second, against Japanese occupation. It is being made out now that under the Mutual Defense Treaty, the US will "help" the Philippines against China, when the truth is, the US will not act without prioritizing its own interests. The US is using its military agreements with the Philippines to use the country as its large military base to launch its war on China.

The US and the Marcos regime are now responding to Sinophobia or the hysteria, doubt, fear or anger towards China and all Chinese in the Philippines. Even without concrete evidence, speculations about Chinese spies, infiltration and secret groups of Chinese soldiers in the Philippines are widespread. Marcos himself is the number one promoter of this as he has indicated several times that China is a big "external threat" to the Philippines, allegedly due to maritime disputes. While weaving the story of "China's invasion plan", the US military forces reign supreme and freely use the land, air and sea of ​​the Philippines for training and preparations for war.

With the complicity of the US, the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard repeatedly attempted to bring construction equipment to its "supply missions" in Ayungin Shoal, which they knew would provoke China because it was against its previous agreements with the Philippines. The US and the Marcos regime are deliberately blocking the path of dialogue or negotiation, which should be the path to peacefully resolve the dispute in the ocean. With the US-Marcos regime incessantly teasing, China has become aggressive and critical in its dealings with the Philippines and in its failure to recognize the rights of the Philippines recognized by the international judge in 2016.

US imperialism is constantly, tirelessly and inexhaustibly pouring funds into all fields of information warfare, to instill slavery and treason in the minds of the Filipinos. Every day the voice of US imperialism can be heard speaking to different people and personalities on social media, in the news, from the very mouth of Marcos and his government officials.

This is the goal of US imperialism

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2024/06/21/gerang-disimpormasyon-ng-us-para-itulak-ang-pilipinas-sa-gera/

Mixed U.S. Messaging on the ‘Brazen’ Chinese Assault against the Philippines

Posted to the conservative National Review (Jun 20, 2024): Mixed U.S. Messaging on the ‘Brazen’ Chinese Assault against the Philippines (By JIMMY QUINN)

Philippine Coast Guard personnel prepare rubber fenders after Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked their way to a resupply mission at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. (Adrian Portugal/Reuters)

The contradictions of President Biden’s posture toward China were on display this week as a U.S. official found time to continue climate-diplomacy efforts with China while Beijing sent axe-wielding “coast guard” personnel in an attempt to wrest control of the Second Thomas Shoal from the Philippines.

The Chinese coast guard has escalated that campaign at the BRP Sierra Madre, a decrepit former U.S. vessel that the Philippines government put on the shoal to maintain its claim in the contested Spratly Islands. Beijing has harassed every resupply mission headed there for years. The latest efforts involve axe- and knife-wielding members of the Chinese coast guard, and other typical tactics, including the use of water cannons.

During the recent skirmish, on June 17, a member of the Philippines military lost a finger. The country’s military called it “a brazen act of aggression” and an “act of piracy,” as the coast guard stole supplies from a Filipino armed-forces vessel. Aggression is exactly what this was. It’s reckless. The Chinese coast guard doesn’t have much of a margin of error and could possibly start a shooting war.

On paper, the U.S. response has been strong. The State Department condemned “the escalatory and irresponsible” Chinese actions — and reaffirmed Article IV of the U.S. mutual-defense treaty with the Philippines, which covers armed attacks against the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed the same about America’s “ironclad” commitment under the treaty during a call with Enrique Manalo, his counterpart in Manila.

So why was U.S. ambassador to China Nicholas Burns chumming it up with China’s climate envoy this week?

On June 19, Burns posted a picture with Liu Zhenmin, China’s point man on the so-called climate cooperation efforts that have proceeded during the Biden administration. In a previous role, as China’s vice minister of foreign affairs, Liu trashed a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration siding with Manila’s claims as “just a piece of paper.”

Burns wrote that he discussed “the need for progress on climate change” and that they hope to “address deforestation and accelerate the pace of the U.S.-China sub-working groups on the green energy transition & methane and non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions.”

That working group is part of the zombie U.S.–China climate initiative that former envoy John Kerry kicked off in 2021, pointedly disregarding Beijing’s crimes against humanity, and then handed to John Podesta this year. (It’s not even clear that Podesta should be allowed to step into the role, as the administration has placed Podesta at the White House, skirting the legally mandated Senate confirmation process for State Department envoys, while he still presumably draws on Foggy Bottom’s work.)

More to the point, a U.S. ally has characterized an ongoing assault against its forces as aggression, and Washington has not allowed that to get in the way of its climate diplomacy with the aggressor.

The Biden administration has worked assiduously to build out a latticework of overlapping diplomatic arrangements in the Indo-Pacific. Expanding on Trump-era diplomacy that revived the Quadrilateral arrangement with Japan, India, and Australia, Team Biden brokered additional agreements. Among them: a rapprochement between Japan and South Korea and joint trilateral cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. Amid this effort, the Pentagon secured new basing access in the Philippines, which could be critical if China moves on Taiwan.

That matters more than one meeting about climate, and the full extent of covert U.S.–Philippines coordination to counter the Chinese coast guard could be comprehensive.

But the climate talks are, at best, a total waste of time, and, worse, a signal to Beijing that the U.S. doesn’t take its alliances seriously enough to keep its priorities in order.

https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/mixed-u-s-messaging-on-the-brazen-chinese-assault-against-the-philippines/

China Tests U.S. Red Lines With Attacks on Philippine Vessels

Posted to the center-left Foreign Policy (Jun 20, 2024): China Tests U.S. Red Lines With Attacks on Philippine Vessels (By By Keith Johnson)

The viability of the rules-based order is at stake in the South China Sea.

A China Coast Guard vessel sails near a Philippine military vessel in the disputed South China Sea on March 5. JAM STA ROSA/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

China is sharply increasing its violent attacks against Philippine vessels and sailors in disputed waters off the Philippine coast, with the latest Chinese assault this week maiming a Philippine sailor and wrecking a Philippine small craft.

Beijing seems to be testing just how genuine are repeated U.S. assurances that it will defend its treaty ally in the Pacific—and whether its own unilateral vision of might-makes-right at sea will prevail over decades of a rules-based order.

On Monday, China Coast Guard ships intercepted Philippine vessels attempting to resupply their own sailors grounded on a shoal inside the Philippines’s own exclusive economic zone (EEZ), barely 100 miles off the western coast of the archipelago. The Chinese attack, including by ax- and knife-wielding Chinese crewmen, left one Filipino missing a thumb and with a Philippine rigid-hull inflatable boat in tatters. The Philippine Armed Forces chief of staff likened the Chinese assault to a pirate attack.

The latest Chinese escalation came just two days after the entering into force of a new coast guard regulation that allows Beijing’s military ships carte blanche to seize any foreign vessels anywhere it deems necessary, even if those foreign ships are inside their own waters or on the high seas. The measure, which pays no heed to international law, is part of the yearslong militarization of the China Coast Guard and meant to bolster Beijing’s ability to impose by force its long-planned annexation of a huge swath of open sea.

This week’s intensification follows a similar, but less violent, increase of Chinese belligerence last month, with repeated efforts to interfere with Philippine operations in its own territories and waters. (China’s incursions are increasingly brazen, with vessels sailing within miles of Palawan, just off the west coast of the Philippines.) For more than a decade, China has been claiming nearly the entirety of the strategic South China Sea for itself—by building artificial islands, ignoring international law, and chasing away other countries’ vessels with water cannons.

With the violent confrontation this week, the showdown over otherwise unremarkable features such as Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal is threatening more than just the Philippines.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Wednesday in a call with his Philippine counterpart that the U.S. defense commitment with Manila is “ironclad,” just days after State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed long-standing U.S. policy that any attack on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea will trigger the mutual defense clause of the 1951 treaty between the two countries.

But the United States has not followed up with concrete action.

“The maritime tensions dominate the discourse in the country, and people still feel that it could get even worse,” said Georgi Engelbrecht, who covers the Philippines for the International Crisis Group. “For now, statements are everything that exists. Will they deter China, or will Beijing up the ante again?”

China has carefully ratcheted up its aggression, from using bullhorns and water cannons to ramming ships to now boarding them and assaulting sailors. But it has been a slow and calibrated boil that seems to fall just short of an outright trigger of the U.S. defense conditions, said Collin Koh of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

The Chinese “seem to believe that their current set of techniques of coercion against the Filipinos would fall below the threshold of triggering the mutual defense treaty, but they are flirting with danger,” he said. “It’s down to the stroke of luck, and mainly Filipinos exercising the utmost restraint, that the latest incident did not escalate. If that emboldens the Chinese to push the envelope further, dire consequences may be in the works whether they intend for it to happen or not.”

READ MORE

A China Coast Guard ship monitors a Philippine fisherman aboard his wooden boat in the South China Sea.

China’s South Sea Aggression Is Backfiring

Beijing is ramping up efforts to cow neighbors such as the Philippines in the South China Sea but is getting nowhere fast.

ANALYSIS//KEITH JOHNSON

The prow of a boat is seen in the foreground two other vessles in the ocean in front of it. The horizon is tinted orange at sunset or sunrise.

The South China Sea Risks a Military Crisis
The Philippine president drew a red line this week, but mutual restraint from Manila and Beijing can calm tensions.

ANALYSIS//SARANG SHIDORE

Ultimately, though, China seems to be strong-arming its neighbor because it can.

The new coast guard law, passed three years ago but which went into effect over the weekend, gives Chinese ships the right to seize and detain foreign ships if they are deemed by Beijing to be in “Chinese jurisdiction.” As Australia’s Lowy Institute put it: “In essence, this will allow the China Coast Guard to detain vessels on what the rest of the world views as high seas and in the EEZs of foreign countries where, under the [United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea], they enjoy high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight.”

The Philippines, with a tiny and obsolete coast guard and navy, has little recourse against the world’s biggest wielder of both, except for its defense treaty with Washington. But despite repeated insistence from U.S. defense officials and diplomats that attacks on Philippine vessels anywhere in the South China Sea will trigger the treaty, there is clearly little appetite in Washington for war with China over rocks and shoals.

And it could be the sheer achromatic nature of U.S. red lines, from Syria in 2012 to Rafah in 2024, that gives Beijing hope that this, too, is a red line drawn in sands.

China “is testing the resilience of both the Philippines and the Americans—they are testing the red lines,” Engelbrecht said. “This is the objective of China: testing the alliance, calling the bluff of the Americans.”

For Manila, the whole issue is closer to home and less complicated. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enjoys broad public support for his policy of resistance against Chinese foreign-policy bullying, especially in what Philippine officials increasingly refer to as the “West Philippine Sea.” The China appeasement policy of Duterte has little truck with voters these days, even if his daughter has just broken off from Marcos to prepare her own run for the presidency.

The seriousness with which the Philippines is taking the increased Chinese assaults can be seen in who is now riding point on the risky operations to resupply Philippine features at sea and who is increasingly publicizing Chinese aggression: The Philippine Armed Forces have replaced the coast guard as Manila’s main instrument in the showdown with China, both at sea and in the propaganda war.

And Manila has international law unequivocally on its side, repeatedly invoking the unanimous and legally binding 2016 ruling at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that put paid to China’s expansive maritime claims in the region. That is one big reason that Philippine officials stress that the conflict is not just about Philippine rights in one isolated reef or another but about the whole rules-based international order.

That’s why both Manila and Washington are looking at middle-way options to bolster the Philippines’s ability to push back against China without going all the way to invoking the mutual defense treaty. A U.S. Coast Guard cutter recently exercised with ships from Japan and the Philippines near the waters of contention. Two U.S. carrier strike groups also conducted maneuvers in the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. U.S. Navy P-8 reconnaissance planes make regular overflights of the South China Sea, including the Taiwan Strait.

But U.S. operations in the neighborhood haven’t been enough to deter China, which is why there is growing talk between the allies of a possible U.S. escort for Philippine resupply missions, both to assuage growing public ire in the Philippines and skepticism about the reliability of U.S. defense commitments.

The “Marcos Jr. administration’s credibility at home is at stake, and so is Washington’s in pledging security commitments to its allies and partners,” Koh said.

https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/06/20/south-china-sea-philippines-attack-sailor-thumb-red-lines/

“Indian Army Fought Back, We Did Not”: Philippines Military Expert On Clash With Chinese Troops In SCS

Posted to the Eurasia Times (Jun 20, 2024): “Indian Army Fought Back, We Did Not”: Philippines Military Expert On Clash With Chinese Troops In SCS (By Sakshi Tiwari)

China’s aggressive maneuvers against the Philippines in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal may have gone too far this time, as reports emerge of Chinese Coast Guards brandishing sharp-edged weapons against Filipino troops. Many experts have connected this incident to the India-China clash in Galwan Valley, Ladakh.

The latest skirmish occurred as Philippine Coast Guard and Navy personnel were delivering supplies to Filipino troops stationed on the Sierra Madre warship near the Second Thomas Shoal. The warship, run aground by the Filipinos, operates as a military outpost in the region. China frequently attempts to thwart these missions, sometimes using force. This time, however, it turned out to be a bloody engagement.

The Philippines’ top military commander, General Romeo Brawner, said Chinese ships allegedly slammed Philippine boats, boarded them, and took their weapons away. A Filipino soldier lost his thumb when his vessel was hit by the Chinese, the General said.

Although Beijing has maintained that its personnel practiced restraint, the Filipino general said two inflatable boats of the Philippine Navy were repeatedly hit by over eight motorboats carrying Chinese forces, who subsequently boarded them. Manila has also accused the Chinese soldiers of stealing firearms and demanded that the rifles and other equipment be returned.

Videos of the skirmish — the worst to happen in recent memory — have gone viral on the internet.

The Philippine military released images and video of the violent confrontation, showing Chinese soldiers on boats near Manila’s ship outpost encircling two Philippine navy supply boats with sticks, knives, and axes. The Chinese struck the Philippine navy boat with a pole while sirens blared nonstop, and both sides yelled at one another.

The Chinese reportedly took control of the boats and used hammers, machetes, and knives to damage them following a skirmish and several deliberate collisions. This may have been the first of its kind of attack in the contested South China Sea. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the Chinese Coast Guard crew harassed them with “physical attacks, the use of bladed weapons… and blinding strobe lights”.

As per reports, sharp objects and weapons were used to puncture the rubber boats, deflate them, and make them inoperable. Some accounts suggested that weapons were also used to threaten the Filipino soldiers who were on a routine replenishment mission to a region that Manila claims as its sovereign territory.

Photographs show a damaged Philippine naval vessel with its side floaters cut and deflated and another vessel with its windshield and navigation screens broken. The photos also show the severely damaged Filipino vessels’ communication and navigation equipment.

Philippines-based military analyst Miguel Miranda told EurAsian Times, “What happened to the Philippine Navy’s latest attempt at a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) fits a very clear pattern of harassment and violence that started once Pres. Marcos entered office in the middle of 2022. Short of using live ammunition, the Chinese Coast Guard has employed every other means to assault and harm Filipinos inside the territory of the Philippines. It’s absurd warfare, but the intent is clear enough: China is using a sizable armada to annex Philippine waters while its Navy is always sailing around nearby, with the grunt work done by all sorts of other watercraft.”

However, China attributed the conflict to the Philippines, claiming that despite its warnings, the Filipino personnel “trespassed” into the shoal.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “This is the direct cause of the incident. The Chinese coast guard at the scene has taken professional law-enforcement measures with restraint aimed at stopping the illegal supply mission by the Philippine vessels, and no direct measures were taken against the Philippine personnel.”

However, as these accounts started appearing, several netizens and social media military watchers likened the incident to what Chinese troops had pulled off against India in the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Several users on X (previously Twitter) wrote that China’s recent actions in the South China Sea were a Galwan 2.0.

One user wrote: A nuclear-armed nation using spears to try to bully its neighbors. First India in Galwan and now the Philippines. Who is next?”
Reminiscent Of Galwan Clash

It was the first time Chinese Coast Guards were spotted with spears, knives, and bolos (usually used to describe a wide range of Philippine single-edged machete-like tools and weapons). General Brawner said that since the guns of the Filipino troops were disassembled and stored in cases, they were not armed. The officials claimed that the Filipino boat crew members were instructed not to brandish their firearms.

Brawner stated that even though the eight-boat Chinese Coast Guard detachment had “outnumbered” them, Filipino personnel had “fought back with our bare hands” after seeing the injured sailor.

Incidentally, the confrontation happened on June 17, almost four years after a similar June 15 Galwan clash between Chinese PLA troops and Indian soldiers in 2020, which involved hand-to-hand combat. India lost 20 of its soldiers. China later admitted that it lost four or five soldiers. Reports, however, suggested that it may have lost about 40 soldiers.

Chinese troops used iron rods studded with metal tips and stones against the Indians as they were not allowed to use firearms due to the confidence-building agreements. China and India remain embroiled in a border dispute along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that has resulted in multiple standoffs between their forces over the years.

Much like the latest attack on the Philippines, the Galwan clash came after several confrontations between the two sides.

The brawl started when Chinese soldiers were sent to block India’s efforts to build a road that would give its forces easier access to the area. In retaliation, India sent out its forces. By May 2020, the two sides were already engaged in combat, not only in Ladakh but also in Sikkim, another frontier region located 1,200 kilometers to the east.

Hours of hand-to-hand fighting took place on the rocky, steep terrain using iron rods, rocks, and fists. There were no guns on any side. In the fiercest battle between China and India in 60 years, the majority of the men slain either lost their footing or were thrown off the narrow Himalayan ridge and fell to their deaths.

The combat started when a patrol of Indian soldiers came face-to-face with Chinese troops on a precipice in the mountainous region.

India accused the Chinese troops of violating the disengagement agreement and carrying out a “pre-meditated and planned action” against Indian troops that were “directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties.”

File: Clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers

The Indian side noted that 20 Indian Army personnel were killed by the Chinese troops and used clubs, iron rods, nails-studded sticks, and stones. Indian government sources told the media that the Chinese troops were carrying ‘Guandao,’ which is a kind of Chinese pole weapon used in some forms of Chinese martial arts. It has a blade mounted atop a long wooden pole.

Similar to its reaction to the recent Filipino accusations, the Chinese side said at that time that India alone was to blame for the confrontation. It claimed that Indian forces had illegally entered the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control three times. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi then asked India to punish its personnel for these violations.

When asked if there were any parallels between the Galwan clash and the recent clash in the Second Thomas Shoal, another military expert who did not wish to be quoted said, “Not really. The difference is that the Philippines did not fight back. In Galwan, the Indian Army fought back.”

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/indian-army-fought-back-we-did-not-military/#google_vignette

Philippine Navy says it won’t fire first bullet against China Coast Guard

Posted to The Star (Jun 20, 2024): Philippine Navy says it won’t fire first bullet against China Coast Guard

China Coast Guard personnel brandish bladed and pointed weapons upon approaching Philippine Navy boats at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal on June 17. - Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP

MANILA: Despite acting like a “band of barbarians” in the West Philippine Sea, the country’s navy said it will not fire the first bullet against China Coast Guard (CCG).

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, made the pronouncement on Thursday (June 20) after the June 17 confrontation with the CCG, during which Chinese personnel boarded Filipino boats, looted firearms, and caused serious injuries to one of the sailors.

“We have told our troops, use of force for mission accomplishment is not authorised unless in self defence,” Trinidad told reporters in a phone interview when asked if the incident in Ayungin Shoal is meant for the navy to fire the first shot.

Pressed about what would happen if the country fired the first shot against the CCG, Trinidad said: “I don’t want to speculate, but it is precisely why [we] tell our troops, ‘let us not get there’; we are putting a lot of effort into that.”

Bolo-wielding CCG personnel rammed, towed, and even boarded Philippine vessels during a resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, a move which its spokesperson Gan Yu only deemed as “control measures.”

Manila’s regular resupply mission in the BRP Sierra Madre became one of the flashpoints of tension in the West Philippine Sea, and the latest mission saw the most violent actions from Beijing thus far.

Beijing asserts sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea —including most of the West Philippine Sea—rejecting a 2016 international tribunal ruling that effectively invalidated its claims while ruling heavily in favour of Manila

“I call them a ‘band of barbarians’ and, in the first place, they have no right to wear the uniform,” Trinidad said of CCG’s latest violent moves.

“Coast guardsmen are supposed to be responsible for the safety of life at sea — their actions endanger life at sea.”

“It does not speak well of a country that wants to be a global power,” he further said. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/06/20/philippine-navy-says-it-wont-fire-first-bullet-against-china-coast-guard

China's foreign ministry blames PH over latest confrontation in Ayungin

Posted to ABS-CBN (Jun 20, 2024): China's foreign ministry blames PH over latest confrontation in Ayungin

China's foreign ministry is blaming the Philippine Navy over the recent confrontation between Philippine vessels and the China Coast Guard (CCG) near Ayungin Shoal.Chinese sailors wield sticks, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian insisted that Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) is part of Chinese territory.

Knives, looting, severed thumb: Philippines details fresh confrontation with China

"The Philippine side illegally intruded the waters of Ren’ai Jiao without China’s permission, which violated international law and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. This is sheer provocation and has no justification whatsoever," Lin said in his latest press conference.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines accused China coast guard of harassing Filipino vessels, even boarding the boats, while the Filipinos were delivering supplies to its military outpost in Ayungin on June 17.

AFP chief-of-staff Romeo Brawner, Jr. said the CCG "hijacked" the Philippines' rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) mission, resulting in damage and severe injury of a Navy officer, who lost his right thumb.

Some of the CCG personnel also brandished bladed weapons and "deliberately punctured" some of the Philippine rubber boats.

But Lin claimed that the Philippine Navy was not conducting a humanitarian resupply.

"The Philippine vessels secretly carried construction materials and even weapons and equipment, and they deliberately rammed Chinese vessels," he said.

China says coast guard did not take direct measures vs PH personnel
Senate to seek full briefing on 'alarming' Philippine-China hostilities

He went on claiming that it was the Filipinos who threatened the CCG.

"The Philippine side threw water and hurled objects to Chinese enforcement personnel. These acts clearly escalated tensions at sea, and severely threatened the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels," said Lin.

"The Chinese side took necessary measures in accordance with law to safeguard its sovereignty, which was lawful and justified, and done in a professional and restrained manner. It was beyond reproach."

https://news.abs-cbn.com/world/2024/6/20/hajj-death-toll-tops-1-000-after-extreme-heat-afp-tally-736

Philippine Navy told: Force unauthorized except in defense

From the Philippine Star (Jun 21, 2024): Philippine Navy told: Force unauthorized except in defense (Michael Punongbayan)

This frame grab from handout video taken on June 17, 2024 and released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office on June 19 shows China coast guard personnel (C) appearing to wield bladed weapons during an incident off Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine military said on June 19 the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in the South China Sea this week in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb. China defended its actions, with its foreign ministry saying on Wednesday that "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel.  Photo by handout / Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office / AFP

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy personnel involved in last Monday’s confrontation had been instructed that use of force to accomplish the mission “is not authorized unless in self defense,” according to Philippine Navy spokesman Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad.

In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said its commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan bestowed the “Distinguished Coast Guard Cross and Ribbon” on the crew of its two multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) BRP Cabra and BRP Bagacay.

The simple awarding was held at Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan last Wednesday.

The two Coast Guard vessels have been providing security assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s during its resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre aground in Ayungin Shoal.

“I think we did our part. We provided rescue activity required, we provided the medical aid, and the towing of boats which were destroyed. Our role was limited to that,” Gavan said.

He stressed the PCG “will remain calm, professional and determined in pursuing the peaceful and rules-based order in this part of the world.

“We will leverage the strength of the PCG which is humanitarian, unarmed service,” he pointed out.

“We will continue to do so to make sure the South China Sea, or the West Philippine Sea, will remain conducive for Filipinos to live in accordance with our own way of life,” he added.

In a post on X, PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said China will continue asserting its claims in the West Philippine Sea whether the next elected president is pro-Beijing or not.


“Whether the elected president is pro-Beijing or takes a stance against Chinese aggression, the People’s Republic of China will persist in advancing their creeping invasion of the West Philippine Sea,” he wrote on his X account.

“A pro-Beijing president would choose to remain silent about it, while a patriotic president would expose the illegal presence, provocative actions, and bullying tactics, similar to President @bongbongmarcos who employs transparency in addressing these issues,” he said, mentioning the Chief Executive’s X account.

The PCG has been advocating transparency in its campaign to deter Chinese encroachment.

“If an administration stands up to China, the latter will apply pressure and escalate tensions. China then decreases tensions deliberately when a Beijing-friendly government is in power,” he said.

Meanwhile, Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) Chief of Joint Staff Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida has declared support for the Philippines concerning the recent incident in Ayungin Shoal.

“JSDF always stands on the side of AFP, and JSDF will deepen its cooperation with Philippines and like-minded countries,” Yoshida was quoted as telling AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during a teleconference.

Brawner, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the JSDF for its continued support for the AFP.

“We are very thankful for the support that Japan is giving us. Japan was one of the first countries that gave its support condemning the actions of CCG,” he said. — Ghio Ong, Evelyn Macairan

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/06/21/2364495/philippine-navy-told-force-unauthorized-except-defense

Bulatlat: Raids, harassment prelude to crackdown – rights group

 Posted to the pro-CPP/NPA/NDF online propaganda outlet, Bulatlat (Jun 20, 2024): Raids, harassment prelude to crackdown – rights group (By Anne Marxze Umil)

Photo by Carlo Manalansan/Bulatlat

MANILA – Human rights group Karapatan denounced a series of raids and harassment against peasant leaders and rights advocates.

The latest incident happened on June 18 in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan where soldiers ransacked the house of Tanggol Magsasaka Secretary-General and Spokesperson Ronnie Manalo.

Cristina Palabay, secretary-general of Karapatan, said in a statement that these incidents may be a “prelude to a major crackdown against peasant leaders, activists and farmers’ rights advocates.”

Read: De facto martial law terrorizes civilians in Negros, Bicol, Eastern Visayas
Read: Progressives vow resistance amid crackdown vs activists

According to KMP, soldiers forcibly entered Manalo’s unoccupied house at around 7:00 am on June 18. The group said that the soldiers, reportedly belonging to the 80th Infantry Battalion, illegally searched Manalo’s house and claimed to have found a firearm. Just like in previous raids of activists’ houses and offices, KMP stressed that the evidence was fabricated.

Karapatan added that the soldiers who interrogated Manalo’s relative were not accompanied by police officers or village officials.

On the same day at around 10:30 am, soldiers went to the house of 63-year old Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Bulacan (AMB) Chairperson, Cecilia Rapiz in barangay Paradise 3, San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan asking for her whereabouts.

“Local residents reported seeing a company-size group of soldiers along the common boundaries of barangays San Roque, Paradise 3 and Tungkong Mangga. Checkpoints have reportedly been set up in the area, preventing residents of San Roque and Paradise 3 from leaving their villages,” Palabay said. She added that the planting of a firearm in Manalo’s residence “shows that State forces are concocting a trumped-up case of illegal possession of firearms against him.”

The villages of San Roque, Paradise 3 and Tungkong Mangga are known as a major source of produce for the Bagsakan Bungkalan Farmers Market, a farm-to-market project of the KMP that holds bazaars in different parts of Metro Manila to sell lower-priced fruits and vegetables grown by farmers nationwide. Rapiz is known to be among the active producer-sellers for Bagsakan.

According to KMP, farmers have observed an increased presence of soldiers in civilian communities over the weekend. “Almost a hundred combined forces of soldiers from the 80th IBPA, PNP-SAF, and SWAT started conducting operations in at least six sitios in the SJDM villages of Barangay San Roque, Barangay Paradise 3, and Barangay Tungkong Mangga, merely 25 kilometers away from Quezon City proper. The said military operations in the peasant communities of SJDM are causing intense fear and distress among residents and farmers.”

Both Manalo and Rapiz were victims of persistent red-tagging, threat, harassment and intimidation by state forces defending their land rights.

Farmers are defending their rights in San Jose Del Monte as their land is reportedly being grabbed by the Aranetas.

Read: Tungkong Mangga: From farmers’ paradise to stove of violence
Read: More planned projects to wipe-out farmers in San Jose Del Monte City

In 2022, KMP said Manalo and Rapiz were frequently visited by the military. Manalo, in particular, was part of a team of farmers and peasant advocates in 2022 who were fired upon and harassed by goons hired by Araneta Properties Inc. in Sitio Ricafort, Tungkong Mangga in SJDM.

Harassment of farmer, activist

Meanwhile, Karapatan also documented a case of harassment against a farmer in Negros Occidental. Human Rights Alliance of Negros (HRAN) reported that on June 13, Evelyn Manait, a member of the Ituman-Bukidnon tribe, was harassed in her house in Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan. Eight men in civilian clothes interrogated her on the whereabouts of her husband and brother-in-law. The said men accused them of being members of the New People’s Army.

“Manait answered that her husband had gone to another town to sell mangoes and denied knowing where her brother-in-law was. She later learned that the men were elements of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army,” Palabay said.

According to the HRAN, Manait now fears for her safety after the incident.

Meanwhile, on June 19 in Batangas, a man who identified himself as a police officer asked barangay officials in Bauan, Batangas for the whereabouts of Tanggol Batangan paralegal Juvie Ann Biding.

Karapatan said that as a human rights worker, Biding has been providing services to political prisoners in their province. She has also been involved in various humanitarian missions in Batangas and other parts of Southern Tagalog.

Biding has reported being under surveillance and harassed multiple times since April this year and has filed a complaint with the Commission on Human Rights, Karapatan added.

“These forms of harassment and threats are committed with impunity by State security forces, as sanctioned by the Marcos administration through its counterinsurgency program. Karapatan calls on human rights advocates and the public to strongly denounce these rights violations which are a prelude to worse forms of violations as military operations continue in rural areas,” Palabay said. (RTS, DAA) 

https://www.bulatlat.com/2024/06/20/raids-harassment-prelude-to-crackdown-rights-group/

Japan envoy visits BARMM

 From the Daily Tribune (Jun 20, 2024): Japan envoy visits BARMM

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya on Tuesday visited the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the first time since the commencement of his term of office in the country.

Endo paid a courtesy call on Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Pangalian M. Balindon. He was also welcomed by Deputy Speaker Lanang Ali Jr., Deputy Speaker Hatimi Hassan, Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema, Floor Leader Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba and Deputy Floor Leader Mary Ann M. Arnado.

During the meeting, Endo and the Parliament officials exchanged views on the Parliament’s efforts to establish democracy in the BARMM region under its Parliamentary Cabinet system, as well as the current status of the deliberations on the remaining priority codes.

Endo also paid a courtesy visit to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and congratulated him on the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

During the meeting, Endo conveyed Japan’s unwavering commitment to supporting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region. Likewise, Chief Minister Ebrahim expressed his appreciation for Japan’s various support for the peace process over the last two decades, and prospects for further collaboration.

On 19 June, Ambassador Endo visited two sites of the ongoing Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects funded by the government of Japan.

The handover ceremony for the Project on Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood in Bangsamoro under the Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB) in Purok Molave, Poblacion 1, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte was also attended by Parang Mayor Cahar Ibay, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran and many other relevant stakeholders.

The USD 2.3 million project, implemented by the UNDP, aims to ensure food security to sustain peacebuilding and recovery in the Bangsamoro region.

Approximately 3,150 households in 16 communities received food packs, while more than 30 communities in and around BARMM are set to benefit from livelihood development support related to the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

Particularly, with the provision of a Solar Powered Ice Block Making Machine to the municipal local government of Parang, its fishermen and merchants are expected to overcome logistical and quality control challenges in preserving the freshness of their catch due to a lack of ice and cold storage facilities.

This project component aims to increase profit and boost inclusive economic development within the municipality and the surrounding areas.

As the handover ceremony occurred during the Iranun Peace Festival, Ambassador Endo affirmed, “As we continue to forge a path for peace, may we all continue to promote opportunities for sound growth and progress enjoyed by many in Parang and the BARMM.”

The Project for “Enhancing and Sustaining Peace and Security Mechanisms in Mindanao, Philippines” is implemented by the International Organization for Migration under the Japanese Supplementary Budget. The project supports the Joint Peace and Security Team, a peace-keeping force composed of members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The JPST was established with the mission to maintain peace and order in Mindanao during the transitional period.

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/06/20/japan-envoy-visits-barmm

Hundreds displaced as 2 Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups clash in Maguindanao del Sur

From the Philippine Star (Jun 20, 2024): Hundreds displaced as 2 Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups clash in Maguindanao del Sur (By John Unson)

Moro villagers who have fled from the conflict-stricken Sitio Irrigation in Barangay Meta in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur are now in makeshift evacuation sites.  Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — Some 200 villagers have fled to neutral grounds as two rival groups in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front clashed and reportedly set houses on fire in a secluded area in Barangay Meta in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday morning.

Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, on Thursday morning urged the central committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to reconcile Commanders Panzo and Tunga to preclude more clashes between them that can displace more innocent villagers.

The groups of Panzo, who is a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s 118th Base Command, and Tunga, one of the commanders in the front’s 105th Base Command, figured in running gunfights in Sitio Irrigation, Barangay Meta in Datu Unsay early Wednesday, displacing Moro villagers.

Senior police officials in Maguindanao del Sur and local executives told reporters that followers of the two Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders, are locked in intense political differences and squabbling for control of strategic patches of lands in Barangay Meta, had set several houses on fire before they disengaged when they sensed that responding policemen and soldiers were closing in.

The villagers displaced by the incident are now in a covered court in the municipality while others have sought refuge in houses of relatives in barangays nearby.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/06/20/2364287/hundreds-displaced-2-milf-groups-clash-maguindanao-del-sur

Miyembro ng BIFF-Karialan Faction, sumuko sa Datu Amputuan PNP

Posted to Pulis Serbis Balita (Jun 21, 2024): Miyembro ng BIFF-Karialan Faction, sumuko sa Datu Amputuan PNP (By Myles)

Boluntaryong sumuko ang isang miyembro ng Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) -Karialan Faction sa himpilan ng Datu Ampatuan Municipal Police Station sa Barangay Poblacion, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur nito lamang ika-18 ng Hunyo 2024.

Kinilala ni Police Captain Guiseppe Q Tamayo, Chief of Police ng Ampatuan MPS, ang sumukong miyembro ng BIFF Karialan Faction na si alyas “Tho Tasil”, 35 anyos, na residente ng naturang lugar.

Ayon kay PCpt Tamayo, kasabay ng pag-surrender ni “Tho Tasil”, ay kanyang ding pag-turn-over ng caliber firearms na walang ammunition.

Naging matagumpay ang operasyon dahil sa pagsisikap ng mga personahe ng Ampatuan MPS katuwang ang Provincial Intelligence Unit – Maguindanao del Sur PPO, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, at Regional Intelligence Unit 15.

Ang Datu Ampatuan PNP ay patuloy ang panawagan sa natitira pang miyembro ng BIFF na sumuko at magsimulang muli sa kalinga ng pamahalaan at sa kanilang sariling pamilya.

Panulat ni Patrolwoman Ma. Señora Agbuya

https://psbalita.com/miyembro-ng-biff-karialan-faction-sumuko-sa-datu-amputuan-pnp/

Basilan town declared ASG, rido-free

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 20, 2024): Basilan town declared ASG, rido-free

ZAMBOANGA. Mayor Alih Sali of Akbar, Basilan province (clad in Yakan weaved cloth), and Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade commander (right) lead the unveiling of a Peace Marker in a ceremony declaring the municipality as Abu Sayyaf Group-free and Rido-free on Tuesday, June 18. The marker was unveiled as a symbolic act of the municipality’s new status. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE municipality of Akbar in Basilan province has been declared as Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)-free and rido-free.

The declaration was made on Tuesday, June 18, in a ceremony headed by Akbar Mayor Alih Sali, who chairs the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-Elac) and witnessed by officials of government and military, including representatives of other sectors.

The event also featured the participation of the National Security Command of the Moro National Liberation Front led by Basser Basta, underscoring solidarity and broad support for the municipality's peace initiatives.

The Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade said in a statement that the declaration marked a significant milestone in the town’s journey towards lasting peace and development.

The brigade said that a significant part of the ceremony was the presentation of nine surrendered loose firearms by village chairpersons, which included carbines, grenade launchers, and rifles — a powerful testament to the town’s commitment to peace and progress.

During the ceremony, a Peace Marker was unveiled in a symbolic act of the municipality’s new status, while white doves and balloons were released, representing the promise of peace and hope.

"The declaration of Akbar as both ASG-free and rido-free marks a pivotal moment in our pursuit of lasting peace. Our collective efforts have made this possible, and together, we will continue to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Basilenos,” Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said.

Luzon said the declaration is part of broader efforts of the Brigade's campaign to address sources of conflict in Basilan, including the resolution of clan feuds and the promotion of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program.

The program aims to foster reconciliation and unity and reduce the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/basilan-town-declared-asg-rido-free#google_vignette

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Terorismo ng AFP sa Aurora, nagpapatuloy

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (in Tagalog) propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 20, 2024): Terorismo ng AFP sa Aurora, nagpapatuloy (AFP terrorism in Aurora, continues)

 

June 20, 2024

Isinusuka ng mamamayan ng Aurora ang mga pwersang militar ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa nagpapatuloy na teroristang operasyong kombat nito sa nagdaang buwan. Simula Mayo 20, walang-tigil ang mga operasyon nito sa mga barangay ng Maria Aurora at Dipaculao. Humihimpil sila sa mga barangay hall at eskwelahan sa gitna ng mga sibilyang populasyon, na tahasang paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas.

Ginagamit na pagdadahilan ng AFP ang naganap na ilang minutong mga labanan sa pagitan nito at ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Aurora noong Mayo 20, 21 at 28 para manatili sa mga komunidad.

Nakakampo sila ngayon sa mismong day care center, barangay hall at eskwelahan ng barangay Wenceslao, San Joaquin, Baubo, Bazal, Diaat, at Cadayakan, sa Maria Aurora, at sa Diamanin, Toytoyan, Puangi, at Salay sa Dipaculao. Itinayo nilang muli ang kampo ng CAFGU sa Dibutunan, sa Dipaculao. Pati ang baybaying baryo at kapatagan ng San Luis ay hinimpilan na din ng mga pasistang sundalo.

Walang-lubay din ang sapilitang pagpapapulong ng mga sundalo at pulis sa mga residente. Pinagbawalan ang masa na pumunta sa bundok, o sa kanilang mga sakahan sa labas ng baryo. Nagpakana pa ang mga sundalo ng pamimigay ng mga “stub” na katumbas ng ayudang pagkain sa Department of Social Welfare and Development. Ginagamit ito para kunin ang mga personal na detalye at numero sa selpon ng mga residente para sa kanilang paniktik.

Isinasama rin ng mga sundalo ang mga sibilyan sa kanilang operasyong kombat para magsilbing giya. “Hindi kami makatanggi. Sigurado daw kasi na hindi sila maambus ng NPA pag may kasama silang sibilyan,” pagbabahagi ng isang tanod na nakapanayam ng Pulang Silangan, rebolusyonaryong pahayang masa sa East Central Luzon.

Inirereklamo rin ng mga residente ang kaguluhang hatid ng mga sundalo. Nangunguna ang mga ito sa paglalasing, pambabastos sa kababaihan at matatanda, paninindak, at pag-aakusa ng kung anu-anong kaso sa mga sibilyan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/terorismo-ng-afp-sa-aurora-nagpapatuloy/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Palabas na engkwentro ng AFP sa Nueva Vizcaya, inilantad

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (in Tagalog) propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) PRWC Website (Jun 20, 2024): Palabas na engkwentro ng AFP sa Nueva Vizcaya, inilantad (AFP showdown in Nueva Vizcaya, exposed)

 

June 20, 2024

Pinasinungalingan ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ang pinalalabas ng 7th ID ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na engkwentro ng yunit nito sa hukbong bayan kaninang madaling araw sa Barangay Abuyo, Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya. Sa ulat ng BHB, hindi engkwentro kundi pambobomba at istraping sa mga sibilyang komunidad ang ginawa ng mga helikopter ng AFP.

Walong beses o higit pa ang ginawang pagbobomba habang sunud-sunod ang pagpapaputok ng dalawang attack helicopter. Gumamit din ang mga sundalo ng mga drone.

Anang BHB, ginawa ito ng AFP para bigyang katwiran ang militarisasyon at malawakang operasyong kombat na isasagawa nito sa naturang bayan at katabing mga bayan sa prubisnya ng Aurora.

Pagbibigay-daan ito sa mas mabilis na pagpapatupad ng mapangwasak na proyekto ng estado kabilang ang Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO), pagtatayo ng military industrial hub, at paghuthot sa mga natural na rekurso ng Benham Rise sa katabing prubinsya ng Aurora.

Sa pahayag ng BHB-Aurora, sinabi nitong tiyak silang “palilitawin na naman ito ng AFP na bahagi ng kanilang operasyong pagtugis sa BHB at resulta ng “pagsusuplong ng mga sibilyan.”

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/palabas-na-engkwentro-ng-afp-sa-nueva-vizcaya-inilantad/

CPP/NPA-Auroa/Central Luzon ROC: Pekeng engkwentro sa Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 20, 2024): Pekeng engkwentro sa Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya (Fake encounter in Alfonso Castañeda, Nueva Vizcaya)

 


NPA-Aurora (Domingo Erlano Command)

Central Luzon Regional Operational Command (Josepino Corpuz Command)

New People's Army

June 20, 2024

Walang habas na naghulog ng bomba at nagpaputok ang attack helicopter ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa bayan ng Alfonso Castañeda kaninang 12:30AM hanggang 1:45 AM. Walong beses o higit pa ang ginawang pagbobomba habang sunud-sunod ang pagpapaputok ng dalawang attack helicopter na may kasama pang mga drones.

Walang labanan na nangyari. Palabas lamang ito ng AFP para muli na namang i-militarisa ang lugar para magbigay daan sa mas mabilis na pagpapatupad ng mapangwasak na proyekto ng estado kabilang ang APECO, pagtatayo ng military industrial hub, at paghuthot sa mga natural na rekurso ng Benham Rise.

Ang Alfonso Castañeda ay katabing bayan ng probinsya ng Aurora. Tiyak na palilitawin na naman ito ng AFP na bahagi ng kanilang pursuit operation at “civilian tip”. Kasinungalingan ang inilulubid ng estado upang itulak ang interes ng dayuhan at naghaharing uri.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pekeng-engkwentro-sa-alfonso-castaneda-nueva-vizcaya/

Two Chinese warships spotted near Balabac island town

From the Palawan News (Jun 20, 2024): Two Chinese warships spotted near Balabac island town (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

Two Chinese warships were spotted sailing near Barangay Bancalaan in the town of Balabac yesterday, June 19, according to Roy Reyes, former captain of the area.

Reyes captured the sighting while the ships were navigating the waters from Mangsee Island, also close to Onok Island and Camiaran.

He said one of the warships bore the marking #105 and was only 100 meters away from their boat as they headed towards the Melville area.

“Chinese flag ang nakita namin. Usually, daanan ng mga international cargo ships yan papunta ng Kudat, Malaysia. Sa harap lang ng Melville yan. First time namin makakita,” Reyes stated.


A reliable source of Palawan News said that if one of the sighted ships is the same as described, it might be the Chinese Dalian guided-missile destroyer, often at the forefront of their drills due to rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

There has been a proposed sealane through the Balabac Strait for international passage, but it hasn’t been approved yet.

Reyes said they know this route has long been used by international ships bringing cargoes to Kudat, Malaysia.

https://palawan-news.com/two-chinese-warships-spotted-near-balabac-island-town/

‘China’s words do not match actions at WPS’

From Panay News (Jun 21, 2024): ‘China’s words do not match actions at WPS’ (By Adrian Stewart Co)

China Coast Guard personnel brandish bolos against Philippine navy personnel during the June 17, 2024 resupply mission in a naval outpost in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. PHOTO FROM THE AFP

MANILA – The Philippines has called out China for the latter’s aggressive actions in the contested West Philippines Sea that endanger Filipino sailors and damage their vessels.

In a statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines said China’s pronouncement of wanting to attain peace does not match with its actions.

“The Department has been exerting efforts to rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on the South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement.

“This cannot be achieved if China’s words do not match their actions on the waters,” added the DFA, which also described China’s recent action on Philippine resupply mission as “illegal and aggressive.”

The China Coast Guard (CCG) said on Monday that ships of the Philippines and China have reportedly collided in the waters adjacent to Ayungin Shoal earlier that day.

The CCG said the Philippine vessel deliberately and dangerously approached a Chinese ship in an unprofessional manner, forcing it to take control measures, including “boarding inspections and forced evictions.”

However, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was China who was the aggressor in the incident, which resulted in injuries to seven Filipino sailors with one having his finger cut off.

For months, China and the Philippines have traded accusations over dangerous maneuvers and collisions at Ayungin Shoal, an atoll in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, which includes Ayungin Shoal, where the Philippines maintains a warship, Sierra Madre, beached in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claims, with a small crew.

An international tribunal dismissed China’s expansive claims in 2016, but the country has repeatedly said Philippine vessels illegally intrude into waters around disputed shoals.

https://www.panaynews.net/chinas-words-do-not-match-actions-at-wps/

DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS transforms lives through community-driven infrastructure

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 20, 2024): DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS transforms lives through community-driven infrastructure (By Jether Capillo) 

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 is making significant strides in community development through its KALAHI-CIDSS program, or Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services.

For many years, the initiative has been empowering communities as they identify and prioritize essential infrastructure projects like potable water systems, quarantine facilities, tribal housing, street lighting, and farm-to-market roads.

During an episode of “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” on June 18, DSWD Regional Director Loreto Cabaya Jr. said KALAHI-CIDSS has successfully completed 903 subprojects across the Soccsksargen region.

He noted that these projects were funded through various initiatives, including Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB), and additional financing funds.

DSWD Regional Director Loreto Cabaya Jr. served as the main resource person in the latest installment of “Kapihan Sa Bagong Pilipinas,” facilitated by PIA Regional Head Fryan Abkilan (left). During the event, Cabaya presented the various accomplishments of DSWD in Region 12, especially its flagship programs as well as its initiatives, to the public. (Photo by PIA Region 12)

One notable example, Cabaya said, was the recent turnover of two water system expansions worth P3.36 million each to Barangays Pula Bato and San Isidro in Tampakan, South Cotabato, with Barangay Palo also receiving an improved public building valued at P2.25 million to serve as a quarantine facility.

According to him, these projects have a profound impact on the lives of community members, as they’ve helped enhance access to potable water, transforming their lives and social interactions.

Elsi German, a volunteer from Barangay Pula Bato, expressed gratitude to the government, stating that the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS staff not only provided technical assistance but also listened to them, making them believe that change was possible when there’s unity and teamwork, or bayanihan.

“Dati-rati po kasi halos walang gustong tumulong sa amin, unang una, dahil sa layo ng aming lugar. Ikalawa walang interesadong tumulong. Pero ng bumaba po ang mga kawani ng DSWD KALAHI CIDSS at pinakinggan kami doon namin naramdaman na posible ang pagbabago,” German said.

(In the past, we felt that nobody was helping us; perhaps it was primarily due to our remote location. Secondly, it seemed as though no one was eager to assist us. But when the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS staff came down, they listened to us, which made us feel and believe that change was possible.)

Cabaya then pointed out that the success of KALAHI-CIDSS only shows how community involvement and DSWD’s dedication can greatly improve lives in Soccsksargen through essential infrastructure projects, which the community stakeholders themselves identify for implementation. (JZC – PIA Region 12)

[Retired Analyst Note: The DSWD’s KALAHI-CIDSS program has been an integral part of the "Whole of government" approach to counterinsurgency operations in conflict-affected areas.]

https://www.pia.gov.ph/dswds-kalahi-cidss-transforms-lives-through-community-driven-infrastructure/