Ex-rebels in NegOr receive financial aid

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 18): Ex-rebels in NegOr receive financial aid



DILG Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones (extreme left) announces the granting of P65K each to four rebel returnees during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) yearend conference. (PIA/Negros Oriental)

The Negros Oriental Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has allocated P260,000 worth of financial assistance to four rebels who have surrendered in the municipalities of Mabinay and Zamboanguita.

DILG Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones said the rebel returnees were awarded the financial grants through the department’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Quiñones said the former rebel beneficiaries were given immediate livelihood assistance worth P65,000 each to provide them with the necessary aid in their reintegration to the mainstream society where they belong.

Part of the financial aid distributed includes immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearm remunerations.

The DILG official wish to attract more insurgents to surrender to the folds of the law this year.

Expected to have bigger budget allocation, Quiñones said they also "anticipate large influx of rebels to surrender that include the Kapatas and Militia ng Bayan to the expanded CLIP program.”

E-CLIP is the government’s program that responds to the circumstances, needs, and concerns of former rebels through the provision of assistance and seeks to consider their basic rights and situations as men and women.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017104

NPA ‘revolutionary tax’ collector yields in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): NPA ‘revolutionary tax’ collector yields in Davao

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who described herself as a "revolutionary tax collector", surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) on Wednesday, five years after joining the organization.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, Army 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the surrenderer only as Fiona, 42, a resident of Maragusan town, Compostela Valley.

Fiona surrendered to the 71IB under Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin based in Nueva Visayas, Mawab town.

Lamosao said on Thursday that Fiona figured in many extortion activities being the “revolutionary tax collector" of the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 2. She was also the former sub-section secretary and counsel of the Hugpong Mag-Uuma sa Walog Compostela.

According to him, Fiona revealed during a debriefing that the NPA targets businessmen, politicians, mining and logging firms, and even store owners in their extortion activities.

Fiona also described herself as an organizer of NPA-supported anti-government mass demonstrations and rallies throughout the Davao region.

Ducusin assured that Fiona will receive government assistance for NPA surrenderers to help her live a normal life and contribute to the government’s peace building efforts.

Lamosao said an increasing number of NPA regulars and members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad have surrendered to the government.

NPA surrenderers this month include two NPA regulars, nine Militia ng Bayan members, and seven underground supporters. The rebel group, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059293

Army slams NPA for torching civilian truck in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Army slams NPA for torching civilian truck in Bukidnon



At least 20 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down a truck in Valencia City, Bukidnon at dawn on Friday, the military said.

Military and police reports said that after burning the truck in Barangay Lilingayon at about 3 a.m., the rebels robbed the driver and a civilian security escort of their cellular phones.

Police said charges will be filed against the rebels.

The military said the incident has been reported to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as proof of NPA violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Brigade, condemned the incident as nothing but an act of terror by the NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

"We strongly condemn the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) - NPA terrorists for its blatant disregard of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) despite signing an agreement to respect IHL," de Leon said.

"The NPA terrorists, with the guidance of their leaders, still continue to attack civilians and their properties," he added.

De Leon pointed out that under the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), civilian population and civilians "shall be treated as such and shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack."

The Army official said attacks against civilians "only fuel our utmost desire to protect our people from these thugs. And in order to fully protect and do our mandate, we need the full cooperation of the public in ensuring that these NPA atrocities will be pre-empted."

Major Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, also assailed the NPA's "wanton disrespect" for human rights.

"The NDFP that signed CARHRIHL representing the NPA must be made to explain why the NPA attacked a civilian-owned farm equipment," Villanueva said, referring to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political wing of the NPA.

"What is the ‘direct participation’ of that farm equipment in the armed conflict between the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the NPA? The NDF and the NPA must provide a clear answer," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059401

New Eastmincom chief to assume post next week

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): New Eastmincom chief to assume post next week



The newly-appointed Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander will assume his post next week.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, said Friday Major Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, will assume his new post on Monday.

Santos was appointed this week by President Rodrigo R. Duterte upon the recommendation of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Balagtey said Santos is described as a "strategist who is not new to the situation in Mindanao."

“Santos is adept to the wide range of peace and security programs, having been assigned with the strategic offices of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dealing with operations, intelligence and civil-military operations, he added.

He will replace Major Gen. Ronald Villanueva, who assumed in an acting capacity following the assumption of Gen. Benjamin Madrigal as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff.

Santos once headed the 11th Intelligence Service Unit based in Davao City and subsequently became the group commander of the Army's Intelligence Service Group.

Santos also served the 39th Infantry Battalion, a unit deployed to various provinces in Mindanao; the 703rd Infantry Brigade in Central Luzon; battalion commander of the 63rd Infantry Battalion in Samar province; and as assistant division commander of 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059390

MILF lauds PRRD for 'siding with Bangsamoro'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): MILF lauds PRRD for 'siding with Bangsamoro'

PEACE ASSEMBLY. President Rodrigo Duterte speaks before a peace gatheirng  for the raification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in Cotabato City on Friday (Jan. 18), several days ahead of the scheduled Jan. 21 plebiscite for the proposed formation of the new Bangsamoro political entity. (Photo by PNA Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY -- The chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has commended President Rodrigo Duterte for making the dream of every Moro a reality with the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the MILF, was all praises for the President during the peace assembly for the ratification of Republic Act No. 11054 or the BOL at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), the provisional seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here Friday afternoon.

“We have come (to) the finishing line of our struggle as we transition from revolution to governance,” Murad said, adding that if not for Duterte, their struggle for self-determination may have remained a dream.

“We notice that you are always on our side to see to it that the will of the people is heard,” he told the President.

“Siguro kung hindi kayo naging president, wala pa tayong BOL, wala pa tayong Bangsamoro government (Had you not become president, we have no BOL, we have no Bangsamoro government),” Murad said.

Addressing the crowd of about 500 inside the SKCC and more than 5,000 outside the venue but within the 10-hectare ARMM compound, Murad said, “Let me appeal to you. Let us give this BOL a chance because it will only come once. It may not come again if we won’t take it.”

Duterte has urged the Bangsamoro people and non-Muslims to vote for “yes” on Monday to ratify the BOL.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059406

Intel ops necessary to maintain peace, order: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Intel ops necessary to maintain peace, order: PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday stressed the need for continuous gathering of intelligence information on members of left-leaning groups as part of efforts to preserve the country's internal security.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said this move does not violate any law and is in compliance with their mandate to protect the people against “enemies” of the state.

“The Philippine National Police is the national police force mandated with the duty to enforce the law and maintain peace and order as a function of government consistent with state policy declared in Article II Section 5 of the Constitution that “the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy,” Durana told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“Gathering intelligence allows the state to distinguish genuine progressives from unrepentant communist terrorists out to overthrow a duly elected government through violent means; routinely extort, burn and loot assets of businesses that gave livelihood to peace-loving citizens of this country,” Durana stated.

He said the enemies of the state included the communist terrorist groups, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Durana said it was CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison himself who tagged Bayan, Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), League of the Filipino Students (LFS) and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) as allied groups of the communist movement.

He, however, explained that the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which could be the basis of the ACT’s petition, does not apply to “information necessary in order to carry out the functions of public authority which includes the processing of personal data for the performance by the independent, central monetary authority and law enforcement and regulatory agencies of their constitutionally and statutorily mandated functions.”

“The PNP recognizes ACT as a legitimate union of teachers in the Philippines established since 1982 for the purpose of protecting the rights of teachers. But they ceased to enjoy this recognition when the enemies of the state proclaimed ACT as one of their own-- as among the front organizations under its wings that work in support of the forces of the armed revolution,” Durana said.

On Thursday, ACT, represented by its National Chairperson Joselyn Martinez and Secretary-General Raymond Basilio, filed a petition against the PNP before the Court of Appeals over the supposed police surveillance of its members.

In a 40-page petition for prohibition, the group, through its lawyers from the National Union of People's Lawyers, asked the appellate court to hand down a temporary restraining order against the PNP's "profiling or procuring lists of teachers affiliated with petitioner (ACT)".

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, welcomed the group's move.

"Well that's good so that we can answer it in the proper forum. I think this is a way to know the truth and what our police officers are doing as well as the people who are involved. If the allegations are not true, let them prove it," the PNP chief told reporters on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059217

Troops pre-deployed to secure BOL: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Troops pre-deployed to secure BOL: AFP

Military efforts to secure the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebsicite are now complete with only minor adjustments to be done, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Friday.

"Yes, troops securing the BOL plebiscite (are) already pre-deployed and only minor adjustments are being done by field commanders as 'D-Day' (election day) comes," Detoyato said when asked for updates on security preparations for the plebiscite.

While they have yet to detect any specific threats against the elections, Detoyato said that they are monitoring the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other ISIS-inspired terror groups who might have plans to disrupt Monday's polls.

"Yes, we are monitoring and other troops are operating (to forestall possible disruption attempts by these groups)," he added.

The military is earmarking around 10,000 plus troops and support units to help secure the BOL plebiscite along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Jan. 21.

"Rest assured, the AFP together with the PNP and with the big help from OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) the LGUs (local government units) and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) leadership, the coming plebiscite will be conducted smoothly," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059308

DILG, PNP welcome ACT case before CA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): DILG, PNP welcome ACT case before CA

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday welcomed a case filed by a teachers' organization before the Court of Appeals (CA) against the PNP's alleged profiling of the group’s members.

Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) filed a petition for prohibition, citing alleged violations of their members’ right to association and right to assembly by PNP personnel.

The petitioners are asking the government for redress of grievances, freedom of expression, and their members' right to privacy.



"I wish to emphasize that the PNP has done nothing to violate any of the rights mentioned in the petition. In fact, allegations of a police crackdown on ACT is absolutely devoid of basis or evidence and is merely a propaganda ploy to earn precious media mileage ahead of the partylist elections in May," Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a news release.

Año noted that it is part of the mandate of law enforcers to gather intelligence on groups -- including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA) -- that want to wreak havoc on government institutions and the general public.

"We must be reminded that intelligence gathering is a task routinely done by law enforcement officers all over the world as part of their mandate and it was CPP founder Joma Sison himself who identified the front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front)," he said.

"With this, we maintain that, as stated by the Supreme Court in several of its decisions, that the right to privacy is not absolute and may nevertheless succumb to an overriding state interest deemed legitimate and compelling," he added.

Año said government law enforcement agencies will continue to do their duty to maintain peace and order and "to take all necessary steps to ensure public safety within the bounds of law."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059326

DND chief reiterates strong gov't support for BOL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): DND chief reiterates strong gov't support for BOL

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday reiterated the government's strong support for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"We in the national government, most especially in your Department of National Defense (DND), fully support the BOL and the BARMM. For all we know, only unity and love of country can propel us to greater heights as one nation," Lorenzana said in his speech at the "BOL Meeting de Avance" at the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus municipality of Jolo, Sulu, which was forwarded to reporters in Manila.

Lorenzana noted that the measure will help the Bangsamoro people attain social justice, equality, peace and prosperity.

"Through the BARMM, the socio-economic potentials of Muslim Mindanao will be realized and strengthened. Our 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees an equal opportunity for every Filipino," the defense chief added.

The BOL plebiscite is slated to be held on January 21.

"The ideal Mindanao we are all aspiring is now coming into a reality. Yes, our vision for the land of Mindanao is now gaining a very positive momentum. This is our national aspiration: A sustainable peace, enduring political stability and socio-economic advancement towards our dream for a world-class Philippines," he added.

Lorenzana also stressed that the "BOL Meeting de Avance" is a clear testament that the Bangsamoro People of Mindanao are lovers of peace and are all eager to contribute to national prosperity.

"Let me therefore state that with the eventual ratification of the BOL, the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or the ARMM will be supplanted by a better and bolder Bangsamoro (Autonomous) Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. This is our dream, this is our national aspiration. Together we will succeed," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the BOL on July 27, 2018.

The law is part of his campaign promise to heed the Moro people’s clamor for genuine autonomy, saying the nation needs to address the “historical injustices committed against the Moro people” in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059311

Chinese flotilla in Manila for 4-day goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2019): Chinese flotilla in Manila for 4-day goodwill visit

A Chinese naval task force consisting of two guided-missile frigates, Wu Hu (Hull 539) and Han Dan (Hull 579), and replenishment ship, Dong Ping Hu (Hull 960), arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila on Thursday for a goodwill visit that will last until Sunday.

At 10 a.m., Commodore Wilfredo F. Burgonio, Philippine Fleet deputy commander and representing Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad, accorded the Chinese flotilla a welcome ceremony followed by a port briefing related to health and security aboard the Wu Hu.

“We have elevated our relationship to one of comprehensive strategic cooperation, opening a new chapter for China-Philippine relationship. I believe that we come here with peace, friendship and a better vision of common development and shared prosperity,” Rear Admiral Xu Haihua, North Sea Fleet deputy chief-of-staff and naval task group commander said in his speech at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Burgonio expressed hope that the arrival of their counterparts from the Chinese Navy underscored the continuing efforts to further strengthen the relationship between the two Navies.

This will further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy.

The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies. It will further enhance exchanges and mutual trust through naval diplomacy.

The event was also witnessed by members of the Filipino-Chinese community, who joined in welcoming the Chinese Navy contingent.

This is the second visit for the People’s Liberation Army Navy ships during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The first visit took place in April 30, 2017 at Sasa Wharf in Davao City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059261

2 NPA arsonists yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2019): 2 NPA arsonists yield in Sultan Kudarat



REBELS GIVE UP. Two members of the New People’s Army, identified only as Ka Jongie and Ka Fred, yielded to the military in simple ceremony at the headquarters of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat held Wednesday (Jan. 16, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), who were involved in the recent torching of eight heavy equipment in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, have surrendered to authorities, the Army said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (IB), presented the surrenderers to Lt. Col. Jorge Garcia, commander of the 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT), during ceremonies held at the 33IB headquarters in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.

Local government officials, in coordination with the 33IB, have facilitated the surrender of the duo, who have earlier sent surrender feelers to Cabunoc, in the outskirts of Senator Nonoy Aquino town, also in Sultan Kudarat.

The surrenderers, identified only through aliases Ka Jongie and Ka Fred, also yielded two 9mm M11 Ingram submachine pistols.

Ka Jongie, 35, said they have realized the futility of their cause.

“We were made to believe that the communists can help us claim back our ancestral lands. Instead, our involvement in the communist terrorist group had brought more suffering to us and our communities," he said.

Cabunoc, for his part, urged the surrenderers to collaborate with government authorities in solving the problems of their communities.

“Resist the intrusion of the deceptive propaganda of the communists by actively participating in peace dialogues and by supporting the implementation of development projects,” Cabunoc told the returnees.

Last Jan. 7, both surrenderers, together with some 20 others, torched eight heavy equipment being used for road construction in the upland village of Hinalaan in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

The rebels, clad in fatigue uniforms, arrived at the construction site of Janmerc Construction Company around 5 a.m. that day and burned the equipment.

Seven of the construction equipment were torched in Barangay Hinalaan center while a backhoe was burned in Sitio Saniag, also in the same barangay.

Among the burned equipment were a payloader, cement mixer, cargo truck, road roller, dump truck, and backhoe.

Janmerc has been tasked to undertake a road-concreting project between the towns of Senator Ninoy Aquino and Kalamansig, both in Sultan Kudarat province.

The rebels burned the heavy equipment after the construction firm rejected their demand for revolutionary taxes and protection money. A company-size contingent of the 2nd MBLT, backed by police forces, were immediately dispatched to hunt down the NPAs operating in the area.

Speaking on behalf of the 2nd MBLT, Garcia has pledged to assist the former rebels so they would be able to receive the social benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, has cited the collaboration between the military units to go after the NPA in the Kalamansig-President Quirino-Senator Ninoy Aquino border.

“Let us ensure that these misguided will be provided with appropriate support by their local chief executives as they reunite with their families,” Sobejana said referring to the surrenderers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059218

Army lauds Samar folks' aid to track rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2019): Army lauds Samar folks' aid to track rebels



A structure in an abandoned camp discovered by soldiers in Bay-ang village in San Jorge, Samar. (Photo courtersy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine Army has lauded residents of San Jorge, Samar for providing information that led to the discovery of a New People's Army (NPA) camp.

In a statement issued Thursday, Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Raul Farnacio, said residents of upland Bay-ang village disclosed to troops the location of an abandoned camp of armed rebels.

Soldiers were in the area Monday afternoon to hunt down fleeing heavily-armed NPA members, who engaged them in a gun battle on Saturday. Nine soldiers were slightly wounded during the firefight.

Soldiers found four multi-purpose halls, one big mess hall, one classroom with medical facilities, one training ground, four caves with one supply room, toilets, five kitchens, 13 posts, laminated sacks, one C-type claymore mine, oil container with gas, 122 bunkers, two generators, two M16 magazines, one .45-caliber magazine, assorted wires, 10 pieces of water containers, one command switch for an explosive device, assorted light bulbs, and subversive documents.

"This captured enemy encampment is a big blow to the NPA and on their plan to conduct atrocities in the region. It bespeaks of our relentless efforts in internal security operations and in safeguarding the remote communities that are often abused and exploited by communist rebels," Farnacio said.

He asked residents to continue their cooperation with the military in tracking down the rebels.

The military official urged the rebels to lay down their arms, live a normal and peaceful life with their families, and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program offered by the government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059256

Oro to build halfway house for ex-rebels

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jan 16, 2019): Oro to build halfway house for ex-rebels

THE City Government, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), are planning to build a shelter for former New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

According to Allan Porcadilla, focal person of the Enhanced - Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) concerns, the city is now looking for vacant lots where the proposed halfway house would be built.
The shelter will house former rebels before they will be returned to their families. They will undergo a rehabilitation program, and will be given livelihood projects, farming, livestock, raising, life skills training, therapeutic and psycho-social activities, value formations, among others, to prepare them in their return to the community.

City Administrator Teddy Sabuga-a said the city currently has 10 former rebels from Barangay Besigan but are still under validation.

Sabuga-a said this project is funded by the national government and is worth P5 million, pointing out that the reintegration of former rebels is a priority program of the government.

The city will provide the land and the personnel of the facility.

"Humana man sa provinces, they already have shelters, now the focus is in highly-urbanized areas to help also rebel returnees who are residing in Cagayan de Oro," he added.

The E-CLIP is a strategic flagship program of Duterte as an effective means of achieving the government’s peace and development agenda.

The program gives free housing, livelihood opportunities, and free education for the children of the rebel returnees.

According to the army, since the President issued a directive in 2017 to craft the E-CLIP as a concrete program for the reintegration former rebels, there has been a spike in the number of surrenderees from the NPA.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1783222

PNP monitoring activist groups, other ‘legal fronts’ of CPP-NPA

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 16, 2019): PNP monitoring activist groups, other ‘legal fronts’ of CPP-NPA

Leaders and members of various left-leaning groups in the country, especially progressive student organizations, are being subjected to intelligence monitoring by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on suspicion of being “legal fronts” by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), a police spokesperson confirmed Tuesday.




Philippine National Police Spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr.
(Kevin Tristan Espiritu / MANILA BULLETIN)
Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr., PNP spokesperson, revealed this after a former rebel leader operating in Laguna and other provinces in Calabarzon (Region 4A) surrendered to the police and bared they used to recruit college students to become communist rebels.

On Monday, PNP chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde presented in Camp Crame, Quezon City a certain Ka Ruben, a rebel-returnee who claimed to be a former leader of a communist group based in Laguna.

Ka Ruben said students from the University of the Philippines (UP) and Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) would often visit them in far-flung communities or climb mountains to conduct a research.

“But some of them would no longer go back and would choose to stay,” Ka Ruben said.

This was the reason why Durana said intelligence monitoring of left-leaning organizations is important since they need to implement security measures to prevent the recruitment of students into communist groups.

“It [intelligence monitoring] is an on-going mandate of the security sector including the PNP because it is the duty of the state to protect its citizens and the state itself against communist terrorist groups such as the CPP-NPA and its allied front organizations,” Durana said.

“We would be remiss in our job if we are not carrying out our role of conducting regularly intelligence and counter-intelligence operations against elements of organizations that are allied with the enemies of the state,” he added.

Durana did not reveal the organizations that they are monitoring.

However, he said that among the groups specified by top communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison as legal fronts of the CPP-NPA are Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), League of Filipino Students (LFS), Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Gabriela Women’s Party, and Kadena — a militant youth group, among others.

Durana said Sison himself tagged the said organizations as the communist group’s legal fronts during one of his lectures in Europe years back when he was released by the Corazon Aquino administration.

“[I]t didn’t come from the PNP, it came itself from their leader Jose Maria Sison and that’s a living proof that indeed there are infiltrations of these legal sectoral organizations,” he said.

For its part, the League of Filipino Students (LFS) slammed the PNP’s statement that students from UP and PUP were immersing with communist groups, saying the police force “has gone hysterical with [its] crackdown against youth dissenters.”

“This is nothing but a frantic attempt to threaten the ever-growing youth movement, and pacify their resistance against Duterte’s tyrannical rule,” Kara Taggaoa, LFS national spokesperson said.

Last week, the PNP was also placed in hot water after a police memorandum order was leaked on the conduct of an inventory of the members of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT).

The ACT called out the PNP for allegedly “spying” on their members and this prompted Albayalde to relieve three intelligence operatives linked to the operation.

Another progressive group, National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW), has been tagged by the PNP as a legal front of the CPP-NPA late last year.

This, after the death of nine sugar workers known as the Sagay Massacre in Sagay, Negros Occidental on October 20, 2018 which was blamed by the Calabarzon police on the NPAs.

But militancy, according to Durana, is “an important component of a vibrant democracy” since it holds the government accountable to the interest of the people.

“The only problem is if these legal organizations, this militancy, this student activism, are being exploited by the enemies of the state to pursue their overall goal of violent overthrow of the government,” Durana explained.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/16/pnp-monitoring-activist-groups-other-legal-fronts-of-cpp-npa/

Soldiers kill 4 BIFF men in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Star (Jan 17, 2019): Soldiers kill 4 BIFF men in Maguindanao

Four members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in an encounter with soldiers in Saidona Mustapha town on Tuesday.

Barangay elders and local officials identified the fatalities as Akmad Sindi, Raguiab Bansao, Ameruddin Bunao and Gamino Orai.

 

A certain Gadoh and an alias Tasil were reportedly wounded in the clash.

Reports reaching Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat showed that the bandits carried the bodies of their comrades as they escaped.

The military said the gunfight erupted when the BIFF men fired at personnel of the 40th Infantry Battalion who were patrolling Barangay Inaladan.  

 Soldiers recovered four rifles from the fatalities and improvised exlosive devices along the bandits’ escape route.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/01/17/1885643/soldiers-kill-4-biff-men-maguindanao