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Thursday, May 16, 2019
AFP-CRS: Martial Law in Mindanao deters terror
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (May 16, 2019): Martial Law in Mindanao deters terror
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AFP-CRS: Philippines and Czech Republic hold 1st Defense Committee Meeting
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (May 16, 2019): Philippines and Czech Republic hold 1st Defense Committee Meeting
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Declare Reds personanon grata, PNP asks
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 16, 2019): Declare Reds personanon grata, PNP asks
The Bacolod City Police Office is requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass a resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army persona non grata.
In his letter to the SP, through Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran dated May 2, acting Bacolod Police Director Police Col. Henry Binas said their request is in line with their campaign against violence, terrorism and oppression by communist insurgents.
Binas cited the declaration of persona non grata against the CPP-NPA by some local government units in some areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
He said the declarations were made, citing the " continued acts of violence, terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of lawlessness, oppression, and harassment" of the communist insurgents against the people, acts that are manifestations that they only bring extreme poverty and misery to the people.
Familiaran said they referred the request of the police to the SP Committee on police matters, peace and order, and illegal drugs.
But, sad to say, all committee members were not present.
He said the chairman of the committee is Councilor Ricardo Tan, the vice chair is Councilor Dindo Ramos and Councilor Claudio Puentevella is a member.
Familiaran said the SP deferred the request of the police to the next session.*
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/16/topstory10.htm
The Bacolod City Police Office is requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass a resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army persona non grata.
In his letter to the SP, through Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran dated May 2, acting Bacolod Police Director Police Col. Henry Binas said their request is in line with their campaign against violence, terrorism and oppression by communist insurgents.
Binas cited the declaration of persona non grata against the CPP-NPA by some local government units in some areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
He said the declarations were made, citing the " continued acts of violence, terrorism, violent extremism and other forms of lawlessness, oppression, and harassment" of the communist insurgents against the people, acts that are manifestations that they only bring extreme poverty and misery to the people.
Familiaran said they referred the request of the police to the SP Committee on police matters, peace and order, and illegal drugs.
But, sad to say, all committee members were not present.
He said the chairman of the committee is Councilor Ricardo Tan, the vice chair is Councilor Dindo Ramos and Councilor Claudio Puentevella is a member.
Familiaran said the SP deferred the request of the police to the next session.*
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/16/topstory10.htm
3 soldiers injured in battle
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 16, 2019): 3 soldiers injured in battle
Three Army soldiers were slightly injured during an encounter with about 30 suspected New People’s Army rebels yesterday in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion assaulted the temporary harboring area of about 30 NPA rebels in Sitio Putting Tubig, Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava, with the firefight lasting for about one hour.
Three Army soldiers had abrasions on their hands with one in his armpit, after being hit by shrapnels of exploded M203 grenade, Arevalo said.
But Arevalo said they received reports from the populace in the area that the NPA suffered five casualties, based on heavy bloodstains found in their defensive positions, that was later overran by Army soldiers.
Recovered from the encounter site were a magazine containing eight ammunition of M1 Garand carbine rifle, three cellular phones, two cellular phone power banks, a pair of combat boots, a hammock and poncho, as well as 10 kilos of rice.
Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, 79IB commander, said the continuous encounters against the NPA prove that communities no longer want the presence of rebels in their areas.
The encounter took place after almost a month after the 79IB also figured in armed skirmishes with communist rebels in Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava, that resulted in the killing of three rebels and the recovery of two assault rifles.
Two Air Force helicopters are now assisting the 79IB in the pursuit operations against the fleeing NPA rebels.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/16/topstory8.htm
Three Army soldiers were slightly injured during an encounter with about 30 suspected New People’s Army rebels yesterday in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion assaulted the temporary harboring area of about 30 NPA rebels in Sitio Putting Tubig, Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava, with the firefight lasting for about one hour.
Three Army soldiers had abrasions on their hands with one in his armpit, after being hit by shrapnels of exploded M203 grenade, Arevalo said.
But Arevalo said they received reports from the populace in the area that the NPA suffered five casualties, based on heavy bloodstains found in their defensive positions, that was later overran by Army soldiers.
Recovered from the encounter site were a magazine containing eight ammunition of M1 Garand carbine rifle, three cellular phones, two cellular phone power banks, a pair of combat boots, a hammock and poncho, as well as 10 kilos of rice.
Lt. Col. Emelito Thaddeus Logan, 79IB commander, said the continuous encounters against the NPA prove that communities no longer want the presence of rebels in their areas.
The encounter took place after almost a month after the 79IB also figured in armed skirmishes with communist rebels in Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava, that resulted in the killing of three rebels and the recovery of two assault rifles.
Two Air Force helicopters are now assisting the 79IB in the pursuit operations against the fleeing NPA rebels.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/16/topstory8.htm
U.S. to continue West PH Sea patrols despite China's disapproval
From Rappler (May 16, 2019): U.S. to continue West PH Sea patrols despite China's disapproval
'We'll consistently be present,' says United States Navy chief Admiral John Richardson
ON PATROL. The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) on June 26, 2017. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released
MANILA, Philippines – The United States will continue sailing in the South China Sea despite the opposition of China, US Navy chief Admiral John Richardson said on Thursday, May 16.
Speaking to reporters in a teleconference from Tokyo, Japan, Richardson said their fleets’ freedom of navigation will continue despite opposition from China.
“The United States Navy has been consistently present in the South China Sea for 70 years. Our operations there have really not fluctuated much over those 7 decades, including in recent times. And so we'll consistently be present. We have [a] tremendous amount of national interest,” Richardson said.
This comes after the US Navy was slammed by the Chinese government for sailing in May close to Gaven and Chigua reefs in the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha.
China also rebuked the US in February after it sent two ships through the Taiwan Strait. The pass-by was seen by China as a breach of its sovereignty. The US, however, disputed this, saying they were simply sailing through international waters.
Richardson stressed that the operations are all consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It’s under the same convention that a Hague tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea were illegal.
“We do this around the entire world, and the operations a dozen or so of these throughout the world, including contesting the excessive maritime claims of even our allies and partners,” Richardson added.
In early May too, navies from the Philippines, United States, India, and Japan flexed their muscles in the disputed South China Sea after coming together for the ASEAN-Plus Defense Ministers' Meeting Maritime Security Field Training Exercise. (IN PHOTOS: PH, U.S., Japan, India flex muscles in South China Sea)
Rest assured, Richardson said, the operations were not intended to be “provocative” to the Chinese in any way. As the US Navy and Filipino fishermen have seen, however, Chinese sea forces are easily provoked.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/230814-us-navy-to-continue-west-philippine-sea-patrols-despite-china-disapproval
'We'll consistently be present,' says United States Navy chief Admiral John Richardson
MANILA, Philippines – The United States will continue sailing in the South China Sea despite the opposition of China, US Navy chief Admiral John Richardson said on Thursday, May 16.
Speaking to reporters in a teleconference from Tokyo, Japan, Richardson said their fleets’ freedom of navigation will continue despite opposition from China.
“The United States Navy has been consistently present in the South China Sea for 70 years. Our operations there have really not fluctuated much over those 7 decades, including in recent times. And so we'll consistently be present. We have [a] tremendous amount of national interest,” Richardson said.
This comes after the US Navy was slammed by the Chinese government for sailing in May close to Gaven and Chigua reefs in the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha.
China also rebuked the US in February after it sent two ships through the Taiwan Strait. The pass-by was seen by China as a breach of its sovereignty. The US, however, disputed this, saying they were simply sailing through international waters.
Richardson stressed that the operations are all consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It’s under the same convention that a Hague tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea were illegal.
“We do this around the entire world, and the operations a dozen or so of these throughout the world, including contesting the excessive maritime claims of even our allies and partners,” Richardson added.
In early May too, navies from the Philippines, United States, India, and Japan flexed their muscles in the disputed South China Sea after coming together for the ASEAN-Plus Defense Ministers' Meeting Maritime Security Field Training Exercise. (IN PHOTOS: PH, U.S., Japan, India flex muscles in South China Sea)
Rest assured, Richardson said, the operations were not intended to be “provocative” to the Chinese in any way. As the US Navy and Filipino fishermen have seen, however, Chinese sea forces are easily provoked.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/230814-us-navy-to-continue-west-philippine-sea-patrols-despite-china-disapproval
In Basilan, Akbars out, more Hatamans in
From MindaNews (May 16, 2019): In Basilan, Akbars out, more Hatamans in
Akbars out, more Hatamans in.
Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman won a second term, his brother Mujiv Hataman won the seat for the lone district of Basilan while Mujiv’s wife, Sitti Djalia, is now the new city mayor of Isabela, partial unofficial results from the Commission on Elections show.
In Lamitan City, the Furigay couple Rosita and Roderick won even before election day. Both ran unopposed for mayor and vice mayor. Roderick was the first mayor of Lamitan as a city. He was elected mayor in 2004 and served for three terms until 2013. Rosita won a third term. The Furigays had previously served Lamitan when it was still a municipality.
Akbars out, more Hatamans in.
Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman won a second term, his brother Mujiv Hataman won the seat for the lone district of Basilan while Mujiv’s wife, Sitti Djalia, is now the new city mayor of Isabela, partial unofficial results from the Commission on Elections show.
In Lamitan City, the Furigay couple Rosita and Roderick won even before election day. Both ran unopposed for mayor and vice mayor. Roderick was the first mayor of Lamitan as a city. He was elected mayor in 2004 and served for three terms until 2013. Rosita won a third term. The Furigays had previously served Lamitan when it was still a municipality.
Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, incoming mayor of Isabela City in Basilan. Photo from Ms Hataman’s FB page
Lamitan City was among four cities in Mindanao (out of 33) where Duterte lost in the Presidential elections of 2016. The couple ran under President Duterte’s Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) in the 2019 polls.
In Isabela City, Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar (PDP) who was mayor for three terms from 2007 to 2016, failed in her bid for a comeback in 2019. She conceded defeat to former Anak Mindanaw party list Representative Sitti Djalia Hataman of the Liberal Party (LP).
As of the 8:26 a.m. partial, unofficial results from the Commission on Elections posted by ABS-CBN’s Halalan 2019, with 92 of 94 election returns or 97.87% of the votes, Sitti Djalia got 25,835 votes against Akbar’s 18,084.
Addressing Akbar in her Facebook post on Tuesday morning, Sitti Djalia, said that on behalf of the people of Isabela, “I humbly accept your concession, and offer too in return, our hand in peace.”
“In an exercise of democracy, it is the people who either win or lose with the choices they make. I accepted the call to join this exercise as a choice for the people, and never as an opponent to anyone. I repeatedly emphasized, it was not a race between us, between our families, or between our supporters, but a right and responsibility the people must fulfill,” she said.
“Rest assured that with the people, we will build on the gains of the current, your and the previous leaders of Isabela City. With full trust in God’s guidance, we shall strive to make this beloved city of ours a living symbol of peace and progress, and our people a living proof of an empowered, united and responsive citizenry,” Sitti Djalia added.
The Akbars were in power starting in 1998 when Wahab Akbar won as governor. He served for three terms until 2007. That same year, he was elected Representative of Basilan’s lone district, while wife Jum, was elected governor and his other wife, Cherrylyn as mayor of Isabela City.
Akbar was killed in an explosion outside the south wing of the Batasang Pambansa on November 13, 2007.
Jum served as governor from 2007 to 2016 and moved to the House of Representatives in 2016. She passed away on November 11, 2016.
Cherrylyn served as mayor from 2007 to 2016. Jum’s son, Al Qaid was elected mayor in 2016.
The Hatamans – Mujiv, his wife Sitti Djalia, and brother Jim – are all former members of Congress, Mujiv and Sitti Djalia representing Anak Mindanaw partylist – Mujiv from 2001 to 2010, and Sitti Djalia from June 30, 2013 until she resigned in early October 2017 to focus on community work. Jim was elected Basilan’s lone representative to Congress in 2010 and was reelected in 2013.
Lamitan City was among four cities in Mindanao (out of 33) where Duterte lost in the Presidential elections of 2016. The couple ran under President Duterte’s Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino (PDP) in the 2019 polls.
In Isabela City, Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar (PDP) who was mayor for three terms from 2007 to 2016, failed in her bid for a comeback in 2019. She conceded defeat to former Anak Mindanaw party list Representative Sitti Djalia Hataman of the Liberal Party (LP).
As of the 8:26 a.m. partial, unofficial results from the Commission on Elections posted by ABS-CBN’s Halalan 2019, with 92 of 94 election returns or 97.87% of the votes, Sitti Djalia got 25,835 votes against Akbar’s 18,084.
Addressing Akbar in her Facebook post on Tuesday morning, Sitti Djalia, said that on behalf of the people of Isabela, “I humbly accept your concession, and offer too in return, our hand in peace.”
“In an exercise of democracy, it is the people who either win or lose with the choices they make. I accepted the call to join this exercise as a choice for the people, and never as an opponent to anyone. I repeatedly emphasized, it was not a race between us, between our families, or between our supporters, but a right and responsibility the people must fulfill,” she said.
“Rest assured that with the people, we will build on the gains of the current, your and the previous leaders of Isabela City. With full trust in God’s guidance, we shall strive to make this beloved city of ours a living symbol of peace and progress, and our people a living proof of an empowered, united and responsive citizenry,” Sitti Djalia added.
The Akbars were in power starting in 1998 when Wahab Akbar won as governor. He served for three terms until 2007. That same year, he was elected Representative of Basilan’s lone district, while wife Jum, was elected governor and his other wife, Cherrylyn as mayor of Isabela City.
Akbar was killed in an explosion outside the south wing of the Batasang Pambansa on November 13, 2007.
Jum served as governor from 2007 to 2016 and moved to the House of Representatives in 2016. She passed away on November 11, 2016.
Cherrylyn served as mayor from 2007 to 2016. Jum’s son, Al Qaid was elected mayor in 2016.
The Hatamans – Mujiv, his wife Sitti Djalia, and brother Jim – are all former members of Congress, Mujiv and Sitti Djalia representing Anak Mindanaw partylist – Mujiv from 2001 to 2010, and Sitti Djalia from June 30, 2013 until she resigned in early October 2017 to focus on community work. Jim was elected Basilan’s lone representative to Congress in 2010 and was reelected in 2013.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman delivers his last State of the Region Address on 19 December 2018. Photo courtesy of the ARMM Bureau of Public Information
Jim, who ran under the PDP, is ending his first term as Governor, Mujiv served as OIC Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) from December 2001 to June 30, 2013 and was elected Governor in 2013 and reelected in 2016.
With 97.87% of the election returns in, Jim, who served as mayor of Sumisip town from 2001 to 2004, garnered 77,042 votes against 72,327 votes for Lakas’ Alfiya Hernandez while Mujiv won 116,683 votes against the 27,817 votes of KDP’s Omar Akbar with. Omar is a nephew of Jum.
In Sumisip, Mayor Gulam Hataman (PDP), the sibling of Mujiv and Jim, won the vice mayoralty race while his son, Vice Mayor Adnan Salliman Hataman (PDP) was elected mayor.
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/05/in-basilan-akbars-out-more-hatamans-in/
Jim, who ran under the PDP, is ending his first term as Governor, Mujiv served as OIC Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) from December 2001 to June 30, 2013 and was elected Governor in 2013 and reelected in 2016.
With 97.87% of the election returns in, Jim, who served as mayor of Sumisip town from 2001 to 2004, garnered 77,042 votes against 72,327 votes for Lakas’ Alfiya Hernandez while Mujiv won 116,683 votes against the 27,817 votes of KDP’s Omar Akbar with. Omar is a nephew of Jum.
In Sumisip, Mayor Gulam Hataman (PDP), the sibling of Mujiv and Jim, won the vice mayoralty race while his son, Vice Mayor Adnan Salliman Hataman (PDP) was elected mayor.
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/05/in-basilan-akbars-out-more-hatamans-in/
TABAK Division to deploy 283 new soldiers
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 16, 2019): TABAK Division to deploy 283 new soldiers
KUTA SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur - - About 283 new graduates; 259 male and 24 female soldiers have successfully completed the 10-month rigid training at the 1st Division Training School (IDTS) in Upper Pulacan, this municipality.
BGen Roberto T. Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry TABAK Division, PA was the keynote speaker during the closing ceremony of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Classes 567 and 568 - 2018 cross-trained with Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC).
He challenged the new soldiers to walk according to the living ideals of soldiery. “Your journey has just begun, always uphold the virtues of the AFP and serve with Pride and Honor and do not forget to seek help and guidance from our God Almighty.”
The training provided the candidate soldiers with the basic knowledge and skills of soldiery, and developed their character that make them into strong and lethal warrior members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
BGen Ancan also expressed his gratitude to the family, especially the parents of the graduates who entrusted their sons and daughters to be part of the noble profession of arms, reminding them also that military life is a life of service and danger, but nonetheless a patriotic life that one could be proud of.
The new graduates will be deployed to the different field units under the administrative control of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, and will serve to further strengthen the forces of the division in fighting violence and terrorism and in sustaining the peace and development in Western Mindanao. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022026
KUTA SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur - - About 283 new graduates; 259 male and 24 female soldiers have successfully completed the 10-month rigid training at the 1st Division Training School (IDTS) in Upper Pulacan, this municipality.
BGen Roberto T. Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry TABAK Division, PA was the keynote speaker during the closing ceremony of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Classes 567 and 568 - 2018 cross-trained with Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC).
He challenged the new soldiers to walk according to the living ideals of soldiery. “Your journey has just begun, always uphold the virtues of the AFP and serve with Pride and Honor and do not forget to seek help and guidance from our God Almighty.”
The training provided the candidate soldiers with the basic knowledge and skills of soldiery, and developed their character that make them into strong and lethal warrior members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
BGen Ancan also expressed his gratitude to the family, especially the parents of the graduates who entrusted their sons and daughters to be part of the noble profession of arms, reminding them also that military life is a life of service and danger, but nonetheless a patriotic life that one could be proud of.
The new graduates will be deployed to the different field units under the administrative control of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, and will serve to further strengthen the forces of the division in fighting violence and terrorism and in sustaining the peace and development in Western Mindanao. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022026
44 former NPA sympathizers renew allegiance supporting the government
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 16, 2019): 44 former NPA sympathizers renew allegiance supporting the government
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur -- Forty-four former sympathizers of the underground movements of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the second district of Ilocos Sur have renewed their allegiance supporting the Philippine government.
The former NPA sympathizers also condemned the activities of the NPA rebels manipulating the minds of the populace in the villages to inculcate the crumpled ideology of communism.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Castillo, the commander of the Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion, said on Thursday that the mass oath-taking rite of the former NPA supporters was held during the recent Grand Pulong-Pulong at Barangay Tablac, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The Grand Pulong-Pulong is a continuing activity of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 81st Infantry Battalion to bring the services and programs of the national government agencies to the residents of the insurgency-affected barangays in the province.
During the pulong-pulong in Barangay Tablac, Candon City, the village officials headed by Roland Torres crafted and issued a resolution denouncing the presence of CPP-NPA rebels in the barangay and declaring them as “persona non grata.”
“In our area of operations, many barangays have already declared the NPA rebels as persona non grata; these imply that they are already fed up with the NPAs entering their respective barangays, intimidating people and averting peace and development in the area,” Castillo said.
For his part, Major General Lenard Agustin, the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, commended the Ilocos Sur residents for their cooperation to end the problem of insurgency in the province.
“It is good to know that the people of Ilocos Sur have united with us to fight the insurgency problem in the area; cooperation of the people is very important in ending insurgency; and let us unite with each other to attain the genuine peace towards development,” said Agustin.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022078
CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur -- Forty-four former sympathizers of the underground movements of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the second district of Ilocos Sur have renewed their allegiance supporting the Philippine government.
The former NPA sympathizers also condemned the activities of the NPA rebels manipulating the minds of the populace in the villages to inculcate the crumpled ideology of communism.
Lieutenant Colonel Charles Castillo, the commander of the Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion, said on Thursday that the mass oath-taking rite of the former NPA supporters was held during the recent Grand Pulong-Pulong at Barangay Tablac, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The Grand Pulong-Pulong is a continuing activity of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 81st Infantry Battalion to bring the services and programs of the national government agencies to the residents of the insurgency-affected barangays in the province.
During the pulong-pulong in Barangay Tablac, Candon City, the village officials headed by Roland Torres crafted and issued a resolution denouncing the presence of CPP-NPA rebels in the barangay and declaring them as “persona non grata.”
“In our area of operations, many barangays have already declared the NPA rebels as persona non grata; these imply that they are already fed up with the NPAs entering their respective barangays, intimidating people and averting peace and development in the area,” Castillo said.
For his part, Major General Lenard Agustin, the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, commended the Ilocos Sur residents for their cooperation to end the problem of insurgency in the province.
“It is good to know that the people of Ilocos Sur have united with us to fight the insurgency problem in the area; cooperation of the people is very important in ending insurgency; and let us unite with each other to attain the genuine peace towards development,” said Agustin.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022078
Palace advises critics, Reds to accept defeat
From the Philippine News Agency (May 15, 2019): Palace advises critics, Reds to accept defeat
Malacañang on Wednesday called on the opposition and leftist groups to be “humble enough” to accept their defeat in the May 13 mid-term elections.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo slammed Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes for claiming the so-called President Rodrigo Duterte’s “magic” was “the systematic cheating and rigging of the elections.”
"We hope that Mr. Reyes would be humble enough to accept the electoral defeat even as we are magnanimous in our triumph,” Panelo said in a statement.
“Their strategy of attacking a non-candidate President who remains hugely popular amongst the people, registering an 81 percent public satisfaction rating in favor of his administration at the height of the campaign season, was simply wrong. It triggered a backlash against the opposition candidates," he said.
Panelo said the loss suffered by the left-leaning groups should be a "wake-up call" to them as it showed the public's non-agreement to the advocacies they are pushing for.
"Their loss is a clear indictment that our people do not believe in their advocacies, especially on the war on drugs, extra-judicial killings, South China Sea, one-man rule, etc., which they have foisted and peddled to the people. The electorate has seen through the sophistry of espousing their feigned brand of nationalism for many decades, taking advantage of the poor man’s plight," Panelo said.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Reyes -- instead of throwing in the towel and yield to the resounding voice of the electorate -- opts to throw his false and malicious narratives at the Duterte administration," he added.
Panelo said Reyes' claim of irregularities have not been backed by any substantial evidence.
He cited that the leadership of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is mostly composed of appointees by former president Benigno S. Aquino III.
"President Duterte will never interfere with the election process, as well as frustrate the sovereign will of the people, for such is the very process which propelled him to the presidency," he said.
Panelo also contradicted Reyes' definition of the "Duterte magic" and defined it as a total package of sterling performance, empathy, and good governance the President delivers to the people.
"It includes his decisive actions in resolving various local and national issues, as well as creating solutions to uplift the lives of the citizenry. These, among others, comprise the ‘Duterte magic’ which carried his candidates to a resounding victory," he said.
Panelo instead urged Reyes and the left to present an alternative platform.
"They should have presented an alternative platform of governance and discussed how their brand of politics would be much better than the kind that the administration candidates would provide," he said.
He also called on the opposition to set aside partisanship and work together for the betterment of the Filipino people.
"The sovereign voice has spoken. We urge the opposition, the critics and the detractors to bow to the majesty of the rule of the majority, lest we are swept away by the rampaging tidal waves of change," he said.
In a statement, Reyes claimed that the "Duterte magic" is the use of government resources to favor administration bets, use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police to target and harass opposition groups, especially the progressive party-lists and candidates, control of the Comelec, and the hocus-pocus of the automated polls, martial law in Mindanao, and government-sponsored disinformation.
Latest partial and unofficial results showed that former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, the left's candidate for the Senate, is far from the winning circle of candidates at 24th place with 96.68 percent of votes already in.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069918
Malacañang on Wednesday called on the opposition and leftist groups to be “humble enough” to accept their defeat in the May 13 mid-term elections.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo slammed Bayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes for claiming the so-called President Rodrigo Duterte’s “magic” was “the systematic cheating and rigging of the elections.”
"We hope that Mr. Reyes would be humble enough to accept the electoral defeat even as we are magnanimous in our triumph,” Panelo said in a statement.
“Their strategy of attacking a non-candidate President who remains hugely popular amongst the people, registering an 81 percent public satisfaction rating in favor of his administration at the height of the campaign season, was simply wrong. It triggered a backlash against the opposition candidates," he said.
Panelo said the loss suffered by the left-leaning groups should be a "wake-up call" to them as it showed the public's non-agreement to the advocacies they are pushing for.
"Their loss is a clear indictment that our people do not believe in their advocacies, especially on the war on drugs, extra-judicial killings, South China Sea, one-man rule, etc., which they have foisted and peddled to the people. The electorate has seen through the sophistry of espousing their feigned brand of nationalism for many decades, taking advantage of the poor man’s plight," Panelo said.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Reyes -- instead of throwing in the towel and yield to the resounding voice of the electorate -- opts to throw his false and malicious narratives at the Duterte administration," he added.
Panelo said Reyes' claim of irregularities have not been backed by any substantial evidence.
He cited that the leadership of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is mostly composed of appointees by former president Benigno S. Aquino III.
"President Duterte will never interfere with the election process, as well as frustrate the sovereign will of the people, for such is the very process which propelled him to the presidency," he said.
Panelo also contradicted Reyes' definition of the "Duterte magic" and defined it as a total package of sterling performance, empathy, and good governance the President delivers to the people.
"It includes his decisive actions in resolving various local and national issues, as well as creating solutions to uplift the lives of the citizenry. These, among others, comprise the ‘Duterte magic’ which carried his candidates to a resounding victory," he said.
Panelo instead urged Reyes and the left to present an alternative platform.
"They should have presented an alternative platform of governance and discussed how their brand of politics would be much better than the kind that the administration candidates would provide," he said.
He also called on the opposition to set aside partisanship and work together for the betterment of the Filipino people.
"The sovereign voice has spoken. We urge the opposition, the critics and the detractors to bow to the majesty of the rule of the majority, lest we are swept away by the rampaging tidal waves of change," he said.
In a statement, Reyes claimed that the "Duterte magic" is the use of government resources to favor administration bets, use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police to target and harass opposition groups, especially the progressive party-lists and candidates, control of the Comelec, and the hocus-pocus of the automated polls, martial law in Mindanao, and government-sponsored disinformation.
Latest partial and unofficial results showed that former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, the left's candidate for the Senate, is far from the winning circle of candidates at 24th place with 96.68 percent of votes already in.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069918
AFP lowers poll alert status to 'blue'
From the Philippine News Agency (May 15, 2019): AFP lowers poll alert status to 'blue'
Following the relatively peaceful conduct of Monday's elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has downgraded its alert status from "red" to "blue" effective noon Wednesday.
"Red alert was downgraded to blue as at 12 noon today (Wednesday) now that nearly all local candidates have been proclaimed. And may be further downgraded to white or normal alert when the candidates to national positions will have been proclaimed," said AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a message to reporters.
Blue alert means 50 percent of all military personnel should be inside camps and will be deployed for any contingency while red alert requires all troops to be ready for the same purpose.
As this developed, Arevalo added AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. joined the nation in a call for unity as the polls concluded.
"We may have differed in our choices, he said, but are one in our desire for good governance," the AFP spokesperson added.
"We only have one country with one aspiration as a people which is national security and sustainable development that follows from strong basic institutions," he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069895
Following the relatively peaceful conduct of Monday's elections, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has downgraded its alert status from "red" to "blue" effective noon Wednesday.
"Red alert was downgraded to blue as at 12 noon today (Wednesday) now that nearly all local candidates have been proclaimed. And may be further downgraded to white or normal alert when the candidates to national positions will have been proclaimed," said AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a message to reporters.
Blue alert means 50 percent of all military personnel should be inside camps and will be deployed for any contingency while red alert requires all troops to be ready for the same purpose.
As this developed, Arevalo added AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. joined the nation in a call for unity as the polls concluded.
"We may have differed in our choices, he said, but are one in our desire for good governance," the AFP spokesperson added.
"We only have one country with one aspiration as a people which is national security and sustainable development that follows from strong basic institutions," he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069895
War materiel recovered from lawless groups in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (May 16, 2019): War materiel recovered from lawless groups in Maguindanao
SEIZED MATERIALS. The war materiel and drug paraphernalia recovered by troopers of the Army's 90th Infantry Battalion from fleeing gunmen in Talitay, Maguindanao on Wednesday (May 15, 23019). Pursuit operations are ongoing against the lawless groups linked to quarreling local politicians. (Photo courtesy of 6th ID)
Army troopers belonging to the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) recovered war materiel left behind by armed lawless groups in Talitay, Maguindanao on Wednesday.
This came about as Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, lauded the military for not lowering their guards after the conduct of a peaceful election Monday.
“Albeit the successful elections on Monday, the 90IB still continued its mandate to ensure that the public is safe and could sleep soundly at night,” he said in a statement Thursday.
Sobejana made the remark after the 90IB stationed in Talitay recovered rifle grenades, drug paraphernalia and other war materiel from armed lawless elements believed to be identified with local politicians.
On Tuesday, alleged armed supporters belonging to the Sabal and Ameril political clans clashed in Barangay Kilalan, resulting in the evacuation of more than 200 villagers. No one was reported hurt in the incident.
Troopers from the 90IB responded to the incident and defused tension in the area.
During a subsequent clearing operation, however, soldiers found drug paraphernalia, empty shells for various ammunition, a bandolier, camouflage uniforms, two-way handheld radios, three 40 mm grenades, one rifle grenade explosive, and 23 pieces of .50-caliber machinegun ammunition in Barangay Kilalan on Wednesday afternoon.
“The clearing operation was part of the military operation against the presence of armed lawless groups in Talitay town, according to Lt. Col. Crizaldo Fernandez, the 90IB chief.
Fernandez vowed to pursue other lawless armed groups reported to have withdrawn in the interiors of Barangays Bentan and Manggay, also both in Talitay.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069934
Army troopers belonging to the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) recovered war materiel left behind by armed lawless groups in Talitay, Maguindanao on Wednesday.
This came about as Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, lauded the military for not lowering their guards after the conduct of a peaceful election Monday.
“Albeit the successful elections on Monday, the 90IB still continued its mandate to ensure that the public is safe and could sleep soundly at night,” he said in a statement Thursday.
Sobejana made the remark after the 90IB stationed in Talitay recovered rifle grenades, drug paraphernalia and other war materiel from armed lawless elements believed to be identified with local politicians.
On Tuesday, alleged armed supporters belonging to the Sabal and Ameril political clans clashed in Barangay Kilalan, resulting in the evacuation of more than 200 villagers. No one was reported hurt in the incident.
Troopers from the 90IB responded to the incident and defused tension in the area.
During a subsequent clearing operation, however, soldiers found drug paraphernalia, empty shells for various ammunition, a bandolier, camouflage uniforms, two-way handheld radios, three 40 mm grenades, one rifle grenade explosive, and 23 pieces of .50-caliber machinegun ammunition in Barangay Kilalan on Wednesday afternoon.
“The clearing operation was part of the military operation against the presence of armed lawless groups in Talitay town, according to Lt. Col. Crizaldo Fernandez, the 90IB chief.
Fernandez vowed to pursue other lawless armed groups reported to have withdrawn in the interiors of Barangays Bentan and Manggay, also both in Talitay.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069934
3 soldiers injured in Basilan ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (May 16, 2019): 3 soldiers injured in Basilan ambush
Three soldiers were injured in an ambush by gunmen in the province of Basilan, the military said Thursday.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, disclosed the incident happened around 10:15 a.m. Thursday in the boundary of Barangays Sabong and Camp Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan.
He said the troops were traveling aboard an MK-37 truck from Lamitan City to the patrol base in Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka town when waylaid by the unidentified suspects.
Besana did not release the identities of the injured soldiers except to say they belong to the Bravo Company of the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion.
He said the suspects fled as soldiers from the detachment in Barangay Sabong quickly responded to the ambush site.
The injured soldiers were taken to the St. Peter’s Hospital in Lamitan City.
The troops, according to Besana, are now tracking down the gunmen behind the ambush.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069977
Three soldiers were injured in an ambush by gunmen in the province of Basilan, the military said Thursday.
Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, disclosed the incident happened around 10:15 a.m. Thursday in the boundary of Barangays Sabong and Camp Uno, Lamitan City, Basilan.
He said the troops were traveling aboard an MK-37 truck from Lamitan City to the patrol base in Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka town when waylaid by the unidentified suspects.
Besana did not release the identities of the injured soldiers except to say they belong to the Bravo Company of the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion.
He said the suspects fled as soldiers from the detachment in Barangay Sabong quickly responded to the ambush site.
The injured soldiers were taken to the St. Peter’s Hospital in Lamitan City.
The troops, according to Besana, are now tracking down the gunmen behind the ambush.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069977
Another Japanese destroyer to visit SBMA
From the Philippine News Agency (May 16, 2019): Another Japanese destroyer to visit SBMA
The JS Samidare (DD-106), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), will dock at the Alava Wharf of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit from Friday to Sunday.
Captain Jonathan Zata, Philippine Navy spokesperson, said the ship will be dropping its anchor around 9 a.m. Friday.
JS Samidare will coming along with two SH-60K patrol helicopters and 200 officers and enlisted personnel.
This is the second visit of the JSMDF in the Philippines this year. The first one was when JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), another Murasame-class destroyer, came in late January.
The Murasame-class destroyer is the first class of the second-generation general-purpose destroyers of the JMSDF.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069939
The JS Samidare (DD-106), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), will dock at the Alava Wharf of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Olongapo City for a goodwill visit from Friday to Sunday.
Captain Jonathan Zata, Philippine Navy spokesperson, said the ship will be dropping its anchor around 9 a.m. Friday.
JS Samidare will coming along with two SH-60K patrol helicopters and 200 officers and enlisted personnel.
This is the second visit of the JSMDF in the Philippines this year. The first one was when JS Ikazuchi (DD-107), another Murasame-class destroyer, came in late January.
The Murasame-class destroyer is the first class of the second-generation general-purpose destroyers of the JMSDF.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069939
DND chief denies hospitalization due to cardiac arrest
From the Philippine News Agency (May 16, 2019): DND chief denies hospitalization due to cardiac arrest
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied reports that he was hospitalized at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City due to cardiac arrest.
"No I did not. Just a routine executive check-up after I came here at the Veterans (Memorial Medical Center) for some eye problem. They are doing a series of tests. While here they did a full check-up. They said it was stress-related," he said to the Philippine News Agency when asked on his medical status late on Wednesday.
In a separate statement, DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said Lorenzana underwent a complete executive check-up upon the advice of VMMC Director, Dr. Dominador Chiong Jr.
"The Secretary was also urged to take advantage of his stay in the hospital to briefly rest from his busy schedule brought about by preparations for the recently concluded elections," Andolong said.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he will comply with such advice.
"I will and will slow down too. Doctor's advice," Lorenzana said.
Also, the DND chief said he will be out of the hospital within a day or two.
The 70-year-old defense chief was supposed to attend a disaster risk reduction conference in Geneva, Switzerland last Monday but this was shelved due to his hospitalization.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069937
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied reports that he was hospitalized at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City due to cardiac arrest.
"No I did not. Just a routine executive check-up after I came here at the Veterans (Memorial Medical Center) for some eye problem. They are doing a series of tests. While here they did a full check-up. They said it was stress-related," he said to the Philippine News Agency when asked on his medical status late on Wednesday.
In a separate statement, DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said Lorenzana underwent a complete executive check-up upon the advice of VMMC Director, Dr. Dominador Chiong Jr.
"The Secretary was also urged to take advantage of his stay in the hospital to briefly rest from his busy schedule brought about by preparations for the recently concluded elections," Andolong said.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he will comply with such advice.
"I will and will slow down too. Doctor's advice," Lorenzana said.
Also, the DND chief said he will be out of the hospital within a day or two.
The 70-year-old defense chief was supposed to attend a disaster risk reduction conference in Geneva, Switzerland last Monday but this was shelved due to his hospitalization.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069937
Makabayan’s dismal poll results, 'vindication': NTF-ELCAC exec
From the Philippine News Agency (May 16, 2019): Makabayan’s dismal poll results, 'vindication': NTF-ELCAC exec
AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr.,
A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday said the dismal election results of party-list groups belonging to Makabayan bloc is a vindication and a wake-up call such that people no longer believe their advocacies.
A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday said the dismal election results of party-list groups belonging to Makabayan bloc is a vindication and a wake-up call such that people no longer believe their advocacies.
"The result of the recent election has shown that the people are finally awake. The 'Kamatayan (Makabayan)' bloc's dismal performance during the election is a vindication for truth,” said Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations.
Parlade said the lies and duplicity of communist-linked party-list groups have been exposed.
“In due time more people will be talking about 'Kamatayan' bloc's direct participation in this armed rebellion,” he added.
Partial and unofficial results of the party-list race showed that votes for incumbent progressive groups have declined noticeably compared to the 2016 elections.
Just a cover
Meanwhile, Parlade said the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) goal of defending poor clients is just a cover for them to carry out their illegal activities and entice recruits to their cause.
"Defending poor clients is simply a cover to entice those well-meaning volunteers to join their cause," he said.
Parlde made the remark after seeing NUPL members and lawyers during the first hearing for the petition of writ of amparo filed by the lawyers' group against the military and government for alleged red-tagging and threats, before the Court of Appeals (CA) Tuesday.
Aside from Parlade, named respondents in the NUPL suit were President Rodrigo Duterte, National Security Adviser (Ret.) Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., National Defense Secretary (Ret.) Gen. Delfin N. Lorenzana, AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., AFP Deputy Commander for Intelligence Brig. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad, AFP Intelligence Service of the Philippines (ISAFP) Chief Major Gen. Erwin Bernard Neri, and Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto.
Join more 'legitimate' legal groups
Instead of serving an organization tasked to defend the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allies in its campaign of terror, Parlade urged these recruits to look for more legitimate legal organizations to carry out their advocacies.
"So If I were you, the new members of the NUPL, I would find time to reflect on your advocacy. Reach out to other legitimate organization of lawyers, and together we can serve the real needs of poor people. Together we can help more in fighting the exploitation of the rich, the corrupt, and the bullies in our society," the NTF ELCAC official added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Parlade also urged NUPL recruits to denounce the armed struggle and leave their companions in the "Lupon ng mga Mananggal ng Bayan" (LUMABAN) and help the government in achieving genuine and lasting peace together.
Fresh start
"Let's have a fresh start to genuine peace and justice, together," he added.
Parlade said he cannot help but wonder whether these new NUPL recruits are aware that they are being made to defend communist underground mass organizations hiding under the cloak of the NUPL.
"The petitioners are full time cadres of the CPP, directing and pursuing these armed rebellion and is therefore illegal. 'LUMABAN' was not organized to defend ordinary people in need of legal services, but actually advises their armed groups how to conduct their attacks on the military and civilians, and come out safe from government legal action," he added.
One technique often used by fleeing NPAs, he said, is to throw away their arms or pass it on to their mass supporters for safe keeping after an attack.
Parlade added that NUPL members consists of the quick reactions teams formed by the communist rebels aimed at releasing NPAs and CPP members from detention, most especially if these are minors and could further aggravate their criminal cases.
"Through a series of systematic indoctrination and lectures these law students and volunteers would soon find themselves immersed in the armed rebellion, without them even realizing it. This is how these blood-suckers exploit our smart future lawyers, that's why I call them 'manananggal' rather than 'manananggol'," he added.
Decent on the outside, dangerous on the inside
Parlade said Tuesday's hearing at the CA gave him an opportunity to see first-hand what kind of people would volunteer to defend CPP-NPA terrorists.
"Looks could be really deceiving. The NUPL members looked very decent in their barong tagalog and uniform. But like many scammers and members of the CPP, they always appear very decent, if only to hide their true color. That's really the nature of the CPP's revolutionary dual tactics," he added.
Parlade cited the case of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and "Kamatayan (Makabayan)" bloc representatives, whom the government earlier exposed as having links with the communist rebels.
Despite their rather holy and dignified appearances, the NTF ELCAC official said these groups are working hard to destroy the country's future along with its democratic way of life.
"Who would think that they can blatantly lie about their non-affiliation to the terrorist CPP and yet cannot denounce the violence and brutality of the NPAs? The CPP's gangsterism again was manifested with their harassment, intimidation, and attacks to politicians and even the VCMs during the conduct of the recent election. And yet who cries foul about their loss? The Kamatayan bloc," he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069943
Parlade said the lies and duplicity of communist-linked party-list groups have been exposed.
“In due time more people will be talking about 'Kamatayan' bloc's direct participation in this armed rebellion,” he added.
Partial and unofficial results of the party-list race showed that votes for incumbent progressive groups have declined noticeably compared to the 2016 elections.
Just a cover
Meanwhile, Parlade said the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) goal of defending poor clients is just a cover for them to carry out their illegal activities and entice recruits to their cause.
"Defending poor clients is simply a cover to entice those well-meaning volunteers to join their cause," he said.
Parlde made the remark after seeing NUPL members and lawyers during the first hearing for the petition of writ of amparo filed by the lawyers' group against the military and government for alleged red-tagging and threats, before the Court of Appeals (CA) Tuesday.
Aside from Parlade, named respondents in the NUPL suit were President Rodrigo Duterte, National Security Adviser (Ret.) Gen. Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr., National Defense Secretary (Ret.) Gen. Delfin N. Lorenzana, AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., AFP Deputy Commander for Intelligence Brig. Gen. Fernando T. Trinidad, AFP Intelligence Service of the Philippines (ISAFP) Chief Major Gen. Erwin Bernard Neri, and Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto.
Join more 'legitimate' legal groups
Instead of serving an organization tasked to defend the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allies in its campaign of terror, Parlade urged these recruits to look for more legitimate legal organizations to carry out their advocacies.
"So If I were you, the new members of the NUPL, I would find time to reflect on your advocacy. Reach out to other legitimate organization of lawyers, and together we can serve the real needs of poor people. Together we can help more in fighting the exploitation of the rich, the corrupt, and the bullies in our society," the NTF ELCAC official added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Parlade also urged NUPL recruits to denounce the armed struggle and leave their companions in the "Lupon ng mga Mananggal ng Bayan" (LUMABAN) and help the government in achieving genuine and lasting peace together.
Fresh start
"Let's have a fresh start to genuine peace and justice, together," he added.
Parlade said he cannot help but wonder whether these new NUPL recruits are aware that they are being made to defend communist underground mass organizations hiding under the cloak of the NUPL.
"The petitioners are full time cadres of the CPP, directing and pursuing these armed rebellion and is therefore illegal. 'LUMABAN' was not organized to defend ordinary people in need of legal services, but actually advises their armed groups how to conduct their attacks on the military and civilians, and come out safe from government legal action," he added.
One technique often used by fleeing NPAs, he said, is to throw away their arms or pass it on to their mass supporters for safe keeping after an attack.
Parlade added that NUPL members consists of the quick reactions teams formed by the communist rebels aimed at releasing NPAs and CPP members from detention, most especially if these are minors and could further aggravate their criminal cases.
"Through a series of systematic indoctrination and lectures these law students and volunteers would soon find themselves immersed in the armed rebellion, without them even realizing it. This is how these blood-suckers exploit our smart future lawyers, that's why I call them 'manananggal' rather than 'manananggol'," he added.
Decent on the outside, dangerous on the inside
Parlade said Tuesday's hearing at the CA gave him an opportunity to see first-hand what kind of people would volunteer to defend CPP-NPA terrorists.
"Looks could be really deceiving. The NUPL members looked very decent in their barong tagalog and uniform. But like many scammers and members of the CPP, they always appear very decent, if only to hide their true color. That's really the nature of the CPP's revolutionary dual tactics," he added.
Parlade cited the case of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and "Kamatayan (Makabayan)" bloc representatives, whom the government earlier exposed as having links with the communist rebels.
Despite their rather holy and dignified appearances, the NTF ELCAC official said these groups are working hard to destroy the country's future along with its democratic way of life.
"Who would think that they can blatantly lie about their non-affiliation to the terrorist CPP and yet cannot denounce the violence and brutality of the NPAs? The CPP's gangsterism again was manifested with their harassment, intimidation, and attacks to politicians and even the VCMs during the conduct of the recent election. And yet who cries foul about their loss? The Kamatayan bloc," he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1069943
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