CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Karapatan ng dinakip ng PNP sa Cagayan, dapat kilalanin

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 15, 2023): Karapatan ng dinakip ng PNP sa Cagayan, dapat kilalanin (Rights of those arrested by the PNP in Cagayan, must be recognized)

 

February 15, 2023

Nanawagan ang mga grupong tagapagtaguyod sa karapatang-tao na igalang ang karapatan ng isang dating estudyante ng De La Salle University (DLSU) na ayon sa ulat ng pulis ay nadakip sa isang labanan sa Baggao, Cagayan noong Pebrero 13 ng hapon.

Ayon sa grupong Karapatan-Cagayan Valley (CV), dapat igalang ng 5th ID at mga pulis ang karapatan ni Orion Yoshida—kombatant man siya o sibilyan—alinsunod sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) at International Humanitarian Law. Si Yoshida ay nagtapos ng kursong AB Political Science sa DLSU.

Ayon sa mga ulat, sumiklab ang labanan sa pagitan ng Armed Forces Philippines at Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Sityo Nangbaggayan, Barangay Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan noong Pebrero 13 ng hapon.

Iginiit ng Karapatan na dapat agarang bigyan ng medikal na atensyon at igalaang ang kanyang karapatan na malayang mabisita at makausap ng pamilya at piniling abugado. Dapat ding tiyakin na ligtas siya sa anumang banta ng harasment, tortyur (sikolohikal at pisikal), at intimidasyon.

Si Yoshida ay kasakuluyang nasa kustodiya ng AFP sa Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz Station Hospital sa Gamu, Isabela.

Nanawagan rin ang Karapatan-CV at ang pamilya sa Commission on Human Rights at International Committee of the Red Cross na agad puntahan at alamin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ni Yoshida sa poder ng militar. “Marami nang insidente ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang 5th Infantry Division sa mga sugatan, wala nang kakayahang lumaban, at mga sibilyan sa mga probinsya ng Cagayan Valley,” diin ng grupo.

Nananawagan ang grupo na alamin ang kalagayan ng mga residente ng apektadong komunidad. Sa paunang ulat, umabot sa 68 pamilya ang nagbakwit sa daycare center ng Barangay Sta. Margarita. Mayroon ding mga ulat ng mga nasirang pananim sa bahaging nilapagan ng helicopter ng militar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/karapatan-ng-dinakip-ng-pnp-sa-cagayan-dapat-kilalanin/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagbabalik ng harapang klase sa UP, sinalubong ng protesta

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 15, 2023): Pagbabalik ng harapang klase sa UP, sinalubong ng protesta (Return of face-to-face classes in UP, met with protest)

February 15, 2023

Ang muling pagbabalik sa harapang porma ng klase sa mga kampus ng University of the Philippines (UP) sa buong bansa ay sinalubong ng mga kilos-protesta ng mga iskolar ng bayan noong Pebrero 13. Binansagan nila itong ‘First Day Fight.’ Binuksan na ang mga kampus para sa harapang klase matapos ang ilang taong pagkakasara dulot ng pandemyang Covid-19.

Sa UP Diliman, nagmartsa ang mga iskolar ng bayan sa kampus sa pangunguna ng University Student Council (USC)-UP Diliman at mga progresibong organisasyong pangkampus. Ipinanawagan nila ang pagtataguyod ng libre, dekalidad, at pangmasang edukasyon para sa lahat. Liban dito, nagkaisa ang mga estudyante sa pagtataguyod ng kalayaang akademiko sa harap ng bantang panghihimasok ng mga armadong pwersa ng estado sa mga kampus ng UP.

Ipinabatid din ng mga grupo ng kabataan ang pagtutol sa mapanupil at pasistang pakanang ROTC o Reserve Officers’ Training Corps ng rehimeng Marcos. Nagsalita sa programa ang bagong luklok na presidente ng UP na si Atty. Angelo Jimenez.

Sa pahayag ni Latrell Felix, chairperson ng konseho ng mag-aaral, hinamon niya ang pamunuan ng UP na pahigpitin ang pakikipagkaisa sa komunidad nito para sa paglaban sa anumang banta sa kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan mula sa armadong pwersa ng rehimeng Marcos. Kabilang dito ang pagtatanggol sa kalayaang pang-akademiko, pagtitiyak ng tunay na representasyon ng mga mag-aaral at pagbibigay ng batayang serbisyo.

Sa UP Los Baños, nagprotesta ang mga estudyante at organisasyon sa Carabao Park sa loob ng kampus. Nagkaisa sila para sa panawagang dagdag-badyet sa unibersidad at pagtugon ng pamantasan sa kakulangan ng mga klase at pasilidad sa kampus. Matapos ang programa dito, nagmartsa ang ilampung iskolar ng bayan tungong UPLB Freedom Park.

Nagsalita sa programa sa Freedom Park si Siegfred Severino, rehente ng mga mag-aaral ng UP. Ang naturang protesta rin ang nagbukas sa inilulunsad na UP Los Baños February Fair na nagtatampok ng iba’t ibang isyung panlipunan.

Naglunsad din ng mga protesta ang mga kabataan at progresibong organisasyon sa UP Cebu, UP Manila, at UP Mindanao sa parehong araw. Binatikos ng mga kabataan sa mga protestang ito ang panunupil ng estado at walang tigil na red-tagging sa mga progresibo at ang mga neoliberal na patakaran sa edukasyon na nagpapahirap sa mga kabataan.

Nauna nang nagsagawa ng First Day Fight ang mga estudyante ng UP Baguio noong Pebrero 7 nang buksan ang klase sa kanilang kampus.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pagbabalik-ng-harapang-klase-sa-up-sinalubong-ng-protesta/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Durog ang puso ng mga guro sa pagpapabaya ng DepEd

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Philippine Revolution Web Central site of the Communist Party of the Philippine (Feb 15, 2023): Durog ang puso ng mga guro sa pagpapabaya ng DepEd (The teachers are heartbroken by DepEd's negligence)

 

February 15, 2023

Naglunsad ng protesta ang mga guro sa pangunguna ng kanilang unyon na Alliance of Concerned Teachers-National Capital Region (ACT-NCR) sa pambansang upisina ng Department of Education (DepEd) sa Pasig City kahapon, araw ng mga puso, para ipabatid kung gaanong kadurog ang kanilang puso sa pagbabaya ng ahensya sa kanilang kalagayan.

Hiling ng mga guro sa ahensya na dinggin ang kanilang mga panawagan para sa dagdag na sweldo, mga benepisyo tulad ng Performance Based Bonus para sa 2021 at Overtime Pay para sa nagdaang mga akademikong taon. Liban dito, giit nila ang pagbabawas ng mga trabaho sa pagtuturo at non-teaching na tungkulin ng mga guro sa eskwelahan.

Ayon sa ACT-NCR, ito ang “lagay ng kanilang mga puso” at kagyat nilang hiling ang “makabuluhan at mabilis” na aksyon ni DepEd Secretary VP Sara Duterte. “Tumaas ang presyo ng tinapay kahapon, mayroong inaasahang pagtaas ng pasahe sa LRT, at hindi magawang kontrolin ng gubyerno ang sumisirit na implasyon. Ang kailangan namin ay makabuluhang dagdag sweldo,” pahayag ni ACT NCR Union President Ruby Bernado.

Nagdala ng malalaking plakard na hugis puso ang mga guro sa kanilang protesta. Ipinakita ng mga plakard na ito ang “broken heart” dahil sa nakalulungkot na kalagayan ng sektor. Nagbuo rin sila ng malalaking karakter na hugis “SG15” gamit ang mga bulaklak na kanilang natanggap mula sa kani-kanilang mga estudyante bilang regalo sa araw ng mga puso. Simbolo ito ng panawagan nilang itaas sa Salary Grade 15 na entry-level na sweldo para sa mga bagong guro, mula sa kasalukuyang Salary Grade 11.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/durog-ang-puso-ng-mga-guro-sa-pagpapabaya-ng-deped/

CPP/NDF-KAGUMA: KAGUMA condemns unjust arrest of UP Diliman professor, calls for pushback against intensifying fascist attacks

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 13, 2023): KAGUMA condemns unjust arrest of UP Diliman professor, calls for pushback against intensifying fascist attacks

 


Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (Kaguma)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

February 15, 2023

The Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA) condemns the unjust arrest of Melania Flores, a professor at the University of the Philippines (UP) Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas and former national president of the All-UP Academic Employees Union. Flores was accosted by Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) of the Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) last February 6, 2023, Monday late morning, in her own residence inside the premises of the UP Diliman campus in Quezon City.

KAGUMA condemns the concerted campaign of repression orchestrated against Flores, who was charged with “violating the Social Security Law” for allegedly failing to remit social security contributions to her former house helper. We find it to be the height of absurdity for the Social Security System (SSS) on its own initiative to go out of its way to file a court case against Flores while billions worth of non-remittances by labor-violating companies are left unchecked.

The PNP agents entered the campus without coordinating with the UP administration, violating the UP-DILG Accord that prohibits state forces from entering the UP campus without permission from university authorities. The PNP agents even used a ruse, pretending to be DSWD personnel in civilian clothing, to effect the arrest. All the while, Flores had not even received any subpoena or notices since the court order was issued last September 6, 2022.

The NTF-ELCAC has since joined the chorus to discredit and besmirch the name of Flores proving without any doubt the political motivation behind the absurd charges against Flores. It is clear that the brazen trampling of due process and the rights of Prof. Flores is but the latest fascist attack by state forces, in order to harass and intimidate progressive teachers and unionists.

KAGUMA calls on the academic community and the Filipino people to pushback against intensifying fascist attacks on academic freedom and people’s rights. Ultimately, the fascists wish to make an example of the unjust arrest of Flores as a warning that they can with impunity carry out vicious attacks against activists, progressives, and other dissenters.

The fascists intend to terrorize and paralyze patriotic and progressive educators and academic workers to stop them from exposing and teaching on the real oppressed conditions of Philippine society and from linking arms with the wider movement and struggles of workers and peasants across the country.

What these fascists fail to understand is that their machinations are bound to fail as repression pushes more and more people to resist and fight back against tyranny and oppression. State terrorism and fascism, also reminds people of the class character of the big comprador-landlord state and teaches them a lesson on the necessity of revolutionary collective action.

Defeat the fascist attacks of the US-Marcos regime!
Makibaka, Huwag Matakot!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kaguma-condemns-unjust-arrest-of-up-diliman-professor-calls-for-pushback-against-intensifying-fascist-attacks/

Kalinaw News: LOOK: Two members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley were killed in a series of encounters

From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 15. 2023): LOOK: Two members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley were killed in a series of encounters

LOOK: Two members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley were killed in a series of encounters with the troops of the Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Santa Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan on Monday, February 13.

The slain NPA combatants in the said encounters are yet to be identified. Recovered from the encounter site were one M4 Colt Commando Rifle, one Bushmaster Rifle, three pistols, six improvised explosive devices, one rifle grenade, M203 and RPG ammunitions, twelve M14 magazines, sixteen M16 magazines, five bandoliers, one Baofeng radio, one laptop, numerous cellphones, subversive documents, and other personal possessions of the armed group.

17th Infantry Battalion, PA
5ID Startroopers, Philippine Army
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy
#ARMY125

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/pcb.2185253011682706/2185252948349379/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: Salute to fallen hero

 From Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Feb 15. 2023): Salute to fallen hero

A valiant officer from the 9th Infantry “Spear” Division, 2LT NICO A MALCAMPO, gave true meaning to heroism and patriotism by fulfilling his avowed mandate up to his last dying breath fighting for peace.

He paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting the people of Barangay Ramay, Oas, Albay against the atrocities of the New People's Army.

We render our snappy salute for your faithful service to the nation. May your soul rest in peace in the bosom of our Almighty Father.

#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#PhilArmy

#ARMY125

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/photos/a.449700745237950/2185279141680093/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: 25 FRs in Himamaylan receive cash aid through City Task Force-ELCAC

From Kalinaw News (Feb 15. 2023): 25 FRs in Himamaylan receive cash aid through City Task Force-ELCAC

CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental – A total of Twenty-Five (25) former rebels received P10,000.00 pesos each of financial assistance from the City Task Force ELCAC, CSWDO and LGU of Himamaylan City in a simple ceremony held at the City Hall of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on February 14, 2023.

The implementation of the Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of DSWD, through the LGU of Himamaylan City intends to provide immediate support to the families affected by the local armed conflict who are displaced from their homes. Through this intervention, the former rebels received P10,000 each as capital in starting a small business to sustain their daily needs while their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits are being processed. Through its Social Welfare and Development Office, the Himamaylan City government and the City TF-ELCAC also distributed hygiene kits, family kits, and sleeping and kitchen kits to 25 FRs.

Himamaylan City Mayor Hon. Rogelio Tongson Jr graced the distribution of aid to FRs.

Members of the City Council, Mr. Wendell John Vallejera Executive Assistant, 303rd Brigade Commander Colonel Edgardo Edralin, 94IB Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Van Donald Almonte, Himamaylan City Deputy Chief of Police Major Randy Babor, Social Welfare and Development Officer Mrs. Ever Grace T Castro, and Mr Raymund Titong, Anchor Man of 100.5 CPSU Radyo Mascovado Sweet FM were also present during the activity.

In his message, Colonel Edralin lauded the unwavering support of the 94IB to former rebels and congratulated the former rebels for making the right decision in returning to the folds of the law. He stressed that they were just victims of the propaganda lies and deceptive recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army- National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“The financial assistance extended by the local government unit and the City TF-ELCAC is solid proof that the Himamaylan LGU is sincere in its commitment to allow former rebels to start anew, reintegrate with the community, be able to live normal lives again and be united with their families and love ones. I also urge the former FRs to help us convince the remaining NPAs to return to the law’s folds and be with their families. The awarding of this financial and additional assistance is just one of the many future endeavours of the local government, and I thank the Himamaylan LGU for supporting the whole-of-nation approach to reduce and eradicate the insurgency in Central Negros. The Army strongly supports this initiative, and we welcome those who want to lay down their arms,” Colonel Edralin said.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/25-frs-in-himamaylan-receive-cash-aid-through-city-task-force-elcac/

China downplays envoy’s summoning over laser incident in West PH Sea

From Rappler (Feb 15, 2023): China downplays envoy’s summoning over laser incident in West PH Sea (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

The Chinese embassy says Ambassador Huang Xilian 'met' with President Marcos on how to implement the 'consensus reached' during Marcos' bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping in January, and related issues

MANILA, Philippines – China has downplayed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian after the China Coast Guard (CCG) deployed a military-grade laser against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement to media on Tuesday, February 14, China referred to Huang’s summoning as a mere meeting with Marcos.

“On February 14, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” the embassy said.

It was the first time for Marcos to summon a foreign envoy since he assumed office on June 30, 2022. The move marked one of the highest levels of protest against a foreign government.

It was also the third time Huang was summoned by the Philippine government since he assumed his post in Manila in December 2019, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) calling him to its headquarters twice, again over incidents related to the West Philippine Sea.

The Chinese embassy said Marcos and Huang discussed how to implement “consensus reached” by Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their bilateral meeting in Beijing, as well as ways to strengthen dialogue and “properly manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines.”

Also present in Malacañang when Huang was summoned were Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The laser incident happened just over a month after Marcos’ state visit to China.

In filing a protest on Tuesday, the DFA pointed out that Marcos and Xi had agreed that the maritime dispute should be handled “through diplomacy and dialogue, without resorting to force and intimidation.”

The DFA, in its strongly-worded protest, had called China’s recent actions as “acts of aggression.”

The CCG’s harassment of the BRP Malapascua near Ayungin Shoal was also “disturbing and disappointing,” following Marcos state visit to China in January, the DFA added.

The February 6 laser incident caused “temporary blindness” to the BRP Malapascua’s crew at her bridge and had been accompanied by unsafe maneuvers against the PCG ship.

The PCG earlier said it was the second time China used a laser against its ships, with the first taking place in June 2022 against the BRP Habagat tugboat.

The CCG’s harassment of the BRP Malapascua has also fueled international backlash, with the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, and Germany calling on Beijing to abide by the 2016 Hague Ruling that struck down China’s expansive nine-dash-line in the South China Sea as illegal.

MUST READ
US backs Philippines in laser dispute with China

Manila has filed at least 75 diplomatic protests against Beijing under the Marcos government.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/china-statement-marcos-jr-summoning-ambassador-laser-incident-west-philippine-sea-february-2023/

China laser incident vs PH fuels international support for 2016 Hague ruling

From Rappler (Feb 15, 2023): China laser incident vs PH fuels international support for 2016 Hague ruling (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

Strengthening international support for the Philippines' landmark arbitral award is crucial in efforts to enforce the award

MANILA, Philippines – China’s recent use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in the West Philippine Sea has prompted foreign governments to renew calls for Beijing to comply with the 2016 landmark arbitral award.

The United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark were among countries which expressed serious concern over China’s “dangerous” and “provocative” actions, the latest of which saw a China Coast Guard ship aim a military-grade laser at the BRP Malapascua.

China’s actions caused “temporary blindness” lasting some 10 to 15 seconds among crew at the BRP Malapascua, and had been accompanied by unsafe maneuvers by the CCG ship, the PCG said.

Foreign governments condemned this, calling China’s actions “intimidatory.” The Philippines, filing a protest, called Beijing’s moves as “acts of aggression.”

MUST READ
Marcos summons China envoy over laser incident

Countries that have spoken out on the issue raised the 2016 Hague ruling filed and won by the Philippines and called on China to comply with the “final and legally binding” award.

“As a party to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), the PRC (Peoples’ Republic of China must comply with its obligations, including notable, the 2-16 SCS (South China Sea) arbitration decision,” Canada said.

The Hague ruling asserted Manila’s rights in waters in the West Philippine Sea and ruled that China’s expansive nine-dash-line had no legal basis.

Despite this, China has continued to ignore the ruling, which had “no effect” on its assertive claims in the disputed waterway.
What countries are saying

Reacting to the incident, the US backed the Philippines and reiterated that its commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty covered any attack on Philippine vessels, including PCG ships, in South China Sea.

Japan called on China to respect International law and expressed its opposition to actions that increased tensions in the volatile waterway.

Canada expressed “firm and unwavering” support for the Philippines and called out China’s “coercive” actions.

Germany and the United Kingdom expressed their commitment to UNCLOS and both asserted the finality of the 2016 arbitral award.

Denmark also expressed support for the Philippines, saying “all steps toward militarization of disputes is a threat to regional peace and security.”

Enforcing the ruling

Renewed support for the Philippines’ landmark legal victory is crucial in efforts to enforce the arbitral award.

Experts have often called on countries in both Southeast Asia and other parts of the world to support the Hague ruling, saying international pressure on China to abide by the award was one way of preserving international law in the disputed waters.

Bolstering international support for the award was also essential for the Philippines, after former president Rodrigo Duterte downplayed the ruling during his six-year term in favor of fostering warm ties with China.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier vowed to uphold the ruling and had declared that his government will not give up “even a single square inch of Philippine territory” to any foreign power. –

https://www.rappler.com/nation/china-laser-incident-vs-philippines-international-support-2016-hague-ruling-west-philippine-sea/

Classes suspended in all levels in Cotabato town following shooting of school children

Posted to MindaNews (Feb 15, 2023): Classes suspended in all levels in Cotabato town following shooting of school children (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 15 Feb)—Mayor Sumulong K. Sultan of the municipality of Pikit in Cotabato province has suspended classes in all levels in the area following a shooting incident on Wednesday that victimized school children.

Municipality of Pikit, Cotabato Province. Map courtesy of Google

Col. Harold Ramos, provincial police director of Cotabato, said it appears that four gunmen using high-powered firearms were involved in the shooting.

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, meanwhile, called for an investigation into the spate of killings in Pikit, worried that some quarters wanted it to appear that there is a feud between Christians and Muslims in the municipality.

Reports circulating on social media said Fahad Dianalan Guintawan, a 13-year-old Grade 7 student of Pikit National High School and a resident of Sitio Tambak Barangay Gli-gli, was killed in a shooting incident around 2 p.m. Two of his companions were reportedly wounded—one was identified only as Jinwar, aged 12; and the other a still unidentified 11-year-old.

The municipal police station, however, mentioned nothing about the killing of a student in its Facebook post titled “Stop the killing” late afternoon Tuesday. The police post only said it “strongly condemn[ed] the shooting incident” at Barangay Gli-Gli in Pikit that victimized two minor students, one suffering fatal injury, and the other non-fatal.

The students were residents of Barangay Macabual in Pikit, police said.

Mayor Sultan, in his post Tuesday evening, said the cancellation of classes will be from Wednesday until Friday in all levels in the elementary, high school and college.

“Bunga ito ng ilang insidenteng naglagay sa panganib sa buhay ng mga inosente at ilang kabataang estudyante (This is due to the incident that endangered the lives of innocent and young students),” he said.

In Sultan’s Executive Order No. 3, series of 2023, the mayor noted the “series of shooting and killing incidents that transpired this month of February, involving innocent civilians and students, which can be construed as retaliation of unknown culprits that resulted in uncertainties to both Muslims and Christians that might be victimized by these senseless killings.”

The municipal police also published another “stop the killing” post hours earlier, involving Jose Neri Gonzales, in another “shooting incident that transpired at Brgy. Inug-ug.”

Ramos told MindaNews over mobile phone Wednesday night that they are still interviewing the wounded students and their relatives.

He said one of the victims was still in the hospital.

Ramos said they are strengthening some more their “Oplan Kapkap Bakal Sita,” which is checking on suspicious characters if they carry firearms. He said that in areas they deem to be critical, they are deploying troops to set up additional checkpoints to prevent similar incidents.

The night before the shooting incident, heavy gun fires could be heard in the downtown area due to clashes near the villages of Calawag and Balong. A day before the incident, a security guard was killed.

Ebrahim, in a press conference Wednesday, said they have already composed a task force to investigate the killings in Pikit.

“It appears that some people want to make this appear as between Muslims and Christians,” he said. “We don’t want this because this was what happened in the 1960s,” Ebrahim added.

Incidents of killings in Pikit peaked before the election last year.

During peace building summits, it was found out that several layers of conflicts were monitored in the said town, including rido (clan war) of rival clans, armed groups and local political rivalry.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has given instruction to security sectors to give importance to the peace and stability in Pikit and the other Special Geographic Areas in the BARMM.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/classes-suspended-in-all-levels-in-cotabato-town-following-shooting-of-school-children/

Marcos summons Chinese envoy over 'military-grade laser' incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2023): Marcos summons Chinese envoy over 'military-grade laser' incident (By Azer Parrocha)

DIALOGUE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. receives Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian (left) at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Tuesday (Feb. 14, 2023). Marcos summoned the Chinese envoy over the latest reported harassment of a Chinese Coast Guard vessel of its Philippine counterpart at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Feb. 6. (Courtesy of PCO)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian in Malacañang on Tuesday and discussed the reported harassment made by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship toward a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Feb. 6.

In a press statement on Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos raised his “serious concern” over China’s dangerous activity.

“The President summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian this afternoon to express his serious concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of actions by China against the Philippine Coast Guard and our Filipino fishermen in their bancas, the latest of which was the deployment of a military-grade laser against our Coast Guard vessels,” the PCO said.

In a separate statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said Marcos and Huang "exchanged views on how to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen dialogue and communication, and properly manage maritime differences between China and the Philippines."

Defense officer-in-charge Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo were also at the meeting.

Earlier in the day, the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed its eighth diplomatic protest this year before the Chinese Embassy in Manila, calling on Beijing to “cease and desist” its aggressive activities against Philippine vessels.

The diplomatic note “condemned the shadowing, harassment, dangerous maneuvers, directing of military-grade laser, and illegal radio challenges” by CCG vessel 5205 against the PCG vessel, BRP Malapascua.

The DFA asserted that the CCG’s actions constituted a threat to Philippine sovereignty and security as a state, and are infringements of its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

DFA spokesperson, Ma. Teresita Daza, said the “acts of aggression” are both “disturbing and disappointing” as it closely follows the January bilateral summit between Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the two leaders agreeing to manage maritime differences through diplomacy and dialogue.

During Marcos' state visit to China, he and Xi agreed to establish a “direct communications line” on concerns related to the South China Sea in the West Philippine Sea to prevent any miscommunication between the two countries.

However, he said this hotline should not stop them from filing protests or sending notes verbales.

In another statement, Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson, said the “provocative and unsafe” use of military-grade laser light interfered with the Philippines’ lawful operations in and around Ayungin Shoal.

On Monday, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended China’s action, saying the PCG vessel "intruded” into the waters “without Chinese permission."

Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Island Group, which is an integral part of the Philippines, as well as its EEZ and continental shelf, and over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

It is located about 105 nautical miles off Palawan, Philippines, well within the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195226

PH Army assures quick aid for kin of slain troops in 4ID shooting

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): PH Army assures quick aid for kin of slain troops in 4ID shooting (By Priam Nepomuceno)

QUICK ASSISTANCE. Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. condoles with a family member of a soldier who was among the victims of a shooting incident, during his visit to the 4th Infantry Division’s headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 13, 2023. The PA on Wednesday (Feb. 15, 2023) said the families of the victims would receive immediate financial, burial, and psycho-social assistance. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) said Wednesday it would immediately release assistance to the families of the soldiers killed in the recent shooting incident at the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City.

"The families of the victims will receive immediate financial, burial, and psycho-social assistance from the PA to help them overcome this trying time, " Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

Earlier, PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. assured that assistance would be provided to the families of the troops killed in the incident, during his visit to the 4ID headquarters on Monday.

“The PA condoles with the bereaved families of victims of this tragic incident. We ensure that their families will be properly taken care of. We will assist them in the processing of their legal claims and benefits,” he added.

Brawner also visited a wounded soldier who is now in stable condition and recuperating at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital.

"The Army leadership has launched its internal investigation to identify factors that triggered the incident. The probe is also geared at identifying possible gaps in the recruitment and training process with the end goal of preventing similar incidents in the future," Trinidad said.

On Feb. 11, a soldier opened fire on four of his fellow troops who were sleeping in their room at the 4ID Service Support Battalion.

The incident resulted in the death of five soldiers, including the perpetrator.

Caring for troops' mental health

Meanwhile, 157 enlisted personnel from different line units and separate batteries of the Army Artillery Regiment attended the Troops Information and Education (TI&E) on mental health awareness, held at its headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Feb. 13.

"The said TI&E, organized by the regiment's Office of the Regiment Sergeant Major, aims to look after the mental health and physical well-being of the troops," Trinidad said.

The seminar also aimed to raise social awareness of mental health issues through psychosocial education to combat the stigma of mental health and prevent the development of mental health conditions, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195234

PBBM OKs promotion of 10 PH Coast Guard officials

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): PBBM OKs promotion of 10 PH Coast Guard officials (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has promoted at least 10 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials, Malacañang confirmed Wednesday.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) released the names of PCG officials who have been promoted to the ranks of Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral.

Based on the list, Rear Admirals Joseph Coyme, Robert Patrimonio and Ronnie Gil Gavan now hold the rank of Vice Admiral, the second highest among PCG commissioned officers.

Coyme currently serves as the commander of the PCG's Maritime Safety Services Command, while Patrimonio heads the Marine Environmental Protection Command, according to the organizational chart posted on the commission's official website.

Gavan, on the other hand, is the PCG's Deputy Commandant for Administration.

Commodores Gregorio Adel Jr., Eustacio Nimrod Enriquez Jr., Edgardo Hernando, Armando Balilo, Hostillo Arturo Cornelio, and Rudyard Somera have also been promoted as rear admirals, the roster of the newly-promoted PCG officials showed.

Adel, Enriquez and Hernando lead the PCG Inspector General and Internal Affairs Service, the Education Training and Doctrine Command and the Special Operations Force, respectively.

Balilo is the acting commander of the PCG Public Affairs Office, while Cornelio heads the Coast Guard District (CGD) National Capital Region-Central Luzon.

Torre serves as deputy commander of the PCG's Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command, while Somera holds the director post for the Strategic Studies and International Affairs Center.

According to its official website, the PCG is the oldest and only humanitarian armed services of the Philippines. Its beginnings could be traced back to the early 20th century when coastguarding was related to the protection of the customs services of the country and patrolling the coastlines and harbors.

To date, the PCG is recognized as the third uniformed service of the country that also include the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The PCG is mandated and responsible to perform maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, maritime environmental protection and maritime security.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195244

Army officers in Davao bizwoman slay charged in military court

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): Army officers in Davao bizwoman slay charged in military court (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo courtesy of Bea Bernardo, PTV)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday said copies of the charges have already been served to the two ranking officials implicated in the murder of businesswoman and model Yvonette Plaza in Davao City last Dec. 28.

"The pre-trial investigation is still ongoing and we (have) already (given) a copy of the charges to both (Brig.) Gen. (Jesus) Durante (III) (formerly of the 1001st Infantry Brigade) and Col. (Michael) Licyayo and they have given their counter-affidavits already," Brawner said in an interview with reporters.

"So our Provost Marshal and our Judge Advocate in the PA are (now) studying the affidavits of these two respondents," he added.

The two are charged in the military court for violating Articles of War 96 and 97. Article 96 is known as "Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and a Gentleman" while Article 97 refers to "Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline".

Conviction under Article of War 96 will result in the dismissal of the guilty party from military service. Those found guilty of violating Article of War 97 shall be tried by court martial and punished at the discretion of the court.

He also said it is possible that other charges could still be filed against the suspect officers and enlisted personnel involved.

Enlisted personnel implicated in the case were identified as Staff Sgt. Gilbert Plaza, Corporals Adrian Cachero, Rolly Cabal and Romart Longakit. Also tagged were a certain "Alias Jr." and "Alias Master Sergeant".

"Basically these are the Articles of War 96 and 97 but there might be other charges also not just against these two officers but also against the enlisted personnel, so we are still in the phase where (we) are conducting the initial investigation or pre-trial investigation," the PA chief added.

Boosting mental health programs

Meanwhile, Brawner said he wants an assessment of the mental health programs being conducted by the PA following the Feb. 11 shooting incident at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan De Oro City which resulted in the deaths of five soldiers, including the alleged perpetrator.

"That was a very sad incident but I ordered an honest-to-goodness assessment of our mental health programs, we already have mental health programs in the PA but my question is are these being implemented properly by our units," he added.

One thing the PA chief wants to check is the recruitment process to determine whether there are gaps.

"So one thing that we are looking into also is on the proper recruitment procedures for our new recruits, we have to make sure that all of them will pass the neuro-psychiatric examination but we all know that even if they pass, the soldiers pass the neuro-psychiatric exam sometimes, they experience trauma and they might go through a lot of stress," he added.

Brawner said the PA is now working on programs that would help soldiers "de-stress" themselves and cope with the emotional problems that they are encountering.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195281

Ex-rebels in Negros get livelihood aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2023): Ex-rebels in Negros get livelihood aid (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ASSISTANCE. Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson (right) of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental turns over financial aid amounting to PHP10,000 to a former New People's Army rebel granted under the DSWD Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation in rites held at the City Hall on Tuesday (Feb. 14, 2023). The activity was witnessed by troops of the Philippine Army led by Col. Orlando Edralin (left), commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – A total of 25 former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental each received PHP10,000 in livelihood aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a report on Wednesday, the Philippine Army said the assistance was distributed in rites led by Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson, chair of the city's Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict; Col. Orlando Edralin, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade; and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of the 94th Infantry Battalion, at the City Hall on Tuesday.

"I thank the Himamaylan local government unit for supporting the whole-of-nation approach to reduce and eradicate insurgency in central Negros. The Army strongly supports this initiative, and we welcome those who want to lay down their arms," Edralin said in a statement.

Tongson thanked the former rebels for giving the government a chance to regain their trust.

"We will work together to support the Himamaylanons who have decided to return to the fold of the law and be reunited with their families," the mayor said in a separate statement.

The city government facilitated the release of the aid under the DSWD Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation.

Using the PHP10,000 cash assistance, the former rebels can start a small business to sustain their daily needs while processing the release of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

They also received hygiene, sleeping, kitchen, and personal supplies from the DSWD.

Through the E-CLIP, former rebels or their qualified beneficiaries receive benefits, such as guaranteed safety and security, financial assistance, subsistence allowance, food expenses while in the custody of the receiving unit, travel and mobilization expenses, and corresponding compensation for surrendered firearms.

Some hinterland villages of Himamaylan, particularly Buenavista and Carabalan, have been the sites of armed encounters between Philippine Army troops and NPA rebels in the past year.

Last October, more than 5,000 families in Carabalan and three adjacent villages, including one in neighboring Binalbagan town, were affected by the series of clashes.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195256