CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Serye ng mga protesta kontra Kaliwa Dam, inilunsad

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Feb 25, 2023): Serye ng mga protesta kontra Kaliwa Dam, inilunsad (Series of protests against Kaliwa Dam, launched)

February 25, 2023

Magkakasunod na protesta ang inilunsad ng mga pambansang minorya at demokratikong grupong bahagi ng Network Opposed to Kaliwa, Kanan, Laiban Dams (No to KKLD) sa Metro Manila noong Pebrero 20 para paigtingin ang panawagang itigil ang mapanirang proyektong Kaliwa Dam sa Sierra Madre.

Nagprotesta sila sa upisina ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), House of Representatives at Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). Binatikos nila ang NCIP sa ginawang manipulasyon at panloloko sa pagkuha ng Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) o pagpayag ng mga katutubo para pahintulutan ang kontruksyon ng dam. Humiga sila sa labas ng upisina bilang simbolo ng pagpatay at pagpapalayas ng dam sa humigit-kumulang na 20,000 Dumagat-Remontados sa Sierra Madre.

Nagkaroon din ng porum ang NO to KKLD sa UP Diliman kung saan dumalo ang mga grupo ng estudyante mula sa pamantasan upang dinggil ang panawagan at pakikibaka ng mga Dumagat at Remondato.

Samantala, nakaabot na sa Mendiola noong Pebrero 23 ang halos 300 katutubong Dumagat at Remontado na lumahok sa ‘Alay-Lakad Laban sa Kaliwa Dam’ na nagsimula noong Pebrero 15. Nagmula sila sa Barangay Catablingan sa General Nakar, Quezon. Tinatayang 150-kilometrong layo ang nilakad ng mga pambansang minorya.

Ang mga katutubo ay sinalubong ng iba’t ibang mga grupo sa Metro Manila. Nakiisa rin sa kanila ang University of Sto. Tomas, Ateneo de Manila University at iba pang mga institusyon.

Iginiit ng mga grupo kay Marcos Jr ang kagyat na pagpapahinto sa paghuhukay sa bayan ng Teresa sa Rizal. Nagsimula nang butasin ang kabundukan ng Teresa, Rizal para tumagos tungong General Nakar, Quezon na hindi bababa sa 28 kilometro ang distansyang sasaklawin.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/serye-ng-mga-protesta-kontra-kaliwa-dam-inilunsad/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Katutubo, anak nitong 5-taong gulang, ginipit ng 24th IB

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Feb 25, 2023): Katutubo, anak nitong 5-taong gulang, ginipit ng 24th IB (Native, his 5-year-old son, harassed by the 24th IB)

February 25, 2023

Ginipit at sinindak ng mga ahente ng 24th IB ang mag-amang Jerome Agaid at kanyang 5-taong gulang na anak sa bayan ng Malibcong sa Abra sa nagdaang mga linggo. Si Agaid ay Lupong Tagapamayapa at bahagi ng tribung Mabaca.

Pilit na “pinasusuko” ng 24th IB si Agaid at pinagtatraydor sa kanyang sariling tribu. Ayon sa ulat, sinamantala ng militar ang kamakailang pagkakaospital ng kanyang asawa para “kumbinsihin” si Agaid na makipagtulungan sa kanila. Anang mga sundalo, babayaran ng mga ito ang pagpapagamot sa asawa kung susunod sa atas ng militar.

Bago pa ang naturang insidente, ilang ulit nang minanmanan at ginipit si Agaid at kanyang pamilya.

Patung-patong na paglabag sa karapatan ng mga pambansang minorya at karapatang-tao ang ginagawa ng 24th IB at 102nd IB sa maraming bayan ng Abra. Kasabay ito ng matinding militarisasyon at okupasyong militar sa mga bayan ng Lacub, Malibcong, Tineg, Baay-Licuan, Daguioman, Bucloc, Boliney, Sallapadan, Luba, Tubo at Pilar.

Laganap sa mga bayang ito ang mga kaso ng sapilitang pagpapasuko, pagmamanman at pananakot ng militar. Nagdudulot ito ng matinding ligalig at pangamba sa mga mamamayan tuwing pumupunta sila sa kanilang mga sakahan at sa kagubatan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/katutubo-anak-nitong-5-taong-gulang-ginipit-ng-24th-ib/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Sa unang anibersaryo ng New Bataan 5//Panagutin si Gen. Durante at 1001st IBde, giit ng mga grupo

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Feb 25, 2023): Sa unang anibersaryo ng New Bataan 5//Panagutin si Gen. Durante at 1001st Inf Bde (accountable), giit ng mga grupo (On the first anniversary of New Bataan 5//Hold Gen. Durante and 1001st Inf Bde (accountable), the groups insist)

February 25, 2023

“HUSTISYA SA NEW BATAAN 5!” ang sigaw ng mga grupo ng kabataan at ng Save Our Schools (SOS) Network sa isang martsa kahapon sa University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, unang anibersaryo ng tinaguriang New Bataan 5 Massacre.

Iginiit ng mga nagprotesta na dapat managot ang 1001st IBde sa karumal-dumal na pagpatay kina Chad Booc at Gelejurain Ngujo II, mga boluntir na guro sa paaralang Lumad, kay Elegyn Balonga, isang manggagawang pangkalusugan sa komunidad, at mga sibilyang sina Robert Aragon at Tirso Añar. Tinortyur at sadyang pinatay ang lima ng mga sundalo sa utos ni Gen. Jesus Durante III sa Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro noong Pebrero 24, 2022.

Sa martsa, iginiit ng mga grupo na papanagutin ang 1001st IBde sa brutal na krimen nito at ang dating kumander nito na si Gen. Durante. Dapat din umanong papanagutin si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kasong ito at marami pang krimen laban sa sangkatauhan ng kanyang administrasyon.

Naglunsad din ang mga grupo ng isang programang pangkultura at nagtirik ng mga kandila pagkatapos ng martsa.

Ayon sa SOS, natanggap nila noong Pebrero 20 lamang ang pinal na ulat sa awtopsi sa bangkay ni Booc na isinagawa ng kilalang forensic pathologist na si Dr. Raquel Fortun. Ayon kay Dr. Fortun, ang paraan ng pagkamatay ni Booc ay homicide, taliwas sa pinalalabas ng militar na isang “engkwentro” ang naganap na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng lima.

Liban umano sa maraming tama ng bala, iniulat ni Dr. Fortun iba pang tinamong sugat si Booc na sensyales na posibleng dumaan siya sa tortyur. Mayroong fracture sa kanyang ika-5, 6, 7 at 8 thoracic vertebrae at kanang ika-8, 9, at 11 na ribs, laceration sa kanyang spinal cord, baga, atay, spleen, bato, tiyan at intestine, internal na mga hemorrhage, vertebrae, at kanang buto sa braso. Ayon pa kay Dr. Fortun, ipinakikita ng pinal na resulta ng awtopsi ang “intensyong patayin” sila ng mga sundalo.

Giit ng SOS, dapat magkaroon ng “kagyat, masusi at imparsyal na imbestigasyon sa New Bataan 5 Massacre para papanagutin si General Jesus Durante III ng 1001st IB.”

“Dapat tayong magsama-sama para ilantad ang mga paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas at batayang mga karapatang-tao laban sa limang biktima sa New Bataan 5 Massacre,” pahayag pa ng grupo.

Naglabas din ng kanilang pahayag ang Katribu – Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas at Sandugo Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination para kilalanin ang lima at maggiit ng hustisya.

Pinagpugayan nila ang mga ito para sa kanilang mga sakripisyo at “paglalaan ng kanilang oras, kakayahan at kabataan para sa kagalingan ng mga kabataang Lumad at kanilang mga komunidad.”

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/panagutin-si-gen-durante-at-1001st-ibde-giit-ng-mga-grupo/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 1 Patay, 1 Gindis-armahan sang NPA sa Central Negros PEOPLE'S WAR

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 24, 2023): 1 Patay, 1 Gindis-armahan sang NPA sa Central Negros

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

February 24, 2023

Ginadayaw sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army ang pursigido nga pagpatuman sang mga desisyon sang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo matapos ang pagvista kag pagpamatbat sanday Noleto ‘Noleng’ Hermoso sang Sityo Inatito, Brgy Bucalan, Canlaon City kag Danilo Sandot sang Sityo Palasan, Brgy Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental sadtong Pebrero 21-22, 2023.

Patay si Danilo Sandot sang ginpatuman sang NPA ang silot-kamatayon sa kaso nga pagpanglugos sa iya kaugalingon nga anak kag bayaw. Ginpatuman ini sadtong Pebrero 22, 2023 sang gab-i sa sityo Palasan, Brgy Guba,Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. Otso anyos pa ang iya anak nga babaye sang ginkonsumo ni Danilo sadtong tuig 1987. Nahadlok ang biktima sa pagpanugid sa iya iloy kag mga utod bangud ginpahug siya nga patyon kon mabal-an sang bilog pamilya kag iban pa nga mga himata sini. Tuig 2016 pwersa nga ginlugos naman ang iya kaugalingon nga bayaw (asawa sang iya utod nga lalaki). Tuig 2019 pa nga gindesisyunan sang Korte sang Pumuluyo apang may pila ka datus nga ginkonsiderar kag ginreview karun nga tuig 2023. Unanimous nga nagtindog ang mga hukom sang nasambit nga rebolusyonaryong hukmanan nga ipatuman ang pagsilot sang kamatayon kay Danilo pabor sa mga biktima.

Pebrero 21,2023 alas 7:00 sang gab-i, madinalag-on man nga nakumpiska sang New People’s Army ang 4 ka .45 cal pistol kag 1 ka 12 gauge shotgun, mga magasin kag mga bala sa posesyon ni Noleto Hermoso sang sityo Inatito, Brgy Bucalan, Canlaon City. Si Noleng ang taghupot sang illegal nga mga armas. Nagapalupok kag nagapamahug sa iya mga katupad. Pila na ka bes ginpa-andaman sang NPA si Noleng apang wala nagabag-o rason nga ginpatuman sang NPA ang pagdis-arma upod ang mabaskog nga pagpaandam kay Hermoso.

Ginapanawagan sa tanan nga yunit sang NPA idalum sa Leonardo Panaligan Command nga maglunsar sang madinalag-on kag malapnagon nga taktikal nga opensiba batok sa pasistang AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga mga mapintas nga makinaryas sang estado.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/1-patay-1-gindis-armahan-sang-npa-sa-central-negros/

CPP/Communist Party of the Philippines: Resist US-Marcos regime’s plan to turn Samar to howling wilderness

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Feb 24, 2023): Resist US-Marcos regime’s plan to turn Samar to howling wilderness

 


Communist Party of the Philippines
February 24, 2023

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the US-Marcos regime and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the deployment of an excessive number of counterinsurgency troops in Samar over the past weeks.

The fascist surge aims to turn the Samar island back into a “howling wilderness,” in the same manner that US colonial forces sought to crush the patriotic resistance of the people of Samar at the turn of the century. This excessive deployment of combat troops will not solve the socioeconomic problems of the people of Samar, but will only aggravate their hardships. The fascist surge will bring nothing but terror to the people of Samar. It, however, is bound to be frustrated by the revolutionary masses and people’s army in Samar and Eastern Visayas.

Since December, more than 1,000 Army soldiers have been deployed to Samar to augment the 21 battalions of enemy troops already operating in the region under the 8th Infantry Division. The purported aim of this massive deployment is to “crush the four remaining guerrilla fronts” of the New People’s Army (NPA), specifically in Northern Samar. These additional armed troops belong to the 74th Infantry Battalion (from Basilan), the 42nd IB (from the Quezon-Bicol area) and the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion. In addition, the AFP deployed more than 550 new combat troops who completed their training in Camp Eugenio Daza in Hinabangan, Samar last February 20.

These units of the AFP are notorious for attacking civilian communities and perpetrating rampant rights violations. The 4th SRC, in particular, faces numerous complaints in Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental. The 42nd IB is also notorious for its role in implementing Memorandum Order 32 which placed Bicol, Samar and Negros under military rule. The 42nd IB is among the perpetrators of the AFP’s rampage of killings in Bicol, murdering one victim every week since 2018.

Violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated by the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) have been rampant in Samar and the whole of the Eastern Visayas. Under the counterinsurgency campaign of the AFP and PNP, people belonging to all types mass organizations have been made targets for suppression, since the issuance of Memorandum Order 32.

The AFP has blurred the lines between armed combatants and civilians by considering mass organizations in Samar fighting for land and peasant rights, and defending democratic rights, as being armed rebels. Their members are targeted by the AFP as combatants, subjected to surveillance, harassment and intimidation, arrests and killings, and forced to “surrender” without any legal or judicial process. Entire villages and communities are placed under military hamlet control where their rights are severely restricted. The AFP has also carried out a terrorist wave of aerial bombardment in Samar that target fields, forests and nearby communities. Children have not been spared from violent attacks by the military as shown by the killing of two teenagers by troops of the 20th who indiscriminately fired their weapons in Barangay Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar last February 8, 2022. Human rights defenders and alternative media practitioners, themselves, have been imprisoned in the hope of silencing the people of Eastern Visayas and preventing them from exposing the truth.

With the deployment of more than a thousand combat troops, the AFP will again turn Samar into a howling wilderness adapting the scorched earth tactics of US colonial forces during the Filipino-American war, as well as those applied in the US counterguerrilla war in Vietnam. These tactics, however, are bound to fail as these only further expose the rottenness of the ruling system and inflame the people’s anger against the ruling classes of exploiters and oppressors.

Faced with relentless fascist suppression and worsening socioeconomic oppression and exploitation, the people of Samar and the entire Eastern Visayas region have no other option but to fight back through all forms of resistance. They must strengthen and consolidate their organizations. The canons and bombs of the AFP will ultimately prove futile as the broad masses of the people of Samar courageously act and rise up as one body.

The CPP calls on all commands and units of the NPA in Samar and Eastern Visayas to continue waging extensive and intensive guerrilla warfare on the basis of an ever expanding and deepening mass base. They must exert all efforts to spread the flames of the armed revolution. They must be ready to recruit and train more Red fighters as the broad masses of the people are determined to join the armed resistance to defend themselves against the terrorist state.

The NPA in Samar and in the Eastern Visayas region continue to master the war of quick and clandestine maneuvers and ssiduously carry out the tactics of concentration, dispersal and shifting to keep the enemy deaf and blind. They can carry out strikes where and when the enemy least expects it, and employ the tactic of feigning to the east and striking in the west. They are determined to mount basic tactical offensives, combined with widespread armed actions, including special partisan operations, and mobilization of militia units, to take away the enemy’s initiative and disrupt its plans. They continue to strengthen their ties with the peasant masses by helping carry out their antifeudal struggles and addressing their urgent social and economic needs.

The regional and various levels of Party leadership are determined to build the revolutionary mass movement in the cities and countryside of Eastern Visayas. The broad masses of oppressed and exploited classes are being aroused, organized and mobilized to fight for their urgent demands for alleviation from the economic crisis and calamities including wage increases for workers, lowering of land rent and loan interests, fare farmgate prices and other urgent agrarian reforms, and others.

They people of Eastern Visayas are determined to link up with the urgent struggle against rising US military intervention, especially as American troops increase their presence in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and other parts of the region, as part of its war preparations; and denounce US supplying of weapons and military equipment for the AFP used for the suppression of the Filipino people.

The Party calls on the Filipino people, human rights defenders, church people, workers, students, women, artists and all other democratic sectors, to link-up arms and help the people of Samar and Eastern Visayas expose the crimes being perpetrated by the AFP in the course of its futile counterinsurgency drive.

Led by the Party, the people and revolutionary forces in Eastern Visayas are determined to rise, resolutely fight and wage widespread resistance against the US-Marcos regime’s fascist state terrorism and frustrate its aim of transforming Samar into a howling wilderness.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/resist-us-marcos-regimes-plan-to-turn-samar-to-howling-wilderness/

Kalinaw News: Former rebel denounces CTG atrocities, deception

From Kalinaw News (Feb 25, 2023): Former rebel denounces CTG atrocities, deception

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – February 25, 2023

A former rebel withdrew support from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and pledged allegiance to the government on February 24, 2023.

The former CTG member submitted himself to the 5th Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Butril, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera identified the surrendered personality as a.k.a. Karding, a member of the Platoon Timlas, Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG), Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region. The former rebel handed over two firearms: one Winchester M1 Garand and one improvised M79 grenade launcher.

During the initial debriefing, a.k.a. Karding expressed his condemnation of the inhumane attacks and false ideologies of the group. He also relayed the hardships he experienced, especially when they tried to evade the government forces due to their lack of strength and capability. He also pledged support to the government and called on his former companions not to be afraid to surrender.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, expressed his admiration for the former rebel for making the brave decision to return to the fold of the law. “Rest assured that we will assist him in his reintegration into mainstream society. His documents will immediately be processed for his enrolment in the programs facilitated by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).”

The WestMinCom Commander attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of the military, other security agencies, local government units, stakeholders, and the communities. “We will remain persistent in our efforts to wipe out communist insurgency here in Mindanao.”

[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/former-rebel-denounces-ctg-atrocities-deception/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 58IB and the Local Government Unit of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental conduct outreach program to former NPA safe haven in the municipality

From Kalinaw News (Feb 25, 2023): Army’s 58IB and the Local Government Unit of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental conduct outreach program to former NPA safe haven in the municipality

Building Trusts, Sustaining the Gains

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – In collaboration with the Regional Association of Government Communication (RAGCOM) Region X, the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion conducted an outreach program to the former safe haven of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) at Sitio Curnao, Brgy. Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis, Oriental on February 24, 2023.

This program is inline with the unit’s campaign of restoring communities, changing lives. Sitio Curnao is categorized as a Kosolidado, Kinokonsolidado, Expansyon, and Rekobery (KKER) area under the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). As a consequence of its vast terrain and the presence of their family members, said sitio served as a safe haven for top leaders of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

The Mobile Community Support Sustainment Teams (MCSSTs) were previously immersed in said area and already declared cleared from CPP/NPA/NDF affectation by the Area Clearing Validation Board (ACVB) on September 11, 2019. Since then, livelihood assistance and trainings have been given and conducted for the people’s organizations (PO) called Curnao Farmers Association (CUFA). This includes goat dispersal, turnover of assorted farm seedlings, water system installation, and solar light installation. Thus a recipient of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), which is already in implementarion.

And now, through the initiatives of various line agencies, stakeholders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other legal organizations, a more diverse approach to revisiting Sitio Curnao has been undertaken. Social, health, education, socio-economic, and other essential services are provided to 22 households in Sitio Curnao and 93 others in neighboring communities. In addition, the 4ID Medical team provides medical consultation to 72 patients.

An inspiring message was also given to the community by all department heads about their role in government and the kind of assistance they can also provide, especially to the farmer’s, women’s, and youth sectors, which are regarded as vulnerable to deceptive recruitment by the CPP, NPA, and NDF.

Hon. Edgardo S. Cainglet, Sangguniang Bayan Member and former Brgy Captain of said sitio, expresses his heartfelt gratitude to all government agencies who came without hesitation despite the distance, lack of electricity, no signal connectivity, and the only mode of transportation being by foot and horseback in reaching out to the people of Curnao, bringing social services, and building roads to this small community.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Christian C. Uy, Battalion Commander of the 58IB, lauded all the department heads of the government agencies, stakeholders, NGOs, and other legal organizations who took part in the activity and their dedication for hiking an hour and a half through the rugged terrain just to reach Sitio Curnao. “More blessings will come to those who give,” Lt. Col. Uy stated, urging the community to remain steadfast in the growth of the socio-economic development of the community while remaining resilient to any form of deceptive recruitment by the CTGs.

[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/armys-58ib-and-the-local-government-unit-of-lagonglong-misamis-oriental-conduct-outreach-program-to-former-npa-safe-haven-in-the-municipality/

Mangoroban takes over as commander of 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan

From Palawan News (Feb 25, 2023): Mangoroban takes over as commander of 3rd Marine Brigade in Palawan



Colonel Antonio Mangoroban Jr. has relieved Brigadier General Jimmy Larida as commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade in a change of command ceremony held Friday at Marine Base Rodolfo Punsalang in Barangay Tiniguiban.

The ceremonial ritual of transferring authority and duty for the unit was presided over by the commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), Major General Charlton Sean Gaerlan.

Being the new commander of the brigade that has received the PMC’s Kahusayan Award for three consecutive years and has set the stage and worked hard to end the local armed conflict to render Palawan as insurgency-free, Mangoroban remarked that he is well aware of the simple and arduous challenges before him.

“Ako ay nangangako sa inyong lahat na gagampanan ko ang aking tungkulin ng buong husay at kagalingan,” he said. “I need all your help as we all continue to fulfill our dreams in this part of the country. Please join me as we sustain, protect, and improve the gains made by our predecessors. We shall ensure that their efforts will not be in vain.”

Col. Antonio Mangoroban Jr. (3rd from left), Philippine Marines commandant Maj. Gen. Charles Sean Gaerlan (4th from left), and Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida ( 3rd from right) during the change of command with some officers of the battalions stationed in Palawan. | Photo from 3rd Marine Brigade

“Makakaasa kayo na ang inyong 3MBde ay magiging kaisa, katuwang, kaagapay sa ating hinaharap,” he added.

Mangoroban is familiar with Palawan, having previously served as deputy commander of the brigade and deputy for marine operation in Naval Forces West (NFW).

His responsibilities are substantial, since his leadership must ensure the province’s insurgency-free status for the province’s long-term growth.

Larida, who now serves as the deputy commandant of the PMC, commended the men and women, the stakeholders, local government officials, and the Palaweños for their support of his leadership, notably for eradicating insurgency from the province.

“You have all stood in the frontlines of the 3MBde’ transformation. I am so grateful to each of you for making my life easier and being a part of my journey,” he said.

“My task two years ago was to continue the achievements of the past two commanders, Maj. Gen. Gaerlan and Maj. Gen. Nestor Herico, to finish off the insurgency problem in Palawan,” he added.

He was particularly thankful that no marine perished in combat operations in the province during his stint.

Gaerlan, for his part, recalled the efforts the marines in Palawan had made to achieve success.

“It is with hard work that the 3MBde has achieved so much success in the past couple of years—focused military operations, civil military operations, and other stakeholder support greatly contributed not only for defeating the communist-terrorists in Palawan, but also the provincial government in all its undertakings,” he said.

He said Larida’s leadership was steadfast, but it wouldn’t be without the support of the marines under the 3MBde and the many stakeholders in the province.

Gaerlan is confident that Mangoroban’s “caliber and expertise” as Larida’s successor will further contribute to the 3MBde’s accomplishments.

“He knows the area of operation, and also knows the situation here in Palawan. Wala na siyang period of adjustment kasi alam na alam na niya dito,” he said.

https://palawan-news.com/mangoroban-takes-over-as-commander-of-3rd-marine-brigade-in-palawan/

NPA believed to be behind councilman’s slay

From Panay News (Feb 25, 2023): NPA believed to be behind councilman’s slay (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) believed the New People’s Army (NPA) was responsible for the murder of Barangay Cambayobo Kagawad Benito Hubahib in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

Lieutenant Colonel J-Jay Javines, 79IB commander, said Hubahib had served as witness in a criminal case filed against a captured NPA leader.

Javines was also active and supportive of the government’s anti-insurgency efforts in the area, the commander added.

On Feb. 22, six armed men introduced themselves to Hubahib as policemen. Three entered the victim’s house and asked for the latter’s identification, while three others served as lookouts.

After the victim verified his identity, the suspects allegedly revealed they were only posing as cops then shot Hibahib.

Four empty .45 pistol bullet shells and three 5.56mm spent shells were recovered by responding policemen./PN

https://www.panaynews.net/npa-believed-to-be-behind-councilmans-slay/

Kagawad shot dead in front of family

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 25): Kagawad shot dead in front of family (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Six unidentified armed men, believed to be members of the New People’s Army, shot and killed a barangay kagawad on Wednesday night in Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

The victim was identified by the police and military as Benito Hubahib, a barangay kagawad of Cambayobo in Calatrava town, which is considered by authorities as a rebel-infested village.

Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, yesterday disclosed that the armed men, who introduced themselves as policemen, shot and killed Hubahib, without any reason, in front of his family members.

Hubahib, who is the brother of Cambayobo barangay chairman Dominador Hubahib Jr., succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the spot, according to the Calatrava police.

Several empty shells of caliber .45 pistol and M16 assault rifle were recovered from the scene of incident.

Javines recalled that the victim served as a witness during the arrest of rebel leader Felix Susas Jr., secretary of the defunct Northern Negros Front, and two others, last month, in Sitio Pinamactinan, Brgy. Cambayobo, Calatrava.

He clarified that Hubahib only performed his job, as barangay official, when he was requested to do so, during the arrest of Susas, who is facing numerous arrest warrants, including murder cases.

https://visayandailystar.com/kagawad-shot-dead-in-front-of-family/

53 Negros soldiers get medals

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 25): 53 Negros soldiers get medals (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Before ending his stint as commanding general of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division on March 1, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo conferred 53 troopers of the 94th Infantry Battalion with Military Merit Medals, during its 5th founding anniversary, held at Brgy. Tambo in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, early this week.

Arevalo cited them for exemplary performance during a series of encounters in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Three suspected rebels died in an encounter last month with 94IB soldiers in Brgy. Oringao, Kabankalan City, resulting in the recovery of three firearms.

The awarding of medals to Army soldiers who excelled in the performance of their jobs, has been a routine activity for Arevalo, from when he was still the commanding officer of 303rd Infantry Brigade, until he became the commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Arevalo will turn over the 3ID command to his successor, Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, on March 1 at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, to be presided over by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Sison is presently the 3ID Assistant Division Commander, while Arevalo is occupying the position of commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command.

https://visayandailystar.com/53-negros-soldiers-get-medals/

Australian defense chief visits troops joining Philippines-Australia military exercise in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (Feb 25, 2023): Australian defense chief visits troops joining Philippines-Australia military exercise in Maguindanao (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Participants to the Philippines-Australia Army to Army Exercise simulate a close quarter battle scenario on Thursday (23 February 2023) at Camp Siongco in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. MIndaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte (MindaNews / 24 February) — Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles and General Andres Centeno, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, on Thursday visited troops taking part in the Philippines-Australia Army to Army Exercise in Maguindanao del Norte.

The six-week exercise, which began on Monday and will continue until the end of March, is taking place at Camp Siongco, the 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

The exercise is led by the 6th ID and the 6th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment.

The participating troops demonstrated their capabilities and skills in close quarter battle, marksmanship in combat shooting, and casualty care to Centeno and Marles, who is accompanied by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Uy.

The close quarter battle exercise simulated an engagement with terrorists inside a building, resulting in “wounded” troops on whom the participants applied their knowledge in tactical combat casualty care.

Aside from Centeno and the Australian officials, Western Mindanao Command Commander LGen Roy Galido and 6th ID Commander LGen Alex Rillera also witnessed the exercise on Thursday.

Rillera said his division was honored to host the exercise.

He said the two countries have shared commitment to regional stability and security.

He cited the lingering threats from ISIS-inspired groups and the territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Aside from marksmanship and tactical combat casualty care, the participants to the exercise will also undergo training in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations, and small unit leaders training through the exchange of techniques, tactics and procedures.

Last year, about 450 Philippine special forces and Australian army troops took part in a similar exercise at Fort Ramon Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/02/australian-defense-chief-visits-troops-joining-philippines-australia-military-exercise-in-maguindanao/

9 PNP informants get P7.9-M reward for arrest of wanted persons

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2023): 9 PNP informants get P7.9-M reward for arrest of wanted persons (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

REWARD. Confidential informants receive cash rewards totaling PHP7.96 million from the Philippine National Police (PNP) for helping law enforcers arrest nine most wanted persons, on Friday (Feb. 24, 2023). Authorities said they provided vital information that led to the arrest of alleged New People's Army leader Alfredo Mapano and eight other fugitives listed as most wanted persons. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA – Nine confidential informants received cash rewards totaling PHP7.96 million from the Philippine National Police (PNP) for helping law enforcers arrest nine most wanted persons, including members of the New People’s Army (NPA), a police official said on Saturday.

PNP Director for Intelligence Maj. Benjamin Acorda Jr. presented the cash rewards to the nine informants in rites held at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday afternoon.

Acorda said they provided vital information that led to the arrest of alleged NPA leader Alfredo Mapano and eight other fugitives listed as most wanted persons.

The nine most wanted are subjects of warrants of arrest issued by courts for involvement in heinous crime cases ranging from murder to rape, forcible abduction with rape, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder.

Acorda encouraged the public to continue supporting and helping the PNP by providing necessary information on criminals and wanted persons for their immediate arrest.

“Granting monetary rewards to persons (except government employees) who are instrumental to the arrest, surrender, or death in legitimate operations of Most Wanted Persons is among the programs of the PNP for the immediate arrest of wanted persons in the country,” he said in a statement.

Korean award

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Rodoffo Azurin Jr. congratulated PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia for winning the Best International Award at the 15th Korea Environmental Awards National Convention 2022.

Azurin said the PNP is grateful for Sermonia's commitment to environmental protection and social service, expressing hope that his achievement would inspire others to follow his lead in making a positive impact on the world.

"This award is a testament to Sermonia's dedication and hard work in promoting environmental awareness and service to our country. He has set a great example for our police organization and we are proud to have him as part of our team," he said.

The awarding ceremony, held on Feb. 20 at the Korean Congress Center Parliamentarian Hall, honored individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to environmental preservation and social service.

The event aimed to promote the preservation of the global environment and share with those who suffer.

"I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award. This recognition only inspires me to continue my advocacy and commitment to protect the environment and serve our communities," Sermonia said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196043

PCG heightens patrol in WPS, makes public maritime incidents

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2023): PCG heightens patrol in WPS, makes public maritime incidents (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos and Ferdinand Patinio)

HEIGHTENED PRESENCE. The Philippine Coast Guard will be intensifying its presence in the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela says at the Saturday News Forum (Feb. 25, 2023) at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City. Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, said they will continue to defend Philippine territory amid China's reported encroachment. (File photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues to strengthen its presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to protect the country's territory.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, said they would carry out “constant” patrolling to safeguard the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and provide support to Filipino fisher folk, especially those who are victims of reported “bullying” and “harassment” by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG).

“Then and now, the Philippine Coast Guard has intensified our presence in the West Philippine Sea, with the guidance of our President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.),” Tarriela said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

“We still have that commitment that we are going to comply with the directive of our President that no square inch of our territory will be surrendered to any foreign powers.”

The CCG maintains its presence in the WPS, with at least 30 suspected maritime militia ships spotted by the PCG during its maritime domain awareness flight on Tuesday.

A total of 26 Chinese maritime militia vessels were sighted in Sabina Shoal and four more were in the Ayungin Shoal.

The PCG aircraft also received “inaudible” English radio challenges from CCG-5304, prompting the PCG to issue a radio challenge to inform them of the maritime domain awareness flight and directed the Chinese vessels to leave.

Before the recent development, a CCG vessel on Feb. 6 “shadowed" and pointed a military-grade laser toward the PCG patrol vessel BRP Malapascua, temporarily blinding its crew.

Tarriela said it is up to the Department of Foreign Affairs to determine whether CCG’s acts were “provocative, aggressive, or just a form of harassment.”

“This is the job of the Department of Foreign Affairs, how are they going to label this kind of behavior from the Chinese,” he said.

Quizzed as to how the PCG would respond to China’s recent actions, Tarriela said that according to the rules, they are not expected to use force unless an equivalent force would be used against them.

He, nevertheless, said the Marcos administration’s current policy is to publicize the maritime incidents in WPS.

The latest strategy would prompt the Chinese government to issue a statement, he said, noting that Beijing tends to be silent whenever Manila files a diplomatic protest against the CCG’s aggressive acts in the WPS.

“All the incidents that are happening right now, we are making it publicly available. That’s why there is awareness among the Filipino people, among the media practitioners. And the international community is also aware of what the Chinese has been doing in the past weeks,” Tarriela said.

“With all those occurrences of bullying behavior, harassment of Filipino fishermen, the Philippine Coast Guard can document. Once we publicize it, we are expecting that the Chinese will react.”

On Feb. 18, Marcos expressed optimism that the Philippines and China would be able to resolve the issues being reported in the "past few weeks and months," given that the two nations are "close friends."

Upgrading

Tarriela likewise appealed to legislators to support the PCG’s modernization program that would strengthen the safeguarding of the country’s territory.

“We have been requesting our legislators to support the Coast Guard modernization for us to acquire more offshore patrol vessels,” he said.

Tarriela said the PCG has acquired three offshore patrol vessels through loans – two from the Japan Official Development Assistance and one from France.

The PCG also plans to establish more offshore response bases, including in Palawan, to intensify patrolling capabilities in the EEZ, he said, noting that PCG vessels dock at ports they do not own.

“When the space is needed by the port, we have to remove our vessels and transfer them to another free space,” he said.

Coordination with US Coast Guard

Meanwhile, Tarriela said a joint patrol agreement with the United States Coast Guard is in the initial stages and “small talks” have been conducted.

“We support a joint patrol with the United States Coast Guard. We believe that the common functions of the Philippines Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard in ensuring maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and conducting maritime law enforcement are those functions na makakapag-generate ng (that will generate) more regional cooperation among ASEAN neighbors,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196051

52 ex-rebels, 200 NPA supporters in Agusan get benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2023): 52 ex-rebels, 200 NPA supporters in Agusan get benefits (By Alexander Lopez)

SUPPORT TO FORMER REBELS. At least 52 former communist rebels and 200 mass-based supporters availed of benefits from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in Agusan del Sur province on Thursday (Feb. 23, 2023). The event, facilitated by the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region, is graced by Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Secretary Gilberto DC Cruz together with several Philippine National Police officials. (Photo courtesy of Agusan del Sur PPO)

BUTUAN CITY – Fifty-two former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and 200 of their barangay-based supporters in Agusan del Sur province have pledged allegiance to the government Thursday and received benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

In an interview Friday, Maj. Jennifer Ometer, the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) information chief, said the batch came from various towns of the province.

“These former rebels and supporters surrendered to field units of the PRO-13 on different occasions last year and in the early part of 2023 in Agusan del Sur,” Ometer said.

Leading the distribution of the E-CLIP benefits held in Patin-ay, Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur, were Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission Secretary Gilberto DC Cruz; Lt. Gen. Filmore Escobal, the Area Police Command in Eastern Mindanao commander; and Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force director.

They were joined by PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II; and Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr.

The beneficiaries received educational assistance and scholarship for their children, sets of livelihood training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and livelihood support from the provincial government’s Upland Sustainable Agroforestry Development (USAD) program, among others.

“The (achievement) can be attributed to the consistency of our Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay program in which our (units) were able to educate the people in areas infested by rebels about the programs and services of the government and the E-CLIP program,” Labra said in a separate statement on Friday.

Labra said the PRO-13 will continuously work with other stakeholders in the region to win back more rebels and their supporters to the government.

Alias Jake, a beneficiary, lauded the government for the opportunities he received after abandoning the NPA group.

“We have no future inside the NPA movement as it only destroyed our lives, including the lives of our families,” he said.

He added that the armed struggle being waged by the NPA only brought trouble and hardships in communities and the lives of ordinary civilians and residents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195987