CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Protesta kontra Herrera Law, inilunsad ng mga manggagawa

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 (Mar 2, 2023): Protesta kontra Herrera Law, inilunsad ng mga manggagawa (Protest against Herrera Law, launched by workers)

 

March 02, 2023

Nagprotesta ang mga manggagawa kanina sa Commission on Human Rights sa Quezon City para igiit ang pagpapabasura sa anti-manggagawa na Herrera Law kasabay ng ika-34 anibersaryo nito. Ayon sa Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), ginawang ligal ng naturang batas ang kontraktwalisasyon na nagbura sa seguridad sa trabaho ng mga manggagawa.

Ang Herrera Law ay isinabatas noong Marso 2, 1989 sa ilalim ng rehimeng Cory Aquino. Ipinangalan ito sa pangunahing nagtulak nito na si Sen. Ernesto Herrera. Si Herrera ay dating tagapangulo ng dilawang Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

Ayon sa KMU, binigyang-awtoridad ng batas ang pulis at militar na sikilin ang mga welga at pigilan ang mga ito sa pamamagitan ng Assumption of Jurisdiction (AJ), labag sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa.

“Sa pamamagitan ng AJ, nagpatupad ng mga strike ban, humigpit ang mga rekisito para maglunsad ng welga, at nabigyang-daan ang mga pulis at militar na buwagin ang mga welga at unyon sa pagawaan,” pahayag ng KMU.

Paliwanag pa nito, “bagaman ipinagbawal [ng batas] ang labor-only contracting, binigyang-luwag ang iba pang mga porma ng kontraktwalisasyon. Sa esensya, pinaluwag nito ang kakayahan ng mga kapitalista na tumanggap ng mga empleyadong kontraktwal na kailanman ay hindi makakakuha ng regular na sahod at benepisyo.”

Para sa mga manggagawa at unyon, isang malaking “bangungot” ang Herrera Law magpahanggang ngayon. “Laganap pa rin sa buong bansa ang kontraktwalisasyon na nagpapanatili ng barat na sahod at kawalan ng benepisyo. Tumindi rin ang paglabag sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa na mag-unyon, magwelga, at magpahayag,” ayon sa KMU.

Sa Pilipinas, tinatayang nasa 9.4 milyong Pilipino ang nananatiling kontraktwal na mga manggagawa ayon sa datos ng IBON Foundation noong 2018.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/protesta-kontra-herrera-law-inilunsad-ng-mga-manggagawa/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Ibasura ang Cha-cha ni Marcos, panawagan ng mga demokratikong organisasyon

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 (Mar 3, 2023): Ibasura ang Cha-cha ni Marcos, panawagan ng mga demokratikong organisasyon (Discard Marcos' Cha-cha, call of democratic organizations)

 

March 03, 2023

Nakahanda ang mga demokratikong organisasyon na tutulan ang pakanang baguhin ang konstitusyong 1987 na iniraratsada ngayon sa Kongreso. Tinatayang ipapasa na sa Marso 6 sa pangatlo at huling pagdinig ang House Resolution No. 6, na nagtatawag para sa Constitutional Convention para baguhin ang konstitusyon.

“Sagot ba sa problema ng bansa ang Cha-cha?” tanong ni Renato Reyes, pangkalahatang kalihim ng Bayan. “Hindi. Lalong lalala pa nga ang krisis sa pagpasok ng mga dayuhang kumpanya, at sa pagpapalawig sa pwesto ng mga naghaharing-uri. Dayuhan at iilan ang makikinabang sa Cha-cha. Sila ang nagpapahirap sa bansa natin.”

Tinawag ng Bayan ang pakana bilang “Marcos cha-cha” dahil itinutulak ito ng kanyang mga alyado sa Kamara. Sa huling ulat, mahigit 200 nang kongresista ang nakasuporta sa resolusyon. “Nakasunod din ito sa patakaran ni Marcos na ibayong ibukas ang ekonomya sa mga dayuhan,” ayon kay Reyes.

Ang itinutulak nitong pagbabago sa mga probisyon sa ekonomya ay lalong magbibigay pabor sa naghaharing uri at magbibigay ng dagdag na mga bentahe sa mga dayuhang monopolyo kapitalista na naglalayong dambungin at samantalahin ang ekonomya ng bansa, ayon sa Bayan. “Kahit palitan ang Constitution, kung mga political dynasties pa rin ang nakaupo, walang magbabago,” anito.

Tutol din ang Alliance of Concerned Teachers sa pakana. “Pahihintulutan ng ChaCha na lalong magtagal sa pwesto, mangurakot, at magpayaman ang mga pulitikong mula sa mga dinastikong angkan o pamilya ng mga panginoong maylupa at mga may-ari ng malalaking korporasyon,” ayon sa grupo. Kaugnay ito sa balak na pagpapalawig sa termino ng mga pambansa at lokal na mga upisyal mula tatlo tungong limang taon at pagpapahintulot sa muling pagtakbo ng nakaupong presidente at bise presidente.

Kinutya ni Reyes sa Marcos sa pagkukunwari nitong “hindi prayorida” ang Cha-cha gayong “kitang kita sa galawan” ng kanyang mga kaalyado sa Kongreso.

Panawagan niya sa mamamayang Pilipino, huwag payagan ang Marcos cha-cha.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/ibasura-ang-cha-cha-ni-marcos-panawagan-ng-mga-demokratikong-organisasyon/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Hindi makasasama sa ekonomya ang dagdag-sahod!

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 (Mar 3, 2023): Hindi makasasama sa ekonomya ang dagdag-sahod! (The wage increase will not harm the economy!)

 

March 03, 2023

Malaking panloloko ang sinabi kamakailan ng kalihim ng National Economic and Development Authority na si Arsenio Balisacan na “makakasama” sa ekonomya ang hiling ng mga manggagawa na dagdagan ang kanilang sahod.

“Kaninong ekonomya?” tanong ni Sonny Africa ng Ibon Foundation. “Napakalaki ng bentahe ng dagdag-sahod sa mga manggagawa,” aniya, at ang tanging kasamaang idudulot nito ay sa sobra-sobrang kita na kinokopo ng mayayaman.

Sa dekada 2012-2021, ayon kay Africa, tumaas ang produktibidad ng mga manggagawa nang 42%, habang 18% lamang ang itinaas sa sahod. Bumagsak pa ang tunay na halaga ng sahod nang 5%. Gayundin, sa loob ng panahong ito, tumaas nang 68% ang kita ng nangungunang 1,000 korporasyon sa bansa, at 89% sa 40 pinakamayayamang Pilipino.

Tinawag ni Jerome Adonis, pangkalahatang kalihim ng Kilusang Mayo Uno, si Balisacan na “sinungaling at manloloko” sa isang video message noong Marso 1.

“Hindi totoo yan,” diin ni Adonis. “Katunayan, makakatulong pa nga sa ekonomya ang dagdag sahod ng mga Pilipino.” Paliwanag niya, kung itataas ang sahod, magkakaroon ng pambili ang mga manggagawang Pilipino, laluna ng pinakabatayang mga pangangailangan. Nasa 70%-80% ng sahod ng mga manggagawa ay napupunta sa pagbili ng pagkain, aniya.

Hamon naman ng mga manggagawa sa Cebu, subukan ni Balisacan na mabuhay sa minimum na sahod ng mga manggagawa.

“Madali lamang kay Secretary Balisacan na sabihin yan kasi di naman minimum ang sahod niya,” ayon kay Jaime Paglinawan, pinuno ng AMA-Sugbo-KMU. “Mas maganda subukan niyang mabuhay sa minimum na ₱435 kada araw sa Central Visayas o kahit ₱570 kada araw na minimum sa NCR.” Iginiit ni Paglinawan na makatarungan ang iginigiit ng mga manggagawa na dagdag-sahod, laluna matapos ianunsyo ng Bangko Sentral na maaring pumalo sa 9.3% ang implasyon noong Pebrero.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/hindi-makasasama-sa-ekonomya-ang-dagdag-sahod/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Sibilyang komunidad, pinagbabaril ng 94th IB; mga bahay nasira

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 (Mar 3, 2023): Sibilyang komunidad, pinagbabaril ng 94th IB; mga bahay nasira (Civilian community, shot by 94th IB; houses destroyed)

March 03, 2023

Nasira ang bahay ng mga magsasakang sina Albascion Onopre at Rhoda Garnica sa Sityo Cabagnaan, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental matapos paulanan ng bala ng mga sundalo ng 94th IB noong Marso 1. Ayon sa grupong September 21 Movement South Negros, nagpaputok ang mga sundalo matapos ang napaulat na engkwentro sa pagitan ng 94th IB at yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa isang lugar na saklaw ng sityo.

Giit ng grupo, ang pagdamay sa mga sibilyan at sibilyang komunidad ay paglabag sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law o CAHRIHL na pinirmahan ng mga kinatawan ng Gubyerno ng Pilipinas at ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Labis na takot at troma ang idinulot ng naturang pamamaril sa mga residente. “Ang mga may-ari ng bahay…nagmadaling magtago para hindi sila matamaan ng bala. Lumikas na sila sa Barangay Carabalan,” ayon sa grupo.

Sa araw na iyon, nasa 100 pamilya ang lumikas tungo sa sentro ng barangay mula sa mga sityo ng Panagbaan, Florete, Cabalungan, at Daat. Kinonkontrol at binabantayan din ng militar ang kilos ng mga nasa sentro ng ebakwasyon. Unti-unti na silang nakababalik sa ngayon.

Iniulat ng mga residente ang patuloy na panggigipit at pananakot ng mga sundalo sa mga sibilyan. Anila sumisigaw ang mga ito ng “Nga kung sin-o ang isog dira, paguwa!” (Kung sino ang matapang diyan, lumabas!) at “Ubuson pamatay ang mga pumuluyo” (Uubusin ang mga tao dito).

Ang ginagawang karahasan ng militar laban mga sibilyan ay labag sa Ika-4 na Bahagi, Artikulo 4, Numero 4 ng CARHRIHL:

“Ang sibilyang populasyon at mga sibilyan ay itatrato bilang sibilyan at ipag-iiba sa mga mandirigma at, kasama ang kanilang ari-arian, ay hindi maaaring atakihin.”

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/sibilyang-komunidad-pinagbabaril-ng-94th-ib-mga-bahay-nasira/

Kalinaw News: Unidentified CTG Member killed in an Encounter

From Kalinaw News (Mar 3, 2023): Unidentified CTG Member killed in an Encounter

In the vicinity of Sitio Lantong, Brgy Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat last February 26, 2023, the combat soldiers of 37IB came across around 10 CTG militants who were said to be under the command of Joseph Longan alias Michael, Commander of Platoon Beijing, SRC Daguma, FSMR. A CTG member who was not identified was killed in the 30-minute gunfight, and war materiel, including three (3) high-powered weapons—two (2) M14 rifles and one (1) 5.56mm Bushmaster rifle—as well as three bags and other items were also taken.

The government side has not reported any casualties, either. The military is continuing cleaning up the area in question while also looking for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members who have escaped.

The 37IB’s commanding officer, LTC John Paul Baldomar INF (GSC) PA, stated that the troops will step up their combat efforts to put additional pressure on the adversaries.

BGEN MICHAEL A SANTOS PA, Brigade Commander, praised the 37IB soldiers for their success. In addition, he exhorted the remaining CTG members to put a stop to their violent resistance and quietly rejoin society.

“I continue to believe that the battle for peace won’t include any more bloodshed. To live and experience a normal life, I implore the CTG’s surviving members to renounce “- BGEN MICHAEL A. SANTOS PA

[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/unidentified-ctg-member-killed-in-an-encounter/

Kalinaw News: 3 communist terrorists neutralized; war materials seized in Sultan Kudarat clash

From Kalinaw News (Mar 3, 2023): 3 communist terrorists neutralized; war materials seized in Sultan Kudarat clash

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 3, 2023

Three communist terrorist group members were neutralized in an encounter with the military in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat Thursday, March 2, 2023.

Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said the troops of the 7th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Frederick Chicote acted on a report of the presence of fully-armed men conducting foraging activities at Sitio Isuko, Barangay Banali, Senator Ninoy Aquino Thursday noon.

Upon arrival at the area, operating troops engaged in an armed confrontation with ten communist terrorist group members led by Eusevio Cranzo Tabunaway, a.k.a. Ben/Brix, a member of the Regional Tax Implementing Group (RTIG) of the Far South Mindanao Region.

The firefight resulted in the deaths of three CTG members and the recovery of three M16 rifles, one M653 rifle, 13 long magazines, 330 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two hand grenades, five bandoliers, one commercial radio, four backpacks, assorted foodstuff and personal belongings, and propaganda materials.

The recovered cadavers of the slain communist terrorists were turned over to the local police for identification and post-mortem investigation. Operating troops are in pursuit of the fleeing enemies.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the JTF Central “Kampilan” troopers for this accomplishment.

“Rest assured that we will remain committed to resolving the long-standing aggression in our area of operation,” Lt. Gen. Galido 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/3-communist-terrorists-neutralized-war-materials-seized-in-sultan-kudarat-clash/

Kalinaw News: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝟑𝐈𝐃 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐍𝐏𝐀 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐬

From Kalinaw News (Mar 3, 2023): New 3ID Commander Slams NPA for Continued Extortion in Negros 

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – 3rd Infantry (Spearhead)
Division Commander BGen Marion R Sison condemned the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Negros Occidental for robbing the people’s hard-earned money through theirextortion activities.

“These CPP-NPA Terrorists are desperate robbers who are losing the support of the people; hence, they continued forcing businessmen, including ordinary civilians in Negros, to give in to their extortion demands to sustain their crumpling organization,” BGen Sison said.

BGen Sison made this statement following the recovery of numerous extortion letters from the possession of the slain NPAs in an encounter in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, March 01, 2023.
The extortion letters contain demands to businesses, especially in rural areas signed by Armando Magbanua, Regional Extortion Group of the NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command.

BGen Sison also slammed the NPAs for blatantly fabricating lies through their extortion letters that their resources, mainly coming from the contributions of workers and peasants, were used to support the social needs of the people.

“They are not helping; they are robbing the meager income of the workers and peasant to fund their terroristic activities. They are using Negrenses’ earnings to cast fear and terror, destroy properties, and ruin innocent lives. Their continued extortion activities manifest their true nature as anti-people, anti-peace, and anti-development communist-terrorist organization,” BGen Sison stressed.

The new 3ID Commander also called on the businessmen and the Negreses to help fight the decades-long terrorism of the CNTs by rejecting the extortion demand of the NPAs and reporting their illegal activities to the government forces.
“Join us in putting the CNT’s terrorism to an end.

We can do it if you help us cease their extortion activities. Continue giving reliable information to your Army and PNP about the NPAs’ movement and activities to prevent them from forcing you to give in to their extortion demands,” he added.

[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/%f0%9d%90%8d%f0%9d%90%9e%f0%9d%90%b0-%f0%9d%9f%91%f0%9d%90%88%f0%9d%90%83-%f0%9d%90%82%f0%9d%90%a8%f0%9d%90%a6%f0%9d%90%a6%f0%9d%90%9a%f0%9d%90%a7%f0%9d%90%9d%f0%9d%90%9e%f0%9d%90%ab-%f0%9d%90%92/

Davao remembers deadly airport bombing 20 years later

From Rappler (Mar 4, 2023): Davao remembers deadly airport bombing 20 years later (By FERDINAND ZUASOLA)

Davao officials and the victims' loved ones offer flowers, and light candles at the site of the deadly 2003 bomb attack in Sasa

DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines – The city government of Davao marked the 20th anniversary of the March 4, 2003 bomb attack on the city’s airport that killed nearly two dozen people and hurt more than 100 others.

A ceremony, attended by top local government officials and the victims’ families, was held on Thursday, March 2, a day before the Davao holiday because of its 86th Charter Day.

The airport bombing, which took place at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, killed 22 people and injured at least 155 others.

The 2003 attack, blamed on terrorists, particularly the Jemaah Islamiyah, took place amid a controversy over the Arroyo administration’s support for the United States-led “war on terror.”

Local officials and the victims’ loved ones offered flowers, and candles were lit at the bombing site in Sasa.

The city government had continued to provide financial assistance to 127 dependents of those killed and injured in the airport bombing, with 14 beneficiaries having completed tertiary education as of 2023.

A day earlier, Davao Mayor Sebastian Duterte called on residents to be active participants in the “culture of peace and security campaign” of the city government during the opening ceremony for the month-long Araw ng Dabaw celebration at the Rizal Park.

“Our city is getting bigger and bigger. Our population is ballooning fast. We need each other’s understanding and cooperation for our city to grow peacefully and prosperously,” Duterte said.

He also urged residents to take extra care and report any unattended bag found in public places directly to authorities during the month-long Davao celebration.

It was a bomb placed in a backpack that was exploded at a busy waiting area of the airport 20 years ago.

Colonel Alberto Lupaz, the city’s police chief, said authorities have tightened security measures and urged collaborative efforts to ensure a safe and secure Araw ng Dabaw celebration for locals and visitors.

Although Davao traditionally started celebrations of its 1937 cityhood on the first day of March, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared Friday, March 3 as a special non-working holiday in Davao City, moving the day to the nearest weekend due to the national government’s policy of “holiday economics.” – Rappler.com

[Ferdinand Zuasola is an Aries Rufo Journalism fellow.]

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/davao-remembers-2003-airport-bombing/

NegOcc guv renews appeal to NPA: Surrender now

From Panay News (Mar 4, 2023): NegOcc guv renews appeal to NPA: Surrender now (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson renewed his appeal to New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to surrender following this week’s gun battle in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The clash ended with four NPA rebels dead, according to the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde).

Two soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) were also wounded.

Lacson said the rebels should give up armed struggle.

The provincial government will help rebels reintegrate to society and provide them with livelihood, he added.

Lacson said rebels who surrender automatically benefit from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Earlier, 303IBde commander, Colonel Orlando Edralin, said wounded NPA rebels who surrender will be sent to the hospital for treatment.

He believe a lot of rebels that clashed with 94IB troops on March 1 were wounded.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the NPA “suffered a huge debacle” in the recent encounter.

“Expect relentless military operation in the coming days and weeks,” Sison said.

https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-guv-renews-appeal-to-npa-surrender-now/

Hungry rebel surrenders

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 3, 2023): Hungry rebel surrenders (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A rebel combatant who figured in armed clashes with Army soldiers in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, surrenders to Col- Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, (right), along with his high-powered firearm.* PA photo

A combatant of the New People’s Army, who figured in renewed armed clashes with Army soldiers on March 1 in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, surrendered yesterday to the 94th Infantry Battalion.

Capt. Eduardo Rarugal, 94IB Civil Military Operations officer, disclosed that the NPA combatant, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, also surrendered an M16 assault rifle with several magazines of ammunition.

Rarugal said that the hungry NPA fighter, who have been with the rebel movement for several years, decided to surrender after two days of evading government troops, as he could no longer endure the hardship in the mountains.

The NPA fighter was immediately fed and provided medical attention, and other basic necessities, by the same troops, he and his group engaged in firefights merely two days ago, the 94IB spokesman further said.

Four suspected NPA rebels died during the March 1 encounter.

Rarugal said that the surrendered rebel is also expected to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides social, economic, and psychological support to former rebels who have decided to return to the folds of the law.

https://visayandailystar.com/hungry-rebel-surrenders/

No link between ROTC and Salilig hazing death: solons

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2023): No link between ROTC and Salilig hazing death: solons (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

ROTC BILL. Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on ROTC, with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian listen to inputs and sentiments from resource speakers during the last public hearing on the proposed reinstatement of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps on Feb. 6, 2023. The two lawmakers said the training program should not be linked to the death of John Matthew Salilig who recently died during a fraternity initiation rite. (Photo courtesy of Senate PRIB)

MANILA - Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday came to the defense of the proposed revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps program amid calls to scrap the proposal in view of the death of hazing victim Matthew Salilig.

Dela Rosa and Gatchalian are the principal authors of the Mandatory Basic Reserve Officers' Training Corps bills being heard in the Senate.

In a statement given to reporters, Dela Rosa tagged the call for junking the ROTC bills as a "desperate move" from the groups opposing the training program.

"What a desperate move from anti-ROTC leftist group. What is the connection? The victim died because of fraternity hazing and not of ROTC training," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa emphasized that the ROTC bill provides for the establishment of local grievance boards and a national grievance and monitoring committee that will conduct investigations motu propio on reported or monitored abuses being committed under the ROTC program.

The senator added that making the ROTC program optional will also push for an “optional defense of the country” against security and sovereignty threat.

"Kung gusto natin na ipagpatuloy na gawing optional ang ROTC, at kapag tayo ay nilusob ng ibang bansa gaya ng China, gagawin na rin nating optional ang pagdepensa ng ating bansa, at isasantabi natin ang ating Constitution na nagsasabing tungkulin ng bawat Pilipino ang pagdepensa ng estado (If we want to continue pushing to make ROTC optional, and when in case we are attacked by other countries like China, then we also make it optional to defend our country and set aside the Constitution which mandates every Filipino to defend our State)," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said he is hoping he can deliver his sponsorship speech on the proposed ROTC revival bill before the Senate adjourns its regular session on March 25 and possibly ratify the measure before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian said Salilig's death was due to hazing "perpetrated by individuals who have absolutely no respect for the rule of law," pertaining to the involvement of a fraternity in the incident.

Gatchalian stressed the goal of the ROTC remains the “inculcation of discipline and good citizenship among the youth.”

Senator Christopher Lawrence Go also hit the idea of linking the revival of the ROTC program to the recent hazing incident, emphasizing that people should not be confused because (ROTC) has nothing to do with what happened to Salilig.

“It’s different things, the hazing, and ROTC. We want to teach our youth with proper discipline, love of country, the spirit of 'bayanihan' (cooperation) as well as respect for others,” Go said.

Go assured the military training for ROTC members will never require any violence through hazing.

On the other hand, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and Senator Risa Hontiveros have expressed support for the scrapping of the mandatory ROTC bill following Salilig's hazing death.

Senator Nancy Binay also questioned the need to revive the ROTC program, saying that “a culture of violence has no place in our civilized society."

"The reasons why the ROTC program was suspended were because of corruption, abuse, and hazing? We need to put a stop to the decadent culture and violent tradition which have long been embedded in the system," said Binay.

In response, Gachalian said that “it is precisely incidents like these (hazing deaths) that ROTC intends to eliminate by molding our youth to respect our country and one another."

The Anti-Hazing law, he emphasized, is "airtight and equipped" with safeguards that will prevent abuses from happening.

Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe called on the authorities for stricter implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law.

"Fraternity-related deaths have not stopped, and sadly, the implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law has been wanting," she said. "We must see to it that our laws can protect our children who engage in activities that supposedly espouse good citizenship and fellowship."

Poe likewise stressed that hazing victims must get justice “to avert breeding a wider culture of impunity against the youth.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196574

224 new BARMM cops up for deployment

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2023): 224 new BARMM cops up for deployment (By Edwin Fernandez)

READY TO SERVE. Police officers who completed the Basic Internal Security Operations Course under the Saniblahi Class of 2022 and 2023 stand in attention during graduation rites at Camp S.K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday (March 2, 2023). The batch of 224 new cops will be deployed throughout the region. (Courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao Norte – At least 224 rookie police officers are ready for deployment to various police units across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), an official said Friday.

Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, BARMM police regional director, said the latest batch of police officers will be fielded following their completion of the 60-day training on the Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) on Thursday.

“They will be involved in anti-insurgency, public safety, and special law enforcement operations,” Goyguyon said.

The batch will be deployed to the BARMM province components of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the 63 villages in North Cotabato under the region’s Special Geographic Area.

“Their BISOC training was designed to educate them on the serious complexities of internal security operations,” Guyguyon said, adding that the deployment forms part of the security preparation for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections slated on Oct. 30.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196563

3 NPA fighters slain in Sultan Kudarat operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2023): 3 NPA fighters slain in Sultan Kudarat operations (By Edwin Fernandez)

RECOVERED FIREARMS. The firearms of the three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in an encounter with government forces in Sen. Ninoy Aquino town, Sultan Kudarat province on Thursday (March 2, 2023). The slain rebels belong to the NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in South Central Mindanao, the military says. (Photo courtesy of 603IBde)

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – Three communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in the hinterlands of Sen. Ninoy Aquino town in this province, the military here said Friday.

Lt. Colonel Frederick Chicote, the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion commander, said the remains of three NPA fighters, who all remain unidentified, were turned over to Sen. Ninoy Aquino officials for identification by relatives.

Government forces also recovered four M16 rifles, grenades, ammunition, and personal belongings from the slain rebels following a brief firefight in Barangay Banali on Thursday.

“No casualty was reported on the government side,” Chicote said.

Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade in the province, said the rebels belong to the NPA Guerilla Front 73 operating in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

Military clearing operations are still ongoing, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196604

2 ranking NPA leaders yield in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2023): 2 ranking NPA leaders yield in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

NPA LEADERS YIELD. Two ranking New People's Army (NPA) rebel leaders yielded to police authorities on March 1, 2023, in Bislig City and Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur province. Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, police director in Caraga Region, says the surrender came some three weeks before the celebration of the NPA anniversary on March 29. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)

BUTUAN CITY – The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has lost two ranking leaders in the Caraga Region after they surrendered in Surigao del Sur province, a police official here reported Friday.

“The surrender came three weeks before the celebration of its founding anniversary,” Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, the director of the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) said in a statement.

The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the NPA is set to celebrate its founding anniversary on March 29.

Labra identified the two NPA leaders who turned themselves in on Wednesday only as "Den," 50, and "Gian," 28, both of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Den, who yielded to the Bislig City police station, led the NPA's mass organizations in Surigao del Sur province and also served as the medicine courier for Guerrilla Front 20.

Gian, meanwhile surrendered to the 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Cagwait municipal police. He served as a leader under GF 19-A.

Labra said the two turned over to authorities a .38-caliber revolver, a rifle grenade launcher, and a .45-caliber pistol.

“Den, who joined the NPA in 2013, was promised by comrades to receive a (share) in every transaction in his area of operation,” Labra said.

He said Den was recruited by the NPA in 2013; Gian in 2014.

“The NPA days are numbered as more of their members have left the armed struggle,” Labra said, adding that the surrenderers have availed of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196553

Cops recover NPA guns, ammunition in remote Sarangani village

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3, 2023): Cops recover NPA guns, ammunition in remote Sarangani village (By Edwin Fernandez)

NPA FIREARMS. A police officer accounts for the dozen hidden firearms by communist rebels and unearthed in Maitum, Sarangani province, on Thursday (March 2, 2023). A tipster bared to the police the whereabouts location of the guns. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)

COTABATO CITY – The police have unearthed a dozen assorted firearms kept by communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Maitum town in Sarangani province, a top official said Friday.

Brigadier Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Police Regional Office in the Soccsksargen Region (PRO-12) director, said NPA firearms were discovered Thursday in Barangay Batian, Maitum, following a tip from a concerned civilian.

“This success is the result of our unwavering efforts to bring peace and security to the communities through the government initiatives, such as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Macaraeg said.

Recovered were 10 .32-caliber and .22-caliber revolvers, a .45-caliber pistol, a 9mm Uzi machine pistol and various ammunition.

A team of police officers from the PRO-12 and the Maitum municipal police office also recovered containers filled with rice supplies kept by members of the NPA Guerrilla Front 73 operating in the province.

PRO-12’s areas of responsibility include the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani; and the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1196558