Monday, October 8, 2018

Mayor Duterte says teachers’ group lied on subsidy, calls them ‘terrorists’

From MindaNews (Oct 8): Mayor Duterte says teachers’ group lied on subsidy, calls them ‘terrorists’



Mayor Sara Duterte delivers her State of the City Address on October 2, 2018. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

DAVAO CITY - Mayor Sara Duterte called members of the local chapter of the Alliance of Concerned Teacher (ACT) as “terrorists, sympathizers of terrorists, and liars” as she refuted their claims that the city government was not giving any subsidy to the teaching and non-teaching personnel of public schools.

In her statement posted on her Instagram account Monday, the feisty mayor said the city gave gave them gift checks worth P2,000 each in 2016 and 2017 and that she can provide copies of the
budget, pictures of the distribution, and liquidation with all their signatures.

ACT-Davao City claimed in its October 6 social media post that Davao did not provide any support to public school workers unlike in other cities in the country. It named the cities giving such benefit and the corresponding amounts.

Duterte asked the group how they could have the temerity to “lie” when the city had to go through a tough process just to get the approval for the release of such checks.

“If I can only expel you outside of Davao City,” she said.

ACT-Davao City president Reynaldo Pardillo apologized to the mayor if their post had offended her and said they are thankful for the gift checks.

But he said there was miscommunication between her and the group. He said they were referring to “cash allowances” and not gift checks.

Duterte questioned the sincerity of the group saying she had waited for their proposal.

“Yet you always keep missing opportunities for unity, because you are never sincere,” she said.

On October 1, the mayor told ACT to submit another proposal that is “reasonable, acceptable, and doable.”

“To allot P34,000 per year per DepEd (Department of Education) employee is impossible for the City Government of Davao,” she said.

Pardillo said they submitted their proposal to Duterte on October 5. He said they had lowered their demand for a monthly allowance from P2,000 to P1,500 and quarterly rice subsidy from P2,500 to a half sack.

He said they appreciated the mayor’s statement to lobby for the salary increase of teachers in Congress.

Duterte said the DepEd must dismiss “terrorists from their ranks.”

“How ironic for government to pay public money to people who work against the government. Congress should expel the members of Makabayan bloc, the Partylist system is the milking cow of terrorists,” she said.


Duterte also attacked the National Telecommunications Commission for giving a permit to Radyo ni Juan which aired these allegations against the city government.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/10/mayor-duterte-says-teachers-group-lied-on-subsidy-calls-them-terrorists/

Sulu sea marshal wounded in attack

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 8): Sulu sea marshal wounded in attack

A sea marshal was wounded after a man attacked him with a knife during a security inspection on board a passenger vessel in southern Philippines, the Coast Guard said Monday.

It said the attacker, Juldi Mahbud, was shot dead by responding sea marshals deployed to guard MV Ever Queen of Asia. The attack occurred October 5 while the vessel was sailing to Zamboanga City from the island town of Siasi in Sulu province.


 

 



Coast Guard photos show the wounded sea marshal SN2 Michael Ladja being attended by other marshals. (Mindanao Examiner)

The Coast Guard said SN2 Michael Ladja suffered multiple wounds and had to be evacuated to Zamboanga City by a navy vessel. The motive of the attack or what triggered the man to stab Ladja was unknown, but the Coast Guard said it was investigating the background of the attacker.

“At present, SN2 Ladja is still recovering at Brent Hospital in Zamboanga City,” the Coast said.

It was unclear how Mahbud was able to sneak the weapon in the ship undetected by security forces at the pier. But security in piers in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Zamboanga City is poor with passengers able to smuggle weapons and contraband without being detected by authorities.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/sulu-sea-marshal-wounded-in-attack/

Troops clash with militants in BIFF-MILF stronghold

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 8): Troops clash with militants in BIFF-MILF stronghold

Army soldiers clashed with pro-ISIS militants in southern Philippines, but there were no reports of casualties on both sides.

The fighting broke out in Tukanalipao village in Maguindanao’s Mamasapano town, a known stronghold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels.

Officials said troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion were on a combat clearing operation when they ran into a group of BIFF members and a firefight ensued. The weekend clash lasted about 15 minutes with troops recovering four rifles.


There was no immediate statement from the BIFF which was also blamed by authorities along with the MILF for the cold-blooded killing of 44 police commandos in Tukanalipao village on January 25, 2015.

The commandos, members of the Special Action Force, were on a clandestine mission deep inside MILF territory to capture Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir, who was eventually killed in the operation.

Police commandos were on their way to re-join their more than 300 SAF members after killing Zulkifli and cutting off his finger for DNA analysis when MILF forces, aided by BIFF militants, attacked them and sparking daylong clashes.

At least 18 MILF and five BIFF were killed in the fierce fighting that the Aquino government claimed was a mis-encounter. Barely a month later, the MILF which signed an interim peace deal with Manila, surrendered at least 16 weapons it took from slain police commandos. The surrender of the weapons further bolstered accusations by lawmakers and human rights groups that MILF rebels had finished off wounded Special Action Force commandos and collected their guns, among others, in the village of Tukanalipao.

The weapons were handed over to the police, but SAF sources claimed the guns had been tampered and that many of its parts were either taken out or replaced with defective mechanism.

Because of the killings, lawmakers shelved the Bangasamoro Basic Law (BBL) until investigations into the deadly clashes between SAF and MILF is completed. The BBL was eventually passed in the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, but families of the slain commandos were still crying out for justice. The MILF said it will not surrender those involved in the slayings.
 

Cop cheats death in 'NPA' strafing in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Cop cheats death in 'NPA' strafing in Negros Oriental

An intelligence officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) survived a strafing incident at his house in Barangay Botong, Manjuyod town in Negros Oriental, Sunday night.

A police report on Monday said that SPO1 Marjun Cadiz, intelligence PNP Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) of the Manjuyod Police Station, was hit on his left arm but managed to take cover in his room when unidentified suspects fired at his residence around 7 p.m.


Initial police investigation disclosed that Cadiz was about to have his dinner when his mother-in-law heard bursts of gunfire. The policeman shouted to his family to duck and take cover.

After the shooting, four empty shells of caliber 5.56 rifle were recovered at a grassy area about 100 meters away from the lawman’s home.

Cadiz was rushed to a hospital in this city for treatment of his arm wound and has been declared out of danger.

Meanwhile, Senior Insp. Antonio Jabar, Manjuyod police chief, in a telephone interview said he has advised police personnel to be extra careful and vigilant following the attack on Cadiz.

“Kaganinang buntag akong gisultihan ang akong mga tawo nga dili magkumpyansa (I have told my men not take any chances),” said Jabar, adding that police investigators are still “looking deeply into the strafing incident”, which they believed was perpetrated by the NPA.

According to the town police chief, the Manjuyod PNP and those of neighboring towns like Mabinay, Bindoy, and Ayungon are on full alert status because of the presence of suspected NPA members.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050327

Two NPA rebels yield in Mountain Province

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Two NPA rebels yield in Mountain Province

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the 503rd Infantry Brigade in the Mountain Province on Friday and Saturday, the military said on Sunday.

Army Captain Jefferson Somera, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson and public affairs chief, identified the surrenderers only as
"Ka Efren" and "Ka Kalaya".


“The Army withheld their (real) names for security reasons,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

Ka Efren was the team leader of the Squad Uno-Kilusang Larangan Guerilla–Marco of the Ilocos-Cordillera Revolutionary Committee operating in the tri-boundaries of Ilocos Sur, Abra and Mountain Province; while Ka Kalaya was a Militia ng Bayan member in their village.

Ka Efren gave up a caliber .45 pistol and two hand grenades while Ka Kalaya surrendered an M-16 Armalite rifle and anti-government documents.

Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., 503rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the duo sent surrender feelers to Army soldiers and decided to yield after a few days of negotiation.

“They admitted that they were already tired running in the jungle, with no food and support from their previous sources. Their former members either surrendered to the other military units in the area or returned to their provinces after learning that they were no longer advancing their cause in Mountain Province and in Abra,” Imbang said.

Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando Jr., 5th Infantry Division commander, lauded the Army soldiers “for continuing their efforts in reaching out” to the remaining rebels in the hinterland villages.

“We will not stop in our combat operations and information dissemination efforts in the countryside, knowing that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Government has started to sink-in to rebels. We learned that they have discussed this program among themselves already. I think we are on the right track. We expect more surrenderees in the days to come,” he added.

Last Oct. 2, two rebels -- Ka Rudy and Ka Danyag -- also surrendered and one of them gave up a Carbine rifle. They were members of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla operating in the boundaries of Mountain Province and Abra.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050275

6ID chief cites role of civilians in thwarting terror plots

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): 6ID chief cites role of civilians in thwarting terror plots

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A ranking military official underscored on Monday the role of civilians in the government's fight against terror groups.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, cited the vital information provided by residents in the recent recovery of improvised bombs, neutralization of bombing suspects, and the prevention of bombings by terror groups.

“We will continue to conduct operations with the help of the police, the local governments, and the civilians to help terrorists from harming civilians and state forces,” Sobejana said.


Sobejana noted the recent accomplishments of the 6ID and the Army-led Task Force Central, where civilian cooperation led to the prevention and recovery of powerful improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at a checkpoint in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, and recovery of high powered guns and powerful bombs in Datu Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao last week.

Also last week, civilians also played major roles in the recovery of powerful bombs by Philippine Marines in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

“Countless innocent victims have been saved with this noble cooperation of civilians with government authorities,” Sobejana said.

“The Joint Task Force Central greatly appreciates the heightened vigilance of civilians that contributed to foiling the transport and hindered possible IED attacks by terrorists,” the military official added.

On Sunday, troopers under the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade killed one of the suspects in the August 28 and Sept. 2 twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed five and injured 48 others.

Sobejana said soldiers immediately proceeded to Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak after civilians told the Army that the suspects in the Isulan bombings were at a safe house in the village.

“Violent extremism can be prevented with the vigilance of local communities. Peace spoilers will definitely think otherwise when they realize that civilians are in close coordination with government authorities,” Sobejana said.

The Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is being suspected to have carried out the series of bombings in the region since May this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050251

BIFF guns seized in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): BIFF guns seized in Maguindanao clash



BIFF GUNS. High-power firearms recovered by government troopers following a clash on Sunday (Oct. 7, 2018) against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. (Photo by 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Army troopers recovered four high-powered  firearms following a brief encounter with Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the Maguindanao town of Mamasapano on Sunday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), said soldiers were sent to the Mamasapano village of Tukanalipao after local residents alerted the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion about the presence of BIFF fighters in the village.

“While elements of Alpha Company of the 40th IB were conducting combat clearing operation in Barangay Tukanalipao, they were fired upon by about 20 fully armed men of BIFF that triggered a firefight,” Encinas said.

The 15-minute encounter ended with the BIFF gunmen fleeing towards the marshy area of Mamasapano.

Encinas said assorted firearms were found abandoned by the fleeing terrorists that included two M14 rifles, two Garand rifles, and an M16 rifle. The BIFF may have suffered casualties, he added, citing civilian informants in the area.

Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, Army’s 6th ID commander, described the operation as a product of the focused and intensified military campaign against local terror groups in Central Mindanao.

Sobejana appealed to civilians to continue helping government forces locate terrorist groups operating in their communities.

"Your cooperation and untiring support to fight against violent extremism will hasten our aspiration to achieved peace and development in Central Mindanao," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050271

Ending insurgency equates with social healing: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Ending insurgency equates with social healing: Lorenzana

Ending insurgency is a means of achieving social healing, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during a high-level meeting with Task Force "Balik Loob" lead and partner agencies last Friday.

The task force, which is chaired by DND Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, has five lead agencies as its members: the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of National Defense (DND), the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), and the Office of the President.

“Ending the insurgency is actually not an end but rather a means towards achieving higher national objectives of social healing, reconciliation, unity among our people, and eventually, attaining lasting peace – a legacy which the President (Rodrigo R. Duterte) wants to bequeath to the nation and to our people,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

In line with this objective, Lorenzana said the task force must work closely with each other for a whole of government approach in providing benefits and services to former rebels.

Also, the DND chief said Task Force "Balik Loob" cannot afford to fail the people and the President.

In the same meeting, DILG OIC-Secretary Eduardo M. Año, expressed the need for lead and partner agencies, including local government units, down to the Provincial E-CLIP Committees to work together and faster, considering that the allocated funds for various programs have to be utilized before the year ends.

He stated that the former rebels view the E-CLIP as a “light at the end of the tunnel,” serving as the best option for the nation to finally achieve peace.

E-CLIP refers to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and is the Duterte administration's flagship program that seeks to address social healing and national unity towards the higher objective of having just and lasting peace.

It aims to provide social equity to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the Militia ng Bayan in order to reintegrate them into mainstream society.


Unlike the previous government reintegration programs, the E-CLIP provides a wide array of benefits based on the particular needs of the former rebels and their families such as financial assistance, shelter, education, skills training, healthcare, legal assistance, among others through a convergence of various national and local government agencies.

These benefits are not the “end” but just means or tools to aid the former rebels while in the process of transitioning into the mainstream society.

“In order for us to really solve insurgency, it is still impossible to wipe them (insurgents) all out completely or eliminate them through force. Even if you look at all other insurgencies in the world, they did not end by fighting but rather, through negotiation or by a win-win solution like in Cambodia where everyone was given a chance to go back to the mainstream part of the government or society… and this is what we're doing now,” the DILG chief added.

Mapagu, meanwhile, thanked all the attendees and reminded them that the Task Force "Balik Loob" is foremost an exercise and a platform to develop teamwork towards realizing the “whole of government” approach to help former rebels, their families and their communities.

“As separate line agencies of the government, we can only do so much. But as one government with different agencies, working hand-in-hand, we can achieve more. We can make our cooperation work to demonstrate good governance worthy of emulation of E-CLIP committees at the local government level,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050253

PH to join ASEAN-China naval exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): PH to join ASEAN-China naval exercise

The Philippines will participate in the first naval exercise between ASEAN member states and the People's Republic of China, which will take place in Zhanjiang from Oct. 22 to 29.
This was confirmed by Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in an interview with reporters Monday.

"The proposal for a joint ASEAN and Chinese (naval) exercise was submitted in February of this year during the ADMM (in) Singapore or at the Asean Defense Ministers Meeting. It was proposed to the body and approved, so hence, it was scheduled," he added.

Andolong, however, said they have yet to determine the exact Philippine Navy (PN) ship the country will be deploying.

"As of the moment, we are still not certain as to which vessel we'll be sending to the exercise," he added.

The defense spokesperson also stressed that it is quite possible that PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, will join the event.

Andolong said that it is possible the exercise would center on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and anti-piracy and improvement of the Conduct of Unplanned Encounters at Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050282

DND condoles with family of Japanese trooper killed in road mishap

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): DND condoles with family of Japanese trooper killed in road mishap

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday expressed its condolences to the family and loved ones of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) enlisted personnel who died in a road mishap at the Clark-Subic Expressway.

"The Department of National Defense extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Sgt. Maehara Suguru who died in a most unfortunate vehicular accident while he was in our country as a member of the JGSDF contingent which is observing 'Exercise Kamandag'," Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said.

"Kamandag", which started on Oct. 1 and will end on the Oct. 10, is a counter-terrorism joint military exercise between the Philippines and the US.

Suguru was aboard a vehicle on an administrative mission when it collided with a truck last Oct. 2.

He succumbed to severe head injuries on Sunday.

"The vehicle was driven by a Filipino civilian, while the other passenger was another Japanese soldier. Both were injured in the accident but have been released from hospital," Andolong said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050291

PAF allots P18.4-M for UH-1H/D helicopters maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): PAF allots P18.4-M for UH-1H/D helicopters maintenance

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Philippine Air Force Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating PHP18.4 million to buy spare parts for the maintenance of its four UH-1H/D "Huey" combat utility helicopters.

The parts are for UH-1H/D helicopters with tail numbers 370, 929, 8400, and 8478.


In a bid bulletin posted on the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, bid opening and submission is slated for Oct. 10, around 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Building in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

"The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract at any time prior to contract award in accordance with Section 41 of RA 9184 and its IRR, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Ferynl G. Buca said in same bid bulletin.

The PAF uses the Huey helicopters for troop, cargo, humanitarian and disaster relief, combat missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050264

Student activism is okay, taking up arms vs. gov't is not: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Student activism is okay, taking up arms vs. gov't is not: PNP



PNP OFFICIALS MEET CHED OIC. National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) head Police Director Guillermo Eleazar (left) and PNP Public Information Office (PIO) head Chief Supt. Benigno Durana (right) pose for a photo with Commission on High Education (CHED) officer-in-charge Dr. Prospero De Vera shortly after their meeting on Saturday (Oct. 6, 2018). (Photo courtesy: PNP-Public Information Office)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said there is nothing wrong with student activism but it must not reach the point of taking up arms against the government.

“The police recognized that student activism is a healthy sign of a vibrant democracy which our country now have. But to the extent of taking up arms or inciting to take up arms against government is definitely in conflict with the law that the PNP is duty-bound to address with appropriate police response,” PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said during the press conference after the Monday’s flag ceremony.

Albayalde made the clarification as the PNP started coordinating with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address the alleged recruitment of students by the New People's Army (NPA) in some universities and colleges.

“For our part, we have initiated consultations with the Commission on Higher Education and started opening lines of communication with school authorities to help discount the possibility of campus infiltration by extremist groups with their violent ideas. Surely we can learn from each other on how to best deal with this security concern and to try to help each other protect and secure the future of our youth who are considered to be our nation’s hope,” he stressed.

“Actually si (National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director Guillermo Eleazar) and our (Public Information Office head, Chief Supt. Benigno Durana) have started coordinating with Dr. Popoy De Vera (of CHED). It's a very fruitful meeting na magkakaroon tayo ng (that we will have) close coordination with CHED. Hindi yung basta basta kami pupunta sa mga (We will not easily barge into) campuses. No, we will never do that. Baka mamaya ma-misinterpret na naman yung punta natin sa mga schools (If we go to schools, it might be misinterpreted). So we will coordinate closely with CHED tungkol dito (about this),” Albayalde said.

The PNP Chief also assured that the “coordination” with colleges and universities will not equate to the suppression of academic freedom.

“Let me point out that human rights advocacy is an institutional policy in the PNP that is deeply-rooted in our doctrine, systems and procedures,” he said.

Albayalde added the continuing education on human rights has been constantly afforded to all 180,000 police personnel through periodic training programs and follow-on seminars, while human rights training modules are now incorporated in all PNP mandatory training and specialization courses from recruitment and onwards along the entire career in the police service.

He also reaffirmed his earlier pronouncements about the reported infiltration by front organizations of the leftist underground movement, to radicalize and recruit young students in some state colleges and universities.

“Although this has been their standard strategy for years, I felt responsible to forewarn once again my fellow parents and our students of the serious danger it poses to their future. With all due respect to members of the academe, on the heels of the international observance of world teachers’ day over the weekend, I know that many of them remain faithful to their chosen vocation as role models and educators of the youth, and I firmly believe that the teachers’ role in educating our youth is so critical as that of ‘second parents’ to their students,” he said.

“As such, they need to be cautious of the standard practice of the leftist underground movement to exploit academic freedom to infiltrate and radicalize some students to serve, wittingly or unwittingly, their political ends to undermine, destabilize or even overthrow the government,” he added.

Although the strength and capability of its armed wing have been effectively diminished, it is still important to be conscious of its persistent schemes to undermine our country’s stability, he said.

While stressing that academic freedom is important to promote critical thinking in educational institutions, the PNP chief said it does not give anyone the right to abet, encourage or violate laws and regulations much more, to take advantage of the students’ idealism to propagate hatred, violence and armed struggle against the government.

“I just hope that patriotism and nationalism that promote values of love, sacrifice and service to country would be taught more in our schools especially in state colleges and universities,” he noted.

Meanwhile, NCRPO head, Police Director Guillermo Eleazar confirmed that he met with CHED Officer-in-Charge Prospero de Vera III on Saturday.

“Dr. De Vera intends to consult with presidents or leaders of universities not only in NCR (National Capital Region) but in other regions to discuss the issue and eventually hold dialogues with them and the PNP leadership,” Eleazar said.

“We are hoping that within the week based sa sinabi ni (on the remarks of) Dr. Popoy De Vera na magkakaroon siya ng (that he will hold) initial discussion with the presidents of some universities and then kokontak sila amin and haharap tayo sa kanila (they will contact us and we will meet them) and we will be inviting the chief PNP para harapin ito (to tackle this matter),” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050299

CPP/Ang Bayan: Koordinanong mga aksyong militar sa Bicol

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 7): Koordinanong mga aksyong militar sa Bicol

AABOT SA 20 operasyong haras ang inilunsad ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Bicol mula Setyembre 24-26 laban sa mga kampo ng militar at pulis sa Camarines Sur, Albay at Masbate. Sa panimulang mga ulat, hindi bababa sa walong pasistang tropa ang namatay sa naturang mga pag-atake. Target ng mga opensiba ang mga yunit sa ilalim ng 9th ID at mga mobile force ng Philippine National Police (PNP).
Sa Albay, tatlong kampo sa Camalig at isa sa Legazpi City ang koordinadong inatake ng mga Pulang mandirigma bandang alas-7 ng gabi noong Setyembre 24. Kinabukasan, tatlo pang kampo ang pinaputukan ng BHB-Albay.

Sa Camarines Sur, apat na kampo ng 22nd IB-CAFGU sa bayan ng Libmanan at isa sa Bato ang magkakasunod na hinaras ng BHB noong Setyembre 25. Isa sa mga naturang kampo ang dalawang ulit na hinaras nang araw ding iyon. Kinabukasan, dalawa pang detatsment ng 22nd IB-CAFGU ang pinaputukan ng mga kasama.

Noon ding Setyembre 25 sa Masbate, apat na kampo ng PNP Mobile Force ang inatake ng BHB sa isla. Kabilang sa mga ito ang mga kampo sa Cataingan, Masbate City, San Pascual at San Jacinto. Isang araw bago nito, pinaputukan ng mga kasama ang kampo ng 506th PNP Mobile Force Company sa Barangay Lalaguna, Mobo.

Maliban sa koordinadong mga aksyong ito, iniulat din ng BHB-Albay ang matagumpay na ambus laban sa isang iskwad ng 22nd IB-CAFGU noong Setyembre 22. Tatlong kaaway ang naiulat na namatay at isa ang malubhang nasugatan. Noon namang Agosto 21, dalawang elemento ng 2nd IB ang namatay sa isinagawang ambus sa Barangay Panoypoy, Camalig habang magkaangkas sila sa motorsiklo pabalik sa barangay na kanilang inookupa sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapayapaan.

Bukidnon. Noong Setyembre 30, alas-7:36 ng gabi, hinaras ng BHB-Bukidnon ang mga sundalo ng AFP sa Barangay Palacapao, Quezon. Halos kasabay nito, pinaputukan din ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga sundalo na nakabase sa Sityo Minongan ng parehong barangay. Dalawa ang naitalang sugatan sa mga sundalo.

Sultan Kudarat. Hindi bababa sa 14 na sundalo ang napatay at marami ang nasugatan sa ambus na isinagawa ng BHB laban sa Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 noong Setyembre 16, bandang alas-3 ng hapon sa komunidad ng Sinapsap sa Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig. Gumamit ang mga Pulang mandirigma ng mga pasabog, riple at katutubong mga armas.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/07/koordinanong-mga-aksyong-militar-sa-bicol/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Panghihimasok ng US sa bansa, lumalawak

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 7): Panghihimasok ng US sa bansa, lumalawak

Taliwas sa pinalalabas ni Rodrigo Duterte na hindi niya nais ang tulong ng US, limpak-limpak na salapi at tone-toneladang armas ang tinanggap ng rehimen kamakailan mula rito. Sa pamamagitan ng mga ito, higit na pinalalawak ng rehimeng Duterte ang panghihimasok ng imperyalistang US sa bansa.

Inihayag ng US noong Agosto na ang Pilipinas ang nakatatanggap ng pinakamalaking “ayudang” militar mula sa US sa buong South East Asia. Umaabot na sa higit P5 bilyon ang halaga ng kagamitang militar na pinondohan ng US para sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) mula Enero 2017 hanggang Agosto 2018.

Kabilang sa mga kagamitang ito ang tactical drone system na ginamit sa pag-atake sa Marawi City noong 2017; daan-daang pistolang Glock, mga M4 carbine at grenade launcher; dalawang iniretiro nang eroplanong C-208 Cessna para sa paniniktik; ang P687 milyon-halagang Scan Eagle drone system; at ang Special Airborne Mission Installation and Response System na nagkakahalaga ng P807 milyon, at nagbibigay ng kakayahan sa eroplanong C-130 Hercules na paigtingin ang kapabilidad nito sa paniniktik, at command and control. Maging ang dalawang helikopter na Bell na donasyon umano ng bansang Jordan noong Agosto, ay itinustos din ng US sa pamamagitan ng Third Party Transfer nito. Dagdag dito ang mga gamit-militar na ibinigay ng US sa Marines Special Operations Group noong Hunyo na nagkakahalaga ng P178 milyon; at ang nakatakdang ideliber ng US na dalawang lumang pang-atakeng eroplano na OV-10 Bronco ngayong taon.

Ayon kay Jose Romualdez, embahador ng Pilipinas sa US, magbibigay pa ang US ng dagdag na P1.4 bilyon sa porma ng mga kagamitan at aktibidad pangmilitar sa AFP sa susunod na dalawang taon upang paunlarin umano ang kapasidad ng bansa laban sa mga “terorista.” Ang pondong ito ay manggagaling sa badyet ng US para sa Overseas Contigency Operation (OCO), ang pondo para sa gera ìkontra-terorismo” nito sa ibaít ibang bahagi ng mundo. Itinuturing ng US na OCO ang mga operasyon ng Operation Pacific Eagle at ang mga pinagsanib na pagsasanay-militar sa bansa.

Kaugnay nito, ihinatid na ng gubyerno ng US nitong Setyembre ang may limang milyong bala at pampasabog para sa AFP. Kabilang dito ang mga balang 5.56 mm at 7.62 mm (para sa M16 at M14), mga bala para sa 12-gauge shotgun, kalibre .50 na mga bala, at mga stun grenade na nagdudulot ng pansamantalang pagkabingi at pagkabulag, at kalimitang ginagamit ng pulisya ng US laban sa mga raliyista. Nagkakahalaga ang lahat ng ito ng P117.4 milyon.

Ang mga balang ito ay nakalaan para sa Light Reaction Regiment at iba pang yunit sa ilalim ng AFP Joint Special Operations Group, na espesyal na sinanay ng US para magsilbing kahalili sa gera “kontra-terorismo” na inilulunsad nito sa bansa.

Nauna na ring inihatid ng militar ng US ang isang milyon pang bala para sa Philippine Air Force (PAF), na binili sa ilalim ng US Foreign Military Sales Program para sa mga operasyong pambobombo at istraping ng mga eroplano at helikopter ng PAF.

Mas marami, mas madalas na pinagsanib na mga pagsasanay

Pinayagan na rin ni Duterte ang pagdami at pagdalas ng mga pinagsanib na pagsasanay-militar ng US at AFP, taliwas sa kanyang pahayag noong 2016.

Sa pulong nina AFP Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez at Admiral Philip Davidson, kumander ng US Indo-Pacific Command (Indo-PACOM), nitong huling linggo ng Setyembre, pinagkasunduan ng dalawang heneral na palalawakin at padadalasin ang pinagsanib na mga pagsasanay sa 2019.

Mula sa 261 pagsasanay ngayong 2018, nakatakdang magkaroon ng 281 pagsasanay sa 2019, na magbibigay-diin umano sa seguridad pandagat, humanitarian aid, at “kontra-terorismo.”

Ngayong taon, samu’t saring pinagsanib na pagsasanay na ang ginawa ng militar ng US at ng AFP. Ang isang kasalukuyang nagaganap ay ang ikalawang edisyon ng “Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma ng Dagat” (KAMANDAG 2), na itinakda sa Oktubre 2-10. Liban pa sa tropang Amerikano at Pilipino, may tropang Hapon ding kasali sa nasabing pagsasanay.

Pinangunahan din ng US Indo-PACOM ang “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) Exercise na dinaluhan ng mga kaalyadong bansa nito, kabilang ang 700 tauhan ng Philippine Navy sa Honolulu, Hawaii noong Hunyo hanggang Agosto. Ang RIMPAC ang isa sa pinakamalaking pinagsanib na pagsasanay na pinangungunahan ng US upang magpakitang-gilas sa Indo-Pacific.

‘Social media cell’

Maging sa larangan ng social media, nanghihimasok na din ang US. Inanunsyo ng embahada nito kamakailan na natapos na ng US Army ang pagsasanay ng isang “social media monitoring cell,” na bahagi ng Civil Military Operations Regiment ng Philippine Army na sinimulan noong Hulyo 23.

Gagamitin ng espesyal na grupong ito ang pasilidad at kaalaman na sinuplay ng US para supilin ang kalayaan para magpahayag ng sarili at ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag ng lahat ng mga kalaban sa pulitika ng rehimen na arbitraryo nitong binansagang ìterorista.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/07/panghihimasok-ng-us-sa-bansa-lumalawak/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Labanan ang saywar at mga hakbanging anti-demokratiko ni Duterte

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Oct 7): Labanan ang saywar at mga hakbanging anti-demokratiko ni Duterte

Isang engrandeng saywar laban sa mamamayang Pilipino ang isinasagawa ngayon ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Sa ngalan ng “pagsugpo sa Red October,” pakana diumano ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) para ibagsak si Rodrigo Duterte ngayong Oktubre, pinagbabantaan ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na supilin ang saligang mga karapatang demokratiko ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Tahasang pinagbabantaan ni Duterte ang karapatang mag-organisa at magpahayag ng iba’t ibang demokratikong sektor, sa pagsabing ang gayong mga hakbang ay bahagi ng pakana.

Pinag-iinitan ni Duterte ang mga estudyante at akademiko. Kaliwa’t kanang inakusahan ng mga pinuno ng AFP ang mga unibersidad at kolehiyo na bahagi ng anila’y pakanang “Red October.” Pinananagot ng AFP ang mga administrador at may-ari ng mga eskwelahan sa pagpapahintulot sa mga guro at estudyante na talakayin at ihalintulad ang batas militar ni Marcos sa kasalukuyang panahon. Kumukubabaw ngayon ang banta ng AFP na manghimasok, maniktik o pagbantaan ang akademikong komunidad sa mga kampus.

Pinagbabantaan rin ni Duterte at ng AFP ang mga manggagawa laban sa paglulunsad ng mga welga na bahagi rin diumano ng “Red October.” Pakay rin diumano ng mga welga na papagsarahin ang mga pabrika, ayon sa balu-baluktot na pagkakatwiran ng AFP. Tinatabunan nito ang buhay-kamatayang mga isyu ng umento sa sahod, kontraktwalisasyon at iba pang hinaing ng mga manggagawa na nagtutulak sa kanila na maglunsad ng iba’t ibang anyo ng sama-samang paglaban.

Tinatarget rin ni Duterte ang mga manggagawa at estudyante sa pagsabing bahagi ng diumanong pakana ang aktibismo at pagpoprotesta sa mga kampus at pagwewelga sa mga pabrika. Pakay ng gayong mga pahayag na bigyang-matwid ang planong paggamit sa armadong pwersa ng estado upang supilin ang mga demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan na mag-organisa, magpahayag at maglantad sa mga kabulukang panlipunan, at sama-samang kumilos upang isulong ang kanilang mga kahilingan para sa kanilang kagalingan.

Nalalantad ang makitid na utak-Marcos ni Duterte at ng AFP. Para sa kanila, lahat ng anyo ng paglalantad ng tunay na kalagayang panlipunan ng mamamayan, pagpapahayag ng pagtutol at paggigiit ng lehitimong mga interes ay bahagi ng isang “sabwatang komunista.”

Balubaluktot ang iniimbetong kwento ni Duterte at ng AFP. Sa isang panig, minamaliit niya ang PKP at Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa pagsabing sila’y “walang suporta ng mamamayan,” “walang hawak ni isang barangay,” “mapupulbos sa kalagitnaan ng 2019,” atbp. Sa kabilang banda, nagkukumahog naman ang rehimen na palabasing mayroon diumanong pakanang “Red October” kung saan inilalarawan ang PKP na nakapangingibabaw na banta at tagapagmando sa lahat ng demokratikong sektor at oposisyon sa pulitika sa ginagawa nilang pagpapahayag ng disgusto sa nakaupong rehimen.

Sa pamimilit na palabasing lahat ng anyo ng pagtutol laban sa kanyang paghahari ay bahagi ng “pakanang komunista,” pakay ni Duterte na gawing iligal ang demokratikong kilusang masa, ang oposisyon at maging ang kritikal na midya. Kaliwa’t kanang itinuturo sila ni Duterte na “kasabwat” o “ginagamit ng mga komunista.”

Hindi ito nalalayo sa ginagawang iligalisasyon ng AFP sa kanayunan. Buo-buong komunidad ng mga magsasaka at minoryang mamamayan ang pinalalabas na sumusuporta sa PKP at BHB. Sa ganitong taktika ng todong gera, isinasaisantabi ng AFP ang lahat ng mga prosesong ligal at mga karapatang-tao, at ipinapataw ang absolutong kapangyarihan nito upang ipailalim ang libu-libong mga tao sa armadong pananakot, paninindak at pamimilit sa desperasyong lumikha ng ilusyon ng “maramihang pagsurender” at palabasing nakapaghahari at nakapangyayari si Duterte.

Sa ilalim ng inimbento ng AFP na “Red October,” ginagamit ang “multong komunista” para pagbantaang atakehin ang mga patriyotiko, demokratiko at progresibong pwersa na silang nasa unahan ng pakikibaka laban sa tiraniya, pasismo, narco-pulitika at anti-mamamayang mga patakaran sa ekonomya ng rehimeng Duterte. Sinasabi ni Duterte na ang mga komunista lamang ang kanyang target, subalit ang nangyayari’y lahat ng tumututol ay kanyang tinututukan.

Inilalatag niya ang batayan para maideklara ang batas militar o iba pang anyo ng absolutong paghahari upang patatagin ang kanyang rehimen at palawigin pa ang kanyang kapangyarihan sa harap ng lumalawak na panawagan para siya patalsikin. Hangad niyang makuha ang suporta ng malalaking burgesyang kumprador, malalaking panginoong maylupa at mga dayuhang monopolyong kapitalista sa pagpangakong ng mas malaking pakinabang sa ilalim ng paghaharing kamay-na-bakal.

Dahil sa mga ipinataw na buwis ni Duterte, sa pagtutulak ng ibayong liberalisasyon at kanyang tali-sa-utang at batbat-sa-korapsyong mga minamadaling proyektong pang-imprastruktura, ang ekonomya ng Pilipinas ay nailalagay sa bingit ng masidhing krisis. Mabilis na nababangkarote ang gubyernong Duterte at umaasa na lamang sa dayong pautang na mataas ang interes mula sa China at iba pang dayuhang institusyon, at ayudang militar at mga pinaglumaang gamit-militar mula sa US.

Nagdurusa ang sambayanang Pilipino sa malawak na kawalan ng trabaho, mababang sahod, pagsirit ng presyo ng pagkain at mga batayang bilihin, kawalan ng lupa, kahirapan, gutom, kawalan ng serbisyong panlipunan at kabuuang paglubha ng kalagayang panlipunan. Dumaranas ang malawak na masa ng ibayong lumulubhang mga anyo ng pagsasamantala at pang-aapi.

Nananawagan ang Partido sa malawak na masang anakpawis na buong-lakas na isulong ang kanilang mga interes pang-ekonomya at pangkagalingan laban sa anti-mamamayan, maka-imperyalista at maka-malaking negosyong mga patakaran ni Duterte. Kasabay ng pagsusulong ng pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa, dapat puspusang isulong ang pakikibaka para sa dagdag sahod, para sa regularisasyon at mas maayos na kundisyon sa paggawa.

Dapat magkaisa ang buong hanay ng mga kabataan at estudyante at ipagtanggol ang mga kampus laban sa mga armadong ahente ni Duterte.

Tinatawagan ng Partido ang sambayanang Pilipino na labanan nang buong lakas ang pasistang iskema ni Duterte, ilantad at labanan ang “Red October” na saywar ng AFP, at labanan ang mga planong paghigigpit laban sa mga demokratikong karapatan at ipataw ang batas militar para supilin ang lahat ng paglaban at oposisyon.

Mula pa noong isang taon, sumibol ang malawak na nagkakaisa prente laban sa tiraniya at pasismo ni Duterte. Habang nagiging mabagsik ang mga atake ni Duterte, lalo niyang ginagatungan ang galit ng sambayanan at inuupat silang lumaban.

Hinihikayat ng Partido ang sambayanang Pilipino na ibayong pagkaisahin ang lahat ng demokratikong pwersa at sektor, pandayin ang kanilang tapang, itaas ang moral sa paglaban at maghanda sa ibayong atake ni Duterte at lumaban na may ibayong sigla at determinasyon na wakasan ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte at isulong ang kanilang pambansa-demokratikong pakikibaka.

Habang sumusulong ang demokratikong kilusang masa laban kay Duterte, tuluy-tuloy ding lumalakas at sumusulong ang armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kanayunan sa buong bansa. Habang nagtatagal ang tiraniko at pasistang paghahari ni Duterte, at lumalalim ang krisis ng naghaharing sistema, mas lalong dumarami ang nais magsandata para maibagsak si Duterte at isulong ang rebolusyonaryong pagbabago sa bansa.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info.  Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/07/labanan-ang-saywar-at-mga-hakbanging-anti-demokratiko-ni-duterte/