40 ex-rebels in Aurora to get livelihood aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): 40 ex-rebels in Aurora to get livelihood aid (By Jason De Asis)

LIVELIHOOD ORIENTATION. Forty former rebels undergo a livelihood orientation in Dipaculao, Aurora on Thursday (June 9, 2022) to help them reintegrate into the community with a proper source of income. They are set to receive P20,000 each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – Forty former rebels of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in this province will receive livelihood assistance that could help them restart their lives.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., acting commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion under the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, said on Friday the former rebels will get PHP20,000 each under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Recto said a livelihood orientation was conducted Thursday in Dipaculao town to help the former rebels go back to the community with a proper source of income.

Ulyssis Arevalo, DSWD Regional Office 3 focal person on Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, said the assistance will be received by the former rebels at the soonest possible time through the joint efforts of the concerned agencies from local government units here.

“This activity is part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), a mandate under Executive Order No. 70 by President Rodrigo Duterte. We will immediately process their papers in order for them to receive the allotted aid,” Arevalo said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Recto is hopeful that the former rebels will not waste the opportunity that had been presented to them.

“I am encouraging them to be productive members of the society and we will do our best to help them to receive more livelihood assistance coming from the different government agencies to aid them in their transition back to mainstream society,” Recto said in a separate interview.

He said the 91st Infantry Battalion will continuously encourage former rebels to undergo seminar-workshop and training in order to avail more livelihood packages, employment, training, and educational assistance.

The CPP- NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176374

NPA remnants in Bukidnon, Lanao Sur 'always on the run'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): NPA remnants in Bukidnon, Lanao Sur 'always on the run' (By Nef Luczon)

The remaining New People's Army (NPA) fighters between the boundaries of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces are “always on the run” amid the military's sustained raids on rebel hideouts.

The focused operations against NPA remnants in both provinces have triggered a series of surrenders recently, said Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the Army's 403rd Brigade (403Bde).

“Recent losses during encounters and our relentless peace and development efforts here in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur made their situation very difficult and always on the run,” Barandon said in a statement Friday.

Barandon described the state of the NPA remnants in those areas as “exhausted” and “losing their morale.”

“Recent losses during encounters and our relentless peace and development efforts here in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur made their situation very difficult and always on the run,” he said.

On June 6, at least 11 NPA rebels surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion under the operational control of the Task Force Peacemaker of the 403Bde in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Barandon said the surrenderers were remnants of the splinter group of an NPA unit under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

The surrenderers turned over to the 1SFBn a handgun and six high-powered firearms.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, the Army's 4th Infantry Division commander, said recent developments of surrenders and “continuous rejection of the civilian populace” are crucial in the eventual collapse of the NPA's NCMRC.

Seven of NCMRC's guerrilla fronts have already been dismantled, Mamawag said, while remnants of its “vertical forces are weakened.”

“Their futile attempt to recover their previous influenced areas has been a complete failure as the communities continue to work hand in hand with the government forces to fight terrorism,” Mamawag said.

He also assured surrenderers will be taken care of under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council has also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176362

Army seeks bizmen support vs. Reds' extortion scheme

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): Army seeks bizmen support vs. Reds' extortion scheme (By Zorayda Tecson)

INFORMATION DRIVE. The Philippine Army conducts an information drive on the extortion scheme of the CPP-NPA in Carranglan town, Nueva Ecija province attended by 54 individuals from the business sector on Tuesday (June 7, 2022). 1st Lt. Arnold A Quiñon, civil-military operations officer of Army’s 84th Infantry Battalion, said on Friday (June 10, 2022) that businessmen are being targeted by the rebels to generate funds for their terrorist activities. (Photo courtesy of 7ID, Philippine Army)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – An official of the Philippine Army is asking for the support and cooperation of the business sector in this province to put an end to the communist terrorist groups’ (CTGs) extortion scheme.

1st Lt. Arnold A. Quiñon, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion under the 7th Infantry Division (7ID), said on Friday the support of all stakeholders is necessary to put a stop to the extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“Extortion is an act of collecting money and other logistical items by threat, force, violence, or intimidation to an individual or entity. Business sectors are being targeted by these communist terrorist groups to generate funds for communist terrorism in the country. Therefore, we are soliciting your support and cooperation to stop and end CTGs extortion activities,” Quiñon said in a statement.

He said an information awareness drive on such extortion was initiated by the Army’s 84IB and the Philippine National Police in Carranglan town, this province and participated in by 54 individuals from the business sector last Tuesday.

During the event, he said a former rebel identified as alias "May", shared her personal knowledge of how CTGs systematically conduct their extortion activities.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, 7ID commander, likewise appealed to the business sector to help the government in addressing the rebel group's resource generation scheme that enables them to continue their terrorist activities.

“Let us be aware of the deceitful act of our enemy, do not hesitate to tell the authorities especially the Philippine Army in times you encounter extortion. We are here to help and protect you against them,” Costelo said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176382

NPA firearms, ammo seized in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): NPA firearms, ammo seized in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED FIREARMS. Two M-16 rifles with magazines and ammunition are recovered by the troops of 65IB on Wednesday (June 8, 2022) in the hinterlands of Barangay Tagbongabong in Remedios T. Romualdez town, Agusan del Norte. The recovery of the firearms is made possible through the information of two NPA rebels who surrendered to the unit, the military says. (Photo courtesy of 65IB)

Two high-powered firearms and ammunition belonging to New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were recovered by government troopers in the Agusan del Norte town of Remedios T. Romualdez, the military here reported Friday.

In a statement, the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion (IB) said two NPA insurgents, both from Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, surrendered to the unit on Wednesday and revealed the location of the firearms buried in Barangay Tagbongabong of Romualdez town.

An operation was immediately launched that resulted in the recovery of two M-16 rifles with magazines and ammunition.

The two guerrillas, who were not identified by 65IB, are members of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The conduct of continuous intensified military operations of the 65IB has led to the surrender of the two NPA rebels,” the 65IB said.

With the surrender of the two rebels, the 65IB said the number of surrenderers increased to nine since last month.

The 6IB’s areas of coverage include parts of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176414

NPA couple surrenders, reunites with son in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): NPA couple surrenders, reunites with son in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

REUNITED. Two self-confessed members of the New People's Army in southern Negros Oriental surrender to the police and military on Friday (June 10, 2022). They were reunited with their almost two-year-old son, whom they had not seen since their separation a month after being born. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

Two confessed members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Friday voluntarily surrendered to police and military authorities in the southern town of Santa Catalina in Negros Oriental.

The couple's surrender was facilitated by Mayor Peve Ligan, to whom a feeler was sent earlier by a relative of the male rebel.

Ricky A. dela Cruz, 36, alias Yago/Wilcross/Jolan/Gary/Hadji/Cline and Cherry Anne Rebanuel alias Yassy/Liezel/Jillian, 23, both members of the South East Front (SEF) of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS), told the Philippine News Agency they decided to surrender due to the “hardships and a difficult life” in the underground movement, and not having the freedom to be with their child.

Following their surrender, they were reunited with their one-year and 10-month-old son, “Dodong” who was separated from them a month after being born.

“I gave birth to Dodong at a house of a mass-based supporter in the mountains, and after a month, the baby was brought to my husband’s sister, who took care of him until this day,” Rebanuel said in Cebuano.

The boy was initially reluctant to go near his parents and called the aunt who raised him “mama”.

“I am happy to see my son but at the same time I am sad that he does not recognize me at all and I really want to cry,” Rebanuel said. She believes, though, that in due time, the boy will be able to adjust to being around her and her partner.

Dela Cruz said he has been with the CPP-NPA’s South East Front for 17 years while Rebanuel joined the same guerilla front about five years ago.

Mutual decision

They said it was their mutual decision to leave the movement and surrender to the authorities because they realized the value of freedom, despite the problems being faced by the country today, such as corruption.

"Corruption is everywhere, regardless of who is sitting as the president of the country, but if one just learns to toil and earn his keep, one can still survive the hardships compared to what we had to live with while in the NPA," Dela Cruz said in Cebuano.

When he first joined the movement in 2004, he said he went through a lot of processes until he became a “red fighter” of the SEF, which was still back then a “larangan gerilya” or guerilla front.

The guerilla front’s coverage area was Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, and Sibulan, he said, adding that in recent years, their numbers dwindled as they found it hard to recruit new members.

Dela Cruz reaffirmed what the military has been saying that the SEF is now a dismantled guerilla front with only remnants operating in the area.

To be considered a “larangan”, the group would need 100 or more members of the “hukbo”, but now, there are only about 30 or even fewer that were left, he said.

Dela Cruz said during the time that he left the SEF, he was a political instructor of the only platoon left.

“I am the last local member who is familiar with the area, the terrain, and the people, as the others are not from here but from Negros Occidental,” he said in Cebuano.

He also said the SEF is attempting to again undertake recruitment activities “but I do not think that is possible now because many people no longer believe in them.”

For her part, Rebanuel said while she considered herself as an “amazona” or female fighter, she was also engaged in propaganda work, assigned briefly as finance and logistics officer, and as “giyang pampulitika” or political officer.

Both of them were “married” in the underground movement by ranking officials but they understood that the marriage is not valid and legitimate.

Aid for former rebels

Meanwhile, police and military authorities are now facilitating their enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for former rebels.

1Lt. Pearl Rogem Lanuza, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said the couple will undergo profiling before they can be enrolled in the program and avail of its benefits, such as cash assistance.

Dela Cruz turned over a .45-caliber firearm with a defaced serial number, a magazine, and eight rounds of live ammunition of the same caliber.

Capt. Jade Basingao, commander of the 705th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RMFB7), said the couple will be temporarily housed at a safe place until more suitable accommodation can be found for them.

Lanuza, representing 11IB commander Col. Roderick Salayo, and Basingao, representing RMFB7 commander Lt. Col. Ronnan Claravall, received the couple during their formal surrender.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176416

Husband-wife NPA fighters yield to gov't troops in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11, 2022): Husband-wife NPA fighters yield to gov't troops in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

SURRENDER. A married couple from Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, who were combatants of the CPP-NPA since 2019, surrendered to government forces in the southern Negros city on Thursday (June 9, 2022). According to the Negros Occidental Police, the couple belonged to the Squad 1 of Commander Karding Command base, which operated in Himamaylan City. (Photo courtesy of NOCPPO - Himamaylan Component City Police Station)

A married couple, combatants of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Occidental since 2019, surrendered to government troops in Himamaylan City on Thursday.

The surrenderers, whose identities were not revealed due to security reasons, belonged to the Squad 1 of Commander Karding Command base, according to a report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) on Friday night.

Col. Leo Pamittan, acting provincial director, lauded the couple's decision to surrender and turn over their firearm.

"I encourage them to convince their remaining comrades to return to the fold of the law. The government has programs for former rebels," Pamittan said.

According to the NOCPPO report, the couple said their unit has been operating in Himamaylan City.

Both were involved in armed encounters against the government forces between 2019 and 2022.

They decided to turn themselves in after they got tired of living life as rebels, the report added.

The couple voluntarily surrendered to personnel of the Himamaylan Component City Police Station with the support of the 2nd Negros Occidental Mobile Force Company, NOCPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, Philippine Army, and the City Government of Himamaylan.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176437

NPA info bureau staff yields to Army in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11, 2022): NPA info bureau staff yields to Army in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

RETURN TO GOVERNMENT. Zeth Melloria, 23, an information bureau staff of the Sub-Regional Command 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army yields to the 30th Infantry Battalion in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte on Friday (June 10, 2022). He follows the May 26 arrest of a fellow rebel under the same command. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

A staff of the information bureau of the New People’s Army (NPA) Sub-Regional Command 16 (SRC-16) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered to the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) of the Philippine Army on Friday.

Zeth Melloria (alias Jessie), 23, a resident of Sitio Look, Barangay Dugsangon, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, brought volumes of subversive documents and articles when he presented himself to Lt. Col. Ryan Charles Callanta, 30IB commander, at the unit’s headquarters in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

“He (Melloria) initially revealed that they were doing massive recovery efforts in their lost mass bases,” the 30IB said in a statement on Saturday.

The recovery efforts are concentrated along the outskirt villages in the cities of Butuan and Cabadbaran and some villages of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, particularly those along the boundary areas with Agusan del Norte, the 30IB added.

Callanta said the surrender of Melloria is a big blow to SRC-16 and the Guerrilla Front 16 that operates in the areas of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.

Melloria is the second staff member lost by SRC-16 this year after Eliamar Elecito Monter (alias Gab), a finance staff of SRC-16, was arrested in a joint police and military operation in Placer, Surigao del Norte on May 26.

Monter was arrested by virtue of arrest warrants for homicide, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple frustrated homicide issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

“We call on the remaining active NPA members that their families are waiting for them,” Callanta said.

He said the 30IB will fully support those who will surrender through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The National Democratic Front was also formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176457

Peace village to rise in conflict-stricken Samar town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2022): Peace village to rise in conflict-stricken Samar town (By Sarwell Meniano)

ANTI-INSURGENCY. Villagers in San Jose de Buan town, Samar province march during an anti-insurgency rally on Nov. 17, 2021. A Peace Builder Village will rise in the town to assist the growing number of former members of the New People’s Army yielding to the government. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

 A Peace Builder Village will rise in San Jose de Buan town in Samar province to assist the growing number of former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) yielding to the government.

The local government and Philippine Army have yet to identify the specific site and come up with a proposed budget for the project, said 2nd Lt. Zyndyl Simon, spokesperson of the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion, on Friday.

“San Jose de Buan Mayor Joaquin Elizalde really wants to establish this village since more rebels have been abandoning the communist terrorist group and (have) returned to their families,” Simon said in a phone interview.

Between 2020 to 2021, at least 16 active NPA members and staunch allies yielded to authorities and turned over several firearms in San Jose de Buan alone.

On June 6, the military and local government held a meeting to discuss the guidelines and procedures for site selection and construction of the Peace Builder Village.

“We had a consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to learn the rules and procedures in developing timberland areas,” she added.

The proposed village will have a permanent house for former rebels, a training center, and a farm lot for agriculture-related livelihood activities.

The village will also accommodate former rebels from nearby Samar towns.

The town is one of the NPA’s strongholds in Samar Island considering its strategic location within the tri-boundaries of Northern, Eastern, and Samar provinces.

The poor road network, thick forest, and high poverty incidence make the area vulnerable to NPA recruitment, according to the military.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)- NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1176344

PAF pilots train with foreign counterparts to hone combat skills

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2022): PAF pilots train with foreign counterparts to hone combat skills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

Filipino jet fighter pilots have been honing their combat skills in local and foreign training exercises hosted by military allies of the country.

Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano made this remark when asked what is being done to sharpen the combat skills, particularly those related to air combat of the country's jet fighter pilots.

"We have been honing our skills in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat with exercises such as Talon Vision, Bilateral Air Contingent Exercise Philippines (BACE-P), Balikatan, and soon the Cope Thunder Philippines will be back in the country," he added in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Sunday.

These exercises are carried out annually by Filipino and American forces.

Mariano also said the PAF, through the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 5th Fighter Wing, also has a very robust training syllabus for Filipino fighter pilots.

'"We have a very robust training syllabus done by our very own 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the 'Bulldogs' of the 5th Fighter Wing, the syllabus is a combination of US and (South) Korean (training methods)," he added.

Mariano also said that the PAF has three fighter weapons instructors trained in South Korea in 2015.

"We have three fighter weapons instructors trained in (South) Korea in 2015 and we have been building on a training syllabus since then and pitting it against the best in the world in the yearly training exercises," he added.

Also, PAF fighter pilots have been flying against US Navy "Top Gun" instructors since 2010 and using all the training and expertise learned from these aviators to teach other Filipino pilots.

"Top Gun" is formally known as the US Navy's Fighter Weapons School.

The PAF spokesperson also said that they have been doing the same with instructors from the US Air Force Fighter Weapons School since 2016.

"And recently, we have another massive air-to-air and air-to-ground (exercise) during the BACE-P," he added.

This year's iteration of BACE-P was held last March 14 to 25.

A total of 12 US F-16s participated in this year's BACE-P while 10 FA-50PHs from the PAF's 5th Fighter Wing.

Participating American and Filipino pilots practiced "air combat maneuvering" (ACM) tactics with each other during the two-week exercise.

ACM refers to the "tactical art of moving, turning and/or situating one's fighter aircraft in order to attain a position from which an attack can be made on another aircraft."

It relies on offensive and defensive basic fighter maneuvering to gain an advantage over an aerial opponent.

Earlier, the PAF said it will be participating in the 10th iteration of the BACE-P that will be held at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga; Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga; Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Capas, Tarlac; and in Wallace Air Station in San Fernando La Union.

The exercise will focus on a wide range of mission sets such as air-to-air engagement, base defense; air traffic navigations and integration coordination; air battle management, air defense command, and control operations; radar and radio operations; and surface-to air-missile operation and deployment planning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175923

US Deputy Secretary of State to visit PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2022): US Deputy Secretary of State to visit PH (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is set to visit the Philippines to discuss bilateral relations with both incoming and outgoing Philippine government officials.

In a statement released on June 3, the Office of the Spokesperson of the US Department of State said Sherman would meet with President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other senior government officials to discuss “new ways to deepen the bilateral US-Philippines alliance.”

Apart from the Philippines, Sherman will also visit the Republic of Korea (ROK), Laos, and Vietnam from June 5 to 14.

“She will also participate in a business roundtable and an event in celebration of World Oceans Day,” the statement read, adding that Sherman’s visit shows the US’ “continued commitment” to the Indo-Pacific region and follows several events that occurred last month.

In Seoul, Sherman will meet with ROK leaders including Foreign Minister Park Jin, Unification Minister Kwon Young-se, and First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong.

“The Deputy Secretary will also discuss the importance of women’s leadership and economic empowerment with leading women startup entrepreneurs, as well as meet with LGBTQI+ civil society leaders to highlight the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion and mark Pride Month,” the statement said.

Sherman will also meet with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo and have a trilateral meeting with ROK First Vice Foreign Minister Cho and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Mori in Seoul.

In Vientiane, Sherman will meet with Laos Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Vice Foreign Minister Bounleua Phandanouvong to talk about “how to best support Laos as it pursues its sustainable development goals and boosts its prosperity and connectivity with its ASEAN neighbors.”

In Ho Chi Minh City, Sherman will meet with Vietnam municipal Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nene and talk at Fulbright University Vietnam.

“In Hanoi, the Deputy Secretary will meet with Vietnamese officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and Vice Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc to emphasize the strength of the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and U.S. support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam,” it said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175932

Groups renew call to delist CPP-NPA affiliates in Congress

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2022): Groups renew call to delist CPP-NPA affiliates in Congress (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

DQ PROTEST. Anti-Reds groups led by the League of Parents of the Philippines hold a rally in front of the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday (June 6, 2022). They called again for the delisting of communist affiliated party-list groups. (Contributed photo)

Parents’ groups and multi-sectoral organizations on Monday renewed their call to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to delist the party-list organizations affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Makabagong Alyansa (MK) staged a protest rally in front of the Comelec main office in Intramuros, Manila to ask anew for the disqualification of party-list groups Kabataan, Anakpawis, Act Teachers and Bayan Muna for being front organizations of communist terrorist groups.

Remy Rosadio, LPP president, asked the Comelec to listen to the cries of mothers who lost their children because of communist recruitment.

“Sila ay hayag-hayagang pumapanig sa CPP-NPA. Tama na ang pikit-mata at pagbibingi-bingihan. Tingnan natin ang ebidensya laban sa kanila, ang mga testimonya ng mga nanay na hanggang ngayon ay umiiyak dahil ang kanilang mga anak ay hawak pa rin ng mga grupong ito (They are openly siding with CPP-NPA. Stop playing blind and deaf. Look at the evidence against them, the testimonies of mothers who are crying until now because their children are being held by these groups),” Rosadio said during the rally.

Rosadio said the Comelec should realize that “these party-lists don’t deserve seats in Congress as they are only fixated in toppling the government” under the orders of exiled CPP founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.

Nolan Tiongco, MK secretary general, said despite their strong warning and constant reminders for the public to be critical of and vigilant against the party-list organizations that have links with the CPP-NPA-NDF, many still “fell prey to their lies”.

“Nakakalungkot lang isipin na marami pa rin ang na-recruit at marami pa rin ang bomoto sa mga party-list na ito sa kabila na ang mga nalantad na ang mga ebidensya. Kaya hinihiling natin sa Comelec na i-delist na po ang mga party-list na ito (It’s sad that still many people have been recruited and many still voted for these party-list despite clear evidence. That’s why we are asking the Comelec to delist these party-lists),” Tiongco said.

The anti-communist groups have appealed to the Comelec several times before to disqualify the alleged communist legal fronts.

They called for a public boycott of party-lists belonging to the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) bloc that include Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers, and Gabriela Women’s Party, noting that they have been “using the government funds to push underground operations for the CPP-NPA-NDF”.

During the rally, the protesters burned effigies of Sison and the Makabayan bloc representatives.

The Makabayan bloc previously countered that its members have been subjected to "disinformation campaign and red-tagging” by the government and its anti-insurgency task force, especially before the May 9 polls.

Rosadio said there was no red-tagging when it was Sison himself and former NPA rebels who confirmed the party-list groups are communist allies.

"Pakinggan na lang natin ang testimonya ng mga nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno. Maririnig niyong binabanggit nila ang pangalan ng mga progresibong grupong ito na nire-recruit ang ating mga anak, tinatago at dinadala sa kanayunan para mamundok at mag-alsa alsa sa ngalan ng armadong pakikibaka (Let's just listen to the testimonies of former rebels returned to the government. They mentioned these progressive groups recruiting our children, hiding them, and bringing them to the mountains in the name of armed revolution)," she added.

Rosadio said the mass recruitment of minors to the communist armed revolution will be halted only if "these communist-affiliated progressive organizations" will be delisted by the Comelec.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175935

Gov’t, MILF renew mutual commitment for genuine peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2022): Gov’t, MILF renew mutual commitment for genuine peace process (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

CONTINUING PEACE PROCESS. Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Undersecretary David Diciano (left) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Implementing Panel chairperson Mohagher Iqbal sign a mutual commitment for the continuing Mindanao peace process in Manila on June 3, 2022. Among others, the agreement includes dialogues on the remaining issues on the implementation of the normalization process to ensure inclusive solutions for the interest and welfare of the Bangsamoro. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

The implementing panels of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) renewed their mutual commitment to continue pushing for a comprehensive Philippine peace process.

In a joint statement released Monday, the GPH and MILF agreed on the following resolutions and action points, bearing in mind continuity, stability, and sustainability of the peace dividends and in view of the developments in the Bangsamoro peace process:

1. The GPH Panel shall communicate to the MILF panel the proposal of the GPH for the transition of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for the immediate resolution of the IMT’s status;

2. The panels shall continue to discuss the socioeconomic packages for decommissioned combatants;

3. The panels agree to reconstitute the Working Group for Vulnerable Sectors, which was created by the GPH and MILF Peace Negotiating Panels in 2016, and to direct the Working Group to submit its formal report;

4. The Study Group shall submit its report on the Small Arms and Light Weapons program for other MILF weapons to the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and the JNC shall submit its report to the Panels;

5. The MILF panel shall study the GPH panel proposal on the involvement of the Bangsamoro Government, particularly the Ministry of Public Order and Safety in the disbandment of private armed groups;

6. The panels agree to include humanitarian reasons in the qualifications for the issuance of safe conduct passes to MILF personalities, pending the effectivity of the amnesty process, but the GPH panel shall decide on a case-to-case basis the qualification for humanitarian reasons;

7. The panels agree to create a technical working group (TWG) for the police force for the Bangsamoro that will make recommendations including the drafting of executive issuances;

8. The panels advise the joint TWG on Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (TJR) to also invite international experts to provide advice on the crafting of the TJR roadmap;

9. MILF panel to study and come up with inputs and comments to the draft declaration of continuity on or before 6 June 2022; and;

10. On the invitation of the Third-Party Facilitator, the parties consider holding a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before the end of the current administration. However, in case of exigencies, the parties may invite the Third-Party Facilitator to hold the meeting in Manila.

Also in the statement finalized on June 3 is the mutual commitment of both parties to pursue dialogues, through a problem-solving approach, on the remaining issues on the implementation of the normalization process to ensure inclusive solutions for the interest and welfare of the Bangsamoro.

“The parties firmly commit that the path to peace and the continued implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) remain the only viable solution in achieving durable peace and development in the Bangsamoro,” read the agreement.

The government and the MILF acknowledged their responsibilities in partnering with each other “with earnest optimism and commitment to faithfully implement the peace agreement”.

Both parties lauded President Rodrigo Duterte’s strong leadership and for pushing for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, ratification of the BOL, and establishment of the Bangsamoro government.

They also thanked the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and members of the MILF leadership under its chair and now Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government, Ahod Ebrahim, for their unwavering commitment to pursue the implementation of the CAB and BOL; Intergovernmental Relations Body and the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization for their steadfast support towards achieving peace and development in the Bangsamoro; and members of different peace process mechanisms for their perseverance and invaluable contribution to the Bangsamoro peace process despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.

The joint statement was signed by OPAPRU Undersecretary David Diciano and MILF Peace Implementing Panel chairperson Mohagher Iqbal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175984

EASTMINCOM: Missile-Equipped MPACs Arrive in Eastern Mindanao

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Jun 4, 2022): Missile-Equipped MPACs Arrive in Eastern Mindanao

Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao welcomes the Philippine Navy’s 4th Boat Attack Division comprised of three Mk3 class Multi-Purpose Assault Craft at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

 
These assets are part of the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy of the Philippine Navy which are equipped with Spike-Extended Range missile launch system, mini typhoon machine gun system, light machine guns, automatic rifles, and pistols, with a cruising speed of 30-35 knots and a maximum speed of 45 knots and can be able to pursue fleeing enemies during Hot Pursuit operations.

 
The said naval assets are part of the continuing AFP Modernization Program, fulfilling the armed forces’ mandate to protect the people, and secure the state.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=375622741266809&set=a.219815940180824

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP-PNP illegaly arrests 2 farmers

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21, 2022): AFP-PNP illegaly arrests 2 farmers

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

May 21, 2022

Two farmers were arrested in their residences on planted evidence during the election period. Elements from the 61st IB, Iloilo Provincial Intelligence Unit and PNP-Leon arrested Victoria Tumabiao in Barangay Jimog-Gines, Leon, Iloilo last May 9, election day. Tumbiao is a pollwatcher for the Anakpawis party list and a leader of the Leon United Peasant Association.

Danila Hapa, a resident of Sitio Parad, Barangay Fabrica, Barcelona, Sorsogon was arrested for illegal possession of firearms last May 4 by the PNP-Barcelona and 31st IB. Hapa is the 12th victim of evidence tampering in Sorsogon.
Killing. Elements of the 67th IB shot to death Lolong Magallanes at Sitio Mamparasan, Barangay San Roque, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur last May 6. Magallanes, since April, has been harassed by intelligence elements and was accused to be in contact with and a supporter of the New People’s Army.

Arson. 31st IB troops ransacked and torched Adelfa Quiñones’ house last May 13 in Barangay San Pascual, Casiguran, Sorsogon. Soldiers also threatened Henry Fusana with retaliation if they had been attacked by a unit of the people’s army in the area.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/05/21/afp-pnp-illegaly-arrests-2-farmers/

CPP/Ang Bayan: How the AFP cancels democracy

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21, 2022): How the AFP cancels democracy

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

May 21, 2022

Outright campaigning by personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in favor of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president were reported in various parts of the country during the recently concluded elections. Military generals are agog over the return to power of the Marcos family which in the past gave them broad powers and the license to attack with impunity.

If the AFP was satiated under Duterte’s tyranny, they are set to be further indulged by Marcos Jr. with monstrous powers over the people’s money and the nation’s politics.
Bursting with funds and position

The AFP, together with the Philippine Constabulary (police) which it led, served as the pillar of Marcos Sr.’s martial law. On Marcos Sr.’s orders, they arbitrarily arrested and detained people who went against the government or were suspected as subversives.

To make the AFP serve as a solid foundation to his rule, Marcos Sr. increased its manpower from 60,000 in 1972 to 250,000 in a short period of three years. The dictator poured funds from ₱880 million in 1972 to ₱4 billion in 1976. Among Southeast Asian countries, military spending under the Marcos dictatorship was the largest from 1971 to 1980 despite the Philippines having the lowest increase rate in the gross national product during the same period.

Despite Marcos Sr.’s ouster, the military maintained its power in the succeeding regimes. Not less than 15 Marcos generals were appointed in the Corazon Aquino government. During his presidency, former PC chief Gen. Fidel V. Ramos enacted the AFP “modernization” providing for allocation of billions of pesos. This was expanded further under the Aquino II regime with funds of more than $40 billion until 2028.

From the outset, the gargantuan military funds serve as generals’ milking cow. This year, the military and police’s combined budget is more than ₱470 billion, constituting 9.4% of the national budget, more than the budget allocation for public health. There are more soldiers than health workers.

It was also under martial law that the AFP gained vast powers in running the government. Beyond their primary task of defending the country’s sovereignty, AFP officials became managers of industries related to the military and public corporations, and even as representatives in foreign relations.

Contrary to the principle of civilian supremacy, generals have been eroding democracy and over the past decades have dominated government. They have been influencing key decisions and policies of the government, holding sensitive positions in the bureaucracy, and playing a role in the change of power from one regime to the next.
Favorite generals

In monopolizing power, Marcos Sr. trusted only his inner circle of generals from Ilocos which included Gen. Fabian Ver and General Ramos.

Every president since have pampered their own favored group of generals who held wide influence despite retirement. Under Rodrigo Duterte, the military and police gained the greatest powers. In 2017, Duterte outrightly declared that he will appoint former officials to his cabinet to “complete his junta” and “become managers” of government in order to appease them and dissuade them from mounting a coup d’etat. These generals control Duterte’s government through the National Task Force-Elcac.

Like Marcos Sr., Duterte appointed a number of military and police officers. More than 70 held positions in national agencies, apart from the hundreds of former soldiers and police assigned in regional or provincial agencies, or elected to local government. Meanwhile, the so-called Davao Generals were assigned to key positions in different parts of the country.

The Duterte regime is the most militarized in the country’s history. It outdid the Marcos Sr. regime, who, despite his dictatorship, maintained a semblance of civilian rule by appointing non-military personnel with experience and expertise in the fields of education, labor, agriculture and others.

Whether during the Marcos Sr. dictatorship or under Duterte, favorite generals were pampered leading to factions of politically ambitious generals. There is deepening distrust among rank-and-file officers and the emerging patriotic and democratic elements.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/05/21/how-the-afp-cancels-democracy/