Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in Dumanjug town

From the Cebu Daily News Inquirer (Dec 27): Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in Dumanjug town


AN alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was collared by police on the afternoon of December 24 in Barangay Poblacion, Dumanjug town, southern Cebu .

The suspect was identified as Jonathan Lacadman, 26, and a native of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

The police arrested Lacadman based on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Mario Trinidad of the Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental for theft and murder charges.

Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) director Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino said Lacadman is an NPA member and a suspect in the ambush-slay of Supt. Arnel Arpon, the chief of police of Guihulngan town, in Negros Oriental.

Arpon and four other police officers were killed by armed bandits on July 21, 2017 in a mountainous area of Sitio Mandi-e, Barangay Magsaysay in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Lacadman, who was presented to the media yesterday morning, denied being a member of the rebel group. He also denied any involvement in the killing of Arpon and four other policemen.

He, however, admitted that his brother was a member of the NPA.

He said his brother was only 13 years-old when he left their family and joined the NPA.

“Since then, wala nako kakita sa akung igsoon,” (Since then I haven’t seen my brother), said Lacadman.

Lacadman’s arrest came after residents in the area tipped Dumanjug authorities of his presence.

Armed with an arrest warrant, police swooped down on the apartment where Lacadman was staying, in Barangay Poblacion, Sunday afternoon.

Espino however, believes Lacadman was not alone when he came to Cebu.

The police official said the suspect could be with ten other comrades.

He ordered his men to immediately arrest Lacadman’s other companions.

Espino also revealed that all police stations are now on alert status in anticipation of retaliatory attacks by the NPA.

http://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/158695/suspected-npa-rebel-nabbed-dumanjug-town

Special Forces assault boats to beef up patrols in Davao Gulf

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 27): Special Forces assault boats to beef up patrols in Davao Gulf


The assault boats set to be deployed for patrol. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Special Forces assault boats will soon patrol Davao Gulf to detect and deter piracy and terrorist threats in southern waters.

Two of these boats were formally turned over by Special Forces Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey to Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal in Davao City on Tuesday, the EMC said in a statement.

Madrigal said the boats will be “an additional capability in securing the municipal waters in the area of responsibility, particularly Davao Gulf, to preempt terrorists, piracy and other security threats from using the sea lanes in their terrorist and criminal acts. It can also be used for water search and rescue operations.”

The boats have counter/anti-terrorist capability and will be manned by Special Forces Riverine troopers.

The boats will be initially deployed with Joint Task Force Haribon which has the jurisdiction of Mega Davao, the EMC said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955524/special-forces-assault-boats-to-beef-up-patrols-in-davao-gulf-special-forces-davao-gulf-security-naval-piracy

Palace appoints Faeldon at DND

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 27): Palace appoints Faeldon at DND

 
Former Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Bureau of Customs chief Nicanor Faeldon as deputy administrator of the Office of the Civil Defense of the Department of National Defense (DND).

His appointment papers released on Wednesday by Malacañang, showed Duterte appointed him on December 22.

Faeldon will replace Rodolfo Demosthenes Santillan.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955555/palace-appoints-faeldon-at-dnd-faledon-dnd-new-appointment-duterte-palace

Duterte hits NPA for violating its self-imposed ceasefire

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 27): Duterte hits NPA for violating its self-imposed ceasefire

Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday lashed out at the New People’s Army (NPA) for attacking government troops, in violation of the ceasefire declared unilaterally by his administration and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

During his meeting in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, with mayors of storm-devastated towns in the province, the President called the insurgents “egotists.”

“These communists are egotists. They speak as if they’re somebody. You see? Ceasefire … but they attacked the …” Mr. Duterte said.

Clashes erupted in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley on Christmas Day as scores of NPA rebels harassed soldiers and tried to abduct a militiaman in separate incidents, according to the military.

The attacks prompted the Philippine National Police to remind its personnel across the country to brace for “more NPA atrocities.”

On Christmas morning, some 30 communist rebels reportedly tried to seize Arbilito Catampao, a militiaman and resident of Tubaon village in Tarragona, Davao Oriental, and assigned at the Tubaon Patrol Base of the Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Catampao was able to run and avoid capture, the military said.

Insurgents from the NPA’s Guerilla Front 34 then harassed the Melale Patrol Base, also under the 72nd IB, in Laak town, Compostela Valley, around 7:30 p.m. Government troops stopped the rebels some 250 meters from the base.

The rebels withdrew after engaging soldiers in a two-minute firefight, according to Maj. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID).

There were no casualties among the militiamen and soldiers, said Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson for the 10th ID, but Clement believed that several rebels were wounded.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955588/duterte-hits-npa-for-violating-its-self-imposed-ceasefire

AFP modernization 2017: Marawi siege ‘game changers’ in spotlight

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 27): AFP modernization 2017: Marawi siege ‘game changers’ in spotlight



One of the Air Force’s FA-50 fighter/trainer jets. INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

Modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines continued to roll this year despite occasional delays and controversies.

The year 2017 was a shining moment for the FA-50 lead-in fighter trainers during the five-month battle in Marawi between government forces and ISIS-inspired terrorists, the biggest security crisis under the current administration and the bloodiest local urban war in recent memory.

READ: Marawi: City destroyed in Philippines’ longest urban war

Here’s a recap of some of the acquired assets and signed deals for the military this year:

Completion of the delivery of FA-50 fighter jets

The delivery of eight brand new FA-50 lead-in fighter trainers from Korea Aerospace Industries this year completed the Air Force’s squadron or 12 units it procured. Bought for P18.9 billion, the biggest modernization project sometimes criticized by President Rodrigo Duterte proved useful in destroying ISIS strongholds and clearing the path of ground troops during the Marawi crisis. At the heroes’ welcome last November for the airmen who participated in the liberation of Marawi, Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Kintanar described the FA-50s as the “game changers” during the siege and “the sharpest tip of our airpower spear,” alongside the AW-109 attack helicopters. Then AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año also said the war could have lasted longer without these air assets.

READ: AFP: Final batch of FA-50 fighter jets delivered by May / Air Force pilots, crew come home to heroes’ welcome / Airstrikes resume in Marawi to flush out remaining terrorists

Air-to-air missiles for FA-50s

As an addition to its weapons inventory, the Department of National Defense (DND) ordered about P1-B worth of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 fighter jets from Diehl Raytheon of Germany last September. Details on the delivery were not provided for security reasons.

Flight Simulator System for FA-50s

The Air Force is further developing its flight skills through the latest technology by acquiring a flight simulator system for its FA-50s. The DND signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries in February for the flight simulators worth about $7.8 million or P376 million. South Korean media reported that the purchase includes a cockpit system, navigation system, video system, manuals, repair parts and support equipment. The delivery is expected in 2019.

6 Embraer Super Tucano close air support aircraft

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer Defense and Security was awarded a P4.968-billion contract by the DND for the supply of six new light attack aircraft in November. The planes can be used for surveillance, interception, and counterinsurgency missions, a great addition to the Air Force’s airpower capabilities. The planes are expected starting 2019.

Spike ER missile system

The Rafael Advanced Defense System Ltd.’s Spike ER (extended range) missile systems from Israel were expected to be mounted on the Navy’s multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) by Christmas time. An Air Force C-130 was supposed to pick up the missiles from Israel but the plane was diverted to disaster relief after two consecutive typhoons hit Mindanao. Instead, the missiles and launchers will be delivered by January next year as originally stated in the contract. The missiles can engage surface targets as far out as eight kilometers.

Commissioning of BRP Davao del Sur

The BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), commissioned into service early this year, is the Philippine Navy’s second amphibious landing dock vessel after BRP Tarlac (LD-601). The two brand new ships from Indonesia cost P4 billion. These assets were deployed to transport personnel and equipment during the Marawi crisis. It also conducted relief operations to typhoon-stricken areas this month.



BRP Davao del Sur. INQUIRER FILE

READ: Navy sets welcome ceremony for BRP Davao del Sur / Navy ship deployed near Marawi to help quell rebellion

Aerostat radar for the Navy

The United States donated a tethered aerostat radar system (TARS) to the Navy last August in a bid to enhance the latter’s maritime surveillance and disaster response capabilities. The radar system was pledged during the time of President Barack Obama under the US government’s Maritime Security Initiative.

The 28M Class TARS can soar to an altitude of 5,000 feet while tethered by a single cable. It is stationed at the Naval Education and Training Command in Zambales.



READ: Navy gets modern radar system to alert PH of threats at sea

5 TC-90 Beechcraft surveillance aircraft from Japan

The five refurbished TC-90 Beechcraft surveillance planes that the Japanese government earlier leased to the Philippines have been donated instead after the bilateral talks of the two governments at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit last November.

Two of the TC-90s were delivered in March, while the rest are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2018. One of the two planes delivered was already commissioned into service in late November. It will be used by the Naval Air Group.



One of the TC-90 patrol aircraft donated by Japan to the Armed Forces sits on the tarmac. INQUIRER FILE

READ: PH Navy’s patrol plane from Japan now ready for deployment / Japan to donate five patrol planes to PH / Navy gets two patrol planes from Japan

Activation of three Mk.3 MPACs

The Navy activated three Mark III models of MPAC into its inventory last May. These assets can be used for surface warfare, ship building, search and rescue. The P270-million project was constructed by Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese shipbuilder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation. It will be armed with the Spike ER missiles from Israel early next year.

Howitzers and KM450 trucks

A dozen of Elbit-Soltam M-71 155mm/39CAL towed howitzers from Israel with an estimated worth of P410 million were delivered to the Philippines this year, two years after the contract was signed. The Marines and Army received six each of the artillery piece.

The DND also signed a government-to-government contract last October for Korean military trucks to be used by the Army and the Marines. The 227 units of KM 250 1/2 ton trucks and 10 KM250 2 1/2 ton wreckers have a value of about P1.4 billion, while the 108 KM450 1 1/4 trucks for Marines are worth about P313 million. The deal was signed with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/955512/afp-modernization-2017-marawi-game-changers-in-spotlight

BIFF members kill chieftain in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Star (Dec 27): BIFF members kill chieftain in Maguindanao

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is known for targeting non-military targets to avenge losses in encounters with state security forces. File photo

 

Members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters shot dead Tuesday morning an ethnic Teduray chieftain in Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao.

Diego Met Dagadas was killed just three days after the BIFF lost 13 members in a series of gunfights with soldiers in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns.

Dagadas died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello of the Maguindanao provincial police on Tuesday said personnel of the Datu Saudi municipal police are now investigating on the incident.

“Corresponding criminal cases will be filed against the culprits once identified,” Tello said.

Relatives told The STAR in Teduray dialect that BIFF gunmen surrounded the house of Dagadas at Mt. Firis proper in Datu Saudi, ordered him to come out and shot him with assault rifles at close range as he emerged.

 

Police investigators found out that the BIFF bandits who killed Dagadas blasted an improvised explosive device beside his cadaver before they scampered to different directions.

Witnesses told probers the gunmen could have used an IED on the victim to show what they are capable off.

"Talagang tinatakot nila kami," said Moh Kedih Cloh Laguey, a 54-year-old Teduray peasant.

Probers said the IED the bandits detonated was fashioned from an explosive powder placed in a sealed container attached to a long detonating cord.

Major Gen. Arnel Dela Vega of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the reported murder of Dagadas was an apparent BIFF retaliation for losses in skirmishes with soldiers in Datu Unsay three days before.

 

Dela Vega said they have tightened security in populated areas vulnerable to retaliatory attacks by BIFF gunmen.

The BIFF has enclaves in the neighboring Datu Unsay and Datu Saudi towns, both in the second district of Maguindanao.

 

Abu Misry Mama, spokesman of one of three factions in the BIFF, earlier confirmed losing companions in the hostilities in Datu Unsay on December 25.

He declined to reveal the number of their fatalities but local officials in Maguindanao province said the BIFF lost 13 members in the ensuing encounters, eight of them adolescents named Suhair, Mindo, Oting, Mustapha, Minoh, Saban, Mohaimen and Guinaid.

The December 25 hostilities in Barangays Maitemaig and Iganagampong in Datu Unsay erupted when BIFF gunmen attacked an Army detachment and burned houses of local ethnic Teduray settlers as they fled.

 

Key members of the municipal peace and order councils in Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns on Tuesday said five of the 13 BIFF fatalities were killed when rockets fired by responding Augusta AW109 attack helicopters hit them.

“Our security effort intended to prevent retaliations by the BIFF is supported by the local government units in Maguindanao,” Dela Vega said.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu on Tuesday said he has requested the provincial police to help guard from possible BIFF roadside bombings secluded stretches of roads crisscrossing the province.

The BIFF is known for targeting non-military targets to avenge losses in encounters with state security forces.

More than a dozen militants in the 3rd faction of the BIFF, the one led by radical cleric Esmael Abdulmalik, also known as Abu Toraife, in gunfights early this month with pursuing personnel of the Army’s 7th and 34th Infantry Battalions in Carmen, North Cotabato.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/12/27/1772231/biff-members-kill-chieftain-maguindanao

THE END OF THE AFFAIR?//Duterte's romance with the Reds

From Rappler//Newsbreak (Dec 27): THE END OF THE AFFAIR?//Duterte's romance with the Reds

Who failed the talks? Both the government and the communist rebels claim betrayal.

AT A GLANCE:

• Rodrigo Duterte, the first president to declare himself a leftist, endeared himself to the Philippine Left when he released its top leaders a few months into the start of his term. He aimed but failed to complete a peace agreement with the communist rebels by the 2nd year of his term.
• The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is responsible for the longest communist insurgency in Asia. From a high of about 20,000 armed regulars in the 1980s, the military claims the CPP's armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), is down to less than 4,000 combatants, concentrated mostly in eastern Mindanao.
• Duterte has begun the formal process of declaring the CPP-NPA as a "terrorist organization," a threat that his predecessors also made but didn't follow through. Terrorists, as opposed to rebels, are easier targets for security forces.

---

MANILA, Philippines – Like most courtships, President Rodrigo Duterte’s romance with the Philippine Left started on a sweet note. What seemed like a whirlwind romance at first that would leave many people inside and outside the communist movement feeling confused.

While the first round of talks was underway in faraway Oslo back in August 2016, Duterte delivered a speech in Manila calling the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) a "revolutionary government."

A laptop was brought inside the negotiating room for everyone to hear the Duterte's speech. The first self-proclaimed leftist President ordered his military to be “friendly” with communist guerrillas – their sworn enemies – following the ceasefire declarations.

The power couple of the Philippine Left, warriors-turned-negotiators Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, burst into applause. To call the CPP a “revolutionary government” was recognition of its rights to rule over a territory, maintain an army, collect taxes, and make and enact its own laws.

The government cannot easily recognize these rights without violating the Constitution. But back in Oslo, the communists were beyond themselves with joy while government negotiators attempted to correct what the President just said. Duterte meant "revolutionary forces," they clarified.

 

The NPA's territory and tax collection eventually caused the tension that ended the ceasefire declaration after 6 months, or from August 2016 to February 2017.

 

Everybody should know by now that Duterte likes "playing" with words to the point of even contradicting his own pronouncement. His former professor, CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, is aware of this.

 

"He played with words but, of course, he would sometimes be concrete," Sison told Rappler in a Skype interview from his home in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

 

"Even before, while he was running for the presidency, he will be concrete in one way and contradict himself another way," Sison said.

 

 

CLENCHED FISTS. President Rodrigo Duterte joins communist rebels in their signature gesture – the raised clenched fist. He has a similar gesture – a fist bump – that has become both popular and notorious worldwide. Malacañang photo

 

Grand gestures

 

Indeed, Duterte was not only concrete. He made grand gestures to show his commitment.

 

Duterte promised peace with the communists during the campaign. A video of his Skype conversation with Sison where they agreed on necessary reforms – develop local industries, implement genuine land reform, and many other things the rebels have been fighting for – was widely reported in the news.

 

When he became president, he appointed CPP nominees to his Cabinet, giving them key agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

 

A few months into his term, Duterte ordered his officials to file petitions in court for the release of about 20 jailed CPP leaders, including the Tiamzons, so they can join the peace negotiations. In Oslo, cameras clicked for the historic reunion of two icons of the communist movement – Sison and Benito Tiamzon – who were previously rumored to have a falling out.

 

While there were those who had dismissed talks with the Left as a lost cause, Duterte's negotiators believed they had the ingredients for a successful peace agreement. Duterte had shown the political will that his predecessors lacked. Benito Tiamzon's participation in the talks was also believed to be a game changer.

 

The government previously accused the Sison-led National Democratic Front (NDF) of inability to control the NPA on the ground. Former CPP chairman Tiamzon, who was arrested in 2014, should keep them in line, they believed. It was worth a try.

 

Duterte said all the right words. He promised that the rest of their comrades would soon gain freedom though he probably did not realize it meant releasing 400 more from jail. He said he also wanted Sison, his former professor, to finally come home.

How did the communists reciprocate Duterte's grand gestures? In an unprecedented move, they said yes to an indefinite ceasefire.

 

It is also important to note that Duterte's alliance with the CPP meant he enjoyed relative peace from street protests, although they did mobilize on a few ocassions. The Left would be criticized over its relative silence about the growing human rights violations committed in the name of Duterte's war on drugs.

 

Talks collapse

 

FIVE DECADES. File photo of New People's Army guerrillas marching in Davao City to celebrate the 48th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26, 2016.

 

Government chief negotiatiator Silvestre Bello III hoped that the talks would be completed within a year. His deadline came and went but they were no closer to a peace agreement.

The peace talks have reached a low point. Duterte did not only formally cancel the talks, he officially declared the CPP-NPA as a "terrorist organization" – a threat his predecessors had also made but did not follow through.

The presidential proclamation fanned growing fear among the communists that Duterte was not sincere about the talks. He did not put up a fight when Congress rejected the appointments of his Leftist Cabinet members. A few more political prisoners were released but not as many as the CPP wanted.

He also threatened to arrest Sison if he tried to come home.

The Facebook timeline of Sison is a testament to how his world has turned upside down. "Nire-review ko ngayon. If you look at the memory of my Facebook timeline, last year nakita ko, kami ang nagrereklamo all the way. Bakit puro offensive ang military?" Sison told Rappler.

(I'm reviewing it now. If you look at the memory of my Facebook timeline, last year I saw we were the ones complaining all the way. Why was the military conducting offensives?)

 

NDF TALKS. CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and chief presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza during the first round of talks in August in Norway. File photo

Who failed the talks?

When the talks broke down, both sides claimed betrayal. While the communists accused Duterte of falling short on delivering his promises, as early as December 2016, the President had already argued that the government had conceded too much to the communists too soon. His aides have given the same explanation.

“Hindi na po kasalanan ng Presidente ‘yan. Lahat na po ng hakbang ay ginawa ng Presidente para magkaroon ng matagalang kapayapaan (It's not the fault of the President anymore. He did everything to achieve lasting peace),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on November 27.

 

There are those who believe that the CPP’s decision to withdraw its ceasefire declaration in February 2017 caused Duterte to turn against them. He supposedly saw it as a "betrayal" of his own friends.

 

Duterte retaliated by cancelling the talks altogether. The statements critical of the Chief Executive and street protests that followed only aggravated the tension.

 

Negotiators were able to revive the talks even as the fighting resumed, but it would never be the same again. "After the 3rd round, wala nang matinong round (there was no decent round anymore)," said an insider.

 

The government objective in declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization is clear. They will not only run after the NPA combatants but also alleged "front organizations" that support the insurgency.

"The label is more of a political move. Through the branding of terrorism, we will be able to resort to laws applying to terrorists. Expect that we can impose harsher penalties against these lawless elements," said Armed Forces chief General Rey Guerrero.

"The intent is to defeat the armed groups. We have to look for the support system that fuels...the armed struggle," Guerrero added.

The court process to formally declare the communists as terrorists will take years, based on the experience of the Abu Sayyaf Group. But Duterte doesn't have the patience to wait. He got Congress to extend the military's martial law powers to hunt down the communists and weaken them before they celebrate their 50th anniversary next year.

 

FROM THE PAST. President Rodrigo Duterte shares a light moment with Wilma Tiamzon, chairperson of the Reciprocal Working Group on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces (RWG-EHDF) of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), in a meeting held in Malacañang's State Dining Room on September 26. PPD photo

 

Duterte and the military

 

In his earlier visits to military camps, Duterte used to explain the importance of the peace talks to end the war with the communists. Duterte said he wanted to leave behind a legacy of peace.

 

When the leftist group Kadamay occupied homes built for soldiers and police, Duterte asked for the latter's understanding.

 

"I will ask you soldiers and policemen, bitawan 'nyo na lang 'yan, ibigay na lang natin sa kanila kasi mahirap sila (just let the units go, let's give it to them because they are poor).... I will look for other land nearby, or contiguous to the area and I will make better ones, with water and electricity," he promised the troops, amid criticisms that he was spoiling the Left.

 

While Duterte courted the communists, he made sure to pamper the military too. He promised them higher salaries. He made sure to visit wounded soldiers, pinned medals on them, and wept with them when they lost fellow soldiers.

It was a difficult balancing act but it seemed, for a time, that Duterte could replicate an arrangement he had in Davao City back when he was mayor. But what worked in his hometown didn't always work nationwide, he would realize.

Military officers did not believe the communists to be sincere in the talks, convinced that the CPP's singular objective is to overthrow the government. The CPP feels the same about the military, always wary that generals will sabotage the talks.

But both were committed to Duterte, and the ceasefire held for nearly 6 months. In the meantime, the tension on the ground was growingly untenable. The first clashes erupted in Cotabato while the 3rd round of talks was ongoing in Rome. It was the beginning of the collapse of the talks.

The CPP withdrew its ceasefire declaration a few days later, surprising government negotiators who were still trying to prevail upon both sides to keep the truce.

Talks continued even when the ceasefire declarations were withdrawn. But clashes on the ground and Duterte's speeches that demonized the rebels didn't help gain public support for the talks.

Rappler learned the military has initiated a system wherein they provide Duterte daily updates on the country's security situation. It meant he would know about each incident on the ground.

 

CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Rodrigo Duterte (center), retired General Eduardo Año (left), and new AFP chief Lieutenant General Rey Guerrero (right) salute the troops during the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo on October 26, 2017. Malacañang photo

   

Backchannel talks

 

Still, negotiators from both sides worked hard to save the talks even as the word war and the clashes on the ground escalated.

 

They had been holding backchannel talks and were ready to sign a "stand down agreement" – possibly by December 2017 or January 2018 – that would put an end to the worsening clashes. But another incident in November prompted Duterte to blow his top and cancel the talks anew: a 4-month-old baby was killed in an NPA ambush that targeted troops in Bukidnon.

 

This time, Duterte acted on his threats. He issued Proclamation No. 360 to formally end the talks. Days later, he issued Proclamation No. 374 to begin the process of declaring his friends as "terrorists."

 

"What I cannot understand is we are just ready to give him the kind of ceasefire possible and he backs out," Sison told Rappler, adding that they envisioned to seal a deal by 2018.

 

Duterte's reasons clearly go beyond the incident in Bukidnon. He claimed to know the private conversations among the communists and he didn't like how they were discussing a coalition government as the end game.

 

Sison said Duterte misunderstood. "The NDF never proposed the coalition government with the republic. We will co-found a new government and then of course, your weight in an alliance or coalition government will be decided by your performance in the elections, di ba (right)?" Sison said.

 

Sison believed the November visit of US President Donald Trump in Manila had something to do with Duterte's change of heart. "Maybe Trump said something like, 'We’ll give you what you want. Just kill the communist armed forces as much as you want. You don’t have to go to peace negotiations,'" said Sison.

 

Is Duterte's romance with the communists over?

"Pahinga muna tayo....Nagkalabuan lang (Let's take some rest... It's just a disagreement)," Duterte said in a speech on December 8. It suggested that another change of heart is not impossible, although he would again demonize the CPP in another speech days later.

 

Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza is not closing the doors. "Let's not speculate. Let's wait for developments as they take place," he told Rappler.

 

That's the thing with Duterte. He can always change his mind. But who's waiting?

 

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/192297-cpp-rodrigo-duterte-peace-talks

DWDD: READY AND SET | DOH Augments Medical Supplies and Health Teams for Vinta Victims

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 27): READY AND SET | DOH Augments Medical Supplies and Health Teams for Vinta Victims

  

MANILA (DWDD) – Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III immediately ordered the augmentation of medicines and other medical supplies in regions hit by tropical depression “Vinta” in Mindanao to respond to the immediate health needs of thousands of affected families and communities.

“The DOH expresses its sympathy to our countrymen on this tragic event especially with the loss of lives and with many still reported missing along with their homes which were destroyed by flash floods and landslides. This is very sad especially at this time when families should be celebrating Christmas and preparing for the festivities of the New Year,” Duque lamented. The health chief also appealed to the public any assistance they can provide to those affected by the disaster.

Secretary Duque also reported that flash floods and landslide incidents occurred in Zamboanga del Norte, while the municipality of Carmen, Daval del Norte has now been declared under state of calamity.

A total of 70,454 families or 320,180 individuals are affected in 569 barangays in MIMAROPA, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Davao region, ARMM and CARAGA.

At the moment, the Department of Health is still on alert and concerned regional offices are instructed to deploy emergency response teams to provide the needed health services to the affected population, and ordered continuous coordination with their respective Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils.

Also, the DOH Davao regional office has emergency medical teams to Talomo North District, Marilog District, Bunangin District and District A to provide health consultations and treatments. DOH Central Visayas provided technical services on water sanitation, hygiene and nutrition services.

The DOH Central Mindanao augmented assorted medicines to rural health units of Pantao Ragat and Balo-1 for internally-displaced people inside and outside of evacuation centers, started leptospirosis prophylaxis to exposed individuals, augmented doxycycline in Northern Mindanao Medical Center and provided health teachings on the proper use of water treatment solutions.

“I appeal to every Filipino to extend any assistance to families affected and displaced by tropical depression Vinta. Let us extend our kindness and compassion to those who have been severely hit by this tragedy,” Secretary Duque concluded. DOH/

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/12/27/ready-and-set-doh-augments-medical-supplies-and-health-teams-for-vinta-victims-manila-dwdd-health-secretary-francisco-t-duque-iii-immediately-ordered-the-augmentation-of-medicines-and-other-m/

DWDD: SANTA IN CAMOUFLAGE | 42IB Brings Joy and Gifts to TY Vinta Victims

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 27): SANTA IN CAMOUFLAGE  |   42IB Brings Joy and Gifts to TY Vinta Victims



GUTALAC, Zamboanga del Norte (DWDD) – A Christmas picture of a Santa Claus is an obese man with an over-sized red robe, overgrown beard, and a heavy knapsack on his back, but what if the real Santa Claus wears green with heavy boots instead?

These Santa Claus did more than just give gifts but hope. They are soldiers-the valiant 42nd Infantry- Tagapagtanggol Battalion who carried food and water for the typhoon victims on foot in Brgy. Canupong, Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte. They braved through the treacherous roads of mud and dirt just to get to the victims last December 23.



According to the weather news by Rappler, Vinta (international name Tembin) made its landfall in Davao Oriental last Friday, December 22 by 1:45am. The tropical depression was reported to have maximum winds of 60 km/h and gustiness of up to 90km/h. It placed Southern Palawan, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay in Signal Number 1.

PAGA-ASA reported that it left the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Christmas eve, December 24.

The aftermath of the typhoon left many people to clean up the mess after the flooding. But with the undying Filipino resilience, these soldiers risked through perilous slopes to bring supplies in Brgy. Canupong.

Though Christmas may look different now and the air may seem a little bit colder, these soldiers are bringing home that despite the storm, people could still celebrate Christmas. These soldiers are models of hope and redemption, the silver lining after the rain.



These Santa Claus soldiers risked their safety, set aside their Christmas preparations, and interrupted their holiday to make sure that typhoon victims could still celebrate Christmas with full stomachs even if they are not in their homes.

Heroism like this just goes to show that the stereotypical Santa Claus is not always red because Santa Claus could be a soldier too.

42nd Infantry Battalion’s Mother unit is the 9th Infantry “SPEAR” Division based in Bicol Region. With the battalions deployment in Mindanao, 1st Infantry “TAbAK” Division took command of the unit. A Story by Mizzy Chinggay / Photo credit to Capt. Macario of 42 Infantry

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/12/27/santa-in-camouflage-42ib-brings-joy-and-gifts-to-ty-vinta-victims/

DWDD: DIRTY TACTICS | 10ID Denounces NPA violation of Ceasefire

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 27): DIRTY TACTICS  |  10ID Denounces NPA violation of Ceasefire



Camp General Manuel T Yan Sr., Mawab, Compostela Valley (DWDD) – On December 25, 2017, 9:30 in the morning, CAA Arbilito A Catampao resident of Sitio Madian, Brgy Tubaon, Tarragona, Davao Oriental and assigned at Tuboan Patrol Base, 5th DOR, CAAC, BCoy, 72IB, 10ID, PA Barangay Tubaon of same Municipality under SSg Bienvinido L Paquita Jr was chased and attempted to be captured by more or less thirty (30) fully armed Communist/Terrorist under a Kumander Jekol and kumander Ramie of SECOM 15, SMRC at Sitio Madian of same Barangay. Catampao managed to run away and escaped.

On December 25, 2017, 7:30 p.m., Melale Patrol Base (PB) of 1st Platoon, 4th CVP CAFGU Active Auxilliary Company under 72IB located at Brgy Melale, Laak, Compostela Valley was harassed by undetermined numbers of terrorists NPAs believed to be members of Guerilla Front (GF) 34, SMRC.

Approximately, the terrorist positioned at more or less 250 meters northwest from the said patrol base.

Upon sensing that the detachment was being harassed, the troops immediately established defensive position and returned fire. The firefight lasted for about two (2) minutes and the enemy withdrew towards Northwest direction.

The harassment did not prosper since 10ID is on full alert and vigilant for possible CPP-NPA attacks on our people and vulnerable communities. It was noted that the President declared unilateral ceasefire that took effect on 6:00 p.m. of December 23, 2017 until 6:00 p.m. of December 26, 2017 and will resume on 6:00 p.m. of December 30, 2017 until 6:00 p.m. of January 2, 2018.

As a response, Jose Maria Sison of CPP made a statement, telling the NPA to do the same specially that CPP founding anniversary celebration is on December 26.

Major General Noel S Clement commented, “It was absolutely clear violation of ceasefire made by the terrorist NPA to disrupt our efforts in making sure Christmas will be celebrated peacefully. Their celebration is usually accompanied by armed attacks against the people that reflect their true color as a criminal organization void of any ideology.”

The CPP-NPA-NDF lost its ideological mooring and all its actions reflect a terrorist organization rather than what they claim to be. It is in this light that we call on their members to take a good look at their organization and reflect deeply so that they may be able to decide to come back into the fold of the law, be with their families and become productive citizens of the community.

“10ID will abide by the government’s SOMO and will maintain active defense posture in our AOR to thwart any atrocity, deception and sabotage that the CPP-NPA is planning to stage,” MGen Clement added. 10DPAO/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/12/27/dirty-tactics-10id-denounces-npa-violation-of-ceasefire/

DWDD: BENEFITS OF PEACE | Former NPA Receives Early Christmas Gift

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 27): BENEFITS OF PEACE  |  Former NPA Receives Early Christmas Gift



KUTA SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (DWDD) – Rudy Libre Niadas, aka Marlon, a rebel returnee, receives an early Christmas gift from the Local Government Unit of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay Province Wednesday.

The sixty five thousand pesos (Php 65,000.00) worth of paycheck that Rudy received is part of the benefits of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) that the government offers to rebel returnees.

Rudy surrendered last July 1 this year to the troops of 44 Infantry “Agile and Stable” Battalion at boundaries of Brgys Dampalan and Lourdes all of Pagadian City.

Governor Wilter Y Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay Province, together with Vice Gov. Eldwin M. Alibutdan, Brig. General Jacinto R. Bareng, 102nd Brigade Commander, and Lt. Col. Jonathan P. Obena, 44th IB Battalion Commander, handed the paycheck to Rudy at the Provincial Capitol.

“The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division in partnership with the Local Governments Units in our area of operation is serious in implementing the CLIP for the rebel returnees who want to return to the folds of the law.” Said Brig. General Roseller G. Murillo, 1st Infantry Division Commander.

“We hope that more rebels will surrender this yuletide season so that they could spend the and celebrate it with their love ones.” He added. 1DPAO/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/12/27/benefits-of-peace-former-npa-receives-early-christmas-gift/

DWDD: PEACEFUL LIFE | Another NPA Surrenders to 44IB

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 27): PEACEFUL LIFE  | Another NPA Surrenders to 44IB



KUTA MAJOR CESAR L SANG-AN, Pulacan, Za,boanga Del Sur (DWDD) –One NPA member voluntarily surrendered to the government troops of 44th Infantry “Agile n Stable” Battalion, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division.

Benson Niadas, alias Rey, a medic of Mindanao Regional Guerilla Unit, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, brought along his M16 rifle during his surrender.

Based on his revelations, aka REY was involved in the recent encounter of 53rd Infantry Battalion in Bgry Gasa Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur on 8 and 10 December 2017 respectively where one NPA was killed and six high powered firearms were recovered by government forces.

Accordingly, Rey was convinced by his relative, also a surenderee from 44IB, to return to the folds of law and to avail the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the government. The government forces’ sincerity in protecting the rebel returnees, helped in convincing him to surrender.

He also stressed that he is tired of hiding, experienced hunger and hardships and dissatisfied of the communist terrorist ideology and policies.

Rey also mentioned that some of his comrades are planning to surrender just to be with their families this holiday season.

The 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of Brig. General Jacinto R Bareng has intensified efforts against communist terrorist through combat operations and information dissemination with the support of all local chief executives and other stakeholders so that those who wanted to return and surrender can avail the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

“The surrender and revelation of Benson Niadas is a proof that there are more NPA members who are tired and wanted to live normal and peaceful lives.” said Brig. General Roseller G Murillo, 1st Infantry Division Commander.

“The Tabak troopers will assist surrenderees so that they can avail the benefits of the CLIP.” He added. 1DPAO/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/12/27/peaceful-life-another-npa-surrenders-to-44ib/

CPP/CPP-EVR: The Party on its 49th anniversary in solidarity with the people: Declaration of state of calamity in Eastern Visayas, and clarification on alleged NPA offensive on GRP troops doing relief operations

CPP-Eastern Visayas Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 26): The Party on its 49th anniversary in solidarity with the people: Declaration of state of calamity in Eastern Visayas, and clarification on alleged NPA offensive on GRP troops doing relief operations

Regional Committee
CPP-Eastern Visayas (Region VIII)

26 December 2017

To serve the people on this 49th anniversary of the CPP’s reestablishment, and in solidarity with the plight of the people who are struggling against natural calamity as well as the brutal and repressive US-Duterte regime, the CPP Regional Committee in Eastern Visayas declares a state of calamity for the entire region and orders all NPA units to give priority to relief operations and other necessary support for all those affected by Typhoons Urduja and Vinta. Aside from addressing the direct damages of the storms, the people must also be supported in their struggles against hunger and socio-economic crisis in the coming months because of ruined or lesser crop yields.

The Communist Party of the Philippines in Eastern Visayas also denies that the New People’s Army carried out any tactical offensive on Government of the Republic of the Philippines troops allegedly doing relief operations during Typhoon Urduja in Northern Samar. This allegation was separately spewed, Goebbels-like, by the Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson as well as presidential mouthpiece Harry Roque. This is a brazen lie to diminish the prestige and political support of the CPP-NPA-NDFP in line with the US-Duterte regime’s terrorist-tagging and suppression of the revolutionary forces and all political opposition.

The NPA did launch a series of tactical offensives in Northern Samar based on initial reports, but before Typhoon Urduja even made landfall, and the GRP troops were also not doing any relief operations. More details are expected from the responsible NPA units.

On its 49th anniversary, the CPP links arms with the people of Eastern Visayas in common struggle against natural calamity and the reactionary enemy. We shall prevail!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171226-declaration-of-state-of-calamity-in-eastern-visayas-and-clarification-on-alleged-npa-offens

CPP/NDF-ST: NDFP-ST to hold rally at Manila for 49th CPP anniversary

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 27): NDFP-ST to hold rally at Manila for 49th CPP anniversary

Patnubay de Guia, Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Tagalog

27 December 2017

 

Press Release

MEDIA ADVISORY
December 26, 2017

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines in the Southern Tagalog region shall commence tomorrow morning a rally to celebrate the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines at the streets of the national capital.

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender sector (LGBT) will also release their statement regarding Duterte’s recent pronouncements purportedly supporting the LGBT and to expose Duterte’s terror unleashed among the LGBTs.

Portraits of Red fighters are expected to line the march area tomorrow. #

MEDIA COVERAGE REQUESTED
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
THIS SERVES AS AN INVITATION

8AM – Start of march near Bonifacio Monument

Media Highlights:
-Reading of statement by LGBTs
-Artworks featuring revolutionaries

Reference: Patnubay de Guia, spokesperson, NDFP Southern Tagalog

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171227-ndfp-st-to-hold-rally-at-manila-for-49th-cpp-anniversary

CPP/CPP-NCMR: Padayong Moasdang Taliwala sa Panganti nga Puohon ang Rebolusyunaryong Kalihukan sa Pasistang Rehimeng US-Duterte!

CPP-North Central Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 26): Padayong Moasdang Taliwala sa Panganti nga Puohon ang Rebolusyunaryong Kalihukan sa Pasistang Rehimeng US-Duterte!

Ka Norcen Mangubat, Spokesperson
Regional Committee
CPP-North Central Mindanao

26 December 2017

Gipasidunggan sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas – North Central Mindanao Region (PKP-NCMR) ang tibuok rebolusyonaryong pwersa ug katawhan sa mga nahimong kalampusan sa tibuok tuig sa 2017 sa pag-usbaw sa rekrutment, pagpalapad sa baseng masa, pagpaasdang sa lain-laing kampanyang masa ug labaw pang pagpa-asdang sa armadong pakigbisog sa rehiyon.

Sulod sa usa ka tuig, miusbaw ang kinatibuk-ang ihap sa mga baryong nalihukan og 17%. Kadungan niini ang pagtaas usab sa ihap sa mga nahimong myembro sa mga organisasyong masa nga nadugangan og 21% gikan sa kanhing ihap. Samtang nadugangan usab og 7% ang ihap sa mga milisyang bayan sa mga baryong atong ginalihukan. Padayon usab nga naga-asdang ang ligal-demokratikong kalihukang masa sa kasyudaran taliwala sa balaod militar ug uban pang mga pasismo sa estado.

Sa susamang higayon, nakalunsad usab kita og kinatibuk-ang 22 ka hugna nga kalihukang masa, pinaagi sa agraryong rebolusyon ug uban pang pangmasang pakigbisog aron iasdang ang ilang katungod alang sa yuta, panginabuhian, disenteng pamuyo, ug susama. Unom niini ang anaa sa ang-ang baryo, 14 ka inter-lumpong sa baryo ug duha ka inter-lungsod nga ang-ang diin nakabenipisyo ang liboan ka pamilya. Samtang nahimo usab nga aktibo ang ligal-demokratikong kalihukang masa sa kasyudaran sa Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya sa pagpasibaw sa isyu sa katawhang Lumad ug Moro ug sa Baktas BTL sa pagpaduso sa katungod sa mga mag-uuma sa yuta.

Samtang sa natad sa militar, nagmalampuson usab ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa pagbaton niini sa mga tahas sa paglumpag sa pulitikanhong gahum. Sulod niining tuiga, mikabat og 131 ka opensibang militar, nga anaa sa inisyatiba sa BHB, ang nalunsad sulod sa rehiyon. Samtang nakasinati usab kini og kapin napulo ka depensiba gikan sa inisyatiba sa kaaway. Niini nga mga aksyong militar, nakaangkon ang kaaway og kinatibuk-ang 141 ka killed-in-action (KIA) ug 109 ka wounded-in-action (WIA). Sa pikas bahin, 12 ka myembro sa BHB ang mihalad sa ilang kinabuhi ug namartir sa rebolusyon samtang 15 usab ang nahimong WIA. Sa armory, subling nadugangan ang ihap sa mga armas nga natigom sa BHB, kung asa mikabat sa 107 ka armas ang nadugang gikan sa malampusong mga aksyong militar sa BHB.

Sa ideolohiya, nagmalampuson usab kita sa pagpahigayon og mga serye sa kursong pang-Partidong pagtuon, taliwala sa mga pagpamig-ot sa reaksyunaryong estado. Suma total, nakalunsad kita og 43 ka hugna sa Batakang Kursong Pangpartido nga diin 49% sa kinatibuk-ang ihap sa membro sa Partido ang nakakuha. Pito ka hugna sa Intermidyang Kursong Pangpartido ug duha ka hugna sa Abanteng Kursong Pangpartido ang nalunsad.

Sa tibuok dagan niini nga kadaugan ug kapildihan, nagmalampuson usab kita sa pagrekluta og mas daghan pang rebolusyonaryo nga naggikan sa mismong mga kalihukan. Miusbaw ang ihap sa atong personel og 9% gikan sa daang ihap. Samtang anaay dugang 13% sa mga myembro sa Partido.

Napamatud-an lamang sa atong Partido nga hinog ang mga kahimtang, sama sa padayong pagpangilog og mga yuta sa mag-uuma, kontraktwalisasyon, bangis nga gubat kontra druga, gubat kontra terorismo ug Oplan Kapayapaan sa rehimeng US-Duterte, ug pinaagi sa tukmang plano ug pagtrabaho mas labaw pang pakusgon ang rebolusyonaryong kalihukan. Samtang nagkabangis ang mga laraw sa rehimeng US-Duterte, nagkakusog usab ang lanog sa katawhang nilupigan ug pinahimuslan ug sa rebolusyonaryong kalihukan aron pakyason ang iyang diktaduryang laraw.

Mabuhi ang ika-49 ka tuig nga kasumaran sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhi ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhi ang Nasudnong Nagkahiusang Prente!

Ka Norsen Manggubat
Tigpamaba
PKP-NCMR
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171226-padayong-moasdang-taliwala-sa-panganti-nga-puohon-ang-rebolusyunaryong-kalihukan-sa-pasista

CPP/CPP-NCMR: Patuloy na sumulong sa gitna ng pakanang dudurugin ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte!

CPP-North Central Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 26): Patuloy na sumulong sa gitna ng pakanang dudurugin ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Ka Norcen Mangubat, Spokesperson
Regional Committee
CPP-North Central Mindanao

26 December 2017

Pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang ipinapaabot ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas – North Central Mindanao Region (PKP-NCMR) sa lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayan para sa mga tagumpay na nakamit ngayong 2017 sa mabilis na pag-unlad ng rekrutment, pagpapalawak ng baseng masa, paglunsad ng iba’t-ibang kampanyang masa, at higit sa lahat ang higit pang pagsulong ng armadong pakikibaka sa rehiyon.

Sa loob ng isang taon, tumaas ng 17% ang bilang ng mga baryong kinilusan. Kasabay nito ang pagtaas din ng bilang ng miyembro na kabilang sa pangmasang organisasyon ng 21% mula sa dating bilang. Nadagdagan din ng 7% ang bilang ng mga milisyang bayan sa mga baryong kinikilusan. Patuloy ding sumusulong ang ligal-demokratikong kilusang masa sa kasyudaran sa harap sa batas militar at iba pang pasismo ng estado.

Nakapaglunsad din ng 22 na serye ng aksyong masa sa pagpatupad ng rebolusyong agraryo at iba pang mga laban para sa karapatan sa lupa, trabaho, at iba pa. Anim nito ang ginawa sa buong baryo, ang 14 ay sa loob ng iba’t-ibang pinagsanib na baryo, at ang dalawa ay pinatupad sa loob ng mga munisipalidad na naglingkod sa libu-libong pamilya. Habang naging aktibo rin ang ligal-demokratikong kilusang masa sa kasyudaran sa Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya sa pagpropaganda sa isyu ng mamamayang Lumad at Moro at sa Baktas BTL sa paggiit sa karapatan ng mga magsasaka sa lupa.

Sa aspeto ng militar, matagumpay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa NCMR na itaguyod ang tungkulin nitong lansagin ang pampulitikang kapangyarihan ng kaaway. Nitong buong taon, umabot sa 131 na opensibang militar, na nasa inisyatiba ng BHB, ang nailunsad sa rehiyon. Habang higit sampung aksyong depensiba naman ang natamo laban sa kaaway. Sa pagsuma, umabot sa 250 ang bilang ng mga kaswalidad ng kaaway, 141 ang killed-in-action (KIA) habang ang 109 ay wounded-in-action (WIA). Sa kabilang banda, 12 na BHB ay nag-alay ng kanilang buhay bilang mga pulang martir habang 15 naman ay nasugatan mula sa mga engkwentro. Nadagdagan ng 107 na rifles ang nasamsam mula sa mga matagumpay na aksyong militar ng BHB.

Sa ideolohiya, nakapaglunsad ng mga pag-aaral hinggil sa kurso sa partido sa gitna ng kaliwa’t-kanan na atake ng reaksyonaryong estado. Sa pagsuma, naglungsad ng 43 na serye ng Batayang Kurso ng Partido (BKP) na nangangahulugan ng 49% ng buong Partido ang nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Pito na serye ng Intermedyang Kurso ng Partido (IKP) at dalawang serye ng Abanteng Kurso ng Partido (AKP) ay nilunsad din.

Sa takbo ng tagumpay at paghihirap, nalampasan ang pagrekluta ng mas maraming mga rebolusyonaryo galing mismo sa mga nasabing kilusan. Tumaas ng 9% ang personnel ng BHB kaysa sa nakaraang taon. Tumaas din ng 13% ang mga naging miyembro sa Partido.

Napatunayan ng ating Partido na hinog na ang rebolusyonaryong sitwasyon para sa paglungsad ng kampanyang masa laban sa pang-aagaw ng lupa sa magsasaka, kontraktwalisasyon, laban sa madugong gera-kontra-droga, laban sa terorismo ng estado, at ng Oplan Kapayapaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Dahil ginagabayan ng Partido ang pagplano at ang rebolusyonaryong pagkilos, ang kilusan ay siguradong lalakas pa. Sa lalong pagpapabangis ng diktadurya ng rehimeng US-Duterte, ang mamamayan na handa na lumaban sa pang-aapi at pagsasamantala ay nagsisigurado ng pagtagumpay ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa paglaban sa diktadurya.

Mabuhay ang ika-49 na anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang Pambansang Nagkakaisang Prente!

Ka Norsen Manggubat
Tagapagsalita
PKP-NCMR
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171226-patuloy-na-sumulong-sa-gitna-ng-pakanang-dudurugin-ang-rebolusyunaryong-kilusan-ng-pasistan

CPP/CPP-NCMR: On 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines//Further Advance amidst the threat of US-Duterte’s Regime of Annihilating the Revolutionary Movement!

CPP-North Central Mindanao Region propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 26): On 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines//Further Advance amidst the threat of US-Duterte’s Regime of Annihilating the Revolutionary Movement!

Ka Norcen Mangubat, Spokesperson
Regional Committee
CPP-North Central Mindanao

26 December 2017

The Communist Party of the Philippines–North Central Mindanao Region (CPP-NCMR) lauds the revolutionary forces and the people of their accomplishments for 2017 in proliferating its recruitment, expanding its mass base, in launching mass campaigns and furthering the advance of the region’s armed struggle.

In the span of one year, the number of barrios encompassed by the movement increased by 17%. Similarly, the population of new members of the organized masses rose by 21% from last year’s figure. Units of the people’s militias, meanwhile, have gained 7% within our countryside barrios. On the other hand, the legal-democratic mass movement continue to advance amidst the martial law and other state fascism.

At the same time, we have implemented around 22 batches of mass movements, in implementing agrarian revolution and other mass struggles for their rights to land, livelihood, decent living, and the like. Six of these were barrio-wide, 14 were inter-barrio-wide and two inter-municipality-wide benefitting thousands of families. While the legal-democratic mass movement had been active in the Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya in achoing Lumad and Moro issues and in Baktas BTL in asserting the rights of the peasants to land.

In the military field, the New People’s Army (NPA) in NCMR triumphantly shared its part in dismantling the enemy’s political power. Within the year, 131 NPA-led military offensives were initiated in the region. Meanwhile, it has endured ten defensive actions against the enemy. Overall, the enemy inflicted 250 casualties, 141 being killed-in-action (KIA) and 109 wounded-in-action (WIA). On the other hand, 12 NPA members offered their lives as revolutionary martyrs while 15 suffered wounds from the firefight. Added to the arsenal of the people’s army are 107 rifles seized after successful NPA actions.

In the ideological field, we have initiated Party education courses despite widespread attacks by the reactionary state. In sum, we have launched 43 batches of the Basic Party Course translating to 49% of the whole Party membership having completed this course. Seven batches of Intermediate Party Course and two batches of the Advanced Party Courses were also launched.

With these gains and losses, we had overcome recruiting revolutionaries from the above movements. NPA personnel have increased by 9% as compared from the previous year. Party membership also rose by 13%.

Our Party has proven the fertile revolutionary situation in the region in fostering mass struggles against land grabbing from the peasantry, contractualization, against the brutal war against drugs, against state terrorism and the Oplan Kapayapaan of the US-Duterte regime. By setting the proper guidance in planning and the revolutionary hard work, the movement can strengthen even more. With the scheme of looming dictatorship by the fascist US-Duterte regime, the people’s clamor against exploitation and oppression will resound, the revolutionary movement is ever ready to resist such dictatorship.

Long live the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines!
Long live the New People’s Army!
Long live the National Democratic Front!

Ka Norsen Manggubat
Spokesperson
CPP-NCMR
 https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20171226-further-advance-amidst-the-threat-of-us-dutertes-regime-of-annihilating-the-revolutionary-m

Military: NPA members violated holiday ceasefire

From CNN-Philippines (Dec 27): Military: NPA members violated holiday ceasefire



The Philippine Army revealed members of the New People's Army violated its holiday ceasefire in Compostela Valley.

In a statement, the Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) said about 30 fully-armed rebels chased and attempted to capture on Christmas Day Arbilito Catampao, a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary in Compostela Valley.

It added the Melale Patrol Base with the CAFGU Active Auxiliary Company in the same province was also "harassed" by an undetermined number of NPA members on Christmas day, where a two-minute firefight ensued between the two camps.

While there were no casualties on the government side, several NPA terrorists were killed, the statement said.

10th ID commander Maj. Gen. Noel Clement said the NPA movements were a violation of the holiday ceasefire.

"Their celebration is usually accompanied by armed attacks against the people that reflect their true color as a criminal organization void of any ideology," Clement said.

He added the division will remain on the defensive stance and continue being vigilant.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the NPA on December 19, effective 6 p.m. on December 23 to 11:59 p.m. on December 26, and on the same hours from December 30 to January 2, 2018.

READ: Duterte declares unilateral holiday ceasefire with communist rebels

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, responded by declaring its own holiday ceasefire, effective 6 p.m. on December 23 to 6 p.m. on December 26, and the same hours on December 30 to January 2, 2018.

READ: NPA declares unilateral ceasefire, three days after Duterte's call for a truce

Duterte earlier declared the CPP-NPA movement a terrorist organization.

If a person or entity is charged with terrorism, they would be sentenced to jail for 40 years without parole. The penalty is heavier than rebellion, which is punishable by reclusion perpetua or 20 to 40 years of imprisonment, but eligible for pardon after 30 years.

Rebellion, insurrection, murder, and arson may count as terrorist acts under the law.

READ: President Duterte declares the communist party and its armed wing a terrorist organization

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/12/27/Military-NPA-members-violated-holiday-ceasefire.html

Air Force assets non-stop in bringing home soldiers for holidays

From Update Philippines (Dec 27): Air Force assets non-stop in bringing home soldiers for holidays
Philippine Air Force (PAF) 220th Airlift Wing (220AW) has been working round-the-clock to bring home men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) this holiday season.

Among the air assets utilized for this effort were 3 C-130 military transport aircraft, 2 C-295 medium military transport aircraft, 2 F-27 aircraft, and 3 N-22 Nomad aircraft.

“The AFP through the Philippine Air Force has a long-standing reputation for watching out for its own, and providing excellent assistance to the needs of families in a wide variety of variable situations,” 220AW said.


C-295 aircraft. 220AW photo

“One of these is providing free rides to our personnel during holiday vacations considering the hefty and expensive air fares during these times,” it added.

220AW said from December 21 to 26, a total of more than 2,500 military personnel and 1,310 civilians were ferried to various destinations in the country without any untoward incidents.

“Bear in mind that our love for others is the best gift we can give on Christmas. And we need not go far to spread happiness at this time…ako man ay saksi sa inyong pagpupunyagi na maisakatuparan ang ating trabaho,” 220AW commander Brigadier General Stephen P. Parreño told the men and women of 220AW.

https://www.update.ph/2017/12/air-force-assets-non-stop-in-bringing-home-soldiers-for-holidays/23576

Air Force welcomes 3rd female C-130 Pilot-in-Command

From Update Philippines (Dec 27): Air Force welcomes 3rd female C-130 Pilot-in-Command
Philippine Air Force (PAF) Captain Reyna Ventura was welcomed by 220th Airlift Wing (220AW) as its third female C-130 Pilot-in-Command last December 17, 2017.

220AW said this is after “weeks of rigorous and demanding pilot training.”

“Her milestone is another reason for the 220th Airlift Wing to celebrate as it meant to increase the pool of qualified aircrew and continue to maintain the Wing’s long term readiness sustainability in the future,” 220AW said.


220AW photo

“It was indeed a great experience not may females can say they have had…the Wing through the thrust of the present leadership is putting the best crew that we can put together…nothing other than qualification, experience, and ability were considered,” Captain Ventura said.

She was one of the PAF pilots who led sorties to fly Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) soldiers back home for holidays.

“I would tell any person regardless of sex that flying is an attainable goal for anyone who wants to work for it. As they say, you are only limited in what you can do by what you can dream,” she said.

https://www.update.ph/2017/12/air-force-welcomes-3rd-female-c-130-pilot-in-command/23582

Clashes erupt in Davao Oriental despite holiday ceasefire

From Rappler (Dec 27): Clashes erupt in Davao Oriental despite holiday ceasefire

The military accuses the communist New People's Army of violating its own ceasefire  

 

COMMUNIST INSURGENCY. File photo of NPA guerillas inside their camp in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

Clashes between the military and communist rebels disturbed Christmas day celebrations in two towns in Davao Oriental despite the holiday ceasefire.

 

The Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division (ID) accused the communist New People's Army (NPA) of harassing two separate military patrol bases which triggered the Christmas Day firefights. One rebel group supposedly tried to capture the government troops.

The 10th ID commander, Major General Noel Clement, slammed the rebels for violating ceasefire declarations. The Communist Party of the Philippines declared a Christmas ceasefire from December 23 to December 26.

“It was absolutely a clear violation of ceasefire made by the terrorist NPA to disrupt our efforts in making sure Christmas will be celebrated peacefully. Their celebration is usually accompanied by armed attacks against the people that reflect their true color as a criminal organization void of any ideology," Clement said.

The military said the communist rebels on Monday, December 25, first harassed troops of the 72nd Infantry Battalion under Staff Sergeant Bienvenido Paquita Jr at around 9:30 a.m. at Sitio Madian in the town's barangay Tubaon. About 30 fully armed rebels supposedly chased and attempted to capture the soldiers.

Later in the evening, at around 7:30 p.m., another group of communist rebels reportedly harassed troops at barangay Melale in nearby town Laak. The military said the troops faced members of Guerilla Front 34.

 

"Upon sensing that the detachment was being harassed, the troops immediately established defensive position and returned fire. The firefight lasted for about two minutes and the enemy withdrew towards Northwest direction," the military said.

There were no casualties on the side of the military.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/192331-clashes-erupt-davao-oriental-despite-ceasefire