Saturday, March 31, 2018

2 hurt in Pigcawayan firefight

From ABS-CBN (Mar 30): 2 hurt in Pigcawayan firefight

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato—Two people were wounded in a firefight between 2 armed groups here on Friday morning.

The wounded were identified as Ibrahim Samama, who allegedly escaped from the North Cotabato District Jail, and a certain Bruds.

They are affiliated with the Sampillo brothers' group, which was involved in the firefight against the group of a certain Commander Badrodin Mamalinta, also known as "Bads," of the 105th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.


The Sampillo brothers are alleged drug lords with standing warrants for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, according to the military and police.

The clash was reportedly due to a "rido" or clan war, the military said.

The military has deployed soldiers from the 34th Infantry Battalion to the area to monitor the situation.

No locals were evacuated out of the area as of posting time.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/30/18/2-hurt-in-pigcawayan-firefight

NDFP Mindanao to NPA fighters: Redouble offensive efforts

From GMA News Online (Mar 29): NDFP Mindanao to NPA fighters: Redouble offensive efforts

On the 49th anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA), a regional chapter of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) urged on Thursday fighters of the armed group to redouble offensive efforts against the government.

In a statement, NDFP Mindanao spokesperson Joaquin Jacinto also encouraged rebels to learn from past mistakes and aim higher to propel the “people’s war” to its desired phase.


“... [T]he NDFP–Mindanao resoundingly applauds the accumulated victories in the past year, and calls upon all Red fighter units to redouble efforts in launching more and more tactical offensives against operating enemy troops, utilizing a wide array of tactics and techniques in order to achieve our strategic revolutionary goals,” he said.

“We must take this opportunity to sum up, learn from past mistakes, and aim ever higher to fulfill the requirements to help usher the people’s war towards the strategic stalemate phase and bring the nation ever closer to its glorious socialist future,” Jacinto noted.


He urged NPA fighters to take heed of intensified agrarian revolutionary campaigns and mass mobilization.

The NPA, the armed front of the Communist Party of the Philippines, was founded on March 29, 1969, and has been waging one of Asia’s longest-running insurgencies.

President Rodrigo Duterte has proclaimed the CPP-NPA as a rebel group, and the  Department of Justice has petitioned a Manila regional trial court to formally outlaw the organization in accordance with law.

Psywar tactics

Jacinto claimed psychological warfare tacticians of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have resorted to “subterfuge, perfidy and black propaganda” in orchestrating civilian murders and “make it appear like it was executed by ‘terrorists’, and impute the crime on the NPA.”
"Then, through their trolls they poison both social and mainstream media with such fake news,” he said, citing the alleged killing of a Civilian Active Auxiliary member and a Mamanwa chieftain in separate incidents by state or state-sponsored agents.

This was also true with “fake surrenders,” which the AFP allegedly uses in vain to portray a “weakening NPA,” Jacinto claimed.

Amid allegations of dwindling numbers by no less than Defense chief  Delfin Lorenzana, the NPA is making headway in 46 guerrilla fronts in Mindanao, according to the NDF-Mindanao official.

He claimed that "NPA units operate in more than 2,500 barrios in over 200 municipalities in 20 provinces in the island. In these areas, hundreds of thousands are directly organized, while tens of thousands are covered by the people’s revolutionary government at the barrio level, and a few at municipal levels.”

“In the first quarter of the year alone, the combined strength of all NPA units in the five regions of Mindanao have launched a relatively significant number of tactical offensives against enemy troops, which have been inflicted with more casualties,” he further claimed.

In a separate statement, Lorenzana said the NPA is the reason for the countrys  lack of growth.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648280/ndfp-mindanao-to-npa-fighters-redouble-offensive-efforts/story/

81 'underground members' in Sultan Kudarat withdraw support for NPA

From the Philippine Star (Mar 27): 81 'underground members' in Sultan Kudarat withdraw support for NPA



Lt. Col. Cabunoc. commander of the 33rd IB, accepts the surrender of NPA rebels in Sultan Kudarat province in this file photo. Philstar.com/File
Another 81 members of the underground communist movement in Sultan Kudarat province have withdrawn support for the New People's Army, a military official said Tuesday.
 
Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command, said the former communist supporters pledged allegiance to the government after a dialogue with local government officials of Bagumbayan town on Saturday.
 
Petinglay said the return of the rebel supporters to the government fold was initiated by the 33rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc and locals official of Bagumbayan town.
 
She said the surrender and withdrawal of support was also witnessed by members of the Manobo ethnic group, who also previously supported the NPA's Guerrilla Front 73. 
 
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, credited the continuous military operations in Sultan Kudarat with driving NPA rebels out of villages in Sultan Kudarat.
 
The Communist Party of the Philippines on Monday played down government reports of rebels and supporters surrendering to local authorities.
 
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 3,730 of those who surrendered are from the so-called "Militia ng Bayan" or are supporters. Around 97 percent of surrenderees are from the Caraga and Davao regions, the military also said.
 
"There are, of course, some members of the NPA who have surrendered. That is not being denied. It is the natural course of war," the CPP said Monday, citing Noel Legazpi, a former spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines who has surrendered to the government.
 
The party pointed out, however, that most of those who surrendered are unarmed civilians who "have not been charged in court nor has evidence been put forward against them" but whom the government calls members of the NPA.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/03/27/1800943/81-underground-members-sultan-kudarat-withdraw-support-npa

Abu Sayyaf extremists continue to hold 10 hostages in Philippines

From Xinhua (Mar 27): Abu Sayyaf extremists continue to hold 10 hostages in Philippines

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), an extremist group in the southern Philippines, continues to hold 10 hostages, including a Dutchman and three Indonesians, a Philippine Army general said on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the military's Joint Task Force, said that the hostages also include six Filipinos.

He said there is an estimated 300 to 400 Abu Sayyaf terrorists operating in the Western Mindanao region, especially in Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi provinces in the Sulu Archipelago.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has directed government forces to "sustain" its offensive to defeat the ASG, which is notorious for conducting bombings, shootings, beheadings, assassinations and kidnappings, according to Sobejana.

He said Duterte gave the order during a visit in Patikul town in Sulu on Monday.

During Duterte's visit, the military presented 76 Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered to the government. The former ASG fighters reportedly turned in 700 firearms.

"As of now, our operational tempo is okay. We just have to sustain it," said Sobejana, adding that the end of the Abu Sayyaf is imminent.

"Actually, it's (Abu Sayyaf) nearing its end," Sobejana said, adding that the military's priority is to rescue the kidnapped victims so that the operations won't be restricted.

"At present, our operations are calculated because of the presence of the kidnapped victims. The freedom of the kidnapped victims is our priority," Sobejana said.

Authorities said the ASG wants to establish an Islamic State in the Philippines, and ultimately, an Islamic caliphate across Southeast Asia.

The ASG helped the Maute Group in attacking Marawi City in May last year that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people. The fighting that lasted five months ruined the Philippines' only Islamic city.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-03/27/c_137069590.htm

Check out the 246 weapons recovered by Philippine Marines (PHOTOS)

From Guns.com (Mar 27): Check out the 246 weapons recovered by Philippine Marines (PHOTOS)

Marines working in the often dangerous province of Sulu cataloged a stockpile of guns that included just about one of everything.

Among the reported haul were recoilless rifles, M1 Garands and Carbines, an M60 machine gun, M16s, M14s, M79 grenade launchers, a Singapore-made Ultimax 100 light machine gun, some mortars, AK47s, and a smattering of random shotguns and other vintage militaria.

The guns came from seven local municipalities and were unlicensed weapons apparently handed over during “constant dialogues” between the locals and the Marines. Of course “the implementation of Martial Law in the area contributed also to the success of this endeavor.”

President Rodrigo Duterte has clamped down the mountainous southern islands in the state of emergency since last May, ostensibly for 60 days, but it has been extended at least through this year.

In the Philippines, gun owners have to apply for a firearm license every two years, can own a maximum of 15 guns unless they get a special collector’s permit, and are barred from owning fully automatic weapons. All of the guns collected were termed by officials as “high-power firearms.”

The guns were received by members of the elite Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 of the Philippine Marine Corps, a unit that has often been neck-deep in alligators fighting IS-linked rebels in recent years. Sulu has been a breeding ground for jihadist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and, throughout the 1980s and 90s, was the stomping ground for the Moro National Liberation Front, a separatist group.

Over the past several months, MBLT-1 has been involved in “hearts and minds” operations in Sulu that included giving out soccer balls, holding eyeglass and cataract clinics, giving free haircuts and distributing school supplies. That stuff is always better than mortars, 40mm GLs and suppressed M1s, anyway, right?



Those M1s…How much you want to bet there is a rare gas trap in there?



The main rifle of the Philippine military is the M16/M4 in a number of variants. Between 1974-1986, a local company, Elisco Tool Manufacturing Co.made 150,000 M16A1s for the Philippine Government under license from Colt. As part of the license agreement, in addition to the TDP Colt provided technical assistance to establish the manufacturing line. As such, old ETM M16s are common in the islands. However, that may be a Colt XM177 up front.



Note the M14s and mags, also the interesting indig LBE





Is it too late to get these M1’s on the boat to the CMP? Also, note the M14s intermingled in on the tables.



M1 Garands were the bulk of the haul, with 136 counted. Officials also said 36 M16s and 17 M14s were recovered




Dig the locally made slings. M1907 leather must be hard to come by in Sulu



Some of the crew-served goodies included our 81 mm mortars



How about the modifications on the M60 up front?



Bloop tubes a-go-go. And dig the M1 Carbines with local mods to include a pistol grip and what could be a suppressor



Odds are that M2 probably has been in the PI since 1945…



Another view of that wonky M60 and the Carbine with a better look at the can and pistol grip.

http://www.guns.com/2018/03/27/a-look-at-246-weapons-recovered-by-philippine-marines-photos/

Filipino extremist blamed for bombings, killings surrenders

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 30): Filipino extremist blamed for bombings, killings surrenders

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines — A senior commander of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group blamed for bombings and kidnappings has surrendered in the southern Philippines, the defense chief said Thursday, expressing hope it would bring the “eventual collapse” of a key militant stronghold.


Abu Sayyaf (Manila Bulletin File Photo)

Nurhassan Jamiri surrendered with 13 of his men to army forces in southern Basilan province on Wednesday. They handed over 10 assault rifles and a large cache of ammunition and were undergoing questioning, military officials said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Jamiri’s surrender, which came after negotiations with authorities, “will hopefully bring the eventual collapse of the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan,” the birthplace of the small but violent group, “and bring justice to the deaths of thousands of soldiers.”
Emerging in the late 1980s as an offshoot of the decades-long Muslim separatist rebellion in the south, the Abu Sayyaf lost its top commanders early in combat and descended on a bloody path toward terrorism and criminality.

The United States and the Philippines have blacklisted the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organization.

Jamiri has been blamed for years of bloody attacks, including a 2007 ambush in largely Muslim Basilan that killed 24 Philippine marines, several of whom were beheaded. His group has given sanctuary to other Abu Sayyaf militants behind piracy and kidnappings, including of Vietnamese sailors in recent years, the military said.

His group has also carried out bombings in the Basilan cities of Isabela and Lamitan and the southern port city of Zamboanga across the Basilan Strait, along with ransom kidnappings and extortion, military officials said.

Asked if Jamiri and his men would face prosecution, Lorenzana said yes. “Nobody should go scot-free. Surrendering did not exculpate their past crimes,” he said.

Last month, Malaysian security officials suspected that Jamiri was killed with two other gunmen in a firefight in a plantation in the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. But Philippine military officials said the militant was in Basilan at the time.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to crush the Abu Sayyaf but took a more conciliatory tone Monday when he said in a speech before Abu Sayyaf fighters who surrendered that he held no grudge against their group and understood why they took up arms. He offered houses and livelihood training to the former guerrillas.

At least 216 Abu Sayyaf fighters have surrendered in recent months. More than 300 fighters remain and government offensives will continue against them, a military official said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/30/filipino-extremist-blamed-for-bombings-killings-surrenders/

5 ‘terrorists’ in Palawan yield to authorities on NPA anniv —WestCom

From GMA News Online (Mar 30): 5 ‘terrorists’ in Palawan yield to authorities on NPA anniv —WestCom

Five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (Wescom) in Palawan on Thursday which marks the rebel group’s 49th founding anniversary.
 
On Friday, Wescom spokesperson Cherryl Tindog said the “terrorist” surrenderers were taken to the military’s custody for validation and documentation.

They are set to receive financial assistance and livelihood opportunities as their application for the Local Social Integration Program of the Provincial Government of Palawan and the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Comprehensive Local Social Integration Program is being processed.


Wescom commander Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez said their surrender was a “serious blow" to the ranks of communist terrorism in the province, as well as an indication of the armed group's “unwilllingess” to continue with the armed struggle.

“According to them, their rank is tainted with corruption of their leaders, fatigue and disappointment due to unfulfilled promises,” the official said.

"We continue to urge the remaining members of communist terrorist NPA to choose the path of peace. We call on them to put their arms down, surrender and rejoin the society,” he added.

NPA members were likewise urged to avail of the government’s integration program to “start their lives anew with their families and loved ones.”

Marking the NPA’s founding anniversary the day before, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in a speech on Thursday reiterated his call for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to lay down their weapons from their “irrelevant” cause, citing their alleged acts of killing, extortion, and burning committed by leftist rebels

The group was formally proclaimed as a terrorist group in December last year upon a proclamation signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, who had officially ordered the termination of peace talks with the rebels.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648355/5-terrorists-in-palawan-yield-to-authorities-on-npa-anniv-westcom/story/

Military captures wounded Abu Sayyaf sub-leader after Sulu clash

From GMA News Online (Mar 31): Military captures wounded Abu Sayyaf sub-leader after Sulu clash

An Abu Sayyaf sub-leader was captured after being wounded during a firefight with troops in Patikul, Sulu on Saturday morning.

The Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) identified the captured bandit leader as
Walton Jujirin.


The Wesmincom said troops from the 1st Infantry Division encountered Jujirin and his four companioins while conducting rescue operations in Barangay Taung at around 7:15 a.m.

It said Jujirin was wounded and left behind by his four companions after a five-minute firefight.


Troops are in the area to rescue hostages of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said last week that the Abu Sayyaf is still holding at least 10 hostages.

The remaining hostages include a Dutch national, three Indonesian and six Filipinos.

Sobejana said rescue operations for the remaining Abu Sayyaf hostages have been intensified.

He said freeing the remaining hostages would pave the way for the military's "unrestricted" operations against the terror group.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/648415/military-captures-wounded-abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-after-sulu-clash/story/

PNP warns parents of NPA recruitment through student orgs

From GMA News Online (Mar 31): PNP warns parents of NPA recruitment through student orgs

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday said parents should monitor their children's activities during the summer break as some student organizations have reportedly been "infiltrated" by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"The Philippine National Police discourages students from venturing into insurgency-affected areas to join summer off-campus activities that are organized by groups that may have been infiltrated by front organizations of the terrorist CPP-NPA," PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao said in a statement.

The PNP said college students have recently been sighted with communist rebels in various areas in the country that are considered as bailiwicks of the NPA.

Bulalacao said parents should monitor their children "especially that both the police and military are expected to intensify the operations in rebel-infested areas."

He said that in some instances, students joined communist rebels in ambush or attacks on government forces.

Some of these students, he added, have been killed during clashes with the military and the police.

"The sad part is that their parents never knew of their involvement with the underground movement," said Bulalacao.

He said parents should be more careful in allowing their children to join off-campus activities, which are being used by the CPP-NPA as venues for recruitment.

Bulalacao said that during the summer, members of "militant" youth and student organizations participate in the rebel group's "indoctrination" and "social immersion" courses in training camps in the hills.

"I advise these students to avoid compromising situations and possible conflict with the law while engaged in CPP-NPA activities," said Bulalacao.

After officially terminating peace talks with the CPP-NPA and National Democratic Front of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation declaring the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization.

The declaration was followed by announcements of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines of an all-out war against the CPP-NPA.

Duterte had also ordered a crackdown on alleged legal fronts of the CPP-NPA.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/648410/pnp-warns-parents-of-npa-recruitment-through-student-orgs/story/?just_in

5 umano'y rebelde, sumuko sa militar kasabay ng NPA anniversary

From ABS-CBN (Mar 31): 5 umano'y rebelde, sumuko sa militar kasabay ng NPA anniversary

Sumuko ang limang umano'y miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) sa Western Command (Wescom) Joint Task Group North noong Marso 29, kasabay ng araw ng anibersaryo ng rebeldeng grupo.

'Lay down arms': Lorenzana challenges NPA on 'futile' anniversary

"Natutuwa po tayo dahil 'yun po ang ating panawagan sa kanila na instead of staging violent activities ay sumuko na lamang at harapin ang bagong buhay," ani Captain Cherryl Tindog ng Wescom Public Affairs Office.

Matipid ang militar sa pagbibigay ng detalye sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga sumuko dahil na rin sa pagpatay ng isang pinaghihinalaang miyembro ng NPA sa dalawang police asset noong Marso 2 sa bayan ng Sofronio Española.

Ang mga pinatay ay tumutulong anila sa pakikipagnegosasyon ng gobyerno sa mga sumusukong miyembro ng NPA sa Palawan.

"Gusto nating masigurado ang protection din ng mga sumukong rebelde, dahil lately may mga violent activities against dun sa mga kasamahan nila and we don't want it to happen to them," sinabi ni Tindog.

Base sa imbestigasyon ng Wescom, kahirapan, pagod, at korupsiyon ang dahilan ng mga rebelde kung bakit napili nilang sumuko na sa mga awtoridad.

Ipapasok naman sa Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) ng Palawan Provincial Government at Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang mga sumuko.

Layon ng mga programang ito na mabigyan sila ng tulong pinansiyal at hanapbuhay.

Wala namang naitalang insidente sa Palawan kaugnay ng naging anibersaryo ng NPA.

Gayunman, mananatili ang pagbabantay ng Wescom sa Palawan lalo na't dagsa ang mga turista sa lalawigan.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/31/18/5-umanoy-rebelde-sumuko-sa-militar-kasabay-ng-npa-anniversary

Mabinay 6: Youth activists now ‘targets of government crackdown’

From Rappler (Mar 31): Mabinay 6: Youth activists now ‘targets of government crackdown’

It's been a month since the military arrested Myles Albasin and 5 other young people in Negros Oriental. They allegedly fired at the soldiers, but have tested negative for gunpowder.
MABINAY 6. The 6 youth activists were tagged as part of the New People's Army following an "encounter" with the military. Photo from Kush Felisilda/Aninaw Productions

MABINAY 6. The 6 youth activists were tagged as part of the New People's Army following an "encounter" with the military. Photo from Kush Felisilda/Aninaw Productions

NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines – On Tuesday, April 3, it will be exactly one month since veteran journalist Grace Cantal Albasin and her husband received that jarring call. Their daughter Myles – youth leader, recently graduated from the University of the Philippines in Cebu, about to enter the Ateneo de Davao law school in June – had been arrested by the military with 5 others.

The couple would've have run to the detention center right that minute, except it's here in Negros Oriental, more than 350 kilometers from their home in Cagayan de Oro via various routes.

The charge, according to the military, is that Myles and her companion were in possession of firearms and explosives. What Grace knows is, the group of young people were staying in the town of Mabinay to help organize a farmers forum.

Mabinay, the most populous municipality in Negros Oriental, is a 3-hour bus ride from Dumaguete City.

"I know that Myles is part of Anakbayan. She visits communities, joins transport strikes, does research. My daughter is an activist, and I don't think there's something wrong with that," Grace told Rappler in late March.

Her daughter only did what is right – to help the marginalized, she said. (READ: Youth activism: More than just organized action)

The military's version: According to the police report, the Philippine Army, led by First Lieutenant Prad Adoptante and Second Lieutenant Reymart Africa, conducted a patrol in the area of Luyang village, Mabinay.

It was in the wee hours – at around 2:30 am – of Saturday, March 3. The military claimed armed men shot at them with automatic rifles. They said the exchange lasted over 5 minutes, then they heard a male voice shouting they would surrender.

After the encounter, the army arrested the suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA), the communist party's guerrilla arm:


Myles Albasin, 22
Bernand Guillen, 18
Joey Valloces, 18
Carlo Ybanez, 18
Randel Hermino, 19
Joemar Indico, 29


Myles and her companions invoked their right to a preliminary investigation.

The group has since been called the Mabinay 6 in the media.

Parents finally see Myles: Grace and her husband drove from Bukidnon, then caught the first flight on Sunday, March 4, from Cebu to Dumaguete City.

When they arrived at the Negros Oriental detention and rehabilitation center around 4 pm, they were not allowed to see Myles. The guards argued it was past visiting hours.

The crying mother insisted, and they were eventually allowed to see their daughter – but inside the warden's office, accompanied by civil military officers and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel.

"I hugged her. Finally, I was able to see her, that she's alive, and was able to talk to her, but without privacy," Grace told Rappler.

On Monday, March 5, Grace visited the detention center again at 8 am with their lawyer. Parents of the 3 other detainees from Negros Occidental were there too. They were not allowed to see their children because it was not a visiting day.

Grace reached out to the local media. Negotiations went on for hours. By 11 am, they were allowed to see their children again, now with privacy.

On March 21, Myles turned 22 behind bars. Her family came to have lunch with her and her fellow detainees.

Negative for gunpowder: The story that Grace got from her daughter was contrary to the military's account: it was the military that started firing at the young people on March 3.

"Myles told us that they were staying at an abandoned house on top of a hill in Mabinay. They were sleeping when they heard a rock being thrown at the house. Then the military knocked and arrested them," Grace said.

Grace asked around the area if an exchange of fire happened, because, if there were, "they would have woken up to the sound."

"Those who live near the house where Myles was staying said they heard 3 or 5 shots. But those living a kilometer away said they did not hear anything because they were asleep," she said.

The 6 detainees all tested negative in a paraffin test.

They are charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives in violation of the Republic Act 10591 and Republic Act 9516.

"My child is not an NPA. They (military) said there was an encounter. They already lied about that. What about other things? They could be lying about other charges," Grace added.

Grace also said members of the military visit the 6 detainees separately during non-visiting days.

"That could be their tactic, so one might turn against the other. I told Myles not to entertain them. You can't really say if they suddenly do something to her," she said.

Congressional probe: On Myles' birthday, Kabataan Representative Sarah Elago filed a resolution directing the House committee on human rights to investigate the arrest of the Mabinay 6.

Several students and teachers have also staged protests in Cagayan de Oro and Cebu, condemning the arrest and calling on the government to free these young people.

Elago earlier told Rappler that the government crackdown on the Left can potentially harm student and youth leaders voicing out their concerns. (READ: Duterte administration worse than Marcos dictatorship – youth activists)

"When they oppose or criticize policies, it doesn't mean they are terrorists. That makes them targets of this crackdown," she said.

Myles, a student leader when she was in UP Cebu, is a member of leftist group Anakbayan.

Grace said: "You cannot just silence them by arresting them. Activism is integral to democratic space. If you stop it, you show that the democratic space is shrinking."

Duterte gov't not fond of youth activists: The Duterte administration is not exactly friendly to youth activists. President Rodrigo Duterte threatened UP students that Lumad youth would take their slots if they keep "walking out" of their classes as a sign of protest, which he said was a "waste" of taxpayers' money.

In November 2017, 22-year-old Jo Lapira, a UP Manila alumna, was among the 15 who died in a clash between government troops and suspected NPA members.

In November 2017, Duterte accused the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army as a "terrorist organization," and officially ended peace talks with them.

In February 2017, the justice deparment filed a petition seeking to declare alleged CPP-NPA members as "terrorists" under the Human Security Act.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/198683-myles-albasin-mabinay-6-youth-activists-government-targets

5 NPA rebels surrender in Sultan Kudarat province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 30): 5 NPA rebels surrender in Sultan Kudarat province

Five communist rebels have surrendered to the military in Lebak town in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat, officials said Friday.

Officials said the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels – Ariel Udas Apang, 29; Iyoy Lebeg Nayam, 31; Nicanor Nayam Apang, 38; and Ariel Matog Apang, 36; and Uwi Sulay Kulam – are all residents of Sultan Kudarat. They surrendered to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 under Lt. Col. Jose Marie Santos on Wednesday.

The group also surrendered one M1 rifle, an improvised Uzi sub-machinegun, one fragmentation grenade and two improvised explosive, according to 6th Infantry Division chief Major General Arnel dela Vega.


The rebels, all members of the Manobo tribe, are currently being interrogated. The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of its own government in the country.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-npa-rebels-surrender-in-sultan-kudarat-province/

Suspected terror leader killed in clash in North Cotabato

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 31): Suspected terror leader killed in clash in North Cotabato

Policemen foiled a possible terror attack after killing a suspected bomber in a clash at a roadblock in North Cotabato’s Aleosan town in southern Philippines, officials said Saturday.

Officials said the suspect who was travelling on a motorcycle had opened fire on policemen manning the roadblock in Dualing village in an attempt to evade arrest late Friday. The man was later identified as Buds Basilan, a sub-leader of the militant group called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Policemen recovered an automatic pistol and an improvised explosive from Basilan’s bag and safely disarmed the device. The militant was said to have come from Midsayap village on his way to Aleosan.

Basilan, officials said, was also on its most wanted list and is facing a string of criminal charges in connection to the violent and deadly campaign of his group that police and military claimed is tied to the Islamic State.

Police said it has tightened security in North Cotabato following the clash and due to the Lenten season.
 
https://mindanaoexaminer.com/suspected-terror-leader-killed-in-clash-in-north-cotabato/

5 Reds in Palawan surrender on NPA anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): 5 Reds in Palawan surrender on NPA anniversary



In this February 2018 file photo, Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez (in military uniform), commander of the AFP's Western Command in Palawan, shakes the hand of a rebel returnee during the awarding of cash assistance by the provincial government under the Local Social Integration Program. (Photo by Wescom PAO)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- Five members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in Palawan on March 29, the day their comrades were celebrating the armed guerrilla struggle’s 49th founding anniversary.

"We are glad that these five NPA members had decided to surrender and return to the fold of the law. Their surrender is another serious blow to the ranks of communist-terrorism in the province of Palawan," Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) in Palawan, said in a statement issued Friday afternoon.

Briguez did not name the five rebels for fear they would be punished by their comrades, but noted they also yielded their firearms to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 12 (MBLT-12) under Wescom’s Joint Task Group North.

The surrenderers are now in the custody of the military for validation and documentation, a required process before they could qualify for assistance under the provincial government’s Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

The LSIP and the CLIP are amnesty programs offered to rebel returnees as part of the government’s commitment to pursue peace and development amid the stalled peace talks with the communists.

"Their surrender is a clear indicator of their unwillingness to continue with the armed struggle. According to them, their rank is tainted with the corruption of their leaders, fatigue, and disappointments due to unfulfilled promises," the general added.

Briguez called on the other rebels in Palawan to choose peace instead of making their families suffer by continuing to stay with the NPA, which he said has lost its ideology.

"We call on them to put their arms down, surrender and rejoin the society," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030455

1 dead, 4 wounded in NegOcc shootings

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): 1 dead, 4 wounded in NegOcc shootings

A resident of Kabankalan City died while four others were injured in four separate shooting incidents on Good Friday and Black Saturday in Negros Occidental, reports from the Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas) showed.

At about 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sunny Villamor, 58, of Barangay Tabugon, was gunned down on his way home from Barangay Camansi allegedly by two suspects identified as Joseph Dequitos, 21, and Josing Caliwa, 38, both residents of the village.

Initial investigation of the Kabankalan City Police showed that Villamor came from the house of Rodelo Esteban, where he watched a card game of “tong-its” when attacked.

Villamor's son, Sammy, 18, witnessed his father being shot by the two suspects.

According to the report, Dequitos and Caliwa followed the elder Villamor from Esteban’s house.

It said Dequitos fired at the elder Villamor, but the victim was not hit and was even able to stab Caliwa, who in turn fired at the victim. Dequitos again shot Villamor, who died immediately.

Policemen were able to arrest Caliwa, who was brought to Bacolod City to get treatment for his stab wound.

Dequitos, however, was able to escape.

Police investigation showed that on March 28, Villamor and Caliwa fought over a game of “tong-its,” with the former accusing the suspect of cheating.

In Moises Padilla town, Dave Tortal, 44, a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team member, was shot by four suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at his residence in Barangay Odiong at about 7:40 p.m. on Friday.

Tortal was standing at the terrace when his assailants fired, hitting him on the left thigh. He crawled to get his gun inside the house and fired back.

He heard the retreating gunmen shout “Mga NPA ni, hapa!” (We are NPA, get down!), while continuing to fire shots. Tortal was brought to Bacolod City for treatment.


In Calatrava town, the group of Kadong Mancao engaged in a shootout with the group of Arnie and Boboy Solitas in Sitio Magsimbahon, Barangay Malatas at about 1:15 p.m. on Friday.

One person was wounded but the victim was not identified, police said.

Police investigation showed the two groups collect revolutionary taxes for the NPA, and the collected money caused the misunderstanding.


After the incident, joint operatives of the Calatrava and Toboso police, with the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, conducted checkpoint operations in possible withdrawal routes of the groups.

Over at Cauayan town, a councilman of Barangay Baclao, Luciano Montilla Sr., and his son Luciano Jr. alias “Luciano Concepcion”, were shot by four unidentified men in Barangay Inayawan at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

The victims were on a motorcycle when the assailants waylaid them.

The gunmen fled while the victims were treated at the Cauayan District Hospital. Police are still investigating the motive behind the shooting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030469

Friday, March 30, 2018

BIFF sub-leader shot dead in North Cotabato town

From ABS-CBN (Mar 30): BIFF sub-leader shot dead in North Cotabato town



Buds Basilan, a sub-leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, was killed near a checkpoint in Aleosan town, North Cotabato on Thursday night.

ALEOSAN, North Cotabato—A sub-leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was killed near a checkpoint in Sitio Poypoyon, Barangay Dualing here on Thursday night, police said.

Buds Basilan, who has an outstanding warrant of arrest for arson, was flagged down at a checkpoint and allegedly tried to shoot at authorities.

"Du'n na nag-fire ang tropa. Naunahan lang siya," said Aleosan chief of police Sr. Insp. Edwin Abantes.

Abantes said they received an intelligence report that Basilan planned to transport a homemade bomb from Barangay Kudarangan, Midsayap town to Barangay Dungguan, in Aleosan.

Basilan was taken to Aleosan District Hospital for treatment but was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from him were a hand grenade, a caliber-.45 pistol, and a magazine that contains four ammunition.

According to BIFF Karialan faction spokesperson Abu Amir, he personally knew Basilan as a member of the organization since the time of BIFF founder, the late Ustadz Ameril Umbra Kato.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/30/18/biff-sub-leader-shot-dead-in-north-cotabato-town

Lorenzana to NPA: What are you celebrating on your 49th anniversary?

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 29): Lorenzana to NPA: What are you celebrating on your 49th anniversary?

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana urged the public to be more vigilant and proactive in securing communities against the treacherous activities of New People’s Army (NPA), with the rebel group expected to show off their “force” after marking its 49th founding anniversary Thursday.

“On March 29, the communist terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) will mark their 49th year of futile, delusional and vicious existence that is a bane to our country’s peace, security and national development,” Lorenzana said.

“As with previous years, the rebels are again expected to show off their so-called “force” by carrying out a string of celebratory attacks, atrocities and criminal acts to hide their dwindling number and degraded strength,” he said.

Lorenzana asked the rebel group what they are celebrating on their anniversary. “You don’t have anything good to show except to kill, extort businessmen and burn properties of those who refuse to pay you. You are the reason why we don’t prosper. You are the ones mentioned by President Duterte why we cannot rise,” he said in the vernacular.

“While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is on heightened alert to fully protect our people and thwart possible hostilities by the NPA, we enjoin the public to be more vigilant and proactive in securing communities against treacherous activities by New People’s Army (NPA) members such as intimidation, extortion and murder of innocent civilians, burning of private properties and vital installations and conduct of ambuscades against government security forces,” Lorenzana added.

The defense secretary said that in urban areas, communist terrorists commonly intersperse with leftist groups and legal front organizations to conduct lightning rallies, vandalism and disruption of regular activities in schools and workplace, to cause severe traffic congestion and massive disturbance of peace and order.

Lorenzana said as a fellow Filipino, he is calling on all CPP-NPA members to lay down their arms and re-join society.

In the same press statement, he reiterated that it is not too late for communist terrorists to return to the fold of the law and end their violent acts against fellow Filipinos.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/29/lorenzana-to-npa-what-are-you-celebrating-on-your-49th-anniversary/

Philippines: Disaster Management Reference Handbook (March 2018)

Posted to the Relief Web (Mar 30): Philippines: Disaster Management Reference Handbook (March 2018)

Published on 28 Mar 2018 View Original
 

Executive Summary

The Philippines has a high vulnerability to natural hazards which are attributed to the nation’s geographic position in Southeast Asia. Natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and fires affect the country. Volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are related to the continental plate activity around “the Ring of Fire”. Because it is one of the most geologically active areas, it is nicknamed “The Ring of Fire”. This is a circular arm of active volcanoes that surrounds the Pacific Ocean basin. This area in the Pacific Ocean covers nearly 25,000 miles from the southern tip of South America, to the west coast of North America, across the Bering Strait, through Japan, and into New Zealand. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Typhoon Yolanda), one of the deadliest disasters to strike the Philippines, affected 26 million people and claimed at least 8,000 lives. Rising sea levels are also a direct threat to approximately 70 percent of the Philippine population, which has forced many to relocate as a result. In addition, climate change has also increased the severity and frequency of natural disasters in the country.

The agricultural tradition and rapid development in some areas of the country leave large portions of the population and the economy vulnerable to natural hazards. Apart from the metropolitan regions, the agricultural workers and fishermen are the most affected population by natural disasters. Approximately one-third of the Philippines total population are employed in the agriculture sector and natural disasters pose significant threats to this population’s food security and sources of income.

The Philippine Government, International Non-government Organizations (INGOs) and local NGOs are all making attempts to address the impact of disasters and climate change at various levels. The Philippine Government has made significant strides in the implementation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning and activities through the development of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) which acts as the lead agency for DRR in the Philippines. The disaster focal points are the NDRRMC and the Office of Civil Defence (OCD). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is responsible for leading immediate disaster relief efforts.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is a primary responder in disasters and have been deployed frequently to several disaster relief operations in the country in recent years. The Philippines has endured disasters that involve national and international assistance.

There is increased awareness on disaster risk reduction in the Philippines, but proper integration with climate change adaptation and sustainable development policies can be improved. Disaster risk reduction management and climate change adaptation have been integrated in various plans and framework; however, multiple plans can be overwhelming for local government units. The Philippine Government has learned from Typhoon Haiyan that risk communication is essential and through the NDRRMC has issued very specific warnings regarding potential storm impacts as a result.
 

Wife, BIFF disown man shot by military as rebel

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Todayn (Mar 29): Wife, BIFF disown man shot by military as rebel


Nasrudin Kadatua (Photo courtesy of Kawagib)
The wife of Nasrudin Kadatuan belied a military report linking her husband to the Bangsamoro Islāmic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who was killed last March 21, 2018.

According to Emelda Kadatuan, her husband Nasrudin was driving his motorcycle on his way home to Talayan, Maguindanao and was passing the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion detachment when he was suddenly shot by the military.


The family said Nasrudin sustained a gunshot wound resulting to his instant death.

Emelda said her husband was a small-time businessman and not a member of any armed group in their area.

BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri Mama denied in a phone interview that Nasrudin is a member of their group who had a recent armed engagement in Barangay Lower Salvo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“Nasrudin is a civilian, even the military knows him,” said Mama


In an interview, Moro human rights group Kawagib spokesperson Jun Naga said at around 8:30 in the evening of March 21, the BIFF harassed the military detachment before Nasrudin drove by.

“Some residents said that minutes after they heard a volume fire from the detachments direction, they heard another one gunshot,” said Naga.

Naga also narrated that the residents belied Philippine National Police’s spot report that Nasrudin was hit in a crossfire.

The residents attested that it was the military who shot him in the back.

“It is a clear picture of extrajudicial killings committed by the military. Kawagib’s investigation result explicates that Naga is not a member of the BIFF,” Naga added.


After the incident, the military, at first, prevented the family from claiming Nasrudin’s body. They only allowed the family to get the remains after local officials arrived.

Kawagib said Nasrudin’s case is part of the state forces continuing war on terror campaign against the Moro people in Mindanao.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/wife-biff-disown-man-shot-by-military-as-rebel/

Sison: ‘Enabling environment’ will come after signing of all draft agreements

From MindaNews (Mar 29): Sison: ‘Enabling environment’ will come after signing of all draft agreements

An “enabling environment” will come after the finalization and the signing of all draft agreements, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison said.

Sison issued the statement on Wednesday after Secretary Jesus Dureza, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, said on March 25 that only an enabling environment would be the sole determining factor for the resumption of the government and National Democratic Front (GRP-NDFP) peace negotiations.

The communist leader maintained that the agreement on end of hostilities and disposition of forces is the last item in the substantive agenda of the GRP-NDFP peace talks, preceded by Comprehensive Agreements on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and on political and constitutional reforms (CAPCR) in accordance with The Hague Joint Declaration.

“I am sure that the enabling environment for the successful conduct of the peace negotiations would ensue from the finalization and signing of the draft agreements in the aforesaid package,” he said.


Sison, a former professor of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, said he believes it would be easy for the respective negotiating panels to finalize and sign the draft agreements once the peace table reopens.

The GRP and NDFP signed CARHRIHL on March 16, 1998. Both parties were supposed to discuss CASER and CAPCR during the fifth round of peace talks on November 25 to 27, 2017 in Norway.

It was aborted after Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation 360 on November 23, 2017 “for lack of sincerity,” following the NPA ambush of a police patrol car in Bukidnon on November 9 and killed four-month old Walysha Manchorao.

The President subsequently issued Proclamation 374 designating the CPP and New People’s Army, its armed wing, as terrorist organizations pursuant to Republic Act No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2002.

Before the cancellation of the fifth round, the GRP and NDFP had already agreed on three common drafts: on general amnesty and release of all political prisoners in compliance with CARHRIHL, coordinated unilateral ceasefires, and part I Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ARRD) and part II National Industrialization and Economic Development (NIED) of CASER.

Sison said the NDFP responded to the expressed desire of GRP to draft a ceasefire agreement more effective and more sustained than the previous unilateral ceasefires.

“GRP and NDFP back channel teams have already drafted an agreement on coordinated unilateral ceasefire to be monitored by a joint ceasefire committee of the GRP and NDFP at the national level,” he said.

On March 22, at least 22 party-list representatives and 40 district representatives filed House Resolution 1803 urging Duterte to continue the peace talks.

The resolution said the lawmakers want the GRP and NDFP negotiating peace panels to return to the peace table with the communist group and continue the discussions on Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER), dubbed as the “heart and soul” of the peace talks, and Comprehensive Agreement on Political Reforms (CAPCR).

It said they believe the resumption of the peace talks would “benefit the Filipino people, most of whom are poor peasants and workers, as the agreements on agrarian reform and national industrialization may address their issues and concerns and help provide relief for the economic hardships.”

The lawmakers added that the government (GRP) and NDFP must forge substantive agreements that will address the root causes of the nearly five-decade armed conflict.

In a statement on March 27, Presidential spokesperson Harry S. Roque maintained that the enabling environment that the President wants in order to resume the peace talks is for the NPA to cease their hostilities against innocent civilians and government forces; end their extortion activities, violent streaks and wanton killings; lay down their arms and return to the fold of law and restart to live normal lives.

Roque said talks will resume only if the CPP-NPA-NDF shows “genuine sincerity.”

“Right from the very beginning of his term, the President’s position has always been clear and consistent: He remains committed to peace. However, we find it unfortunate that the communists have become spoilers of peace because of their penchant for double talk and treachery,” he said.

Roque added that the “government efforts at forging peace with communist rebels have been gaining ground” even without peace talks, with more alleged NPA rebels going back to the government fold.

This was contested by Sison himself who said that 99 percent of the alleged NPA surrenderees are civilian residents in the hinterlands.

“Rest assured that the government will exhaust any and all means to achieve lasting peace towards unity and progress,” Roque said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/03/sison-enabling-environment-will-come-signing-draft-agreements/

NPA dead, insurgents wounded in clash with military on Holy Thursday

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): NPA dead, insurgents wounded in clash with military on Holy Thursday

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed in a clash with troops of the 9th Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army in Barangay Itok, Capalonga, Camarines Norte around 11:55 a.m. on Holy Thursday.

In a report to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) headquarters here, First Lieutenant Felise Solano, chief of the SOLCOM public information office , disclosed that the 20-minute clash with about 15 heavily armed members of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA also resulted in the wounding of several other insurgents and recovery of one M16 rifle at the battle site.

The enemies withdrew leaving behind their dead comrade in arms, he said adding that there were no casualties from the government troops.

Military forces are now conducting their pursuit operations following civilian reports that several wounded armed men were seen fleeing from the encounter site.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030432

Army general celebrates birthday with Maguindanao orphans

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Army general celebrates birthday with Maguindanao orphans



REMEMBERING ORPHANS. Maj. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Divison commander, distributes food to some of the orphaned children of Maguindanao as he celebrated his natal day with them. (6th ID photo)

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- Army Maj. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, celebrated his natal day on Wednesday in the company of orphans of Maguindanao, describing it as his most meaningful birthday celebration.

Dela Vega spent about two hours with orphans housed at the Markazul Aytam orphanage in Barangay Gang here. It was the second time that he spent time with the orphans on his birthday.

The 6th ID chief said he wanted to inspire the orphans, mostly Maguindanaoans, to push with their studies and earn a degree in the coming years. Their parents either abandoned them or have perished due to violence that transpired in their communities in Maguindanao.

Taking up Arabic lessons, the students are determined to memorize the whole Qur-an as required by the Madrasa. Many dream of becoming religious teachers and become ustadz or work abroad as missionary.

Municipal Mayor Shamin Mastura lauded Dela Vega’s decision to spend his birthday with the orphans describing it as an act of gratitude for all the blessings he received as a military officer and as a family man.

Dela Vega, with the help of local officials and peace advocates, distributed food packs, school supplies and books.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the blessings that the Almighty God has given me. I want to share these blessings with you today,” Dela Vega told the orphaned students in the vernacular.

“Keep dreaming, help yourselves, keep on pushing yourselves to attain your dreams in life. If you want to be a soldier, in time, all you have to do is to tell us and we will be glad to welcome in the military service,” Dela Vega added.

He challenged the young orphans to share whatever they can, either big or small things, so that a peaceful community could be established in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1030447

Thursday, March 29, 2018

NPA commander surrenders; one dies in military offensive

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 28): NPA commander surrenders; one dies in military offensive

Camp Datu Makapandong, Awa New Leyte, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur – An alleged team commander of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist has voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battallion (36th IB) in Sitio Upper Mambago, Barangay Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur.

In Agusan del Norte, an NPA terrorist was killed while an undetermined number of other communist-terrorists were believed wounded when a gun battle erupted on the first day of the ‘Lenten Week’ observance between government security forces and the NPA.

Capt. Francisco P. Garello, Jr., chief of Civil Military Operation (CMO) of the 36th IB, said the identity of the NPA commander who surrendered was temporarily withheld for his security. He was an NPA Squad 1 commander, Sangay sa Platun Pangpropaganda 3 (SPP3) of Guerilla-Front Committee (GFC30) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

He yielded Sunday night) to the command group of 36th “Valor” Battalion led by Lt. Col. Xerxes A. Trinidad, Capt. Garello said.

The NPA commander also turned over one M1 Garand Rifle, one .38 caliber pistol and one improvised/ homemade rifle with live ammunitions.

His surrender was facilitated by Datu Jomar Sabas Bucales, a Manobo tribal leader of the municipality of Lianga, Surigao del Sur province, assisted by Maj. Jerson B. Igloria of the 4th CMO Battalion, 4th ID, Capt. Garello said.

“The NPA team commander bolted his camp somewhere in Diwata ranges in Surigao del Sur last April 2017 and went into hiding,” said Garello.

“He was already tired of the movement especially with their unjust policies, the promises made by the CPP-NPA of providing his family with financial support, education, and resolving land issues were all but lies,” Garello quoted the NPA commander as saying.

Meanwhile, the identity of the slain NPA terrorist was not immediately available. The cadaver was brought to the barangay for identification by the villagers.

A flash report said that combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battallion (29th IB) recovered one unit AK 47 rifle with live ammunitions and one unit cellular phone.

Initial report said one Scout Platoon of the 29th IB was conducting security operations and combat patrol when it chanced upon an undetermined number of rebels believed to belong to Guerilla Front Committee 21-C (GFC 21-C) of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) at about 2:45 p.m. on Monday.

The firefight lasted for more than ten minutes, 29th IB commander Lt. Col. Glenn Aynera said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/28/npa-commander-surrenders-one-dies-in-military-offensive/

Two Abu Sayyaf fighters surrender

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 29): Two Abu Sayyaf fighters surrender

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) announced the recent surrender of two Abu Sayyaf fighters in separate occasions in Tawi-tawi and Sulu.




Maj. General Carlito Galvez, commander of the Western Mindanao Command. (Keith Bacongco/MANILA BULLETIN)
The two bandits were identified as Rizal Karaman and Alnijul Caray Aspi, alias Misang.

A report disclosed that Karaman, said to be a notorious Abu Sayyaf member, surrendered to Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, in Brgy. Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-tawi at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Soldiers of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 (MBLT-9) successfully facilitated the surrender of
Karaman, a cohort of the late kidnap-for-ransom group leader Butchoy Hassan.


Karaman also turned over his cal .30 garand rifle to the soldiers upon his surrender.

He was subjected to a medical checkup to ensure that any medical conditions be given attention.

Meanwhile, Aspi surrendered to Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Mateo of the 32nd Infantry Battalion at the headquarters in Barnagay Bon-Bon, Patikul, Sulu, on Monday.

The 24-year-old
Aspi, a resident of Barangay Lipunos, Parang, Sulu, is a follower of ASG sub-leader Majan Sahidjuan, alias Apoh Mike.


Aspi, who also turned over an M1 Garand (Springfield) rifle upon his surrender,, underwent a custodial debriefing conducted by JTF Sulu troops.

From January 1, 2017 to March 27, 2018, a total of 204 Abu Sayyaf members yielded to the Joint Task Forces in the joint area of operations, 85 of whom surrendered in Basilan, 80 in Sulu, 37 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

“This only manifests the progress that we are attaining in our all-out offensives to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group in ZamBaSulTa area, particularly in the province of Sulu, and we are elated to have the support of Suluanons,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., the commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We believe that, in time, we will bring about the peace and development in Sulu,” he added.

 https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/29/two-abu-sayyaf-fighters-surrender/

More Abu Sayyaf surrender to Westmincom

From the Philippine Star (Mar 28): More Abu Sayyaf surrender to Westmincom

More members of the Abu Sayyaf group surrendered to the Philippine military this week, bringing the number of militants who yielded this year to more than 200.
 
Personnel of Marine Battalion Landing Team 9 successfully facilitated the surrender of Rizal Karaman, a follower of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Butchoy Hassan, the Western Mindanao Command said.
 
Karaman surrendered to Brig. Gen. Custonio Parcon, commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi in Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi at 10 in the morning Tuesday.
 
The former militant, who underwent medical checkup to determine any condition that needed attention, also turned over his Garand rifle to soldiers when he surrendered.
 
On Monday, Alnijul Caray Aspi, also known as Misang, also surrendered to Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mateo of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in its headquarters in Bon-Bon, Patikul, Sulu.
 
Aspi, 24, is a resident of Parang, Sulu and was a follower of Abu Sayyaf subleader Majan Sahidjuan, also known as Apoh Mike. 
 
Aspi yielded a Garand rifle and underwent a custodial debriefing conducted by the troops from Joint Task Force Sulu.
 
President Rodrigo Duterte was recently in Sulu to receive hundreds of unregistered firearms and Abu Sayyaf militants who surrendered.
 
According to the military's Western Mindanao Command, a total of 204 Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to its joint task forces from Jan. 1 to March 27 this year.
 
Eighty-five of the militants came from Basilan, 80 from Sulu, 37 from Tawi-Tawi and two from Zamboanga, according to Westmincom.
 
“This only manifests the progress that we are attaining in our all-out offensives to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group in ZamBaSulTa area, particularly in the province of Sulu, and we are elated to have the support of Suluanons,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said.
 
“The President’s message is very clear, he will be open to accept Abu Sayyaf surrenderers (sic) if they decide to do such and they will be made to undergo programs that are similar to that of the enhanced CLIP of the NPA surrenderers (sic),” Galvez added.

13 surrender in Basilan

A leader of the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf group and 12 of his followers surrendered to the military in Lamitan City, Basilan on Wednesday.
 
Brig. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhassan Jamiri is one of the two remaining top leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group based in Basilan. The others who remain at large is Furuji Indama, who was earlier reportedly groomed to succeed slain leader Isnilon Hapilon.
 
Uy said Jamiri and his followers surrendered also surrendered 12 guns to the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion led by Lt. Col. Montano Almodovar
 
"Yes, it's positive Nurhassan Jamiri surrendered with his 12 followers in Lamitan," Uy said.
 
He said Jamiri's group claimed the surrender was due to the pressure due to the relentless military operation and the recent pronouncement of President Duterte to allow those Abu Sayyaf members who want to surrender.
 
"Nurhassan Jamiri and his followers have to undergo the process of debriefing and proper documentation at the military camp," Uy said.
 
Meanwhile, officials and locals from four municipalities in Maguindanao surrendered 106 firearms to the Joint Task Force Central in the past two days. 

Loose firearms turned over

Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, the task force’s commander, received 100 armaments from officials of Mamasapano, Pagalungan and Datu Montawal in Maguindanao.
 
On Monday, 13 villages in Mamasapano surrendered 25 different firearms to the 40th Infantry Battalion in its municipal hall. 
 
Pagalungan town on Monday turned over 45 assorted unregistered firearms to the 7th Infantry Battalion and 602nd Brigade while Datu Montawal municipality yielded 30 armaments.
 
On Tuesday, six firearms including one mortar were surrendered by officials of Shariff Aguak to Lt. Col. Enrique Clement.
 
“Units took custody of the surrendered firearms and were brought to their respective headquarters for initial inventory, documentation, and safekeeping,” said Maj. Gen. Arnel Delavega.
 
The surrender of firearms was part of the “Balik Baril” program of the local government of Maguindanao amid the military’s crackdown on unregistered firearms. For this year, a total of 293 armaments were surrendered by Maguindanao officials to the military. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/03/28/1801331/more-abu-sayyaf-surrender-westmincom

CPP/CPP-Panay: Itultuloy ti Nakired ken Situtured a Panangiyabante iti Gubat ti Umili!

CPP-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 28): Itultuloy ti Nakired ken Situtured a Panangiyabante iti Gubat ti Umili!

Mensahe ti Probinsyal a Komand iti Operasyon ti New People’s Army – Kalinga para iti maika-49 anibersaryo ti NPA

NPA-Kalinga (Lejo Cawilan Command)

29 March 2018

Iti daytoy a naindaklan nga aldaw ti maika-49 anibersaryo ti pannakaibangon ti New People’s Army (NPA), itagtag-ay ti amin a Nalabaga a Kumander ken Mannakigubat ti saan-a-maparmek a pakinakem na, kasta met ti natibker a suporta ti intero nga umili kas pigsa na iti panangipaay kadagiti napipigsa a disnog laban iti agturturay a sistema. Laglagipen tayo amin ti daytoy nga aldaw babaen iti panangtaldiap kadagiti nagun-odan ken panangtan-aw kadagiti ad-adu pay a rebbengen a masangoanan tapno iyabante ti gubat ti umili agturong iti Estratehiko a Panagpapatas.

Iti sangoanan ti agmamauyong a pasista nga atake ti rehimen nga US-Duterte laban iti umili ken rebolusyonaryo a tignayan, saam a nangpakapsut daytoy iti dangadang nu di mas nangpatibker ket di kadagiti basaran nu apay a masapul nga ipagna ti panagbalballiw iti daytoy a sistema. Manipud iti gerra kontra-droga, gubat iti Marawi ken panangiyablat na ti Martial Law iti Mindanao aginggana iti panangideklara na ti all-out-awar laban iti rebolusyonaryo a tignayan, nalawagennga imbes a panagdur-as, didigra ket di ti impaay ti daytoy a rehimen laban iti umili. Masapsaplitan la ngaruden iti nakaro a baut ti kinakurapay, ket agbalballlin pay a biktima ti nadumaduma a kinaranggas ti naruay nga umili iti ima ti daytoy a rehimen. Apagsungad pay laeng ti daytoy a tawen ket dagus nga inyablat ti rehimen Duterte ti linteg a TRAIN (Tax Reform Acceleration for Inclusion) a nangipaay ti sigida a panagngato ti presyo dagiti basaran a magatang ken serbisyo. Nayon na pay ditoy ti panangikamkamakam na a maipagna ti panagbalballiw ti konstitusyon wenno Charter Change (CHA-CHA) ken pederalismo tapno agtultuloy ti pasista a panagturay na. kagiddan na daytoy ti pannakaibutaktak dagiti kaso ti kinaruker ken korapsypn a pakairamanan na ken ti pamilya na. isunga tapno makaluban ti kinabulok na ken maipagna dagiti panggep ken interes ti amo na nga imperyalista nga US, nangibulos isuna ti awanan kapada a kinaranggas labn iti umili a Pilipino. Tapno ikalintegan dagiti pammatay ken dadduma pay a langa ti saywar ken tortyur nga iyar-aramid ti aso-aso nga armado na, ilanglangdet da ti CPP-NPA-NDF ken sipapangas na pay nga impablaak a kabaelan na a pakapsuten aginggana a parmeken ti rebolusyonaryo a tignayan. Agtagtagainep isuna iti panangipagarup na a marebbek ti armado a rebolusyon babaen laeng iti militarista a pamuspusan.

Nadanon ti NPA ti 49 tawen ti pannakidangdang gapu iti laklak-amen na a suporta ken panagraem ti umili. manipud pay laeng kadagiti umun-una a tawen manipud naibangon daytoy aginggana iti agdama, awan ti asinnoman a rehimen ti nakabael a nangpatumba iti NPA. Nakaramut ti daytoy a reyalidad iti makagapu a naiyanak ti NPA manipud iti nauneg a kalikagum ti kaaduam nga umili a Pilipino para iti pudno a panagbalballiw babaen iti panangrippuog iti pundasyon ti reaksyunaryo nga estado, nga isu ti naindasigan a panagturay dagiti appo’t daga, burgesya kumprador ken ti ramay sa a dagiti burukrata kapitalista. Isunga nagkamali ni Duterte nu ti pagarup na a ti salawasaw a panagbassawang na ken ti panag-aramat na iti intero a pigsa ti reaksyunaryo a rehimen ti makarebbek kadagiti impundar ti rebolusyonaryo a tignayan. Gapu ta nainkalintegan ti rebolusyonaryo a gubat, awan ti dadduma a turingen na nu di ti dumur-as ken saan mapaatras.

Ti agtitimpuyog a pigsa ti umili ken ti armado na nga NPA ti mangisigurado nga umabante ti rebolusyonaryo a gubat. Nu pay kastoy, adu pay ti kinakasapulan nga aramiden tapno maragpat ti pannakapatas. Ipinget tayo ti panangipatungpal ti tallo a rebbengen ti Hukbo tapno magun-od dagiti rekisito iti panangdanon ditoy.

 Armado a pannakidangadang. Kasapulan ti panangpaadu ken mentinasyon kadagiti pwersa ken panangpadur-as kadagiti kadre ken kumander ti NPA tapno maidirehe ti nadumaduma a rebbengen ken makapagpalawa pay iti ad-adu a lugar. Masapul ti sustenido a panangibangon ken panangpadur-as kadagiti yunit milisyang bayan (YMB) tapno malabanan ti sibilyanisasyon iti intar da ken maipangato ti kalidad da kas pormasyon ti NPA. Agisayangkat kadagiti ad-adu ken mas naaw-aweng a taktikal nga opensiba basar iti kabaelan ken kongkreto a kasasaad. Pairtengen ti panangburak iti pigsa ti kabusor babaen iti pananglaban iti rekrutment ti kabusor iti intar dagiti kabataan, pulitikal a disintegrasyon kadagiti kadawyan a kameng ti AFP-PNP-CAFGU-CPLA, panangdalus kadagiti elemento ken aset a sibilyan nga agpapausar kasukat ti kuarta, ken panangbira kadagiti ahente-paniktik ti kabusor.

 Pangbukel ti base a masa. Tuloy-tuloy tayo nga ibangon, patignayen ken padur-asen dagiti organisasyon masa para iti panangsango ti nadumaduma a trabaho ken maipangato ti suporta da para iti gubat. Napinget tayo nga isayangkat dagiti anti-pasista a kampanya ken paangburak iti atmospera ti buteng ken amak para iti mas pay nadur-as a rebolusyonaryo a trabaho. Paregtaen tayo ti propaganda-ahitasyon iti intar ti umili lalallo iti intar ti kabataan para iti ad-adu a pasampa ti NPA. Agpakalaing tayo iti nadumaduma a tipo ti trabaho ken pamuspusan iti panagtignay para iti mas nadur-as a konsolidayon-ekspansyon a trabaho.

Agraryo a rebolusyon. Agpakalaing tayo iti panangisayangkat kadagiti kampanyang masa ken kampanyang agraryo tapno masungbatan dagiti pangkasapulan ti umili ken ti gubat. Papigsaen ken padur-asen dagiti nainsigudan a tinnulong tapno maiturong dagitoy kas rebolusyonaryo a kolektibo para iti panangtugon kadagiti pang-ekonomya a pangkasapulan ken pananggun-od kadagiti minimum ken maksimum a programa ti AgReb. Ipangato ti produksyon ti makan ken ipagna dagiti kampanya para iti panangdeoensa ti daga, biag ken rekurso.

Tulbek nga usapin a pangpatignay kadagiti nailian a minorya ti usapin kasilpo iti panang-agaw ti daga. Isunga rumbeng a labanan dagiti iskema ti reaksyunaryo a rehimen a mangsaklaw ken mang-agaw kadagiti ansestral a daga babaen kadagiti program a kas iti National Greening Program (NGP) ken National Resource and Environment Management Program (NREMP) ti DENR, dagiti proyekto a renewable energy a kas dagiti madama a maitaktakder a dam ken geothermal projects iti naduduma a paset ti probinsya. istorikal ti nainget a panangsalaknib dagiti umili ti Kalinga iti kadagaan ken kinabaknang na, a naikur-it iti pakasaritaan ti intero a Kordilyera aglalo iti tiempo ti dangadang ti Chico Dam. Isunga, msapul a saan nga ibbatan ti maingel a tradisyon dagiti umili ti Kalinga babaen iti panangipagna ti armado a rebolusyon kas kangrunaan a wagas iti panangsalaknib iti biag, dayaw ken kinabaknang. Labanan ti IP-centric approach ti reaksyunaryo a gobyerno babaen iti rekrutment ti militar ken oanagrekrut kadagiti paramilitar a CAFGU ken CPLA tapno ulawen ti umili ken paglalabanen ti tribu. Padayawan tayo dagiti Nalabaga a Kumander ken Mannakigubat iti awan manangimbubukod a sakripisyo, saan matawaran ken pagwadan a tured ken tibker a sumango iti rigat, panangidaton ti pigsa, sirib ken uray pay biag para iti panagserbi iti umili ken rebolusyon. Ti nadayaw a pakaugodan ti rebolusyonaryo a pakaistoryaan da ti nangted maris ken natan-ok a kontribusyon iti maiwaywayat a gubat ti umili. Saludoan tayo dagiti nasurok a 200 a banwar a Hukbo ken masa iti Kalinga kasta met ti amin a martir ti rebolusyon iti intero a pagilian. Nairut nga iggeman dagiti armas ken suroten tayo ti tugot da agturong iti naraniag a masakbayan.

Paayen ti Oplan Kapayapaan ken todo-gerra ti pasista a rehimen nga US-Duterte!
BOTAD! Sapasap a lumaban, irupir ti karbengan, ilaban ti kalintegan!
Agbiag ti New People’s Army!
Agbiag ti gubat ti umili aginggana iti balligi!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statements/20180329-itultuloy-ti-nakired-ken-situtured-a-panangiyabante-iti-gubat-ti-umili

CPP/CPP-Panay: Labi nga paigtingon ang taktikal nga opensiba kag bunalan ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

CPP-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 28): Labi nga paigtingon ang taktikal nga opensiba kag bunalan ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Pahayag sang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas – Rehiyon-Panay, sa okasyon sang ika-49 nga anibersaryo sang pagkatukod sang New People’s Army

Julian Paisano, Spokesperson
Political Bureau
CPP-Panay

29 March 2018

Ang Komiteng Rehiyon sang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) sa Panay lubos nga nagakalipay kag hugot nga nagapakig-isa sa tanan sang mga Pulang kumander kag hangaway, mga katapu kag kadre sang PKP, sa bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong pwersa kag pumuluyong Pilipino sa pagsaulog sang ika-49 nga anibersaryo sang pagkatukod sang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), ang tunay nga hukbo sang pumuluyo. Kadungan sang pagsaulog nga ini, ginahalad namon ang pinakamataas nga pagpasidungog sa tanan nga mga kaupod nga nagbuhis sang ila kabuhi sa pagsulong sang inaway banwa kag sa pag-agum sang tunay nga pungsodnon nga kahilwayan halin sa paghimulos kag pagpamigos sang imperyalistang Estados Unidos kag mga lokal nga kahimbon nga nagahari nga sahi sang mga agalon nga mayduta kag dalagku nga burgesya komprador.

Isa sa mga talalupangdon nga bahin sang pagsaulog naton subong amo ang pagtipon sang aton mga kinaalam kag inagihan sa paglunsar sang inaway banwa sa nagliligad nga tuig kag liwat nga pagpalig-unon sang komitment para sa mas mapisan nga pagtinguha sa mga masunod nga tinuig agud mas labi nga magsulong pa ang armadong paghimakas. Mangin kabahin naman ini sang aton paghanda sa pagsaulog sang makasaysayan nga ika-50 ka tuig sang PKP kag BHB. Nagakadapat nga tumuron naton ang mga mabaskog kag mahuyang nga bahin kag magkuha sang dugang nga mga liksyon agud mas mapauswag ang tanan naton nga hilikuton sa armadong paghimakas. Hugot nga katungdanan sang PKP-Panay nga siguruhon ang husto kag absoluto nga pagpamuno sa BHB, buyukon ang malapad nga suporta sang masa kag panginpuslan ang mas nagapaborable nga obhetibong sitwasyon para sa pagsulong sang armadong paghimakas kag determinado nga mag-amot sang mas labaw pa sangsa nagligad para sa kabilugan nga pagsulong sang inaway banwa sa bug-os nga pungsod.

Nagaabanse ang aton armadong paghimakas sa Panay sining nagligad nga tuig sa tunga sang mas ginpasingki nga pagpanghimulos kag pagpamigos sang rehimeng US-Duterte sa rehiyon kag sa bug-os nga pungsod. Labi nga nagtingkad ang pagkamatarung sang aton armadong paghimakas sang arbitraryo nga gin-utas ni Duterte ang sugilanon pangkalinungan sa tunga sang NDFP kag GRP, labi nga ginmilitarisa ang sibilyan nga burukrasya paagi sa pag-asignar sang mga kilala nga pasistang heneral, kag ginlarga ang iya kontra-pumuluyo nga gyera sa bug-os nga pungsod. Walay huya nga gindeklara ni Duterte nga terorista ang CPP-NPA-NDF bisan nga siya ang nagatampisaw sa dugo sang linibo-libo ka mga imol nga biktima sang iya kabuangan nga mga gyera “kontra-druga”, “kontra-terorismo” kag kontra-Moro. Bisan ang mga sibilyan nga progresibo nga indibidwal kag organisasyon ang gintarget sang pasismo sang estado paagi sa extra-hudisyal nga pagpamatay, mga patu-pato nga kaso kag paglaragway bilang mga demonyo.

Katulad sang naeksperyensyahan sa iban nga bahin sang pungsod, pagbukas sang tuig 2018 gilayon nga nabatyagan sang mga pumuluyo sa Panay ang mas naglubha nga kaimulon bangud sa madasig nga pagtaas sa presyo sang mga basehan nga balaklon bunga sang pagpatuman sang rehimen sang dugang nga mabug-at nga buhis (TRAIN). Mas ginpalubha pa sini ang pag-antus sang mga pumuluyo dulot sang iban pa nga kontra-pumuluyo nga programa katulad sang paltik nga reporma sa duta, agresibo nga pagkambyo-gamit sang duta sa malagpad nga palayan, tuman kanubo nga suhol sang mga mamumugon sa industriya kag agrikultura, malaparan nga kontraktwalisasyon, kag ang nagahana nga jeepney phase-out.

Mga Talalupangdon nga Kadalag-an sa Armadong Paghimakas sa Panay

Ang mga pangkugmat sang paghari sang US-Duterte nga rehimen sa kabuhi sang mga pumuluyo sa isa ka bahin kag ang hugot nga pagsakdag sang BHB sa interes sang masang anakbalhas sa pihak nga bahin sa pagsulong sang armadong paghimakas ang nag-ani sang suporta kag pagsalig sang malapad nga masa, kag nagabuyok sa madamo nga pamatan-on nga mag-entra sa BHB. Kadam-an sa ila halin sa sahing mangunguma nga pangunahon nagaeksperyensya sang pag-antus. Sa sulod sang isa ka tuig, nagdugang ang aton hukbo sa rehiyon sang isa ka daku nga platun. Mas napadamo man ang numero sang mga mangunguma nga nag-entra sa mga lokal nga yunit sang milisya sang banwa nga pangunahon para sa pagpangapin, kalinungan kag order sa ila mga lokalidad, kag nagahatag sang direkta nga suporta sa mga pultaym nga yunit sang hukbo.

Sa sulod sang mga yunit sang hukbo, mas napauswag ang sistema sang mga hilikuton pang-ideolohiya, pangpulitika kag pang-organisasyon sang mga Pulang hangaway kag kumander kag napabilin ang mataas nga lebel sang kamuklatan sa pag-alagad sa masa kag malig-on nga disiplina. Mas napauswag man ang ikasarang sa pagtungod sang mga nagapanguna nga hilikuton nga pagsulong sang taktikal nga opensiba, pagtukod sang base kag pagbulig sa rebolusyong agraryo sang mga masang mangunguma.

Sa bug-os nga tuig, nakalunsar ang BHB-Panay sang masobra 20 ka mga taktikal nga opensina (TO) kag nakaagaw sang masobra 20 ka nagkalain-lain nga kalibre sang mga armas halin sa kaaway kag nagdulot sang indi magnubo sa 10 patay kag 20 ang pilason sa mga pasistang tropa sang AFP, PNP kag CAFGU. Ang aton mga aksyon militar pangunahon gintuon sa pagsilot sang mga armado nga tropa sang kaaway nga imbolbado sa mga kalautan batuk sa pumuluyo kag nagasabwag sang terorismo sa kaumhan, kag depensahan ang kaayuhan kag mga kadalag-an sang masa sa ila rebolusyonaryong paghimakas. Sa pihak nga bahin, tatlo sa aton mga kaupdanan nga Pulang hangaway ang maisog nga nagbuhis sang ila kabuhi sa pagpakig-away sa mga mersenaryo nga tropa sang AFP.

Ang BHB nagaserbi nga pangunahon nga organisasyon sang Partido sa pagpalapad sang mga sona kag baseng gerilya kag pagkonsolida sang solido nga pundasyon sang baseng masa sa kaumhan sang Panay. Nangin maisog ang masang mangunguma sa pagduso sang ila kinamatarung nga magbungkal sang ila kadutaan labi na sa kabukiran nga ginaagaw sang Philippine Army, sang Department of Environment and Natural Resources, sang National Irrigation Administration, Department of Tourism kag iban pa nga ahensya sang reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Bangud pag-antus ukon kamatayon kag indi kabuhian ang gina-imponer sang rehimen sa masang mangunguma, maisog nga ginapangapinan sang hukbong bayan ang mga kinamatarung sang mangunguma lakip na ang ila demanda sa nagakadapat nga presyo sang ila mga produkto, pagpanubo sa usura, pagpataas sang suhol kag pagpamatuk sa mga makahalalit nga dam.

Mga Nagapanguna nga mga Hangkat para sa Masunod nga mga Tinuig

Kinahanglan naton nga dugangan ang kapisan kag pagtinguha agud pukawon, organisahon kag pahulagon ang malapad nga kubay sang pamatan-on labi na ang halin sa sahing mamumugon kag petiburgesya sa mga banwa kag kasyudaran para sa armadong paghimakas. Tuman kadamo sa ila ang gindingutan sang reaksyunaryong estado sang kinamatarung sa libre nga edukasyon, desente nga trabaho kag masanag nga palaabuton. Dapat naton buyukon ang mga pamatan-on nga lubos-panahon nga mag-alagad sa pumuluyo labi na sa pagsulong sang inaway banwa sa kaumhan.

Ang BHB-Panay dapat nga magpursige agud mas padamuon kag palaparon ang mga taktikal nga opensiba sa rehiyon nga pangunahon magtum-ok sa pag-agaw sang mga armas halin sa kaaway, pagpangsilot sa mga terorista nga tropa sang AFP kag PNP kag mga gaway sini, kag mag-amot sa pungsodnon nga pagbato kag pagpaslaw sang all-out war sang rehimeng US-Duterte, kag pagsulong sang inaway banwa pakadto sa mas mataas nga halintang. Sa pagpabaskog sang aton armadong paghimakas, hugot nga kaptan ang linya sang malapad kag dasok nga pagpakig-away gerilya sandig sa nagalapad kag nagadalom nga baseng masa. Kadungan sang pagbaskog sang aton mga taktikal nga opensiba, madasig nga padamuon man ang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyon kag lokal nga organo sang gahum pangpulitika sang masa, kag ilunsar ang malapad kag mapagsik nga rebolusyong agraryo sa kaumhan.

Labi nga palaparon ang nagahiliugyon nga kubay batuk sa pasismo kag tiraniya ni Duterte. Adlaw-adlaw nagaigting ang kaakig kag pagkangil-ad sang pumuluyo sa berdugo kag papet nga pangulo kag nagalala ang pagkabuyagyag kag pagkahamulag sini sa pumuluyo nga nagaantus bangud sa dugang nga buhis kag mataas nga presyo sang mga balaklunon, gutom, walay pangabuhian kag paglapak sang mga kinamatarung. Dapat bugkuson ang kusog sang mga pumuluyo nga nagahimakas kag nagapangapin sa ila kinamatarung, pagpaluntad sang tunay nga demokrasya, hustisya sosyal kag kalinungan. Pukawon kag pahulagon ang pinakamadamo nga numero nga masarangan agud batuan ang mga pagtinguha nga diktadurya sang rehimeng Duterte tubtub sa lubos nga pagbagsak sini.

Dugang nga hangkat para sa BHB-Panay ang pagpabugal ni Duterte kag sang AFP nga papason kita sini nga tuig. Dapat sabton ini sang mas madamo nga mga taktikal nga opensiba nga nagabunal sa ulo, indi lang para ipakita sa ila ang walay unod nila nga ambisyon. Kag labaw pa diri, amo nga hatagan sang hustisya ang tuman kadamo nga mga biktima sang nagasingki nga pasismo sang reaksyunaryo nga rehimen.