Wednesday, October 17, 2018

FDA chief's convoy ambushed in Camarines Sur

From Rappler (Oct 18): FDA chief's convoy ambushed in Camarines Sur
 
(UPDATED) At least 3 cops are killed and 3 others wounded, while Food and Drug Administration chief Nela Charade Puno is unharmed, police say
 
CRIME SCENE. The tailing police vehicle accompanying the convoy of Food and Drug Administration chief Nela Charade Puno is barraged with bullets. Photo from Bicol Police
 
CRIME SCENE. The tailing police vehicle accompanying the convoy of Food and Drug Administration chief Nela Charade Puno is barraged with bullets. Photo from Bicol Police

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The convoy of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Nela Charade Puno was ambushed in Lupi town in Camarines Sur on Thursday, October 18.

Puno's convoy, consisting of her main vehicle as well as one police vehicle in front and one at the back, was snaking through Barangay Napolidan at around 9:10 am, when around 20 assailants opened fire.
The gunmen managed to hit only the tailing police vehicle, killing 3 cops onboard. The fatalities were identified in a police report as:
  • SPO1 Percival Rafael
  • PO3 Carlito Navarroza
  • PO1 Ralph Jason Vida
The following cops were wounded:
  • PO1 Jonathan Perillo
  • PO1 Ruby Buena
  • PO1 Rodolfo Gonzaga
Camarines Sur Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) cops were able to respond quickly to the area and "retaliate."

According to Bicol police regional director Chief Superintendent Arnel Escobal, FDA chief Puno was unharmed as her vehicle was able to speed off when the police vehicle behind them were barraged with bullets.

Escobal said rebels from the communist New People's Army could have been behind the attack.
"Wala namang ibang armed group diyan sa area na 'yan (There's no other armed group in that area)," Escobal told Rappler in a phone interview on Thursday.

In a statement, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III condemned "in no uncertain terms" the attack on Puno and other FDA employees. He said the Department of Health would coordinate with authorities in investigating the incident.

"The safety of DG (Director General) Puno and other FDA employees is our top priority at the moment," Duque said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/214590-nela-charade-puno-convoy-ambushed-camarines-sur-october-18-2018

Firearms, motorcycle recovered in Ifugao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 18): Firearms, motorcycle  recovered in Ifugao



TINOC, Ifugao - - Government forces were able to recover firearms and a motorcycle after a 15-minute gun battle with alleged members of the New Peoples Army (NPAs) in sitio Hablang, Binablayan here last week.

Soldiers from the 54th Infantry Battalion recovered a caliber .30 Garand, carbine with nine cartridge caliber .30 ball and a blue Euro motorcycle abandoned after the firefight.

The government troops were conducting security operations in the area in response to a report from one of the civilians about the presence of
ten fully armed alleged NPAs identified as the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) operating in the Province of Ifugao.


Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg, Jr. commanding officer of the 54th IB, commended the locals for reporting the terror plans and activities of the group that prevented damage and atrocities in the area.

He enjoined the NPAs to stop the fighting that affects the peace loving people in the community, and instead lay down their arms and embrace the government programs as other NPAs, Militia ng Bayan and other supporters are doing.

“After all, we are all Filipinos. I also applaud the efforts of our troops for being steadfast and alert and keeping always on the double in responding to the needs of the community especially in implementing peace and order in the community," he added.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1013924

Philippines Catches 5 Communist Guerrilla Leaders

From BenarNews (Oct 17): Philippines Catches 5 Communist Guerrilla Leaders

181017-PH-NPA-1000.jpg

A member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) holds a rifle as she joins fellow guerrillas during a cultural presentation marking the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), in Surigao del Sur province, southern Philippines, in December 2010.  Froilan Gallardo/BenarNews                

Government forces captured five senior communist rebel leaders who were allegedly involved in an October plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine military said Wednesday.

Adelberto Silva, a consultant for the underground Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was one of the five intercepted on Tuesday at an army checkpoint south of Manila, military Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez said.

Silva was with Edical Legaspi, a rebel leader in the northern Philippines, and three others when they were caught at the checkpoint in Laguna province, Galvez said.

“They are key ranking officials of the communist movement involved in the mobilization for the plot against Duterte,” the general said.


“Their sinister objective is to overthrow the government. So we are trying to continue to insulate the vulnerable sectors from them,” he added.

Recovered from the suspects were two .45-caliber pistols, four hand grenades, a homemade bomb and assorted ammunition, officials said.

In 2016, Silva was among communist leaders freed by Duterte as a goodwill gesture to jump start peace talks with the party, whose armed wing is called the New People’s Army (NPA). In January this year, a Philippine court revoked the temporary freedom granted to Silva and fellow communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who remain at large.

Galvez did not explain what roles Silva and his group were to play in the alleged ouster plot codenamed “Red October.” The plotters had been ramping up recruitment efforts at some of the country’s top universities, the military said earlier this month.

The alleged plot was first announced last month by Duterte himself. At the time, he said he had received foreign intelligence alleging that his political arch-rival, opposition Sen. Antonio Trillanes, was conniving with CPP founder Jose Maria Sison in efforts to oust him.

Duterte had promised to show proof, including the name of the country that provided the information. But weeks have passed without any evidence being presented in public to support the president’s allegations.

Trillanes, a former navy officer, and Sison have denied the allegations. Trillanes’ own military fraternity has also dismissed them.

The military had originally said that the plot was to take place in the middle of this month, but it has since backtracked and said the rebels had apparently decided against it.

However, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the intelligence report about the plot remained credible.

“I won’t even wonder why there’s always a plot. That’s precisely the rationale of the creation of the communist to oust the present government,” Panelo said.

The Philippines has a long history of coup plots. The late president, pro-democracy icon Corazon Aquino survived six coup attempts in the 1980s after a peaceful revolution ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who had ruled the country for two decades.

In 2001, ex-President Joseph Estrada was chased out of office in a military-backed popular uprising over alleged corruption.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/communist-guerrillas-10172018132448.html

How peace movement transformed a Muslim village

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): How peace movement transformed a Muslim village



The great Sta. Cruz Island, which lies four kilometers away south of the southernmost tip of the city, is famous for its awesome beaches.

Members of the Sama Bangingi tribe live in a small village, according to their lore, on the island since time immemorial.

Today, the village boasts of young residents who finished college and are well-employed, and of solar-powered homes that contain amenities.

But only 28 years ago, the Sta. Cruz village, as it is known, was socially and economically backward, and was populated by hand-to-mouth fishermen whose children did not attend school.

Despite its ecological attractions, a few residents of the city dared to venture there due to perceived security risks.

So what brought about the transformation?

In 1990, the Silsilah Dialogue Movement founded by Fr. Sebastiano D’Ambra six years earlier, was firming up its “Culture of Dialogue, Path to Peace” peace-making paradigm.

One of its chosen threads was to reach out to children to become “bridges of peace”.







Minda Sano, executive director of the movement, decided to bring the brand new program to the Sta. Cruz Island village, through the establishment of a kindergarten school, with her spearheading the effort.

“At first the parents of the village were suspicious, even hostile to the idea of a basically Christian organization coming to help them”, Minda said.

“Initially we just oriented and motivated the children on the value of education, just giving them loosely organized lessons. We did not build a schoolhouse right away, just held classes under a tree until eventually we won their trust and friendship and they and their parents became enthusiastic,” she recalled.

Minda said it was not easy to “gain their trust and friendship.”

But after having achieved that, Silsilah began building schoolhouses, first for kindergarten students.

Year after year, more structures were added, and currently, six school buildings are housing Grades 1 to 6 pupils, add to that a day-care center funded by the local government.

The present school population is 72, with four under board teachers whose salary is paid for by Silsilah. Two of the teachers finished elementary in the same school.

The elementary school is accredited by the Department of Education. Its graduates are eligible to enroll in secondary schools located on the city mainland.

Gradually, Minda said, the parents were also educated - in ways of civic and parental responsibility to send their children to school, to cooperate with one another for the welfare of the community, and to co-exist harmoniously.

“When we first came to Sta. Cruz, the residents were afraid of vaccination or getting injections when sick,” Minda said. “By extending them medical help, which they asked for, they learned the need for medicines and hospitalization, the need for sanitation and hygiene. But we did not impose those to them; we waited for them to seek our help.”

Until now, Minda said Silsilah helps them get hospital treatment and confinement.

The gift of education has radically changed the villagers’ lives. Many children went on to finish college and are now working in the government or other establishments.

Others, who are literate, work as environmental wardens or so-called “bantay dagat” of the government on the island.

Poorer parents are eligible for the government 4Ps program.

Too far from the city to be connected to the power grid, they can afford to set up solar panels. They have outboards and pumpboats to ferry picnickers and divers to the island, now numbering thousands every month, and local women sell them souvenirs and refreshments.

The economic progress has been attracting people of other tribes to set up homes on the island, Minda said, with apprehension.

The island is a sitio of Barangay Sta. Barbara, which is located in ground zero of the Zamboanga Siege.

With the success of the school project in Sta. Cruz, Silsilah has established five more similar kindergarten schools in Zamboanga City – in the multi-cultural communities of Mampang, Sta. Catalina, Sinunuc, Baluno, Paniran.

The movement also trains kindergarten teachers on the essentials of peace education and values under an expanded program it calls “ Tulay Bata for Dialogue and Peace”.

The program includes a feeding, healing and bonding session twice a month for children living in Sta. Catalina, who were victims of the 2013 siege.

“We know that the process of education is an “Art in Progress” that needs preparation. It is the “Art of the Heart” that has to guide people to live and promote dialogue and peace”, D’ Ambra said in an article on the movement’s website.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051409

Gov’t forces arrest 4 BIFF in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Gov’t forces arrest 4 BIFF in Maguindanao



CAUGHT. Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc (left), Army’s 33rd Infantry battalion commander, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chief Senior Supt. James Gulmatico, (right) both questions the four suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters arrested during a raid Wednesday (Oct. 17, 2018) in General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government forces arrested on Wednesday four members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao during a raid but missed its main target, a leader of the group.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, said the four suspects were caught during a 5 a.m. raid by combined Army and police elements at a house in Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao.
Cabunoc identified the arrested individuals as Ronex Langalen, 47; Anwar Abdullah, 26; Allakbar Sekung, 20; and Renante Milan, 37; all alleged BIFF members operating in the province.




Led by Cabunoc himsef, the government troopers were on a mission to get suspected BIFF sub-leader Datu Parido Balabagan alias Banog in far-flung Barangay Lumabao, Gen. Salipada K Pendatun, but missed him.


“The principal suspect (Banog) managed to escape along with his eight followers using a secret passage behind the compound where he was hiding,” the military official told reporters here on Thursday.

Also seized during the raid were high-power firearms and explosives comprising an M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, three MK2 hand grenades, and assorted ammunition.

The arrested persons were handed over to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao chief, Senior Supt. James Gulmatico, for the cases that would be filed against them.

Col. Robert Dauz, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MIB), said the arrest of the suspects came amid reports that BIFF radicals were planning to attack the municipal police station of neighboring Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat before the raid on Wednesday.

“This is the outcome of our all-out efforts against armed threats to attack the police station in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat a few days ago,” Dauz said.

Major General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, has directed the 1st MIB to hunt down the remnants of the BIFF in Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun to thwart the group's plan to get back at government forces or non-combatant civilians.

“You must continuously pursue them so that we can prevent their atrocities against hapless civilians,” Sobejana said, adding that military units in Central Mindanao will continue coordinating with police authorities to synergize efforts against the terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051403

PH Navy committed to multi-lateral cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): PH Navy committed to multi-lateral cooperation

The Philippine Navy's (PN) participation to the first-ever ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise (ACMEX) highlights its commitment in promoting multi-lateral cooperation.

"It is an ingenuous affirmation of its commitment in collaborating with other navies to promote peace and stability in the region. As with other naval engagements and exercises, these activities are expected to validate friendship, partnership and cooperative commitment that have been established and observed among ASEAN Member States, and the People’s Republic of China," PN spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said in a statement late Wednesday.


On Wednesday morning, the PN formally sent off the logistic support vessel, BRP Dagupan City (LC-551), and a 200-man contingent in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Present during the ceremony were PN Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Danilo Rodelas.

Zata said the PN contingent for ACMEX 2018 is headed by Commander Sherwin E. Respeto.

"This will be the latest contingent sent by the PN following its successful participation in different multilateral naval exercises such as KOMODO Exercise in Mataram, Indonesia, RIMPAC Exercise in Hawaii, USA and KAKADU in Darwin, Australia to include the recent goodwill visits in Vladivostok, Russia and Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. The ACMEX 2018 aims to promote exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN Member States (AMS) navies and China PLA (N) focusing on maritime safety and search and rescue at sea with emphasis on the use of Code of Unplanned Encounter at Sea (CUES)," the PN spokesperson said.

ACMEX 2018, slated from Oct. 21 to 28 in Zhanjiang, will be hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy and China's People Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

BRP Dagupan City is expected to arrive in China on Oct. 20.

Earlier, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the proposal for a joint ASEAN and Chinese naval exercise was submitted during the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting in Singapore last February.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051406

With public support, we could crush rebels: military spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): With public support, we could crush rebels: military spox

With the support of the Filipino people, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it could quash the insurgency put up by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"The AFP’s resolve, with the support of the people and the cooperation of other agencies of government, will neutralize this terrorist group by next year," military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in statement Wednesday.


Arevalo made the comment after CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison claimed that the NPA does not have the capability to oust President Rodrigo Duterte and that the Chief Executive's removal is dependent on the public outcry and the support of the military.

The CPP-NPA has been tagged as the brains behind the "Red October" ouster plot that was expected to start on October 17. This, however, fizzled out due to the military's move to make public the looming threat.

"They could not -- with the number of NPA regulars and supporters surrendering in droves, with their firearms, (it) is phenomenal," the AFP spokesperson said.

He added that due to the mass surrenders, NPA guerrilla fronts are being dismantled and downgraded, and high-ranking leaders are being neutralized in succession.

From January to Oct. 10 this year, more than 9,795 regular members of the CPP-NPA, Militia ng Bayan, underground organization members, and mass base supporters have surrendered nationwide. The bulk, or 8,665, of the surrenderers came from Eastern Mindanao.

A total of 1,344 assorted firearms have also been seized from the NPA, further limiting its capability to launch attacks against the government and private businesses.


"With their evil designs uncovered, and the people and groups targeted for recruitment have backed out or dissociated from them, the CPP-NPA now feigns innocence, saying they do not have the capability to oust the President," Arevalo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051413

DND chief cites impact of integration program in fight vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): DND chief cites impact of integration program in fight vs. insurgency

The Duterte administration's effective implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is the primary reason why the insurgency in the country is now on a decline, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
“Nandito ang ating pamahalaan, sa pangunguna ni President Duterte na bibigyan ang lahat ng pagkakataon ng nagbabalik-loob na magbagong-buhay, mamuhay nang tahimik, para makapag-contribute kayo sa ating komunidad (Our government is here, led by President Rodrigo Duterte. He will give everyone a chance to return to the fold of the law, live a new life in peace and make everyone able to contribute to development),”
Lorenzana said in a statement sent to reporters Wednesday.

Through this program, more rebels are sending surrender feelers to the government.

The DND chief made this comment during the final leg of the two-day Peace Summit for the Former Rebels (FRs) held at the Northern Luzon Command headquarters in Tarlac.


The event also included the surrender of firearms and the ceremonial acceptance of 125 FRs from Regions 1, 2, 3 and Cordillera.

E-CLIP is the flagship program of the Duterte administration that seeks to effect social healing and national unity through a whole-of-nation approach towards the higher objective of having just and lasting peace.

It also provides social equity to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People Army-National Democratic Front and the Militia ng Bayan by devising a different modality of providing benefits and services to the FRs, in order to reintegrate them into mainstream society.

Lorenzana also commended the efforts of all agencies under the Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL), headed by Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, which implements the E-CLIP by consolidating all the programs of TFBL lead and partner agencies, as well as local government units which implement the reintegration program in their localities through the E-CLIP Committees headed by provincial governors.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1051425

Abu Sayyaf hostage released after paying ransom

From the Sun Star-Manila (Oct 18): Abu Sayyaf hostage released after paying ransom 



THE Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) released on Wednesday evening, October 17, one of their kidnap victims after the captive's family paid P1.2 million worth of ransom.

In a report, authorities said the ASG released Rufo Roda to a certain Al, who allegedly took part in the negotiation around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in downtown Jolo in Sulu.


Roda was abducted in Zamboanga del Norte on August 31 along with his wife.

The family of the victim allegedly paid P1.2 million worth of ransom money for the release of the couple but the bandits refused to free Ronda’s wife.

Ronda is now undergoing custodial debriefing prior to his turnover to his family.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1769768/Manila/Local-News/Abu-Sayyaf-hostage-released-after-paying-ransom

4 suspected BIFF members arrested in Maguindanao

From the Sun Star-Manila (Oct 17): 4 suspected BIFF members arrested in Maguindanao



FOUR suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who were allegedly planning to stage an attack in Sultan Kudarat were arrested on Wednesday morning, October 17, in Maguindanao.

Spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, Major Arvin Encinas, said Datu Parido Banabagan, alias Kumander Banog, and three others who are yet to be identified were nabbed during joint police and military operations in Barangay Lumabao, General Salipada K. Pendatun, around 5 a.m.
Banabagan was the alleged leader of the group.


Recovered from the suspects were two M14 rifles, two RPG launchers, and three grenades.

Encinas said based on intelligence report, the arrested BIFF members were gathering information, as they are planning to launch an attack in the municipality of Lambayong in Sultan Kudarat.

The arrested suspects were brought to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for proper disposition.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1769588/Manila/Local-News/4-suspected-BIFF-members-arrested-in-Maguindanao

MILF: ‘Marawi must be quickly rehabilitated and reconstructed’- MILF Chairman

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 16): ‘Marawi must be quickly rehabilitated and reconstructed’- MILF Chairman



Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Alhaj Murad Ebrahim said Marawi City must be quickly rehabilitated and reconstructed citing that extremists may use its delay as opportunity for propaganda and recruitment.
During a Donor’s Forum held at Davao City last Thursday (Oct 11), Chairman Murad stressed that rehabilitation of Marawi, the only Islamic City of the country, is both the “right and just thing to do.”

Representatives of the International communities coming from the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), World Bank, and the embassies of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and Spain attended the forum.

The activity was aimed to extend assistance to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the body that will handle the transition phase from the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Chairman Murad conveyed the 10 priorities in the transition from Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to BARMM.

Among these is the enactment of priority measures mandated by the Bangsamoro law such as Electoral Code, Civil Service Code, and Administrative Code and the Review and integrate the Bangsamoro Development Plan, the Regional Development Plan of ARMM, the Camp Transformation Plan and other Bangsamoro plans.

The MILF chief added that they will study and design the appropriate bureaucracy for the Bangsamoro Government to ensure the right balance between the size of the bureaucracy and the services that need to be delivered as well as the appropriate skills required of people in the bureaucracy.

He said that there is already a system of cooperation between MILF and development partners that maybe be improved to make it more effective in the present challenges being faced today.

Chairman Murad underscored that part of the priorities is to ensure a productive partnership between the Bangsamoro Government and Development partners as well as the national government to ensure complementation of programs to maximize results.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1548/---marawi-must-be-quickly-rehabilitated-and-reconstructed-----milf-chairman-

MILF: Tawi-Tawi Bangsamoro Community leaders hold Information campaign on BOL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 16): Tawi-Tawi Bangsamoro Community leaders hold Information campaign on BOL



TANDUBAS TAWI-TAWI- October 14. 2018- Bangsamoro Community leaders along with MILF line agencies, and BIAF 117TH Base Command of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) conducted series of information drive and peace advocacies on Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in far-flung barangays and municipalities of Tawi-Tawi.

Providing right information and deep understanding on BOL were the main objectives of the program that was facilitated by Chairman Ibrahim Ibnohasan of MILF Municipal Political Committee, Brother Aris Khan Pamate, and some BIAF Officers and members based in Tawi-Tawi.

The first information-drive were held at Barangays Tapian Sokah, Danglog, Tandubas on last October 3.

On October 6, another information-drive was organized and facilitated by BIAF 117th Base Command at Tandubas School of Fisheries in Barangay Sallangan.

Another Information-drive was held at Ungus Matata, Tandubas on October 7 after a request from community leaders in a bid to deepen their understanding on BOL so that they can convey correct and accurate information to their respective constituents.

On October 9, representatives from BIAF 117th Base Command and Tandubas Political Committee of Tandubas proceeded to the Island Municipality of Sapa-Sapa and conducted another advocacy program at Barangay Tong-gusung Bannaran attended by local residents mostly Fisher folks and Sea-weed Farmers.

In the open forum that ensued, Resource Speaker Mr. Tirso Sulanting Tahir from Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) who hails from Tandubas elucidated on the BOL salient provisions by using layman’s term and local dialect (Sinama) so that it can be easily understood by local folks.

Series of dialogue with barangay officials and sectors have also been conducted by Mr. Tahir to enlighten his fellow Sama tribe, gaining various inputs and perspectives from different individuals and groups regarding R.A 11054 or OLBARMM.

The Peace Advocate Group of Tandubas have mapped out their plans for another peace advocacy and information drive in the province’s remote barangays and municipalities to ensure that BOL will gain a solid ground among the people of Tawi-Tawi once they fully understand the benefits under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1546/tawi-tawi-bangsamoro-community-leaders-hold-information-campaign-on-bol

MILF: Ulama help in information drive for better understanding of BOL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 17): Ulama help in information drive for better understanding of BOL



Photo courtesy of Prof. Moner Bajunaid, NUCP Sec-Gen

The National Ulama Conference of the Philippines (NUCP), a national organization of Ulama and Ulama network in the country, help in the information drive for the people to understand the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and campaign for its acceptance by the Bangsamoro people.
In a statement of support to the BOL signed by its officers, the NUCP said that as it provides guidance and awareness for the ratification of the measure, “it appeals to the electorate in the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the name of peace, development and justice for all.”

The copy of the statement was officially handed-over to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Secretary-General Muhammad Ameen on Monday.

The Islamic scholars is hopeful for the success of the plebiscite and also urged the Bangsamoro people to be prepared to take part in the capacity development towards building the foundation of the Bangsamoro governance.

They will intensify their drives in support for the ratification of BOL through the Ulama members in the proposed Bangsamoro territory.

For more than a decade, the NUCP has been active is peace advocacy and capacity-building of the Ulama members as well as issuing statements on major issues and concerns affecting the Muslims in the country. The organization is headed by Dr. Hamid Barra.

The BOL, passed by the 17th Congress, provides the establishment of the Bangsamoro autonomous government that shall answer the yearning of the Bangsamoro people for self-governance.

The measure is the legal translation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a peace deal signed in 2014 by the Philippine Government and the MILF.

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which was renamed as BOL.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1550/ulama-help-in-information-drive-for-better-understanding-of-bol

MILF: MYRO Conducts Focus Group Discussion on BOL

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 17): MYRO Conducts Focus Group Discussion on BOL



IN PHOTO- Engr. Mansory Abdulatif, President of Cotabato City-based MYRO Main Chapter speaks to the USM student leaders during the Focus Group Discussion on BOL

Kabacan, North Cotabato - The Muslim Youth Religious Organization (MYRO)-University of Southern Mindanao Chapter conducted Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Bangsamoro Organic Law in support to the ratification of R.A. 11054 or OLBARMM.
The event sponsored by MYRO Main Chapter headed by Engr. Mansory S. Abdulatif was held at the university campus on October 13, 2018 supported with donations from concerned professionals and benefactors.

Participants were composed of student leaders from University Student Government (USG), Local Student Government, society presidents, university publication writers, and staff.

The organizers aim to equip the student leaders deep understanding of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) so that they become source of accurate information and effective tools in encouraging their fellow students to support the ratification of OLBARMM by casting the YES votes during the plebiscite on January 21st of 2019.

Furthermore, concerned organizations’ leaders can undertake massive campaign in support to the victory of the YES vote in the core territory, and other areas mentioned in the law.

In order for advocacy on BOL becomes effective, student leaders can make use of their School publications, radio program, and the social media to enhance public awareness on BOL.

As they strengthen their position on BOL, the student leaders shall “honor the past, treasure the present and shape the future by toeing the line of Bangsamoro leadership that aspires for better if not the best region in the country once the BOL is ratified during the plebiscite.

MYRO Chapter Adviser, Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah said young leaders must learn about the contents of BOL because it will shape the future of the next generations.

Abdullatif stressed to the newly inducted officers that their role as young leaders is very vital to the society. It may bring change that makes them better individuals, responsible and future leaders of the homeland.

R.A. 11054 or the Organic Law for Bangsamoro is designed for inclusive development of all sectors in the Bangsamoro so young leaders must involve themselves in the campaign for BOL ratification.

Ms. Khadiguia Ontak-Balah says, the event is conducted to sharpen the minds of the youth and mold them to become responsible individuals. It is the time for the youths to collaborate, and strengthen their acts so that they can become part of the new autonomous political entity called Bangsamoro.

Engr. Muhajirin Ali, Chief of Staff of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel emphasized in his message the difference between the powers in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Other provision highlighted in his message was on the participation of the youth in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

“The beauty of having automatic appropriation of Block Grant for the Bangsamoro, and other provisions that will ensure quality education, other social and economic opportunities will bring about better life for all,” Engr. Ali said.

The importance of participating in the referendum on January 21st is one way of ensuring the victory of the yes vote that can be considered as another milestone for the Moro people.

The journey of the Bangsamoro to achieve their right to self-determination was discussed by the another speaker.

Ms. Faydiyah Samanodi Akmad, a young peace advocate and a former President of MYRO-USM Chapter, Year 2014 spoke about the Bangsamoro History.

She encouraged the student leaders to understand where the journey of Moro struggle started from and how the organic law was achieved by Bangsamoro leaders?

“The assertion to right to self-determination by the Moro people is a continuing struggle even after the establishment of the Bangsamoro,” Akmad said.

Akmad ended her message by saying, “the BOL must be ratified by us, and gradually the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro can be addressed.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1549/myro-conducts-focus-group-discussion-on-bol

MILF: Editorial - The Donors’ Forum in Davao City

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Oct 16): Editorial - The Donors’ Forum in Davao City

Not so much expected earlier, the Donors’ Forum held in Davao City last October 11 was a grand success. Aside from United Nations Resident Coordinator Ola Almgren, at least six ambassadors, as well as European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen, graced the occasion. Secretary Jesus Dureza was also present. Most of the senior leaders of the MILF also attended.
In his message, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim stated the two top-most challenges for the incoming Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) namely, successful transition of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and providing for sufficient funding to the BTA. He also outlined the 10-point priorities of the BTA after the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on January 21, next year, foremost of which, among others, are transitioning MILF forces from combat-mind-set to productive civilian life, addressing threat of violent extremist groups in the region, immediate programs in response to the pressing social and economic problems such as poverty, education, health, access to clean water and electricity, etc., and rehabilitation of Marawi City.

According to an inside account, the response of the international community to the MILF’s call for support was resoundingly in the affirmative.

Be this as it may, Chair Murad was crystal clear in his message that no new system of cooperation is to be established as there have been some mechanics of cooperation already established.

“Maybe just to improve or maybe to make it more effective in the present challenges we are facing today,” he added.

To our mind, this clarification is very important given the fact that agreements of the government and MILF in relation to the normalization process are clearly stated and in place, especially the establishment of the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund (BNTF). The focus of the Donors’ Forum is basically to extend assistance to the BTA and how it can stand and effectively face the challenges and priorities, enumerated above.

No doubt, the help of the international community especially the United Nations is not only crucial but indispensable. In fact, they have been journeying with us since many years back.

Be this as it may, one thing remains valid: The peace process is still Bangsamoro-centered, and the process is still MILF-GPH process with the participation of the international community, to achieve a lasting solution to the conflict in Mindanao. And the principal stakeholders are the Bangsamoro people, represented by the MILF (in partnership with the MNLF), and the Philippine government. They did this and now through their partnership, good things are developing therefrom. In this, we need the help, to repeat, of the international community.
___________________________________________________________
MESSAGE AT THE DONORS FORUM
Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Chairman

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1547/the_donors____forum_in_davao_city

NDF/NPA-SMR: NPA ambushes abusive Davao City Army unit, hitting 9 casualties

NPA-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDF) Website (Oct 13): NPA ambushes abusive Davao City Army unit, hitting 9 casualties

Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Operations Command
New People’s Army
Southern Mindanao Region

October 10, 2018
PRESS STATEMENT

In desperation to perpetuate itself in power, it is expected that the US-Duterte regime will use all sinister means, not least conspiracy theories, to justify its rising tyranny against the people. As the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command tries urgently to whip up hysteria with the regime’s self-concocted Red October plot, the New People’s Army units in the region are frustrating the enemy’s encirclement campaigns through intensified guerrilla warfare.

On September 28, an NPA unit of the Mt. Apo Sub-Regional Operations Command delivered heavy body blow against the 3rd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Indawhong, Brgy. Salaysay, Baguio District in Davao City. Around 2:00 pm, the Red fighters ambushed a platoon of the 3rd IB and CAFGU, killing four enemy troopers and severely wounding at least five more.

Less than an hour after the firefight, attack helicopters rained bombs and artillery fire near Sitio Indawhong and adjacent Sitio Kalachuchi. For almost 24 hours, the area was continuously mortared, prompting the evacuation of at least 42 families or more than 200 civilians from the two communities.

The masses of Davao City rejoice this recent tactical offensive against an atrocious AFP battalion responsible for the spate of extra-judicial killings, numerous forced and fake surrenders of civilians, intimidation and forced recruitment under the Martial Law in Mindanao.

The NPA ambuscade was carried out as revolutionary justice against the 3rd IB, whose abusive troops have wreaked tumult in the lives of Lumad and peasants with vicious impunity, emboldened by the fascist instigations of both GRP Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Since 2017, in desperate attempt to attack the revolutionary movement in Davao City, operatives or uniformed elements of the 3rd IB turned against civilians and killed farmer and construction worker Ariel Gelberio and motorcycle driver Roel Satingasin in Brgy. Lamanan, farmer Rodolfo Dagahuya, Jr. in Brgy. Dominga, farmer couple Jezreel and Dalia Arrabis in Brgy. Tamayong and farmer Meling Calawag in Brgy. Salapawan.

The 3rd IB’s fascist crimes escalated this year. In Marilog District, 3rd IB troopers were responsible for ransacking several houses of civilians in Brgy. Tamugan and Brgy. Suawan in at least two incidents. In Calinan District, a peasant family was held at gunpoint and forced to admit to keeping a cache of arms for the NPA. Failing to find anything, the Army forced the family to surrender and tagged them as NPA supporters.

In Brgy. Tawan-tawan, Baguio District last July, farmers were subjected to psychological torture, held incommunicado for several days and forced to surrender as NPA fighters following a firefight between 3rd IB troops and Red fighters. In all aforementioned districts, and including Paquibato, Toril and Tugbok districts, civilians were coerced to surrender as either NPA fighters or supporters and forced to enlist as members of the CAFGU in order to “clear their names.”

With all these atrocities under its belt, it is preposterous for the 3rd IB to boast that the masses of Davao City are embracing Oplan Kapayapaan and is supportive of the Martial Law in Mindanao. Unlike the shock, terror and psychological warfare operations of the fascist AFP troops in the Lumad and peasant communities, Red fighters are immersed in the countryside 24/7, ready to defend the lives and livelihood of Lumad and peasants.

(sgd.) ISABEL SANTIAGO
Spokesperson
Mt. Apo Subregional Operations Command
New People’s Army

https://www.ndfp.org/npa-ambushes-abusive-davao-city-army-unit-hitting-9-casualties/

NDF/Sison: Duterte’s culpabilities for soaring prices of basic goods and services and for the deterioration of the Philippine economy

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDF) Website (Oct 13): Duterte’s culpabilities for soaring prices of basic goods and services and for the deterioration of the Philippine economy

By Prof. Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
October 13, 2018

It is fine that Duterte admits lately that tough economic times are ahead for the Filipino people who are now already reeling from the inflationary conditions. He contradicts his previous declaration in Bali that the Philippine economy is on an upward trajectory.



But he holds the narrow and deceptive view that rising oil prices is the only cause of the rising prices of basic goods and services in the Philippines. By this, he absolves himself from his culpabilities for the following:
  1. Train 1 and 2, which cut back the taxes on corporations and the wealthy and imposes the tax burden on the consuming public in the form of excise and value-added taxes;
  2. corruption in huge discretionary funds of the president and pork barrel corruption among members of Congress;
  3. overspending for the military, police and intelligence agencies but underspending for social services;
  4. lack of land reform and national industrialization and discouragement and decline of food production and local manufacturing;
  5. drastic fall of income from raw material exports and semimanufactures;
  6. rising import costs of oil and manufactures;
  7. rising interest rates on accumulated and new foreign loans;
  8. overborrowing for infrastructure projects (build, build, build) and bigger debt service on the rising public debt;
  9. wider budgetary and trade deficits; and
  10. declining peso due to inflation and worsening balance of payments problem.
Duterte is culpable for the aggravation of all the foregoing problems of his regime and has no solution to offer. Therefore, the regime will stink further from month to month and will ripen for rejection in the May 2019 elections or for ouster sooner than later.

https://www.ndfp.org/dutertes-culpabilities-for-soaring-prices-of-basic-goods-and-services-and-for-the-deterioration-of-the-philippine-economy/

NDF/NDF-NEMR: The US-Duterte regime must answer for the rice crisis and soaring prices of goods

NDF-North Eastern Mindanao Region (NEMR) propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front (NDF) Website (Oct 15): The US-Duterte regime must answer for the rice crisis and soaring prices of goods

Statement
October 9, 2018

(Reuters)

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines–North Eastern Mindanao Region (NDFP-NEMR) along with all the revolutionary forces in the region strongly condemn and call on the people to make the US-Duterte regime answer for the deliberate manipulation of the economy that has resulted to severe rice crisis and price increases of goods in the country in order for the foreign monopoly capitalists, big bourgeois compradors and landlords to gain even greater profits.

The regime shamelessly blames farmers for the soaring price of rice supposedly caused by elevated selling prices imposed by farmers on traders.

In a study of the situation of rice farmers in NEMR, during harvest season traders buy 50 kilos of rice grains for P900.00 (P18.00 per kilo) from farmers. On the average, after milling, the 50 kilos rice grains yields 32-35 kilos of rice. Traders spend only P50 for drying, P75 for milling and P20 for transport totaling to P145 expenses for every sack of 50 kilos rice grains. The 35 kilos milled rice sells for P1,925.00 at P55.00 per kilo. Subtract from this the P 1,045.00 spent for buying and milling and the trader earns P880.00 for every 50 kilos of rice grains. If traders buy 100 sacks of rice, they will earn P 880,000.00 profit.

This means that the regime’s blaming of farmers for the increase of price of rice in the country is utter falsehood. Almost half of the selling price of rice is pocketed by traders as profit. In fact, farmers are victims of high usury rates, lack of government subsidy, costly farm inputs and low prices of their products. Because of this, farmers, especially rice farmers, are constantly in a shortfall.

Before the implementation of the Train Law, the price of rice in the market was at P40 a kilo with traders earning P380 for every 50 kilos of rice. The profit that traders are earning under Train Law increased by 56% or P500 compared to their earnings before the Train Law was implemented. In fact, despite the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Caraga’s statement that the region has enough supply, the price of rice is still high in the region.

The US-Duterte regime’s answer to the current rice crisis is importation which will supposedly decrease market prices. Just last October 8 Duterte ordered the implementation of a free market of rice in the country, immediately taking effect the day after. His order lifted the quota of imported rice, which means unlimited volume of rice that can be imported from other countries. Also last September, Duterte issued Administrative Order 13 allowing private capitalists to import rice and other agricultural products. All these were done under the assumption that prices will go down when rice floods the market. They did not consider the fact that traders are inherently greedy for profit and that they would collude with each other to maintain the imposition of high price of rice.

If ever prices subside because of the influx of imported rice in the Philippines, it (importation) will undermine the agricultural products of local farmers. Farmers will be forced to lower the prices of their products despite the ever increasing cost of farming (tools, farm inputs and others). In the long run local rice production will be defeated and farmers will turn to planting products for export such as oil palm, banana, pineapple and others. This will again result in the monopoly of rice trading and other agricultural products by foreign capitalists. In truth, this is but a fulfillment of the agreements imposed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to open the Philippine market.

Meanwhile, the regime has no specific program that will solve the problems of farmers. If he will allocate the budget for rice importation to improving local rice production, the food crisis in the country will be solved.

No one else can be blamed for the rice crisis and the soaring prices of goods but the US-Duterte regime which continue to serve the interest of foreign monopoly capitalists, local big bourgeois compradors and landlords. It has further tied the country’s economy to import dependency and export of raw materials. It has fully implemented trade liberalization which only benefits big business and capitalist countries and will devastate the Philippine economy.

Not contented with just placing the Filipino people under severe difficulties, the regime has added the burden of Train Law to serve its Build, Build, Build projects to entice big foreign and local capitalists to invest in the country. The people are further saddled with relentless oil price increases brought about by the additional taxation of petroleum products. The average price increase of oil reached almost P12 a liter this year. In addition, the country is losing to foreign trade lowering the value of the peso against the dollar. In just seven months the value of the peso to a dollar decreased to P54, the lowest in almost 15 years. This has resulted to constant price increases of basic commodities and services in the country, such as education, health, irrigation and others.

Thus, the people must demand national sovereignty and an end to foreign domination. Land reform and national industrialization must be implemented to establish a self-sufficient national economy.

Amidst the severe rice and food crisis in the country today, the NDFP-NEMR calls on the people to plant food crops. In the countryside, where there are farm lots, the planting of food crops for consumption, such as rice, corn, sweet potato, vegetable and others through communal farming must be urged. In the cities where farming is difficult, people must plant in the yard using available materials that can hold soil (cellophane, sacks, cans and others) for planting. In little ways, these can help in solving the lack of food and rising price of rice.

The rice crisis, the continuing price increases of basic goods, and Duterte’s fascism and tyrannical rule are enough basis for him to answer to the people.

Struggle against the rising prices of basic goods. End all anti-people policies and pro-imperialist laws of the US-Duterte regime! Strengthen the peoples war! Down with the US-Duterte regime!

Ka Maria Malaya
Spokesperson, NDFP-NEMR
https://www.ndfp.org/the-us-duterte-regime-must-answer-for-the-rice-crisis-and-soaring-prices-of-goods/

CPP/NPA-Panay: Salvador Hisuan – indi aktibo nga katapo sang NPA

NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 15): Salvador Hisuan – indi aktibo nga katapo sang NPA

Julio Montana
Tagpamaba
Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command
New People’s Army – Panay Region

October 15, 2018
Luyag athagon sang Coronacion Chiva “Waling-waling” Command nga si Salvador Hisuan indi aktibo nga katapo sang ano man nga yunit, opisina ukon organisasyon sang New People’s Army.

Baliskad ini sa gin-anunsyar ni Col Benedict Arevalo sg 301st Infantry Brigade nga “si Hisuan amo ang kumander sang Regional Sentro de Grabidad (RSDG) yunit kag sang Regional Operations Command (ROC).” Gina-insistir ni Arevalo nga aktibo pa nga myembro sang NPA si Hisuan para magkuha sang pogi points sa iya kredito kag agod magdugang sang sabor sa ginaluto nga kabutigan sang AFP nga Red October nga binawi na sang DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzano bangod wala ginpatihan sang publiko.

Si Hisuan ginkakas na sa listahan sang NPA halin sang mag-AWOL siya sang Septyembre 2014. Sang madakpan siya sang Oktubre 9, 2018 sa syudad sang Iloilo gin-ako mismo ni Hisuan nga sang 2014 nagsurender na siya sa kay Lt Col Magbalot sang 61st IB.

Lubos man nga kabutigan ang ginpahambog sang pamunuan sang 61st IB nga sa amo man nga adlaw nagsurender ang tatlo ka kuno NPA nga mga katapo sang “Strike Force of Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) of the NPA of Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay” nga amo sanday Marlon Castor Lozada alias Niko, 34; Jomar Camarig Depalubos alias PG, 29, pareho nga residente sang Sitio Inuscan, Barangay Cahigon, Calinog, Iloilo; kag Pablito Lozada Depalubos alias Atlas, 49, residente sang Sitio Tinabasan, Barangay Buri, Tapaz, Capiz.

Sandig sa opisyal nga rekord sang NPA-Central Front, si Marlon Castor Lozada alias Niko ginkakas na sa listahan sang NPA-Central Front umpisa pa sang 2008 kag makapila na ka beses nga nagsurender sa militarya. Samtang ang duha pa ka ginsambit nga surrenderers ang wala sa listahan kag indi nangin kabahin sang ano man nga yunit sang NPA sa idalom sang NPA-Central Front.

Wala sang iban nga katuyuan ang pagpresentar sang militarya sang mga fake kag recycled surrenderers kundi ang pagbulsa sang mga mataas nga opisyal sini sang minilyon nga pondo sa idalom sang ila programa nga E-CLIP ukon Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, isa ka peke nga programa sa pagpasurender. Luyag man ipakita sang pamunuan sang 301st Inf Bde kag 61st Inf Bn nga nagaluya na ang pwersa sang NPA sa isla. Sa kamatuoran, sa una nga walo ka bulan sang 2018, nagdaku sang 10 porsyento ang numero sang mga Pulang hangaway sang NPA sa pagpatapo sang katumbas duha ka regular platoon nga mga bag-ong rekrut.

Indi mapunggan sang anuman nga psyops sang AFP kag PNP, pareho sang ila pagpresentar sang mga peke kag recycled nga mga surenderers, ang padayon nga pagbaskog sang armado nga rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa sa isla. Pat-ud nga madamo pa ang mapartisipar sa armado nga paghimakas kag magpatapo sa NPA bangud sang nagapalala nga kaimulon, kapigusan kag madamuan kag lapnagon nga pagpamatay ukon ejk sa idalom sang tiraniko nga paghari sang berdugo nga Pres. Duterte sa pagpatuman sini sang Oplan Kapayapaan, Oplan Tokhang, TRAIN kag ibanpa nga mga programa nga nagabiktima sang pumuluyo labi na ang mamumugon kag mangunguma sa kaumhan kag mga komunidad sang mga imol-sa-syudad.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/15/salvador-hisuan-indi-aktibo-nga-katapo-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Panay: Serial Killings sa Panay, Kahimuan sang PNP

NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 15): Serial Killings sa Panay, Kahimuan sang PNP

Julio Montana
Tagpamaba
Coronacion Chiva “Waling-Waling” Command
New People’s Army – Panay Region

October 15, 2018

Halin sang pagpungko ni Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao bilang Regional Director sang PNP halos wala sang bulan, umpisa sang Hunyo 24, 2018, nga wala sang sunod-sunod nga pagpamatay sang mga sibilyan nga ‘kuno imbolbado sa druga’. Kon indi ang mga naka-uniporme nga mga Death Squads nga PNP, PDEU, RDEU ukon PDEA ang may kahimuan, ang kay Bulalacao nga wala nakauniporme nga mga Death Squads nga riding in tandem ang nagatigayon sang mga marder.

Si Bulalacao lang kag ang iya pulis ang wala naalarma sa asud-asod nga pagpamatay nga nagalab-ot na sa masobra 20 ang mga kaso sang marder paagi sa ekstra-hudisyal nga pagpamatay. Isa sang ginpatay sa Roxas City, Capiz amo si Atty Edeljulio Romero nga anay abogado sang pinatay man nga druglord nga si Melvin Odicta. Ginasulit-sulit lamang sang PNP ang ila inutil nga balibad nga kuno mga isolated cases ang mga ini kag under investigation pero bisan isa ka suspek wala sila sang matudlo.

Ang matuod amo nga butigon si Bulalacao, si Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba sg IPPO kag ang bilog nga kapulisan sa rehiyon. Ang matuod amo nga ang mga pagpamatay kahimuan sang estado, ginatugutan sang berdugo nga Presidente kag ang nagahimo sini sa idalom sang direksyon kag mando sang tsip idu-ido ni Duterte sa PNP nga amo ang Regional Director mismo.

Para sa impormasyon sang tanan, si John Bulalacao ang PNP Provincial Director sang Bulacan sang 2017 sa panahon nga 32 ka tawo ang ginpamatay sang iya kapulisan sa sulod sang isa ka adlaw lamang halin 12:00am Agosto 15 asta 12:00am Agosto 16 sa ngalan sang Tokhang. Ang ini nga pagmasaker sang mga suspetsado pa lang, ang gindayaw ni Duterte kag gin-engganyo ang iya bayaran nga pulis nga maayo nga sundon ang pagpatay adlaw-adlaw sang 32 ka suspek (bisan wala mapamatud-an) agod malubad ang problema sa druga.

Sobra na duha ka tuig ang pamatay ni Duterte kag iya mga bounty-hunter nga pulis kag militar nga nag-abot na sa masobra 23,000 ang patay sa ngalan sang kontra-druga pero druga pa kuno gihapon ang pinaka-problema sang pumuluyo sa Pilipinas. Samtang nagakamang na sa kapigaduhon kag nagakalamatay ang pumuluyo sa balatian tuga sang gutom kag kaimulon, ang solusyon sang kriminal nga Presidente kag iya dilap-sa-buli nga bayaran nga pulis kag militar amo ang wala kutod nga pamatay sa ngalan sang kontra-druga, kontra-terorismo, kontra-insurhensya sa idalom sang US-directed program nga Oplan Kapayapaan.

Ang delikado subong amo ang gina-engganyo sang estado nga linya sang pamensaron kag kaisipan nga bangod ang gin-marder mga high-value targets, ukon ara sa watch list, ukon drug surrenderer nga nagbalik, OK lang nga mapatay sila sang mga death squads nga indi kuno ma-identify kag madakop-dakop sang pulis ukon militar ang mga may kahimuan.

Pero na-identify si PO1 Melvin Mocoro nga amo ang nagluthang kay PO2 Dorben Acap, ang 2 ka aktibo nga mga Phil Marines nga nagpatay sa isa ka retired Phil Army Captain nga si Joren BaƱas kag ang pulis intel nga si SPO4 Rene Matulac nga ginatudlo sang pamilya sang pinatay nga si Brgy Tanod Niel Resma. Ano ang aksyon ni Bulalacao sini?

Wala aksyon si Bulalacao bangud siya mismo ang pasimuno sang pinagusto nga pamatay sa tanan nga probinsya sang Panay kag mga syudad sang Iloilo kag Roxas. Siya ang pinakamasupog nga tagapatuman ni Duterte sang wala-konsensya kag brutal nga pamatay a la Marcos kag a la Hitler sa tuyo nga kontrolon ang kahadlok kag pamensaron sang pumuluyo.

Apang indi ini magdugay, ang tanan nga pasista nga paghari may katapusan. Indi ini magdugay bangod ang pumuluyo mismo maga-alsa kontra sa diktadurya kag tiraniya. Kag ara ang New People’s Army nga amo ang mapalapitan sang pumuluyo, magapangapin sang ila mga kinamatarung kag magadugmok sa kaaway sang masa.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/15/serial-killings-sa-panay-kahimuan-sang-pnp/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: Ambus ng BHB-Camarines Norte sa Tropa ng 96th IB, Matagumpay

NPA-Camarines Norte propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 15): Ambus ng BHB-Camarines Norte sa Tropa ng 96th IB, Matagumpay

Carlito Cada
Armando Catapia Command
Tagapagsalita
Bagong Hukbong Bayan – Camarines Norte
Pahayag sa midya

October 15, 2018
Matagumpay ang ambus na isinagawa ng isang platun ng mga pulang mandirigma sa ilalim ng Armado Catapia Commmand-BHB Camarines Norte sa tropa ng 96th IB Philippine Army sa Purok 7, Brgy. Dumagmang, Labo Camarines Norte noong Oktubre 14 , 2018 , bandang alas- 4 ng hapon.

Walo ang napatay at 2 ang sugatan sa tropa ng 96th IB. Dalawa sa mga namatay ay sina Pfc. Ruben Bersabe at Pfc. John Balala. Nasamsam din sa kanila ang 2 M4 assault rifle. Nagulantang ang tropa ng 96th IB at dis-organisadong umatras matapos masorpresa ng opensiba ng mga pulang mandirigma. Ayon mismo sa pahayag ni Col. Paul Regencia, tagapagsalita ng 9ID , ang mga napahiwalay na elemento ng PA ay kinaumagahan na nakabalik sa kanilang mga kasamahan. Samantala, ligtas na nakamaniobra ang BHB palayo sa pinangyarihan.

Naganap ang opensiba ng BHB malapit lang sa binabasehan ng tropa 96th IB sa Barangay Dumagmang. Inamin mismo ng militar na hindi nila akalaing makakadikit malapit sa kanilang base ang mga pulang mandirigma. Ngunit dahil sa suportang masa ay nanatiling lihim ang pwesto ng mga kasama habang matiyagang nag-abang para sa isasagawang ambus. Salungat ito sa baluktot na kwento ni Duterte at ng AFP na “walang suporta ng mamamayan” at “walang hawak ni isang barangay” ang NPA.

Matatandaang mula Pebrero nitong taon ay nakadeploy na ang mga militar sa 8 barangay ng Labo Camarines Norte. Ang presensya ng mga pwersa ng AFP sa lugar ay dahil umano sa isinasagawa nilang programa para sa “Peace and Development” o ” Community Support ” sa ilalim ng kontra-insurhensyang Oplan Kapayapaan. Subalit kabaliktaran nito, hindi kapayapaan at pag-unlad o suporta ang hatid nila sa mamamayan ng Labo, kundi takot at ibayong kahirapan. Sari-saring panghaharas ang dinaranas ng mga taumbaryo tulad ng pananakot at paninindak sa mga sinususpetsahan nilang may kaugnayan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan, pagsasagawa ng checkpoint, pagkontrol sa mobilidad ng masa, iligal na pag-aresto, pagpasurender at pagpatay ng inosenteng sibilyan tulad ng ginawa kay Allan Casulla ng Brgy. Macogon, Labo Camarines Norte. Hindi rin makakalimutan ang kaso ng 96th IB na pagmasaker sa 3 magsasaka sa Patalunan, Ragay Camarines noong Mayo 13, 2018 matapos silang mapalaban sa mga kasama sa lugar. Kung saan dumanas ang mga ito ng sobrang pahirap at ang isa ay inilibing pa nila ng buhay.

Ang taktikal na opensiba ang sagot ng ACC-BHB Camarines Norte sa hugkag na “local peacetalks” na itinutulak ng diktador, pasista at pahirap na rehimeng US-Duterte. Ang patraydor na pagtalikod ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa pakikipag-usap pangkapayapaan sa National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) para sana sa Komprehensibong Kasunduan sa Repormang Pang-ekonomya at Panlipunan at ang pagsalaula sa mga nauna ng kasunduan sa pagitan ng GRP at NDFP ay tahasang naglantad dito sa pagiging inutil at wala ni katiting na pagnanais na lutasin ang mga pundamental na problema ng bansa. Ang matagumpay na ambus ng BHB ay sampal sa ipinagyayabang ni Duterte at ng AFP na “pupulbusin nila ang NPA” sa kalagitnaan ng 2019. Hangga’t hindi nalulutas ang mga ugat ng kahirapan ay mananatiling bangungot ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno at gulugod nitong mersenaryong AFP ang pagdurog sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa.

Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Ipagdiwang ang Ika-50 taon ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Isulong ang digmang bayan hanggang sa tagumpay!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/15/ambus-ng-bhb-camarines-norte-sa-tropa-ng-96th-ib-matagumpay/

CPP/NDF-Mindanao: NDFP-Mindanao Conveys Its Solidarity with the Struggle of Filipino Peasants on the Occasion of Peasant Month

NDF-Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 15): NDFP-Mindanao Conveys Its Solidarity with the Struggle of Filipino Peasants on the Occasion of Peasant Month

Ka Joaquin Jacinto
Spokesperson, NDFP-Mindanao

October 15, 2018

The NDFP-Mindanao is one with the struggle of the Filipino peasantry, especially the poor and middle farmers, in Mindanao, who, along with hapless Filipino workers and other toiling classes in the country, bear the brunt of the current rice crisis, high inflation, military onslaught, and the semi-feudal exploitation and oppression maintained and exacerbated presently by the US-Duterte regime.

Poor and middle peasants and farm-workers are the most exploited, oppressed and neglected classes in the country. Comprising more than 70% of Philippine society, their constant, albeit unrecompensed toil, feed the entire nation, yet they suffer the most from the economic crisis and, worse, are at the first victims of state terrorism and fascism in the countryside.

Filipino peasants are at the forefront of food production, including rice, corn and other food crops, in the country, but they fall as victims not just twice but three times in the current rice crisis. First, farm-gate prices of the local agricultural produce, including rice, of local poor Filipino rice farmers are bought at exceedingly low rates (i.e. P18.00 or lower per kilo). The production cost of these farmers are financed through highly usurious lending either by banks or by opportunistic individual lenders, who strangle farmers to no end. Worse, poor farmers receive no subsidy from the reactionary state.

Second, with meagre income, poor farmers are forced to buy rice and other basic commodities for consumption at very high prices. And third, poor peasants are further made to suffer because the US-Duterte regime is afflicted with a high degree of myopia in solving the rice crisis through rice importation, which will eventually kill local rice production of poor local rice farmers, and gives way to the monopoly of imperialists and big bourgeois compradors of the food industry in the country. They are also at the receiving end of the current economic crisis that is plagued with: high inflation rate (4.7%-5%), where the prices of the basic of commodities are skyrocketing.

Importation is a stopgap solution to the rice crisis, the effects of which include killing local rice producers; it will temporarily resolve the need for low-priced rice, however once it dominates the market, the price of rice will eventually be dictated by the monopoly capitalists. This of course in in line with neo-liberal policies of liberalization and deregulation already embraced by the US-Duterte regime. Already, solons are pushing for allowing private rice traders to import rice from other countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and even Sabah, Malaysia, which signals the death knell of local rice farmers.

Worse, the US-Duterte regime now blames poor Filipino peasants and local rice producers as the cause of the rice crisis because they “sell their produce at a high rate.” The rice cartel controls the flow and trading of rice in the country, not the government, responsible for simulating artificial scarcity, to effect an increase in the prices of rice. The price of basic commodities, including rice, have gone up; while the purchasing capacity of Filipino farmers and workers have significantly decreased.

It is no less shameless on the part of the US-Duterte regime to blame the farmers for the inflation, when in truth the cause of such an inflation: TRAIN Law 1, imposition of excise tax on petroleum products along with sugary products and beverages, whose weekly increases (per liter average of P1) has resulted in a domino effect towards other basic commodities; maintaining the neoliberal policy of liberalization (manifested through importation with almost 0% tariff on nearly all imported products); rapidly weakening of the peso against the dollar (P54:$1).

The US-Duterte regime’s policy prioritizing the expansion of agri-plantations especially in Mindanao (banana, oil palm, pineapple, etc.) and at the same time large-scale mining, deprive peasants, as well as the Lumad, of their very lives and livelihood. Lumad ancestral domain as we all know are under threat of being usurped by foreign imperialist mining companies. In the countryside, the reactionary government’s push to plant cash crops (e.g. falcatta, bamboo, etc.) has its dire effect on our food security, which, if not arrested, could very well lead to widespread hunger.

The real solution is genuine agrarian reform, prioritize the use of arable lands for food crops, particularly rice, instead of allowing cash-crop/export-crop plantations to proliferate. Thus, this October and for months to come, we call on all poor and middle farmers in Mindanao to maximize this month – Peasant Month – to launch unity mass actions to press for genuine agrarian reform: genuine land distribution, land to the tillers, stop the expansion of giant imperialist agri-plantations as well as imperialist mining companies.

Unite and fight against the anti-peasant policies of the US-Duterte regime! Oust the US-Duterte regime! Struggle for genuine agrarian reform and national industrialization!

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/15/ndfp-mindanao-conveys-its-solidarity-with-the-struggle-of-filipino-peasants-on-the-occasion-of-peasant-month/

CPP/NPA-Bikol: Hinggil sa Matagumpay na Ambush sa Dumagmang, Camarines Norte

NPA-Bikol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 16): Hinggil sa Matagumpay na Ambush sa Dumagmang, Camarines Norte

Raymund Buenfuerza
Tagapagsalita
Romulo Jallores Command (RJC) – NPA Bikol

October 16, 2018

Binabati ng Romulo Jallores Command (RJC)-NPA Bikol ang Armando Catapia Command-NPA Camarines Norte sa matagumpay na taktikal na opensibang ilinunsad nito laban sa mga elemento ng 96th IBPA nitong Oktubre 14 sa Brgy. Dumagmang, Labo, Camarines Norte. Sa inisyal na ulat ng mga kasama, nakasamsam ang pulang hukbo ng dalawang mataas na kalibreng baril (M4 Carbine) at mga bala.

Ligtas na nakamaniobra mula sa pinangyarihan ang mga kasama samantala walo ang patay sa hanay ng kaaway at marami pa ang sugatan. Taliwas ito sa pahayag ni Col. Regencia na dalawang sundalo ang namatay, dalawa ang nagtamo ng mga gasgas sa binti at ulo habang may lima pang elementong nawala ngunit nakabalik na umano sa kanilang himpilan. Anumang kasinungalingan ang ipamarali ng kanilang mga tagapagsalita, hindi maitatanggi ng 9th IDPA ang pinsalang tinamo ng kanilang yunit sa opensiba ng mga kasama. Ang mga taumbaryo mismo ang ginamit ng kasundaluhan upang hakutin ang mga labi ng mga sundalo.

Likas na karapatan ng mamamayan ang mag-aklas para sa kanilang interes at magsagawa ng mga hakbang upang labanan ang anumang pwersang humahadlang dito kapag malinaw na hindi ipinahihintulot ng estado sa mga kaparaanan ng batas nito ang mga tunay na pagbabago. May kalayaan ang masang magtanggol sa sarili laban sa nananalakay sa kanila. Ang mga taktikal na opensiba ng NPA, sa kurso ng paglulunsad ng digmang bayan, ay ang makatwirang paglaban ng mamamayan sa mga pwersang nagsasamantala at nang-aapi sa kanila.

Ilinantad na ng 96th IBPA ang sarili bilang kaaway ng mamamayan sa loob ng maikling panahong pagpakat sa Camarines Norte at ilang bahagi ng Camarines Sur at kanugnog na probinsya ng Quezon. Patung-patong ang kanilang krimen at sunud-sunod ang kanilang mga paglabag sa karapatang tao at mga internasyunal na batas ng digma. Nitong Mayo lamang, napabalita ang kaso ng tatlong magsasakang tinortyur at pinaslang ng mga mersenaryong sundalo. Ilinibing nang buhay ang isa sa kanila. Ang mga biktima na sina Robero Ramos, Ronel Naris at Antonio Bonagua ay pawang mga sibilyan at residente ng Brgy. Patalunan, Ragay, Camarines Sur. Pinatotohanan ng mga fact finding mission na isinagawa ng mga samahang human rights, taong-simbahan at iba pang tagapagtanggol ng karapatang tao na mga sundalo ang pumatay sa tatlo. Ngunit sa halip na panagutan ang brutal na masaker at iba pa nilang mga krimen, pilit itinatatwa at inaalintana ng kasundaluhan ang mga kasong ito.

Sa pahayag ni Col. Regencia sa midya, sinabi niyang ‘nakatsamba’ na muli ang pulang hukbo sa kanilang tagumpay. Hindi iyon tsamba. Ang totoo, ito ay pinaghandaang ambus at nakasalalay ang malaking bahagi ng tagumpay ng naturang aksyong militar sa panahon, manera at lugar na umiiral ang kahinaan ng militar sa kabila ng kanilang pagsasanay, bagong armas at mga upisyal mula PMA. Makaaasa ang 9thID at si Col. Regencia ng susunod at paparami pang ‘tsamba’ mula sa ayon sa kanya ay kumukunti nang bilang ng NPA Bikol. Paulit-ulit ang paggamit nila ng psywar na mga sumukong naglie-low, lumabag sa disiplinang nag-awol, retiradong hukbo at kahit na sibilyang naninirahan sa mga sonang gerilya na pawang pwersahang ginipit at pinaboran ng limos na ECLIP upang palabasing humihina na ang lakas ng hukbong bayan.

Walang bisa ang dagdag pang mga kasinungalingan at pang-eengganyo ni Regencia. Mag-alok man sila ng perang pabuya o pabahay at lokal na peace talks ay hindi kailanman maitutulak sa pagsuko at pasipikasyon ang NPA dahil malinaw sa bawat isang pulang mandirigma ang dahilan kung bakit sila nag-armas at patuloy na lumalaban. Habang nagpapatuloy ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU at ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa pagwasak sa kabuhayan at pagkitil sa buhay ng mga sibilyan at masang anakpawis, lalo lamang titibay ang kapasyahan ng mamamayan at mga kasamang isulong ang makatwirang digmang bayang magtataguyod ng kanilang mga karapatan at maghahatid ng tunay na katarungan. Hindi matatabunan ng mga hungkag na pangako ng kapayapaan at katahimikan ang pagtatakwil ng masa sa kasalukuyang lipunang gumugutom, nagpapahirap at pumapatay sa kanila.

Naglahong parang bula ang kailan lang ay hambog na mga pahayag ni Regencia na wala nang sapat na lakas ang pulang hukbo. Itinutulak ng pagsidhi ng pang-ekonomyang krisis na binabalikat at pasismong dinaranas ng mamamayan ang higit na paglalim at paglawak ng lakas ng armadong pwersa ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Patuloy na kakanlungin ng mga kagubatan at kabayanan ng Kabikulan at buong bansa ang sambayanang hindi na muling paaalipin. Libu-libong pulang mandirigma ang huhugos sa kanayunan at patuloy na sasamahan ng masang kanilang pinaglilingkuran.

Nananawagan ang RJC-Bikol sa mamamayan na ibayong pagtibayin ang hanay. Sa papabilis na pagbulusok ng rehimeng US-Duterte, tiyak na higit na matinding panunupil at mapagsamantalang mga patakaran ang iwawasiwas laban sa masa. Tanging ang pagkakaisa ng pinakamalawak na bilang ng mamamayan ang muog na hindi kailanman magigiba. Gayundin, nananawagan ang RJC-Bikol sa mga alagad ng midya na pumanig sa taumbayan. Manindigan sa sinumpaang tungkuling ihatid ang katotohanan nang walang kinikilingan. Ihayag sa madla ang mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang tao ng mga yunit ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU at sumabay sa mga fact finding mission upang makuha ang tunay na pangyayari. Huwag hayaang magsilbi ang mga daluyan ng midya bilang entablado ng kasinungalingan at disimpormasyon ng rehimeng US-Duterte at mersenaryong hukbo nitong AFP-PNP.

Sa huli, hindi mapipigil ng anumang reaksyunaryong pwersa ang pagdaluyong ng makatwirang digma ng mamamayan. Magtatagumpay ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan dahil itinataguyod nito ang interes ng masa at mahal ng masa ang mga rebolusyonaryong tunay na naglilingkod sa kanila.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/16/hinggil-sa-matagumpay-na-ambush-sa-dumagmang-camarines-norte/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Bikol: Hinggil sa Patuloy na Pakikibaka ng Mamamayang Pilipino Laban sa Kagutuman, Kahirapan at Pasismo

Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – Bikol (PKM-Bikol) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 16): Hinggil sa Patuloy na Pakikibaka ng Mamamayang Pilipino Laban sa Kagutuman, Kahirapan at Pasismo



Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – Bikol (PKM-Bikol)
October 16, 2018

Sa paggunita ng World Foodless Day, mariing kinukundena ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – Bikol (PKM-Bikol) ang araw-araw na krisis sa kagutuman at kahirapang dinaranas ng mamamayang Pilipino sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Mahigpit na nakikiisa ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino para sa soberanya sa pagkain at tunay na reporma sa lupa. Sa umiigting na hambalos ng mga neoliberal at pasistang patakarang ipinapataw ng rehimeng US-Duterte, walang ibang masasandigan ang masa kung hindi ang kanilang pagkakaisa.

Kinakaharap ng mamamayang gutom ang walang lubay na pagpapataw ng mga maka-imperyalistang patakaran sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Nitong nakaraan, ipinahayag ng reaksyunaryong gubyernong mayroong kakulangan sa suplay ng bigas kahit libu-libong sako ang natagpuang binubukbok sa pier ng Albay at sa ilang taguang warehouse ng malalaking negosyante upang maitulak ang ibayo pang liberalisasyon at deregulasyon sa bigas.

Sa halip na paunlarin ang lokal na agrikultura upang tugunan ang pambansang suplay ng pagkain, walang limitasyong pag-aangkat ng produkto ang pangunahing sagot ng rehimen sa kakulangan ng suplay ng pagkain. Sa halip na magbigay ng suporta sa lokal na produksyon at ayuda para hanay ng magsasaka, iginigiit ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang pagbili ng mga binhing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) at high-yielding varieties (HYVs) na ibinebenta ng mga dambulang kumpanyang multinasyunal kasabay ang mga komersyal na abono at pestesidyo nito.

Malalawak na mga lupain ang isinailalim sa land conversion upang pagtayuan ng mga imprastruktura at ecozones. Sa rehiyon, sa pinaplanong rehabilitasyon ng Philippine National Railways (PNR) magtatayo ng bagong linya ng riles mula Albay hanggang Matnog, Sorsogon. Ilang daang libong masang Bikolnon ang nakatakdang palayasin at ilang libong ektarya ng sakahan at taniman ang sasagasaan.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, walang napakinabangan ang masang magsasaka sa coco levy funds na galing sa kanilang mga kontribusyon. Ngayong taon, napirmahan na sa senado ang panukalang Coco Levy Privatization. Kapag naipatupad, isasapribado ng gubyerno ang coco levy funds at ang mga ari-arian mula sa pondong ito. Sa halip na ibalik sa mga magniniyog, muling nanakawin ang pondo ng maliliit na magniniyog at ipinapaubaya para pagkakitaan ng mga kapitalista. Umaabot sa P73 bilyon ang pondo ng mga magniniyog mula sa coco levy. Maliban dito, may mahigit P10 bilyong interes din mula sa mga sapi, at iba pang ari-arian mula sa naturang pondo. Nauna nang nagkaroon ng desisyong isapribado ang kumikitang bangko ng magniniyog na UCPB.

Walang maaasahang tunay na reporma sa lupa mula sa pasistang rehimeng sumasandig sa mga malalaking panginoong maylupa, burukrata kapitalista at sa amo nitong imperyalistang US. Nananatiling atrasado at nakakonsentra sa iilan ang pagmamay-ari ng mga kagamitan sa produksyon. Ibayong nababaon sa utang ang pinakamahirap na sektor sa lipunan dahil sa mas mataas na presyo ng mga gamit sa produksyon sa bisa ng huwad at anti-mamamayang batas sa pagbubuwis na Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN).

Ang mas masahol pa, iwinawasiwas ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang terorismo at pasismo upang pigilan ang paglaban ng masang anakpawis sa kanyang mga neoliberal na patakaran. Sa Bikol, umabot na sa 20 ang biktima ng ekstrahudisyal na pagpaslang sa loob lamang ng sampung buwan – kalakhan ay mula sa hanay ng mga magsasaka. Walang patumangga ang militarisasyon sa kanayunan sa ngalan ng kontra-insurhensyang Oplan Kapayapaan upang mapalayas ang mga magsasaka sa mga lupang sinasaka at bigyang-daan ang pagpasok ng mga negosyo at imprastruktura ng mga dambuhalang dayuhang namumuhunan.

Ngunit higit na matibay ang pagkakabigkis ng mamamayang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan. Matagal nang nakatanim ang binhi ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa kanayunan. Sa rehiyon, ilang daang matatagumpay na kampanya sa rebolusyong agraryo na ang nakamit ng sama-samang pagkilos ng masang namulat sa kanilang kalagayan at nangahas bumalikwas. Pinapatunayan nitong makakamtan ang seguridad sa pagkain sa pamamagitan ng tunay na reporma sa lupa. Inaasahang patuloy pang yayabong ang mga bungang ito. Dadaluyong ang mamamayan upang singilin at pananagutin ang rehimeng US-Duterte. Patuloy na titindig at lalaban ang masang anakpawis, kasama ang buong sambayanan, para sa kanilang mga demokratikong interes hanggang sa tuluyang mawasak ang mga tanikala ng pang-aapi at pagsasamantala.

Labanan ang neoliberal na atake ng rehimeng US-Duterte!
Isulong ang Tunay na Reporma sa Lupa!

*Ang PKM ay ang rebolusyonaryong organisasyon ng mga magsasaka at kaalyadong organisasyon ng NDFP.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/16/hinggil-sa-patuloy-na-pakikibaka-ng-mamamayang-pilipino-laban-sa-kagutuman-kahirapan-at-pasismo/

CPP: AFP’s Red October fairy tale is over, but the real struggle to oust US-Duterte regime continues

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 13): AFP’s Red October fairy tale is over, but the real struggle to oust US-Duterte regime continues 



Defense Secretary Lorenzana yesterday made himself look stupid by claiming that the AFP has successfully foiled “Red October,” a “plot” which they themselves invented. This is after several weeks of failing to convince the incredulous public of the existence of a supposed “conspiracy” between various political forces with the CPP to oust Duterte and instead rousing widespread indignation and display of vigilance against Duterte’s insidious plans.

The more that Duterte and his military officials insisted “Red October plot” and weaved one fabulous story after another, the more they sounded incredible. The claim by the military and police of having successfully arrested “plotters” in a raid in a farm in Rizal blew up on their faces as those seized by police turned out to be a businesswoman who revealed having paid protection money to police and military officers.

While promoting its “Red October” fiction, AFP officials trained their sights on students, workers, teachers and other sectors. Their narrow fascist mindset revealed itself clearly when they reduced campus activism and workplace struggles as mere tactics of the Party to recruit and organize obscuring the profound socio-economic and political issues which compel people to act collectively.

The AFP and PNP has gone on a frenzy of Red-baiting. Over the past weeks, they have used the “communist plot” bogey to threaten the lives, rights and freedoms of students, workers and other democratic sectors.

By claiming to have “foiled” the so-called “Red October plot,” the AFP makes itself and Duterte appear ever powerful and in control. In fact, it is increasingly weak amid the economic crisis, rapid decline in the standards of living and overall deterioration of the people’s social conditions, deepening factional struggles within its ranks and mounting clamor for Duterte’s ouster. Duterte’s political clout has rapidly waned. He is now an absolute puppet of the US and the US-controlled military and police establishment.

The AFP has ended its “Red October” tale. But the Filipino people must not relent in condemning the Duterte regime for having foisted a campaign of deception and disinformation against those who oppose its tyranny, fascism, narco-politics and anti-people economic policies. They must continue to resist deceitful schemes to perpetuate itself in power through tyranny and state terrorism.

Duterte can now only preserve his rule by having resorted to the worst forms of fascist repression having put the entire Mindanao under martial law, and subjecting the vast countryside across the country to its cruel Oplan Kapayapaan all-out war.

Even now, reports abound of activists in urban areas across the country being subjected to surveillance and threats, and charged with trumped-up criminal cases. In the rural areas, thousands of AFP troops continue to occupy communities and commit grave abuses against the people. Cases of extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture, illegal arrests and other abuses are on the rise.
The AFP may have ended its “Red October” fairy tale but the real and life-and-death struggle of the Filipino people to oust the Duterte regime continues.

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2018/10/13/afps-red-october-fairy-tale-is-over-but-the-real-struggle-to-oust-us-duterte-regime-continues/