From the Manila Times (Dec 20): 2 civilians, 4 soldiers hurt in Samar ambush
CATARMAN, N. Samar: Six days before the New Peoples Army-Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) declares its own ceasefire from December 24 to 26, an armed group believed to be NPA members ambushed and wounded two civilians and four soldiers in Brgy. Hinatad, Catarman, Northern Samar on Wednesday.
As this developed, the military and police in Negros Occidental are preparing for possible attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered tactical offensives nationwide.
Col. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said he ordered his troops to attack the NPA before the communist rebels’ strike.
He said there was nothing new in the CPP’s move, pointing out that the Philippine Army in Negros are alert at all times.
2Lt. Naya Fernandez, acting civil-military operations officer of the 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) based in Lope de Vega, said that around 11:58 a.m. on Wednesday, a group of army soldiers were en route to Catarman Poblacion on board a white Canter vehicle and upon reaching Brgy. Hinatad Bridge, some 7 kilometers away from Catarman, an improvised landmine planted at the right side of the road exploded.
After this, a volley of gunfire from the rebels followed, resulting in a firefight that lasted for around five minutes.
Fernandez told The Manila Times that soldiers were about to deliver food for their comrades in Brgy. Mckinley, Catarman.
The two wounded civilians were identified as Shirley Rubenacio, 35, and her son Mark Christian Rubenacio, 17; the soldiers who suffered minor injuries were Pvt. Rolly Dizon, Pfc Rorey Montopar, Pvt Joel Lacabe, and Cpl Jose L. Ballano, all from 43rd IB, Phil Army.
The army said there might be casualties on the rebels’ side because they saw blood stains along the route where the rebels fled.
The wounded civilians and soldiers were immediately brought to an undisclosed medical facility in Catarman town.
Fernandez told The Manila Times that the rebels fled towards the mountainous areas of Catarman, Lope de Vega and Matuguinao towns.
Both the PNP and the Army have join forces to go after the rebels.
Lt. Col, Apollo B. Herrera, commanding officer of the 43IB said the incident had brought panic and misery to innocent civilians.
He added that using anti-personnel mines and other terror activities were clear violations of the International Humanitarian Law and the Comprehensive Agreement for Respect on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
“This incident shows that Communist New Peoples Army are not sincere in their offered unilateral truce this Christmas Season,” Herrera said.
Earlier, the AFP and the PNP on orders from their Commander in Chief beefed up their military and PNP forces in the whole Samar Island and other provinces.
In Northern Samar alone, the infantry battalion increased from two battalions before the issuance of Memo Circular 32 declaring Samar and other provinces across the country under “state of national emergency on account of lawless violence” to five battalions.
While PNP deployed more than 60 men and women coming from the Special Action Force to Samar provinces.
AFP, PNP braces for rebel attacks
Arevalo said, “The order of the CPP to the NPA to attack government forces confirms the fact that the CPP and their legal front — the National Democratic Front (NDF) — are in cahoots with the NPA,” he said.
Arevalo reminded Negrenses to condemn not only the NPAs, but also the CPP and NDF, for “trying to hide under the cloak of legality as they undermine the society, including the government.”
“They are using the law against the government to justify their activities that are actually violating the rule of law, and they are getting inside the government to destroy it from within,” the Army official added.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office confirmed the order issued by Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil Jr., police provincial director, to all PNP stations in the province pertaining to possible NPA attacks.
Castil directed the chiefs of police to intensify their action against the rebels and personally supervise the conduct of target hardening measures and offensive combat operations.
“Fortify and implement security measures of all subordinate units and ensure [the] alignment of respective provincial mobile forces that could support territorial units, particularly those identified [as] high-risk and vulnerable to enemy attack,” he added.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2-civilians-4-soldiers-hurt-in-samar-ambush/485058/
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Armed men fire at delivery truck
From the Daily Guardian (Dec 20): Armed men fire at delivery truck
NO ONE WAS hurt after armed men shot a delivery truck evening of Dec. 17, 2018 in Janiuay, Iloilo.
The truck of MD ROS loaded with 2,200 heads of broiler chicken was passing by Barangay Caraudan, some 7 kilometers from Janiuay town, when the incident happened.
The driver, Jereme Panghari, 36, and his two helpers, Joseph Panghari, 20, and Olibert Silonar, 18, all of Barangay Tungay, Sta. Barbara town, came from a poultry farm in Caraudan village, around a kilometer from the crime scene, when at least three men waylaid them.
They claimed to have heard a burst of gunfire. Residents said they heard three gunshot volleys.
Senior Inspector John Paul Guay, Janiuay police chief, said they recovered three empty shells of caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene
Meanwhile, the victims said they saw the gunmen fleeing on foot. They believed there were other individuals who stood as back-up, as they saw the three gunmen signaling at them to retreat to a nearby river.
The three victims immediately sought help from the barangay captain of Caraudan.
Guay said they could still not ascertain the suspects in the incident.
But he’s not discounting the possibility that the New People’s Army (NPA) could be behind the ambush.
“We were thinking that the NPA staged the gun attack for government forces to respond. While en route to the area, they would ambush us,” Guay said.
Since no one was injured, police authorities did not immediately respond to the crime scene.
A day after the Janiuay incident, two harassment cases were recorded in Tapaz, Capiz.
Suspected NPA rebels fired at CAA (CAFGU Active Auxiliaries) but failed to hurt anyone m.
Guay is also considering “protection racket” as the incident’s motive.
“They have to create fear for business to ask for protection,” he said.
Authorities are looking at the NPA or members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) to be behind the ambush.
The truck owner told police investigators that they have not received any extortion letter from any group.
https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/armed-men-fire-at-delivery-truck/
NO ONE WAS hurt after armed men shot a delivery truck evening of Dec. 17, 2018 in Janiuay, Iloilo.
The truck of MD ROS loaded with 2,200 heads of broiler chicken was passing by Barangay Caraudan, some 7 kilometers from Janiuay town, when the incident happened.
The driver, Jereme Panghari, 36, and his two helpers, Joseph Panghari, 20, and Olibert Silonar, 18, all of Barangay Tungay, Sta. Barbara town, came from a poultry farm in Caraudan village, around a kilometer from the crime scene, when at least three men waylaid them.
They claimed to have heard a burst of gunfire. Residents said they heard three gunshot volleys.
Senior Inspector John Paul Guay, Janiuay police chief, said they recovered three empty shells of caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene
Meanwhile, the victims said they saw the gunmen fleeing on foot. They believed there were other individuals who stood as back-up, as they saw the three gunmen signaling at them to retreat to a nearby river.
The three victims immediately sought help from the barangay captain of Caraudan.
Guay said they could still not ascertain the suspects in the incident.
But he’s not discounting the possibility that the New People’s Army (NPA) could be behind the ambush.
“We were thinking that the NPA staged the gun attack for government forces to respond. While en route to the area, they would ambush us,” Guay said.
Since no one was injured, police authorities did not immediately respond to the crime scene.
A day after the Janiuay incident, two harassment cases were recorded in Tapaz, Capiz.
Suspected NPA rebels fired at CAA (CAFGU Active Auxiliaries) but failed to hurt anyone m.
Guay is also considering “protection racket” as the incident’s motive.
“They have to create fear for business to ask for protection,” he said.
Authorities are looking at the NPA or members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) to be behind the ambush.
The truck owner told police investigators that they have not received any extortion letter from any group.
https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/armed-men-fire-at-delivery-truck/
More Army troops due to arrive in Negros in 2019
From the Daily Guardian (Dec 20): More Army troops due to arrive in Negros in 2019
Additional soldiers might be deployed to Negros Island in 2019 in keeping with President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders last month.
Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said he has yet to receive the complete details of the additional troops that will be sent to Negros.
Arevalo confirmed that additional deployment was already sent to Samar and Bicol region, which is also covered in Duterte’s order.
He added that whether they receive the additional troops or not, they have enough personnel to ensure the security of the province.
Earlier, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, citing recent acts of violence, including the “Sagay 9” incident and the murder of National Union of the People’s Lawyers-Negros secretary-general Atty. Benjamin Ramos Jr., justified the need for reinforcements in order to “prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.”
The added security seeks to “bring the country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible.”
The order also reiterated measures the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) can undertake during a state of national emergency on account of lawlessness; along with directing the AFP, PNP, and Department of Justice to closely coordinate and intensify local and transnational intelligence operations.
https://thedailyguardian.net/negros/more-army-troops-due-to-arrive-in-negros-in-2019/
Additional soldiers might be deployed to Negros Island in 2019 in keeping with President Rodrigo Duterte’s orders last month.
Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said he has yet to receive the complete details of the additional troops that will be sent to Negros.
Arevalo confirmed that additional deployment was already sent to Samar and Bicol region, which is also covered in Duterte’s order.
He added that whether they receive the additional troops or not, they have enough personnel to ensure the security of the province.
Earlier, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, citing recent acts of violence, including the “Sagay 9” incident and the murder of National Union of the People’s Lawyers-Negros secretary-general Atty. Benjamin Ramos Jr., justified the need for reinforcements in order to “prevent further loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.”
The added security seeks to “bring the country back to a state of complete normalcy as quick as possible.”
The order also reiterated measures the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) can undertake during a state of national emergency on account of lawlessness; along with directing the AFP, PNP, and Department of Justice to closely coordinate and intensify local and transnational intelligence operations.
https://thedailyguardian.net/negros/more-army-troops-due-to-arrive-in-negros-in-2019/
Gov't mulls review of PH-US defense treaty scope
From ABS-CBN (Dec 20): Gov't mulls review of PH-US defense treaty scope
A Filipino soldier patrols Pag-asa island in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Reuters/file
(UPDATE) The Philippines is mulling a review of its decades-old mutual defense treaty with the United States and how it applies to the situation in the West Philippines Sea.
Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday the government is studying ways for the Philippines to get a better deal under the treaty.
"We'll look into that, review. We have to look into the provisions, discuss, with the end of review it to make it stronger or whatever to improve our alliance with the United States," he told reporters.
The United States and the Philippines are already long-time allies bound by a mutual defense pact, and engage in regular war games that see thousands of US troops and state-of-the-art American military hardware brought to Manila.
Under the treaty, Manila and Washington are bound to aid each other in the event of an attack. However, the treaty's role in the Philippines' sea dispute with China remains unclear.
Does PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty cover the South China Sea?
Lorenzana said it is the US interpretation that the treaty covers only "metropolitan" Philippines, noting that this does not include the Philippine-occupied areas in the West Philippine Sea.
“Ang sinasabi nila sa Mutual Defense Treaty natin is Metropolitan Philippines lang and I think their definition of Metropolitan Philippines is just the whole country, plus yung mga island natin na sakop natin," he told reporters. (The Mutual Defense Treaty only covers Metropolitan Philippines and I think their definition of Metropolitan Philippines is just the whole country, plus the islands we cover.)
Filipino troops are currently occupying 9 areas in the South China, and the largest, Pag-asa Island, serves as the seat of government of Kalayaan town in Palawan. Soldiers began occupying these areas in 1968, or 17 years after the defense pact was forged.
Lorenzana said the Americans are "ambivalent" when it comes to the issue on whether the Philippine-occupied areas in the South China Sea are included in the "metropolitan" Philippines.
"I think their definition of metropolitan Philippines is just the whole country...I think Kalayaan is not included...Thats our problem because US has always said that they will not meddle into territorial disputes," he said.
The Philippines has long been at odds with China over several features in the West Philippine Sea that Bejing claims ownership of.
Ties however have substantially warmed under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte who refused to assert Manila's claims in the disputed waters in exchange for investment opportunities with Asia's largest economy.
Defense pact can be invoked if US recognizes Panatag as PH territory: analyst
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/20/18/govt-mulls-review-of-ph-us-defense-treaty-scope
A Filipino soldier patrols Pag-asa island in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Reuters/file
(UPDATE) The Philippines is mulling a review of its decades-old mutual defense treaty with the United States and how it applies to the situation in the West Philippines Sea.
Defense Chief Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday the government is studying ways for the Philippines to get a better deal under the treaty.
"We'll look into that, review. We have to look into the provisions, discuss, with the end of review it to make it stronger or whatever to improve our alliance with the United States," he told reporters.
The United States and the Philippines are already long-time allies bound by a mutual defense pact, and engage in regular war games that see thousands of US troops and state-of-the-art American military hardware brought to Manila.
Under the treaty, Manila and Washington are bound to aid each other in the event of an attack. However, the treaty's role in the Philippines' sea dispute with China remains unclear.
Does PH-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty cover the South China Sea?
Lorenzana said it is the US interpretation that the treaty covers only "metropolitan" Philippines, noting that this does not include the Philippine-occupied areas in the West Philippine Sea.
“Ang sinasabi nila sa Mutual Defense Treaty natin is Metropolitan Philippines lang and I think their definition of Metropolitan Philippines is just the whole country, plus yung mga island natin na sakop natin," he told reporters. (The Mutual Defense Treaty only covers Metropolitan Philippines and I think their definition of Metropolitan Philippines is just the whole country, plus the islands we cover.)
Filipino troops are currently occupying 9 areas in the South China, and the largest, Pag-asa Island, serves as the seat of government of Kalayaan town in Palawan. Soldiers began occupying these areas in 1968, or 17 years after the defense pact was forged.
Lorenzana said the Americans are "ambivalent" when it comes to the issue on whether the Philippine-occupied areas in the South China Sea are included in the "metropolitan" Philippines.
"I think their definition of metropolitan Philippines is just the whole country...I think Kalayaan is not included...Thats our problem because US has always said that they will not meddle into territorial disputes," he said.
The Philippines has long been at odds with China over several features in the West Philippine Sea that Bejing claims ownership of.
Ties however have substantially warmed under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte who refused to assert Manila's claims in the disputed waters in exchange for investment opportunities with Asia's largest economy.
Defense pact can be invoked if US recognizes Panatag as PH territory: analyst
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/20/18/govt-mulls-review-of-ph-us-defense-treaty-scope
15 Abu Sayyaf bandits yield in Sulu and Basilan
From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 19): 15 Abu Sayyaf bandits yield in Sulu and Basilan
Fifteen Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered in Sulu and Basilan on December 15 and 18, 2018, the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) said on Wednesday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
A report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) said as troops employ more pressure with their combat operations on the ground, seven more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group laid down their arms in Sulu on Tuesday morning (December 18).
ASG members Darwin Ladja Basal, Al-Shareef Sawadi, Alvin Jalang, Barsi Ennol, Al Nakiban Andi, Almujin Sadhari Adbus, and Algamar Jumadil Ganih surrendered to Lt. Col. Jessie Montoya, the commanding officer of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion Tuesday morning.
The surrenderees also turned seven rifles.
Brigadier General Rey Pabayo, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the group of Basal surrendered through the combined efforts of the different teams of the Community Support Program and the sustained conduct of intelligence operations of the ground troops in Sulu.
At around 11 a.m. of the same day, the said Abu Sayyaf members were presented to Colonel Peter Angelo Ramos, the commander of the 501st Brigade, in Bud Datuh, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan.
Meanwhile, the Community Support Program facilitated the surrender of eight ASG members and their 16 high-powered firearms to the Joint Task Force Basilan on December 15.
Led by the 18th Infantry Battalion, the CSP teams presented ASG members Muamar Ahlam, Salli Aliman Kullok, Latip Listarul Laiti, Abdul Tungkeling Anjilon, Astalun Salamun, Bhen Salajar Asani, Mujahid Sapao Tamboh and Unsulludin Listarul Salasamin to Colonel Fernando Reyeg, the Joint Task Force Basilan commander, in Barangay Bohe-Pahuh, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/19/15-abu-sayyaf-bandits-yield-in-sulu-and-basilan/
Fifteen Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered in Sulu and Basilan on December 15 and 18, 2018, the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) said on Wednesday.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
A report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) said as troops employ more pressure with their combat operations on the ground, seven more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group laid down their arms in Sulu on Tuesday morning (December 18).
ASG members Darwin Ladja Basal, Al-Shareef Sawadi, Alvin Jalang, Barsi Ennol, Al Nakiban Andi, Almujin Sadhari Adbus, and Algamar Jumadil Ganih surrendered to Lt. Col. Jessie Montoya, the commanding officer of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion Tuesday morning.
The surrenderees also turned seven rifles.
Brigadier General Rey Pabayo, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the group of Basal surrendered through the combined efforts of the different teams of the Community Support Program and the sustained conduct of intelligence operations of the ground troops in Sulu.
At around 11 a.m. of the same day, the said Abu Sayyaf members were presented to Colonel Peter Angelo Ramos, the commander of the 501st Brigade, in Bud Datuh, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan.
Meanwhile, the Community Support Program facilitated the surrender of eight ASG members and their 16 high-powered firearms to the Joint Task Force Basilan on December 15.
Led by the 18th Infantry Battalion, the CSP teams presented ASG members Muamar Ahlam, Salli Aliman Kullok, Latip Listarul Laiti, Abdul Tungkeling Anjilon, Astalun Salamun, Bhen Salajar Asani, Mujahid Sapao Tamboh and Unsulludin Listarul Salasamin to Colonel Fernando Reyeg, the Joint Task Force Basilan commander, in Barangay Bohe-Pahuh, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/19/15-abu-sayyaf-bandits-yield-in-sulu-and-basilan/
Alleged bomber nabbed in GenSan
From MindaNews (Dec 20): Alleged bomber nabbed in GenSan
Police operatives arrested here on Wednesday night a suspected member of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist cell, foiling an alleged bombing plot in the area.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday suspect Jamio Sala alias Jamiung and Jum Jum was nabbed in a joint law enforcement operation at round 7:30 p.m. Wednesday along Osmena Street in Barangay Dadiangas East here.
The operating team was composed of elements from the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group’s Counter Terrorism Division and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-12, Regional Intelligence Division-12 and the city police’s intelligence branch.
Rasco said the suspect was arrested by virtue of Martial Law Arrest Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in June last year.
He said the suspect, who yielded a fragmentation grenade, was reportedly a close associate of commander Salahudin Hassan of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Hassan was among the BIFF leaders and members who were charged over the twin bomb attacks in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat last Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 that killed five people and injured more than 40 others.
“He (Sala) was tasked to lead a team that will conduct bombing operations in the city during the Yuletide season,” the police official said.
Citing a report from RIU-12 head, Supt. Christopher Bermudez, Rasco said Sala was a member of the defunct Ansar Al-Kihilafa Philippines (AKP) terror group and involved in a string of terror attacks in the area since 2008.
He said the suspect was among the former henchmen of the late AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid alias commander Tokboy, who was slain in an encounter with police operatives in Kiamba, Sarangani Province in January 2017.
Sala was among the AKP members who were charged over the daring August 2008 raid on the municipal hall of Maasim, Sarangani.
He was also tagged as involved in the April 26, 2010 roadside bombing in Malapatan town that targeted the convoy of then Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and the Sept. 16, 2014 blast infront of the city hall here.
He was among the suspects in the grenade attack near the Maasim police station on June 20, 2016 that killed a police officer and injured several others.
He reportedly took part in the foiled bombing on Dec. 16, 2016 during the Christmas tree lighting at the municipal plaza of Kiamba.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/12/alleged-bomber-nabbed-in-gensan/
Police operatives arrested here on Wednesday night a suspected member of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist cell, foiling an alleged bombing plot in the area.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday suspect Jamio Sala alias Jamiung and Jum Jum was nabbed in a joint law enforcement operation at round 7:30 p.m. Wednesday along Osmena Street in Barangay Dadiangas East here.
The operating team was composed of elements from the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group’s Counter Terrorism Division and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-12, Regional Intelligence Division-12 and the city police’s intelligence branch.
Rasco said the suspect was arrested by virtue of Martial Law Arrest Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in June last year.
He said the suspect, who yielded a fragmentation grenade, was reportedly a close associate of commander Salahudin Hassan of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Hassan was among the BIFF leaders and members who were charged over the twin bomb attacks in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat last Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 that killed five people and injured more than 40 others.
“He (Sala) was tasked to lead a team that will conduct bombing operations in the city during the Yuletide season,” the police official said.
Citing a report from RIU-12 head, Supt. Christopher Bermudez, Rasco said Sala was a member of the defunct Ansar Al-Kihilafa Philippines (AKP) terror group and involved in a string of terror attacks in the area since 2008.
He said the suspect was among the former henchmen of the late AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid alias commander Tokboy, who was slain in an encounter with police operatives in Kiamba, Sarangani Province in January 2017.
Sala was among the AKP members who were charged over the daring August 2008 raid on the municipal hall of Maasim, Sarangani.
He was also tagged as involved in the April 26, 2010 roadside bombing in Malapatan town that targeted the convoy of then Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and the Sept. 16, 2014 blast infront of the city hall here.
He was among the suspects in the grenade attack near the Maasim police station on June 20, 2016 that killed a police officer and injured several others.
He reportedly took part in the foiled bombing on Dec. 16, 2016 during the Christmas tree lighting at the municipal plaza of Kiamba.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/12/alleged-bomber-nabbed-in-gensan/
216 firearms seized from NPA this year
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): 216 firearms seized from NPA this year
Lt Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (right holding mic) and Captain Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division at today's (Dec. 19) AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum held at Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City
The military in Davao Region has confiscated a total of 216 low and high powered firearms in the insurgency campaign since January up to the present.
Captain Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said the firearms came from the various military operation against the New People’s Army in Region XI and some parts of Region XII.
He also revealed that a total of 424 low and high powered firearms were surrendered to the authorities, with the recovery of 264 anti-personnel explosive device and 124 rebel encampment which were either overrun or discovered.
“For the same period, there were 520 members of the NPA who surrendered to the various units of the 10th ID,” Lamosao said.
He said 701 Milisyang Bayan also surrendered with 256 members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, 6,245 members from the underground mass organizations and 84 members of progressive groups allied allegedly with the NPA which also affirmed their allegiance to the government.
Lamosao said 45 rebels, 10 members of the Milisyang Bayan and three supporters with outstanding arrest warrants were also captured.
“As we see, with the surrender of rebels, massive infrastructure and government projects are now being made in the countryside,” he said.
Lamosao said they are awaiting for further instructions from the General Headquarters of the Philippine Army with regards to the statement of the President which no longer favors the peace process with the communist rebels.
He said that in the provinces, the atrocities allegedly committed by the rebels continue.
Lamosao said the military expects further armed engagements with the rebels in the future with the hard stance of the president against insurgency.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1016304
Lt Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (right holding mic) and Captain Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division at today's (Dec. 19) AFP-PNP Press Corps media forum held at Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City
The military in Davao Region has confiscated a total of 216 low and high powered firearms in the insurgency campaign since January up to the present.
Captain Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division said the firearms came from the various military operation against the New People’s Army in Region XI and some parts of Region XII.
He also revealed that a total of 424 low and high powered firearms were surrendered to the authorities, with the recovery of 264 anti-personnel explosive device and 124 rebel encampment which were either overrun or discovered.
“For the same period, there were 520 members of the NPA who surrendered to the various units of the 10th ID,” Lamosao said.
He said 701 Milisyang Bayan also surrendered with 256 members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, 6,245 members from the underground mass organizations and 84 members of progressive groups allied allegedly with the NPA which also affirmed their allegiance to the government.
Lamosao said 45 rebels, 10 members of the Milisyang Bayan and three supporters with outstanding arrest warrants were also captured.
“As we see, with the surrender of rebels, massive infrastructure and government projects are now being made in the countryside,” he said.
Lamosao said they are awaiting for further instructions from the General Headquarters of the Philippine Army with regards to the statement of the President which no longer favors the peace process with the communist rebels.
He said that in the provinces, the atrocities allegedly committed by the rebels continue.
Lamosao said the military expects further armed engagements with the rebels in the future with the hard stance of the president against insurgency.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1016304
Probe body formed to look into Agusan del Sur raid
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Probe body formed to look into Agusan del Sur raid
A Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been formed to investigate the rebel raid in Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur, which resulted in the overrunning of a military detachment and the subsequent abduction of 12 members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and two soldiers early on Wednesday.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Thursday.
"Pursuit operations is ongoing and a Board of Inquiry was commissioned to ascertain the facts leading to the raid and abduction to determine who has was remiss of his duty," he added.
Detoyato also said the Philippine Army, together with the Philippine National Police will file appropriate charges as soon as the details and facts are established by the BOI.
Aside from the capture of military personnel, the rebels seized automatic rifles, ammunition, a radio and other supplies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057121
A Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been formed to investigate the rebel raid in Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur, which resulted in the overrunning of a military detachment and the subsequent abduction of 12 members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and two soldiers early on Wednesday.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Noel Detoyato in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Thursday.
"Pursuit operations is ongoing and a Board of Inquiry was commissioned to ascertain the facts leading to the raid and abduction to determine who has was remiss of his duty," he added.
Detoyato also said the Philippine Army, together with the Philippine National Police will file appropriate charges as soon as the details and facts are established by the BOI.
Aside from the capture of military personnel, the rebels seized automatic rifles, ammunition, a radio and other supplies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057121
No halt in military ops vs. NPA amid hostage-taking incident
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): No halt in military ops vs. NPA amid hostage-taking incident
The military would not stop combat operations against the New People's Army (NPA) amid a hostage-taking incident, involving 12 members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and two soldiers, following an attack in Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said they would not allow the rebels to use the captured troops as leverage.
"(From what I read at the newspapers) is they want (us) to stop operation(s) (of) military in their area, but we will not stop, I think the soldiers and the CAFGUs know that we are at war with these people, (and if they are held) hostage, then that's part of the job," Lorenzana said, as he reiterated that the Duterte administration is committed to end the decades-long communist insurgency.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said that a Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been formed to investigate the rebel raid in Sibagat last Dec. 19.
He said pursuit operation is ongoing.
Detoyato also said the Philippine Army, together with the Philippine National Police, will file appropriate charges as soon as the details and facts are established by the BOI.
Aside from the capture of military personnel, the rebels also carted away automatic rifles, ammunition, a radio and other supplies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057234
The military would not stop combat operations against the New People's Army (NPA) amid a hostage-taking incident, involving 12 members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and two soldiers, following an attack in Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
Lorenzana said they would not allow the rebels to use the captured troops as leverage.
"(From what I read at the newspapers) is they want (us) to stop operation(s) (of) military in their area, but we will not stop, I think the soldiers and the CAFGUs know that we are at war with these people, (and if they are held) hostage, then that's part of the job," Lorenzana said, as he reiterated that the Duterte administration is committed to end the decades-long communist insurgency.
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said that a Board of Inquiry (BOI) has been formed to investigate the rebel raid in Sibagat last Dec. 19.
He said pursuit operation is ongoing.
Detoyato also said the Philippine Army, together with the Philippine National Police, will file appropriate charges as soon as the details and facts are established by the BOI.
Aside from the capture of military personnel, the rebels also carted away automatic rifles, ammunition, a radio and other supplies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057234
Lorenzana reveals names of PH's first-missile capable frigates
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Lorenzana reveals names of PH's first-missile capable frigates
The two missile-armed frigates now being constructed by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) will be named BRP Antonio Luna and BRP Jose Rizal, two of the country's leading patriots.
This was bared by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked on the possible names of the two ships Thursday.
He added that these names are fitting as they are of Filipino heroes.
Rizal, the country's national hero, is known for his writings, which inspired the Philippine Revolution, against the abuses committed by Spanish colonial authorities while Luna is known for his staunch resistance against the Americans during the Philippine-American War.
The construction of the first missile-armed frigates is going smoothly, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said earlier.
"(Construction for) our (first-missile) frigate is moving forward, darating na s’ya sa February (or) March of 2020, all systems go and we should very happy, we should be happy for our country," he added.
The keel-laying for the first-missile-armed frigate took place last Oct. 16 in Ulsan, South Korea while the steel-cutting for the second ship took place last September 17.
HHI is expected to lay the keel for the second frigate by the first quarter of 2019.
The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates, with another PHP2 billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition. The projected delivery date for the first frigate is by 2020 and the second one, in 2021.
“The ceremony was conducted at the building dock number 6 of the Special and Naval Shipbuilding Division of HHI. Three blocks of the first PN frigate (with HHI Project Number 159) was installed on the dock,” Capt. Sergio Bartolome, the PN officer supervising the project, earlier said.
Keel-laying formally starts the ship construction and is among the four highlights of a vessel’s life, with the other three being launching, commissioning and decommissioning.
The keel is also considered the backbone of any ship and its breakage will result in the destruction and sinking of any water craft. The steel-cutting for the first frigate took place last April.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057131
The two missile-armed frigates now being constructed by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) will be named BRP Antonio Luna and BRP Jose Rizal, two of the country's leading patriots.
This was bared by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked on the possible names of the two ships Thursday.
He added that these names are fitting as they are of Filipino heroes.
Rizal, the country's national hero, is known for his writings, which inspired the Philippine Revolution, against the abuses committed by Spanish colonial authorities while Luna is known for his staunch resistance against the Americans during the Philippine-American War.
The construction of the first missile-armed frigates is going smoothly, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said earlier.
"(Construction for) our (first-missile) frigate is moving forward, darating na s’ya sa February (or) March of 2020, all systems go and we should very happy, we should be happy for our country," he added.
The keel-laying for the first-missile-armed frigate took place last Oct. 16 in Ulsan, South Korea while the steel-cutting for the second ship took place last September 17.
HHI is expected to lay the keel for the second frigate by the first quarter of 2019.
The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates, with another PHP2 billion set aside for its weapon systems and munition. The projected delivery date for the first frigate is by 2020 and the second one, in 2021.
“The ceremony was conducted at the building dock number 6 of the Special and Naval Shipbuilding Division of HHI. Three blocks of the first PN frigate (with HHI Project Number 159) was installed on the dock,” Capt. Sergio Bartolome, the PN officer supervising the project, earlier said.
Keel-laying formally starts the ship construction and is among the four highlights of a vessel’s life, with the other three being launching, commissioning and decommissioning.
The keel is also considered the backbone of any ship and its breakage will result in the destruction and sinking of any water craft. The steel-cutting for the first frigate took place last April.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057131
Agusan del Sur attack shows Reds’ ceasefire deceitful: AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Agusan del Sur attack shows Reds’ ceasefire deceitful: AFP
The rebel attack, which resulted in the abduction of 12 Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members and two soldiers in Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur on Wednesday, showed that the New People's Army's (NPA) declaration of a unilateral ceasefire during parts of the Yuletide season is nothing but an act of deceit.
This was what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said in an interview with reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday night.
"(The attack in Agusan Del Sur showed that) they declared (a) unilateral ceasefire (na) hindi natin pwede pagkatiwalaan (which we cannot trust). Sinasabi nila, merong (They say there is) ceasefire even in the past, nagkaroon ng (there was a) ceasefire pero hindi naman talaga (nila sinusunod) (but they do not follow it)," he added.
To prevent similar attacks, the AFP chief instructed all troops to increase their awareness and be pro-active in their security measures.
In the said raid, scores of high-powered weapons, ammunition, a radio, and various supplies were also carted away by the rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057135
The rebel attack, which resulted in the abduction of 12 Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members and two soldiers in Sibagat, Agusan Del Sur on Wednesday, showed that the New People's Army's (NPA) declaration of a unilateral ceasefire during parts of the Yuletide season is nothing but an act of deceit.
This was what Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said in an interview with reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday night.
"(The attack in Agusan Del Sur showed that) they declared (a) unilateral ceasefire (na) hindi natin pwede pagkatiwalaan (which we cannot trust). Sinasabi nila, merong (They say there is) ceasefire even in the past, nagkaroon ng (there was a) ceasefire pero hindi naman talaga (nila sinusunod) (but they do not follow it)," he added.
To prevent similar attacks, the AFP chief instructed all troops to increase their awareness and be pro-active in their security measures.
In the said raid, scores of high-powered weapons, ammunition, a radio, and various supplies were also carted away by the rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057135
Troops to continue patrolling WPS: DND chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Troops to continue patrolling WPS: DND chief
The country will continue patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday.
He added that this will be the thrust of the defense establishment for the coming year.
"We will still continue with our activities there, nagpapatrolya tayo (we patrol) regularly, so we will continue on strengthening our islands. Meron tayong siyam na (We have nine) islands, the people at the (BRP) Sierra Madre (a grounded landing ship tank) will still be there. (Continuous) pa rin yung ating replacement ng tao regularly plus yung resupply nila. (The replacement of people and resupply is continuous)," Lorenzana said.
Also, the DND chief said they also keep protesting if they see any actions of the Chinese that are inconsistent with Philippine national interest.
When asked to expound on what he means by "strengthening our islands", Lorenzana said this refers to improvements on the housing accommodation for troops deployed there, especially in Pag-asa Island.
"Meron tayong pera kasing nakalaan na yung mga tirahan ng ating mga sundalo eh kasi ngayon mga kubo-kubo lang yun eh, bigyan naman natin sila ng magandang tirahan, mga barracks, especially dun sa (We have allotted funds for the shelter of our troops because right now, they only have huts there. We should give them good shelters, barracks, especially in) Pag-asa. At the end of next year, we expect the runway to be repaired and we are doing the beaching ramp,” the DND chief said, adding that the ramp is already 42 percent completed.
Once completed, the ramp will enable them to bring in the necessary materials and equipment to repair the runway.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057142
The country will continue patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday.
He added that this will be the thrust of the defense establishment for the coming year.
"We will still continue with our activities there, nagpapatrolya tayo (we patrol) regularly, so we will continue on strengthening our islands. Meron tayong siyam na (We have nine) islands, the people at the (BRP) Sierra Madre (a grounded landing ship tank) will still be there. (Continuous) pa rin yung ating replacement ng tao regularly plus yung resupply nila. (The replacement of people and resupply is continuous)," Lorenzana said.
Also, the DND chief said they also keep protesting if they see any actions of the Chinese that are inconsistent with Philippine national interest.
When asked to expound on what he means by "strengthening our islands", Lorenzana said this refers to improvements on the housing accommodation for troops deployed there, especially in Pag-asa Island.
"Meron tayong pera kasing nakalaan na yung mga tirahan ng ating mga sundalo eh kasi ngayon mga kubo-kubo lang yun eh, bigyan naman natin sila ng magandang tirahan, mga barracks, especially dun sa (We have allotted funds for the shelter of our troops because right now, they only have huts there. We should give them good shelters, barracks, especially in) Pag-asa. At the end of next year, we expect the runway to be repaired and we are doing the beaching ramp,” the DND chief said, adding that the ramp is already 42 percent completed.
Once completed, the ramp will enable them to bring in the necessary materials and equipment to repair the runway.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057142
Gov't not taking terrorism lightly: Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Gov't not taking terrorism lightly: Palace
In line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal to fulfill his constitutional duty to serve and protect the Filipino people, Malacañang on Thursday assured the government is not taking the threat of terrorism lightly.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this reaction after the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) released the Global Terrorism Index 2018 report showing the Philippines in the 10th spot of the list of countries most affected by terrorism.
“As one would expect, we are not taking terrorism lightly. Our goal is to totally eradicate rebellion by crushing it as well as by providing better services and opportunities for all to achieve a state where there would no longer be a need for any uprising or armed struggle,” Panelo said in a statement.
“Amid baseless denunciations by critics, we can assure our people that the President remains focused and steadfast in fulfilling his constitutional mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people,” he added.
According to the report, Iraq as well as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, Pakistan, and Somalia have suffered ‘very high’ while India, Yemen, Egypt, the Philippines and 13 other countries have experienced ‘high’ impact of terrorism in 2018.
Completing the list of countries with high impact of terrorism are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Turkey, Libya, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Thailand, Sudan, Kenya, US, Ukraine, Mali, and Niger.
Panelo said reports, including from EIP, are among the reasons why peace and order remains a primordial concern of the Duterte administration.
“Terrorism knows no time, geography or circumstances. No matter how prepared a country or its government is, damage will inevitably be incurred if terrorism befalls in a locality within its jurisdiction,” Panelo said.
He said the decision to extend the declaration of martial law in Mindanao was part the President’s comprehensive approach in achieving ‘inclusive and sustainable peace” throughout the country.
Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216 in May last year following the bloody attack of terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.
“Amid laudable efforts of our law enforcers on the ground to thwart rebellion, the latter remains, and various groups continue to sow terror and chaos in Mindanao, with remnants of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Daulah Islamiyah, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members still struggling to pursue their goal of establishing an Islamic state and ousting the Philippine Government,” Panelo said.
“This persistent and continuing threat to public safety has compelled the President to push for the extension of martial law in the region,” he added.
Other measures taken by Duterte to boost his comprehensive solution against terrorism was the issuance of Memorandum Order (MO) No. 32 which reinforced the guidelines of the military and police in implementing measures to suppress and prevent such lawless violence.
Duterte has also issued Executive Order No. 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057196
In line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s goal to fulfill his constitutional duty to serve and protect the Filipino people, Malacañang on Thursday assured the government is not taking the threat of terrorism lightly.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this reaction after the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) released the Global Terrorism Index 2018 report showing the Philippines in the 10th spot of the list of countries most affected by terrorism.
“As one would expect, we are not taking terrorism lightly. Our goal is to totally eradicate rebellion by crushing it as well as by providing better services and opportunities for all to achieve a state where there would no longer be a need for any uprising or armed struggle,” Panelo said in a statement.
“Amid baseless denunciations by critics, we can assure our people that the President remains focused and steadfast in fulfilling his constitutional mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people,” he added.
According to the report, Iraq as well as Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, Pakistan, and Somalia have suffered ‘very high’ while India, Yemen, Egypt, the Philippines and 13 other countries have experienced ‘high’ impact of terrorism in 2018.
Completing the list of countries with high impact of terrorism are Democratic Republic of the Congo, Turkey, Libya, Libya, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Thailand, Sudan, Kenya, US, Ukraine, Mali, and Niger.
Panelo said reports, including from EIP, are among the reasons why peace and order remains a primordial concern of the Duterte administration.
“Terrorism knows no time, geography or circumstances. No matter how prepared a country or its government is, damage will inevitably be incurred if terrorism befalls in a locality within its jurisdiction,” Panelo said.
He said the decision to extend the declaration of martial law in Mindanao was part the President’s comprehensive approach in achieving ‘inclusive and sustainable peace” throughout the country.
Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216 in May last year following the bloody attack of terrorist Maute group in Marawi City.
“Amid laudable efforts of our law enforcers on the ground to thwart rebellion, the latter remains, and various groups continue to sow terror and chaos in Mindanao, with remnants of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Daulah Islamiyah, and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members still struggling to pursue their goal of establishing an Islamic state and ousting the Philippine Government,” Panelo said.
“This persistent and continuing threat to public safety has compelled the President to push for the extension of martial law in the region,” he added.
Other measures taken by Duterte to boost his comprehensive solution against terrorism was the issuance of Memorandum Order (MO) No. 32 which reinforced the guidelines of the military and police in implementing measures to suppress and prevent such lawless violence.
Duterte has also issued Executive Order No. 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057196
Suspected terrorist nabbed in GenSan
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Suspected terrorist nabbed in GenSan
Police operatives arrested here on Wednesday night a suspected member of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist cell and in effect, foiled an alleged bombing plot in the area.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday that suspect Jamio Sala, alias “Jamiung” and “Jum Jum”, was nabbed in a joint law enforcement operation at round 7:30 p.m. Wednesday along Osmeña Street in Barangay Dadiangas East here.
The operating team was composed of elements from the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group's Counter Terrorism Division and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-12, Regional Intelligence Division-12 and the city police's intelligence branch.
Rasco said the suspect was arrested by virtue of Martial Law Arrest Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in June last year.
He said the suspect, who yielded a fragmentation grenade, was reportedly a close associate of commander Salahudin Hassan of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Hassan was among the BIFF leaders and members who were charged over the bomb attacks in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat last Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 that killed five people and injured more than 40 others.
"He (Sala) was tasked to lead a team that will conduct bombing operations in the city during the Yuletide season," the police official said.
Citing a report from RIU-12 head, Supt. Christopher Bermudez, Rasco said Sala was a member of the defunct Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) terror group and had been involved in a string of terror attacks in the area since 2008.
He said the suspect was among the former henchmen of the late AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, alias commander “Tokboy”, who was slain in an encounter with police operatives in Kiamba, Sarangani Province in January 2017.
Sala was among the AKP members charged over the daring August 2008 raid on the municipal hall of Maasim, Sarangani.
He was also tagged as involved in the April 26, 2010 roadside bombing in Malapatan town that targeted the convoy of then Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez, and the Sept. 16, 2014 blast in front of the city hall here.
He is also among the suspects in the grenade attack near the Maasim police station on June 20, 2016, which killed a police officer and injured several others.
He reportedly took part in the foiled bombing on Dec. 16, 2016 during the Christmas tree lighting at the municipal plaza of Kiamba.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057130
Police operatives arrested here on Wednesday night a suspected member of an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist cell and in effect, foiled an alleged bombing plot in the area.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday that suspect Jamio Sala, alias “Jamiung” and “Jum Jum”, was nabbed in a joint law enforcement operation at round 7:30 p.m. Wednesday along Osmeña Street in Barangay Dadiangas East here.
The operating team was composed of elements from the Philippine National Police Intelligence Group's Counter Terrorism Division and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-12, Regional Intelligence Division-12 and the city police's intelligence branch.
Rasco said the suspect was arrested by virtue of Martial Law Arrest Order No. 2 issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in June last year.
He said the suspect, who yielded a fragmentation grenade, was reportedly a close associate of commander Salahudin Hassan of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Hassan was among the BIFF leaders and members who were charged over the bomb attacks in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat last Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 that killed five people and injured more than 40 others.
"He (Sala) was tasked to lead a team that will conduct bombing operations in the city during the Yuletide season," the police official said.
Citing a report from RIU-12 head, Supt. Christopher Bermudez, Rasco said Sala was a member of the defunct Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) terror group and had been involved in a string of terror attacks in the area since 2008.
He said the suspect was among the former henchmen of the late AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, alias commander “Tokboy”, who was slain in an encounter with police operatives in Kiamba, Sarangani Province in January 2017.
Sala was among the AKP members charged over the daring August 2008 raid on the municipal hall of Maasim, Sarangani.
He was also tagged as involved in the April 26, 2010 roadside bombing in Malapatan town that targeted the convoy of then Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez, and the Sept. 16, 2014 blast in front of the city hall here.
He is also among the suspects in the grenade attack near the Maasim police station on June 20, 2016, which killed a police officer and injured several others.
He reportedly took part in the foiled bombing on Dec. 16, 2016 during the Christmas tree lighting at the municipal plaza of Kiamba.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057130
No Christmas break for soldiers after N. Samar landmine attack
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): No Christmas break for soldiers after N. Samar landmine attack
The Philippine Army has questioned the sincerity of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) declaration of holiday truce following the landmine attack in the capital town of Northern Samar that wounded four soldiers and two civilians on Tuesday.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion base in Lope De Vega, Northern Samar, said the actual situation on the ground signified the rebels' lack of intention to observe ceasefire this holiday season.
The NPA detonated landmines in the boundary of Hinatad and Mckinley villages in Catarman town, when soldiers on board a civilian vehicle passed the area Tuesday noon on their way to deliver food supplies for their comrades.
The military have been conducting community support program in the area.
The wounded soldiers were Private Rolly Dizon, Private 1st class Rorey Montopar, Private Joel Lacabe, and Corporal Jose Jerome Ballano. The landmines also injured Sherly Robenacio, 35 and her son Christian, 17, who were passing by the area.
After the landmine blast, the rebels opened fire, triggering a five-minute gun battle. The number of casualty on the enemy side is still unknown.
“This incident shows that communist NPA terrorists are not sincere of their offered unilateral truce this Christmas season because their plan is in contrast with what is happening,” the military said.
“The Philippine Army calls the attention of the people to condemn the barbaric act done by the communist NPA terrorists particularly in using anti-personnel mines and other terroristic atrocities actions in Northern Samar,” the statement added.
The recent attack, according to the military, is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law and Comprehensive Agreement for Respect on Human Rights and International Law and had affected the peace effort of the government, particularly in attaining long-lasting peace and development.
Lt. Col. Apollo Herrera, commander of the 43rd IB, said their soldiers will not observe Christmas break to ensure the safety of residents and to brace for other possible attacks by the guerrillas from the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“The unit will plan different and massive tactical operations, and will file both human rights violation and criminal cases against the terrorists,” he added in a statement.
Communist rebels declared a ceasefire for the Christmas and New Year holidays, but Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government will not be fooled by this truce.
The ceasefire will give rebels freedom to regroup and refurbish and be more prepared to fight again after the ceasefire, Lorenzana said.
The communist rebels have been battling government forces for 50 years. The communist rebellion in the Philippines is one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
Remote communities of Samar Island have remained among the rebels’ strongholds in the country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057120
The Philippine Army has questioned the sincerity of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) declaration of holiday truce following the landmine attack in the capital town of Northern Samar that wounded four soldiers and two civilians on Tuesday.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion base in Lope De Vega, Northern Samar, said the actual situation on the ground signified the rebels' lack of intention to observe ceasefire this holiday season.
The NPA detonated landmines in the boundary of Hinatad and Mckinley villages in Catarman town, when soldiers on board a civilian vehicle passed the area Tuesday noon on their way to deliver food supplies for their comrades.
The military have been conducting community support program in the area.
The wounded soldiers were Private Rolly Dizon, Private 1st class Rorey Montopar, Private Joel Lacabe, and Corporal Jose Jerome Ballano. The landmines also injured Sherly Robenacio, 35 and her son Christian, 17, who were passing by the area.
After the landmine blast, the rebels opened fire, triggering a five-minute gun battle. The number of casualty on the enemy side is still unknown.
“This incident shows that communist NPA terrorists are not sincere of their offered unilateral truce this Christmas season because their plan is in contrast with what is happening,” the military said.
“The Philippine Army calls the attention of the people to condemn the barbaric act done by the communist NPA terrorists particularly in using anti-personnel mines and other terroristic atrocities actions in Northern Samar,” the statement added.
The recent attack, according to the military, is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law and Comprehensive Agreement for Respect on Human Rights and International Law and had affected the peace effort of the government, particularly in attaining long-lasting peace and development.
Lt. Col. Apollo Herrera, commander of the 43rd IB, said their soldiers will not observe Christmas break to ensure the safety of residents and to brace for other possible attacks by the guerrillas from the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“The unit will plan different and massive tactical operations, and will file both human rights violation and criminal cases against the terrorists,” he added in a statement.
Communist rebels declared a ceasefire for the Christmas and New Year holidays, but Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government will not be fooled by this truce.
The ceasefire will give rebels freedom to regroup and refurbish and be more prepared to fight again after the ceasefire, Lorenzana said.
The communist rebels have been battling government forces for 50 years. The communist rebellion in the Philippines is one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.
Remote communities of Samar Island have remained among the rebels’ strongholds in the country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057120
Army's 9ID in Bicol has new commander
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Army's 9ID in Bicol has new commander
Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad on Wednesday took over the reign of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID), replacing Maj. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, who is retiring this month.
Capt. Joash Pramis, 9ID public affairs chief, said Thursday that Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, Army commanding general, officiated the formal turnover rites at the 9ID headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur.
Trinidad, before his new command assignment, was the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and considered as among the top military intelligence strategists.
Pramis, in a phone interview, said Trinidad is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Batch 1986, and his tour of duty includes being chief of the Army Civil-Military Office (CMO), commander of the 31st Army Battalion in Sipocot, Camarines Norte, and 903rd Army Brigade commander in Castilla, Sorsogon.
Trinidad said he would further intensify the government's campaign against insurgency and closely coordinate with various stakeholders in Bicol.
The 9ID with headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur, has under its command three brigades operating in the provines of Albay, Camarines Norte, and Sorsogon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057146
Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad on Wednesday took over the reign of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID), replacing Maj. Gen. Jesus Mananquil, who is retiring this month.
Capt. Joash Pramis, 9ID public affairs chief, said Thursday that Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto, Army commanding general, officiated the formal turnover rites at the 9ID headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur.
Trinidad, before his new command assignment, was the Army’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence and considered as among the top military intelligence strategists.
Pramis, in a phone interview, said Trinidad is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Batch 1986, and his tour of duty includes being chief of the Army Civil-Military Office (CMO), commander of the 31st Army Battalion in Sipocot, Camarines Norte, and 903rd Army Brigade commander in Castilla, Sorsogon.
Trinidad said he would further intensify the government's campaign against insurgency and closely coordinate with various stakeholders in Bicol.
The 9ID with headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur, has under its command three brigades operating in the provines of Albay, Camarines Norte, and Sorsogon.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057146
103 ex-NPAs in Bukidnon get P4.6-M aid
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): 103 ex-NPAs in Bukidnon get P4.6-M aid
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office has released a total of PHP4,615,700 in cash aid to 103 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon this year.
This was disclosed by Glenda Hope A. Beley, local government operations officer of DILG-Bukidnon during a press conference on Wednesday, coinciding with the awarding of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits to 50 former rebels in the province.
Beley said the third batch of NPA surrenderers consisted of NPA regulars and Milisya ng Bayan members, the rebel group's frontline militiamen.
The latest surrenderers received a total of PHP2 million as immediate assistance, livelihood aid, and firearms remuneration, Beley said.
Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., chairman of E-CLIP in the province, led the distribution of financial assistance during a ceremony at the capitol compound.
Zubiri also requested the DILG to expedite the processing of pending benefits for other former rebels.
Col. Edgardo de Leon, the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the third batch of surrenderers came from 11 municipalities in the province.
Based on the Army's record, a total of 263 NPA rebels have already surrendered in Bukidnon since 2016.
He said most of the former rebels are members of Indigenous Peoples (IP).
Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapayo, who was present during the ceremony, called on the remaining rebels to surrender and take advantage of the government's livelihood programs.
One of the female surrenderers, known as "Ka Monica," said she was recruited by a leftist youth group when she was 14 years old.
An out-of-school youth, Monica said she taught herself to read and write while in the underground movement.
Now in her 40s, Monica said she opted to live a normal life for the welfare of her four children.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057162
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office has released a total of PHP4,615,700 in cash aid to 103 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon this year.
This was disclosed by Glenda Hope A. Beley, local government operations officer of DILG-Bukidnon during a press conference on Wednesday, coinciding with the awarding of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits to 50 former rebels in the province.
Beley said the third batch of NPA surrenderers consisted of NPA regulars and Milisya ng Bayan members, the rebel group's frontline militiamen.
The latest surrenderers received a total of PHP2 million as immediate assistance, livelihood aid, and firearms remuneration, Beley said.
Bukidnon Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr., chairman of E-CLIP in the province, led the distribution of financial assistance during a ceremony at the capitol compound.
Zubiri also requested the DILG to expedite the processing of pending benefits for other former rebels.
Col. Edgardo de Leon, the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the third batch of surrenderers came from 11 municipalities in the province.
Based on the Army's record, a total of 263 NPA rebels have already surrendered in Bukidnon since 2016.
He said most of the former rebels are members of Indigenous Peoples (IP).
Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapayo, who was present during the ceremony, called on the remaining rebels to surrender and take advantage of the government's livelihood programs.
One of the female surrenderers, known as "Ka Monica," said she was recruited by a leftist youth group when she was 14 years old.
An out-of-school youth, Monica said she taught herself to read and write while in the underground movement.
Now in her 40s, Monica said she opted to live a normal life for the welfare of her four children.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057162
Troops hold 3-day gift-giving for DavNor IP children
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Troops hold 3-day gift-giving for DavNor IP children
More than a thousand children from two tribal villages in Talaingod, Davao del Norte received gifts from troopers of the Army's 56th Infantry Battalion during the three-day "Pamaskong Handog" activity that concluded Thursday (December 19).
Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, 56IB civil-military operations (CMO) officer, said the activity in Barangay Palma Gil and Barangay Sto. Niño on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 brought smiles to the IP children who received toys, played games, and were treated to a simple meal together with their parents.
Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes, 56IB commander, said the activity was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan or “DSSP Kapayapaan."
“Not all of us are given a chance to have a comfortable living," Paredes said, adding that the gesture was the troops' simple way of giving back in the spirit of the Yuletide season.
“We can help the community a little by giving some of our blessings, especially to the IPs children who are vulnerable and are main targets of the communist terrorist groups,” he added.
Joemar Mandalisan, a sitio leader, thanked the soldiers for bringing joy to the children.
Mandalisan said the Army's gift-giving activity meant a lot for the IP communities and made them feel the spirit of Christmas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057209
More than a thousand children from two tribal villages in Talaingod, Davao del Norte received gifts from troopers of the Army's 56th Infantry Battalion during the three-day "Pamaskong Handog" activity that concluded Thursday (December 19).
Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, 56IB civil-military operations (CMO) officer, said the activity in Barangay Palma Gil and Barangay Sto. Niño on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 brought smiles to the IP children who received toys, played games, and were treated to a simple meal together with their parents.
Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes, 56IB commander, said the activity was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan or “DSSP Kapayapaan."
“Not all of us are given a chance to have a comfortable living," Paredes said, adding that the gesture was the troops' simple way of giving back in the spirit of the Yuletide season.
“We can help the community a little by giving some of our blessings, especially to the IPs children who are vulnerable and are main targets of the communist terrorist groups,” he added.
Joemar Mandalisan, a sitio leader, thanked the soldiers for bringing joy to the children.
Mandalisan said the Army's gift-giving activity meant a lot for the IP communities and made them feel the spirit of Christmas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057209
New Army brigade chief in Lanao vows orderly polls
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): New Army brigade chief in Lanao vows orderly polls
The newly-installed brigade commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry "Haribon" Brigade has vowed to make the upcoming elections orderly, while continuing to pursue remnants of militant extremist groups.
Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. made the assurance as he assumed command of the 103IB on Tuesday, replacing Brigadier-General Generoso Ponio.Ponio was appointed as the new Joint Task Force Ranao commander, replacing Brigadier General Manuel Ramiro Rey, who had been designated commander of the Special Operations Command based in Camp Aguinaldo.
Brawner said he wants to sustain three main operational objectives for the brigade under his watch.
First, he said government troops will sustain the manhunt against remnants of the ISIS-inspired Maute group and other terrorist organizations in Lanao provinces.
"The brigade has contributed to the neutralization of so many members of the Maute ISIS group," he said, while praising Ponio for leading the campaign.
Second, Brawner said he wanted "to make sure that next year's elections would be honest, orderly, peaceful," noting that two elections will take place next year--the plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law ratification and the midterm polls.
"I am optimistic that we will be able to do just that to achieve an honest and peaceful election," the Army official, noting that the last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections had been generally peaceful here and in the entire Lanao del Sur.
The third objective, he said, would be "to continue to support the rehabilitation of Marawi."
"Through the Joint Task Force Ranao and Task Force Bangon Marawi, we will ensure that the environment here will be secured and peaceful so that the rehabilitation will go unhampered," Brawner said.
Brawner, 50, is a member of the "Makatao” Class of 1989 and was first assigned as platoon leader of the Army's 7th Infantry Division.
He became deputy commander of the Joint Task Force Ranao during the Marawi siege last year. He was last assigned as regiment commander of the Civil-Military Operations Group, the information arm of JTFM.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057212
The newly-installed brigade commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry "Haribon" Brigade has vowed to make the upcoming elections orderly, while continuing to pursue remnants of militant extremist groups.
Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. made the assurance as he assumed command of the 103IB on Tuesday, replacing Brigadier-General Generoso Ponio.Ponio was appointed as the new Joint Task Force Ranao commander, replacing Brigadier General Manuel Ramiro Rey, who had been designated commander of the Special Operations Command based in Camp Aguinaldo.
Brawner said he wants to sustain three main operational objectives for the brigade under his watch.
First, he said government troops will sustain the manhunt against remnants of the ISIS-inspired Maute group and other terrorist organizations in Lanao provinces.
"The brigade has contributed to the neutralization of so many members of the Maute ISIS group," he said, while praising Ponio for leading the campaign.
Second, Brawner said he wanted "to make sure that next year's elections would be honest, orderly, peaceful," noting that two elections will take place next year--the plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law ratification and the midterm polls.
"I am optimistic that we will be able to do just that to achieve an honest and peaceful election," the Army official, noting that the last barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections had been generally peaceful here and in the entire Lanao del Sur.
The third objective, he said, would be "to continue to support the rehabilitation of Marawi."
"Through the Joint Task Force Ranao and Task Force Bangon Marawi, we will ensure that the environment here will be secured and peaceful so that the rehabilitation will go unhampered," Brawner said.
Brawner, 50, is a member of the "Makatao” Class of 1989 and was first assigned as platoon leader of the Army's 7th Infantry Division.
He became deputy commander of the Joint Task Force Ranao during the Marawi siege last year. He was last assigned as regiment commander of the Civil-Military Operations Group, the information arm of JTFM.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057212
AFP, PNP in Cordillera on full alert vs NPA
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): AFP, PNP in Cordillera on full alert vs NPA
FULL ALERT VS. NPA. Colonel Henry Doyaoen, Armed Forces of the Philippines 503rd Infantry Brigade acting commander, says that military and law enforcers are on full alert against the communist New People's Army during the 4th quarter joint meeting of the Cordillera's Regional Development Council and Peace and Order Council in Baguio City on Wednesday (Dec. 19, 2018). (Photo by Liza T. Agoot)
The Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cordillera have assured that residents and tourists alike will be secured from threats of the Communist New People Army Terrorists (CNT), especially this Christmas season.
The commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade (IB) and the director of the regional police gave this assurance in separate interviews with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) this week.
“Alert na ang mga sundalo in coordination with the PNP, LGU (local government unit) katulungan din natin sila para maipatupad ang peace and order na mandato natin (The AFP is now on alert and in coordination with the PNP, LGU, whom we are working with to implement our mandate to maintain peace and order),” said 503rd IB acting commander Colonel Henry Doyaoen at the sidelines of the 4th quarter joint meeting of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Peace and Order Council (POC) at The Mansion House here on Wednesday.
Doyaoen added the law enforcers are also working with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“Kasama din natin ang DOT, ine-ensure natin na magiging kaaya-aya ang pagbisita nila [tourists] lalo na ngayong pasko and hopefully ma-prevent natin yung kung meron man silang iniisip na gagawin katulad sa ibang lugar, sana hindi mangyari dito sa ating lugar, unahan natin sila na ma-prevent yun (Together with the DOT, we are ensuring that the visit of the tourists this holiday season will be worthwhile. We hope to prevent whatever crime the terrorists are planning to do, like what they did in other places. We are hoping that such will not happen here. We will prevent them),” Doyaoen said.
The military officer also called on the public, village officials, and everyone in the community to report any possible threats.
“We call on the other agencies, the public, to provide us with information, which will help prevent criminal activities from being perpetrated by the terrorists,” he said.
The Police Regional Office in Cordillera (PROCOR) is currently on “heightened alert” and will be on "full alert" from Dec. 24 until Jan. 1, 2019.
Chief Supt. Rolando Nana urged the residents not to allow the NPA in their homes and in their communities.
Nana also urged the NPAs not to cause disorder in the communities that will affect civilians.
No violent incident
Dayaoen said from Oct. 1 to Dec. 14 this year, no violent incident with the NPA was recorded. "We hope wala sanang mangyari (We hope nothing bad happens),” he said.
Instead, he said several members of the NPA had voluntarily surrendered.
They are provided with assistance by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The E-CLIP is an inter-agency collaboration to give surrenderers assistance, such as livelihood training and ladderized education system to let the younger ones finish their studies.
During the Cordillera leaders' meeting, Nana cited President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 17, which provides for “a whole of government approach to end insurgency."
He all provinces are establishing half-way houses, where the surrenderers can start a peaceful life anew.
"Our surrenderers laid down their arms because they hear of the government’s programs and the sincerity of President Duterte to end the insurgency and have peace and development in the country,” Nana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057194
FULL ALERT VS. NPA. Colonel Henry Doyaoen, Armed Forces of the Philippines 503rd Infantry Brigade acting commander, says that military and law enforcers are on full alert against the communist New People's Army during the 4th quarter joint meeting of the Cordillera's Regional Development Council and Peace and Order Council in Baguio City on Wednesday (Dec. 19, 2018). (Photo by Liza T. Agoot)
The Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cordillera have assured that residents and tourists alike will be secured from threats of the Communist New People Army Terrorists (CNT), especially this Christmas season.
The commander of the 503rd Infantry Brigade (IB) and the director of the regional police gave this assurance in separate interviews with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) this week.
“Alert na ang mga sundalo in coordination with the PNP, LGU (local government unit) katulungan din natin sila para maipatupad ang peace and order na mandato natin (The AFP is now on alert and in coordination with the PNP, LGU, whom we are working with to implement our mandate to maintain peace and order),” said 503rd IB acting commander Colonel Henry Doyaoen at the sidelines of the 4th quarter joint meeting of the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Peace and Order Council (POC) at The Mansion House here on Wednesday.
Doyaoen added the law enforcers are also working with the Department of Tourism (DOT).
“Kasama din natin ang DOT, ine-ensure natin na magiging kaaya-aya ang pagbisita nila [tourists] lalo na ngayong pasko and hopefully ma-prevent natin yung kung meron man silang iniisip na gagawin katulad sa ibang lugar, sana hindi mangyari dito sa ating lugar, unahan natin sila na ma-prevent yun (Together with the DOT, we are ensuring that the visit of the tourists this holiday season will be worthwhile. We hope to prevent whatever crime the terrorists are planning to do, like what they did in other places. We are hoping that such will not happen here. We will prevent them),” Doyaoen said.
The military officer also called on the public, village officials, and everyone in the community to report any possible threats.
“We call on the other agencies, the public, to provide us with information, which will help prevent criminal activities from being perpetrated by the terrorists,” he said.
The Police Regional Office in Cordillera (PROCOR) is currently on “heightened alert” and will be on "full alert" from Dec. 24 until Jan. 1, 2019.
Chief Supt. Rolando Nana urged the residents not to allow the NPA in their homes and in their communities.
Nana also urged the NPAs not to cause disorder in the communities that will affect civilians.
No violent incident
Dayaoen said from Oct. 1 to Dec. 14 this year, no violent incident with the NPA was recorded. "We hope wala sanang mangyari (We hope nothing bad happens),” he said.
Instead, he said several members of the NPA had voluntarily surrendered.
They are provided with assistance by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The E-CLIP is an inter-agency collaboration to give surrenderers assistance, such as livelihood training and ladderized education system to let the younger ones finish their studies.
During the Cordillera leaders' meeting, Nana cited President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 17, which provides for “a whole of government approach to end insurgency."
He all provinces are establishing half-way houses, where the surrenderers can start a peaceful life anew.
"Our surrenderers laid down their arms because they hear of the government’s programs and the sincerity of President Duterte to end the insurgency and have peace and development in the country,” Nana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057194
DWDD: AFP conducts 1st ever Bloggers Engagement
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 13): AFP conducts 1st ever Bloggers Engagement
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted the first ever Bloggers Engagement on December 13, 2018, held at the Bulwagang Reyes, Civil Relations Service, AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The objectives of the said event were: To engage bloggers in promoting the advocacies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; To engage the bloggers in preventing and countering violent extremism; To promote the efforts of AFP in doing its mandat...e; and To make use of blogging as a platform to cascade information that the AFP is a non-partisan organization.
Major Alwin M Maneja, the Group Commander of Media and Civil Affairs Group, CRSAFP pointed out on his speech that bloggers are great help in promoting the advocacies of the AFP.
During the event Lt.Col Emmanuel Garcia discussed the importance of the effort of the AFP to counter violent extremism. He mentioned that recruitment of young people is now in social media. Likewise, he stressed the need for collaboration for bloggers to be able to spread awareness.
On the other hand, Major Gene Orense the Group Commander of Information Development Group discussed the AFP’s efforts on social media. He presented some of the posts of the Civil Relations Service Facebook Page that gathered numerous numbers of hits, likes, and shares.
Meanwhile, Major General Bienvenido Datuin Jr, Commander of the Civil Relations Service said that bloggers suggestions matters to the AFP as the institution continue their online efforts.
“WE, IN THE AFP BELIEVE THAT YOUR EXPERTISE WILL HELP US IMPROVE OUR ONLINE INITIATIVES. YOUR INPUTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BY THE INSTITUTION, AS WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.” Datuin added.
In closing Datuin hopes that the partnership of the AFP with the bloggers will continue.
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https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2335859429991873/2335859046658578/?type=3&theater
The Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted the first ever Bloggers Engagement on December 13, 2018, held at the Bulwagang Reyes, Civil Relations Service, AFP, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The objectives of the said event were: To engage bloggers in promoting the advocacies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; To engage the bloggers in preventing and countering violent extremism; To promote the efforts of AFP in doing its mandat...e; and To make use of blogging as a platform to cascade information that the AFP is a non-partisan organization.
Major Alwin M Maneja, the Group Commander of Media and Civil Affairs Group, CRSAFP pointed out on his speech that bloggers are great help in promoting the advocacies of the AFP.
During the event Lt.Col Emmanuel Garcia discussed the importance of the effort of the AFP to counter violent extremism. He mentioned that recruitment of young people is now in social media. Likewise, he stressed the need for collaboration for bloggers to be able to spread awareness.
On the other hand, Major Gene Orense the Group Commander of Information Development Group discussed the AFP’s efforts on social media. He presented some of the posts of the Civil Relations Service Facebook Page that gathered numerous numbers of hits, likes, and shares.
Meanwhile, Major General Bienvenido Datuin Jr, Commander of the Civil Relations Service said that bloggers suggestions matters to the AFP as the institution continue their online efforts.
“WE, IN THE AFP BELIEVE THAT YOUR EXPERTISE WILL HELP US IMPROVE OUR ONLINE INITIATIVES. YOUR INPUTS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BY THE INSTITUTION, AS WE CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.” Datuin added.
In closing Datuin hopes that the partnership of the AFP with the bloggers will continue.
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2335859429991873/2335859099991906/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2335859429991873/2335859139991902/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2335859429991873/2335859186658564/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2335859429991873/2335859239991892/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2335859429991873/2335859409991875/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
DWDD: BACK HOME | Balangiga town awaits return of bells
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 13): BACK HOME | Balangiga town awaits return of bells
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2336387143272435/2336387049939111/?type=3&theater
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon city (DWDD) - The local parish of Balangiga in Eastern Samar is set to receive the three historic church bells on 15 December 2018, from the Department of National Defense (DND) through a transfer ceremony to be led by President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana....
After 117 years, the bells taken by American troops in the 1901 Philippine-American War as war trophies will return to their final home. On behalf of the Diocese of Borongan, Bishop Crispin Barrete Varquez will receive the bells from the DND, represented by Secretary Lorenzana. Among the guests to witness the transfer are United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.
On 11 December 2018, US Department of Defense turned over the bells to the Philippines, culminating the decades-long return process involving numerous initiatives and negotiations between the governments of the Philippines and the US. Two of these bells were housed for more than a century at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, while the other was placed at Camp Red Cloud in South Korea.
After the turnover from the US, the Balangiga bells were displayed for public viewing from 11 to 13 December 2018, at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Aerospace Museum in Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. The bells will depart on board a PAF C-130 plane from Pasay City at about 6:00AM on Friday, 14 December 2018, and are estimated to arrive in Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 8:30AM. These will then be transported by land from Guiuan to Balangiga, which will approximately take two hours. The long-awaited repatriation ceremony will be held the day after, on Saturday, 15 December 2018, at 3:00PM. DND PAS / MCAG
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2336387143272435/2336387026605780/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2336387143272435/2336387049939111/?type=3&theater
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon city (DWDD) - The local parish of Balangiga in Eastern Samar is set to receive the three historic church bells on 15 December 2018, from the Department of National Defense (DND) through a transfer ceremony to be led by President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana....
After 117 years, the bells taken by American troops in the 1901 Philippine-American War as war trophies will return to their final home. On behalf of the Diocese of Borongan, Bishop Crispin Barrete Varquez will receive the bells from the DND, represented by Secretary Lorenzana. Among the guests to witness the transfer are United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Yong Kim and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.
On 11 December 2018, US Department of Defense turned over the bells to the Philippines, culminating the decades-long return process involving numerous initiatives and negotiations between the governments of the Philippines and the US. Two of these bells were housed for more than a century at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, while the other was placed at Camp Red Cloud in South Korea.
After the turnover from the US, the Balangiga bells were displayed for public viewing from 11 to 13 December 2018, at the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Aerospace Museum in Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City. The bells will depart on board a PAF C-130 plane from Pasay City at about 6:00AM on Friday, 14 December 2018, and are estimated to arrive in Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 8:30AM. These will then be transported by land from Guiuan to Balangiga, which will approximately take two hours. The long-awaited repatriation ceremony will be held the day after, on Saturday, 15 December 2018, at 3:00PM. DND PAS / MCAG
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2336387143272435/2336387026605780/?type=3&theater
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https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
DWDD: VISIT | CGPA at 7ID
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 19): VISIT | CGPA at 7ID
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (DWDD) – The Commanding General Philippine Army will be visiting the Headquarters, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division (7ID) at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
7ID will present recovered high-powered firearms to Lieutenant General Macairog S Alberto AFP in addition to the reunification of a New People’s Army Couple which will serve as an early Christmas gift for the former rebels.7ID / MCAG
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (DWDD) – The Commanding General Philippine Army will be visiting the Headquarters, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division (7ID) at Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.
7ID will present recovered high-powered firearms to Lieutenant General Macairog S Alberto AFP in addition to the reunification of a New People’s Army Couple which will serve as an early Christmas gift for the former rebels.7ID / MCAG
DWDD: Philippines, Turkey sign MOU on defense industry cooperation
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 19): Philippines, Turkey sign MOU on defense industry cooperation
The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) of the Republic of Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense industry cooperation on 18 December 2018 at the Philippine Air ...Force Headquarters, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
On behalf of the Philippine and Turkish governments, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Prof. Dr. Ismail Demir, President of Defence Industries of Turkey, signed the MOU, which focused on government-to-government acquisition, as well as the development, production, co-production, and transfer of defense technology between DND and the SSB. | DND-PAS (PR)
Photo: Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (center left) exchanges memorandum of understanding on defence industry cooperation with Prof. Dr. Ismail Demir, President of Defence Industries of Turkey. DND-PAS
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The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) of the Republic of Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense industry cooperation on 18 December 2018 at the Philippine Air ...Force Headquarters, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
On behalf of the Philippine and Turkish governments, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Prof. Dr. Ismail Demir, President of Defence Industries of Turkey, signed the MOU, which focused on government-to-government acquisition, as well as the development, production, co-production, and transfer of defense technology between DND and the SSB. | DND-PAS (PR)
Photo: Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (center left) exchanges memorandum of understanding on defence industry cooperation with Prof. Dr. Ismail Demir, President of Defence Industries of Turkey. DND-PAS
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DWDD: Army chief delivers Christmas gift to soldiers at AFP Health Service Command
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 19): Army chief delivers Christmas gift to soldiers at AFP Health Service Command
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FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- As a way of tribute and to lighten their morale, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Army Commanding General, along with his key staff visited the troops confined at the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Health Service Command (AFPHSC) in Quezon City today, December 18, 2018....
Currently, a total of 347 Army soldier are confined in AFPHSC due to various infirmities and conditions which are mostly combat related.
The activity also coincided with the visit of the new Chief of Staff, AFP, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. with the same intent and purpose.
During the event, a simple program was prepared by AFPHSC led by Brig. Gen, Augustus H. De Villa held at the Multi-purpose auditorium which was highlighted by the handing-over of Christmas gift packs to the confined soldiers. A room visitation was also conducted by the CSAFP and CGPA to personally meet and greet those who are suffering from serious conditions and cannot be ambulated.
In his message, CGPA said “I want to assure you that the Army is working to ensure that you will be given the highest support and quality health services most especially to all battle casualties and service related injuries. To those who need prosthetics we are getting the best available supply in the market. Cost is not a problem, what is important is that our casualties get the best we can give”.
He also averred that the Philippine Army is initiating ways to further push forward the necessary health services to the line units aside from upgrading the capacity of the Army General Hospital. He is personally overseeing the necessary improvement of vital medical services and healthcare for Army soldiers so that they can return to normalcy as a combat-fit soldier.
The Chief of Staff, AFP for his part acknowledged the heroism and gallantry of those who got wounded, with some lost their limbs in the course of safeguarding the freedom and democracy of our country. In his message, he said that, “the Christmas Gifts we have brought are just simple token and maybe not enough to repay you of your great sacrifices. But all I wish is to make you happy and share with you the spirit of this Yuletide season in my capacity as your Chief of Staff.”
The Philippine Army as part of its mandate will continue and remain the people’s all season servant and protector. It shall continue to serve and be on guard in distant places, away from their loved ones just to ensure that people are safe during this Holiday season. # OACPA HPA
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339799972931152/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339799969597819/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339800052931144/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339800069597809/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339799976264485/?type=3&theater
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila- As a way of tribute and to lighten their morale, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Army Commanding General, along with his key staff visited the troops confined at the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Health Service Command (AFPHSC) in Quezon City today, December 18, 2018....
Currently, a total of 347 Army soldier are confined in AFPHSC due to various infirmities and conditions which are mostly combat related.
The activity also coincided with the visit of the new Chief of Staff, AFP, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr. with the same intent and purpose.
During the event, a simple program was prepared by AFPHSC led by Brig. Gen, Augustus H. De Villa held at the Multi-purpose auditorium which was highlighted by the handing-over of Christmas gift packs to the confined soldiers. A room visitation was also conducted by the CSAFP and CGPA to personally meet and greet those who are suffering from serious conditions and cannot be ambulated.
In his message, CGPA said “I want to assure you that the Army is working to ensure that you will be given the highest support and quality health services most especially to all battle casualties and service related injuries. To those who need prosthetics we are getting the best available supply in the market. Cost is not a problem, what is important is that our casualties get the best we can give”.
He also averred that the Philippine Army is initiating ways to further push forward the necessary health services to the line units aside from upgrading the capacity of the Army General Hospital. He is personally overseeing the necessary improvement of vital medical services and healthcare for Army soldiers so that they can return to normalcy as a combat-fit soldier.
The Chief of Staff, AFP for his part acknowledged the heroism and gallantry of those who got wounded, with some lost their limbs in the course of safeguarding the freedom and democracy of our country. In his message, he said that, “the Christmas Gifts we have brought are just simple token and maybe not enough to repay you of your great sacrifices. But all I wish is to make you happy and share with you the spirit of this Yuletide season in my capacity as your Chief of Staff.”
The Philippine Army as part of its mandate will continue and remain the people’s all season servant and protector. It shall continue to serve and be on guard in distant places, away from their loved ones just to ensure that people are safe during this Holiday season. # OACPA HPA
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339799972931152/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339799969597819/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339800052931144/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2339800382931111/2339800069597809/?type=3&theater
DWDD: New Army division formally activated to contain terrorist threat in Sulu
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 19): New Army division formally activated to contain terrorist threat in Sulu
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila -The Philippine Army formally activated the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division in a ceremony presided by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, together with Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Army Commanding General on Monday, December 17, 2018 at covered court, Kuta H...eneral Teofilo Bautista, Brgy Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
In line with the directive of President Duterte, the Philippine Army established provisionally the 11ID which took effect on December 1, 2018. The creation of another Army Division aims to strengthen the AFP’s current troop’s deployment in Sulu as well as to have a permanent presence and dedicated force that will address the peace and order problem in the area.
For years, Sulu and its adjacent areas of Basilan and Tawi-tawi are known to be the bulwark of the Abu Sayyaf Group wherein rampant terroristic activities such as kidnapping, bombing, assassination, and sea jacking occurs. The AFP has been relentless in curbing this problem and significantly attained numerous tactical victories over this terrorist group. However, they remain resilient due to the evolving traits of terrorism which became global in nature.
The Philippine Army in relation to this phenomenon endeavors to modify its force structure since 2016. Its goal is to continue to be adaptive in order to remain relevant and responsive to the challenges of both traditional and non-traditional threats.
Apparently, the activation coincided with the ratification by joint congress of the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. These events provided a positive response to the clamor of the local chief executives, religious sector and peace loving people of Mindanao, particularly from Sulu to have a permanent unit dedicated to contain the threat situation and finally would bring normalcy in the area.
President Duterte officiated the symbolic unfurling of unit color, the Army’s traditional way of recognizing the birth of a new unit and commencement of its given mission. The event was also highlighted by the assumption of Brig. Gen. Divino Rey C. Pabayo as the Commander of the new Division.
The newly activated 11ID, like other Army Divisions will be comprised of basic maneuver elements, combat support and service support components.
Lt. Gen. Alberto, in his message to the troops said “your distinct gallantry and heroism in the fight against terrorism and insurgency was already ingrained in the hearts and minds of every Filipinos. As we intensify our effort to finally address the security concern in this corner of our country, I assure everyone that the Philippine Army is in better position now to provide the necessary combat essential tools so that you could better accomplish your task”.
“Amidst complexities, I guarantee the “Sulu-anon” that the 11ID composed of professional soldiers will do their very best to bring normalcy and tranquillity in the area,” Lt Gen Alberto added.
The Philippine Army in pursuit of institutional transformation shall always adapt as formidable force in the fast-changing operational environment to be more responsive and capable of serving the people and securing the land.# OACPA
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2339803929597423/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila -The Philippine Army formally activated the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division in a ceremony presided by President Rodrigo R. Duterte, together with Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Army Commanding General on Monday, December 17, 2018 at covered court, Kuta H...eneral Teofilo Bautista, Brgy Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.
In line with the directive of President Duterte, the Philippine Army established provisionally the 11ID which took effect on December 1, 2018. The creation of another Army Division aims to strengthen the AFP’s current troop’s deployment in Sulu as well as to have a permanent presence and dedicated force that will address the peace and order problem in the area.
For years, Sulu and its adjacent areas of Basilan and Tawi-tawi are known to be the bulwark of the Abu Sayyaf Group wherein rampant terroristic activities such as kidnapping, bombing, assassination, and sea jacking occurs. The AFP has been relentless in curbing this problem and significantly attained numerous tactical victories over this terrorist group. However, they remain resilient due to the evolving traits of terrorism which became global in nature.
The Philippine Army in relation to this phenomenon endeavors to modify its force structure since 2016. Its goal is to continue to be adaptive in order to remain relevant and responsive to the challenges of both traditional and non-traditional threats.
Apparently, the activation coincided with the ratification by joint congress of the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao. These events provided a positive response to the clamor of the local chief executives, religious sector and peace loving people of Mindanao, particularly from Sulu to have a permanent unit dedicated to contain the threat situation and finally would bring normalcy in the area.
President Duterte officiated the symbolic unfurling of unit color, the Army’s traditional way of recognizing the birth of a new unit and commencement of its given mission. The event was also highlighted by the assumption of Brig. Gen. Divino Rey C. Pabayo as the Commander of the new Division.
The newly activated 11ID, like other Army Divisions will be comprised of basic maneuver elements, combat support and service support components.
Lt. Gen. Alberto, in his message to the troops said “your distinct gallantry and heroism in the fight against terrorism and insurgency was already ingrained in the hearts and minds of every Filipinos. As we intensify our effort to finally address the security concern in this corner of our country, I assure everyone that the Philippine Army is in better position now to provide the necessary combat essential tools so that you could better accomplish your task”.
“Amidst complexities, I guarantee the “Sulu-anon” that the 11ID composed of professional soldiers will do their very best to bring normalcy and tranquillity in the area,” Lt Gen Alberto added.
The Philippine Army in pursuit of institutional transformation shall always adapt as formidable force in the fast-changing operational environment to be more responsive and capable of serving the people and securing the land.# OACPA
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2339803929597423/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
DWDD: Mass surrender of NPAs, militia and supporters in two Zamboanga provinces
From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV Website (Dec 19): Mass surrender of NPAs, militia and supporters in two Zamboanga provinces
CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – A total of three (3) NPAs, thirty-eight (38) Militia ng Bayan and one hundred sixty two (162) supporters, surrendered to 102nd Infantry Brigade in the two provinces of Zamboanga this week. ...
On December 15, 2018, twenty-two (22) Militia and fifty-nine (59) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
On the same day, three (3) NPAs, two (2) Militia and seventy-two (72) supporters surrendered to 53rd Infantry Battalion in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.
And on December 18, 2018, fourteen (14) Militia and thirty-one (31) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
“Their surrender will be a setback for the upcoming 50th Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary because of weakening mass base support,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102 Infantry Brigade Commander.
“We will facilitate for their enrollment to Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government and we commended the LGUs, barangay officials and other stakeholders who implemented the localized peace talks,” Col. Gaerlan added.
Major General Roseller G Murillo, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the efforts of 102nd brigade, 44IB, 53IB and the stakeholders who were involved and facilitated the successful surrender.
“We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of law and take advantage of the E-CLIP and spend the yuletide season with their families.” Maj. General Murillo added.# Tabak DPAO
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2339814369596379/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – A total of three (3) NPAs, thirty-eight (38) Militia ng Bayan and one hundred sixty two (162) supporters, surrendered to 102nd Infantry Brigade in the two provinces of Zamboanga this week. ...
On December 15, 2018, twenty-two (22) Militia and fifty-nine (59) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
On the same day, three (3) NPAs, two (2) Militia and seventy-two (72) supporters surrendered to 53rd Infantry Battalion in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.
And on December 18, 2018, fourteen (14) Militia and thirty-one (31) supporters surrendered to 44th Infantry Battalion in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
“Their surrender will be a setback for the upcoming 50th Communist Party of the Philippines anniversary because of weakening mass base support,” said Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102 Infantry Brigade Commander.
“We will facilitate for their enrollment to Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government and we commended the LGUs, barangay officials and other stakeholders who implemented the localized peace talks,” Col. Gaerlan added.
Major General Roseller G Murillo, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, commended the efforts of 102nd brigade, 44IB, 53IB and the stakeholders who were involved and facilitated the successful surrender.
“We encourage other NPAs to return to the folds of law and take advantage of the E-CLIP and spend the yuletide season with their families.” Maj. General Murillo added.# Tabak DPAO
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2339814369596379/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/
MILF: MILF Conducts Orientation on BOL to its Community Members
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Dec 19): MILF Conducts Orientation on BOL to its Community Members
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) conducted an orientation on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to preachers, imams, and other community members on December 16, 2018 at Barangay Bugawas, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
The orientation aims to equip preachers on how they can effectively inculcate to the minds of Muslims through their sermons during the Friday congregational prayer on the benefits of BOL to every Moro and community.
There were around 400 individuals who attended the orientation.
Ustadz Muslimen Limba, Chairman of the MILF Committee on Da’wah, a subordinate committee of Kutawato Provincial Committee said, “As Islamic Preachers, we need to maximize our efforts on how people can internalize their understanding of BOL.
Mr. Nas Pulindao, Director, Committee on Information of the MILF discussed the salient provisions of BOL. His discussion focused on Fiscal & Political autonomy as stipulated in the organic law, the 55 exclusive powers and the Sharia’h Justice System.
He also tackled the Bangsamoro struggle since its inception in 1968, and the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people by foreign and local colonialists.
He underscored that the Moro struggle has now shifted from “bullets to the ballots”, meaning the MILF, as peace partner of the government is transformed into a legal institution to finally end the decades-old conflict in Mindanao through the ratification of the BOL slated on January 21st, and February 6.
“The MILF has previously declared its position that the status quo is unacceptable. In fact, this position is included in the BOL,” Pulindao said.
Pulindao stressed to the Committee members to campaign hard for BOL so that the yes vote will win during the plebiscite in their respective communities.
An open forum followed after Pulindao’s presentation.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1651/milf_conducts_orientation_on_bol_to_its_community_members
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) conducted an orientation on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to preachers, imams, and other community members on December 16, 2018 at Barangay Bugawas, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
The orientation aims to equip preachers on how they can effectively inculcate to the minds of Muslims through their sermons during the Friday congregational prayer on the benefits of BOL to every Moro and community.
There were around 400 individuals who attended the orientation.
Ustadz Muslimen Limba, Chairman of the MILF Committee on Da’wah, a subordinate committee of Kutawato Provincial Committee said, “As Islamic Preachers, we need to maximize our efforts on how people can internalize their understanding of BOL.
Mr. Nas Pulindao, Director, Committee on Information of the MILF discussed the salient provisions of BOL. His discussion focused on Fiscal & Political autonomy as stipulated in the organic law, the 55 exclusive powers and the Sharia’h Justice System.
He also tackled the Bangsamoro struggle since its inception in 1968, and the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro people by foreign and local colonialists.
He underscored that the Moro struggle has now shifted from “bullets to the ballots”, meaning the MILF, as peace partner of the government is transformed into a legal institution to finally end the decades-old conflict in Mindanao through the ratification of the BOL slated on January 21st, and February 6.
“The MILF has previously declared its position that the status quo is unacceptable. In fact, this position is included in the BOL,” Pulindao said.
Pulindao stressed to the Committee members to campaign hard for BOL so that the yes vote will win during the plebiscite in their respective communities.
An open forum followed after Pulindao’s presentation.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1651/milf_conducts_orientation_on_bol_to_its_community_members
MILF: Iqbal: BOL is an inclusive law that will bring lasting peace
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Dec 20): Iqbal: BOL is an inclusive law that will bring lasting peace
SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao- “BOL is a political solution to Mindanao conflict, “Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of MILF Peace Implementing Panel emphasized during a Dialogue for Peace held in South Upi, Maguindanao on December 18.
The dialogue was facilitated by Kalilintad Peace Building Institute (KPI).
“BOL is an inclusive law that will bring lasting peace”, Iqbal stressed
“BOL will solve injustices committed against Moro people”, Iqbal added.
Iqbal also said that the yes vote is for peace.
“BOL is for unity, peace, justice and development”, Iqbal said in his message during the peace dialogue.
. Meanwhile, BTC Commissioner Melanio Ulama Ulama who is representing the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the 21-member BTC said that the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is for all of us tri-people.
Ulama emphasized that “The purpose of BOL is peace and development for Muslims, Christians and Indigenous peoples.”
“We will unite and vote yes in upcoming plebiscite for BOL on January 21, 2019.
Commissioner Susana Anayatin, who claims to be representing the settlers’ communities in the BTC, said “Settlers Communities will have reserved seat in the Bangsamoro Parliament.”
Anayatin added that the rights of settlers that are embedded in the Philippine Constitution will be respected by the Bangsamoro Government. A provision on settlers’ rights were also mentioned in the BOL.
Anayatin encouraged local political leaders to campaign for the BOL in far-flung areas.
“Let us support this law that will bring peace, development and stability in our community. It will fulfill our dream for better life”, Anayatin highlighted.
Local leaders expressed commitment to campaign for the yes vote during the plebiscite.
President Duterte signed BOL into law last August 6, 2018 few days after its passage by the Bicameral Conference Committee.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1652/iqbal--bol-is-an-inclusive-law-that-will-bring-lasting-peace
SOUTH UPI, Maguindanao- “BOL is a political solution to Mindanao conflict, “Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of MILF Peace Implementing Panel emphasized during a Dialogue for Peace held in South Upi, Maguindanao on December 18.
The dialogue was facilitated by Kalilintad Peace Building Institute (KPI).
“BOL is an inclusive law that will bring lasting peace”, Iqbal stressed
“BOL will solve injustices committed against Moro people”, Iqbal added.
Iqbal also said that the yes vote is for peace.
“BOL is for unity, peace, justice and development”, Iqbal said in his message during the peace dialogue.
. Meanwhile, BTC Commissioner Melanio Ulama Ulama who is representing the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the 21-member BTC said that the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is for all of us tri-people.
Ulama emphasized that “The purpose of BOL is peace and development for Muslims, Christians and Indigenous peoples.”
“We will unite and vote yes in upcoming plebiscite for BOL on January 21, 2019.
Commissioner Susana Anayatin, who claims to be representing the settlers’ communities in the BTC, said “Settlers Communities will have reserved seat in the Bangsamoro Parliament.”
Anayatin added that the rights of settlers that are embedded in the Philippine Constitution will be respected by the Bangsamoro Government. A provision on settlers’ rights were also mentioned in the BOL.
Anayatin encouraged local political leaders to campaign for the BOL in far-flung areas.
“Let us support this law that will bring peace, development and stability in our community. It will fulfill our dream for better life”, Anayatin highlighted.
Local leaders expressed commitment to campaign for the yes vote during the plebiscite.
President Duterte signed BOL into law last August 6, 2018 few days after its passage by the Bicameral Conference Committee.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1652/iqbal--bol-is-an-inclusive-law-that-will-bring-lasting-peace
MILF: Editorial - PHILCONSA: Perennial anti-peace bearer
Editorial posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Dec 16): PHILCONSA: Perennial anti-peace bearer
The Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) has consistently adopted an anti-peace stance since the GPH-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in 2008 up to the current Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
This is mind-boggling! Firstly, why it is pursuing this negativist approach? Secondly, the close association of many of the petitioners to the Marcoses. Is this incidental or by design? And thirdly, why it poorly fails to appreciate the Constitution as a political document that is dynamic, living, and flexible, and which is made not only to put order to society but a key to solve people’s problem.
Mind the following circumstances:
Through its incumbent chairman, Manuel Lazaro, Philconsa has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as "unconstitutional, null and void.” It also asked the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order on the implementation of the law, which creates the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in place of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Who is Manuel M. Lazaro? He is a Marcos loyalist. It is said that his loyalty to President Marcos “is legendary.” Known popularly as Justice Lolong, the lawyer once confided to Sunday Times Magazine that loyalty is one of the values he learned from his father, the former Ilocos Norte Governor Primo Lazaro.
In 2015, Philconsa also filed a 24-page petition before the Court against the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the basis of the previously proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed the case as premature.
Incidental or by design, the lead petitioner, who is Philconsa president then, was Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who is the first cousin of former Senator Bongbong Marcos. One of the other petitioners was former senator Francisco Tatad, who is also Marcos loyalist. Tatad was the secretary of information during the heydays of Martial Law.
In May, 2015, a sedition and treason raps were filed by Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza and Abakada Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz against the government and MILF peace negotiators for signing the deal that eventually resulted in the crafting of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which seeks to create a new Bangsamoro entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Again, incidental or by design, Jonathan dela Cruz is right hand man of the Marcoses especially former Senator Bongbong Marcos. Again, the rap was dismissed by the Supreme Court for lack of merit.
It is up to our readers to draw their own conclusion!
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1653/philconsa--perennial-anti-peace-bearer
The Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) has consistently adopted an anti-peace stance since the GPH-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) in 2008 up to the current Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
This is mind-boggling! Firstly, why it is pursuing this negativist approach? Secondly, the close association of many of the petitioners to the Marcoses. Is this incidental or by design? And thirdly, why it poorly fails to appreciate the Constitution as a political document that is dynamic, living, and flexible, and which is made not only to put order to society but a key to solve people’s problem.
Mind the following circumstances:
Through its incumbent chairman, Manuel Lazaro, Philconsa has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to declare the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) as "unconstitutional, null and void.” It also asked the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order on the implementation of the law, which creates the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in place of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Who is Manuel M. Lazaro? He is a Marcos loyalist. It is said that his loyalty to President Marcos “is legendary.” Known popularly as Justice Lolong, the lawyer once confided to Sunday Times Magazine that loyalty is one of the values he learned from his father, the former Ilocos Norte Governor Primo Lazaro.
In 2015, Philconsa also filed a 24-page petition before the Court against the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the basis of the previously proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. The Supreme Court subsequently dismissed the case as premature.
Incidental or by design, the lead petitioner, who is Philconsa president then, was Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who is the first cousin of former Senator Bongbong Marcos. One of the other petitioners was former senator Francisco Tatad, who is also Marcos loyalist. Tatad was the secretary of information during the heydays of Martial Law.
In May, 2015, a sedition and treason raps were filed by Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza and Abakada Rep. Jonathan de la Cruz against the government and MILF peace negotiators for signing the deal that eventually resulted in the crafting of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which seeks to create a new Bangsamoro entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Again, incidental or by design, Jonathan dela Cruz is right hand man of the Marcoses especially former Senator Bongbong Marcos. Again, the rap was dismissed by the Supreme Court for lack of merit.
It is up to our readers to draw their own conclusion!
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1653/philconsa--perennial-anti-peace-bearer
CPP/ILPS-Sison: Build and strengthen the forces of the international anti-imperialist united front
International League of People's Struggles (ILPS)/Sison propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 18): Build and strengthen the forces of the international anti-imperialist united front
International League of People's Struggle
Jose Maria Sison | Chairperson
International Coordinating Committee
International League of People's Struggle
Jose Maria Sison | Chairperson
International Coordinating Committee
December 18, 2018
The International League of Peoples’ Struggle presents hereunder its views on the background and course of international situation from Nos. 1 to 8 and on the urgent necessity and process of developing the international anti-imperialist united front in Nos. 9 and 10.
1. All proletarian revolutionaries and anti-imperialists must acknowledge that modern revisionism had operated for decades since 1956 to undermine, evolve capitalism in stages and finally bring about the total restoration of capitalism in countries already ruled by revisionist regimes in the Soviet Union, China and Eastern Europe in the years of 1989 to 1991.
The full and blatant restoration of capitalism in former socialist countries resulted in the collapse of the Soviet Union and US imperialism winning the Cold War and becoming the sole superpower. Capitalist restoration, especially in China and Russia, has supported the US-instigated policies of neocolonialism and neoliberalism at the expense of the peoples aspiring and fighting for national liberation, democracy and socialism.
2. Overconfident as the sole superpower up to the first decade of the 21st century, the US engaged in the financialization of its economy, further outsourced consumer manufacturing to China and combined with it as main partner in the neoliberal economic offensive of imperialist globalization. However, China’s economic rise resulted in undermining the US position as the No.1 economic power in the world.
The US also engaged in wars of aggression with the use of high tech military weapons in Yugoslavia, Middle East and Africa under the so-called neoconservative policy of slaughtering and maiming millions of people and the destruction of the social infrastructure. The aggressive wars cost the US more than USD six trillion without commensurate immediate returns, except the profitability of the military industrial complex within the US economy. The cost came on top of the cost of global deployment of US military bases and forces.
3. Consequently, the US has accelerated its strategic decline, which started with the problem of stagflation and excessive military spending in the latter part of the 1970s. The US has reached the stage when it can no longer impose its diktat on other imperialist powers as before the second decade of the 21st century. It is still one of the major powers in a multipolar world but it is declining and is countervailed by the other imperialist powers.
The entry of China and Russia into the top circle of imperialist powers has intensified the contradictions among the imperialist powers. This has become starkly obvious since the financial meltdown of 2008 and the rapid resort to excessive public debt by the imperialist and nonimperialist countries. US imperialism is now increasingly at odds with the combination and initiatives of China and Russia. It is stepping up its pressures and sanctions on Russia and is using protectionism to take back its economic and trade concessions to China.
4. The world capitalist system has been beset by recurrent and ever worsening economic and financial crises. Since the financial meltdown of 2008, ignited by the US mortgage meltdown, the imperialist powers (G-7, OECD and G-20) and the traditional multilateral agencies (IMF, World Bank and WTO) have failed to solve the problems of global depression and economic stagnation. The political leaders, magnates and experts of global capitalism are now worried to death by the global public debt bubble.
For some decades, China has taken the lead in economic growth and helped to buoy up the global economy. It has taken initiatives like the BRICS, SCO, BRIC Development Bank, the BRICS and the AIIB to challenge US hegemony. But the China economic rise has been assisted by US economic and trade concessions (including technology transfer) and bloated by excessive public borrowing and lending, including a big mountain of domestic bad debts.
5. Under its neoliberal economic policy, the bourgeoisie has given the proletariat a severe beating in the class struggle in both imperialist countries and less developed countries. Wage levels, workers’ hard-won rights and social benefits, and government social spending have been cut down in order to give way to tax cuts for the bourgeoisie and provide them with increased opportunities for profit-taking and capital accumulation.
The opportunities include investment and trade liberalization, privatization of state assets, deregulation of social and environmental rules and the denationalization of the less developed economies. The result is the unprecedented widening of economic and social inequality in the entire world. The richest one percent of the world population own 50% of the wealth of the world, thus rendering the majority of the people to wallow in poverty. The class exploitation and impoverishment of the working people continue to accelerate.
6. US imperialism is continuously engaged in wars of aggression, which are becoming worse. The danger of nuclear war persists as the US keeps on pressing hard against Russia on the latter’s borders and on countries with which Russia has security alliance. Fascist movements are also emerging and threatening to take over countries that have nuclear weapons. The threat of nuclear annihilation is sharpened by the continuing wars of aggression and the rise of fascist movements.
US and other foreign monopoly corporations are engaged in the unbridled plunder of the natural environment. The imperialist powers compete in grabbing and exploiting the natural resources of the underdeveloped countries in order to make up for the falling rate of profit in the sale of their finished products in their home markets. Manifestations of environmental catastrophe and global warming are growing as a result of imperialist persistence in the use of fossil fuels, destruction of the forests and the plunder of natural resources to the ruin of the environment.
7. The current crisis of the world capitalist system that harks back to the economic and financial cries of 2008 has worsened, with the imperialist powers unable to solve the problems of overproduction, stagnation and depression on a global scale. Their multilateral agencies admit that the global public debt bubble is about to burst or has begun to burst and that they have run out of tools to deal with the new and worse round of economic and financial crisis. The neoliberal kind of imperialist globalization has become bankrupt, with its main instigator, US imperialism, turning protectionist and trying to take its previous concessions to China and other countries.
While the monopoly bourgeoisie has accumulated gigantic assets in productive and finance capital, the toiling masses of workers and peasants and the dwindling middle class in many countries suffer the pain and misery of exploitation and oppression. Revolutionary parties and mass organizations are rising up to wage resistance. At the same time, the imperialist powers and the reactionary classes are launching ultra-reactionary and fascist movements of chauvinism and racism to distract and mislead the masses.
8. The proletariat and peoples of the world are now in a period of transition to the global resurgence of the anti-imperialist and democratic movements and the world proletarian socialist revolution. The attempts of the imperialist powers and the monopoly bourgeoisie to preserve their system by state fascism, wars and further exploitation will fan the flames of mass resistance.
Within the imperialist countries, the proletariat and the rest of the people clamor and rise up to fight for democracy and socialism against monopoly capitalism and all reaction. In the less developed and underdeveloped countries, the broad masses of the people are likewise rising up against imperialism and reaction and for national and social liberation More peoples and nations will arise to wage armed resistance in order to seize political power and to counter and take advantage of the imperialist crisis and wars.
9. It is of urgent necessity for the proletariat and peoples of the world to form and develop revolutionary parties, mass organizations, institutions and movements; and to form domestic alliances against imperialism and all reaction. These anti-imperialist formations and movements must contribute to building and strengthening the international anti-imperialist united front.
On a domestic and international scale, the anti-imperialist united front must develop stage by stage formally and informally. It must be consultative and consensual in character and allow the allies to exercise their own independence and initiative, in accordance with the circumstances and development of the forces concerned. Alliances can be formed among the oppressed and exploited classes, social strata and sectors of common interest.
10. There are now several international formations, which adhere to and seek to promote and implement the policy of international anti-imperialist united front. They must hold consultative meetings on an equal footing of partnership and solidarity; and arrive at agreements by consensus.
They can exchange their experiences and views on urgent issues and agree on practical cooperation and coordinated actions. Their unity in policy and practice on a global scale would develop as a result of the growth and advance of the anti-imperialist forces and the people in their respective home grounds and global regions.
The International League of Peoples’ Struggle is ever ready to undertake its own initiatives as well as cooperate with other formations in upholding, promoting and advancing the international anti-imperialist united front on the basis of adequate mutual understanding of the international situation and in arriving at agreements of cooperation and coordination through consultations and consensus.
1. All proletarian revolutionaries and anti-imperialists must acknowledge that modern revisionism had operated for decades since 1956 to undermine, evolve capitalism in stages and finally bring about the total restoration of capitalism in countries already ruled by revisionist regimes in the Soviet Union, China and Eastern Europe in the years of 1989 to 1991.
The full and blatant restoration of capitalism in former socialist countries resulted in the collapse of the Soviet Union and US imperialism winning the Cold War and becoming the sole superpower. Capitalist restoration, especially in China and Russia, has supported the US-instigated policies of neocolonialism and neoliberalism at the expense of the peoples aspiring and fighting for national liberation, democracy and socialism.
2. Overconfident as the sole superpower up to the first decade of the 21st century, the US engaged in the financialization of its economy, further outsourced consumer manufacturing to China and combined with it as main partner in the neoliberal economic offensive of imperialist globalization. However, China’s economic rise resulted in undermining the US position as the No.1 economic power in the world.
The US also engaged in wars of aggression with the use of high tech military weapons in Yugoslavia, Middle East and Africa under the so-called neoconservative policy of slaughtering and maiming millions of people and the destruction of the social infrastructure. The aggressive wars cost the US more than USD six trillion without commensurate immediate returns, except the profitability of the military industrial complex within the US economy. The cost came on top of the cost of global deployment of US military bases and forces.
3. Consequently, the US has accelerated its strategic decline, which started with the problem of stagflation and excessive military spending in the latter part of the 1970s. The US has reached the stage when it can no longer impose its diktat on other imperialist powers as before the second decade of the 21st century. It is still one of the major powers in a multipolar world but it is declining and is countervailed by the other imperialist powers.
The entry of China and Russia into the top circle of imperialist powers has intensified the contradictions among the imperialist powers. This has become starkly obvious since the financial meltdown of 2008 and the rapid resort to excessive public debt by the imperialist and nonimperialist countries. US imperialism is now increasingly at odds with the combination and initiatives of China and Russia. It is stepping up its pressures and sanctions on Russia and is using protectionism to take back its economic and trade concessions to China.
4. The world capitalist system has been beset by recurrent and ever worsening economic and financial crises. Since the financial meltdown of 2008, ignited by the US mortgage meltdown, the imperialist powers (G-7, OECD and G-20) and the traditional multilateral agencies (IMF, World Bank and WTO) have failed to solve the problems of global depression and economic stagnation. The political leaders, magnates and experts of global capitalism are now worried to death by the global public debt bubble.
For some decades, China has taken the lead in economic growth and helped to buoy up the global economy. It has taken initiatives like the BRICS, SCO, BRIC Development Bank, the BRICS and the AIIB to challenge US hegemony. But the China economic rise has been assisted by US economic and trade concessions (including technology transfer) and bloated by excessive public borrowing and lending, including a big mountain of domestic bad debts.
5. Under its neoliberal economic policy, the bourgeoisie has given the proletariat a severe beating in the class struggle in both imperialist countries and less developed countries. Wage levels, workers’ hard-won rights and social benefits, and government social spending have been cut down in order to give way to tax cuts for the bourgeoisie and provide them with increased opportunities for profit-taking and capital accumulation.
The opportunities include investment and trade liberalization, privatization of state assets, deregulation of social and environmental rules and the denationalization of the less developed economies. The result is the unprecedented widening of economic and social inequality in the entire world. The richest one percent of the world population own 50% of the wealth of the world, thus rendering the majority of the people to wallow in poverty. The class exploitation and impoverishment of the working people continue to accelerate.
6. US imperialism is continuously engaged in wars of aggression, which are becoming worse. The danger of nuclear war persists as the US keeps on pressing hard against Russia on the latter’s borders and on countries with which Russia has security alliance. Fascist movements are also emerging and threatening to take over countries that have nuclear weapons. The threat of nuclear annihilation is sharpened by the continuing wars of aggression and the rise of fascist movements.
US and other foreign monopoly corporations are engaged in the unbridled plunder of the natural environment. The imperialist powers compete in grabbing and exploiting the natural resources of the underdeveloped countries in order to make up for the falling rate of profit in the sale of their finished products in their home markets. Manifestations of environmental catastrophe and global warming are growing as a result of imperialist persistence in the use of fossil fuels, destruction of the forests and the plunder of natural resources to the ruin of the environment.
7. The current crisis of the world capitalist system that harks back to the economic and financial cries of 2008 has worsened, with the imperialist powers unable to solve the problems of overproduction, stagnation and depression on a global scale. Their multilateral agencies admit that the global public debt bubble is about to burst or has begun to burst and that they have run out of tools to deal with the new and worse round of economic and financial crisis. The neoliberal kind of imperialist globalization has become bankrupt, with its main instigator, US imperialism, turning protectionist and trying to take its previous concessions to China and other countries.
While the monopoly bourgeoisie has accumulated gigantic assets in productive and finance capital, the toiling masses of workers and peasants and the dwindling middle class in many countries suffer the pain and misery of exploitation and oppression. Revolutionary parties and mass organizations are rising up to wage resistance. At the same time, the imperialist powers and the reactionary classes are launching ultra-reactionary and fascist movements of chauvinism and racism to distract and mislead the masses.
8. The proletariat and peoples of the world are now in a period of transition to the global resurgence of the anti-imperialist and democratic movements and the world proletarian socialist revolution. The attempts of the imperialist powers and the monopoly bourgeoisie to preserve their system by state fascism, wars and further exploitation will fan the flames of mass resistance.
Within the imperialist countries, the proletariat and the rest of the people clamor and rise up to fight for democracy and socialism against monopoly capitalism and all reaction. In the less developed and underdeveloped countries, the broad masses of the people are likewise rising up against imperialism and reaction and for national and social liberation More peoples and nations will arise to wage armed resistance in order to seize political power and to counter and take advantage of the imperialist crisis and wars.
9. It is of urgent necessity for the proletariat and peoples of the world to form and develop revolutionary parties, mass organizations, institutions and movements; and to form domestic alliances against imperialism and all reaction. These anti-imperialist formations and movements must contribute to building and strengthening the international anti-imperialist united front.
On a domestic and international scale, the anti-imperialist united front must develop stage by stage formally and informally. It must be consultative and consensual in character and allow the allies to exercise their own independence and initiative, in accordance with the circumstances and development of the forces concerned. Alliances can be formed among the oppressed and exploited classes, social strata and sectors of common interest.
10. There are now several international formations, which adhere to and seek to promote and implement the policy of international anti-imperialist united front. They must hold consultative meetings on an equal footing of partnership and solidarity; and arrive at agreements by consensus.
They can exchange their experiences and views on urgent issues and agree on practical cooperation and coordinated actions. Their unity in policy and practice on a global scale would develop as a result of the growth and advance of the anti-imperialist forces and the people in their respective home grounds and global regions.
The International League of Peoples’ Struggle is ever ready to undertake its own initiatives as well as cooperate with other formations in upholding, promoting and advancing the international anti-imperialist united front on the basis of adequate mutual understanding of the international situation and in arriving at agreements of cooperation and coordination through consultations and consensus.
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