DWDD: Donning of New SOLCOM Seal

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 22, 2019): Donning of New SOLCOM Seal

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City, Quezon (DWDD) - Sa pamumuno ni Major General Gilbert Gapay, pinuno ng SOLCOM, ang bagong Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) seal ay maaari nang maisuot ng ating kasundaluhan na nasa ilalim ng SOLCOM. SOLCOM / MCAG



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2364846943759788/2364846680426481/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2364846943759788/2364846907093125/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/

DWDD: ACTIVATION CEREMONY | 61IB activates additional Rifle Company

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 23, 2019): ACTIVATION CEREMONY | 61IB activates additional Rifle Company

CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao, Iloilo (DWDD) – The Army’s 61st Infantry “Hunter” Battalion activated an additional Rifle Company in a simple ceremony held at PFC Bayot Hall, Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miagao,Iloilo, last January 22, 2019.
...

LTC Sisenando A Magbalot Jr., Commanding Officer of the 6IB, led the activation ceremony of the Delta “Cougar” Company and witnessed by the officers and enlisted personnel of the unit
The Delta Company personnel was composed of additional forces assigned with the battalion to sustain its gain to its previous year's campaign.

 1lt James Santos was designated as Company Commander of the Delta Company.

In his message, LTC Magbalot emphasized, “The trust that i have for your company commander is the same trust i have for all of you as the new members of 61IB. You have been chosen to be part of this unit because you were the best. I expect you to perform your duty, follow your seniors, and your officers." In closing, he inspired the troops with the famous line of Napoleon Bonaparte, " If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog, in any fight, the lions will die like a dog. But if you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a lion, all dogs will fight like a lion." 61IB / MCAG



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2364883153756167/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/

DWDD: CONSISTENT VIOLATORS | NPAs violates CARHRIHL anew with abduction of troops in ADS

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 23, 2019): CONSISTENT VIOLATORS | NPAs violates CARHRIHL anew with abduction of troops in ADS

SIBAGAT, Agusan Del Sur (DWDD) - The Terrorist New People’s Army (NPA0 has again blatantly violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and IHL (CARHRIHL) with their abduction of two soldiers and 14 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) a...t Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 19, 2018.

According to Brigadier General Andres C. Centino, Commander, 401st Infantry Brigade, based on earlier call by the NPAs North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), they demanded for the implementation of a ceasefire before they would release their victims. These actions are proof of the CPP-NPAs blatant violation of the CARHRIHL as they are using the soldiers and CAAs as hostages in gaining advantage in their losing cause.

 The Local Government of Sibagat, led by Mayor Maria Liza L. Evangelista and the members of the Municipal Legislative Council as representatives of the people, has already declared the CPP-NPA as “Persona Non-Grata” through a Municipal Resolution No. 137-18 dated 21 December 2018. It condemned the atrocious acts of the terrorist CPP-NPA which is a manifestation of betrayal in achieving peace.

Under the provisions of the CARHRIHL, “persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of Armed Forces who have laid down their arms and those placed ‘hors de combat’ by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria”.

Also stated is that: “persons who do not participate anymore in hostilities shall not be used as hostages by any party.”

The CARHRIHL also protects the victims against “violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture. 401IBde / MCAG

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2364902807087535/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/

DWDD: FEAR FOR LIVES | 2 NPA surrenders to 22IB in Masbate

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Jan 23, 2019): FEAR FOR LIVES | 2 NPA surrenders to 22IB in Masbate

BRGY LANAG, Aroroy, Masbate (DWDD) – Two members of the terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to troops of the 2nd Infantry “Second to None” Battalion and Alpha Company of the 22nd Infantry “Valor” Battalion at the Lanang Patrol Base in Barangay Lanang, Aroroy, Masbate last January 21, 2019.

…
The surrendees were identified as alias Renz, 36 years old, and alias Maya, 39 years old,(names withheld for security easons) and are now undergoing debriefing.
They brought along with them an M16 rifle, a magazine, and 17 ammuntion for M16.

According to alias Renz and alias Maya, they decidd to return to the fold of the law because of fear for their security. They have also witnessed how the lives of their former comrades, who surrendered, were changed with the help of our government.

It can be recalled that last January 9, a Presentation of Former Rebels Ceremony was held for 189 former members of the NPA from Masbate that was even presided by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

In connection with this, Major General Fernando T. Trinidad AFP, head of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, has repeatedly called on the remainin members of the CPP-NPA to join their brothers and sisters who have earlier surrendered and has left the life of violence and has opted to have a life of change and prosperity.

The remaining rebels must also take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start changing their lives, their family and the community. 22IB / MCAG

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2364911937086622/2364911640419985/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2364911937086622/2364911643753318/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2364911937086622/2364911637086652/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/

Detained Red leader 'Ka Joker' dies

From ABS-CBN (Jan 23, 2019): Detained Red leader 'Ka Joker' dies

This undated photo shows alleged NPA leader Ricardo Manili.

 

BUTUAN - Ricardo Manili alias Ka Joker, a detained leader of the communist guerilla force, died due to a heart attack Tuesday night.

Manili, 64, allegedly headed the New People's Army's Caraga command and was the region's fourth most wanted criminal before he was arrested at an Agusan Del Sur checkpoint in 2016.

• NPA's 'Ka Joker' captured in Agusan del Sur

The rebel leader was detained at the Agusan del Norte provincial jail before he was hospitalized last Jan. 12.

Manili, who faced murder and arson charges, had a bounty of P4.9 million on his head when he was captured.

Read More:  crime   NPA   communist   New People's Army   Ka Joker   Ricardo Manili   regions 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/23/19/detained-red-leader-ka-joker-dies
 

Malaysians in cahoots with Sayyaf?

From the Daily Express (Jan 22, 2019): Malaysians in cahoots with Sayyaf?

Seven foreign terrorists, including Malaysians, were spotted recently with an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in a Sulu village, a Philippine terrorism expert told Daily Express.

Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research Professor Rommel Banlaoi said the foreign fighters are waiting for financial support to make improvised bombs.

“The Abu Sayyaf faction headed by sub-leader Hatib Hajan @ Sawadjaan with seven suspected foreign terrorists, including Malaysians, were monitored in Barangay [village] Kabbon Takkas, Patikul, Sulu,” Rommel said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The said foreign militants were reportedly awaiting funding support from abroad for the purchase of explosive components for the manufacture of IEDs [improvised explosive devices],” said Rommel, citing information from an intelligence officer in the Philippine Government.

Hatib is one of 18 Filipinos wanted by Esscom for various transborder crimes such as piracy and kidnapping.

Rommel did not say where the other foreign militants were from but Indonesians made up the bulk of foreign militants during the 2017 Marawi war. Scores of Indonesians are reportedly still in southern Philippines.

The Philippine army’s Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, said the army had also got the information on the spotting of the Malaysians and Hatib.“We are in the process of having that information validated by other sources,” Besana told Daily Express, which has also contacted Bukit Aman’s counter-terrorism division for comment.

ADVERTISEMENT

It cannot be immediately established whether the Malaysian militants are the six who were reported by a US news website as having assisted in the Philippines’ first suicide bombing in Basilan which took 10 lives.


The bombing was carried out on July 31 at a security checkpoint in Lamitan town and was claimed by the Islamic State terror group.ISIS identified the perpetrator as a Moroccan named as Abu Kathir Al-Maghribi and published his image on its propaganda outlet Amaq.According to that December 2018 report by this writer citing tips also from Rommel, the Abu Sayyaf masterminded the Basilan suicide bombing with help from the Moroccan and Malaysian foreign terrorist fighters.

“A government intelligence report indicated that as early as July 19, 2018, Abu Fati [nom de guerre of Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Mike Lijal] and four others were planning to conduct a bombing operation in Lamitan.“On June 30, 2018, six Malaysian nationals arrived in Tuburan, Basilan to assist in the terror plot in Lamitan,” Banlaoi said in that report.

Two days after the attack, the Philippine army arrested a Filipino ustaz or Islamic religious teacher in connection with the Lamitan bombing.

“Government operatives arrested the 58-year old ustaz because of tips coming from informants that he had full knowledge of the bombing,” said Banlaoi further in that report.

“The ustaz facilitated the entry of the aforementioned Malaysian foreign fighters who came to Basilan from Sabah. They arrived after the Marawi war.”

A lull in kidnappings for almost two years in eastern Sabah was broken in September last year when the Abu Sayyaf abducted two Indonesian fishermen from their boat in waters off Semporna and taken to Sulu.

One escaped in December while the other was released by the Abu Sayyaf this month.On Dec 6 last year, a day after the Indonesian fisherman escaped, suspected Abu Sayyaf abducted two Indonesian and one Malaysian fishermen from their trawler in waters off Kinabatangan and taken also to Sulu.

No ransom demand has been reported yet for their release.The worst kidnapping in eastern Sabah occurred in 2000 when 21 people, including 10 westerners, were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf, which is designated as a terror organisation by the US and Philippine governments.

http://dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=130681

MILF: Bangsamoro plebiscite generally peaceful – BIAF

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): Bangsamoro plebiscite generally peaceful – BIAF



In Photo-MILF Central Committee Secretary Muhammad Ameen casts his vote at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindao during the January 21st Plebiscite

The plebiscite for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic law on January 21, was generally peaceful, says Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

BIAF Spokesperson Von Al Haq said the plebiscite was generally peaceful since no major untoward incident happened.

“The massive fraud practiced before was, at least, lessened as both the intellectual and the ordinary voters were eager for peace to ultimately reign in this part of the region,” Al Haq said.

Samsodin Amella, Maguindanao Provincial Coordinator for the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), confirmed that he did not receive any report on irregularities or any untoward incident in the different towns in Maguindanao during the conduct of the plebiscite.

Amella said that only a minor problem was encountered by few voters in some areas such as they were initially hard up in looking for their names in the voters’ list posted outside the voting precincts especially the new registrants.

“But they eventually found their names,” Amella said.

The plebiscite was conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ratify the BOL and determine the actual territorial jurisdiction of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Another plebiscite will be held in February 6 in the seven towns in North Cotabato and the province of Lanao del Norte except Iligan City.

The North Cotabato towns where a plebiscite will be conducted in February 6 are Tulunan, Kabacan, Carmen, Pikit, Aleosan, Midsayap and Pigkawayan.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1704/bangsamoro-plebiscite-generally-peaceful-----biaf

MILF: BOL gains massive support from North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral Groups, LGUs

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): BOL gains massive support from North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral Groups, LGUs



In photo-MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with MajorGen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commanding General of the 6th ID, Philippine Army during his first and recent visit to the Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao

“The Bangsamoro Organic Law is an instrument of genuine peace, progress, and prosperity”. Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Central Committee (MILF-CC) said during the North Cotabato Multi-Sectoral and Local Government Units’ Assembly for the Ratification of Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)-RA 11054 (Saturday) held at University of Southern Mindanao (USM) compound, Kabacan Cotabato on January 19, 2019.

He said that there will be major changes in the government structure of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“While the ARMM has a unitary form of government, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will have a parliamentary-democratic one. In the BARMM the legislative and executive bodies are more closely linked and empowered to enact its own laws. The residents will elect an 80-member parliament representing different parties, districts, and sectors, including indigenous peoples”, he added.

In the course of his speech, he emphasized the significance of joining the upcoming BOL plebiscite.

Al Haj Murad appealed to every registered voters in the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays mentioned under the articles of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to participate in the plebiscite.

Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair, and 1st Vice Chairman of the MILF Central Committee Ghadzali Jaafar centered his speech on the unique characteristics of the Bangsamoro leaders.

He said that, “Both the MILF and MNLF leaders were not political leaders rather they are revolutionary leaders, hence, they sacrificed for almost 50 years just to safeguard the interest of the people.”

Meanwhile, BTC Commissioner Mohagher Iqbal reminded the participants on the significance of having an educated decision. “We need to understand the meaning and at the same time the consequences of voting YES to BOL.



In photo- A huge tarp hangs at the stage of University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Kabacan, North Cotabato
Your positive response will yield four important aspects such as peace, justice, progress, and development.”

He said, “Peace is not the absence of war rather it is all about justice. We assure that through the BOL all historical injustices will be addressed and the presence of independence, sovereignty, and internal development will be visible to all.”

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. described the BOL as a “Document of Peace”.

“We cannot go back to war anymore, therefore, do not waste this once in a lifetime opportunity, cast your vote, and say YES to BOL. Remember that your decision will change the course of your life because the BOL seeks to give back to the people what they truly deserve.”

The peace assembly was participated by more than 150,000 people.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1703/bol_gains_massive_support_from_north_cotabato_multi_sectoral_groups__lgus

MILF: Vote Yes to BOL and be Part of the history in the making of Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): Vote Yes to BOL and be Part of the history in the making of Bangsamoro



In Photo: Mr. Tirso S. Tahir-BLMI Officer delivers his message on BOL, UBJP Provincial Executive Officer Prof. Abdulla Ahang (with hat at the back) with other UBJP Officers at Ahaja Sport Complex Sitangkai Municipality

TANDUBAS TAWI-TAWI- Reshaping people’s ideas of different perspective and views were the most challenging in the current Bangsamoro struggle. This was what happened in our last stretch of Information-Drive Campaign on Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the island municipality of Sitangkai, known as “The Venice of the South” and the last frontier in Southern Philippines.

Land and Sea dwellers were the targets of the BOL Campaign with the aim to properly enlighten them on the significance, and benefits of BOL.

Tahir and Mr. Saliakram Adduh from Tandubas Peace Advocates and UBJP Officers alternately explained the salient provisions of BOL to members of the academe, LGU’s and Laymen.

Another activity was held at Municipal sport of complex at Sitangkai Municipality proper on January 15. The Sub-Tribe of Sama, the Sama-Bajau were among the audience who were so keen to learn about the aspect of Bangsamoro Water since their only source of living are fishing and seaweed farming.

On January 16, another Information-Drive was held in Tong Gusung Elementary School at Barangay Tong Gusung, Sitangkai. It was followed by another Information-Drive at Barangay Larap in the afternoon of the same day. Teachers and Seaweed Farmers participated in the activity.



Racing against the tide…The UBJP Staff push the UBJP EXPRESS Pump-boat after it was grounded during low-tide in Sitangkai area on its way back to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on January 17, 2019
Back at mainland Tandubas were the last ditch of Information-Drive Campaign culminated at Corazon, Abubakar, Iran Memorial Central School (CAIMCS) on January 19.

In this activity, members of the 117th Base Command supported the peace advocates in their campaign.

Tahir and Mr. Adduh explained the significance of BOL with corresponding Bangsamoro Narratives and other related matters.

Other Heads of Committees of UBJP Tandubas Tawi-Tawi Chapter, and the religious sector also shared their respective inspirational messages to the participants and appealed to all qualified voters to cast their YES VOTE to BOL on January 21. 2019.

Chairman Ahang and his Officers expressed their profound gratitude to all sectors, and the LGUs for the warm reception and technical supports extended throughout their Information-drive Campaign. They were so happy that once in their lifetime they are part of the history in the making for the Bangsamoro Region.

These Series of Information-Drive campaign was organized and facilitated through corroborative efforts by UBJP Municipal Chapter in Tawi-Tawi and Municipal Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and its line agencies.

Back at mainland Tandubas were the last ditch of Information-Drive Campaign culminated at Corazon, Abubakar, Iran Memorial Central School (CAIMCS) on January 19.

In this activity, members of the 117th Base Command supported the peace advocates in their campaign.

Tahir and Mr. Adduh explained the significance of BOL with corresponding Bangsamoro Narratives and other related matters.

Other Heads of Committees of UBJP Tandubas Tawi-Tawi Chapter, and the religious sector also shared their respective inspirational messages to the participants and appealed to all qualified voters to cast their YES VOTE to BOL on January 21. 2019.

Chairman Ahang and his Officers expressed their profound gratitude to all sectors, and the LGUs for the warm reception and technical supports extended throughout their Information-drive Campaign. They were so happy that once in their lifetime they are part of the history in the making for the Bangsamoro Region.

These Series of Information-Drive campaign was organized and facilitated through corroborative efforts by UBJP Municipal Chapter in Tawi-Tawi and Municipal Political Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and its line agencies.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1702/vote-yes-to-bol-and-be-part-of-the-history-in-the-making-of-bangsamoro

NDF Negotiating Panel: Rehashed amended petition to proscribe CPP-NPA is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people

NDFP Negotiating Panel propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jan 18, 2019): Rehashed amended petition to proscribe CPP-NPA is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people  

Statement of the NDFP Negotiating Panel
18 January 2019



NDFP Panel Chair Fidel V. Agcaoili

The amended petition submitted by the Department of Justice of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) seeking to proscribe the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) is a piece of legal fiction with dire consequences for the people.

The Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) which represents these allied organizations in peace negotiations views the amended petition as part of the GRP’s desperate moves to impose a full-blown fascist dictatorship, scrap the May 2019 elections, and establish a fake federal state with local dynasties beholden to the dictator in control of the so-called regional states.

The amended petition is groundless and merely a rehash of previously disproven charges in old cases, both in the Philippines and abroad, that have either been definitively resolved, dismissed with finality, and obviously prescribed or are already being contested in proceedings before GRP courts – against trumped up charges with the use of moving skeletons and manufactured witnesses as evidence.

Moreover, the link between the eight remaining individuals alleged to be officers of the CPP and NPA and the purported terrorist acts does not exist. Such legal hocus-focus completely disregards accepted international principles and practices on due process, double jeopardy, bill of attainder, freedom of thought, and the like.

Up to now there is still no acceptable definition of terrorism in the world. The United Nations (UN) has none. Even the GRP’s own Human Security Act tacks its meaning on a broad compilation of acts already deemed as offenses in its penal laws. The Act only serves to set aside and in effect nullify without any just basis the GRP’s long established jurisprudence on the Hernandez political offense doctrine.

The amended petition caps the all-out “legal offensive” by the GRP against the revolutionary forces, starting with Proclamations 360 (terminating peace negotiations) and 374 (declaring CPP and NPA as “terrorist organizations”), as well as Memorandum Order No. 32 (deployment of more security forces in selected areas to suppress “lawless violence and acts of terror”) and Executive Order 70 (creating national task force to end “local communist armed conflict”), coupled with an insidious arsenal of tools that have resulted in the illegal arrests of NDFP consultants that undermine the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and other binding bilateral agreements.

The petition is definitely against the interest of the Filipino people who desire a just and lasting peace through negotiations and agreements on social, economic and political reforms. For the GRP to attempt to proscribe the CPP and NPA makes returning to the negotiating table to address the roots of the armed conflict even more complicated if not altogether impossible.

On the principled basis that the CPP and NPA adhere to the people’s democratic government, which has its own judicial system, the CPP and NPA cannot and will not enter the GRP court to participate in the proceedings.

The NDFP, however, is gravely concerned of the dire and adverse impact and consequence of the amended petition to legal democratic organizations and activists due to the GRP’s policy of linking activists and government critics to the CPP and NPA and tagging them as “terrorists” or involved with “terrorist organizations and acts.” There is imminent danger that they will be subjected to the arbitrary measures allowed under the Human Security Act.

The CPP and NPA will continue to defend the national and democratic aspirations of the Filipino people to achieve thoroughgoing land reform, national industrialization, environmental protection, and genuine national sovereignty. Hence, any attempt of the GRP to proscribe and brand the CPP and NPA as terrorist organizations will be futile.###

Reference:
Fidel V. Agcaoili
Chairperson

https://www.ndfp.org/rehashed-amended-petition-to-proscribe-cpp-npa-is-a-piece-of-legal-fiction-with-dire-consequences-for-the-people/

NDF: Reply to Duterte’s tirade in Lucena City against the CPP, NPA and revolutionary mass movement

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): Reply to Duterte’s tirade in Lucena City against the CPP, NPA and revolutionary mass movement

By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
January 22, 2019

There is nothing rotten or insane about fighting for genuine and full national independence and people’s democracy and eventually for socialism even for another 50 years until victory is won.

What is totally rotten is for Duterte to be serving the interests of both US and Chinese imperialists, the big compradors, landlords and his fellow corrupt bureaucrat capitalists who oppress and exploit the people.

There is nothing more rotten and insane than killing 30,000 drug suspects and becoming the supreme drug lord and extend the mass murder to the workers, peasants, indigenous people, the social activists and human rights advocates to preserve the rotten ruling system.

Duterte completely denies that the growing revolutionary forces, the revolutionary party of the working class, the New People’s Army, the revolutionary mass organizations, the various types of alliances and the organs of political power that constitute the people’s government.

Duterte is insane for thinking that the revolutionary movement does not govern a single barangay. The people’s democratic government is now operating in more than 15,000 barangays and it is growing in waves until it can overthrow the counterrevolutionary state of the big compradors, landlords and corrupt bureaucrats like him.

It is too late for Duterte to glorify the rotten semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system in the Philippines and the world capitalist system, which is now in crisis far worse than in 1929 and the Great Depression.

Filipino revolutionaries have contempt for the restoration of capitalism in China and Russia but are pleased at the same time that the rise of Chinese and Russian monopoly capitalism is now intensifying the contradictions among the imperialist powers.

The intensifying inter-imperialist conflicts are making the people suffer more but are driving them to rise up in revolutionary resistance. Only an incorrigible traitor and tyrant and someone insane can glorify imperialist China and Russia, seek to keep the Philippines a prey to both old and new imperialist powers and refuse to take advantage of the inter-imperialist contradictions in order to serve the national and democratic rights and interests of the Filipino people.

https://www.ndfp.org/reply-to-dutertes-tirade-in-lucena-city-against-the-cpp-npa-and-revolutionary-mass-movement/

NDF: Mula sa isang Amerikano na nakipamuhay sa New People’s Army

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jan 22, 2019): Mula sa isang Amerikano na nakipamuhay sa New People’s Army (From an American living with the New People's Army)

Mabilis ang isang buwan sa Hukbo. Naubos na ang Tagalog ko.

Never did I expect to find so much peace, in he midst of war. A just war. A fluid war.  I came here looking for hope. And I found those who redefined things for me.

Like the itak, for example. A weapon to cut others and a tool for destruction, yet in the hands of the Hukbo it becomes a tool to transform the wilderness into something familiar. Like the M-16, which a Kasama showed me how to dismantle, when I first arrived. A tool designed to defeat the United States. Ka Ruben, reminded me that it was made in the U.S. Like this rifle, I am also from the U.S., but in the hands of the Hukbo I feel transformed. A weapon to change the world.

I don’t want to leave, but my children await my return. But I also feel that the Philippines, our Motherland, still cries out for all its lost children.

I came here looking for hope. What I discovered, was the new Filipino who is willing to fight for it. 

Hindi kayo malilimutan. Maraming salamat!

Ka F

https://www.ndfp.org/mula-sa-isang-amerikano-na-nakipamuhay-sa-new-peoples-army/

WESTMINCOM: Lawless element slain, guns seized in Sirawai clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jan 23, 2019): Lawless element slain, guns seized in Sirawai clash



Government forces neutralized a member of a lawless group and seized two firearms of the bandits in a fierce gun battle in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte on January 22.

The slain bandit was identified as Jul Hassan, a member of the Jamilon Tukalan Group tagged in the series of kidnapping and extortion activities in Zamboanga del Norte.

Composite elements of the 42nd Infantry Battalion and the Team Regional Mobile Force Battalion patrolled the area when they encountered five members of the group in Barangay Panabutan, Sirawai at 7:25pm last night.

Soldiers and policemen recovered a Caliber .45 pistol, a Caliber .38 Revolver, and a hand grenade of the lawless group.

“We will continue to operate with the police to quell lawless armed groups in our area of responsibility,” said Colonel Bagnus Gaerlan, the 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander.

At 10pm yesterday, the troops brought the cadaver of Hassan to the Regional Health Unit in Sirawai for examination and disposition.

“Our campaign against armed groups will be relentless in order to minimize the atrocities and attain a just and lasting peace in our area of operations,” said Major General Roseller Murillo, the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Arnel DelaVega, the commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said, “This is an offshoot of our continued engagement with the police and our shared commitment to sustain the internal security in the area.”

Law enforcement support operations will be intensified in ZamPeLan area, added Lieutenant General Dela Vega.

http://www.westmincom.com/lawless-element-slain-guns-seized-in-sirawai-clash/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom joins medical and dental mission in Mariki, ZC

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jan 23, 2019): WestMinCom joins medical and dental mission in Mariki, ZC



The Western Mindanao Command participated in the medical and dental outreach organized by the Kabasalan Eagles Club of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sitio Sumatra Island, Barangay Mariki, Zamboanga City on January 20, 2019.



The residents of the aforesaid island barangay received free medical check-up, dental service, haircut, circumcision, and eye check-up. Free reading eyeglasses were also given to senior citizen while toys and school supplies were distributed to the children.



They were also provided with entertainment by the talented magician soldiers from the Marine Base Landing Team-11. The people were overjoyed with the different tricks prepared by the magicians.



The successful outreach program was made possible through the participation of the Joint Task Force Zamboanga, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, 4th Civil Relations Group, Civil Military Operations Unit-Western Mindanao, Naval Task Force 61, Marine Base Landing Team-11, Naval Reserve Center-Western Mindanao, Health Service Command-Western Mindanao, and the partner stakeholders such as the Rotary International and Department of Health.



“Our main target are the less fortunate people from the far flung areas and island barangays who should be given a much-needed attention,” said Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners who individually played a special role in the success of the activity,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/westmincom-joins-medical-and-dental-mission-in-mariki-zc/

Hinterland residents denounce CPP-NPA deceptions, atrocities

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 23, 2019): Hinterland residents denounce CPP-NPA deceptions, atrocities

Residents of hinterland barangays in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, have condemned the New People’s Army operating in their communities, Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday.

Dacoscos, who led a peace advocacy symposium yesterday jointly organized by the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades in Sitio Cambairan, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, where the NPA held its pre-anniversary celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines last month, said the activity was highlighted by an oathtaking of 500 residents who pledged to support for the government, and denounced the rebel atrocities, including the recruitment of minors.

Dacoscos cited the participation of 106 students residing in Brgy. Trinidad in Guihulngan City and Brgy. Macagahay, Moises Padilla, in the CPP pre-anniversary celebration, that was uploaded on YouTube.

He added that the minors stopped attending classes, after being threatened and misled by the NPAs who told them that the military and police forces are running after them because of their participation in the NPA activity.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, debunked such claims, and advised parents of the students to send them back to school, stressing that they have nothing to worry about.

Arevalo said the students are victims of NPA deception, and called on their parents not to allow their children to be exploited.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement claiming that those attended in the military activity yesterday were forced to attend by the 62IB.

Using the beneficiaries of 4Ps program of the government, Regalado condemned what he called military deceptions and psywar activities.

During the symposium, Dacoscos said that Moises Padilla and Guihulngan residents expressed their willingness to pursue a barangay resolution declaring NPA leaders persona non grata.

He also said that attaining peace is not the concern only of the police and the Philippine Army, local government units should also actively take part in condemning atrocities and deceptions by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Last week, 120 chieftains and members of the indigenous people groups in northern Negros also condemned the NPA deception, atrocities, extortion and recruitment among their members.
With the IPs and parents expressing condemnation of the CPP-NPA, Arevalo urged other communities and local government units to also do the same.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/January/23/topstory7.htm

MILF submits list of nominees for members of Bangsamoro government

From Rappler (Jan 23, 2019): MILF submits list of nominees for members of Bangsamoro government

The list of 41 names, submitted the week before the Bangsamoro plebiscite, includes at least 3 women, one Christian, and one member of an ethnic group



BEYOND PLEBISCITE. MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim is expected to be named Chief Minister of the interim Bangsamoro government. Photo by Bobby Lagsa

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has submitted to Malacañang its list of nominees to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), MILF chief Murad Ebrahim told Rappler.

"We have completed the 41 nominees already and submitted to the Office of the President and we made sure there is geographical representation and the sectoral representation also," he said during a Rappler Talk interview on Tuesday, January 22.

MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal told Rappler that the list was submitted a week before the Bangsamoro plebiscite on January 21.

As of posting, there is no official result yet on whether or not the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will be ratified.

The BTA will be created only when the BOL is ratified. It is the entity that will govern the Bangsamoro Automomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 2019 until elections in 2022.

In the BOL, the MILF is supposed to get a majority of the 80-seats in the BTA as it had been tasked with “leading” the transition process. The remaining 39 seats will be filled by appointees chosen primarily by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Iqbal also said the nominees include 5 women, one Christian, and one member of an ethnic group. Meanwhile Murad said he remembered at least 3 women on the list, one Christian, and "one or two" members from indigenous peoples communities.

The BTA will be a powerful body since it will have the power to legislate and implement laws. Starting 2020, it will also receive the annual block grant for BARMM, as laid out in the BOL. This assured funding is expected to amount to around P60 billion.

It will likely be Murad who will be chosen as interim Chief Minister, or the head of the BTA. He has said the BTA, under his watch, will prioritize education, medical services, social services, and infrastructure in the BARMM.

Iqbal said that the BTA’s first step upon formation will be the passing of foundational laws such as a legislative code, administrative code, and local government code.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/221547-milf-submits-list-nominees-bangsamoro-government-members

Photo: NPA surrenders, reunites with family

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 23, 2019): Photo: NPA surrenders, reunites with family



After seven months in the movement, former Communist rebel, alias Mylene (right), is reunited with her four children at the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters. Mylene surrendered to the 67th infantry Battalion in Banganga, Davao Oriental last Jan. 21.
https://www.facebook.com/MindanaoTimes/photos/a.154740624547105/2215474211807059/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/MindanaoTimes/

Isabela City, Sulu reject BOL

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 23, 2019): Isabela City, Sulu reject BOL

The capital of Basilan province, Isabela City, has joined Sulu province in the Muslim autonomous region in rejecting the controversial Bangsamoro Organic Law or BOL.

Isabela, led by Vice Mayor, Cherrylyn Akbar; and Jann Akbar, a strong advocate for the establishment of a federalism government, spearheaded the “NO to BOL” campaign in the city even before Monday’s plebiscite.

Wednesday’s final plebiscite tally showed Isabela with 22, 441 voting for No to BOL and 19, 630 voting for Yes. “We are so happy and the voice of the people is heard loud and clear. We rejected the BOL,” Akbar said after receiving the news of the results of the referendum.

Although Isabela rejected BOL, municipalities in the province voted for the ratification of the organic law. “What’s important here is that Isabela will never be a part of the so-called Bangsamoro autonomous region,” Akbar said.

Sulu also rejected the BOL with 163, 523 Tausugs voting No and 19, 032 for its ratification. “It will not prosper in Sulu. We do not want to be part of the Bangsamoro region. We are Tausugs, we are Bangsa Sug. Our people have spoken and they should respect our stand,” said former Gov. Sakur Tan, also known as Datu Shabandar, who is the spokesman and special envoy of the Royal Council of the Sulu Sultanate.

Tan said the Tausugs wanted out of the autonomous region and be part again of the Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9.

With the second and last Bangsamoro plebiscite set on February 6, Muslims in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato will decide whether to approve or reject the BOL, and be included in the new autonomous region under the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF.

The MILF, which signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014, is expected to rule the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region after majority of the Muslims in Mindanao voted January 21 for the ratification of the BOL – except Sulu province and Isabela City in Basilan province.

The BOL (Republic Act 11054) shall replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM.

ARMM is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces. Majority of Sulu’s over 830,000 Tausug population led by their political leaders Governor Toto Tan and his father, Dr. Sakur Tan wanted out of the autonomous region and to be part again of Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9.

Sulu along with Basilan and Tawi-Tawi were all originally part of Region 9 following the signing of the 1986 peace agreement between the Moro National Liberation Front under Nur Misuari and the Ramos administration. After the accord, a referendum was held following the 1989 signing by President Corazon Aquino of the Republic Act 6734, and amended in 2001 which paved the way for another plebiscite which included Basilan and Marawi City.

But because of the block voting, Sulu shall stay with the autonomous region, except if the Supreme Court decides that the new organic law violates the Constitution following two petitions filed by Sulu Governor Toto Tan and the Philippine Constitution Association or PHILCONSA.

Tan, in his petition filed late last year, is questioning the legality and constitutionality of the BOL. And PHILCONSA also filed a separate petition and asked the Supreme Court to declare the organic law as unconstitutional, null and void.

Both petitions questioned the creation of a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region or BAR to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which is composed of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.

Constitutional framers argued the 1987 Constitution only recognizes one autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao. The creation of a Bangsamoro political entity is contrary to the Constitution which created only provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, and autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras, according to PHILCONSA.

“When R.A. 11054 abolished the ARMM and created the BARMM, a new and distinct territorial and political subdivision in lieu thereof, without first amending the Constitution, respondent’s legislative and executive departments violated and/or amended Sec. 1, Art. X of the Constitution, without jurisdiction or authority, with grave abuse of discretion tantamount to lack of and/or in excess of jurisdictions.”

“The legislative and the executive departments, creations of the Constitution, must observe and stand beside the Constitution and not act above, defy or supplant it,” PHILCONSA said.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/isabela-city-sulu-reject-bol/

Kidnap gang member killed in Zambo clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 23, 2019): Kidnap gang member killed in Zambo clash

Security forces killed a member of a kidnapping group following a firefight in Zamboanga del Norte’s Sirawai town in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Army Capt. Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said policemen and soldiers were patrolling the village of Sipakit when they ran into a group of bandits and firefight ensued.

He said Jul Hassan was killed in the fighting, but other gunmen managed to escape from the running gunbattle. Hassan was a member of the Jamilon Tukalan Group, blamed by authorities for the spate of ransom kidnappings and extortion activities in the province.

Antipala said a report by Lt. Col. Danilo Ambe, commander of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, said security forces also recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver and one fragmentation grenade, including a cell phone. He said there were no police or military casualties in the clash.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, praised the troops for the slaying of Hassan and said the operation against lawless groups in the province is continuing. “Our campaign against armed groups together with police will be relentless in order to minimize the atrocities and attain a just and lasting peace in our area,” he said.

Last week, soldiers also clashed with in the neighboring town of Sibuco and one infantryman was killed. Troops were serving arrest warrants on a criminal gang leader, Basiran Ahil Mudja, when fighting erupted.

Mudja’s group fought with security forces for about 15 minutes. The gunmen managed to escape from the troops. Mudja has two warrants of arrest for murder and attempted murder in the province, which is also a stronghold of the rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front and bandits.

It was unknown if the gunmen belong to the same group or not.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/kidnap-gang-member-killed-in-zambo-clash/

Army troopers seize illegally-cut lumber in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2019): Army troopers seize illegally-cut lumber in SurSur

Combat maneuvering troops of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion (36th IB) seized some 3,071 board feet of illegally cut sawn-lumber in two separate anti-illegal logging operations in Surigao del Sur recently, said Lt. Jonald Romorosa, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 36th IB.

He said the two operations were conducted in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza town and Barangay Maitom, Tandag City in just one day.

The team confiscated 1,471 board feet sawn lumber with an estimated market value of P92,620.00, and banka keels in Lanuza, and a volume of 1,600 board feet with an estimated market value of P30,000.00 in Tandag City.

The 36th IB CMO officer disclosed that from January 2018 up to January 11, 2019, the 36th IB troopers had already conducted several anti-illegal logging operations in close coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The said operations resulted in the confiscation of 61,754.54 board feet of illegal logs/sawn lumber with an estimated market value worth of P1,547,096.80.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, 36th IB commanding officer, said they have always extended their full support to other government agencies in line with its mandate to protect the natural environment in its area of operation.

“We are serious in the campaign against anti-illegal logging operations and we are committed to support other law enforcement agencies. Let this be a stern warning to all illegal loggers in the province. Stop your illegal activities or suffer the consequences provided by law,” Lt. Colonel Trinidad said.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017231

Army brigade chief: CPP-NPA violates IHL, CARHRIHL

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Army brigade chief: CPP-NPA violates IHL, CARHRIHL

“The Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) committed a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and IHL (CARHRIHL).”

This was the statement of Brigadier General Andres Centino, commander of the 401st Brigade, as he cited groundless demand of the said terrorist group in exchange of the two soldiers and 14 Cafgu Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) who were abducted in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur last December 19, 2018.

BGen. Centino said the statement of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) which demands for a ceasefire before they will release the victims is proof enough that they are using the soldiers and CAAs as hostages in order to demand for the stoppage of military operations in the area.

“The 14 Cafgu Active Auxiliaries and two soldiers are used as human shields by this local terrorists up to this date,” said Centino.

Centino reiterated that based on the provisions of the CARHRIHL, “persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including members of armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed 'hors de combat' by sickness, wounds, detention, or any other cause, shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse distinction founded on race, color, religion or faith, sex, birth or wealth, or any other similar criteria.”

“It also stated that persons who do not participate anymore in hostilities shall not be used as hostages by any party. Likewise, CARHRIHL also protects the victims against 'violence to life and person, in particular murder of all kinds, mutilation, cruel treatment, and torture,” he added.

It can be recalled that on January 18, the CPP-NPAs terrorist released a statement to the media blaming the AFP for the non-release of the soldiers and CAAs.

“If they truly care, the CPP-NPA can release their hostages at any time without calling for any ceasefire. They do not need a ceremony, they just need to let their victims walk away, I’m sure the soldiers and CAAs know where to go when released,” said Centino.

It was learned that the family of the victims last December 2018 have filed a human rights complaint with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Caraga Regional Office for the CPP-NPA’s violations of the victim’s rights particularly on the right to be visited by their loved ones or to have communications with them.

These rights are all guaranteed by the IHL and CARHRIHL where the CPP-NPA was a signatory to the agreement.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017377

Army’s 61st IB activates additional Rifle Company

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Army’s 61st IB activates additional Rifle Company

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion has activated additional Rifle Company in a simple ceremony held at PFC Bayot Hall, Camp Monteclaro, Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo.



According to 61st IB Information Officer 1Leiutenant Hazel Joy Durotan, 61st IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot Jr. led the activation ceremony of the Delta (Cougar) Company, January 22, which was witnessed by the officers and enlisted personnel of the unit.

Durotan said the newly-activated Delta Company was composed of additional forces assigned with the battalion to sustain the gain from its previous year's campaign.

1Lt James Santos was designated as Company Commander of the Delta Company.

In his message, Magbalot emphasized that the trust he has for the Delta Company commander is the same trust he has for all being new members of 61IB.

“You have been chosen to be part of this unit because you were the best. I expect you to perform your duty, follow your seniors, and your officers," Magbalot said

He also quoted a famous line “If you build an army of 100 lions and their leader is a dog, in any fight, the lions will die like a dog. But if you build an army of 100 dogs and their leader is a lion, all dogs will fight like a lion.”

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017486

Reds attack civilians, burn construction equipment in Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2019): Reds attack civilians, burn construction equipment in Quezon



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- A small band of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels, reportedly numbering about 10, raided a facility of the Pacific Summit Construction Group Inc. (PSCGI) in Sitio Pandarawan, Barangay Maragondon in Real, Quezon, holding its employees at gunpoint while torching valuable construction equipment Monday evening.

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, commander of the 202nd Brigade said Tuesday that the workers of the construction firm were roused from their sleep and rounded up around 11:30 p.m. Monday by the heavily armed suspects.

The terrorists went on to douse the construction equipment with gasoline and then set the trucks on fire, which quickly spread through the office building.

"We were asleep, when the armed group barged into our room. While poking their guns at us, they ordered us to lay flat on the ground. They had with them women comrades. A few minutes later, I saw that our office and the trucks were on fire,” narrated one of the visibly traumatized construction workers in Filipino.

Burgos described the latest NPA attack as a sign of desperation, saying the communist terrorists had begun to prey on non-combatants.

“The NPAs are desperate. They are hard up complying with their leader's order to go on the offensive. They can only do that to civilians, threaten and hurt them. Their desire is to frighten the people and hopefully, force contractors to pay extortion money to them,” he said.

The construction firm’s project manager later told investigators that the attack caused the destruction of equipment used in mini-dam construction, consisting of three dump trucks, two backhoes, a generator set, one transit mixer, loader, a van, and a pickup.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Melencio Ragudo, commanding officer of the 80 Infantry Battalion (80IB), said that both the military and police have set up checkpoints and have launched pursuit operations in a bid to apprehend the terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059718

Teenage NPA member yields in Misamis Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2019): Teenage NPA member yields in Misamis Occidental

Ka Jessie, 18, a former member of the New People's Army, surrendered on Monday to military authorities in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. (Photo courtesy of Army's 1st Infantry Division PIO)

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- A young New People’s Army (NPA) member has surrendered to military authorities in Misamis Occidental, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. John Andrada, the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the NPA surrenderer only as Ka Jessie, who turned himself in on Monday in Oroquieta City.

Andrada said Ka Jessie, 18, decided to surrender as he was "fed up" with the illegal activities of the NPA -- the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Ka Jessie's identity has been withheld for security reasons.

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Ka Jessie surrendered a day after an NPA medic turned himself in to the 53rd Infantry Battalion in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur for exhaustion and hunger.

Gaerlan said that so far 71 NPA rebels have surrendered in his area of operations since last year.

“We will expect more NPAs to surrender with the advent of Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government that gives benefits not only for themselves but also for their families,” Gaerlan said.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army's 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops for the successful surrender of the NPA teenager.

“The youth is the hope of our future. The local populace, stakeholders and concerned agencies should be wary of the NPA’s propaganda and recruitment of our youth,” Murillo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059665

6ID to shift focus to NoCot for Feb. 6 BOL plebiscite

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2019): 6ID to shift focus to NoCot for Feb. 6 BOL plebiscite

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) is set to shift the deployment of its security forces to North Cotabato for the February 6 plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in the province.

A total of 39 barangays in the towns of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato have been proposed for inclusion under the expanded Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) later approved an additional 28 out of 88 villages in the North Cotabato towns that petitioned for inclusion in the new autonomous region.

A BOL plebiscite is also scheduled in six municipalities of Lanao del Norte on February 6, -- Nunungan, Tangkal, Munai, Pantar, Balo-i, and Tagoloan-II.

“The (January 21) plebiscite in Maguindanao province and Cotabato City were generally peaceful with the positive outcome attributed to the close coordination between the security forces and Comelec, together with the concerned stakeholders,” said Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6ID commander, in a statement on Tuesday.

Sobejana noted that unarmed MILF members numbering about 6,000 from various base commands that were monitored inside Cotabato City to assist in Monday's plebiscite have already left to return to their respective units in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sarangani.

“There are still MILF forces in the city but they are residents there,” he said.

He added that no large Moro National Liberation Front formation was monitored during the conduct of the plebiscite in the city and Maguindanao province.

Sobejana said the 6ID intends to sustain its current security posture in Cotabato City until the situation returns back to normal upon the completion of the Comelec’s canvassing of votes at Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here.

“Thereafter, we will shift our focus in North Cotabato area for the February 6 plebiscite,” he said, warning that focused military operations in known lairs of criminals and terrorists will be sustained.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059682

Cotabato City votes 'yes' to BOL amid discrepancy issue

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Cotabato City votes 'yes' to BOL amid discrepancy issue

COTABATO CITY -- Majority of Cotabato City's voters opted to join the new political entity in Muslim Mindanao after voting “yes” to the inclusion of this city to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) based on the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) final tally here Tuesday night.

Based on the canvassing of votes by the City Board of Canvassers that ended at 8:43 p.m. Tuesday, the “yes” had 36,682 (59 percent) votes favoring the inclusion of the city to the new political entity while “no” recorded 24,994 (41 percent).

This was based on unofficial results of canvassing at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, the provisional seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here.

As soon as the canvassing officials declared the completion of counting for the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), voters who campaigned for “Yes to BOL” celebrated with an impromptu motorcade around major city streets.

The victorious pro-BOL chanted “Allahu Akbar!” (God is Great) as they roamed around the city.

Discrepancy

A discrepancy, however, was noticed as the certificate of canvass showed that of the total 71,963 registered voters, only 39,027 actually voted in 373 precincts (an updated certificate of canvass puts the total number of pollings precincts to 374).

When tallied, the "yes" and "no" votes recorded a total of 61,676 votes, or a difference of 22,649 votes against the number of actual voters.

Atty. Rommel Rama, acting city Comelec officer, said the disprenpancies were computer-generated and that they are still conducting further validation. He did not elaborate.

Lawyer Ray Sumalipao, Comelec-ARMM director, said the poll body will officially announce the plebiscite results in Manila in the coming days, probably after February 6.

Another plebiscite is scheduled on February 6 in six towns in Lanao del Norte and in 67 villages in North Cotabato -- 39 original villages listed in BOL and 28 other villages that petitioned for inclusion and approved by the poll body.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059761

Lanao Sur ratifies BOL in overwhelming 'yes' vote

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2019): Lanao Sur ratifies BOL in overwhelming 'yes' vote

A voter in one of the temporary shelters in barangay Sagonsongan, Marawi City, squats on the floor to cast his vote during Monday's Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite. (Photo by Divina Suson)

MARAWI CITY – More than half a million Lanao del Sur residents voted to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), according to the final and official results released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Tuesday evening.

Based on the final tally released by the Provincial Plebiscite Board of Canvassers (PPBC), a total of 503,420 voters answered "yes" and 9,735 "no" to the question whether they want their respective localities to be part of the new region that would replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In this city alone, 58,688 voted "yes," while only 112 voted "no."

During the January 21 plebiscite, voters from more than 10,000 displaced families cast their votes in makeshift voting precincts, one of which is located inside a temporary housing site.

Amil Ampuan, barangay chairman of Banggolo, said he voted in favor of the BOL because it represents hope for him and his fellow Maranaos.

His constituents, he said, "were too eager to vote. I campaigned ‘yes’ because even President Rodrigo Duterte would have done so."

Samsodin Salibot, an official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said he voted "yes" as he believes the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would be good for his children's future.

Salibot said that after participating in at least 15 armed encounters against government forces, he was already "tired of war" and wants a normal life.

Mayor Ali Sumandar of Piagapo town, who also voted “yes”, said Muslims and Christians must unite and work together to attain peace.

“I believe that if we are united, we can have a peaceful community. Development and projects will follow. We have been waiting for this,” Sumandar said.

For her part, Jalilah Sapiin, Maranao youth leader and entrepreneur, said that BOL “is not just for us (Lanao del Sur). This is about the whole Bangsamoro. Our vote is just a stepping stone. What matters most are the actions after the plebiscite.”

“We have come this far. I hope we will not fail our forefathers for this ratification,” Sapiin added.

However, Jerome Aba, chairman of the progressive group Suara Bangsamoro, expressed guarded optimism on the creation of a new autonomous region, saying the BOL ratification “does not automatically translate to the attainment of lasting peace in the Bangsamoro areas.”

Aba said the Moro people should continue to demand the right to self-determination, control over Moro lands and resources, and in pursuing justice to address "historical and ongoing injustices against the Moro.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059756

NIA engineer slain in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2019): NIA engineer slain in Maguindanao

A still unidentified riding-in-tandem assailant shot dead an engineer of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) along the national highway in the town of Datu Montawal (formerly Pagagawan) in Maguindanao Tuesday afternoon.

Chief Insp. Erwin Tabora, Datu Montawal police chief, identified the victim as Engr. Joseph Adam, former municipal engineer of Datu Montawal and currently works with NIA based in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Adam, a resident of Barangay Salapungan, Kabacan, North Cotabato and works with the Malitubog - Maridagao Irrigation Project based in Midsayap, was driving his gray sedan car (LGD-171), heading for home when ambushed past 5 p.m.

Initial police investigation showed that the two suspects were seen tailing Adam’s car when one of them pulled a .45-caliber pistol and opened fire on the victim who was traveling alone.

Police said Adam succumbed to gunshot wounds in the head and body.

“We are looking at personal grudge or something related to his works with the NIA as possible motive of the ambush,” Tabora said.

Police investigators are still looking deeper into the case.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059763

Joint health mission benefits Maguindanao indigents

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Joint health mission benefits Maguindanao indigents

HEALTH MISSION. Some 1,500 indigents got free health services from Army doctors and medical staff of the provincial government during a Tuesday’s (Jan. 22) joint medical-dental mission in Ampatuan, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6th ID)

AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Hundreds of indigent families in several villages here have benefited from the joint medical-dental services rendered by the Army and the provincial government of Maguindanao on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Alvin Iyog, commanding officer of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (2MIB), spearheaded the medical mission in partnership with the People’s Medical Team of Maguindanao and the local government of Ampatuan held in Barangay Kauran’s gymnasium.

Some 1,500 residents received free medical check-up, tooth extractions, circumcisions, and free hair-cut.

On top of the health services, the military and Maguindanao’s provincial government, headed by Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, distributed school bags, slippers for children, “malong” (Muslim tube skirt) for senior citizens, corn seeds for farmers, and hygiene kits for pregnant women.

Bai Susan Adil, a 30-year-old pregnant woman from Barangay Kauran, said she was elated over the health services extended by the Army and the provincial government.

“It is the first time in our village that health services are given to us, especially medicine for pregnant mothers like me,” she said in the vernacular.

Iyog said the delivery of health services to the grassroots aims to build an alliance among the various stakeholders of the government and the community.

“This activity has developed trust and confidence among the populace and the military as partners for peace and development,” said Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, as he lauded the 2MIB and Mangudadatu for initiating the project.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059771

Army deploys 200 more militiamen in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Army deploys 200 more militiamen in SoCot

Some 200 additional Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) personnel have been deployed in South Cotabato province to help secure and maintain peace in far-flung communities.

Lt. Col Jones Otida, commanding officer of the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion (27IB), said Wednesday the Cafgu personnel were mainly assigned in upland villages, especially those near the province's boundary areas.

Otida said the militiamen were enlisted by the 27IB last year to augment regular troops deployed in parts of the province. In particular, the new recruits are tasked to help contain the insurgency problem in several upland communities, he added.

"They were assisting the security operations as well as our peace and development initiatives," he said during a peace and order meeting in Koronadal City.

Among the areas prioritized for the deployment were mountain villages in the municipalities of Lake Sebu and Tboli.

The 27IB has earlier noted the movement and recruitment activities of the New People's Army's (NPA) Front 73 in several communities that targeted the tribal population.

To counter the NPA's recruitment activities, Otida urged local government units (LGUs) to exert more efforts in bringing government services to the remote areas.

“We encouraging our LGUs to prioritize the mountainous communities,” he said.

South Cotabato's convergence outreach team has been visiting the province's far-flung villages to bring various socio-economic services.

Last year, the team was able to reach Barangay Tudok in Tboli, which is considered as among the poorest and farthest barangays in the province.

Two remote areas in Lake Sebu town were added by the provincial government as among the beneficiaries this year of its flagship convergence program for poverty reduction.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059800

Army troops unearth buried assault rifles in Batangas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Army troops unearth buried assault rifles in Batangas



CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- Troops from the Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Battalion on Tuesday unearthed two assault rifles inside a blue drum that was buried in a forested area in Barangay Bacao in Taysan, Batangas.

Military officials here described the firearms seizure as another blow to the terrorist activities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the province of Batangas.

Capt. Patrick Jay M. Retumban, 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) public affairs chief, told the Philippine News Agency that the soldiers who recovered the weapons acted on a tip from rebel surrenderers.

"According to the surrenderers, the firearms belong to the Milisyang Bayan (an NPA unit), that uses them to commit various atrocities, such as assassinations and harassment of civilians who refuse to join them,” he added in Filipino.

He said a total of 34 NPA guerillas have so far surrendered to the 2ID this month.

“We are very optimistic that more rebels based in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon will surrender soon,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059805

Bukidnon dad condemns NPA attack on banana plantation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23, 2019): Bukidnon dad condemns NPA attack on banana plantation



A member of the Provincial Board of Bukidnon has condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for attacking a banana plantation and burning its equipment and vehicles last week.

In a proposed resolution dated January 21, Provincial Board Member Gino Armstrong Garcia called out the communist rebels for raiding the plantation operated by Dole Philippines last Friday (January 18).

"The province of Bukidnon, known to be advocates of peace and order, condemns these acts of violence and animosity towards Dole Company that brought and instilled fear amongst peace-loving people," reads the proposed measure, which will be tackled by the legislative body this week.

Police said some 15 armed NPA rebels burned the company's equipment and vehicles, and proceeded to cut down bananas and destroyed other company properties as well.

Meanwhile, the local government of Sibagat in Agusan del Sur declared the NPA as "persona non grata" through a municipal resolution last week.

The NPA -- the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) -- has been widely condemned by various sectors for its attacks against businesses that fail to pay the so-called "revolutionary taxes".

Authorities also condemned the rebels for their atrocities against civilian populations, especially Indigenous Peoples groups.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059869

TIMELINE: The Bangsamoro peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2019): TIMELINE: The Bangsamoro peace process

In less than two weeks from now, the much-fought-for Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will finally come to fruition after a decade and three administrations of work put into it.

We call it the best step towards peace. And to start building peace in a community where corruption, conflict, and instability thrived for generations is a historical mark -- ending an era of war and misunderstanding of the Moros in Mindanao.

Following a timeline that starts on its creation, let us remember all the important points of the Bangsamoro Law.

2008

July -- During the term of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front announced the creation of the Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), a document that outlined the creation of a Bangsamoro Juridical Entity with its own police, military, and judicial systems.
The MOA-AD proposed the creation of an autonomous political region.

October -- After issuing a temporary restraining order on the signing of the MOA-AD, the Supreme Court declared the agreement unconstitutional and illegal.

2012

October — The government and the MILF released the Framework of Agreement on the Bangsamoro, paving the way for a new autonomous political entity — the Bangsamoro.

It was signed in ceremonies held in Malacañan Palace, witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, and other dignitaries.

2014

March 27 — The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was signed in a ceremony, thus concluding 17 years of negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

2015

January 25 — In a mission to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan", some 44 members of the police Special Action Force died in an encounter against the MILF and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The botched operation also claimed the lives of 18 rebels and five civilians.

May 20 — With a 50-17 vote and one abstention, the House Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL approved the draft and the committee report of the proposed measure, which was then renamed the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR).

August 11 — Former Senator Bongbong Marcos said 17 senators had signed the committee report on the substitute bill on the BBL, which was then renamed the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Law.

December 8 — Aquino met with lawmakers to discuss what would become of the BBL, as the measure had been pending in the House plenary for second reading since September due to lack of quorum.

The 16th Congress eventually failed to pass the BBL when it adjourned in February 2016.

2016

June 30 — The first Philippine president from Mindanao, Rodrigo Duterte, assumed office. His campaign heavily promised on bringing peace in the war-torn area through the passage of BBL.

2017

July 19 — Duterte met with MNLF founder and leader Nur Misuari to discuss the BBL and the shift to federalism after the group rejected the passage due to complicated issues.

2018

January 25 — Senators Miguel Zubiri, Sonny Angara, JV Ejercito, and Risa Hontiveros conducted the first public consultation in Mindanao on the proposed BBL, which took place in Cotabato City in Maguindanao.

May 30-31 — Voting 227-11-2, the House of Representatives approved its version of the proposed BBL, or House Bill 6475, on third and final reading on May 30. The Senate, after discussing provisions of the bill for about 10 hours, voted 21-0 early May 31 to approve its version, Senate Bill 1717.

July 18 —The bicameral committee approved the final version of the BBL, now called the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM). It will be parliamentary-democratic, a first in the country. It will be headed by the regional leader called the Chief Minister, who will preside over an 80-member parliament.

July 24 — The House of Representatives, now at the helm of new House Speaker Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, ratified the OLBARMM.

2019

January 21 — Declared as a special non-working holiday by the president, the residents in the ARMM and the cities of Isabela and Cotabato votes in the plebiscite for the BOL.

February 6 —Another plebiscite will be held in Lanao del Norte, Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit and Pigkayawan towns in North Cotabato and other areas that sought inclusion in the proposed BARMM.

Malacañang has yet to declare Feb. 6 a special non-working day.

(Data sourced from officialgazette.gov.ph, and CNN Philippines/PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059598