Friday, April 12, 2019
Karapatan's unfounded claims
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Apr 11, 2019): Karapatan's unfounded claims
CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Masaklaw na isulong ang reporma sa lupa at gapiin ang digmaan ni Duterte sa kanayunan
Propaganda editorial from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): Editorial - Masaklaw na isulong ang reporma sa lupa at gapiin ang digmaan ni Duterte sa kanayunan
Sa harap ng pinasidhing brutalidad ng todong gera ni Duterte sa kanayunan, dapat iluwal ng masang magsasaka at mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang isang masaklaw na kilusan para sa reporma sa lupa bilang mahalagang gulugod ng ubos-kayang paglaban sa pasistang rehimen.
Gamit ang absolutong kapangyarihan, ipinataw ni Duterte ang paghahari ng teror sa buong bansa. Sa nagdaang mga buwan, kawan-kawang mga sundalo at pulis ang pinakawalan niya upang dumugin o palibutan ang buu-buong komunidad, halughugin ang mga bahay at isagawa ang kasuklam-suklam na mga teroristang kabuktutan. Pinakamalupit ito sa mga prubinsya ng Negros at Samar, gayundin sa Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley at Bukidnon.
Hindi bababa sa 35 lider magsasaka sa mga baryo ang tinugis at walang kaabog-abog na pinatay mula Disyembre 2018. Walang-piling pinararatangan ang mga magsasaka at minorya na kasapi o tagasuporta ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ipinaparada at pinalalabas na mga “sumurender.” Sapilitang pinagsusundalo ang mga lalaki o di kaya’y pwersahan silang pinagtatrabaho sa pagtatayo ng mga detatsment ng militar.
Ubod nang bagsik ang gera ni Duterte sa layong masiraan ng loob ang bayang lumalaban at paluhurin sila sa kanyang tiraniya. Lalo pa itong lulupit sa harap ng plano niyang dayain ang eleksyon at pabilisin ang pagtatatag ng lantarang paghaharing diktadura upang solohin ang burukrata-kapitalistang dambong.
Dapat nating gapiin ang brutal na gera ni Duterte at biguin ang kanyang ambisyong pasista. Sampu ng kanyang mga kasapakat, dapat siyang papanagutin at parusahan sa di mabilang na mga krimen sa bayan. Punitin natin ang mga kasinungalingan at ilusyong hinahabi ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga upisyal sa militar at pulis at ilantad ang kanilang kabangisan.
Para biguin ang todong gera ni Duterte laban sa bayan, napakahalagang maramihang magbangon ang mamamayan sa kanayunan at maglunsad ng mga pakikibaka sa ekonomya at pulitika. Ang kanilang antipyudal, pati na anti-imperyalistang mga pakikibakang pang-ekonomya ay di maihihiwalay, salalayan at pampasigla sa kanilang antipasistang pakikibaka para ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan. Dapat nating bigyang-pansin ang kanilang pagdurusa at itaguyod ang kanilang kagalingan upang pandayin ang kanilang palabang diwa.
Mahalagang pukawin at maramihang pakilusin ang masang magsasaka para isulong ang mga pakikibakang masa para ibaba ang upa sa lupa at interes sa pautang, itaas ang sahod ng mga manggagawang-bukid, magkaroon ng makatarungang presyo ng mga produkto ng mga magbubukid at itaas ang produksyon sa pamamagitan ng mga saligang anyo ng kooperasyon. Susing bahagi ang mga ito ng minimum na programa ng Partido para sa reporma sa lupa. Ang maksimum na programa ng pamamahagi ng lupa ay maaaring ipatupad sa mga rebolusyonaryong baseng purok kung saan kaya itong mapangasiwaan at maipagtanggol.
Matingkad na ipamamalas ng mga kampanya para sa reporma sa lupa ang pagkakaiba ng pasistang rehimen at rebolusyonaryong kilusan, ng mga pwersang nang-aapi at nagpapahirap sa masang magsasaka at ng mga naghahangad na iahon sila sa pagdarahop at wakasan ang kanilang pagkaapi.
Lubos na nilalantad ng mga kampanyang masang ito ang huwad na “reporma sa lupa” ni Duterte at ang kanyang patakaran ng malawakang pagpapalit-gamit at pang-aagaw ng lupa. Nilalantad din ang panakip-butas at mapanlinlang na hakbanging pangkagalingan ng reaksyunaryong rehimen tulad ng conditional cash-transfer program (4Ps), ang PaMaNa at Kalahi-CIDSS na mga proyektong pampaganda para pagtakpan ang malalim na sosyo-ekonomikong paghihirap na dinaranas ng bayan.
Dapat isagawa ang mga kampanyang ito kaalinsabay ng iba pang kampanya para ipahinto ang liberalisasyon ng pag-aangkat ng mga produktong agrikultural na sumisira sa produksyon at kita ng masang magsasaka, para sa subsidyo ng estado sa gitna ng tagtuyot, para hingiing ibalik ang pondong coco levy, para labanan ang pagpasok ng mga megadam, paliparan at iba pang mapaminsalang proyektong imprastruktura, para tutulan ang reklamasyon ng lupa sa mga baybay-dagat, ang mga operasyong plantasyon at pagmimina, para ipagtanggol ang lupang ninuno at iba pang kampanya para itaguyod ang karapatan at kagalingan ng masang magsasaka at minoryang mamamayan.
Sa darating na mga buwan, dapat mas masigasig nating isulong ang mga kampanyang ito. Dapat tiyakin sa lahat ng antas ng pamumuno na naipatutupad ang mga tungkulin sa pagsusulong ng mga pakikibakang masa. Higitan natin ang dati nang mga nagawa at dalhin sa bagong antas ang mga pakikibakang magsasaka.
Para isulong ang mga ito, dapat tulungan natin ang masang magsasaka na mag-organisa ng kanilang mga samahan o patatagin ang mga nakatayo na sa antas baryo, interbaryo, bayan at distrito upang itaas ang kanilang kakayahan para sama-samang ipaglaban ang kanilang mga kahilingan. Para itaas ang produksyon, maaaring itayo ang mga pangkat o kolektibo sa paggawa at iba pang anyo ng pagtutulungan. Maaaring tipunin, palitawin o ilaan ang pondo para tulungang itaas ang produksyon.
Dapat nating tiyakin na matagumpay na naisasagawa ang mga kampanyang ito. Dapat kongkretong matamo ng masang magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng kolektibong pakikibaka ang mas mataas na kita, mas malaking suplay ng pagkain at mas maayos na kundisyon sa pamumuhay. Dapat isulong ang kaakibat na kampanya para sa literasiya, numerasiya, kalusugan at kultura at iba pang hakbangin para tugunan ang kanilang kagalingan.
Sa pagsulong ng mga kampanyang ito, nabibigyang-buhay ang paglaban ng masang magsasaka sa pasistang panunupil ng mga reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa. Lalo silang nagiging militante sa pagtatanggol ng kanilang demokratikong karapatan.
Sa gitna ng paghahari ng teror, titindig at lalawak ang isang makapangyarihang antipasistang kilusan sa kanayunan. Bahagi ito ng isang malapad na nagkakaisang prente laban sa tiraniya ni Duterte. Dapat ubod-siglang labanan ang todong pagsupil sa kanayunan.
Dapat mahigpit ang pagtutulungan, koordinasyon at saklolohan ng mga samahang magsasaka, gayundin ng iba’t ibang sektor sa buong bansa. Bawat baryong aatakehin ni Duterte ay dapat ipagtanggol ng lahat. Bawat pasistang kabuktutan ay dapat ilantad at tuligsain ng lahat.
Sa pagsusulong ng mga pakikibakang antipyudal at antipasista, tinitipon ng masang magsasaka ang kapangyarihan mula sa kanilang organisadong lakas. Kasama ang iba pang mga organisasyong masa ng mga kabataan, kababaihan, bata at mga aktibistang pangkultura, nagsisilbi ang mga samahang magsasaka na pundasyon sa pagtatayo ng mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa baryo—ang batayang yunit ng demokratikong gubyernong bayan.
Binubuo ang mga rebolusyonaryong samahang magsasaka sa pagsulong ng rebolusyong agraryo at para rin lumahok sa armadong pakikibaka. Sa pagtamo ng mga tagumpay sa mga pakikibakang antipyudal, lalong nahihikayat ang masang magsasaka na buong-pusong lumahok sa armadong pakikibaka at ibigay dito ang walang hanggang suporta.
Mula sa mga samahang magsasaka ay binubuo ang mga yunit depensa-sa-sarili na tumutulong sa pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran at ordinansang pinagtibay ng mga lokal na komiteng rebolusyonaryo. Binubuo ang mga yunit ng milisyang bayan bilang lokal na mga yunit ng BHB na nagsasagawa ng pakikidigmang gerilya ng masa para isulong ang masaklaw na armadong pakikibaka laban sa dumadaluhong na pasistang tropa ng kaaway.
Habang tinutulungan ang masang magsasaka sa pagsulong ng kanilang mga pakikibaka, dapat mapangahas na paigtingin ng BHB ang pakikidigmang gerilya at mas malakas at mas madalas na bigwasan ang kaaway. Targetin ang pinakabuhong na mga pasista, parusahan sila sa kanilang mga krimen, tapusin ang pasistang pagpapakitang-gilas at palakasin ang loob ng mamamayan sa kanilang paglaban. Lipulin ang mga yunit ng kaaway at samsamin ang kanilang mga sandata.
Sa paglulunsad ng malawak na pakikibakang masang magsasaka at pagsulong ng armadong rebolusyon, tiyak na mapangingibabawan ng mamamayan at kanilang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang brutal na gera ni Duterte at mabibigo ang pakana niya para sa isang pasistang diktadura.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/masaklaw-na-isulong-ang-reporma-sa-lupa-at-gapiin-ang-digmaan-ni-duterte-sa-kanayunan/
Sa harap ng pinasidhing brutalidad ng todong gera ni Duterte sa kanayunan, dapat iluwal ng masang magsasaka at mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang isang masaklaw na kilusan para sa reporma sa lupa bilang mahalagang gulugod ng ubos-kayang paglaban sa pasistang rehimen.
Gamit ang absolutong kapangyarihan, ipinataw ni Duterte ang paghahari ng teror sa buong bansa. Sa nagdaang mga buwan, kawan-kawang mga sundalo at pulis ang pinakawalan niya upang dumugin o palibutan ang buu-buong komunidad, halughugin ang mga bahay at isagawa ang kasuklam-suklam na mga teroristang kabuktutan. Pinakamalupit ito sa mga prubinsya ng Negros at Samar, gayundin sa Surigao del Sur, Compostela Valley at Bukidnon.
Hindi bababa sa 35 lider magsasaka sa mga baryo ang tinugis at walang kaabog-abog na pinatay mula Disyembre 2018. Walang-piling pinararatangan ang mga magsasaka at minorya na kasapi o tagasuporta ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ipinaparada at pinalalabas na mga “sumurender.” Sapilitang pinagsusundalo ang mga lalaki o di kaya’y pwersahan silang pinagtatrabaho sa pagtatayo ng mga detatsment ng militar.
Ubod nang bagsik ang gera ni Duterte sa layong masiraan ng loob ang bayang lumalaban at paluhurin sila sa kanyang tiraniya. Lalo pa itong lulupit sa harap ng plano niyang dayain ang eleksyon at pabilisin ang pagtatatag ng lantarang paghaharing diktadura upang solohin ang burukrata-kapitalistang dambong.
Dapat nating gapiin ang brutal na gera ni Duterte at biguin ang kanyang ambisyong pasista. Sampu ng kanyang mga kasapakat, dapat siyang papanagutin at parusahan sa di mabilang na mga krimen sa bayan. Punitin natin ang mga kasinungalingan at ilusyong hinahabi ni Duterte at ng kanyang mga upisyal sa militar at pulis at ilantad ang kanilang kabangisan.
Para biguin ang todong gera ni Duterte laban sa bayan, napakahalagang maramihang magbangon ang mamamayan sa kanayunan at maglunsad ng mga pakikibaka sa ekonomya at pulitika. Ang kanilang antipyudal, pati na anti-imperyalistang mga pakikibakang pang-ekonomya ay di maihihiwalay, salalayan at pampasigla sa kanilang antipasistang pakikibaka para ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan. Dapat nating bigyang-pansin ang kanilang pagdurusa at itaguyod ang kanilang kagalingan upang pandayin ang kanilang palabang diwa.
Mahalagang pukawin at maramihang pakilusin ang masang magsasaka para isulong ang mga pakikibakang masa para ibaba ang upa sa lupa at interes sa pautang, itaas ang sahod ng mga manggagawang-bukid, magkaroon ng makatarungang presyo ng mga produkto ng mga magbubukid at itaas ang produksyon sa pamamagitan ng mga saligang anyo ng kooperasyon. Susing bahagi ang mga ito ng minimum na programa ng Partido para sa reporma sa lupa. Ang maksimum na programa ng pamamahagi ng lupa ay maaaring ipatupad sa mga rebolusyonaryong baseng purok kung saan kaya itong mapangasiwaan at maipagtanggol.
Matingkad na ipamamalas ng mga kampanya para sa reporma sa lupa ang pagkakaiba ng pasistang rehimen at rebolusyonaryong kilusan, ng mga pwersang nang-aapi at nagpapahirap sa masang magsasaka at ng mga naghahangad na iahon sila sa pagdarahop at wakasan ang kanilang pagkaapi.
Lubos na nilalantad ng mga kampanyang masang ito ang huwad na “reporma sa lupa” ni Duterte at ang kanyang patakaran ng malawakang pagpapalit-gamit at pang-aagaw ng lupa. Nilalantad din ang panakip-butas at mapanlinlang na hakbanging pangkagalingan ng reaksyunaryong rehimen tulad ng conditional cash-transfer program (4Ps), ang PaMaNa at Kalahi-CIDSS na mga proyektong pampaganda para pagtakpan ang malalim na sosyo-ekonomikong paghihirap na dinaranas ng bayan.
Dapat isagawa ang mga kampanyang ito kaalinsabay ng iba pang kampanya para ipahinto ang liberalisasyon ng pag-aangkat ng mga produktong agrikultural na sumisira sa produksyon at kita ng masang magsasaka, para sa subsidyo ng estado sa gitna ng tagtuyot, para hingiing ibalik ang pondong coco levy, para labanan ang pagpasok ng mga megadam, paliparan at iba pang mapaminsalang proyektong imprastruktura, para tutulan ang reklamasyon ng lupa sa mga baybay-dagat, ang mga operasyong plantasyon at pagmimina, para ipagtanggol ang lupang ninuno at iba pang kampanya para itaguyod ang karapatan at kagalingan ng masang magsasaka at minoryang mamamayan.
Sa darating na mga buwan, dapat mas masigasig nating isulong ang mga kampanyang ito. Dapat tiyakin sa lahat ng antas ng pamumuno na naipatutupad ang mga tungkulin sa pagsusulong ng mga pakikibakang masa. Higitan natin ang dati nang mga nagawa at dalhin sa bagong antas ang mga pakikibakang magsasaka.
Para isulong ang mga ito, dapat tulungan natin ang masang magsasaka na mag-organisa ng kanilang mga samahan o patatagin ang mga nakatayo na sa antas baryo, interbaryo, bayan at distrito upang itaas ang kanilang kakayahan para sama-samang ipaglaban ang kanilang mga kahilingan. Para itaas ang produksyon, maaaring itayo ang mga pangkat o kolektibo sa paggawa at iba pang anyo ng pagtutulungan. Maaaring tipunin, palitawin o ilaan ang pondo para tulungang itaas ang produksyon.
Dapat nating tiyakin na matagumpay na naisasagawa ang mga kampanyang ito. Dapat kongkretong matamo ng masang magsasaka sa pamamagitan ng kolektibong pakikibaka ang mas mataas na kita, mas malaking suplay ng pagkain at mas maayos na kundisyon sa pamumuhay. Dapat isulong ang kaakibat na kampanya para sa literasiya, numerasiya, kalusugan at kultura at iba pang hakbangin para tugunan ang kanilang kagalingan.
Sa pagsulong ng mga kampanyang ito, nabibigyang-buhay ang paglaban ng masang magsasaka sa pasistang panunupil ng mga reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa. Lalo silang nagiging militante sa pagtatanggol ng kanilang demokratikong karapatan.
Sa gitna ng paghahari ng teror, titindig at lalawak ang isang makapangyarihang antipasistang kilusan sa kanayunan. Bahagi ito ng isang malapad na nagkakaisang prente laban sa tiraniya ni Duterte. Dapat ubod-siglang labanan ang todong pagsupil sa kanayunan.
Dapat mahigpit ang pagtutulungan, koordinasyon at saklolohan ng mga samahang magsasaka, gayundin ng iba’t ibang sektor sa buong bansa. Bawat baryong aatakehin ni Duterte ay dapat ipagtanggol ng lahat. Bawat pasistang kabuktutan ay dapat ilantad at tuligsain ng lahat.
Sa pagsusulong ng mga pakikibakang antipyudal at antipasista, tinitipon ng masang magsasaka ang kapangyarihan mula sa kanilang organisadong lakas. Kasama ang iba pang mga organisasyong masa ng mga kabataan, kababaihan, bata at mga aktibistang pangkultura, nagsisilbi ang mga samahang magsasaka na pundasyon sa pagtatayo ng mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa baryo—ang batayang yunit ng demokratikong gubyernong bayan.
Binubuo ang mga rebolusyonaryong samahang magsasaka sa pagsulong ng rebolusyong agraryo at para rin lumahok sa armadong pakikibaka. Sa pagtamo ng mga tagumpay sa mga pakikibakang antipyudal, lalong nahihikayat ang masang magsasaka na buong-pusong lumahok sa armadong pakikibaka at ibigay dito ang walang hanggang suporta.
Mula sa mga samahang magsasaka ay binubuo ang mga yunit depensa-sa-sarili na tumutulong sa pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran at ordinansang pinagtibay ng mga lokal na komiteng rebolusyonaryo. Binubuo ang mga yunit ng milisyang bayan bilang lokal na mga yunit ng BHB na nagsasagawa ng pakikidigmang gerilya ng masa para isulong ang masaklaw na armadong pakikibaka laban sa dumadaluhong na pasistang tropa ng kaaway.
Habang tinutulungan ang masang magsasaka sa pagsulong ng kanilang mga pakikibaka, dapat mapangahas na paigtingin ng BHB ang pakikidigmang gerilya at mas malakas at mas madalas na bigwasan ang kaaway. Targetin ang pinakabuhong na mga pasista, parusahan sila sa kanilang mga krimen, tapusin ang pasistang pagpapakitang-gilas at palakasin ang loob ng mamamayan sa kanilang paglaban. Lipulin ang mga yunit ng kaaway at samsamin ang kanilang mga sandata.
Sa paglulunsad ng malawak na pakikibakang masang magsasaka at pagsulong ng armadong rebolusyon, tiyak na mapangingibabawan ng mamamayan at kanilang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang brutal na gera ni Duterte at mabibigo ang pakana niya para sa isang pasistang diktadura.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/masaklaw-na-isulong-ang-reporma-sa-lupa-at-gapiin-ang-digmaan-ni-duterte-sa-kanayunan/
CPP/Ang Bayan: PNP, inambus sa Mt. Province
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): PNP, inambus sa Mt. Province
INAMBUS NG Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Mt. Province ang nag-ooperasyong tropa ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na nagtangkang isabotahe ang pagdiriwang ng ika-50 anibersaryo ng BHB noong Marso 29.
Pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga pulis bandang alas-9 ng umaga sa Mt. Gonggong-o sa bayan ng Bauko. Isang pulis ang namatay at isa ang nasugatan. Noong Marso 31, pinaputukan din ng yunit ng BHB ang mga pulis at sundalo na bumuntot sa yunit na naglunsad ng opensiba sa Mt. Makilakilat, Tadian.
Sa Panay, anim na operasyong haras ang inilunsad ng BHB. Kinabibilangan ito ng mga pagpapaputok sa detatsment ng CAFGU Active Auxiliary sa Barangay Osorio I, San Remegio, Antique noong Marso 15 at 19; sa mga pwersa ng CAFGU noong Marso 19; mga detatsment ng CAA sa Barangay Igcococ, Sibalom at Barangay Tubudan, San Remegio sa parehong prubinsya noong Marso 24; at sa mga pwersa ng PNP sa Barangay Boloc, Tubungan, Iloilo noong Marso 30.
Sa Eastern Samar, pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang istasyon ng PNP sa Barangay Poblacion, Motiong, Samar noong Marso 11 at detatsment ng 87th IB sa Barangay Can-aponte, San Jose de Buan. Isang pulis ang napatay at dalawa ang nasugatan.
Tatlong aksyong militar naman ang naiulat ng BHB-Northern Negros. Kabilang dito ang operasyong haras laban sa 12th IB-CAFGU sa Sityo Pulupangyan, Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso noong Marso 19 at sa isang yunit ng AFP sa Sityo Fuentes, Mabini, Escalante City noong Marso 21.
Noon ding Marso 21, dinisarmahan ng BHB ang mga elemento ng RPA/SCAA sa Sityo Mayana, Barangay Bago, Don Salvador Benedicto. Nakakumpiska ang BHB ng limang pistola at mga bala.
Pitong aksyong militar naman ang inilunsad ng BHB-North Central Mindanao mula Marso 2 hanggang Abril 5. Kabilang dito ang mga operasyong haras laban sa 58th IB sa mga bayan ng Salay, Claveria at Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. Limang sundalo ang napatay at isa ang nasugatan. Pinaputukan din ng BHB ang 23rd IB sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte at 8th IB sa Impasug-ong, Bukidnon kung saan isang sundalo ang napatay.
Noong Marso 15, pitong sundalo ng 8th IB ang nasugatan sa operasyong demolisyon ng BHB sa New Tubigon, Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City. Sa parehong araw, tinambangan ng BHB ang isa pang yunit ng 8th IB sa Sityo Magawa, Barangay Bulonay, Impagsug-ong kung saan isang sundalo ang napatay.
Dalawang beses pinaralisa ng BHB ang kumpanyang Davao Agriventure Corporation noong Marso 10 at Abril 5 sa Bukidnon. Nakumpiska ng BHB ang isang shotgun at mga bala.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/pnp-inambus-sa-mt-province/
INAMBUS NG Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Mt. Province ang nag-ooperasyong tropa ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na nagtangkang isabotahe ang pagdiriwang ng ika-50 anibersaryo ng BHB noong Marso 29.
Pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga pulis bandang alas-9 ng umaga sa Mt. Gonggong-o sa bayan ng Bauko. Isang pulis ang namatay at isa ang nasugatan. Noong Marso 31, pinaputukan din ng yunit ng BHB ang mga pulis at sundalo na bumuntot sa yunit na naglunsad ng opensiba sa Mt. Makilakilat, Tadian.
Sa Panay, anim na operasyong haras ang inilunsad ng BHB. Kinabibilangan ito ng mga pagpapaputok sa detatsment ng CAFGU Active Auxiliary sa Barangay Osorio I, San Remegio, Antique noong Marso 15 at 19; sa mga pwersa ng CAFGU noong Marso 19; mga detatsment ng CAA sa Barangay Igcococ, Sibalom at Barangay Tubudan, San Remegio sa parehong prubinsya noong Marso 24; at sa mga pwersa ng PNP sa Barangay Boloc, Tubungan, Iloilo noong Marso 30.
Sa Eastern Samar, pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang istasyon ng PNP sa Barangay Poblacion, Motiong, Samar noong Marso 11 at detatsment ng 87th IB sa Barangay Can-aponte, San Jose de Buan. Isang pulis ang napatay at dalawa ang nasugatan.
Tatlong aksyong militar naman ang naiulat ng BHB-Northern Negros. Kabilang dito ang operasyong haras laban sa 12th IB-CAFGU sa Sityo Pulupangyan, Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso noong Marso 19 at sa isang yunit ng AFP sa Sityo Fuentes, Mabini, Escalante City noong Marso 21.
Noon ding Marso 21, dinisarmahan ng BHB ang mga elemento ng RPA/SCAA sa Sityo Mayana, Barangay Bago, Don Salvador Benedicto. Nakakumpiska ang BHB ng limang pistola at mga bala.
Pitong aksyong militar naman ang inilunsad ng BHB-North Central Mindanao mula Marso 2 hanggang Abril 5. Kabilang dito ang mga operasyong haras laban sa 58th IB sa mga bayan ng Salay, Claveria at Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. Limang sundalo ang napatay at isa ang nasugatan. Pinaputukan din ng BHB ang 23rd IB sa Buenavista, Agusan del Norte at 8th IB sa Impasug-ong, Bukidnon kung saan isang sundalo ang napatay.
Noong Marso 15, pitong sundalo ng 8th IB ang nasugatan sa operasyong demolisyon ng BHB sa New Tubigon, Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City. Sa parehong araw, tinambangan ng BHB ang isa pang yunit ng 8th IB sa Sityo Magawa, Barangay Bulonay, Impagsug-ong kung saan isang sundalo ang napatay.
Dalawang beses pinaralisa ng BHB ang kumpanyang Davao Agriventure Corporation noong Marso 10 at Abril 5 sa Bukidnon. Nakumpiska ng BHB ang isang shotgun at mga bala.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/pnp-inambus-sa-mt-province/
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA50: Digmang bayan, hanggang sa tagumpay
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): NPA50: Digmang bayan, hanggang sa tagumpay
Pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang ipinaaabot ng Komite Sentral ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) sa mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma sa ika-50 taon ng pagkakatatag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB).
Sa pahayag nito, binati ng PKP ang mga tagumpay ng BHB sa nagdaang limang dekada ng paglulunsad nito ng digmang bayan. Pinarangalan din ng Komite Sentral ang lahat ng bayani at nag-alay ng buhay sa paglulunsad ng rebolusyon. Kinilala nito ang mga beteranong Pulang mandirigma na naglingkod at patuloy na sumusuporta sa armadong pakikibaka.
Kasabay nito naglabas din ng pahayag ang iba’t ibang panrehiyong yunit ng BHB at mga lihim na organisasyong masa bilang pagpupugay at panawagan na higit pang isulong ang digmang bayan sa buong bansa.
Binigyan-diin ni Ka Ariel Montero ng BHB-North Eastern Mindanao Region ang matatagumpay na aksyong militar ng BHB sa nagdaang taon. Mahigit 200 aksyong militar sa rehiyon ang nailunsad noong 2018 at nakakumpiska ng 27 na mataas na kalibreng baril.
Samantala, nakapaglunsad naman ng 120 aksyong militar ang BHB-North Central Mindanao. Resulta nito, 124 ang naitalang napatay sa mga elemento ng AFP at 93 ang nasugatan. Ayon kay Ka Norcen Mangubat ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido sa NCMR, hindi nagapi ang armadong lakas ng mamamayan at patuloy itong nakapangingibabaw sa kabila ng pokus at sustenidong operasyon ng AFP.
Kinundena naman ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido sa Negros ang paghahambog ng AFP sa pagkakadakip kay Fr. Frank Fernandez at Cleofe Lagtapon. Anila, dahil dito ay lalo pang namumuhi ang mga Negrosanon at buong sambayanan.
Nangako ang PKP sa rehiyon na kamtin ang hustisya para sa mga biktima ng pasistang pananalasa ng rehimen sa isla, kabilang ang mga biktima ng masaker sa Sagay at sa inilulunsad nitong Oplan Sauron/SEMPO sa kabuuan ng isla.
Sa Panay, iniulat ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng PKP na hindi bababa sa 50 ang kaswalti sa mga tropa ng AFP sa rehiyon sa buong taon. Hamon sa mga mandirigma dito na pangibabawan ang mga kahinaan para higit pang isulong ang digma.
Tinuligsa naman ng BHB-Eastern Visayas ang patuloy na panunupil at brutal na pamamaslang ng reaksyunaryong rehimen sa rehiyon. Nasa 15 ang biktima ng pampulitikang pamamaslang habang libu-libo ang sapilitang napalikas sa Samar at Leyte dahil sa militarisasyon.
Sa pahayag ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng PKP sa Timog Katagalugan, ipinanawagan nito ang paggapi sa pakana ng pasista at tiranong rehimeng US-Duterte at gawin ang makakaya upang ibagsak si Duterte.
Pinagpugayan naman ni Ka Cleo del Mundo ng BHB-Quezon ang mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma sa paglulunsad nila ng mga armadong aksyon na yumanig sa Southern Luzon Command ng AFP at lokal na naghaharing uri noong 2018. Nakakumpiska ng mga mataas na kalibreng baril, nawasak ang mga kagamitang militar ng 85th IB at nakapagdulot ng maraming kaswalti sa kaaway ang mga Pulang mandirigma sa nagdaang taon.
Ayon naman sa Komiteng Rehiyon ng PKP sa Cagayan Valley, patuloy na tinatamasa ng hukbong bayan ang suporta ng masa dahil nakatuntong ang pakikibaka nito sa mga pambansa at demokratikong adhikain ng sambayanan.
Anito, kumikilos na ang BHB sa may 500 baryo sa 60 bayan sa anim na prubinsya sa buong Cagayan Valley sa kasalukuyan. Sa nakalipas na dalawang taon, nakapaglunsad ang mga Pulang mandirigma dito ng 52 taktikal na opensiba, kung saan nakasamsam ang BHB ng matataas na ripleng armas, pistola at iba pang gamit militar. Hindi bababa sa 168 ang napatay sa hanay ng kaaway. Patuloy ding nakapagpapalawak ng baseng masa.
Ayon kay Ka Filiw ng Cordillera People’s Democratic Front, hindi maitatanggi ang mahahalagang ambag ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagsusulong ng mga minorya sa karapatang magpasya-sa-sarili at demokrasya.
Hindi malilimutan ng mamamayan ang mga inilunsad na kampanya ng BHB laban sa gawaing anti-sosyal sa kanilang mga komunidad. Naging bahagi rin ang BHB sa mapayapang pagresolba sa mga di pagkakaunawaan ng mga tribu sa rehiyon at pamamarusa sa mapandambong at mapangwasak na mga proyektong mina.
Bilang pakikiisa sa ginintuang anibersaryo, naglunsad ng raling iglap ang daan-daang kasapi ng NDF-Metro Manila noong Marso 25. Serye ng mga pag-aaral at operasyong pinta at dikit naman ang isinagawa ng mga tsapter ng Kabataang Makabayan sa Ilocos at Panay at Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan sa buong buwan ng Marso.
Samantala, nagpaabot ng mensahe ng pakikiisa ang Christians for National Liberation-Northern Luzon, Kabataang Makabayan-Timog Katagalugan at Partido Komunista ng French State. Nagkaroon din ng selebrasyon ang tanggapan ng NDFP sa Amsterdam, Netherlands noong Marso 31.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/npa50-digmang-bayan-hanggang-sa-tagumpay/
Pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang ipinaaabot ng Komite Sentral ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) sa mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma sa ika-50 taon ng pagkakatatag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB).
Sa pahayag nito, binati ng PKP ang mga tagumpay ng BHB sa nagdaang limang dekada ng paglulunsad nito ng digmang bayan. Pinarangalan din ng Komite Sentral ang lahat ng bayani at nag-alay ng buhay sa paglulunsad ng rebolusyon. Kinilala nito ang mga beteranong Pulang mandirigma na naglingkod at patuloy na sumusuporta sa armadong pakikibaka.
Kasabay nito naglabas din ng pahayag ang iba’t ibang panrehiyong yunit ng BHB at mga lihim na organisasyong masa bilang pagpupugay at panawagan na higit pang isulong ang digmang bayan sa buong bansa.
Binigyan-diin ni Ka Ariel Montero ng BHB-North Eastern Mindanao Region ang matatagumpay na aksyong militar ng BHB sa nagdaang taon. Mahigit 200 aksyong militar sa rehiyon ang nailunsad noong 2018 at nakakumpiska ng 27 na mataas na kalibreng baril.
Samantala, nakapaglunsad naman ng 120 aksyong militar ang BHB-North Central Mindanao. Resulta nito, 124 ang naitalang napatay sa mga elemento ng AFP at 93 ang nasugatan. Ayon kay Ka Norcen Mangubat ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido sa NCMR, hindi nagapi ang armadong lakas ng mamamayan at patuloy itong nakapangingibabaw sa kabila ng pokus at sustenidong operasyon ng AFP.
Kinundena naman ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido sa Negros ang paghahambog ng AFP sa pagkakadakip kay Fr. Frank Fernandez at Cleofe Lagtapon. Anila, dahil dito ay lalo pang namumuhi ang mga Negrosanon at buong sambayanan.
Nangako ang PKP sa rehiyon na kamtin ang hustisya para sa mga biktima ng pasistang pananalasa ng rehimen sa isla, kabilang ang mga biktima ng masaker sa Sagay at sa inilulunsad nitong Oplan Sauron/SEMPO sa kabuuan ng isla.
Sa Panay, iniulat ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng PKP na hindi bababa sa 50 ang kaswalti sa mga tropa ng AFP sa rehiyon sa buong taon. Hamon sa mga mandirigma dito na pangibabawan ang mga kahinaan para higit pang isulong ang digma.
Tinuligsa naman ng BHB-Eastern Visayas ang patuloy na panunupil at brutal na pamamaslang ng reaksyunaryong rehimen sa rehiyon. Nasa 15 ang biktima ng pampulitikang pamamaslang habang libu-libo ang sapilitang napalikas sa Samar at Leyte dahil sa militarisasyon.
Sa pahayag ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng PKP sa Timog Katagalugan, ipinanawagan nito ang paggapi sa pakana ng pasista at tiranong rehimeng US-Duterte at gawin ang makakaya upang ibagsak si Duterte.
Pinagpugayan naman ni Ka Cleo del Mundo ng BHB-Quezon ang mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma sa paglulunsad nila ng mga armadong aksyon na yumanig sa Southern Luzon Command ng AFP at lokal na naghaharing uri noong 2018. Nakakumpiska ng mga mataas na kalibreng baril, nawasak ang mga kagamitang militar ng 85th IB at nakapagdulot ng maraming kaswalti sa kaaway ang mga Pulang mandirigma sa nagdaang taon.
Ayon naman sa Komiteng Rehiyon ng PKP sa Cagayan Valley, patuloy na tinatamasa ng hukbong bayan ang suporta ng masa dahil nakatuntong ang pakikibaka nito sa mga pambansa at demokratikong adhikain ng sambayanan.
Anito, kumikilos na ang BHB sa may 500 baryo sa 60 bayan sa anim na prubinsya sa buong Cagayan Valley sa kasalukuyan. Sa nakalipas na dalawang taon, nakapaglunsad ang mga Pulang mandirigma dito ng 52 taktikal na opensiba, kung saan nakasamsam ang BHB ng matataas na ripleng armas, pistola at iba pang gamit militar. Hindi bababa sa 168 ang napatay sa hanay ng kaaway. Patuloy ding nakapagpapalawak ng baseng masa.
Ayon kay Ka Filiw ng Cordillera People’s Democratic Front, hindi maitatanggi ang mahahalagang ambag ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagsusulong ng mga minorya sa karapatang magpasya-sa-sarili at demokrasya.
Hindi malilimutan ng mamamayan ang mga inilunsad na kampanya ng BHB laban sa gawaing anti-sosyal sa kanilang mga komunidad. Naging bahagi rin ang BHB sa mapayapang pagresolba sa mga di pagkakaunawaan ng mga tribu sa rehiyon at pamamarusa sa mapandambong at mapangwasak na mga proyektong mina.
Bilang pakikiisa sa ginintuang anibersaryo, naglunsad ng raling iglap ang daan-daang kasapi ng NDF-Metro Manila noong Marso 25. Serye ng mga pag-aaral at operasyong pinta at dikit naman ang isinagawa ng mga tsapter ng Kabataang Makabayan sa Ilocos at Panay at Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan sa buong buwan ng Marso.
Samantala, nagpaabot ng mensahe ng pakikiisa ang Christians for National Liberation-Northern Luzon, Kabataang Makabayan-Timog Katagalugan at Partido Komunista ng French State. Nagkaroon din ng selebrasyon ang tanggapan ng NDFP sa Amsterdam, Netherlands noong Marso 31.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/npa50-digmang-bayan-hanggang-sa-tagumpay/
CPP/Ang Bayan: 2 konsultant ng NDFP, iligal na inaresto
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): 2 konsultant ng NDFP, iligal na inaresto
DALAWANG KONSULTANT ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at tatlo nilang kasamahan ang magkasunod na inaresto ng rehimeng US-Duterte noong Marso.
Inaresto sa pinagsamang operasyon ng 202nd Bde at Philippine National Police (PNP) sina Fr. Frank Fernandez, 71, tagapagsalita ng NDF-Negros, kanyang asawa na si Cleofe Lagtapon, 66 at si Geann Perez, 20, noong Marso 25 sa Liliw, Laguna.
Sinampahan ang tatlo ng gawa-gawang kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives habang sinampahan ng kasong pagpatay sina Fernandez at Lagtapon. Matindi ang sakit sa puso at baga ni Fernandez habang may leukemia naman si Lagtapon, dahilan ng kanilang pagtigil sa lugar.
Samantala, inaresto si Renante Gamara at ang kanyang kasamang si Fr. Arturo Joseph Balagat sa Imus, Cavite noong Marso 20. Dinala ang dalawa sa Camp General Pantaleon Garcia sa Imus, Cavite at inilipat sa Camp Bagong Diwa sa Taguig City sa mga sumunod na araw. Sinampahan ang dalawa ng kasong illegal possession of firearms. Noong Marso 23, ibinasura ng korte ang kaso laban sa dalawa.
Samantala, hindi na nagulat ang NDFP negotiating panel sa pagtanggal ni Rodrigo Duterte sa itinalaga niyang negotiating panel na pinamunuan ni Silvestre Bello III noong Marso 18. Makaisang-panig nang winakasan ni Duterte ang usapang pangkapayapaan nito sa NDFP nang ilabas nito ang Proclamation 360 noon pang Nobyembre 23, 2018.
Ayon kay Jose Maria Sison, walang ipinakitang interes si Duterte sa negosasyon at sa halip ay lantarang ginamit ang armadong labanan para bigyan-katwiran ang batas militar sa Mindanao at iratsada ang pagbabago sa konstitusyon para sa ambisyon niyang maging pasistang diktador.
Pitong konsultant na ng NDFP ang iligal na inaresto. Anim sa kanila ay nakakulong pa sa kasalukuyan.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/2-konsultant-ng-ndfp-iligal-na-inaresto/
DALAWANG KONSULTANT ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at tatlo nilang kasamahan ang magkasunod na inaresto ng rehimeng US-Duterte noong Marso.
Inaresto sa pinagsamang operasyon ng 202nd Bde at Philippine National Police (PNP) sina Fr. Frank Fernandez, 71, tagapagsalita ng NDF-Negros, kanyang asawa na si Cleofe Lagtapon, 66 at si Geann Perez, 20, noong Marso 25 sa Liliw, Laguna.
Sinampahan ang tatlo ng gawa-gawang kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives habang sinampahan ng kasong pagpatay sina Fernandez at Lagtapon. Matindi ang sakit sa puso at baga ni Fernandez habang may leukemia naman si Lagtapon, dahilan ng kanilang pagtigil sa lugar.
Samantala, inaresto si Renante Gamara at ang kanyang kasamang si Fr. Arturo Joseph Balagat sa Imus, Cavite noong Marso 20. Dinala ang dalawa sa Camp General Pantaleon Garcia sa Imus, Cavite at inilipat sa Camp Bagong Diwa sa Taguig City sa mga sumunod na araw. Sinampahan ang dalawa ng kasong illegal possession of firearms. Noong Marso 23, ibinasura ng korte ang kaso laban sa dalawa.
Samantala, hindi na nagulat ang NDFP negotiating panel sa pagtanggal ni Rodrigo Duterte sa itinalaga niyang negotiating panel na pinamunuan ni Silvestre Bello III noong Marso 18. Makaisang-panig nang winakasan ni Duterte ang usapang pangkapayapaan nito sa NDFP nang ilabas nito ang Proclamation 360 noon pang Nobyembre 23, 2018.
Ayon kay Jose Maria Sison, walang ipinakitang interes si Duterte sa negosasyon at sa halip ay lantarang ginamit ang armadong labanan para bigyan-katwiran ang batas militar sa Mindanao at iratsada ang pagbabago sa konstitusyon para sa ambisyon niyang maging pasistang diktador.
Pitong konsultant na ng NDFP ang iligal na inaresto. Anim sa kanila ay nakakulong pa sa kasalukuyan.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/2-konsultant-ng-ndfp-iligal-na-inaresto/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Lagim ng SEMPO sa Negros: 14 magsasaka, pinatay sa isang araw
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): Lagim ng SEMPO sa Negros: 14 magsasaka, pinatay sa isang araw
Labing-apat na magsasaka ang pinatay ng mga elemento ng pulis at militar sa loob lamang ng ilang oras noong Marso 30 sa Negros Oriental. Dagdag sila sa pitong magsasakang pinaslang mula Disyembre 2018 hanggang Enero sa ilalim ng kampanyang panunupil na tinaguriang SEMPO. Isinagawa ang pinakahuling pamamaslang simula ala-una ng umaga sa Canlaon City at mga bayan ng Sta. Catalina at Manjuyod. Walo ang pinatay sa Canlaon City, apat sa Manjuyod at dalawa sa Sta. Catalina.
Ayon sa salaysay ni Leonora, asawa ng biktimang si Ismael Avelino, naalimpungatan sila bandang alas-2:30 ng umaga nang sapilitang pasukin ang kanilang bahay ng hindi bababa sa anim na armadong lalaking nakatakip ang mukha. Kinaladkad si Leonora at ang dalawa nilang paslit papalabas, habang naiwan si Ismael na nakataas ang mga kamay. Matapos nito’y nakarinig sila ng putukan sa loob ng bahay, at mula sa kapitbahay kung saan kasabay na binaril ang nakatatandang kapatid ni Ismael na si Edgardo.
Sina Ismael at Edgardo ay parehong myembro ng Hugpong Kusog Mag-uuma sa Canlaon-Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, na pinamumunuan ng nakatatandang Avelino.
Sa kaso naman ni Franklin Lariosa, pinalibutan ng mga pulis ang kanyang bahay bandang alas-5 ng umaga at nagpakita ng search warrant para umano sa isang ripleng M16. Dinala si Lariosa sa bakuran ng bahay kung saan nakaantabay ang kanyang asawa at mga kapamilya. Matapos itanggi na mayroon siyang itinatagong riple, tatlong beses na binaril si Lariosa. Itinaboy din ng mga salarin ang kanyang ina na nagtangkang sumaklolo.
Matapos ang madugong operasyon, ipinagmayabang ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang Synchronized Enhanced Management of Police Operations (SEMPO o Sinkronisadong Pinaunlad na Pamamahala sa mga Operasyong Pulis). Ang mga napatay ay nanlaban umanong mga partisano at tagasuporta ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Maliban dito, may 12 iba pang sibilyan ang inaresto sa naturang operasyon at sinampahan ng gawa-gawang mga kaso. Iprinisinta ng PNP bilang ebidensya ang itinanim nilang mga baril at pampasabog.
Ang SEMPO (tinatawag ding Oplan Sauron) ang kasalukuyang pasistang pakana ng rehimeng Duterte para sa kanyang pag-atake sa mamamayan sa isla ng Negros. Tampok dito ang golpe de gulat at sinkronisadong paglusob sa mga target na barangay; paggamit sa mga upisina ng munisipyo para sa pagtatayo ng mga tsekpoynt at pagsasampa ng kaso sa mga inaresto; planadong pagpatay at pag-aresto sa mga target; tuluy-tuloy na paglalabas ng mga mandamyento para sa aresto at paghalughog, kabilang ang mga blangkong pirmadong mandamyento para sa sinumang nais arestuhin o patayin.
Bagamat ang PNP ang nasa unahan ng SEMPO, sumusunod sila sa direksyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP Centcom). Ang Centcom ay kasalukuyang pinamumunuan ni Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, kilalang masugid na tagasunod ni Jovito Palparan.
Bilang paghahanda para sa SEMPO, ikinampanya ng mga sundalo at pulis ang mga pekeng pagpapasurender noong Hulyo-Agosto 2018. Isinagawa rin ang masaker sa Sagay at pagpatay sa abogado ng mga biktima noong Oktubre. Kasunod nito’y tinugis ng dalawang batalyon ng kaaway ang mga magsasakang nagbubungkalan sa Sagay, at kinumpleto na ang pagpuwesto ng dagdag na mga tropa sa Negros Oriental noong Nobyembre 2018.
Ginamit ng AFP ang mga operasyong “peace and development” (PDT) sa mga baryo para imapa ang mga bahay ng pinagsususpetsahan nitong tagasuporta o kapamilya ng mga Pulang mandirigma, gayundin ang mga kasapi ng mga ligal na organisasyong magsasaka na binansagan nitong mga “prente ng komunista.” Sa mga datos na ito ibinatay ang listahan kung sinu-sino ang papatayin at aarestuhin.
Isinagawa ang unang bugso ng SEMPO sa Guihulngan City noong Disyembre 27, 2018. Isinabay dito ang mga operasyon sa Mabinay at Sta. Catalina. Sa araw na iyon, limang magsasaka ang pinatay sa Guihulngan City at mahigit 20 ang iligal na inaresto sa nabanggit na mga lugar. Lumaki pa ang bilang na ito tungong pitong pinatay at 57 iligal na inaresto nang tumagal ang operasyon hanggang ikalawang linggo ng Enero at umabot sa mga bayan ng Canlaon, Moises Padilla, Isabela at La Castellana. (Basahin ang mga detalye sa mga isyu ng Ang Bayan, Enero 7 at Pebrero 21, 2019.) Umabot sa 3,000 tropa ang ginamit ng AFP at PNP para sa operasyong ito.
Alinsunod sa “whole-of-nation approach” ng kampanyang panunupil ni Duterte, kinasangkapan ng AFP Centcom ang mga korte para sa paglalabas ng mga mandamyento at pagsasampa ng kaso. Sa unang bugso ng SEMPO, lahat ng 119 search warrant na ginamit sa operasyon ay pinirmahan ni Judge Soliver Peras ng RTC-7 sa Cebu.
Ginamit din ng AFP ang mga pasilidad ng mga lokal na gubyerno para sa transportasyon ng mga sundalo at pulis sa kabila ng paglilihim nito ng operasyon sa lokal na gubyerno. Sa pinakahuling SEMPO, itinanggi ng gubernador ng Negros Oriental na ipinaalam sa kanya ang operasyon.
Nagresulta ang SEMPO sa sapilitang paglikas ng mga residente, pagkasira ng kanilang mga pananim at pagkawala ng kanilang pera at kagamitan na ninakaw ng nag-operasyong mga pulis at sundalo. Dahil dito, mas lumakas pa ang loob ng mga panginoong maylupa sa isla na magbuo at magparami ng sariling mga pribadong hukbo at maton.
Malawakang pagkundena mula sa mga organisasyong masa at magsasaka, relihiyoso, masmidya at kahit mga ahensya ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang sumalubong sa brutalidad ng AFP at PNP. Sa Iloilo, pinangunahan ng Bayan at Anakpawis ang protesta noong Abril 1 sa tapat ng Camp Delgado sa Iloilo City laban sa madugong operasyon ng AFP at PNP.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/lagim-ng-sempo-sa-negros-14-magsasaka-pinatay-sa-isang-araw/
Labing-apat na magsasaka ang pinatay ng mga elemento ng pulis at militar sa loob lamang ng ilang oras noong Marso 30 sa Negros Oriental. Dagdag sila sa pitong magsasakang pinaslang mula Disyembre 2018 hanggang Enero sa ilalim ng kampanyang panunupil na tinaguriang SEMPO. Isinagawa ang pinakahuling pamamaslang simula ala-una ng umaga sa Canlaon City at mga bayan ng Sta. Catalina at Manjuyod. Walo ang pinatay sa Canlaon City, apat sa Manjuyod at dalawa sa Sta. Catalina.
Ayon sa salaysay ni Leonora, asawa ng biktimang si Ismael Avelino, naalimpungatan sila bandang alas-2:30 ng umaga nang sapilitang pasukin ang kanilang bahay ng hindi bababa sa anim na armadong lalaking nakatakip ang mukha. Kinaladkad si Leonora at ang dalawa nilang paslit papalabas, habang naiwan si Ismael na nakataas ang mga kamay. Matapos nito’y nakarinig sila ng putukan sa loob ng bahay, at mula sa kapitbahay kung saan kasabay na binaril ang nakatatandang kapatid ni Ismael na si Edgardo.
Sina Ismael at Edgardo ay parehong myembro ng Hugpong Kusog Mag-uuma sa Canlaon-Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, na pinamumunuan ng nakatatandang Avelino.
Sa kaso naman ni Franklin Lariosa, pinalibutan ng mga pulis ang kanyang bahay bandang alas-5 ng umaga at nagpakita ng search warrant para umano sa isang ripleng M16. Dinala si Lariosa sa bakuran ng bahay kung saan nakaantabay ang kanyang asawa at mga kapamilya. Matapos itanggi na mayroon siyang itinatagong riple, tatlong beses na binaril si Lariosa. Itinaboy din ng mga salarin ang kanyang ina na nagtangkang sumaklolo.
Matapos ang madugong operasyon, ipinagmayabang ng Philippine National Police (PNP) ang Synchronized Enhanced Management of Police Operations (SEMPO o Sinkronisadong Pinaunlad na Pamamahala sa mga Operasyong Pulis). Ang mga napatay ay nanlaban umanong mga partisano at tagasuporta ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Maliban dito, may 12 iba pang sibilyan ang inaresto sa naturang operasyon at sinampahan ng gawa-gawang mga kaso. Iprinisinta ng PNP bilang ebidensya ang itinanim nilang mga baril at pampasabog.
Ang SEMPO (tinatawag ding Oplan Sauron) ang kasalukuyang pasistang pakana ng rehimeng Duterte para sa kanyang pag-atake sa mamamayan sa isla ng Negros. Tampok dito ang golpe de gulat at sinkronisadong paglusob sa mga target na barangay; paggamit sa mga upisina ng munisipyo para sa pagtatayo ng mga tsekpoynt at pagsasampa ng kaso sa mga inaresto; planadong pagpatay at pag-aresto sa mga target; tuluy-tuloy na paglalabas ng mga mandamyento para sa aresto at paghalughog, kabilang ang mga blangkong pirmadong mandamyento para sa sinumang nais arestuhin o patayin.
Bagamat ang PNP ang nasa unahan ng SEMPO, sumusunod sila sa direksyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP Centcom). Ang Centcom ay kasalukuyang pinamumunuan ni Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, kilalang masugid na tagasunod ni Jovito Palparan.
Bilang paghahanda para sa SEMPO, ikinampanya ng mga sundalo at pulis ang mga pekeng pagpapasurender noong Hulyo-Agosto 2018. Isinagawa rin ang masaker sa Sagay at pagpatay sa abogado ng mga biktima noong Oktubre. Kasunod nito’y tinugis ng dalawang batalyon ng kaaway ang mga magsasakang nagbubungkalan sa Sagay, at kinumpleto na ang pagpuwesto ng dagdag na mga tropa sa Negros Oriental noong Nobyembre 2018.
Ginamit ng AFP ang mga operasyong “peace and development” (PDT) sa mga baryo para imapa ang mga bahay ng pinagsususpetsahan nitong tagasuporta o kapamilya ng mga Pulang mandirigma, gayundin ang mga kasapi ng mga ligal na organisasyong magsasaka na binansagan nitong mga “prente ng komunista.” Sa mga datos na ito ibinatay ang listahan kung sinu-sino ang papatayin at aarestuhin.
Isinagawa ang unang bugso ng SEMPO sa Guihulngan City noong Disyembre 27, 2018. Isinabay dito ang mga operasyon sa Mabinay at Sta. Catalina. Sa araw na iyon, limang magsasaka ang pinatay sa Guihulngan City at mahigit 20 ang iligal na inaresto sa nabanggit na mga lugar. Lumaki pa ang bilang na ito tungong pitong pinatay at 57 iligal na inaresto nang tumagal ang operasyon hanggang ikalawang linggo ng Enero at umabot sa mga bayan ng Canlaon, Moises Padilla, Isabela at La Castellana. (Basahin ang mga detalye sa mga isyu ng Ang Bayan, Enero 7 at Pebrero 21, 2019.) Umabot sa 3,000 tropa ang ginamit ng AFP at PNP para sa operasyong ito.
Alinsunod sa “whole-of-nation approach” ng kampanyang panunupil ni Duterte, kinasangkapan ng AFP Centcom ang mga korte para sa paglalabas ng mga mandamyento at pagsasampa ng kaso. Sa unang bugso ng SEMPO, lahat ng 119 search warrant na ginamit sa operasyon ay pinirmahan ni Judge Soliver Peras ng RTC-7 sa Cebu.
Ginamit din ng AFP ang mga pasilidad ng mga lokal na gubyerno para sa transportasyon ng mga sundalo at pulis sa kabila ng paglilihim nito ng operasyon sa lokal na gubyerno. Sa pinakahuling SEMPO, itinanggi ng gubernador ng Negros Oriental na ipinaalam sa kanya ang operasyon.
Nagresulta ang SEMPO sa sapilitang paglikas ng mga residente, pagkasira ng kanilang mga pananim at pagkawala ng kanilang pera at kagamitan na ninakaw ng nag-operasyong mga pulis at sundalo. Dahil dito, mas lumakas pa ang loob ng mga panginoong maylupa sa isla na magbuo at magparami ng sariling mga pribadong hukbo at maton.
Malawakang pagkundena mula sa mga organisasyong masa at magsasaka, relihiyoso, masmidya at kahit mga ahensya ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang sumalubong sa brutalidad ng AFP at PNP. Sa Iloilo, pinangunahan ng Bayan at Anakpawis ang protesta noong Abril 1 sa tapat ng Camp Delgado sa Iloilo City laban sa madugong operasyon ng AFP at PNP.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/lagim-ng-sempo-sa-negros-14-magsasaka-pinatay-sa-isang-araw/
CPP/Ang Bayan: 8 pa, pinaslang noong Marso
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): 8 pa, pinaslang noong Marso
Sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa, lahatang-panig din ang pang-aatake ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa mga magsasaka. Sa buwan lamang ng Marso, walo pa ang pinaslang ng mga ahente ng rehimen.
Pinatay ng mga sundalo ng 48th IB si Larry Suganob, lider ng PINAGBUKLOD, kasaping organisasyon ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), noong Marso 18 sa Barangay San Isidro, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Aktibo si Suganob sa kampanya ng mga magsasaka kontra sa pangangamkam ng lupa ng Ayala Land, Inc. at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Naglulunsad noon ng operasyong militar ang 48th IB sa lugar.
Sa Davao del Norte, binaril at napatay naman ang isang estudyanteng Lumad noong Marso 15 sa Sityo Milyon, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod. Lasing na nagpaputok ng baril si Eroy Balentin, elemento ng Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) sa komunidad at tinamaan sa ulo si Jerome Pangadas na agad niyang ikinamatay. Ayon sa mga ulat, naghuramentado si Balentin matapos tumanggi ang mga residente ng Milyon na sumapi sa CAFGU. Si Pangadas ay 15-taong gulang at estudyante ng Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center. May isang residente ring nasugatan dahil sa insidente.
Isang magsasaka rin mula sa Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro ang pinatay ng 203rd Bde at PNP-MIMAROPA. Pinalabas na namatay sa engkwentro ng AFP at BHB si Roland Sibulan noong Marso 2 matapos siyang dakpin sa isang tsekpoynt at pinahirapan noong Marso 1. Tinutukan ng baril ang kasama niyang apo. Si Sibulan ay isang dekada nang hindi kasapi ng BHB.
Noong Marso 5, inaresto ang pamangkin ni Sibulan na si Onad sa parehong tsekpoynt, tinortyur at tinangkang patayin ng mga sundalo. Pinakawalan siya pagkatapos ng anim na oras ng mental at pisikal na pagpapahirap. Nakatakbo at nakaligtas sa tortyur ang kasama niyang pinsan.
Tatlong kabataang sibilyan ang pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo ng 71st IB noong Marso 28 sa Sityo Mangurayan, Barangay Anitapan sa Mabini, Compostela Valley. Naghahanap lamang ng palaka at nangangaso sa kagubatan at walang ibang dala kundi mga flashlightat mga gawang baril sina Franklin Tirol, Zaldy Tirol at isa pa. Agad na namatay sa insidente ang magpinsang Tirol habang malubhang nasugatan at iligal na inaresto ang isa pa. Pinalabas ng 71st IB na mga kasapi ng BHB ang mga biktima at may dalang armas, mga kagamitang militar at improvised explosive device. Kunwa’y may isang sundalo pa diumanong nasugatan sa putukan.
Noong Marso 30, pinatay si Uming Caliho, lider-magsasaka sa Sityo Kalibunlibunan, Barangay Pinagturilan, Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro.
Sa Samar, binaril at napatay si James Viñas, 75, dating lider ng People Surge sa harap ng kanyang bahay sa Borongan City noong Marso 12, ala-7 ng gabi.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/8-pa-pinaslang-noong-marso/
Sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa, lahatang-panig din ang pang-aatake ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa mga magsasaka. Sa buwan lamang ng Marso, walo pa ang pinaslang ng mga ahente ng rehimen.
Pinatay ng mga sundalo ng 48th IB si Larry Suganob, lider ng PINAGBUKLOD, kasaping organisasyon ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), noong Marso 18 sa Barangay San Isidro, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Aktibo si Suganob sa kampanya ng mga magsasaka kontra sa pangangamkam ng lupa ng Ayala Land, Inc. at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Naglulunsad noon ng operasyong militar ang 48th IB sa lugar.
Sa Davao del Norte, binaril at napatay naman ang isang estudyanteng Lumad noong Marso 15 sa Sityo Milyon, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod. Lasing na nagpaputok ng baril si Eroy Balentin, elemento ng Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) sa komunidad at tinamaan sa ulo si Jerome Pangadas na agad niyang ikinamatay. Ayon sa mga ulat, naghuramentado si Balentin matapos tumanggi ang mga residente ng Milyon na sumapi sa CAFGU. Si Pangadas ay 15-taong gulang at estudyante ng Salugpongan Ta ‘Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center. May isang residente ring nasugatan dahil sa insidente.
Isang magsasaka rin mula sa Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro ang pinatay ng 203rd Bde at PNP-MIMAROPA. Pinalabas na namatay sa engkwentro ng AFP at BHB si Roland Sibulan noong Marso 2 matapos siyang dakpin sa isang tsekpoynt at pinahirapan noong Marso 1. Tinutukan ng baril ang kasama niyang apo. Si Sibulan ay isang dekada nang hindi kasapi ng BHB.
Noong Marso 5, inaresto ang pamangkin ni Sibulan na si Onad sa parehong tsekpoynt, tinortyur at tinangkang patayin ng mga sundalo. Pinakawalan siya pagkatapos ng anim na oras ng mental at pisikal na pagpapahirap. Nakatakbo at nakaligtas sa tortyur ang kasama niyang pinsan.
Tatlong kabataang sibilyan ang pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo ng 71st IB noong Marso 28 sa Sityo Mangurayan, Barangay Anitapan sa Mabini, Compostela Valley. Naghahanap lamang ng palaka at nangangaso sa kagubatan at walang ibang dala kundi mga flashlightat mga gawang baril sina Franklin Tirol, Zaldy Tirol at isa pa. Agad na namatay sa insidente ang magpinsang Tirol habang malubhang nasugatan at iligal na inaresto ang isa pa. Pinalabas ng 71st IB na mga kasapi ng BHB ang mga biktima at may dalang armas, mga kagamitang militar at improvised explosive device. Kunwa’y may isang sundalo pa diumanong nasugatan sa putukan.
Noong Marso 30, pinatay si Uming Caliho, lider-magsasaka sa Sityo Kalibunlibunan, Barangay Pinagturilan, Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro.
Sa Samar, binaril at napatay si James Viñas, 75, dating lider ng People Surge sa harap ng kanyang bahay sa Borongan City noong Marso 12, ala-7 ng gabi.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/8-pa-pinaslang-noong-marso/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Panunupil sa mga magsasaka at katutubo
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): Panunupil sa mga magsasaka at katutubo
Iligal na inaresto ang tatlong magsasaka sa Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo noong Marso 18. Kinilala ang mga dinakip na sina Roberto Elamparo, 50, Ruperto Enar, 51 at Ramon Enar, 49. Nag-imbento ang AFP ng kwento ng diumano’y engkwentro sa malapit na lugar at pinalabas na mga kasapi ng BHB ang tatlo.
Sa Iloilo, tatlong minoryang Tumandok ang iligal ding dinakip sa Alimodias, Miag-ao ng mga pwersa ng 61st IB noong Marso 24 at inakusahang mga kasapi ng BHB. Kinilala ang mga biktima na sina Rolando Mediana, anak niyang si Rolando Jr., at Freddie Nabua. Ito ay matapos ang isang engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at BHB, alas-4 ng umaga sa parehong araw sa Sityo Baruk. Nagawang bawiin ni Ramonito Sabug, kapitan ng barangay ang tatlo matapos igiit na mga residente sila ng barangay.
Sa Aurora, hindi pa rin inililitaw ng AFP si Diodicto Miñoza, lider-magsasaka at magniniyog sa Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis. Organisador si Miñoza laban sa bantang pagtatayo ng mga hydropower dam sa mga komunidad ng San Luis at Gabaldon sa Nueva Ecija. Huli siyang nakausap ng kanyang asawa sa selpon noong Marso 22. Nang bisitahin ang kanyang kubo sa bukid sa sumunod na araw, mistula itong niransak dahil nagkalat ang mga plato at kagamitan. Nakakita rin ang mga residente ng mga bakas ng combat shoessa lugar. Mga sundalo ng 91st IB ang nag-ooperasyon sa barangay.
Sa Agusan del Norte, pinalibutan bago nireyd ng mga pulis at sundalo ng 23rd IB ang bahay ni Deliza Camanian sa Crazer, Aklan, Nasipit noong Marso 8. Sugatan si Glenn Ann, anak ni Deliza, sa marahas na panloloob ng mga sundalo at pulis.
Sa parehong araw, naglabas ng tarpolin ang 23rd IB sa Afga, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte kung saan nakalagay ang mga mukha ng pinararatangang mga kasapi ng BHB. Sa sumunod na araw, ipinatawag ng mga sundalo at isinailalim sa interogasyon sina Fredo Dabidi, Loreto Mapoy, Arnel Toledo at iba pang sibilyang residente ng Barangay Lower Olave sa parehong bayan. Idinetine ang mga biktima sa kampo ng militar.
Pinalabas ng 23rd IB na nagkaroon ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga yunit ng AFP at BHB sa Afga noong hapon ding iyon. Walang pakundangang pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo ang sampung kabahayan sa komunidad pagkatapos nito.
Sa Palawan, pinalayas ng mga pwersa ng Provincial Mining Regulatory Board ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang mga sakahan sa Sityo Sta. Cruz, Barangay Decalachao, Coron noong Marso 30. Ito ay para bigyan-daan ang ekspansyon ng Busuanga Airport sa 40,000 ektaryang lupa ng Yulo King Ranch.
Tuluy-tuloy naman ang kampanyang paninira ng mga elemento ng 17th IB, PNP at lokal na gubyerno ng Cagayan sa Anakpawis at mga organisasyong magsasaka. Noong Marso 13, tatlong nagpakilalang mga kinatawan ng Anakpawis ang ipinrisenta sa isang dayalogo kasama ang mga militar, pulis at lokal na gubyerno. Pinalabas ng mga sundalo na mga “sumurender” ang tatlo. Ang tatlo ay itiniwalag sa Anakpawis matapos gamitin nila ang ngalan ng organisasyon para pagkaperahan ang mga magsasaka.
Sa Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon, nagtambak ng halos tatlong siksbay ng sundalo ng 80th IB. Nakaranas ng pananakot at pandarahas ang mga lider-katutubong kasapi ng Dumagat Sierra Madre-TK mula sa mga sundalo. Dahil sa sobrang takot at kaba, namatay si Ponce Adornado, isang katutubong Dumagat. Nilalabanan ng mga Dumagat ang proyektong Kaliwa-Kanan Laiban dam na makasisira sa kanilang mga komunidad.
Sa Misamis Oriental, ginamit ng estado sa unang pagkakataon ang Human Security Act para kasuhan bilang “terorista” ang lider Lumad na si Datu Jomorito Goaynon sa pagdinig ng kanyang kaso noong Marso 11. Tagapangulo si Goaynon ng Kalumbay, isang organisasyon ng mga Lumad. Iligal siyang inaresto noong Enero 28 kasama ang lider-magsasakang si Ireneo Udarbe sa isang tsekpoynt ng 65th IB.
Noong Marso 20, iligal na inaresto at ikinulong sa detatsment ng 1st Special Forces Battalion sa Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon si Mae Tugot, kasapi ng Gabriela. Dinakip si Tugot ng militar sa Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/panunupil-sa-mga-magsasaka-at-katutubo/
Iligal na inaresto ang tatlong magsasaka sa Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo noong Marso 18. Kinilala ang mga dinakip na sina Roberto Elamparo, 50, Ruperto Enar, 51 at Ramon Enar, 49. Nag-imbento ang AFP ng kwento ng diumano’y engkwentro sa malapit na lugar at pinalabas na mga kasapi ng BHB ang tatlo.
Sa Iloilo, tatlong minoryang Tumandok ang iligal ding dinakip sa Alimodias, Miag-ao ng mga pwersa ng 61st IB noong Marso 24 at inakusahang mga kasapi ng BHB. Kinilala ang mga biktima na sina Rolando Mediana, anak niyang si Rolando Jr., at Freddie Nabua. Ito ay matapos ang isang engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at BHB, alas-4 ng umaga sa parehong araw sa Sityo Baruk. Nagawang bawiin ni Ramonito Sabug, kapitan ng barangay ang tatlo matapos igiit na mga residente sila ng barangay.
Sa Aurora, hindi pa rin inililitaw ng AFP si Diodicto Miñoza, lider-magsasaka at magniniyog sa Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis. Organisador si Miñoza laban sa bantang pagtatayo ng mga hydropower dam sa mga komunidad ng San Luis at Gabaldon sa Nueva Ecija. Huli siyang nakausap ng kanyang asawa sa selpon noong Marso 22. Nang bisitahin ang kanyang kubo sa bukid sa sumunod na araw, mistula itong niransak dahil nagkalat ang mga plato at kagamitan. Nakakita rin ang mga residente ng mga bakas ng combat shoessa lugar. Mga sundalo ng 91st IB ang nag-ooperasyon sa barangay.
Sa Agusan del Norte, pinalibutan bago nireyd ng mga pulis at sundalo ng 23rd IB ang bahay ni Deliza Camanian sa Crazer, Aklan, Nasipit noong Marso 8. Sugatan si Glenn Ann, anak ni Deliza, sa marahas na panloloob ng mga sundalo at pulis.
Sa parehong araw, naglabas ng tarpolin ang 23rd IB sa Afga, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte kung saan nakalagay ang mga mukha ng pinararatangang mga kasapi ng BHB. Sa sumunod na araw, ipinatawag ng mga sundalo at isinailalim sa interogasyon sina Fredo Dabidi, Loreto Mapoy, Arnel Toledo at iba pang sibilyang residente ng Barangay Lower Olave sa parehong bayan. Idinetine ang mga biktima sa kampo ng militar.
Pinalabas ng 23rd IB na nagkaroon ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng mga yunit ng AFP at BHB sa Afga noong hapon ding iyon. Walang pakundangang pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo ang sampung kabahayan sa komunidad pagkatapos nito.
Sa Palawan, pinalayas ng mga pwersa ng Provincial Mining Regulatory Board ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang mga sakahan sa Sityo Sta. Cruz, Barangay Decalachao, Coron noong Marso 30. Ito ay para bigyan-daan ang ekspansyon ng Busuanga Airport sa 40,000 ektaryang lupa ng Yulo King Ranch.
Tuluy-tuloy naman ang kampanyang paninira ng mga elemento ng 17th IB, PNP at lokal na gubyerno ng Cagayan sa Anakpawis at mga organisasyong magsasaka. Noong Marso 13, tatlong nagpakilalang mga kinatawan ng Anakpawis ang ipinrisenta sa isang dayalogo kasama ang mga militar, pulis at lokal na gubyerno. Pinalabas ng mga sundalo na mga “sumurender” ang tatlo. Ang tatlo ay itiniwalag sa Anakpawis matapos gamitin nila ang ngalan ng organisasyon para pagkaperahan ang mga magsasaka.
Sa Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon, nagtambak ng halos tatlong siksbay ng sundalo ng 80th IB. Nakaranas ng pananakot at pandarahas ang mga lider-katutubong kasapi ng Dumagat Sierra Madre-TK mula sa mga sundalo. Dahil sa sobrang takot at kaba, namatay si Ponce Adornado, isang katutubong Dumagat. Nilalabanan ng mga Dumagat ang proyektong Kaliwa-Kanan Laiban dam na makasisira sa kanilang mga komunidad.
Sa Misamis Oriental, ginamit ng estado sa unang pagkakataon ang Human Security Act para kasuhan bilang “terorista” ang lider Lumad na si Datu Jomorito Goaynon sa pagdinig ng kanyang kaso noong Marso 11. Tagapangulo si Goaynon ng Kalumbay, isang organisasyon ng mga Lumad. Iligal siyang inaresto noong Enero 28 kasama ang lider-magsasakang si Ireneo Udarbe sa isang tsekpoynt ng 65th IB.
Noong Marso 20, iligal na inaresto at ikinulong sa detatsment ng 1st Special Forces Battalion sa Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon si Mae Tugot, kasapi ng Gabriela. Dinakip si Tugot ng militar sa Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/panunupil-sa-mga-magsasaka-at-katutubo/
CPP/Ang Bayan: 12 komunidad sa Bukidnon, dinumog ng AFP
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): 12 komunidad sa Bukidnon, dinumog ng AFP
KASALUKUYANG POKUS NG limang batalyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang 12 komunidad sa hangganan ng Cabanglasan at San Fernando sa Bukidnon mula pa Enero nitong taon. Dinumog ng hindi bababa sa 1,400 sundalo ng 60th IB, 56th IB, 57th IB, 58th IB, 88th IB, Scout Rangers at Division Reconnaissance Company ang buong lugar. Bago pa ito, binomba, kinanyon at inistraping ang naturang mga komunidad mula pa huling bahagi ng 2018.
Kabilang sa mga hinahalihaw at inookupa ng mga sundalo ang Sityo Tapayanon, isang interyor na komunidad na may higit 400 residente.
Nitong Marso, sa desperasyon ng mga sundalo na supilin ang paglaban ng mga Lumad sa Tapayanon, pinalabas ng AFP na “sumurender” na mga taga-suporta at kasapi ng BHB ang mga lider-katutubo at mga residente. Ginagamit ngayon ng 60th IB ang naturang komunidad bilang tampok na palabas ng kunwa’y tagumpay ng E-CLIP.
Nauna nang ipinasara ng AFP noong 2016 ang paaralang Lumad na pinatatakbo ng Rural Missionaries of the Philippines sa Tapayanon. Ito ang pinakamalaking paaralang Lumad sa buong Bukidnon na mayroong higit isandaang mag-aaral sa literasiya at numerasiya.
Mula pa 2017, nilabanan na ng mga residente ang dalawang malalaking proyektong daanan—ang Laak-San Fernando at Mactan-Miaray—dahil sasagasaan nito ang kanilang mga komunidad.
Sa katotohanan, ang komunidad ay hinahamlet ng mga sundalo. Ipinagbabawal ang paglalabas-masok ng mga residente, pagkain at suplay sa lugar at pinipigilan ang kanilang kabuhayan. Ginigipit din ang kanilang mga lider at pinagbabawalang makipag-ugnayan sa labas ng komunidad.
Dahil dito, nagbakwit ang mahigit 150 pamilya ng kalapit na mga komunidad ng Tapayanon at nagkampuhan sa Malaybalay City mula pa kalagitnaan ng Marso.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/12-komunidad-sa-bukidnon-dinumog-ng-afp/
KASALUKUYANG POKUS NG limang batalyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang 12 komunidad sa hangganan ng Cabanglasan at San Fernando sa Bukidnon mula pa Enero nitong taon. Dinumog ng hindi bababa sa 1,400 sundalo ng 60th IB, 56th IB, 57th IB, 58th IB, 88th IB, Scout Rangers at Division Reconnaissance Company ang buong lugar. Bago pa ito, binomba, kinanyon at inistraping ang naturang mga komunidad mula pa huling bahagi ng 2018.
Kabilang sa mga hinahalihaw at inookupa ng mga sundalo ang Sityo Tapayanon, isang interyor na komunidad na may higit 400 residente.
Nitong Marso, sa desperasyon ng mga sundalo na supilin ang paglaban ng mga Lumad sa Tapayanon, pinalabas ng AFP na “sumurender” na mga taga-suporta at kasapi ng BHB ang mga lider-katutubo at mga residente. Ginagamit ngayon ng 60th IB ang naturang komunidad bilang tampok na palabas ng kunwa’y tagumpay ng E-CLIP.
Nauna nang ipinasara ng AFP noong 2016 ang paaralang Lumad na pinatatakbo ng Rural Missionaries of the Philippines sa Tapayanon. Ito ang pinakamalaking paaralang Lumad sa buong Bukidnon na mayroong higit isandaang mag-aaral sa literasiya at numerasiya.
Mula pa 2017, nilabanan na ng mga residente ang dalawang malalaking proyektong daanan—ang Laak-San Fernando at Mactan-Miaray—dahil sasagasaan nito ang kanilang mga komunidad.
Sa katotohanan, ang komunidad ay hinahamlet ng mga sundalo. Ipinagbabawal ang paglalabas-masok ng mga residente, pagkain at suplay sa lugar at pinipigilan ang kanilang kabuhayan. Ginigipit din ang kanilang mga lider at pinagbabawalang makipag-ugnayan sa labas ng komunidad.
Dahil dito, nagbakwit ang mahigit 150 pamilya ng kalapit na mga komunidad ng Tapayanon at nagkampuhan sa Malaybalay City mula pa kalagitnaan ng Marso.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/12-komunidad-sa-bukidnon-dinumog-ng-afp/
CPP/Ang Bayan: 300 pamilya, nagbakwit sa Samar
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): 300 pamilya, nagbakwit sa Samar
LUMIKAS ANG 300 pamilya o 1,409 indibidwal mula sa Hagbay, Can-aponte, San Nicolas at San Pedro sa bayan ng San Jose de Buan, Samar mula Marso 17-25 dahil sa halos tatlong buwan nang paglulunsad ng operasyong militar ng 87th IB sa kanilang mga komunidad. Kabilang sa mga nagbakwit ang 424 bata, 66 na matatanda at 11 buntis.
Noong Marso 25, tinangka ng mga sundalo at ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) na padaluhin sa isang “peace rally” ang mga residente para palabasing mga “sumurender” na mga tagasuporta at kasapi ng BHB. Tumanggi ang mga residente at sa halip ay nagprotesta para ipanawagan na palayasin ang mga sundalo sa kanilang mga komunidad.
Pagkatapos ng protesta, hinanap ng mga elemento ng 87th IB si Jade Cinco, kinatawan ng People Surge-Western Samar.
Samantala, 21 araw matapos makabalik ang 1,607 Lumad sa Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, muling nagbakwit ang 28 pamilya mula Sityo Decoy at Panukmoan tungong Km. 9 dulot ng panganganyon, panghuhulog ng bomba at istraping sa bukiring bahagi ng kanilang mga komunidad. Isinagawa ang mga pambobomba ng 401st Bde noong Marso 31, isang araw pagkatapos ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at BHB sa kalapit na lugar.
Nagbakwit ang mga residente ng Diatagon noon pang Hulyo 2018 dulot ng matinding militarisasyon sa lugar.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/300-pamilya-nagbakwit-sa-samar/
LUMIKAS ANG 300 pamilya o 1,409 indibidwal mula sa Hagbay, Can-aponte, San Nicolas at San Pedro sa bayan ng San Jose de Buan, Samar mula Marso 17-25 dahil sa halos tatlong buwan nang paglulunsad ng operasyong militar ng 87th IB sa kanilang mga komunidad. Kabilang sa mga nagbakwit ang 424 bata, 66 na matatanda at 11 buntis.
Noong Marso 25, tinangka ng mga sundalo at ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) na padaluhin sa isang “peace rally” ang mga residente para palabasing mga “sumurender” na mga tagasuporta at kasapi ng BHB. Tumanggi ang mga residente at sa halip ay nagprotesta para ipanawagan na palayasin ang mga sundalo sa kanilang mga komunidad.
Pagkatapos ng protesta, hinanap ng mga elemento ng 87th IB si Jade Cinco, kinatawan ng People Surge-Western Samar.
Samantala, 21 araw matapos makabalik ang 1,607 Lumad sa Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, muling nagbakwit ang 28 pamilya mula Sityo Decoy at Panukmoan tungong Km. 9 dulot ng panganganyon, panghuhulog ng bomba at istraping sa bukiring bahagi ng kanilang mga komunidad. Isinagawa ang mga pambobomba ng 401st Bde noong Marso 31, isang araw pagkatapos ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at BHB sa kalapit na lugar.
Nagbakwit ang mga residente ng Diatagon noon pang Hulyo 2018 dulot ng matinding militarisasyon sa lugar.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/300-pamilya-nagbakwit-sa-samar/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Atake sa mga upisina at misyon
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): Atake sa mga upisina at misyon
TINANGKANG PASUKIN ng 20 sundalo ang upisina ng BAYAN-North Mindanao Region sa Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City noong Marso 20 para arestuhin diumano ang isang nagngangalang “Albert.” Nang harangin sila, magdamag na pinalibutan ng mga sundalo ang upisina at pinagbawalang lumabas sa bahay ang mga nakatira roon.
Sa araw ding iyon, pinasok at niransak ang upisina ng KASTAN, lokal na balangay ng Cordillera People’s Alliance, sa Barangay Lipcan Ubbog, Bangued, Abra.
Samantala, dalawang beses na hinaras at tinakot ang mga kasapi ng Karapatan-Quezon noong Marso 9 sa mga tsekpoynt ng militar sa mga barangay ng San Francisco at Dao. Hinalughog ng may 50 elemento ng 85th IB at CAFGU ang mga gamit ng mga delegado. Papunta ang grupo sa Lopez, Quezon para magsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa lugar malapit sa naganap na engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at BHB noong Marso 8.
Lantaran namang ipinailalim sa sarbeylans at tinakot ng mga ahente ng paniktik ng rehimen ang dayuhang mga delegado ng internasyunal na delegasyon ng mga abugado na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa mga insidente ng pag-atake sa mga abugado at huwes sa bansa. Sinundan at kinunan sila ng mga larawan at bidyo hanggang sa tinitigilan nilang hotel. Pinakinggan din ang kanilang mga usapan.
Kinabilangan ang internasyunal na delegasyon ng siyam na abugado mula sa Belgium, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands at United States. Idinaos ang imbestigasyon noong Marso 14-17. Nirepaso nila ang 15 insidente ng atake sa sektor kabilang na ang pagpatay kay Atty. Benjamin Ramos at pag-akusa sa mga kasapi ng NUPL-Panay bilang mga kasapi ng PKP. Alinsunod sa kanilang imbestigasyon, magkadugtong ang mga kaso ng pag-atake sa mga huwes at abugado, at nakaugnay ito sa mga buladas ni Duterte laban sa kanila.
Isang araw bago simulan ang imbestigasyon, binaril at napatay si Atty. Rex Jasper Lopoz sa harap ng isang mall sa Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Ayon sa National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), si Lopoz ang ika-38 abugadong pinaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte.
Tiyak na higit pang titindi ang mga atake sa mga abogado, tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao at mamamayan dahil sa pag-alis ng gubyerno ng Pilipinas sa International Criminal Court, ayon pa sa NUPL. Pormal na nagkabisa ang pag-atras ng bansa sa naturang internasyunal na korte noong Marso 17.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/atake-sa-mga-upisina-at-misyon/
TINANGKANG PASUKIN ng 20 sundalo ang upisina ng BAYAN-North Mindanao Region sa Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City noong Marso 20 para arestuhin diumano ang isang nagngangalang “Albert.” Nang harangin sila, magdamag na pinalibutan ng mga sundalo ang upisina at pinagbawalang lumabas sa bahay ang mga nakatira roon.
Sa araw ding iyon, pinasok at niransak ang upisina ng KASTAN, lokal na balangay ng Cordillera People’s Alliance, sa Barangay Lipcan Ubbog, Bangued, Abra.
Samantala, dalawang beses na hinaras at tinakot ang mga kasapi ng Karapatan-Quezon noong Marso 9 sa mga tsekpoynt ng militar sa mga barangay ng San Francisco at Dao. Hinalughog ng may 50 elemento ng 85th IB at CAFGU ang mga gamit ng mga delegado. Papunta ang grupo sa Lopez, Quezon para magsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa lugar malapit sa naganap na engkwentro sa pagitan ng AFP at BHB noong Marso 8.
Lantaran namang ipinailalim sa sarbeylans at tinakot ng mga ahente ng paniktik ng rehimen ang dayuhang mga delegado ng internasyunal na delegasyon ng mga abugado na nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa mga insidente ng pag-atake sa mga abugado at huwes sa bansa. Sinundan at kinunan sila ng mga larawan at bidyo hanggang sa tinitigilan nilang hotel. Pinakinggan din ang kanilang mga usapan.
Kinabilangan ang internasyunal na delegasyon ng siyam na abugado mula sa Belgium, Italy, Japan, Korea, The Netherlands at United States. Idinaos ang imbestigasyon noong Marso 14-17. Nirepaso nila ang 15 insidente ng atake sa sektor kabilang na ang pagpatay kay Atty. Benjamin Ramos at pag-akusa sa mga kasapi ng NUPL-Panay bilang mga kasapi ng PKP. Alinsunod sa kanilang imbestigasyon, magkadugtong ang mga kaso ng pag-atake sa mga huwes at abugado, at nakaugnay ito sa mga buladas ni Duterte laban sa kanila.
Isang araw bago simulan ang imbestigasyon, binaril at napatay si Atty. Rex Jasper Lopoz sa harap ng isang mall sa Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Ayon sa National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), si Lopoz ang ika-38 abugadong pinaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte.
Tiyak na higit pang titindi ang mga atake sa mga abogado, tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao at mamamayan dahil sa pag-alis ng gubyerno ng Pilipinas sa International Criminal Court, ayon pa sa NUPL. Pormal na nagkabisa ang pag-atras ng bansa sa naturang internasyunal na korte noong Marso 17.
[Ang Bayan
is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/atake-sa-mga-upisina-at-misyon/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Presensyang militar ng US sa Pilipinas, lumalawak
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): Presensyang militar ng US sa Pilipinas, lumalawak
PALAKI NANG PALAKI ang presensya ng mga tropang Amerikano at mga operasyong militar nito sa Pilipinas. Inilulusot ang kanilang presensya sa pinagsanib na mga pagsasanay-militar, pagdaong ng mga barkong pandigma at iba pang “pagbisita” at aktibidad. Noong Marso, hindi bababa sa 9,000 tropang Amerikano ang nasa kalupaan ng bansa sa isang panahon.
Mula Abril 1 hanggang 12, isinasagawa ng US ang ika-35 Balikatan sa South at Central Luzon. Direkta itong pinangangasiwaan ng Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines at nilahukan ng 3,500 sundalong Amerikano at 4,000 sundalong Pilipino. Mula Marso 17, nasa bansa na ang ilan sa mga kalahok nitong tropang Amerikano para sa “sibilyan-militar” na mga aktibidad. Halos kasabay ito sa inilunsad na ika-15 Pacific Partnership sa Eastern Visayas na tumagal mula Marso 10-24 at nilahukan ng 1,600 sundalong Amerikano. Pumatong ang naturang pagsasanay sa Exercise Salaknib na inilunsad sa Nueva Ecija mula Marso 4 hanggang 14. Ang naturang mga pagsasanay ay ilan lamang sa 281 aktibidad-militar na nakatakdang ilunsad ng US sa bansa ngayong taon.
Kasabay ng mga pagsasanay na ito ang pagdaong ng USS Blue Ridge, ang pangunahing barkong pandigma ng US Navy sa Manila Bay noong Marso 14. Ang naturang barko, na may lulang 3,000 sundalong Ameriikano, ay itinuturing na isang base militar sa dagat.
Dagdag dito, ibinukas na ng US ang teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa ibang dayuhang hukbo gamit ang dating sa pagitan lamang ng US at Pilipinas na Balikatan. Ang mga sundalong Australiano ay lumalahok na sa mga pagsasanay na ito mula pa 2012. Pinalalahok din ng US ang mga hukbo ng Japan, South Korea, East Timor, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, at United Kingdom bilang mga “obserber.” Mahalaga sa US ang naturang pagsasanay lalupa’t limang bansa lamang sa kalakhan ng Pacific, ang pinakamalawak sa mga rehiyong-militar na sinasaklaw ng isang kumand ng US, ang bukas sa presensya ng mga tropang Amerikano sa kasalukuyan. Sa panig ng AFP, partikular na kalahok sa Balikatan ang bagong-buo at pinondohan ng US na 1st Brigade Combat Team na kunwa’y nakapailalim sa lokal na Special Operations Command.
Tulad sa nakaraan, ginagamit ng US na tabing ang pagsasanay para maglunsad ng samutsaring operasyong militar. Ginagamit nito ang mga gawaing kawanggawa tulad ng pagtatayo ng mga eskwelahan, paglulunsad ng mga misyong medikal, pagtuturo at literasiya at iba pa para bigyang katwiran ang pagpasok ng dayuhang mga tropa sa malalayong baryo sa iba’t ibang dako ng bansa. Nitong taon, kunwa’y nagtayo ito ng mga paaralan sa Batangas at Leyte.
Ang lahat ng ito’y naganap matapos ang pagbisita ng pinuno ng Department of State ng US na si Michael Pompeo noong Pebrero 28. Dumaan si Pompeo para harapin ang alingasngas ng mga upisyal ni Duterte para “muling pasadahan” ang Mutual Defense Treaty, ang tratado militar na ginagamit ng US para sa tuluy-tuloy na presensya ng mga tropa nito sa bansa. Kunwa’y iginigiit nila na kailangan ng bagong tratado para saklawin ang mga soberanong teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa South China Sea.
Ang totoo, gumawa lamang ng ingay sina Duterte at kanyang mga upisyal para dagdagan ng US ang limos na ayuda at gamit-militar na itinatambak nito sa Pilipinas. Sa partikular, hinahabol ni Duterte ang ilang libong matataas na kalibreng armas na hinarang ng Senado ng US dahil sa madugong “gera kontra-droga” ng rehimen.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/presensyang-militar-ng-us-sa-pilipinas-lumalawak/
PALAKI NANG PALAKI ang presensya ng mga tropang Amerikano at mga operasyong militar nito sa Pilipinas. Inilulusot ang kanilang presensya sa pinagsanib na mga pagsasanay-militar, pagdaong ng mga barkong pandigma at iba pang “pagbisita” at aktibidad. Noong Marso, hindi bababa sa 9,000 tropang Amerikano ang nasa kalupaan ng bansa sa isang panahon.
Mula Abril 1 hanggang 12, isinasagawa ng US ang ika-35 Balikatan sa South at Central Luzon. Direkta itong pinangangasiwaan ng Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines at nilahukan ng 3,500 sundalong Amerikano at 4,000 sundalong Pilipino. Mula Marso 17, nasa bansa na ang ilan sa mga kalahok nitong tropang Amerikano para sa “sibilyan-militar” na mga aktibidad. Halos kasabay ito sa inilunsad na ika-15 Pacific Partnership sa Eastern Visayas na tumagal mula Marso 10-24 at nilahukan ng 1,600 sundalong Amerikano. Pumatong ang naturang pagsasanay sa Exercise Salaknib na inilunsad sa Nueva Ecija mula Marso 4 hanggang 14. Ang naturang mga pagsasanay ay ilan lamang sa 281 aktibidad-militar na nakatakdang ilunsad ng US sa bansa ngayong taon.
Kasabay ng mga pagsasanay na ito ang pagdaong ng USS Blue Ridge, ang pangunahing barkong pandigma ng US Navy sa Manila Bay noong Marso 14. Ang naturang barko, na may lulang 3,000 sundalong Ameriikano, ay itinuturing na isang base militar sa dagat.
Dagdag dito, ibinukas na ng US ang teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa ibang dayuhang hukbo gamit ang dating sa pagitan lamang ng US at Pilipinas na Balikatan. Ang mga sundalong Australiano ay lumalahok na sa mga pagsasanay na ito mula pa 2012. Pinalalahok din ng US ang mga hukbo ng Japan, South Korea, East Timor, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, at United Kingdom bilang mga “obserber.” Mahalaga sa US ang naturang pagsasanay lalupa’t limang bansa lamang sa kalakhan ng Pacific, ang pinakamalawak sa mga rehiyong-militar na sinasaklaw ng isang kumand ng US, ang bukas sa presensya ng mga tropang Amerikano sa kasalukuyan. Sa panig ng AFP, partikular na kalahok sa Balikatan ang bagong-buo at pinondohan ng US na 1st Brigade Combat Team na kunwa’y nakapailalim sa lokal na Special Operations Command.
Tulad sa nakaraan, ginagamit ng US na tabing ang pagsasanay para maglunsad ng samutsaring operasyong militar. Ginagamit nito ang mga gawaing kawanggawa tulad ng pagtatayo ng mga eskwelahan, paglulunsad ng mga misyong medikal, pagtuturo at literasiya at iba pa para bigyang katwiran ang pagpasok ng dayuhang mga tropa sa malalayong baryo sa iba’t ibang dako ng bansa. Nitong taon, kunwa’y nagtayo ito ng mga paaralan sa Batangas at Leyte.
Ang lahat ng ito’y naganap matapos ang pagbisita ng pinuno ng Department of State ng US na si Michael Pompeo noong Pebrero 28. Dumaan si Pompeo para harapin ang alingasngas ng mga upisyal ni Duterte para “muling pasadahan” ang Mutual Defense Treaty, ang tratado militar na ginagamit ng US para sa tuluy-tuloy na presensya ng mga tropa nito sa bansa. Kunwa’y iginigiit nila na kailangan ng bagong tratado para saklawin ang mga soberanong teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa South China Sea.
Ang totoo, gumawa lamang ng ingay sina Duterte at kanyang mga upisyal para dagdagan ng US ang limos na ayuda at gamit-militar na itinatambak nito sa Pilipinas. Sa partikular, hinahabol ni Duterte ang ilang libong matataas na kalibreng armas na hinarang ng Senado ng US dahil sa madugong “gera kontra-droga” ng rehimen.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/presensyang-militar-ng-us-sa-pilipinas-lumalawak/
CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Labanan ang Oplan Samadhan—CPI-Maoist
Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7): Labanan ang Oplan Samadhan—CPI-Maoist
NANAWAGAN ANG Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist sa mamamayang Indian na labanan ang Operation Samadhan (o “solusyon” sa salitang Indian), ang pinakahuling kampanya ng panunupil ng reaksyunaryng estadong Indian. Taliwas sa idineklara nitong layuning pagdadala ng mga “solusyon” sa mahihirap na komunidad ng India tulad ng irigasyon, edukasyon, serbisyong pangkalusugan at iba pa, ang Operasyon Samadhan ay isang operasyon para palayasin ang mamamayan sa mga lupang nais tayuan ng malalaking kumpanya ng mga megadam. Saklaw ng naturang operasyon ang Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh at Jharkhand—mga lugar ng mga adivasi o katutubo.
Ginagamit ng reaksyunaryong estado ang CPI-Maoist bilang “internal na banta” para tambakan ng mga pwersang panseguridad ang naturang mga lugar at isailalim ang mga ito sa militarisasyon. Anang CPI-Maoist, hindi ang mga komunista ang banta sa mga komunidad kundi ang mga dayuhang kumpanya at mga pwersang panseguridad ng estado na ginagamit nila.
Katunayan, ilan nang mga komunidad ang napalayas sa tabing ng “industriyalisasyon” at “kaunlaran.” Pinararatangan ng estado ang mga residente rito na mga kasapi ng CPI-Maoist at sinasampahan ng sedisyon at iba pang gawa-gawang kaso. Sa gayon, napipilitan silang iwan ang kanilang mga komunidad para iwasan ang brutalidad ng mga pulis at sundalo. Kabilang dito ang mga masaker, pamamaslang, panggagahasa sa kababaihan, pambubugbog at iba pang pag-abuso.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/labanan-ang-oplan-samadhan-cpi-maoist/
NANAWAGAN ANG Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist sa mamamayang Indian na labanan ang Operation Samadhan (o “solusyon” sa salitang Indian), ang pinakahuling kampanya ng panunupil ng reaksyunaryng estadong Indian. Taliwas sa idineklara nitong layuning pagdadala ng mga “solusyon” sa mahihirap na komunidad ng India tulad ng irigasyon, edukasyon, serbisyong pangkalusugan at iba pa, ang Operasyon Samadhan ay isang operasyon para palayasin ang mamamayan sa mga lupang nais tayuan ng malalaking kumpanya ng mga megadam. Saklaw ng naturang operasyon ang Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh at Jharkhand—mga lugar ng mga adivasi o katutubo.
Ginagamit ng reaksyunaryong estado ang CPI-Maoist bilang “internal na banta” para tambakan ng mga pwersang panseguridad ang naturang mga lugar at isailalim ang mga ito sa militarisasyon. Anang CPI-Maoist, hindi ang mga komunista ang banta sa mga komunidad kundi ang mga dayuhang kumpanya at mga pwersang panseguridad ng estado na ginagamit nila.
Katunayan, ilan nang mga komunidad ang napalayas sa tabing ng “industriyalisasyon” at “kaunlaran.” Pinararatangan ng estado ang mga residente rito na mga kasapi ng CPI-Maoist at sinasampahan ng sedisyon at iba pang gawa-gawang kaso. Sa gayon, napipilitan silang iwan ang kanilang mga komunidad para iwasan ang brutalidad ng mga pulis at sundalo. Kabilang dito ang mga masaker, pamamaslang, panggagahasa sa kababaihan, pambubugbog at iba pang pag-abuso.
https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/04/07/labanan-ang-oplan-samadhan-cpi-maoist/
More Negros areas identified as poll hotspots
From the Philippine Star (Apr 13, 2019):
The number of election areas of concern on Negros island has increased to 28 amid recent attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Ayungon, Mabinay, Sta. Catalina and Manjuyod towns as well as the cities of Guihulngan and Canlaon in Negros Oriental are under category red, the Regional Joint Security Control Center of Central Visayas said during its meeting on Thursday.
Authorities cited recent police operations against suspected NPA rebels in Canlaon, Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina that left 14 people dead for the classification.
Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental was added to the list after Sangguniang Bayan member Jolomar Hilario was killed by NPA rebels last month.
Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Bindoy, Siaton, La Libertad and San Jose towns in Negros Oriental are under category orange or immediate area of concern due to threats from communists.
The cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan, Isabela, Hinoba-an and Toboso in Negros Occidental are also under category orange.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they received reports that four local government officials in Himamaylan, whom he did not identify, allied themselves with NPA rebels.
Seven soldiers were wounded in a bomb explosion during a recent encounter with NPA guerrillas in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan.
Twelve other areas in Negros Occidental are under category yellow due to presence of communist rebels. These are in EB Magalona, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, La Castellana, Candoni, Cauayan, Ilog and the cities of Escalante, Silay and Sipalay.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/04/13/1909546/more-negros-areas-identified-poll-hotspots
More Negros areas identified as poll hotspots
Ayungon, Mabinay, Sta. Catalina and Manjuyod towns as well as the cities of Guihulngan and Canlaon in Negros Oriental are under category red, the Regional Joint Security Control Center of Central Visayas said during its meeting on Thursday.
Authorities cited recent police operations against suspected NPA rebels in Canlaon, Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina that left 14 people dead for the classification.
Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental was added to the list after Sangguniang Bayan member Jolomar Hilario was killed by NPA rebels last month.
Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Bindoy, Siaton, La Libertad and San Jose towns in Negros Oriental are under category orange or immediate area of concern due to threats from communists.
The cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan, Isabela, Hinoba-an and Toboso in Negros Occidental are also under category orange.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they received reports that four local government officials in Himamaylan, whom he did not identify, allied themselves with NPA rebels.
Seven soldiers were wounded in a bomb explosion during a recent encounter with NPA guerrillas in Sitio Asaran, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan.
Twelve other areas in Negros Occidental are under category yellow due to presence of communist rebels. These are in EB Magalona, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, Binalbagan, Hinigaran, La Castellana, Candoni, Cauayan, Ilog and the cities of Escalante, Silay and Sipalay.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/04/13/1909546/more-negros-areas-identified-poll-hotspots
Philippines: Overview of Assessed Needs in Mindanao Conflict (as of 03 April 2019)
Posted to the Relief Web (Apr 3, 2019): Philippines: Overview of Assessed Needs in Mindanao Conflict (as of 03 April 2019)
INFOGRAPHICfrom UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Published on 04 Apr 2019
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Simultaneous law enforcement operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against non-state armed groups are reported in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Sulu since the first half of March 2019. A coordinated assessment between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Mindanao Humanitarian Team was conducted between 12 to 26 March.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.
Download PDF (3.24 MB)Simultaneous law enforcement operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines against non-state armed groups are reported in the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Sulu since the first half of March 2019. A coordinated assessment between the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Mindanao Humanitarian Team was conducted between 12 to 26 March.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.
‘Leave or die’
From the Business Mirror (Apr 13 2019): ‘Leave or die’
Military vows to keep out extremists from PHL shores after IS defeat in Syria
In this October 19, 2017, file photo, Philippine Navy commandos aboard a gunboat patrol Lake Lanao as smoke rises where pro-Islamic group militants are making a final stand amid a massive military offensive of Marawi City in southern Philippines.
THE capture by US-backed forces of the last stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria last month that spelled the terrorist group’s defeat has put on alert countries where the IS has put up so-called caliphate provinces, including the Philippines, and to be exact, Lanao del Sur, or even the whole of Mindanao.
The alert was borne by the belief that these countries, whose citizens have enlisted as IS fighters, or are hosting jihadist groups allied with the IS, should brace for the influx of returning fighters following the collapse of their group’s adventure in Syria.
Death of leaders, surrender
Brawner said the IS, even if it attempts to recruit, may find it overwhelmingly difficult to recover in Lanao del Sur. In fact, he said, IS is already on its way to oblivion, given the successive deaths of its leaders and the consistent surrender of its followers and sympathizers as a result of the continuing operations by Brawner’s Army brigade.
The military commander declared that Owaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, the remaining leader of the Maute Group and the IS, whose group was the focus of the operations in Lanao, is already dead as confirmed by the result of a DNA examination.
“He’s dead. It was confirmed by the DNA results released this week,” Brawner told the BusinessMirror in a phone interview.
Brawner and his men killed Abu Dar and four of his fighters during a military operation on March 14 this year in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, but until then, official confirmation could not be made until DNA tests are made.
Abu Dar cropped up as the leader of the IS when Isnilon Hapilon, commander of the ASG and the acknowledged leader of the IS in Southeast Asia, was killed during the Marawi siege.
Abu Dar, who fought alongside the fallen regional IS leader during the Marawi attack, escaped during the initial months of the war and has been the object of focused military operations since then.
The death of Abu Dar followed the successive killings of his key leaders by soldiers who scoured the jungle and operated nonstop in various areas of Lanao del Sur just to get them.
“The death of Abu Dar lends to the end of the IS here,” Brawner said, adding that up to his death, the terrorist leader only had no more than 25 fighters.
“He was a preacher,” he added, underscoring the capability of Abu Dar to recruit members if he would still be alive.
Other than killing the leaders of the IS and operating continuously against the group, the military has secured the surrender of at least 160 IS followers and sympathizers since Brawner assumed his post as 103rd Brigade commander.
Brawner, a Special Forces by training, said they would hunt IS members to the last man, while guarding against any effort of the group to recruit.
Military vows to keep out extremists from PHL shores after IS defeat in Syria
THE capture by US-backed forces of the last stronghold of the Islamic State (IS) in Syria last month that spelled the terrorist group’s defeat has put on alert countries where the IS has put up so-called caliphate provinces, including the Philippines, and to be exact, Lanao del Sur, or even the whole of Mindanao.
The alert was borne by the belief that these countries, whose citizens have enlisted as IS fighters, or are hosting jihadist groups allied with the IS, should brace for the influx of returning fighters following the collapse of their group’s adventure in Syria.
In this June 9, 2017, file photo, debris fly in the air as Philippine Air Force fighter jets bomb suspected locations of Muslim militants in Marawi City.
The notion was bolstered by reports from counterterrorism groups, including Israel’s Meir Amit Intelligence and Information Center, that even before IS’s defeat, it has already ordered its various provinces to step up their attacks while strengthening their information communication apparatus in order to recruit fighters and members.
The notion was bolstered by reports from counterterrorism groups, including Israel’s Meir Amit Intelligence and Information Center, that even before IS’s defeat, it has already ordered its various provinces to step up their attacks while strengthening their information communication apparatus in order to recruit fighters and members.
IS done in Lanao
While the warning could not be taken lightly, Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade headquartered right in the heart of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, said the IS and its mixture of local fighters are already finished in the province.
The IS and its fighters mostly made up of members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Maute Group attacked Marawi in 2017, and stretched the war to a five-month costly operation by the military that left in ruins the entire city, once one of Mindanao’s most progressive Islamic cities.
The government declared at the end of the campaign that it would take years before the IS, or even any home-grown terrorist group, can mount a siege in the scale of the Marawi attack again, given the death of its leaders and fighters and the continuing decline of its influence.
Military officials even confidently declared that the siege would be the last in the country’s battle against terrorism, jihadism and Islamic radicalization.
“No more, they are done here,” said Brawner as he not only echoed the line of the military leadership, but cited the progress of their operations against the IS and its followers, now tagged by the military as Dawla Islamiyah.
While the warning could not be taken lightly, Col. Romeo Brawner, commander of the Army’s 103rd Brigade headquartered right in the heart of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, said the IS and its mixture of local fighters are already finished in the province.
The IS and its fighters mostly made up of members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Maute Group attacked Marawi in 2017, and stretched the war to a five-month costly operation by the military that left in ruins the entire city, once one of Mindanao’s most progressive Islamic cities.
The government declared at the end of the campaign that it would take years before the IS, or even any home-grown terrorist group, can mount a siege in the scale of the Marawi attack again, given the death of its leaders and fighters and the continuing decline of its influence.
Military officials even confidently declared that the siege would be the last in the country’s battle against terrorism, jihadism and Islamic radicalization.
“No more, they are done here,” said Brawner as he not only echoed the line of the military leadership, but cited the progress of their operations against the IS and its followers, now tagged by the military as Dawla Islamiyah.
Death of leaders, surrender
Brawner said the IS, even if it attempts to recruit, may find it overwhelmingly difficult to recover in Lanao del Sur. In fact, he said, IS is already on its way to oblivion, given the successive deaths of its leaders and the consistent surrender of its followers and sympathizers as a result of the continuing operations by Brawner’s Army brigade.
The military commander declared that Owaydah Marohombsar alias Abu Dar, the remaining leader of the Maute Group and the IS, whose group was the focus of the operations in Lanao, is already dead as confirmed by the result of a DNA examination.
“He’s dead. It was confirmed by the DNA results released this week,” Brawner told the BusinessMirror in a phone interview.
Brawner and his men killed Abu Dar and four of his fighters during a military operation on March 14 this year in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur, but until then, official confirmation could not be made until DNA tests are made.
Abu Dar cropped up as the leader of the IS when Isnilon Hapilon, commander of the ASG and the acknowledged leader of the IS in Southeast Asia, was killed during the Marawi siege.
Abu Dar, who fought alongside the fallen regional IS leader during the Marawi attack, escaped during the initial months of the war and has been the object of focused military operations since then.
The death of Abu Dar followed the successive killings of his key leaders by soldiers who scoured the jungle and operated nonstop in various areas of Lanao del Sur just to get them.
“The death of Abu Dar lends to the end of the IS here,” Brawner said, adding that up to his death, the terrorist leader only had no more than 25 fighters.
“He was a preacher,” he added, underscoring the capability of Abu Dar to recruit members if he would still be alive.
Other than killing the leaders of the IS and operating continuously against the group, the military has secured the surrender of at least 160 IS followers and sympathizers since Brawner assumed his post as 103rd Brigade commander.
Brawner, a Special Forces by training, said they would hunt IS members to the last man, while guarding against any effort of the group to recruit.
Operations in other terrorist areas
Since the IS and its influence are declining in Lanao, the military understood that other areas and even groups, including those still aligned with the international terrorist group, could take on the void left by the IS in Marawi City or even Lanao.
This is the reason operations have been stepped up in Sulu and Basilan and in Central Mindanao, and focused on the ASG and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and its faction aligned with the IS.
The military earlier said that the BIFF and its faction that pledged its allegiance to the IS have forged a tactical alliance in Maguindanao in their effort to stave off the continuing government operation that has already killed its key leaders.
In Sulu, soldiers were also operating against the ASG in the province, with the focus of the operations trained against ASG Commander Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan, tagged as the leader of the Jolo cathedral suicide bombing in January this year that killed 23 people and wounded 95 others.
The IS owned up to the bombing, with a US report saying Sawadjaan is acting as the leader of the IS in country.
Since the IS and its influence are declining in Lanao, the military understood that other areas and even groups, including those still aligned with the international terrorist group, could take on the void left by the IS in Marawi City or even Lanao.
This is the reason operations have been stepped up in Sulu and Basilan and in Central Mindanao, and focused on the ASG and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and its faction aligned with the IS.
The military earlier said that the BIFF and its faction that pledged its allegiance to the IS have forged a tactical alliance in Maguindanao in their effort to stave off the continuing government operation that has already killed its key leaders.
In Sulu, soldiers were also operating against the ASG in the province, with the focus of the operations trained against ASG Commander Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan, tagged as the leader of the Jolo cathedral suicide bombing in January this year that killed 23 people and wounded 95 others.
The IS owned up to the bombing, with a US report saying Sawadjaan is acting as the leader of the IS in country.
3 soldiers wounded, 2 ASG bodies found
From The Manila Bulletin (Apr 13, 2019): 3 soldiers wounded, 2 ASG bodies found
Three more soldiers were wounded in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Patikul, Sulu, bringing to five the number of wounded as fighting continued on Friday.
The Western Mindanao Command said soldiers also recovered two bodies of slain bandits in Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul where troops clashed on Thursday with about 120 ASG gunmen under Radulan Sahiron and Hajan Sawadjaan.
Security forces also battled about 80 more bandits in Barangay Kabbon Takas, also in Patikul, later in the day. The military claimed that 10 more ASG bandits were killed and many others wounded, but soldiers did not recover any cadaver, except for the two bodies.
On Thursday, the military said two soldiers were wounded in the fighting.
Earlier this week, soldiers also clashed in Patikul and killed two bandits, one of them Barak Ingog, who helped facilitate the twin suicide bombings in January of the Jolo Cathedral by an Indonesian pro-Islamic State (IS) couple.
The other slain gunman, Nasser Sawadjaan, was a nephew of Sawadajaan.
Security forces have been conducting massive operations in Sulu since early this year as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the military to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders pledged allegiance with the IS.
The operations have resulted in the recovery of two Indonesians and a Malaysian fisher held by the ASG on Simisa Island off Sulu. However, two of the hostages — Malaysian Jari Abdullah, eventually died in hospital from a gunshot wound, and Hariadin drowned while escaping the fighting between troops and the bandits.
The Western Mindanao Command said soldiers also recovered two bodies of slain bandits in Barangay Panglayahan, Patikul where troops clashed on Thursday with about 120 ASG gunmen under Radulan Sahiron and Hajan Sawadjaan.
Security forces also battled about 80 more bandits in Barangay Kabbon Takas, also in Patikul, later in the day. The military claimed that 10 more ASG bandits were killed and many others wounded, but soldiers did not recover any cadaver, except for the two bodies.
On Thursday, the military said two soldiers were wounded in the fighting.
Earlier this week, soldiers also clashed in Patikul and killed two bandits, one of them Barak Ingog, who helped facilitate the twin suicide bombings in January of the Jolo Cathedral by an Indonesian pro-Islamic State (IS) couple.
The other slain gunman, Nasser Sawadjaan, was a nephew of Sawadajaan.
Security forces have been conducting massive operations in Sulu since early this year as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to the military to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, whose leaders pledged allegiance with the IS.
The operations have resulted in the recovery of two Indonesians and a Malaysian fisher held by the ASG on Simisa Island off Sulu. However, two of the hostages — Malaysian Jari Abdullah, eventually died in hospital from a gunshot wound, and Hariadin drowned while escaping the fighting between troops and the bandits.
Duterte flip-flops, opens door to peace with Reds
From The Manila Times (Apr 13, 2019): Duterte flip-flops, opens door to peace with Reds
ALMOST a month after declaring a “permanent” end to peace talks with communist rebels, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was not fully shutting the door on the peace negotiations with members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
This photo taken on July 30, 2017 shows guerrillas of the New People’s Army resting among bushes in the Sierra Madre mountain range, located east of Manila. AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS
On March 21, Duterte announced the permanent termination of the talks between the government and the CPP.
He, however, changed his mind on Thursday evening, saying he “cannot talk with finality.”
On March 21, Duterte announced the permanent termination of the talks between the government and the CPP.
He, however, changed his mind on Thursday evening, saying he “cannot talk with finality.”
In a speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan campaign rally in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Duterte said he would see if permanently shutting the door on the negotiations would be the good thing to do.
But according to the President, he was unsure whether he would be able to “hack” the problem.
“I made the announcement that I’m no longer willing to talk to them. But who knows? It is not my wish, wishes that would count. It is not my predilection that would be important. It’s the welfare of the people,” he said.
The President added that he would look into the best possible move.
“So, I cannot talk with finality. You cannot talk with finality, because this office I am currently holding is not mine. I hold it for the people. I cannot say anything, with finality,” he said.
Last month, during the Philippine Army’s 122nd founding anniversary rites, Duterte announced that he would finally shut the door on the peace talks.
“I am no longer entertaining any interventions or persuasions in this democratic state of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.
But according to the President, he was unsure whether he would be able to “hack” the problem.
“I made the announcement that I’m no longer willing to talk to them. But who knows? It is not my wish, wishes that would count. It is not my predilection that would be important. It’s the welfare of the people,” he said.
The President added that he would look into the best possible move.
“So, I cannot talk with finality. You cannot talk with finality, because this office I am currently holding is not mine. I hold it for the people. I cannot say anything, with finality,” he said.
Last month, during the Philippine Army’s 122nd founding anniversary rites, Duterte announced that he would finally shut the door on the peace talks.
“I am no longer entertaining any interventions or persuasions in this democratic state of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.
The President added that the NPA could talk peace with him.
Duterte terminated peace talks between the government and the communist group in November 2017 amid the NPA’s continued attacks on state troops.
He also declared the CPP and the NPA terror organizations and ordered the arrest of its officials.
Last year, Duterte issued Memorandum Order 32, which reinforced the guidelines of the military and the police in implementing measures to suppress and prevent such lawless violence; and Executive Order 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 root causes of insurgencies.
Duterte terminated peace talks between the government and the communist group in November 2017 amid the NPA’s continued attacks on state troops.
He also declared the CPP and the NPA terror organizations and ordered the arrest of its officials.
Last year, Duterte issued Memorandum Order 32, which reinforced the guidelines of the military and the police in implementing measures to suppress and prevent such lawless violence; and Executive Order 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 root causes of insurgencies.
Army official lauds Negros Oriental for declaring NPA persona non grata
From The Daily Guardian (Apr 13, 2019): Army official lauds Negros Oriental for declaring NPA persona non grata
Photo Courtesy: Daily Tribune
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division headed by Major Gen Dinoh Dolina commended the province of Negros Oriental for declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata (unwelcome).
Dolina said that “the province through its Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) made the right and appropriate action against the communist terrorist group responsible for the series of atrocities in Negros Oriental victimizing not only security forces but also government and private properties and most of all defenseless civilians.
The statement posted by the 3rd ID on social media said that the PPOC passed and approved Resolution No. 3 series of 2019 declaring the CPP-NPA Terrorist persona non grata last March 12, 2019.
The resolution cited that “the socio-economic advancement of the province had been affected due to the series of atrocities conducted by the CPP-NPA Terrorists that propagate fear to the general public and even potential investors which made a terrible economic implication not only in the province but the whole country as well.”
The PPOC also believed that the atrocities perpetrated by the communist-terrorist group is “a manifestation of betrayal of achieving peace, thus, disrupting the peace and order situation of the province.”
“These rationales are more than enough to declare the CPP-NPA Terrorists as ‘unwelcome and unacceptable’ persons. The people are fed up with these anti-people, anti-peace, and anti-development communist-terrorists. They have no place in a peace-loving community,” Dolina emphasized.
Dolina encouraged other provinces in the Visayas to pass a similar resolution.
BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division headed by Major Gen Dinoh Dolina commended the province of Negros Oriental for declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non grata (unwelcome).
Dolina said that “the province through its Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) made the right and appropriate action against the communist terrorist group responsible for the series of atrocities in Negros Oriental victimizing not only security forces but also government and private properties and most of all defenseless civilians.
The statement posted by the 3rd ID on social media said that the PPOC passed and approved Resolution No. 3 series of 2019 declaring the CPP-NPA Terrorist persona non grata last March 12, 2019.
The resolution cited that “the socio-economic advancement of the province had been affected due to the series of atrocities conducted by the CPP-NPA Terrorists that propagate fear to the general public and even potential investors which made a terrible economic implication not only in the province but the whole country as well.”
The PPOC also believed that the atrocities perpetrated by the communist-terrorist group is “a manifestation of betrayal of achieving peace, thus, disrupting the peace and order situation of the province.”
“These rationales are more than enough to declare the CPP-NPA Terrorists as ‘unwelcome and unacceptable’ persons. The people are fed up with these anti-people, anti-peace, and anti-development communist-terrorists. They have no place in a peace-loving community,” Dolina emphasized.
Dolina encouraged other provinces in the Visayas to pass a similar resolution.
Army says rebels’ plan to attack gov’t forces, detachments thwarted
From The Daily Guardian (Apr 13, 2019): Army says rebels’ plan to attack gov’t forces, detachments thwarted
Photo Courtesy: 61st Infantry Hunter Battalion / FB page
After suffering major blows, the New People’s Army has been incessant in its desire to conduct offensives against government forces.
But the good news is that their plans were thwarted by the very people they want to attack.
On April 12, 2019, a fresh skirmish occurred between the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion and suspected NPA members at Barangay Nalbang, Leon, Iloilo.
The encounter occurred around 5:20 a.m. as 61st IB troopers were responding to reports from locals that armed persons were seen in the area.
No soldier was injured or killed during the 20-minute firefight.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61st IB commander, said it is possible that the rebels suffered casualties based on blood stains found in their escape route to Barangay Agra, Leon.
According to reports, the soldiers encountered around 20 rebels from Sibat Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay-Southern Front Committee.
The group was led by a certain Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong.
In haste, the rebels left behind firearms and personal belongings,
These include three backpacks, two anti-personnel landmines, two magazines of caliber .45 pistol; a magazine for7.62 mm M14 rifle with live ammunitions, subversive documents, and medical paraphernalia.
After suffering major blows, the New People’s Army has been incessant in its desire to conduct offensives against government forces.
But the good news is that their plans were thwarted by the very people they want to attack.
On April 12, 2019, a fresh skirmish occurred between the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion and suspected NPA members at Barangay Nalbang, Leon, Iloilo.
The encounter occurred around 5:20 a.m. as 61st IB troopers were responding to reports from locals that armed persons were seen in the area.
No soldier was injured or killed during the 20-minute firefight.
Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61st IB commander, said it is possible that the rebels suffered casualties based on blood stains found in their escape route to Barangay Agra, Leon.
According to reports, the soldiers encountered around 20 rebels from Sibat Platoon of the Komiteng Rehiyon Panay-Southern Front Committee.
The group was led by a certain Nahum Camariosa alias Bebong.
In haste, the rebels left behind firearms and personal belongings,
These include three backpacks, two anti-personnel landmines, two magazines of caliber .45 pistol; a magazine for7.62 mm M14 rifle with live ammunitions, subversive documents, and medical paraphernalia.
Batara revealed that the rebels have plans to harass government forces and army detachments as part of their tactical offensives in connection with the commemoration of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) founding anniversary on April 24.
The NDFP is “a coalition of revolutionary social and economic justice organizations, agricultural unions, trade unions, indigenous rights groups, leftist political parties, and other related groups in the Philippines.”
But for the Philippine Army, the NDFP is one of the communist terrorists’ support groups.
Batara also commended the public’s effort to report the presence of the CPP-NPA Terrorists that resulted in the successful deterrence of their terroristic activities.
“With the people now helping the Army locate enemies, rest assured that the safety of the people of Panay will be our top priority,” he said.
Prior to this, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division recorded eight encounters between Army troops and the NPA rebels in Negros Island and eight in Panay Island since January 2019.
This started with the 61IB clashing with the rebels at the vicinity of Sitio Tigmahan, Barangay Alimodias last Jan 11; Sitio Lay, Barangay Dalije on Jan 13; and Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao and in Barangay Tigmalapad, Miag-ao on Jan 15.
There was a lull in February until another encounter erupted on March 17 at Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo.
Two days later, another firefight happened at Barangay Osorio, San Remigio, Antique; on March 20 at Barangay Igdaluyon, Igbaras; and on March 24 at Barangay Alimodian, Miag-ao.
The NDFP is “a coalition of revolutionary social and economic justice organizations, agricultural unions, trade unions, indigenous rights groups, leftist political parties, and other related groups in the Philippines.”
But for the Philippine Army, the NDFP is one of the communist terrorists’ support groups.
Batara also commended the public’s effort to report the presence of the CPP-NPA Terrorists that resulted in the successful deterrence of their terroristic activities.
“With the people now helping the Army locate enemies, rest assured that the safety of the people of Panay will be our top priority,” he said.
Prior to this, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division recorded eight encounters between Army troops and the NPA rebels in Negros Island and eight in Panay Island since January 2019.
This started with the 61IB clashing with the rebels at the vicinity of Sitio Tigmahan, Barangay Alimodias last Jan 11; Sitio Lay, Barangay Dalije on Jan 13; and Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao and in Barangay Tigmalapad, Miag-ao on Jan 15.
There was a lull in February until another encounter erupted on March 17 at Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo.
Two days later, another firefight happened at Barangay Osorio, San Remigio, Antique; on March 20 at Barangay Igdaluyon, Igbaras; and on March 24 at Barangay Alimodian, Miag-ao.
Gov’t troops, Reds clash in remote Leon village
From the Panay News (Apr 13, 2019): Gov’t troops, Reds clash in remote Leon village
RECOVERIES. These backpacks, anti-personnel landmines, guns, ammunitions, subversive documents, and medical paraphernalia were recovered by Philippine Army soldiers of the 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion following an encounter with New People’s Army rebels in the upland barangay of Nalbang in Leon, Iloilo early morning yesterday, April 12, 2019. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE 61ST IB, PHIL. ARMY
ILOILO – For some 20 minutes troops of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB) traded gunfire with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the upland barangay of Nalbang in Leon town early morning yesterday.
Afterwards the rebels numbering to around 20 withdrew, said Lieutenant Commander Joel Benedict Batara of the 61IB.
ILOILO – For some 20 minutes troops of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB) traded gunfire with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the upland barangay of Nalbang in Leon town early morning yesterday.
Afterwards the rebels numbering to around 20 withdrew, said Lieutenant Commander Joel Benedict Batara of the 61IB.
The gunfight erupted around 5:20 a.m.
Government troops went to the area in response to information from civilians that a band of armed men were in the village since April 11.
“May nakita silang mga armadong NPA. May dala-dala daw na mga improvised explosive devices (IED),” said Batara.
None of his men died or got injured in the clash.
“Well-trained at preparado tayo,” said Batara.
He believed some rebels may have been wounded. He pointed to bloodstains found on the withdrawal trail of the insurgents.
From the encounter site soldiers recovered three backpacks, two anti-personnel landmines, two magazine for a .45 pistol, a magazine for a 7.62mm M14 rifle, subversive documents, and medical paraphernalia.
Government troops went to the area in response to information from civilians that a band of armed men were in the village since April 11.
“May nakita silang mga armadong NPA. May dala-dala daw na mga improvised explosive devices (IED),” said Batara.
None of his men died or got injured in the clash.
“Well-trained at preparado tayo,” said Batara.
He believed some rebels may have been wounded. He pointed to bloodstains found on the withdrawal trail of the insurgents.
From the encounter site soldiers recovered three backpacks, two anti-personnel landmines, two magazine for a .45 pistol, a magazine for a 7.62mm M14 rifle, subversive documents, and medical paraphernalia.
Batara said the rebels may have been preparing offensives targeting the Philippine National Police.
A few days prior to yesterday’s clash policemen were in the village for peace and order oeprations.
“Siguro inaabangan nila,” said Batara.
The 61IB launched hot pursuit operations against the NPA last month following a series of clashes – in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20; Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique on March 19; and Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba instructed all his municipal and city police chiefs to be ready and not leave their stations unmanned.
Policemen were also instructed to carry short and long firearms while on duty.
On June 18, 2017 rebels raided the police station of Maasin, Iloilo. The daring, broad daylight caper was swift. Within 15 minutes beginning around 10:30 a.m., the rebels shanghaied M16 rifles, Glock .9mm pistols, handheld radios and their base, laptops, mobile phones, and jewelry.
The rebels also used the police station’s patrol car to flee.
https://www.panaynews.net/govt-troops-reds-clash-in-remote-leon-village/
A few days prior to yesterday’s clash policemen were in the village for peace and order oeprations.
“Siguro inaabangan nila,” said Batara.
The 61IB launched hot pursuit operations against the NPA last month following a series of clashes – in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo on March 24; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20; Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique on March 19; and Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba instructed all his municipal and city police chiefs to be ready and not leave their stations unmanned.
Policemen were also instructed to carry short and long firearms while on duty.
On June 18, 2017 rebels raided the police station of Maasin, Iloilo. The daring, broad daylight caper was swift. Within 15 minutes beginning around 10:30 a.m., the rebels shanghaied M16 rifles, Glock .9mm pistols, handheld radios and their base, laptops, mobile phones, and jewelry.
The rebels also used the police station’s patrol car to flee.
https://www.panaynews.net/govt-troops-reds-clash-in-remote-leon-village/
Military to acquire assault vehicles from South Korea
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 11, 2019): Military to acquire assault vehicles from South Korea
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales – The Philippine military will acquire this year four AAVs (Amphibious Assault Vehicles) from South Korea.
A Hovercraft from the U.S. Marine Corps carrying troops participates in the Balikatan Exercises 2019 in San Antonio, Zambales. (FRANCIS WAKEFIELD / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Commander Liezl M. Vidallon, Public Affairs Officer of Balikatan 2019 for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) side, said it will be the first time the country will acquire military assets for sea and land operations.
Vidaallon was interviewed on at the sidelines of the Balikatan’s Amphibious Exercise (Amphibex) at the Naval Education Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales, Thursday.
The AAV is designed to transport assault troops and their equipment from ship to shore under combat conditions.
Vidallon said the amphibious exercise conducted by US. and Philippine Marines becomes vital for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now that is acquiring four AAVs.
“Because of this exercise we get to know the best practices of our counterparts from the US that we can apply here in the Philippines if we have our AAVs,” Vidallon said.
The four AAVs were supposed to be delivered this April but for unknown reason the delivery has been delayed.
A total of 150 US. Marines and 50 Philippine Marines took part in the exercise.
A Hovercraft from the U.S. Marine Corps carrying troops participates in the Balikatan Exercises 2019 in San Antonio, Zambales. (FRANCIS WAKEFIELD / MANILA BULLETIN)
Lt. Commander Liezl M. Vidallon, Public Affairs Officer of Balikatan 2019 for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) side, said it will be the first time the country will acquire military assets for sea and land operations.
Vidaallon was interviewed on at the sidelines of the Balikatan’s Amphibious Exercise (Amphibex) at the Naval Education Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales, Thursday.
The AAV is designed to transport assault troops and their equipment from ship to shore under combat conditions.
Vidallon said the amphibious exercise conducted by US. and Philippine Marines becomes vital for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now that is acquiring four AAVs.
“Because of this exercise we get to know the best practices of our counterparts from the US that we can apply here in the Philippines if we have our AAVs,” Vidallon said.
The four AAVs were supposed to be delivered this April but for unknown reason the delivery has been delayed.
A total of 150 US. Marines and 50 Philippine Marines took part in the exercise.
Breakthrough For Bangsamoro: Can They Overcome The Odds? – Analysis
Posted to the Eurasia Review (Apr 12, 2019): Breakthrough For Bangsamoro: Can They Overcome The Odds? – Analysis (By Joseph Franco)
Muslim Mindanao is getting a fresh start as an autonomous region in the Philippines. Repeated delays to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) inauguration have, however, raised questions about its ability to bring tangible benefits to its constituents. Failure to manage frustrations can derail the Bangsamoro’s self-governance.
On January 21, 2019, a plebiscite was held to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). The referendum garnered 1.5 million ‘Yes’ votes with only 199,000 ‘No’ votes. This meant that a new Bangsamoro region will be created; the previous Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be expanded to include more than 60 villages contiguous to the ARMM, as well as Cotabato City.
The BOL was the culmination of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which was signed by the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Under the CAB, a new subregional political entity will be created that would allow for the meaningful exercise of political autonomy in Mindanao. The BOL was initially slated to be ratified in 2015 but was derailed by the 2015 Mamasapano Massacre which saw the killing of 44 police commandos in a misencounter with MILF forces.
Muslim Mindanao is getting a fresh start as an autonomous region in the Philippines. Repeated delays to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) inauguration have, however, raised questions about its ability to bring tangible benefits to its constituents. Failure to manage frustrations can derail the Bangsamoro’s self-governance.
On January 21, 2019, a plebiscite was held to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). The referendum garnered 1.5 million ‘Yes’ votes with only 199,000 ‘No’ votes. This meant that a new Bangsamoro region will be created; the previous Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be expanded to include more than 60 villages contiguous to the ARMM, as well as Cotabato City.
The BOL was the culmination of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which was signed by the government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Under the CAB, a new subregional political entity will be created that would allow for the meaningful exercise of political autonomy in Mindanao. The BOL was initially slated to be ratified in 2015 but was derailed by the 2015 Mamasapano Massacre which saw the killing of 44 police commandos in a misencounter with MILF forces.
Breakthrough, with Halting Starts
The plebiscite was to be subsequently followed by the appointment of an 80-strong Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), a parliamentary-style legislature which would fuse law-making and the implementation of new infrastructure projects. The new BARMM’s major difference from the ARMM is the greater share the BARMM gets from natural resources extracted from the Bangsamoro region.
The BARMM will also see a normalisation process for former MILF combatants. The Independent Decommissioning Board (IDB) is tasked to oversee the demobilisation of 30 percent of MILF combatants by the end of 2019.
Euphoria, not surprisingly, greeted the oath-taking of more than 70 newly appointed BTA members in Manila on 22 February. The event was heralded by both the top leadership of the Philippine government and the MILF as the beginning of meaningful governance. At the time, it was expected that the inaugural session of the BTA would take place a month later on 21 March. Instead, the momentum seems to have been weakened as the inauguration was re-scheduled thrice, only pushing through on 29 March.
The delays were attributed to scheduling issues. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim stated that President Duterte could only be present on 29 March, but was eager to witness the inauguration of the BTA, having been instrumental in paving the way for the breakthrough in Mindanao.
Prior to the recent BTA inaugural session, some of its members have sternly called out the irony of the situation. What was meant as an assertive exercise of self-determination became subject to the whims of the Manila-based national leadership.
The plebiscite was to be subsequently followed by the appointment of an 80-strong Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), a parliamentary-style legislature which would fuse law-making and the implementation of new infrastructure projects. The new BARMM’s major difference from the ARMM is the greater share the BARMM gets from natural resources extracted from the Bangsamoro region.
The BARMM will also see a normalisation process for former MILF combatants. The Independent Decommissioning Board (IDB) is tasked to oversee the demobilisation of 30 percent of MILF combatants by the end of 2019.
Euphoria, not surprisingly, greeted the oath-taking of more than 70 newly appointed BTA members in Manila on 22 February. The event was heralded by both the top leadership of the Philippine government and the MILF as the beginning of meaningful governance. At the time, it was expected that the inaugural session of the BTA would take place a month later on 21 March. Instead, the momentum seems to have been weakened as the inauguration was re-scheduled thrice, only pushing through on 29 March.
The delays were attributed to scheduling issues. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim stated that President Duterte could only be present on 29 March, but was eager to witness the inauguration of the BTA, having been instrumental in paving the way for the breakthrough in Mindanao.
Prior to the recent BTA inaugural session, some of its members have sternly called out the irony of the situation. What was meant as an assertive exercise of self-determination became subject to the whims of the Manila-based national leadership.
Keeping Lights on in BARMM
While the BTA has much promise, it does not have the luxury of slowly easing its way into governance. The BOL, which acts as the founding charter of the BARMM, needs to be supported by a framework of enabling laws and codes. Without such policy instruments, the entire bureaucracy meant to execute the will of the BARMM would grind to a stop.
Civil servants employed in the now defunct regional government face the very real threat of massive lay-offs if the mandate of their respective offices either lapses or become redundant. Promotions and salary adjustments would also likely be affected, as the BARMM needs to promulgate its own rules for its civil service.
Without clarity in funding mechanisms, disaster relief plans would likely be disrupted. This can exacerbate the effects of an exceptionally dry summer in Mindanao, as it faces the El Niño phenomenon.
While the BTA has much promise, it does not have the luxury of slowly easing its way into governance. The BOL, which acts as the founding charter of the BARMM, needs to be supported by a framework of enabling laws and codes. Without such policy instruments, the entire bureaucracy meant to execute the will of the BARMM would grind to a stop.
Civil servants employed in the now defunct regional government face the very real threat of massive lay-offs if the mandate of their respective offices either lapses or become redundant. Promotions and salary adjustments would also likely be affected, as the BARMM needs to promulgate its own rules for its civil service.
Without clarity in funding mechanisms, disaster relief plans would likely be disrupted. This can exacerbate the effects of an exceptionally dry summer in Mindanao, as it faces the El Niño phenomenon.
Building the BARMM
The national media as well as Malacañang Palace have been focusing mostly on the potential benefits of the BARMM. Large-scale prestige projects such as the opening of a new seaport and airport in Cotabato City have been promoted heavily. The thrust towards massive infrastructure projects is signalled by no less than Chief Minister Murad taking a concurrent role as Minister of Public Works and Highways.
Funding for BARMM infrastructure would come from block grants from the national government, which can be as much as three times the amount allocated for the former ARMM.
The question is whether the BARMM’s fiscal policy can be truly independent, given that the new political entity still needs to develop its bureaucracy. The BOL anticipates that the BARMM will sustain itself through the exploitation of natural resources.
Compared to other regions in the Philippines, the BARMM would get 75 percent of proceeds from resource exploitation (including offshore oil and gas) instead of 40 percent. There are concerns if the BARMM can transcend the endemic corruption that beset the former ARMM.
The national media as well as Malacañang Palace have been focusing mostly on the potential benefits of the BARMM. Large-scale prestige projects such as the opening of a new seaport and airport in Cotabato City have been promoted heavily. The thrust towards massive infrastructure projects is signalled by no less than Chief Minister Murad taking a concurrent role as Minister of Public Works and Highways.
Funding for BARMM infrastructure would come from block grants from the national government, which can be as much as three times the amount allocated for the former ARMM.
The question is whether the BARMM’s fiscal policy can be truly independent, given that the new political entity still needs to develop its bureaucracy. The BOL anticipates that the BARMM will sustain itself through the exploitation of natural resources.
Compared to other regions in the Philippines, the BARMM would get 75 percent of proceeds from resource exploitation (including offshore oil and gas) instead of 40 percent. There are concerns if the BARMM can transcend the endemic corruption that beset the former ARMM.
Securing the new BARMM
Under the BOL, the new BARMM would have its own regional security force, in charge of internal security.
The other important security-related question is the normalisation process for combatants of the MILF’s armed wing — the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). The process will be overseen by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), which includes members from third-party countries like Turkey, Norway and Brunei Darussalam.
On 29 March, the BIAF submitted a list of 12,000 combatants who are slated to turn-in their weapons. This development is the first major step in the normalisation process, following the ceremonial turnover of 20 crew-served weapons and 55 other high-powered firearms.
Validation of the 12,000-strong MILF list of combatants will be an arduous process, with some members of the security services expressing scepticism over the ability of the BIAF command to compel their fighters to turn in their weapons. Further complicating the matter is the need to secure the budget for the arms buyback schemes that would incentivise the disarmament process.
Under the BOL, the new BARMM would have its own regional security force, in charge of internal security.
The other important security-related question is the normalisation process for combatants of the MILF’s armed wing — the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). The process will be overseen by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), which includes members from third-party countries like Turkey, Norway and Brunei Darussalam.
On 29 March, the BIAF submitted a list of 12,000 combatants who are slated to turn-in their weapons. This development is the first major step in the normalisation process, following the ceremonial turnover of 20 crew-served weapons and 55 other high-powered firearms.
Validation of the 12,000-strong MILF list of combatants will be an arduous process, with some members of the security services expressing scepticism over the ability of the BIAF command to compel their fighters to turn in their weapons. Further complicating the matter is the need to secure the budget for the arms buyback schemes that would incentivise the disarmament process.
Enough time for BARMM Transition?
The delayed inauguration of the BTA has truncated the already short transition process of the BARMM. The appointed members of the BTA would only have three years to lay the foundations for the BARMM, until regular elections are held. The MILF members of the BTA would need to wield their majority stake decisively and effectively.
Without tangible improvements to peace and development, the Bangsamoro constituency may be disillusioned and trigger another cycle of secessionist-inspired violence. If the current mood in Cotabato City is to be the gauge, the question is no longer whether there will be frustration and impatience at the grassroots. The challenge now for the BTA is to manage frustrations in the short-term while building sustainable institutions by 2022.
Mindanao is no stranger to how violent extremist groups can thrive and exploit governance vacuums. As Chief Minister Murad remarked, “the success of our [Bangsamoro] government is the best antithesis to violent radicalism”.
[Joseph Franco is a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS), a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.]
The delayed inauguration of the BTA has truncated the already short transition process of the BARMM. The appointed members of the BTA would only have three years to lay the foundations for the BARMM, until regular elections are held. The MILF members of the BTA would need to wield their majority stake decisively and effectively.
Without tangible improvements to peace and development, the Bangsamoro constituency may be disillusioned and trigger another cycle of secessionist-inspired violence. If the current mood in Cotabato City is to be the gauge, the question is no longer whether there will be frustration and impatience at the grassroots. The challenge now for the BTA is to manage frustrations in the short-term while building sustainable institutions by 2022.
Mindanao is no stranger to how violent extremist groups can thrive and exploit governance vacuums. As Chief Minister Murad remarked, “the success of our [Bangsamoro] government is the best antithesis to violent radicalism”.
[Joseph Franco is a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for National Security (CENS), a constituent unit of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.]
China rebuffs PH officials, maintains Spratly Islands is its territory
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 12, 2019): China rebuffs PH officials, maintains Spratly Islands is its territory
China has rebuffed statements earlier made by some Philippine officials regarding the situation in Spratly Islands (known as Nansha in Chinese), saying that the area is “within China’s territory” and the rights of its fishermen “should not be challenged.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang (Kim Kyung Hoon / Reuters / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
“We have taken note of those remarks made by the Philippine officials. The Nansha Islands are within China’s territory, for which we have sufficient historical and legal basis. For thousands of years, Chinese fishermen have been fishing in these waters in the South China Sea. Their rights should not be challenged,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said during a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
The Chinese foreign ministry official was apparently referring to statements made by Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo telling Chinese fishermen swarming around Pag-asa Island they have no business being there and “should go away.”
Even Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr., who used to lavishly praise China, said he has fired off a “salvo of diplomatic notes” against China. However, the country’s top diplomat refused to divulge in public the content of the protest.
Responding to the same issue, Lu Kang said China was committed to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea through negotiations with other concerned countries. The Philippines, together with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and China, are claimants to the disputed waters.
He argued that the situation in the South China Sea was generally peaceful, saying that steady progress has been made in the consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC).
“Thanks to the personal efforts of the two leaders, China and the Philippines have returned to the right track of properly handling and resolving the relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation. The situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and steady progress has been made in the consultations on the COC,” he said.
The Chinese official further said that the relationship between Manila and Beijing has experienced a “turnaround, been consolidated and elevated to a comprehensive, strategic, cooperative one.”
China has rebuffed statements earlier made by some Philippine officials regarding the situation in Spratly Islands (known as Nansha in Chinese), saying that the area is “within China’s territory” and the rights of its fishermen “should not be challenged.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang (Kim Kyung Hoon / Reuters / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
“We have taken note of those remarks made by the Philippine officials. The Nansha Islands are within China’s territory, for which we have sufficient historical and legal basis. For thousands of years, Chinese fishermen have been fishing in these waters in the South China Sea. Their rights should not be challenged,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said during a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
The Chinese foreign ministry official was apparently referring to statements made by Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo telling Chinese fishermen swarming around Pag-asa Island they have no business being there and “should go away.”
Even Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr., who used to lavishly praise China, said he has fired off a “salvo of diplomatic notes” against China. However, the country’s top diplomat refused to divulge in public the content of the protest.
Responding to the same issue, Lu Kang said China was committed to upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea through negotiations with other concerned countries. The Philippines, together with Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, and China, are claimants to the disputed waters.
He argued that the situation in the South China Sea was generally peaceful, saying that steady progress has been made in the consultations on the Code of Conduct (COC).
“Thanks to the personal efforts of the two leaders, China and the Philippines have returned to the right track of properly handling and resolving the relevant disputes through negotiation and consultation. The situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and steady progress has been made in the consultations on the COC,” he said.
The Chinese official further said that the relationship between Manila and Beijing has experienced a “turnaround, been consolidated and elevated to a comprehensive, strategic, cooperative one.”
US to ‘fly, sail operate everywhere international laws allow’ despite China warning
From The Manila Times (Apr 12, 2019): US to ‘fly, sail operate everywhere international laws allow’ despite China warning
THE United States will “fly, sail and operate everywhere international law allows,” a US official said on Friday, despite a warning from China to “non-regional forces” to refrain from “stirring up trouble” within the disputed South China Sea.
Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, commander of the Japan-based US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Forces, issued the statement at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City during closing ceremonies of the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises between the Philippine Navy and Washington’s USS Wasp that were held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The military drills between Filipino and American troops this year were conducted near the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, one of the disputed territories in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang’s warning came after his comment was sought about the recent exercises.
Smith said, “We brought everything we could bring because our partnership with the Philippines is so good. This is a partnership and a mutually respectful, beneficial partnership so I [brought] everything I can because I get so much out of this training.”
Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command and the Balikatan exercise director for the Philippines, stressed that the presence of US forces in the West Philippine Sea was part of the yearly exercises.
Gapay said that for Balikatan 2019, there was an “increase” when it came to the participation of several nations, noting that even personnel and equipment rose by 30 percent and six percent respectively.
“The presence is not really to agitate or anything else but purely for training so nobody should be alarmed of the presence of all those forces during the Balikatan,” Gapay said in the same briefing with Smith.
For the first time this year, Washington included its F-35B Lightning II plane on board the USS Wasp.
Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, said Manila has always been “respectful” when it came to actions coming from foreign nations.
“As I have said, we are all undertaking respective independent actions, we have a good rapport here,” Madrigal told reporters in a separate interview.
“Of course, what we want is continued freedom of navigation within the areas we are covering,” Madrigal said.
https://www.manilatimes.net/us-to-fly-sail-operate-everywhere-international-laws-allow-despite-china-warning/539333/
Lt. Gen. Eric Smith, commander of the Japan-based US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Forces, issued the statement at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City during closing ceremonies of the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises between the Philippine Navy and Washington’s USS Wasp that were held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The military drills between Filipino and American troops this year were conducted near the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, one of the disputed territories in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang’s warning came after his comment was sought about the recent exercises.
Smith said, “We brought everything we could bring because our partnership with the Philippines is so good. This is a partnership and a mutually respectful, beneficial partnership so I [brought] everything I can because I get so much out of this training.”
Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command and the Balikatan exercise director for the Philippines, stressed that the presence of US forces in the West Philippine Sea was part of the yearly exercises.
Gapay said that for Balikatan 2019, there was an “increase” when it came to the participation of several nations, noting that even personnel and equipment rose by 30 percent and six percent respectively.
“The presence is not really to agitate or anything else but purely for training so nobody should be alarmed of the presence of all those forces during the Balikatan,” Gapay said in the same briefing with Smith.
For the first time this year, Washington included its F-35B Lightning II plane on board the USS Wasp.
Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, said Manila has always been “respectful” when it came to actions coming from foreign nations.
“As I have said, we are all undertaking respective independent actions, we have a good rapport here,” Madrigal told reporters in a separate interview.
“Of course, what we want is continued freedom of navigation within the areas we are covering,” Madrigal said.
https://www.manilatimes.net/us-to-fly-sail-operate-everywhere-international-laws-allow-despite-china-warning/539333/
AFP, US forces conclude annual Balikatan exercise
From Marines (The Official Website of the United States Marine Corps) (Apr 12, 2019): AFP, US forces conclude annual Balikatan exercise
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City --Military units from all branches of the United States and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) concluded the 35th iteration of Balikatan on April 12 with a ceremony at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Clubhouse. Members of the Australian Defence Force also participated in the exercise and attended the closing event.
Balikatan, which ran from April 1 to 12, was comprised of 28 major combined or joint interoperability events that tested and enhanced the services’ skills and abilities in areas such as counterterrorism, amphibious operations, live-fire, urban operations and aviation operations.
"The AFP and U.S. Armed Forces greatly benefited from the different trainings, exchange of knowledge and cooperative activities as we close Exercise Balikatan 2019," according to Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, commander of Southern Luzon Command and the Philippine Exercise Co-Director. "It served not only as a venue to further enhance our capabilities as military organizations but also as an opportunity to help our people in less fortunate communities in the country. Ultimately, Balikatan 2019 brought out the best in our forces as we commit towards advancing regional security and stability, sustaining bilateral ties and strengthening defense partnership."
The exercise also incorporated 18 humanitarian and civic assistance, community relations and subject matter expert exchange events. These included extensive renovation projects at several elementary schools, one-day veterinary and medical clinics, friendship visits to schools and orphanages, and a multi-day mental health conference for providers.
Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, embodies the alliance and friendship between the two countries. Australia’s participation in the exercise enriched the relationship between all three countries’ military forces.
Australian Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said Exercise Balikatan enhances regional readiness and response capabilities to real-world challenges. “The Philippines is an important regional partner to both Australia and the U.S.,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said. “Balikatan 2019 allowed all of the participants to build on existing military-to-military relationships and support the AFP's modernization efforts.”
This was the first iteration of Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Their participation in Balikatan demonstrated their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur.
“This training allows us to come together and operate as one team. Balikatan continues to prepare our armed forces to work together to confront any and all challenges that may jeopardize the mutual defense we have worked so hard to provide for one another,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
This year marked the 35th iteration of the Balikatan exercise, and planning will soon begin for next year’s event.
https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/1812777/afp-us-forces-conclude-annual-balikatan-exercise/
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City --Military units from all branches of the United States and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) concluded the 35th iteration of Balikatan on April 12 with a ceremony at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Clubhouse. Members of the Australian Defence Force also participated in the exercise and attended the closing event.
Balikatan, which ran from April 1 to 12, was comprised of 28 major combined or joint interoperability events that tested and enhanced the services’ skills and abilities in areas such as counterterrorism, amphibious operations, live-fire, urban operations and aviation operations.
"The AFP and U.S. Armed Forces greatly benefited from the different trainings, exchange of knowledge and cooperative activities as we close Exercise Balikatan 2019," according to Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, commander of Southern Luzon Command and the Philippine Exercise Co-Director. "It served not only as a venue to further enhance our capabilities as military organizations but also as an opportunity to help our people in less fortunate communities in the country. Ultimately, Balikatan 2019 brought out the best in our forces as we commit towards advancing regional security and stability, sustaining bilateral ties and strengthening defense partnership."
The exercise also incorporated 18 humanitarian and civic assistance, community relations and subject matter expert exchange events. These included extensive renovation projects at several elementary schools, one-day veterinary and medical clinics, friendship visits to schools and orphanages, and a multi-day mental health conference for providers.
Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, embodies the alliance and friendship between the two countries. Australia’s participation in the exercise enriched the relationship between all three countries’ military forces.
Australian Chief of Joint Operations Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld said Exercise Balikatan enhances regional readiness and response capabilities to real-world challenges. “The Philippines is an important regional partner to both Australia and the U.S.,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said. “Balikatan 2019 allowed all of the participants to build on existing military-to-military relationships and support the AFP's modernization efforts.”
This was the first iteration of Exercise Balikatan to incorporate the USS Wasp paired with the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II aircraft. Together they represent an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Their participation in Balikatan demonstrated their ability to forward deploy in support of an ally should a crisis or natural disaster occur.
“This training allows us to come together and operate as one team. Balikatan continues to prepare our armed forces to work together to confront any and all challenges that may jeopardize the mutual defense we have worked so hard to provide for one another,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Eric M. Smith, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
This year marked the 35th iteration of the Balikatan exercise, and planning will soon begin for next year’s event.
https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/1812777/afp-us-forces-conclude-annual-balikatan-exercise/
PHL, US soldiers train vs. foreign invasion against backdrop of Chinese presence near Pag-asa
From GMA News (Apr 12, 2019): PHL, US soldiers train vs. foreign invasion against backdrop of Chinese presence near Pag-asa
US Army Blackhawk Helicopters thundered just above the treetops, their blacked-out hulks barely clearing the treetops. One helicopter peeled away from the group and landed behind a row of school buildings near the airfield, while two other Blackhawks set down on the runway and disgorged a payload of heavily armed US and Philippine Special Forces personnel.
Under the heat of the blinding tropical sun, the Filipino and US troops advanced toward the terminal building manned by the "enemy" — a foreign force that had seized the airstrip located on a small island inside Philippine territory.
Reconnaissance teams hidden in the bush had sent back pictures and data detailing the enemy strength and the number of civilian hostages.
This was one of the last major exercises in Balikatan 2019, held in little known Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro. Far away from the traditional Balikatan training grounds in Zambales and Tarlac, the airfield seizure exercise not only tested the skills but may have also revealed the current concerns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Gunshots rang out as the OPFOR or "opposing force" started shooting at the approaching soldiers. Amid the gunfire, the "hostages" inside the building were herded out by their captors.
Enemy defenders maneuvered and resisted the advance, flanking the assault teams and even staging an ambush from the rear.
The guns used in the combat training exercise were real; the ammunition, however, were called milsims, a special training cartridge that shot a chalk pellet and left a mark when it hit the target. "Dead" soldiers lay on the ground where they were hit and the wounded ones were either evacuated or tied up.
The culmination of years of interoperability training, the byword and justification of almost all 35 iterations of the Balikatan Exercises, was on full display here. However, the shortcomings and challenges were also evident.
"Go! Move! Move! Pak pak pak pak pak," one Filipino soldier shouted, conserving his milsims and trying to simulate the sound of gunfire as his teammates advanced on their enemies.
Elsewhere, an American directing part of the assault was trying to communicate with his Filipino teammate lying prone behind cover.
"Hey, do you have a radio?" the American finally shouted amid the staccato of gunfire.
"No!" the Filipino shouted back.
A burst of automatic gunfire from the rear revealed the enemy was attacking the Filipinos and Americans from behind.
"If you see them, shoot them," screamed someone amid the chaos.
It took the Filipinos and Americans less than 30 minutes to neutralize the enemy, rescue the hostages, and seize the airfield.
US and Filipino soldiers had planned from the mock operations center in Subic Bay. Satellite imagery and operational maps ware plastered on a backboard where the operation was being directed.
"So basically for this scenario in Balikatan 19, foreign military has invaded the Republic of the Philippines. They requested for US support in regaining Filipino sovereignty specifically at the request of AFP SOCOM (Special Operations Command). An airfield in a small island that has been taken over by a foreign military," explains Maj Chris Bolz, the US commander for the airfield seizure scenario.
AFP personnel involved in the exercise confirm that the Philippine military specifically requested this scenario despite it not being part of the original schedule of the exercises for 2019.
"We requested this training dahil based on our assessment ito yung isang bagay na kailangan pa natin na i-increase yung ating capability ng ating armed forces." says Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pondanera, one of the senior officers involved in the training.
Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is one of a few islands in the Philippines with an airstrip.
The AFP has confirmed that Chinese fishing boats controlled by the Chinese Navy have been surrounding Pag-asa in an attempt to establish their presence.
China claims Pag-asa Island as well as the entire South China Sea.
However, Pondanera clarifies that this scenario and preparations in Lubang Island were in no way directed against any specific country.
Professor Jay Batongbacal, an expert on the West Philippine Sea, believes any training is helpful especially if it involves scenarios involving the maritime domain.
"Any exercise that enhances the warfighting capabilities of the AFP in maritime and archipelagic setting is very helpful." Batongbacal said
Security expert Professor Rommel Banlaoi is convinced this type of training is meant to prepare both the US and Filipino soldiers of the possibility of having to join forces to respond to this particular type of attack or invasion.
"That is the purpose of the exercise... to prepare both countries to respond to scenarios requiring joint military actions," he said.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/691036/phl-us-soldiers-train-vs-foreign-invasion-against-backdrop-of-chinese-presence-near-pag-asa/story/
Under the heat of the blinding tropical sun, the Filipino and US troops advanced toward the terminal building manned by the "enemy" — a foreign force that had seized the airstrip located on a small island inside Philippine territory.
Reconnaissance teams hidden in the bush had sent back pictures and data detailing the enemy strength and the number of civilian hostages.
This was one of the last major exercises in Balikatan 2019, held in little known Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro. Far away from the traditional Balikatan training grounds in Zambales and Tarlac, the airfield seizure exercise not only tested the skills but may have also revealed the current concerns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Gunshots rang out as the OPFOR or "opposing force" started shooting at the approaching soldiers. Amid the gunfire, the "hostages" inside the building were herded out by their captors.
Enemy defenders maneuvered and resisted the advance, flanking the assault teams and even staging an ambush from the rear.
The guns used in the combat training exercise were real; the ammunition, however, were called milsims, a special training cartridge that shot a chalk pellet and left a mark when it hit the target. "Dead" soldiers lay on the ground where they were hit and the wounded ones were either evacuated or tied up.
The culmination of years of interoperability training, the byword and justification of almost all 35 iterations of the Balikatan Exercises, was on full display here. However, the shortcomings and challenges were also evident.
"Go! Move! Move! Pak pak pak pak pak," one Filipino soldier shouted, conserving his milsims and trying to simulate the sound of gunfire as his teammates advanced on their enemies.
Elsewhere, an American directing part of the assault was trying to communicate with his Filipino teammate lying prone behind cover.
"Hey, do you have a radio?" the American finally shouted amid the staccato of gunfire.
"No!" the Filipino shouted back.
A burst of automatic gunfire from the rear revealed the enemy was attacking the Filipinos and Americans from behind.
"If you see them, shoot them," screamed someone amid the chaos.
It took the Filipinos and Americans less than 30 minutes to neutralize the enemy, rescue the hostages, and seize the airfield.
US and Filipino soldiers had planned from the mock operations center in Subic Bay. Satellite imagery and operational maps ware plastered on a backboard where the operation was being directed.
"So basically for this scenario in Balikatan 19, foreign military has invaded the Republic of the Philippines. They requested for US support in regaining Filipino sovereignty specifically at the request of AFP SOCOM (Special Operations Command). An airfield in a small island that has been taken over by a foreign military," explains Maj Chris Bolz, the US commander for the airfield seizure scenario.
AFP personnel involved in the exercise confirm that the Philippine military specifically requested this scenario despite it not being part of the original schedule of the exercises for 2019.
"We requested this training dahil based on our assessment ito yung isang bagay na kailangan pa natin na i-increase yung ating capability ng ating armed forces." says Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pondanera, one of the senior officers involved in the training.
Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea is one of a few islands in the Philippines with an airstrip.
The AFP has confirmed that Chinese fishing boats controlled by the Chinese Navy have been surrounding Pag-asa in an attempt to establish their presence.
China claims Pag-asa Island as well as the entire South China Sea.
However, Pondanera clarifies that this scenario and preparations in Lubang Island were in no way directed against any specific country.
Professor Jay Batongbacal, an expert on the West Philippine Sea, believes any training is helpful especially if it involves scenarios involving the maritime domain.
"Any exercise that enhances the warfighting capabilities of the AFP in maritime and archipelagic setting is very helpful." Batongbacal said
Security expert Professor Rommel Banlaoi is convinced this type of training is meant to prepare both the US and Filipino soldiers of the possibility of having to join forces to respond to this particular type of attack or invasion.
"That is the purpose of the exercise... to prepare both countries to respond to scenarios requiring joint military actions," he said.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/691036/phl-us-soldiers-train-vs-foreign-invasion-against-backdrop-of-chinese-presence-near-pag-asa/story/
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