CPP/NPA-EV: It is not the NPA but the AFP that bombards civilians while paying lip service to human rights

NPA-Eastern Visayas propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 21, 2019): It is not the NPA but the AFP that bombards civilians while paying lip service to human rights

KARLOS MANUEL

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-EASTERN VISAYAS

(EFREN MARTIRES COMMAND)

APRIL 21, 2019

In response to allegations about a child casualty in Nothern Samar, the Efren Martires Command of the New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas today said the NPA does not target civilians and is duly guided by its revolutionary principles, the CARHRIHL and the laws of war. “Whenever the NPA does commit mistakes, it takes responsibility and ensures justice and indemnification for any victims and the accountability of the erring NPA members. Let us thus wait for the official report of the responsible NPA command in the province and be critical of the anti-NPA and fascist propaganda of the Duterte regime and its Armed Forces of the Philiipines,” said EMC spokesperson Ka Karlos Manuel.

Manuel also slammed the AFP for smearing the NPA for rights violations while its silence over the bombardment and strafing of civilian communities by Duterte’s troops shows its lip service to human rights and international humanitarian law. “Not once has the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army acknowledged the human rights violations committed by its troops, which include the use of artillery and the encampment of at least 8 barangays in Northern Samar last October by elements of the 20th IB, the aerial bombings and helicopter overflights in Brgy. Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar last January, and the most recent forced surrenders and election-related harassment in several barrios in San Jose de Buan,” Manuel added.

The NPA spokesperson also said command-detonated explosives are weapons of war by the poor that are presently recognized as legitimate. “The NPA uses command-detonated explosives that are manually triggered against legitimate targets. Meanwhile, the AFP and its imperialist backers like the US are not only known to use automatically detonated landmines that does not discriminate between combatant and non-combatant, but also blithely use the weapons of the rich like artillery, aerial bombs, armed drones and missiles to bomb and oppress the poor, the laws of war be damned.”

Manuel noted further that it is not farfetched to attribute the black propaganda against the NPA to the paid trolls of the Duterte regime instructed to wage a fascist mass campaign against the administration’s opposition, as well as to cover up the recent losses of the Philippine Army to the NPA. Two intelligence operatives of the 20th IB were killed in Las Navas while a soldier was wounded in Calbiga after two separate military actions by the NPA last April 15.

“We assure the people they can bank on the integrity and honor of the NPA to stay true to its revolutionary principles of serving the people wholeheartedly as well as observing international protocols, and defending them from the atrocities of the fascist military,” Manuel ended.#

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Sumada: NPA ha Eastern Visayas ginbaton an alegasyon kabahin han batan-on nga kaswalti ha Northern Samar, ngan nagsering nga diri hira natarget ha mga sibilyan ngan hira gin-gigiyahan han mga rebolusyunaryo nga prinsipyo hini, han CARHRIHL ngan han mga internasyunal nga balaud han gerra. Ginkakarawat hini an responsabilidad kun nagsasayop, ngan ginseseguro an hustisya ha mga biktima ngan baratunon han nagsasayop nga kaapi han NPA. Samtang, an AFP ginpapakaraut an NPA kundi mamingaw ha panmomba ngan pan-istraping nga ginbubuhat hini ha mga komunidad han sibilyan, sugad han pagkampo hini ha mga barangay ha Northern Samar hadton Oktubre, panmomba ngan pan-istraping ha Brgy. Bay-ang ha San Jorge hadton Enero, ngan pwersahay nga pagpasurender ngan harasment ha San Jose de Buan hadton Marso. Sigon kan Ka Karlos Manuel, tagapagyakan han Efren Martires Command han NPA ha Eastern Visayas, poyde nga gintatahuban la han mga ginbaydan nga troll han rehimen Duterte an pagkaperdi han mga tropa han AFP kontra ha NPA. Nanawagan hi Manuel ha publiko nga hulton an upisyal nga sumat tikang ha responsable nga kumand han NPA ha prubinsya ngan magin kritikal ha kontra-NPA ngan pasista nga propaganda han rehimen Duterte ngan AFP.#

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/it-is-not-the-npa-but-the-afp-that-bombards-civilians-while-paying-lip-service-to-human-rights/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Bihag ng Digma sa Mindoro, pinalaya na

NPA-Mindoro propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 22, 2019): Bihag ng Digma sa Mindoro, pinalaya na

MADAAY GASIC

NPA-MINDORO

(LUCIO DE GUZMAN COMMAND)

APRIL 22, 2019

Inanunsyo ng Lucio de Guzman Command, New People’s Army – Mindoro (LdGC- NPA) ang matiwasay na pagpapalaya kay Raymando R. Malupa. Si Malupa ay 17 araw na hawak bilang bihag ng digma o prisoner of war (POW) ng isang yunit ng LdGC-NPA Mindoro. Isa siyang aktibong kagawad ng Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) sa ilalim ng 203rd Brigade ng Philippine Army.Audio Player

Naisagawa ang ligtas na pagpapalaya sa gitna ng walang tigil na operasyong militar ng mga batalyon at pwersa ng 203rd Brigade at ng PNP-MIMAROPA sa kabila ng panawagan sa kanila na pansamantalang itigil ang operasyong militar para bigyang daan ang ligtas na pagpapalaya kay Malupa. Ipinapaabot namin ang pasasalamat sa lahat ng mamamayang tumulong at naging daan upang maging ligtas ang pagpapalaya.

Inaresto noong Abril 5 ng gabi si Malupa kasama ang kapitan ng Brgy. Malo, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro na si Peter Delos Santos at ang hepe ng tanod ng parehong barangay na si Rocky Bueta. Nauna nang pinalaya sina Delos Santos at Bueta noong Abril 6 matapos sumailalim sa hudisyal na proseso ng imbestigasyon. Samantalang si Malupa ay bininbin upang isailalim sa proseso ng paglilitis ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan (DGB) kaugnay ng pagiging aktibong CAFGU at kontra-rebolusyonaryo.

Sa proseso ng imbestigasyon, kusang-loob na inamin ni Malupa ang mga kasong nakasampa sa kanya kabilang ang pagsasagawa ng operasyong panghuhuli sa mga sibilyan na pinaghihinalaan nilang may kaugnayan sa CPP-NPA-NDFP at pagsasagawa ng operasyong paniktik laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayan.

Bilang bihag ng digma, ginarantiyahan ng arresting unit ng NPA na igagalang ang karapatan ni Malupa bilang arestado at itinuturing na POW. Sa loob ng 17 araw ng kanyang pagiging POW ay inilagay siya sa kustodiya ng isang yunit ng LdGC – NPA sa Oriental, Mindoro at trinato bilang bihag ng dima ng DGB. Habang nasa kustodiya ay tinamasa niya ang kanyang mga karapatan bilang POW batay sa umiiral na mga pandaigdigang batas ng digmaan, mga patakaran ng DGB at nang Kumprehensibong Kasunduan Hinggil sa Paggalang sa Karapatang-tao at Internasyunal na Makataong Batas sa pagitan ng Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GRP) at ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Gayunpaman, walang inutang na dugo sa mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan si Malupa para igawad ang parusang kamatayan at nangakong magbabago at magbabayad ng danyos perwisyo sa kanyang mga biktima. At batay sa makataong konsiderasyon, pinagpasyahan ng DGB sa pamamagitan ng Hukumang Bayan sa Isla ng Mindoro ang pagpapalaya kay Malupa ngayong ika-22 ng Abril 2019.

Sa ilalim ng DGB, makakamit ang rebolusyonaryong hustisya, isang tunay na hustisya na gumagalang sa karapatang tao at nagsisilbi sa interes ng pinagsasamantalahan at inaapi. Sa kabilang banda, nilalapastangan naman ang karapatang tao ng duguang kamay ng gubyernong Duterte. Naglulunsad ito ng “tripleng gyera” — gyera kontra-droga, Martial Law sa Mindanao at kontramamamayang Oplan Kapayapaan — na may ilampung libong pinaslang, minasaker, arbitraryong inaresto at tinortyur, daan-daanlibong pwersahang pinalikas, at napakaraming iba pang sinupil kabilang ang mga kalaban sa pulitika, aktibista, taong simbahan at alagad ng masmidya at alternatibong midya maging mga kritikong akademiko at netizens sa social media.

Para sa mga katanungan, makipag-ugnayan sa LDGC press relations sa 09653856739 / 09499705635 o alabngdigmamindoro@gmail.com

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/statement/bihag-ng-digma-sa-mindoro-pinalaya-na/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protests

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): Protests

PROTEST VS. CYBER-ATTACKS. Various alternative media groups, digital rights activists and their supporters marked the World Day Against Cyber-Censorship last March 12 with a protest action in front of the De­partment of Infor­ma­ti­on and Com­mu­nica­ti­ons Techno­logy.

The protesters condemned the agency’s inaction over the demand of the groups to address the attacks on their websites, and said that that this pushes them to believe that the offensives are sanctioned by the regime. Millions of pesos are spent on funding the simultaneous attacks to take down or block the said websites. Alternative media groups already filed a case against the company behind the attacks.

PROTEST VS. OIL PRICE HIKES. Valenzuela City residents participated in a protest action spearheaded by Defend Job Philippines in front of the Shell gasoline station in General T. De Leon on March 19. The group criticized the successive oil price increases in the past seven weeks which have resulted in higher prices of basic commodities and further impoverish the people. Amid this and the drought currently experienced across the country, the regime was compelled to admit that prices will further increase in the coming months.

PROTESTS VS. ILLEGAL TERMINATION. In Laguna, members of the Kai­sa­han ng mga Mang­ga­ga­wang Ili­gal na Ti­nang­gal sa Ca­bu­yao staged a picket protest last March 17 to culminate their 2nd congress. Along with the Sout­hern Ta­ga­log La­bor Vo­te Alliance, they called on the people to vote wisely this coming election.

Meanwhile, over 100 workers of Holcim Philippines Inc., Davao Plant protested on March 4 after they were laid off by their contractor Fort Ste­el Car­go Integrators Inc. despite the issuance of a regularization by the Department of Labor and Employment.

COASTAL CLEAN-UP. Environmental groups including Nilad and Earth Island Insti­tu­te Phi­lip­pi­nes, along with PAMALAKAYA and Baseco People’s Alliance, conducted a coastal-clean up drive in Baseco, Manila last March 18. They opposed the pro-foreign and pro-capitalist Manila Bay Reclamation Project.

[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/protests/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces kill 14 farmers within a day

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): State forces kill 14 farmers within a day

The scourge of SEMPO in Negros

Police and military forces successively killed 14 farmers just within a few hours on March 30 in Negros Oriental. The victims add to the seven farmers killed from December 2018 to January under the campaign of suppression dubbed as SEMPO. Starting from 1 a.m., the latest killings were perpetrated in Canlaon City and the towns of Sta. Catalina ang Manjuyod. Eight were killed in Canlaon City, four in Manjuyod and two in Sta. Catalina.

Leonora, wife of victim Ismael Avelino, recounted that they were roused from their sleep at around 2:30 a.m. when at least six armed men with faces covered barged into their house. Leonora and her two young children were dragged outside, while Ismael was left inside with both hands raised. Afterwards, gunshots from inside the house were heard, as well as from their neighbor where Ismael’s elder brother Edgardo was simultaneously killed.

Ismael and Edgardo were both members of Hugpong Kusog Mag-uuma sa Canlaon-Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, which was being headed by the elder Avelino.

In Franklin Lariosa’s case, the police surrounded his house at around 5 a.m. and presented a search warrant for an M16 rifle. Lariosa was brought outside his house, where his wife and family waited for him. When Lariosa denied that he was hiding a rifle, the police shot him thrice. The culprits also stopped Lariosa’s mother who rushed to his aid.

Following the bloody operations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) bragged about its Synchronized Enhanced Management of Police Operations (SEMPO). Those killed were presented as partisan operatives and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA). Aside from them, around 12 other civilians were arrested in the said operations and were charged with trumped-up cases. The PNP presented planted firearms and explosives as evidence.

The SEMPO (also called Oplan Sauron) is the Duterte regime’s current fascist scheme in its attack against the people of Negros island. Among its salient features are the “shock and awe” tactics and synchronized besieging of targeted barangays; utilizing municipal offices to put up checkpoints and file charges against those arrested; premeditated killings and arrests; continuous issuance of arrest and search warrants, including signed blank warrants for whoever the police and military wish to arrest or kill.

Although the PNP is at the forefront of SEMPO, it abides by the command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP Centcom). The Centcom is currently headed by Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, a notorious rabid follower of Jovito Palparan.

In preparation for SEMPO, the military and police campaigned for fake surrenders in July-August 2018. The massacre in Sagay and the killing of the victims’ lawyer were carried out in October. Following this, two enemy battalions pursued the farmers who conducted collective farming in Sagay. The repositioning of troops in Negros Oriental was also completed in November 2018.

The AFP used “peace and development” operations in barrios to map out houses of suspected supporters or families of Red fighters, as well as members of legal peasant organizations tagged as “communist fronts.” The list of those to be arrested and killed was based on these data.

The first wave of SEMPO was carried out in Guihulngan City on December 27, 2018. Simultaneous operations were conducted in Mabinay and Santa Catalina. On that day, five farmers were killed in Guihulngan City and more than 20 were illegally arrested in the said towns. This number ballooned to seven killed and 57 illegally arrested when operations continued until the second week of January and spread out to the towns of Canlaon, Moises Padilla, Isabela and La Castellana. (Read more details in Ang Bayan, January 7 and February 21, 2019.) Up to 3,000 personnel were employed by the AFP and PNP for this operation.

In accordance with the “whole-of-nation approach” of Duterte’s campaign of suppression, the AFP Centcom utilize courts in issuing warrants and filing of charges. Under SEMPO’s first wave, all 119 search warrants were signed by Judge Soliver Peras of the Regional Trial Court 7 in Cebu.

The AFP likewise made use of local government facilities in transporting soldiers and policemen, despite concealing the operation from local government units. Even the governor of Negros Oriental denied that he was informed of the latest SEMPO operations.

The SEMPO resulted in the forcible evacuation of residents, destruction of their crops and theft of their cash and properties by operating troops of the military and police. Because of this, landlords in the island were emboldened to create and beef up their private armies and goons.

The AFP and PNP’s brutality was met with widespread condemnation from mass organizations of peasants, the religious, media and even agencies of the reactionary government. In Iloilo City, a protest against the AFP and PNP’s bloody operations was mounted by Bayan and Anakpawis in front of Camp Delgado on April 1.

[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/state-forces-kill-14-farmers-within-a-day/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Repression against peasants and minorities

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): Repression against peasants and minorities

Three peasants were illegally arrested in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo last March 18. The three were identified as Roberto Elamparo, 50, Ruperto Enar, 51 and Ramon Enar, 49. The AFP claimed that an encounter ensued near the area and accused the three as members of the NPA.

In Iloilo, three Tumandok minorities were also illegally arrested in Alimodias, Miag-ao by elements of the 61st IB last March 24 and were accused of being NPA members. They were identified as Rolando Mediana, his son Rolando Jr., and Freddie Nabua. They were arrested after an encounter occured between the AFP and NPA in Sitio Baruk at 4 a.m. on the same day. Ramonito Sabug, the barangay captain, was able to take custody of the three after asserting that they are residents of the said barangay.

In Aurora, the AFP has not yet surfaced Diodicto Miñoza, a peasant-leader and coconut farmer from Barangay Ditumabo, San Luis. Miñoza protested against the planned construction of hydropower dams in the communities of San Luis and Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija. He was last contacted by his wife on March 22. Residents went to his hut the next day only to find it ransacked. They also saw prints of combat shoes in the vicinity. Soldiers of the 91st IB are currently operating in the barangay.

In Agusan del Norte, elements of the PNP and 23rd IB surrounded and then raided the residence of Deliza Camanian in Crazer, Aklan, Nasipit last March 8. Deliza’s daughter, Glenn Ann, was wounded due to the violent entry of the soldiers and police.

On the same day, the 23rd IB put up a tarpaulin in Afga, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte wherein faces of those accused as NPA members were posted. The following day, Fredo Dabidi, Loreto Mapoy, Arnel Toledo and other civilian residents of Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista were summoned and interogated by the soliders. The victims were detained in the military camp.

The 23rd IB claimed that an encounter between the AFP and NPA took place in Afga that same afternoon. Soldiers indiscriminately fired at ten houses in the community.

In Palawan, agents of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board evicted peasants from their farmlands at Sitio Sta. Cruz, Barangay Decalachao, Coron last March 30. This is to pave way for the expansion of the Busuanga Airport located at the 40,000-hectare Yulo King Ranch.

Red-tagging by elements of the 17th IB, PNP and the local government of Cagayan against Anakpawis and peasant organizations continue unabated. Last March 13, three individuals, claiming to be representatives of Anakpawis, were paraded as “surrenderees” in a dialogue with the military, police and local government. Early on, Anakpawis expelled the three after using the organization to extort money from the peasants.

Elements of the 80th IB aboard three 6×6 military trucks were deployed in Barangay Magsaysay, Infanta, Quezon. Minority leaders and members of Dumagat Sierra Madre-TK were threatened and harassed by the soldiers. Due to extreme nervousness, Ponce Adornado, a Dumagat minorty, died. The Dumagats are opposing the construction of the Kaliwa-Kanan Laiban Dam that will certainly destroy their communities.

For the first time, the reactionary state used the Human Security Act to convict Lumad leader Datu Jomorito Goaynon as a “terrorist,” in a hearing last March 11 in Misamis Oriental. Goaynon, a leader of Lumad organization Kalumbay, was illegally arrested, along with peasant leader Ireneo Udarbe, at a checkpoint mounted by the 65th IB last January 28.

Last March 20, Gabriela member Mae Tugot was illegally arrested and detained at the detachment of 1st Special Forces Battalion in Mampayag, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. She was arrested by the military in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City.

[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/repression-against-peasants-and-minorities/

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP lays siege on 12 Bukidnon communities

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): AFP lays siege on 12 Bukidnon communities

Five battalions of the Armed Foces of the Philippines (AFP) are currently conducting focused operations in 12 communities situated in the boundaries of Cabanglasan and San Fernando, Bukidnon since January this year. No less than 1,400 soldiers from the 60th IB, 56th IB, 57th IB, 58th IB, 88th IB, Scout Rangers and Division Reconnaissance Company are currently operating in the area. Early on, the said communities have been bombed, shelled and strafed since the last quarter of 2018.

Among those covered by the focused operations is Sitio Tapa­yanon, an remote community with more than 400 residents.

In a desperate attempt to quell the struggle of Lumads in Tapayanon, the AFP paraded residents and minority leaders as communist surrenderees last March. The 60th IB now utilizes the community as a showcase of a “successful” E-CLIP implementation.

In 2016, the AFP has closed down the Lumad school run by the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) in Tapayanon. This is the biggest Lumad school in Bukidnon which had more than a hundred students in literacy and numeracy.

Since 2017, residents been opposing two major road projects in the area—the Laak-San Fernando and Mactan-Miaray roads—as these will encroach on their ancestral communities.

In truth, the community is being hamletted by the military. Residents’ mobility and the entry of food and other supplies are restricted, and they were prevented from tending their farms. Their leaders are also subjected harassment and are barred from coordinating their situation outside the community.

As a result, more than 150 families from adjacent commmunities were compelled to evacuate and camp out in Malaybalay City since the 2nd week of March.

[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/afp-lays-siege-on-12-bukidnon-communities/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 300 families evacuate in Samar

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): 300 families evacuate in Samar

More than 300 families or 1,409 individuals evacuated from Hagbay, Can-aponte, San Nicolas and San Pedro in San Jose de Buan, Samar on March 17-25 due to the three-month long operation of the 87th IB in their communities. Among the evacuees are 424 children, 66 elderly individuals and 11 pregnant women.

Last March 25, soldiers and agents of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) coerced the residents to attend a “peace rally” and be presented as “surrenderees.” The residents, however, refused and instead protested to demand the immediate pull-out of military troops from their communities.

After the protest, elements of the 87th IB looked for Jade Cinco, representative of People’s Surge-Western Samar.

Meanwhile, 21 days after the homecoming of 1,607 Lumad evacuees in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, 28 families from Sitio Decoy and Panukmoan were again compelled to evacuate to Km. 9 due to the shelling, aerial bombardment and strafing by the military in their communities. The bombings were perpetrated by the 401st IBde last March 31 a day after an encounter between the AFP and NPA ensued in a nearby community.

Diatagon residents evacuated last July 2018 due to intense military operations in the area.

[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/2019/04/07/300-families-evacuate-in-samar/

CPP/Ang Bayan: US military presence in the Philippines escalates

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): US military presence in the Philippines escalates

American military presence and operations—under the guise of joint military exercises, port calls, visits and other activities—are escalating in the Philippines. Last March, at least 9,000 American troops were simultaneously on Philippine soil.

This April 2 to 12, the US is launching the 35th Balikatan in South and Central Luzon. This is being directly managed by the Ope­ra­ti­on Pacific Eag­le-Phi­lip­pi­nes and is participated by 3,500 American soldiers and 4,000 Filipino soldiers. American participants have been coming to the country since March 17. This almost coincided with the 15th Pacific Partnership conducted from March 10-24 in Eastern Visayas which was participated by 1,600 American soldiers. This was on top of the Exercise Salaknib conducted in Nueva Ecija from March 4 to 14. The said training exercises are part of the 280 military activities the US is set to launch in the country this year.

Alongside these trainings is the docking of the USS Blue Ridge, the US Navy’s commanding ship, in Manila Bay on March 14. The ship, which contains 3,000 American soldiers, is considered a military base at sea.

In addition to this, the US has opened Philippine territory to other foreign armies using the previously bilateral Balikatan. Australian soldiers have participated in this exercise since 2012. The US also included armies from Ja­pan, South Ko­rea, East Ti­mor, Bru­nei, Thai­land, Si­nga­po­re, and Uni­ted King­dom in the guise of “observing.” Balikatan is particularly important to the US since only five countries in the Pacific, the US’ widest military region, currently allow presence of American troops. Particular to the AFP, the newly organized and US-funded 1st Bri­ga­de Com­bat Team supposedly under the local Special Ope­ra­ti­ons Com­mand, participated in the Balikatan.

As in the past, the US is using these trainings to launch various military operations. It uses humanitarian work such as school constructions, medical missions, education and literacy and others to justify the entry of foreign troops into farflung barrios in various parts of the country. This year, they supposedly constructed school buildings in Batangas and Leyte.

This all came to pass after Michael Pompeo, US Department of State secretary, visited the Philippines last February 28. Pompeo dropped by the country to answer the fuss Duterte and his officials created to “review” the Mutual Defense Treaty, the military treaty which allows US troops in the country. Duterte supposedly wanted the new treaty to include Philippine sovereign territories in the South China Sea.

In truth, Duterte and his officials only created the clamor to allow the US to increase the military aid and materiél it is dumping in the country. In particular, Duterte is running after the sale of thousands of high-powered rifles which the US Senate blocked due to the regime’s bloody drug war.

[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/us-military-presence-in-the-philippines-escalates/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Youth group oppose Mandatory ROTC

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): Youth group oppose Mandatory ROTC

Progressive youth organizations mounted successive protests condemning the brutal killing of Willie Amihoy, a Re­serve Officers Trai­ning Corps (ROTC) cadet in the Iloilo Sta­te Col­le­ge of Fis­he­ri­es. The protesters said that ROTC reinforces bullying and violence among students.

Various youth groups in UP Cebu and Kabataan Partylist-Panay also conducted protests on March 12 and 13, respectively, to condemn the killing. In Metro Manila, students from University of the East, Pa­man­ta­san ng Lun­sod ng May­ni­la, and Far East­ern Univer­sity (FEU) staged a candle-lighting ceremony in front of the latter to oppose the proposal to implement mandatory ROTC. Similar protest actions were also launched in other universities across Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, various student organizations in UP Los Ba­ños, Laguna condemned the Armed Forces of the Philippines for conducting a forum wherein legal and progressive youth organizations were tagged as communist fronts. A similar forum was conducted by the AFP in UP Tacloban on March 10, wherein the Pul­so han Mag-aa­ram student alliance was likewise Red-tagged.

[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/youth-group-oppose-mandatory-rotc/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Attacks on offices and a mission

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): Attacks on offices and a mission

Twenty soldiers attempted to enter the BAYAN-Northern Mindanao Region office in Camaman-an, Cagayan de oro City last March 20 purportedly to arrest a certain “Albert.” When they were refused entry, the soldiers surrounded the house and prohibited the staff members to leave the office.

On the same day, the office of KASTAN, the provincial chapter of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance in Abra, located at Barangay Lipcan Ubbog, Bangued was ransacked.

Meanwhile, members of Karapatan-Quezon were harrassed and threatened last March 9 at two military checkpoints in barangays San Francisco and Dao. More than 50 elements of the 58th IB and CAFGU searched the delegates’ personal belongings. The delegates were on their way to Lopez, Quezon to conduct an investigation in a community where a firefight between the AFP and NPA took place last March 8.

Members of the International Delegation of Lawyers probing attacks against their Filipino counterparts were themselves brazenly subjected to surveillance and harassment by state intelligence agents. An agent took pictures and videos and snooped on the delegates’ conversations. Agents even tailed them to their hotel. .

The international delegation was composed of nine lawyers from Bel­gi­um, Italy, Ja­pan, Ko­rea, The Net­her­lands and Uni­ted Sta­tes. The investigation, conducted on March 14-17, looked into the incidents of attacks against the sector, including the killing of Atty. Benjamin Ramos and the Red-tagging of NUPL-Panay members. According to their findings, the killings of lawyers and prosecutors are interrelated and are a consequence of Duterte’s diatribes against the sector.

A day before the investigation, Atty. Rex Jasper Lopoz was shot-dead in front of a mall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. According to National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), Lopoz was the 38th lawyer killed under the US-Duterte regime.

Attacks on lawyers, human rights defenders and the people will surely heighten with the withdrawal of the government of the Philippines from the International Criminal Court, NUPL added. The withdrawal took effect last March 17.

[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/attacks-on-offices-and-a-mission/

CPP/Ang Bayan: PNP arrests union leader

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): PNP arrests union leader

Police forces illegally arrested Eugene Garcia, chairperson of the workers union in Pioneer Flat Glass Manufacturing, in Pasig City last March 20. He was charged with a fabricated case of illegal possesion of firearms. Upon presenting a search warrant, the police searched through and then planted a .45 caliber pistol in his residence. Last 2016, 44 workers, including union leaders, were illegally dismissed by the company while CBA negotiations were still ongoing.

Last March 30, three soldiers arrested Zandro Esteban, a Sumifru worker and member of NAMSUFA-NAFLU-KMU, in Barangay San Jose, Compostela and was brought to a military camp in New Bataan, Compostella Valley.

In a related news, the PNP threatened to disperse the picketline of Sumifru workers in Manila City which they put up last year.

Police forces harassed the family of Ricky Chavez, a member of the union in Toyota, last March 21. The operatives entered their residence upon presenting a search warrant. According to his wife, the police attempted to plant a gun in the house to be used as evidence to arrest the unionist.

Meanwhile, two members of the Kalipunan ng Da­mayang Mahihirap (Ka­da­may) in Pandi, Bulacan were arrested last March 25 based on trumped-up char­ges of illegal possession of firearms.

[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/pnp-arrests-union-leader/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 7 more peasants killed

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): 7 more peasants killed

In other parts of the country, the US-Duterte regime continues to wage all-out attacks against peasants. In March alone, seven were killed by state elements.

Soliders of the 48th IB murdered Larry Suganob, leader of PINAGBUKLOD, an affiliate organization of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), last March 18 at Barangay San Isidro, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Suganob was active in the farmers’ local struggle against landgrabbing of the Ayalas and the Central Bank of the Philippines. Members of the 48th IB were operating in the area during the murder.

In Davao del Norte, a Lumad student was shot-dead in Sitio Milyon, Barangay Sto. Niño, Ta­lai­ngod last March 15. A drunk element of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) indiscriminately fired shots in the community shooting Jerome Pangadas on the head, resulting in his immediate death. According to reports, Balentin ran amok after residents of Sitio Milyon refused to join the CAFGU. Pangadas, aged 15 years old, was a student of Sa­lug­po­ngan Ta ‘Ta­nu Igka­no­gon Com­mu­nity Lear­ning Cen­ter. Another resident was wounded during the incident.

Similarly, a peasant from Bongabong, Oriental Minrodo was killed by the 203rd IBde and PNP-MIMAROPA. The military made it appear that Roland Sibulan died in an encounter between the AFP and NPA last March 2 even if he was actually arrested in a checkpoint and tortured on March 1. His grandchild was also held at gunpoint. Sibulan has left the NPA for more than a decade already.

Last March 5, Sibulan’s nephew, Onad was also arrested at the same checkpoint, tortured and threatened to be killed by soliders. He was released after six hours of mental and physical torture. His cousin was able to flee and escape the torture.

Soldiers of the 71st IB shot three young civilians last March 28 in Sitio Mangurayan, Ba­ra­ngay Ani­ta­pan, Ma­bi­ni, Com­pos­te­la Val­ley. Franklin Tirol, his cousin, Zaldy Tirol and another were just looking for frogs and hunting in the forest, with nothing but flashlights and improvised guns when they were attacked. Franklin and Zaldy immediately died while their cousin was severely wounded and illegaly arrested. The 71st IB claimed that the victims were members of the NPA, and armed with military equipment and an improvised explosive device. They also made it appear that a soldier was wounded in the incident.

Last March 30, Uming Caliho, a peasant-leader from Sitio Kalibunlibunan, Barangay Pinagturilan, Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro was murdered.

Meanwhile, in Samar, Ja­mes Vi­ñas, 75, a former leader of People Surge was shot dead in front of his home in Borongan City last March 12 at 7 p.m.

[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/2019/04/07/7-more-peasants-killed/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces arrest 2 NDF consultants

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Apr 7, 2019): State forces arrest 2 NDF consultants

Two consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and three others were successively arrrested by the US-Duterte regime last March.

In a joint operation, elements of the 202nd IBde and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested Fr. Frank Fernandez, 71, NDF-Negros spokesperson, his wife Cleofe Lagtapon, 66 and Geann Perez, 20 last March 25 in Liliw, Laguna.

The three were charged with fabricated cases of illegal possesion of firearms and explosives on top of murder charges against Fernandez and Lagtapon. Fernandez is suffering from severe heart and lung ailments while Lagtapon has leukemia, the reason for their stay in the area.

Meanwhile, Renante Gama­ra, another NDF consultant, and his companion, Fr. Arturo Joseph Balagat, were arrested in Imus, Cavite last March 20. They were brought to Camp General Pantaleon Garcia in Imus, Cavite then transfered to Camp Bagond Diwa in Taguig City after several days. They were charged with illegal possesion of firearms. Last March 23, the court dropped the charges against them.

The NDFP negotiating panel was not surprised with Rodrigo Duterte’s cancellation of appointments of the GRP negotiating panel headed by Silvestre Bello III last March 18. Duterte has since unilaterally ended the peace negotiations with NDFP when it released Proclamation 360 last November 23, 2018.

According to Jose Maria Sison, Duterte showed no interest in the negotiations and instead outrightly used the armed conflict as a pretext to justify martial law in Mindanao, and railroad the charter change to realize his ambition to become a fascist dictator.

Seven NDFP consultants have already been illegaly arrested, six of whom are still in detention.

[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/state-forces-arrest-2-ndf-consultants/

NDF/NDF-Negros: Fight against Duterte’s tyranny, fight for justice

NDF-Negros propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 23, 2019): Fight against Duterte’s tyranny, fight for justice 

PRESS STATEMENT

April 22, 2019

SLAIN COUNCILOR, HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE. Reelectionist Escalante City Councilor Bernardino Patigas is killed on April 22, 2019.

Since Duterte assumed power and became the head bureaucrat capitalist in the country, uninterrupted killings and crimes have plagued the Philippines. Duterte is spilling the blood of the Filipino masses in his vicious wars to establish himself as fascist dictator. Duterte’s utter disregard for human rights, human life per se and justice exposes his anti-people, anti-poor character.

Today the Negrosanons, especially the people of Northern Negros, is grieving the merciless killing of human rights defender and Escalante City incumbent councilor Bernardino “Toto” Patigas, Sr, 72 years old, late this afternoon. Councilor Patigas was active in supporting the struggles of sugar workers and peasants for wage, benefits and land to till and consistently stood for human rights. He was an Escalante massacre survivor during Marcos’ martial law, founding member of the North Negros Alliance of Human Rights Advocates and highly regarded servant of the people for most of his life. And now he is the 70th victim of Duterte’s de facto martial law in Negros.

This heinous crime was done after forces of the AFP Central Command and PNP Regional Office 7 ran amuck during Oplan Sauron II (or the sychronized enhanced managing of police operations) leaving 14 dead bodies and devastating hundreds of families. If we recall, last February, HR advocates in north Negros exposed a hit list of the military that ushered in the spread of Oplan Sauron in Negros Occidental. These are aftermaths of Duterte’s Memorandum Order 32 and Executive Order 70. There is no doubt that the same diabolical minds that created Oplan Sauron are behind this attack against human rights advocates.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Negros strongly condemns the brutal killing of Councilor Patigas and condoles with his family, friends and colleagues. Together with all Negrosanons, the NDF demands justice for Councilor Patigas and all victims of state fascism.

However, revolutionary forces and the masses are aware that the call for justice falls on deaf ears under the US-Duterte regime when Duterte himself is the perpetrator of senseless killings and injustice and is the main promoter of impunity. Justice can only be given by the people’s democratic government through its New People’s Army. Utmost justice can only be attained by overthrowing the semicolonial and semifeudal system starting with the US-Duterte regime.

Councilor Patigas’ murder as well as the murder of fellow human rights defender and peasant lawyer Atty. Ben Ramos and the killings of Negrosanons who struggle for their rights like the Sagay 9 massacre victims and SEMPO 1 and 2 victims further inflame the people’s wrath and gives strength to their resistance against Duterte’s fixation to perpetuate his tyranny. The people will surmount the terror that Duterte and his cabal wants to escalate. They will launch an all-out resistance and tread the path of revolution. Duterte makes it crystal clear that the principal means to topple his regime is through armed struggle.

Justice for all victims of state fascism!

Fight tyranny!

Resist de facto martial law in Negros!

Overthrow the US-Duterte regime!

REFERENCE:

National Democratic Front of the Philippine – Negros Island

https://www.ndfp.org/fight-against-dutertes-tyranny-fight-for-justice/

NDF/Sison: The people seek the ouster of Duterte with mass movement as in the case of Marcos

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Apr 22, 2019): The people seek the ouster of Duterte with mass movement as in the case of Marcos

Comment by Jose Maria Joma Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

April 22, 2019

It is correct for people to think and act in order to oust him as soon as possible. They will not be frightened and shaken down by mere matrices and threats of Duterte against groups of journalists and lawyers, whom he accuses of conspiracy.

Even some officers and men of the AFP and PNP think of withdrawing support from the Duterte regime and joining the ouster mass movement against it when the protest mass actions become gigantic.

In the first place, Duterte is responsible for the growing ouster mass movement against him because of the intolerable crimes of treason, mass murder, plunder and others that he has committed against the people.

The desire of the people to oust Duterte has become a mass movement and not the mere conspiracy of a few because of the intolerable crimes of Duterte and his evil regime against the people.

https://www.ndfp.org/the-people-seek-the-ouster-of-duterte-with-mass-movement-as-in-the-case-of-marcos/

UBJP: READ | MILF Resolution on Reaffirming and Sthrengthening MILF Standing "Hands Off" Policy on Philippine Elections.

Posted to the MILF-affiliated United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) Facebook page (Apr 22, 2019): READ | MILF Resolution on Reaffirming and Sthrengthening MILF Standing "Hands Off" Policy on Philippine Elections.

https://www.facebook.com/ubjp.ph/photos/a.910984449025526/1085317791592190/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/ubjp.ph/

WESTMINCOM: BIFF attacks civilian community, CAFGU detachment in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 23, 2019): BIFF attacks civilian community, CAFGU detachment in Maguindanao



Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters once again attacked a civilian community and a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Kauran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on April 21, 2019.

BIFF terrorists deliberately fired at the civilian community and a CAFGU detachment that resulted in the wounding of two civilians and a CAA member at about 7:50pm on Sunday.

Among those wounded were Ronelo Dordas, Carlybeth Pradas, and CAA Michael Enito.

Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Iyog, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer, said security measures were strengthened to ensure the safety and security of the community.

“As this radical group continues to sow terror and harm innocent civilians, military troops will pursue their offensives to safeguard the civilians and run after the responsible bandits,” said Colonel Efren Baluyot, 1st Mechanized Infantry (Maaasahan) Brigade Commander.

“I directed the field units in the area to intensify their military operation and to hunt the terror group members for such cowardly and desperate acts. Apparently, this is a revenge as BIFF members suffered a setback during our focused military operation in the Salibu-Pagatin-Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak box,” said Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Central Commander.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, said: “We condemn the blatant attack perpetrated by BIFF terrorists on the innocent and peace-loving people of Mindanao. This machination bespeaks of the travesty and iniquity of terrorists that wage war against the government and inflict harm on civilians in Mindanao.”

“The military beefs up its internal security campaign with the police to secure the area and defeat terrorists in Mindanao,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/biff-attacks-civilian-community-cafgu-detachment-in-maguindanao/

WESTMINCOM: Gallant sailors and marines recognized

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 23, 2019): Gallant sailors and marines recognized



Gallant sailors and marines of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao were recognized at its headquarters during the flag raising ceremony yesterday morning (April 22, 2019).



Naval Forces Western Mindanao gave recognition to the Fleet-Marine Team for their exceptional deeds in the performance of their duty, their shared sacrifices and persistent efforts made during the last quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of this year.

The Commander Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan with the Deputy Commander for Fleet Operations Captain Richard Gonzaga, led the awarding of Bronze Cross Medal to the gallant sailors and marines of Naval Intelligence Security Group – Western Mindanao for the successful surrender of Abu Sayyaf Group Leader Berham Lutian and his cohorts and the recovery of their firearms and ammunitions in Barangays Karugtong Caluang and Ipil, all of Maimbung, Sulu on May 10 2018; and for the successful interception of one (1) Motor Launch boat, identified as ML MONEZA, loaded with seventy five (75) Trafficking-In-Person (TIP) in sea waters of San Mateo, Zamboanga City on February 11, 2019.

Further, the award of Military Merit Medal was awarded to the officers and men of BRP IWAK (LC289), under Naval Task Force 61 of Naval Forces Western Mindanao for the successful execution of Fleet-Marine Amphibious Operations at Simisa Island and Bangalao Island, Sulu from October 17 to 19, 2018 which involved 194 Officers and Enlisted Personnel from the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu, 31st Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 and Force Recon Group. The Amphibious Operations contributed to the successful neutralization of a number of the Abu Sayyaf Group members and other lawless elements in Basilan Island, Sulu. Moreover, BRP IWAK (LC 289) also conducted a naval blockade to deter the escape of said ASG and lawless elements in the area.

In his message, RAdm Kagaoan commended the troops.



“The series of military operations wouldn’t be successful without all the hard work and sacrifices you have done to continue our mission as a team and to become strong and credible for our nation as the defenders of the Western Mindanao Frontier,” RAdm Kagaoan said.

“With that, I thank and congratulate all of you,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/gallant-sailors-and-marines-recognized/

WESTMINCOM: Sayyaf sub-leader neutralized in Sulu ops

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Apr 23, 2019): Sayyaf sub-leader neutralized in Sulu ops

Marine troops neutralized an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader following a focused operation launched in Sulu at 9:38am today, April 23.

Troops from Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 retrieved the cadaver of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hapidz Abdurahman, a.k.a. Jihad, in the area of engagement in Tambulian, Pata.

Abdurahman had a standing warrant of arrest for murder with illegal possession of firearm.

“The Abu Sayyaf suffered another setback with the death of another sub-commander. I commend our ground forces for exhibiting the same conviction and diligence,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief.

Troops buried the cadaver of Abdurahman in accordance with the Muslim rite.

The marines engaged in a 10-minute gunfight with the group of Abdurahman, leading to the recovery of a watercraft and a Garand rifle.



“We are building up our focused and intelligence operations to pursue, pressure, and defeat Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu,” said Dela Vega.

“While we are gaining a foothold with our persistent offensives, the military will continuously exert all efforts to reach out and work with the Suluanons to pave the way for peace and development in the province,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/sayyaf-sub-leader-neutralized-in-sulu-ops/

ISIS’ Shifting Focus

Posted to the Cipher Brief (Apr 23, 2019): ISIS’ Shifting Focus

ISIS has claimed responsibility for a series of Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka that killed more than 300 people and injured 500 more. Sri Lanka’s government is blaming the attacks on a local Islamist group, National Thowheed Jamath (NTJ). A government official said an early investigation indicated the attacks could have been carried out in retaliation for a terrorist attack at two mosques last month in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The claim from ISIS comes on the heels of an attack in Kabul on Sunday, a claim of responsibility for a first-time attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo and news of a foiled attack in Saudi Arabia.

The Cipher Brief asked terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman about the current state of the terrorist group now that it has lost its caliphate and what to expect as ISIS shifts its tactics and focus.

ISIS has of course been badly battered by the unprecedented 79 partner country coalition that massed against it. Its caliphate has been dismantled and the Islamic State’s sovereignty and enslavement over Western Iraq and Syria has ended. However, territory and terrorism have never been co-terminus and, in this respect, ISIS’s ideology and capacity to engage in violence far from its former battlefields still exists.

Already, in September 2016, ISIS’s founder and leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi told foreign fighters not to come to the rapidly eroding caliphate but instead to migrate to one of the organizations branches. As the U.S. National Strategy for Counterterrorism released in October 2018 itself cautioned, “The group’s global reach remains robust, with eight official branches and more than two dozen networks regularly conducting terrorist and insurgent operations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.'” (page 8). Moreover, according to some estimates, as many as 30,000 of the 40,000 foreign fighters from 120 plus countries who came to fight with ISIS in its caliphate between 2014-2016 may have survived the international coalition’s sustained military operations against the group–thus ensuring a continuing hardcore of seasoned combatants, now deployed to other theaters.

The fact of the matter is that ISIS suffered grievous setbacks in Western Iraq and Syria. But severely damaging a terrorist group is not the same as undermining its ideology or destroying its raison d’être. Revenge and retaliation for the lost caliphate has now infused ISIS with new-found purpose and energy. Moreover, ISIS was quick to exploit the massacre of Muslims at two mosques in New Zealand last month to justify a resumed a terrorism campaign and attempt to make itself again relevant. The group will merely revert to the terrorist operations on a local, regional and international scale embedded in its DNA–and which has been present from the time its predecessor organization was originally founded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi exactly twenty years ago. That the core of what is ISIS’s extremist ideology–even among already extreme Salafi-Jihadi justifications for violence–has survived this world is testament to its ongoing appeal to at least a small number of adherents who nonetheless possess a disproportionate capacity to inflict wholesale pain and suffering on innocent peoples across multiple continents.

ISIS’s focus has thus shifted, as the U.S. counterterrorism strategy notes, from the center (the fallen caliphate) to its far-flung branches and networks with the intention of spreading the ISIS brand further. In this critical respect, ISIS is unbowed by its battlefield defeats and the loss of its caliphate. Instead, as ISIS’s recent appearance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo demonstrates, the group’s continued vitality and intention to opportunistically continue to prosecute its terrorist campaigns and expansion of its malignant ideology to whatever venues are available is evident.

Sunday’s horrific attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka may prove to be another manifestation of this opportunism. The coordination and lethality of the attacks suggest an organizational acumen not common among most terrorist organizations–especially hitherto unproven local entities. Sri Lanka’s minority Muslim community has long been the victim of systematic discrimination and prejudice by both that country’s majority Sinhalese people and larger minority Tamils. Reports of radicalization by external influences had surfaced as far back as more than two decades ago, when I first conducted field work on terrorism in Sri Lanka. More recently, and therefore not surprisingly, some two dozen Sri Lankan Muslims reportedly left that island-state to fight with ISIS in the Levant and Iraq. Much as ISIS unexpectedly appeared in the Philippines two years ago, a potential appearance in Sri Lanka in connection with Sunday’s bombings cannot be entirely discounted. Indeed, the SITE Intelligence Group is reporting this morning that an April 22nd communication from an alleged ISIS supporter over a pro-ISIS Telegram feed reveals the names with photos allegedly of three of the suicide bombers who struck yesterday. They are pictured alongside an ISIS flag, with the date April 21 stamped beneath the photograph.

If the Sri Lanka attacks are conclusively linked to ISIS, then coupled with Sunday’s foiled ISIS attack in Saudi Arabia and the successful one in Kabul, alongside ISIS’s spread to the Congo, this concatenation of developments would indicate that ISIS is recovering from the setbacks it suffered in Syria, Iraq, and Libya in recent years to again become threatening–at least as an international terrorist movement with the capacity to synchronize strikes in multiple countries.

The shift in ISIS’s strategy to emphasis opportunistic external operations wherever it is capable of operating is ominous as it raise the prospect of both sustained, planned, premeditated and coordinated, commando-like attacks in addition to the continued inspiration of lone actors worldwide–the main challenge that has consumed intelligence, security, and law enforcement officials around the world in recent years.

The bottom line is that the recent succession of triumphalist statements that have attended the defeat of the caliphate in Syria and Iraq does not mean that the threat to international security from ISIS has abated. The assumption that, with the fall of the caliphate that, the lingering ISIS threat was narrowly one mainly from lone actors has thus been seriously undermined by the tragic events of the past few days.

[Bruce Hoffman is a professor at Georgetown University and the Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Visiting Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations. He has served as a commissioner on the Independent Commission to Review the FBI’s Post-9/11 Response to Terrorism and Radicalization, a Scholar-in-Residence for Counterterrorism at the CIA, and an adviser on counterterrorism to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq in 2004.]

https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column/cipher-brief-expert-view/isis-shifting-focus

IED damages unfinished chapel in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine Star (Apr 23, 2019): 

IED damages unfinished chapel in Sultan Kudarat

This file photo shows an improvised explosive device that Army ordnance experts disarmed in Maguindanao.

Experts on Monday deactivated one of two improvised bombs found in a chapel in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat but the other exploded during an attempt to defuse it.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was behind the attempt to bomb the chapel in Barangay Pimbalayan in Lambayong town.

Police Lt. Col. Aldrin Gonzalez, spokesman of the Police Regional Office-12, said Tuesday residents found the improvised bombs and reported them to authorities.

One of the IEDs was placed at one side of the still unfinished chapel, hidden underneath construction materials. The other IED was reportedly found under a makeshift bench and covered with waste lumber trimmings.

Nobody was hurt in the blast but the chapel's roof was damaged by bent nails and iron fragments from the IED.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of 6th ID, said Tuesday the bombing attempt was meant to avenge the deaths of more than a dozen BIFF bomb-makers killed in clashes with soldiers in the past eight weeks.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/04/23/1911930/ied-damages-unfinished-chapel-sultan-kudarat

BIFF members attack Maguindanao community, CAFGU detachment

From the Business World (Apr 23, 2019): BIFF members attack Maguindanao community, CAFGU detachment

MEMBERS OF the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked a civilian community and a military auxiliary force detachment in Barangay Kauran, Ampatuan, Maguindanao last Sunday evening, the military reported on Tuesday. 

The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said two civilians and one member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were wounded. 

They were identified as Ronelo Dordas, Carlybeth Pradas, and the CAFGU’s Michael Enito. 

“I directed the field units in the area to intensify their military operation and to hunt the terror group members for such cowardly and desperate acts. Apparently, this is a revenge as BIFF members suffered a setback during our focused military operation in the Salibu-Pagatin-Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak box,” Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, Joint Task Force central commander, said in a statement. 

Lt. Col. Alvin G. Iyog, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commanding officer, said security measures have been strengthened by both the military and the police to ensure the safety and security of the community.

https://www.bworldonline.com/biff-members-attack-maguindanao-community-cafgu-detachment/

Alert up in NoCot after death of BIFF sub-leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2019): Alert up in NoCot after death of BIFF sub-leader

A heightened alert had been declared by the North Cotabato police for possible retaliatory attacks by the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), after one of its sub-leaders and two of his men were killed in recent clashes in Midsayap, North Cotabato, a police official said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Bernard Tayong, speaking for the North Cotabato police office, said Col. Maximo Layugan, provincial police director, has ordered all town police stations to maintain a heightened alert status and secure all places of convergence like churches following the foiled bombing of a chapel in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found by civilians in front and beside a Catholic chapel in Barangay Pimbalayan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Monday.

Army and police bomb experts’ safety deactivated the IEDs.

Tayong said that while the Lenten Season is over, police in North Cotabato maintained its alert status to thwart any destabilization or diversionary attack by the BIFF after three of its members were killed during police and military law enforcement operations in Barangay Olandang, Midsayap on Black Saturday.

“We have learned the lesson in the past, whenever there are major operations, the rebels use diversionary attacks like bombings, ambuscades and other attacks versus civilians or soft targets like police stations,” Tayong said in a radio interview.

On April 20, government troopers killed Mando Mamamlompong alias Abu Amer, erstwhile spokesperson of the BIFF – Karialan faction, and two other radicals during an encounter in Barangay Olandang.

Currently, additional police checkpoints have been set up, especially in the borders of North Cotabato and Maguindanao, where the BIFF terrorists are often spotted.

Tayong said the alert status will continue until the election period is over in June.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1067989

NPA releases captured militiaman in Mindoro

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 23, 2019): NPA releases captured militiaman in Mindoro

The New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday announced the release of a member of Citizen’s Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) whom it held captive for 17 days together with two others in Bansud town.



New People’s Army (MANILA BULLETIN)

Ka Madaay Gasic, spokesperson of Lucio de Guzman Command of NPA operating in Mindoro, said Raymando R. Malupa, a CAFGU member who was reporting for the Army 203rd Brigade, was released unharmed last Monday in a forested area of Bansud and handed over to a political personality who is running for mayor.

In an email sent to the media, Gasic thanked the civilian population in the area for the successful release of Malupa despite the massive operations being waged by the Army and Philippine National Police (PNP).

Malupa was captured last April 5 along with Peter de los Santos, barangay captain of Barangay Malo, Bansud, and his barangay tanod chief, Rocky Bueta.

Gasic said they confiscated from de los Santos a .45 caliber pistol with a magazine and 14 bullets and two transceiver radios.

Delos Santos and Buetea were released after just 24 hours in custody. Malupa was kept captive after he underwent the rebels’ own version of judicial process.

Gasic said Malupa admitted his anti-NPA operations and intelligence activities which led to the arrest of civilians suspected of having connection with the communist insurgents.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/23/npa-releases-captured-militiaman-in-mindoro/

2 soldiers, civilian wounded in clash with NPA in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 23, 2019): 2 soldiers, civilian wounded in clash with NPA in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Two soldiers belonging to the 19th Infantry Battalion and a civilian were wounded in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) along the boundaries of Antipas, Arakan and Magpet towns of North Cotabato on Tuesday.

Police Captain Jose Marie Molina, said Corporals William Agno and Jerome Sarayno were evacuated by a military helicopter to the hospital from the clash site at Sitio Tiwayan in Barangay Badiangon, Arakan, where the troops had a firefight with the rebels at 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

A civilian named Jonel Bayaan, who was tending to his farm and farm animals in the area was also wounded during the clash.

The soldiers were rushed to the Antipas Medical Center while Bayaan was brought to the Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Barangay Amas here.

Molina said thousands of residents fled their homes and took refuge in the village hall of Badiangon in Arakan because of the clashes.

Police Captain Bernard Abarquez, the chief of police of nearby Antipas, said some residents of nearby Barangay Malire also left their homes and took refuge at the barangay hall where they felt safe.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1109803/2-soldiers-civilian-wounded-in-clash-with-npa-in-north-cotabato

2 soldiers wounded, thousands evacuated as military, NPA clash in Cotabato

From GMA News Online (Apr 23, 2019): 2 soldiers wounded, thousands evacuated as military, NPA clash in Cotabato

Two soldiers belonging to the 19th Infantry Battalion were wounded following an encounter with alleged members of New Peoples Army (NPA) in the tri-boundaries of North Cotabato on Tuesday morning.

Police Captain Jose Marie Molina, said the clash took place in the boundaries of the towns of Antipas-Arakan-Magpet.
Molina said the clashes resulted to displacement of more than a thousand residents living in the affected areas.

They are now temporarily seeking refuge in the village hall of Barangay Badiangon in Arakan town.

The wounded soldiers were airlifted from the crash site for medical treatment.

Sporadic gun burst were still heard in the area as the army pursued the rebels positioned in the mountainous areas of Arakan town.

Police Captain Bernard Abarquez, chief of police of nearby Antipas town, said among the residents who evacuated came from Barangay Malire.

"They are now safe in Barangay Malire hall. Military augmentation was already in the area to pursue the rebels," Abarquez said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/692160/2-soldiers-wounded-thousands-evacuated-as-military-npa-clash-in-cotabato/story/

Military, police officials in ‘Morong 43’ get reprieve

From the Manila Standard (Apr 23, 2019): Military, police officials in ‘Morong 43’ get reprieve

The Sandiganbayan has stood by its earlier decision allowing the seven military and police officials to seek the outright dismissal of their case in connection with the alleged illegal detention and torture of 43 health workers in Morong, Rizal in 2010.

In its April 11 resolution, the court’s Seventh Division denied the motion for reconsideration of the prosecution to stop the accused officials from filing their demurrer to evidence.

A demurrer to evidence is a plea to the court to dismiss a case outright based solely on the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The anti-graft court granted last March 5 the motion for leave of court of accused retired Lt. Gen. Jorge Segovia, retired Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Brig. Gen. Joselito Reyes, Col. Cristobal Zaragoza, Police Supt. Marion Balonglong, Police Supt. Allan Nobleza, and Police Chief Insp. Jovily Cabading.

Segovia and his co-accused said this will give them the chance to prove that the prosecution failed to provide detailed information on how the so-called “Morong 43” were put in solitary confinement and denied access to confer with lawyers.

Each accused in the case face eight counts of violation of Section 4(a) of Republic Act 7438, or the Act Defining the Rights of Person Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation.

“Morong 43” are the 43 health workers believed to be members of the New People’s Army who were accused of undergoing training in explosives in Morong, Rizal in February 2010.

The prosecution earlier disputed the demurrer of the accused, saying it has “comprehensively” established all the elements of the crime charged against them.

But the Sandiganbayan said: “[T]he court maintains that the arguments raised by accused appears to be substantial and not to delay the proceedings. Hence, leave having been granted, the court is now bound to evaluate whether the evidence presented by the prosecution is sufficient enough to warrant conviction of accused.”
http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/293091/military-police-officials-in-morong-43-get-reprieve.html

Military to build houses for Zambo Sur ex-rebels

From the Manila Times (Apr 24, 2019): Military to build houses for Zambo Sur ex-rebels

PAGADIAN CITY: Halfway houses and farmlands are set to be built and developed next month for New People’s Army (NPA) rebel returnees in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

Gov. Antonio Cerilles said the houses and farm would be located on a 20-hectare lot owned by the province behind the Army’s Camp David Sabido where the 53rd Infantry Battalion Headquarters, under Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, is based.

Cerilles and Patria had signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the “From Arms to Farms” project that was witnessed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, chairman of Task Force Balik Loob.

Patria said the halfway houses and their facilities would be worth more than P5 million funded by the DILG’s Task Force Balik Loob. They would serve as the surrenderers’ temporary shelters before they return to their communities even as such could also become venues for livelihood education and processing of the former dissidents, he added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, said at least 43 rebel returnees received at total of P2.75 million financial aid from the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Proram and firearms compensation from the DILG, while each of them got P65,000 as emergency help.

https://www.manilatimes.net/military-to-build-houses-for-zambo-sur-ex-rebels/544376/

Soldiers, Reds clash anew in Iloilo

From The Daily Guardian (Apr 24, 2019): Soldiers, Reds clash anew in Iloilo

SOME of the personal items believed to be owned by New People’s Army members that clashed with state troopers at Barangay Panuran, Lambunao, Iloilo on April 23, 2019. (61st Infantry Battalion photo)

The Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion again clashed with suspected members of the New People’s Army.

This year’s 11th clash between 61IB and NPA members in Panay happened 6:10 a.m. of April 23, 2019 at Barangay Panuran, Lambunao, Iloilo.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61IB commander, said he deployed 61IB troops to Panuran village after receiving verified information from a resident claiming to have seen NPA rebels in their community.

“Before the troops reached the exact location of the target group, the communist terrorists scampered in different directions leaving their belongings and foodstuffs,” Batara said.

In their haste, the rebels left behind some personal belongings.

Batara said the rebels are believed to be members of SPP Baloy Platoon led by Carl “Andoy” Teodosio.

“Aside from extortion activities, they are also planning to launch tactical offensives against government forces in the area. This incident also hampers their evil plans for the upcoming May 2019 midterm elections,” Batara said.

A day before Tuesday’s clash, the 61IB received information from local candidates that the CPP-NPA is sending them extortion letters asking for money.

Even Police Brigadier General John Bulalacao, Western Visayas police chief, confirmed on Monday that several candidates have turned over to him letters from NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

The NPA called these letters as permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW).

Even those running for councilor and vice mayors were not spared from the NPA’s extortion racket, Bulalacao said.

Meanwhile, Batara called on the local populace to continue reporting any untoward incidents especially presence and movement of CPP-NPA in their communities to prevent them from mounting election-related violence and other forms of aggression.

https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/soldiers-reds-clash-anew-in-iloilo/

At least 6 soldiers killed, 6 wounded in clash with NPA in Samar

From Rappler (Apr 23, 2019): At least 6 soldiers killed, 6 wounded in clash with NPA in Samar

(4th UPDATE) Troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion clash with communist rebels in Calbiga town in Samar

(4th UPDATE) – At least 6 soldiers were killed and 6 others wounded in a clash with communist rebels in Calbiga town in Samaron Tuesday, April 23.

According to a report from the military, troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion were in "hot pursuit" of members of the New People's Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, in the hinterlands of the town.

The following were killed in action:

Corporal Edgar Abing
Private First Class (PFC) Arthur Garcia
PFC Rufino Paster
PFC Danilo Constantino
Private Elbin Lagrimas
Corporal Junerembran Mamalo

Among those wounded in action were the following:

Sergeant Gilbert Benito
PFC Darwin Magoncia
PFC Mark Kevin Frigullana
Corporal Raymark Vigilla
PFC Joseph Salonga
Private Rex Espanol

The military initially counted 9 from their team as wounded but later clarified that they have miscounted.

Earlier, during a phone interview with reporters, Army 8th Infantry Division Spokesman Reynaldo Aragones said the encounter began as early as 2 am on Tuesday when soldiers in the area received reports of communist rebels soliciting from locals.

“There is a presence of NPA conducting solicitation from people there, so our troops acted on it in Barangay Buluan, and an encounter transpired, where 6 died showing heroism,” Aragones said in Filipino.

According to Aragones, initial reports indicate that there were around 20 NPA rebels who shot it out with soldiers. It remains unclear how many from the other side got injured or killed.

“We only [saw] bloodstains. We are still trying to determine how many of them got killed or injured,” Aragones said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/228766-army-npa-clash-calbiga-samar-april-23-2019

3 BIFF fighters slain, 1 injured in N. Cotabato clashes

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 22, 2019): 3 BIFF fighters slain, 1 injured in N. Cotabato clashes

Three fighters of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed, while another was wounded in separate clashes with government troops in Midasayap, North Cotabato last week.



(WestMinCom / MANILA BULLETIN)

The North Cotabato police office said BIFF field leader Mando “Commander DM” Mamalumpong and his follower Norhamin Sabdulla were killed in a reported shootout with military-backed policemen trying to serve a court warrant for his arrest at Barangay Olandang in Midasayap town last Saturday.

P/Col. Maximo C. Layugan, North Cotabato police director, said Mamalumpong and his followers shot it out Saturday morning with the combined state forces tasked to arrest him for illegal possession of explosive in criminal case pending in court.

Layugan said an M16 rifle and M14 rifle were recovered from the fatalities after the firefight. The recovered firearms were taken into custody by the Army’s by 34th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Glenn Loreto Cabllero, he added.

In another encounter at Barangay Kadingilan, also in Midasayap town on April 16, 34th IB soldiers killed BIFF fighter Taib Tawan-Tawan, and wounded his field leader named as Samad Masdal.
A military report said the operating soldiers recovered an M14 rifle beside the body of the slain rebel, adding that other BIFF fighters retreated from the battle scene and carried the injured Masdal.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/04/22/3-biff-fighters-slain-1-injured-in-n-cotabato-clashes/

The Pic of the Day: USS Wasp carries full load of F-35s alongside Philippine navy

Posted to NewsRep (Apr 22, 2019): The Pic of the Day: USS Wasp carries full load of F-35s alongside Philippine navy



The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), center, maneuvers alongside the Philippine navy landing platform dock ship BRP Tarlac (LD 601) and offshore patrol vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) in support of Exercise Balikatan 2019 in the South China Sea on April 5, 2019. In its 35th iteration, Balikatan is a US-Philippine training exercise focused on a variety of missions including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other combined military operations. US Navy Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker)
https://thenewsrep.com/116356/the-pic-of-the-day-uss-wasp-carries-full-load-of-f-35s-alongside-philippine-navy/

AMID ‘MATRIX’//Military, police: No credible plot to oust Duterte

From GMA News Online (Apr 22, 2019): AMID ‘MATRIX’//Military, police: No credible plot to oust Duterte

The military has ruled out any credible plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte, a position contrary to the Palace's agreement with a "matrix" that accuses various groups of trying to do so.

"There is always that possibility about groups wanting to oust him, but as of now, we have not seen any specific threat," said Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Noel Detoyato.

His statement was in response to a question about an article published by the Manila Times, in which the newspaper's chairman emeritus Dante Ang alleged that some media organizations and other groups are plotting the President's ouster by publishing the "Ang Totoong Narcolist" serialized videos linking the First Family to the illegal drug trade.

Armed Forces spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo echoed Detoyato's position.

“We see no specific threat that are likely to succeed to oust the President,” he added.

No from PNP as well
Philippine National Police Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde also said that they are not monitoring any such plot.

“As of this time, we don't have specific evidence on that,” Albayalde said, referring to the allegations in the Manila Times report.

Albayalde, however, clarified that the police will always be on their toes, regardless of whether there is an ouster plot or not.

In a separate interview, the President's daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, also said she is unsure if there is a concerted effort to oust her father.

"Hindi ko alam kung concerted 'yung effort, but let's give the media entity the benefit of the doubt, kung ano sa tingin nila ang dapat na ibalita o karapat-dapat na isulat sa mga tao," she said on the sidelines of a campaign stop in Cotabato City.

These pronouncements were in contrast to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo's statement that the Manila Times matrix is true. He also said that the information in the report came from Duterte himself.

The last time that a sitting President lost military and police support was when President Joseph Estrada was ousted from office in January 2001 amid allegations of massive corruption.

Estrada was jailed for seven years and was convicted of plunder in September 2007. Estrada, however, was pardoned by his successor, then President Gloria Arroyo.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/692024/military-police-no-credible-plot-to-oust-duterte/story/

6 soldiers dead in clash vs. NPA rebels in Samar – military

From CNN Philippines (Apr 23, 2019): 6 soldiers dead in clash vs. NPA rebels in Samar – military

Six soldiers were killed while six others were wounded as they fought armed communist rebels in Samar province early Tuesday, authorities said.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s Central Command, members of the 46th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat patrol when they encountered members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Barangay Beri in Calbiga town. It said firefight is ongoing as of Tuesday morning.

An initial report from the Eastern Visayas police said the casualties were from the blast of an improvised explosive device. The military has yet to release the names of the slain soldiers, saying their families have to be notified first.

Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division, said there were more or less 20 NPA rebels, but the number of casualties from their side is unknown.

The latest clash came a week after President Rodrigo Duterte again urged the NPA to lay down their arms if they want to get back to the negotiating table. The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines which has waged a five-decade insurgency, the longest-running in Asia.

The National Democratic Front has represented the rebels in talks with the government but Duterte walked away from the on-and-off negotiations in November 2017 as both sides accused each other of ceasefire violations.

http://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/4/23/samar-clash-NPA.html