AFP-CRS: SOLCOM Cdr LTG Gapay discusses efforts to finally end communist terrorism

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): SOLCOM Cdr LTG Gapay discusses efforts to finally end communist terrorism



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: PNP seeks Red notice against Joma Sison

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): PNP seeks Red notice against Joma Sison



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Helping MILF rebels

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Helping MILF rebels



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Five CCP-NPA surrenders, yields firearms and explosives in Zamboanga del Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Five CCP-NPA surrenders, yields firearms and explosives in Zamboanga del Norte



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: LGU, AFP-PNP conducts joint send-off ceremony to community support program teams

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): LGU, AFP-PNP conducts joint send-off ceremony to community support program teams



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: No let-up vs. CPP-NPA.

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): No let-up vs. CPP-NPA



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Duterte renews call for all-out war vs. reds

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Duterte renews call for all-out war vs. reds



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Task force created to counter Reds activities in NCR

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Task force created to counter Reds activities in NCR



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: We are getting sick from worrying

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): We are getting sick from worrying



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Guam Adjutant General Visits Army, Offers Exchange Training

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Guam Adjutant General Visits Army, Offers Exchange Training



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Gov't determined to subdue communist insurgency

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Gov't determined to subdue communist insurgency



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Five CPP-NPA surrenders in Zamboanga del Norte.

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 12, 2019): Five CPP-NPA surrenders in Zamboanga del Norte



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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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Kalinaw News: Enhancing Peace and Development through Public Service

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 12, 2019): Enhancing Peace and Development through Public Service

Agusan del Sur – The 544th Engineer Battalion, the lone Army Engineer in Caraga Region under the leadership of LtCol Rodel V Pangilinan the Battalion Commander provided significant efforts in sustaining the gains of 3rd Special Forces in their area of operations particularly in Km 9, Sitio Sumao-ao, Brgy. Diatagon Surigao del Sur through Community Outreach Program on September 08, 2019. The activity started from 8:00 o’clock in the morning up to 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

Four (4) Engineer Equipment were utilized to repair the roads for easy access of all participants and most of all to improve economic activity in the area.

Skilled personnel and heavy equipment’s from 544th Army Engineer such as barber, battalion medics, skilled in shoe/sandal repairs and heavy equipment operators served as augmentation among the services offered by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion headed by LtCol Baybayan the services delivered such as: Sub-grading & Crowning of their access road, free Medical & Dental services, distribution of vitamins and Medicines to the children, Free haircut, Free shoe repair and other services offered by local government unit of Diatagon, Surigao del Sur.

Gladness and excitement have seen before the faces of more or less 1,500 recipients of the services as well as their brgy officials and local populace while in lines waiting for the free services offered by the convergent agencies in the area.

Source: 544 Engineering Battalion Philippine Army

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Kalinaw News: Encouraged of RTF-ELCAC’s Objective, 65 Rebels and Supporters Surrender in Sorsogon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 12, 2019): Encouraged of RTF-ELCAC’s Objective, 65 Rebels and Supporters Surrender in Sorsogon

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Sixty five rebels formally surrendered in the government and were presented in a ceremony held in 903rd Infantry Brigade based in Castilla, Sorsogon, Wednesday, September 11.

Of the mass surrenderees, 38 are regular New People’s Army (NPA) members (35 male and 3 female); 25 are members of Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (20 male and 5 female) and 2 are from Milisyang Bayan, all of Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya 3 of Bicol Regional Party Committee.

Also surrendered were two carbines, six M16 rifles, two caliber .45 pistols, two Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), two molotov bombs, six VHF radios, assorted ammunitions and magazines for high powered firearms.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO TRINIDAD AFP considers the event as one of the significant accomplishments of the intensified Community Support Program (CSP) of the Philippine Army.

CSP teams are deployed in different conflict-affected Barangays to identify the services the residents need and at the same time discourage them to join or support the communist terrorist group (CTG).

Executive Order No. 70 which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte December last year further enticed the rebels to go down upon knowing that a lot of government agencies are ready to help them in reestablishing their lives outside the armed movement through Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) also known as Task Force Katuninongan asin Kauswagan.

“Sana po simula sa araw na ito, magtulungan tayong lahat para sa magandang bukas ng Sorsogon. Hindi lamang po ito para sa amin, para rin po ito sa mga tao ng Sorsogon. Ang gusto lang po namin ay makatulong para maging maayos ang peace and order ng Sorsogon,” Gen. Trinidad added.

[Let us help each other starting today for the better future of Sorsogon. This is not just for us but most importantly for the people of Sorsogon. All we want is to help in maintaining the peace and order in Sorsogon.]

Caloy who was one of the surrenderees emotionally thanked the government for giving them a chance to start their lives anew.

According to him, “Tuwang-tuwa po ‘yong pamilya ko na sumurrender na po ako. Sila talaga ang unang-unang naghikayat sa akin lalo na ‘yong asawa ko na tumigil na nga ako sa pagtatago sa bundok.”

[My family is very happy that I finally decided to surrender. They really encouraged me, especially my wife, to stop hiding in the mountains.]

Meanwhile, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Aida Alcantara assured the former rebels that their office is ready to give them the assistance they need.

“Kung kami po sa local government ay may kakulangan pa, sisikapin po naming makumpleto pa ang ibinibigay namin sainyo habang ang ibang ahensya ay tumutugon din po sa kanilang obligasyon o role sa programang ito,” Aida Alcantara, Provincial Social Welfare Officer of Sorsogon said.

[If the services of the local government is still not enough, we will do our best to complete it while the other government agencies are playing their roles too in this program.]

Rebel returnees will be immediately enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Under E-CLIP, they will be given livelihood and housing assistance as well as firearms renumeration.

Witnessing the ceremony were JTFB’s Commander, MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP, COL NOE ALBERTO Q PEÑAFIEL, Brigade Commander of 903rd Brigade and other officers of JTFB.

Division Public Affairs Office 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Joash Pramis
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 9ID
Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Cell number: 09151434816
email: dpao.9id.pa@gmail.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Kalinaw News: Locals Rescue Wounded Teenage NPA, Surrenders High-powered Firearm

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 12, 2019): Locals Rescue Wounded Teenage NPA, Surrenders High-powered Firearm

ASUNCION, DDN – Following a series of encounters last Sunday (September 8) which killed two (2) CPP-NPA terrorists at the boundary hinterlands of Agusan Sur and Compostela Valley, a teenage CPP-NPA member was rescued by the tribal bagani group at Brgy El Katipunan, Laak, Compostela Valley Province and immediately brought to the satellite Balik-Loob Assistance Center of the 60th Infantry Battalion at Brgy. Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

Alias James was wandering alone in Brgy El Katipunan when the tribal bagani group of the said barangay found him. The bagani said they approached James because they weren’t familiar with him and because the latter looked shaken. Upon checking on James, they saw that he had a wound in his left hand which they soon realized was sustained from a gunshot.

James told the tribal bagani that he was a member of the Weakened Guerilla Front 3 (WGF3) under the Sub-regional Committee 4 of the CPP-NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee who was encountered by the joint operating troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion and the 25th Infantry Battalion on Sunday. He also confirmed that they were the same terrorist group the tribal bagani of Sta. Emilia, Laak, CVP fought against last August 26.

Upon initial interview, James revealed that he had been on the run since their last encounter with the government troops. He had been walking aimlessly for almost three days without proper sleep or meals until he realized that his only chance at survival is if he voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.

Accordingly, James fled the encounter site with his M16 rifle and later decided that he would surrender it to the authorities. James, however, had to hide it somewhere so he could find help without causing alarm.

James later helped the authorities retrieve the said high-powered firearm.

James admitted that he was first terrified when he learned that the group helping him were members of the tribal bagani of El Katipunan since he could still recall how another tribal group attacked them in Sta. Emilia just several weeks back.

But he was surprised when the bagani told him that they would instead help him surrender to the authorities without incident. He said he got more convinced that he was already safe when—once inside the 60IB Balik-Loob Assistance Center—the first thing the soldier did was ask him if he had already eaten. The soldier also treated his wound and gave him fresh clothes.

James said he does not regret surrendering to the authorities but instead felt sorry for his terrorist comrades who continue to risk their lives for a lost cause.

Aside from the military, local defense groups such as the tribal bagani, CAFGU active auxiliaries, barangay police and civilian volunteer organizations have been actively patrolling the vicinities of the affected locale for any signs of the fleeing communist terrorist’s presence.

Meanwhile, around 400 families have evacuated from the different affected barangays of Loreto and Veruela, both of Agusan Sur, and Laak of Comval Province and their respective local government units have been providing for their needs since the beginning of the hostilities.

OPEN ARMS

“This incident, while gruesome to some extent, gave us an opportunity to show that our government means business. Under our legal mandate, we will continue to pursue and destroy those who insist on terrorizing our communities. But for those who wish to surrender so they can rejoin their families and start leading peaceful and productive lives, we assure them that they will be welcomed with open arms,” Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, Commander of the 60th Infantry Battalion said.

After a formal validation process, James may be qualified to receive benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). He may also receive cash remuneration for his surrendered firearm.

Division Public Affairs Office 10th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Jerry Lamosao
Chief, DPAO 10th Infantry Division
Mawab, Compostela Valley
09154962407

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Kalinaw News: 6 Arrested in joint military, police operation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 11, 2019): 6 Arrested in joint military, police operation

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Six were arrested in a joint military and police operation Pikit town of North Cotabato at early dawn yesterday (September 9, 2019).

The operation was conducted by Joint Task Force Central’s 7th Infantry Battalion and North Cotabato Provincial Field Unit of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-12 against the suspected criminal elements thriving in the area.

At around 2:00 a.m., the operating government troops served search warrants at Barangay Inug-ug of Pikit town and arrested 6 suspected criminals.

The suspects are tagged to be involved in gun-for-hire, car napping and extortion activities in the town and its neighboring personalities. They were identified as Toto Panares 34 yrs old, Ibrahim Guimalan, 33 yrs old, Jonathan Batunga 18 yrs old, Ibrahim Katogan, 20 yrs old, Bohari Katogan, 20 yrs, and Kus Minga, 59 yrs old, all are residents of Brgy Inug-ug who are also believed to be members of the armed lawless group.

Government authorities confiscated two M16 rifles, M1 Garand rifle – 1, homemade caliber .30 rifle, two M19 pistols, hand grenade, bolo knife, assorted magazines, and assorted ammunition.

“The arrest of this armed lawless group will help in the on-going investigation of increasing number shooting incidents and other form of criminalities in Pikit ,” said Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon.“I commend our government troops involved in the operation for their dedication in working to squeeze crime in JTF Central area of responsibility,” the Commander added.

Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Kalinaw News: Army, PNP Troops awarded in defending community post in Butuan City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 11, 2019): Army, PNP Troops awarded in defending community post in Butuan City

Bancasi, Butuan City – Col Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander attended on September 9, 2019 an Awarding Ceremony initiated by PRO13 in connection with the recent gallant and courageous stand of the joint forces of PNP and Army personnel in Station 5 of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO), against the undetermined number of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) believed to be members of Guerilla Front (GF) 4A of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) on September 6, 2019 around 11:45 o’clock in the evening in Purok 5, Brgy San Mateo this city.

PRO 13 Regional Director Gilbert DC Cruz led the awarding to 19 personnel of BCPO Station 5 and Butuan City Mobile Force Company and 6 troops of 23IB under the 402nd Infantry Brigade who successfully defended their Community Post in the said Brgy.

According to Police Lieutenant Rannel Caya, BCPO Station 5 Officer In Charge, the CNTs prepositioned more than 200 meters distance from the station and conducted nuisance intermittent fires even with the presence of civilians that lasted for 5 minutes.

Commanding Officer of 23IB, Lt Col Francisclo Molina and City Director Police Colonel Albert G Magno of Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) together with Ms Joan Baker representing Hon Ronnie Vincent Lagnada, City Mayor of Butuan City also witnessed the said activity in support to the exemplary performance of the Army and PNP personnel.

Police Brigadier General Gilbert DC Cruz in his speech said, “Hindi Police station ang dinepensahan sa nangyaring insidente kundi ipinaglaban at prinotektahan nila ang mamamayan ng isang kumunidad. Ang ipinapakita dito sa seremonyang ito ay isang regular na pagkilala sa mga nagawang maganda sa pagseserbisyo. Sana ito ay mas magbigay ng inspirasyon sa inyo na ipagpatuloy ang sinumpaang tungkulin”.

Meanwhile, Col Licudine in his statement lamented that the CNTs did not even care about the welfare and safety of the people. “The CNT’s themselves are the ones exposing their true color. Putting innocent civilians in danger, with complete disregard to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) contrary to their claim of being the “soldier of the masses.”

“We congratulate the Army and PNP personnel of BCPO Station 5 and Mobile Force Company for always being ready to defend the people and the community. We shall not let our guards down and continue to intensify our monitoring to negate similar hostile acts of the terroristic plans of the CNTs. We reiterate our call to the remaining CNT’s to lay down their arms and abandon the lost cause resulting to 50 years of fear and terror to our people and derailing progress and development in the countryside”, Col Licudine ended. The activity ended with the distribution of basketball to the children of said barangay and the traditional boodle fight together with the PNP, Army, Brgy Officials and other civilian residents.

402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT FRANCISCO P GARELLO JR (INF) PA
402nd Bde Civil Military Operations Officer
Contact Number:0915-054-3439/0948-641-6783
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[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Kalinaw News: MGen Dolina: Just and lasting peace is within reach with the decommissioning of RPA-ABB combatants

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 11, 2019): MGen Dolina: Just and lasting peace is within reach with the decommissioning of RPA-ABB combatants

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – 310 former combatants of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) from eight Peace Development Community (PDC) sites in Western Visayas gathered at Headquarters, 3 rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division on September 08, 2019, Sunday.

MGen Dinoh Dolina, the Commander of the Army’s 3ID warmly welcomed the former rebels who are set to undergo decommissioning process starting September 16. “With the bold move of the RPA-ABB to make true to its promise to surrender their firearms and took full allegiance with the government, we are seeing that the just and lasting peace in Negros and Panay is within reach. They are now our partners in building a more progressive and developed Region 6,” MGen Dolina stressed.

As part of the decommissioning process, these former rebels will be at
Headquarters, 3ID for 2 months to undergo training that conforms military standard and will be given government issued firearms to become Special Civilian Active Auxiliary as another component in the peace and security operations in their respective localities.

RPA-ABB currently known as Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan signed a peace agreement with the government in 2000 and though it took almost two decades for it to be realized, finally, it’s been proven that peace is not just an elusive dream but an achievable vision which can be attained through localized peace talks.

Decommissioning is one of the five components of Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) to the 2000 Peace Agreement, formulated in consultation with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade and Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Lipunan
(RPMP/RPA/ABB-TPG/KAPATIRAN). The CID was agreed by various national government agencies.

This is a classic example of a successful localized peace talk and a breakthrough to the government’s peace campaign that manifests its sincerity of helping those who took the wrong path but chose to go back to the fold of the law.

KAPATIRAN is composed of members of the former rebel group which separated from the CPP-NPA in 1996 after denouncing Jose Maria Sison’s violent and bloody ideology. The group entered peace negotiations in 1999 and signed a peace agreement in 2000.

On March 26, a dialogue with the group was initiated by 3ID in the presence of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Glavez Jr., where the members of the group committed to fulfill the components of the CID specifically the disposition of firearms and forces.

During the dialogue, Veronica Tabara, Chairperson of the KAPATIRAN ensured the full transformation of her members and gave assurance to continue to help the people and the government in attaining genuine peace in their communities.

In line with this, Commander, 3ID is appealing to the leaders of the other local communist groups in the region to take a cue from the RPA-ABB of talking to their government so that valid issues will be resolved in peaceful ways. “It has been proven that armed struggle is not the answer to your causes. Denounce your national leaders for they only feed you nothing but misery and poverty while they are living lavish lifestyle in the cities. Laydown your arms, return to the folds of law, talk to your government and be our partners in drawing a common solution of ending violence that affects every Filipino people,” Dolina added.

Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
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Kalinaw News: Five NPA in Zambo Norte surrenders, yields firearms and explosives

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 11, 2019): Five NPA in Zambo Norte surrenders, yields firearms and explosives

CAMP SANG-ANG, Labangan, ZDS – Five members of Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) surrendered to Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion at their Headquarters in Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

“The five surrenderees also yielded one Browning automatic rifle, one M1 Garand rifle and eight anti-tank improvised explosives”, said Lt. Col. John Andrada, Battalion Commander of 97IB.

“The surrender of the five CNTs is a product of the fruitful information dissemination that encouraged them to return to folds of the law and we will help them enroll and benifit with the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government”, he added.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, Commander of 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade who operationally controlled the 97th IB said that, “We are gaining grounds and our relentless military operation in our area pressured them to surrender”.

“With their surrender, we hoped that they can encouraged some of their comrades to follow their path for them to benefit the programs of the government”, Nicolas added.

Custodial debriefing is still ongoing as of this posting.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops and the local government for the successful surrender of the CNTs.

“The stern leadership of the RTF-ELCAC 9 and PTF-ELCAC of Zamboanga del Norte resulted into this successful surrender,” Ancan added.

“Your Army together with all the government instrumentalities and stakeholders will continue to work together in order to defeat the CNTs and to attain just and sustainable peace in Western Mindanao,” added Ancan.

Source:  102nd Infantry Brigade

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/five-npa-in-zambo-norte-surrenders-yields-firearms-and-explosives/

OPAPP: Good governance, convergence of efforts, key to ending communist insurgency

Posted to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Sep,11, 2019): Good governance, convergence of efforts, key to ending communist insurgency

SAN FERNANDO CITY, PAMPANGA — Peace can never be a singular effort. In order to achieve it, the implementation of a “Whole-of-Nation” Approach is needed.

At the heart of this approach is good governance, coupled with the dynamic participation of residents in communities. This will be the key in addressing the scourge of communist insurgency in the country.

Peace, a shared responsibility

This was the prevailing theme during the two-day “Regional Convergence Planning Workshop to Craft the Cluster Implans and Action Plans” held here at the Kingsborough International Convention Center.

“Keeping the peace is a shared responsibility, for without us having ownership of it, peace can never be achieved,” said retired Brigadier General Abraham Casis, representing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in his remarks during the event.



Member agencies of the 12 Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) III clusters convened to craft implementation plans (IMPLANs), which were grouped into three categories: local governance and development, legal and intelligence operations, and peace, security and justice.

The outputs of the convergence workshop will then be presented during the second meeting of the RTF-ELCAC III later in September to be attended by members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

“There is no more fitting time to continuously plan and implement solutions to the communist insurgency than this month, which is the Peace Month,” Casis said, adding, “Kailangan po realistic ang ating mga programa, and these programs, they will be worthless if we cannot implement them.”

The workshop also aimed to mainstream and operationalize the provisions of Executive Order No. 70 in order to harmonize the implementation of national government agencies’ programs and projects in target communities based on a Whole-of-Nation Approach.

Closing the gap

According to Director Rolando Asuncion, Regional Director for Central Luzon of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and Deputy Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) III, the national government’s anti-communist insurgency efforts need to address two main targets.

“Ano ba ang gusto nating mangyari? Hindi ba, to end local communist armed conflict? Dalawang (components) ho ‘yun — to reduce the current threats and to prevent recruitment and recurrence of the same to close the gap (between the two), that will be the principal target of convergence,” Asuncion pointed out.

He stressed the government cannot resolve the communist insurgency by itself and needs the full support of all stakeholders.

“There is a need for solidarity and cooperation, of not only us from the bureaucracy, but among the different sectors of society,” Asuncion said.

The 12 ELCAC clusters consist of: Local Government Empowerment; Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Infrastructure and Resource Management; Sectoral Unification, Capacity-Building, Empowerment and Mobilization; International Engagement; Legal Cooperation; Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management; Strategic Communications; Local Peace Engagement; EClip/Amnesty Program, and; Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support.

The two-day workshop was attended by representatives from the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Information Agency, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, Department of Health, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Agrarian Reform, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of National Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Labor and Employment. ###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/09/good-governance-convergence-of-efforts-key-to-ending-communist-insurgency/

MILF: TWG to prepare for smooth transfer of 63 North Cotabato Villages to BARMM

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 12, 2019): TWG to prepare for smooth transfer of 63 North Cotabato Villages to BARMM

TWG FORMATION. North Cotabato Board Member Kelly Antao speaks during the first-ever meeting on Tuesday (Sept. 10) of the Technical Working Group at the North Cotabato provincial capitol in Kidapawan City for the smooth transfer of jurisdiction of the province’s 63 villages to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PIO)
Sultan, Kudarat, Maguindanao–North Cotabato Vice Governor Emmylou Mendoza, serving as acting governor, met with BARMM representatives at the provincial Capitol in Amas, Kidapawan City on Tuesday to create the first Provincial Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with laying down the mechanism of transition for the 63 villages from North Cotabato to BARMM, said a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA) on September 11.

Present during the meeting together with Mendoza were Provincial Interior and Local Government Officer Ali Abdullah, Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, BARMM DILG Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, and North Cotabato municipal officials of the towns of Aleosan, Pikit, Carmen, Kabacan, Pigcawayan, and Midsayap where the 63 villages are situated, the PNA report said.

Mendoza said town mayors and their respective local government officers will regularly meet to lay down implementing guidelines for the smooth transfer of governance.

It is recalled that during the plebiscite held early this year, the 63 villages, all Muslim-majority areas in six North Cotabato towns voted for inclusion to the BARMM.

BARMM Parliament is contemplating for the enactment of a bill that would form another province with four towns comprising the 63 villages.

The creation of BARMM is contained in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the GPH and the MILF Peace Panels in 2014 leading to the passage of R.A. No. 11054 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in August 2018.

BARMM is composed of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1898/twg-to-prepare-for-smooth-transfer-of-63-north-cotabato-villages-to-barmm

MILF: Editorial -Decommissioning not tantamount to surrendering

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 12, 2019): Editorial -Decommissioning not tantamount to surrendering

“We are not surrendering. Decommissioning is not tantamount to surrendering,”

Thus declared Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), during the ceremony for the decommissioning of 1,060 combatants and 920 weapons of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held at the gymnasium of the Old Provincial Capitol in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on September 7.

The weapons were turned over to the custody of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB)

“I would like to emphasize the decommissioning does not mean we have given up what we used to fight for,” Ebrahim said.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPPRU) saiddecommissioning is a clear testament of the MILF’S desire to sustain the gains of the peace process, President Duterte’s political will and unwavering commitment to fulfill all signed peace agreements.

“As we proceed with the decommissioning process, let me assure our MILF combatants that the government will assist you as you reintegrate into society and enjoy fruitful and productive civilian lives,” said President Rodrigo Duterte during the ceremony.

As provided in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF 'agree that normalization is vital to the peace process. It is through normalization that communities can return to conditions where they can achieve their desired quality of life, which includes the pursuit of sustainable livelihoods and political participation within a peaceful deliberative society.'

'The aim of normalization, according to the FAB, is to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro. Normalization helps build a society that is committed to basic human rights where individuals are free from fear of violence or crime and where long-held traditions and value continue to be honored. Human security embraces a wide range of issues that would include violation of human and civil rights, social and political injustice and impunity,' the FAB further provides.

It is for this reason that 'the MILF shall undertake a graduated program for decommissioning of its forces so that they are put beyond use.'

The GPH and the MILF signed the FAB in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 15, 2012.

What is Decommissioning? Decommissioning is the process of putting the weapons of the MILF beyond use and the process of allowing a smooth transition for MILF combatants to productive life which shall be parallel and commensurate with the redeployment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and dismantling of Private Armed Groups (PAGs) and other aspects of the peace agreements.

What is the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB)? The Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) is the body tasked to oversee the decommissioning of the MILF weapons and forces, chaired by the expert from the Republic of Turkey with members made up of one expert each from the Kingdom of Norway and Brunei Darussalam, and four local experts jointly nominated by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF. The IDB shall conduct verification, registration, validation and inventory of weapons and forces of the MILF.

It is worth mentioning here that the word ‘surrender’ is never found in the peace agreements signed by the GPH and the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1899/decommissioning-not-tantamount-to-surrendering

CPP/NDF-Bikol: Mensahe ng Pakikiisa ng NDF-Bikol sa Pista ng Penafrancia

NDF-Bikol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 12, 2019): Mensahe ng Pakikiisa ng NDF-Bikol sa Pista ng Penafrancia

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

Mahigpit na nakikiisa ang NDF-Bikol sa pamibi ng sambayanan para sa katarungan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Sa ilang siglong pagdiriwang ng pista ng Penafrancia, naging dulugan si Ina sa nagkakaisang panalangin ng masang Bikolano at mga deboto sa loob at labas ng bansa para sa tunay na kaunlaran, katarungan at kapayapaan.

Buong tatag na sinuong ni Ina ang hirap at sakit upang mailigtas ang kanyang anak sa pangmamasaker ni Herodes sa libu-libong bata matapos mapabalita na isinilang na ang Tagapagligtas. Ibinuhos ni Ina ang kanyang pagkalinga sa kanyang anak at pinalaki itong mulat sa hirap at pagdurusa ng abang masa ng kanilang panahon. At sa huli, sa paanan ng pasakit na krus ay taas noo niyang pinagpugayan ang kanyang rebolusyonaryong anak na buong-lugod naglingkod upang wakasan ang pagsasamantala at pang-aapi sa lipunang alipin.

Dumudulog ngayon ang mamamayan sa Ina ng Tagapagligtas. Daan-libong pamilya ang hikahos sa kabuhayan dulot ng mabibigat na buwis at matataas na presyo ng mga bilihin sa kabila ng mababang pasahod at mababang presyo ng palay, kopra at abaka. Nagnangalit ang taumbayan sa tuluy-tuloy na pagdanak ng dugo sa ilalim ng pasista at tiranikong paghahari ng makabagong Herodes na si Duterte.

Sa tatlong taong pamumuno ni Duterte, 92 Bikolano na naitatalang biktima ng ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang maliban pa sa ilang libong “nanlabang” biktima ng tahasang pagkitil ng buhay ng Oplan Tokhang. Mahigit sa tatlong libo ang biktima ng pambabanta, pananakot at pandarahas ng mga ahente ng estado. Ang katarungan, sa ilalim ng pasistang rehimen, ay nakalaan lamang para sa mga naghaharing-uri at kanyang mga kasapakat. Binuo na rin ni Duterte ang kanyang sibilyang junta at pormal nang itinatag ang Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) sa rehiyon bilang pagsasakatuparan ng EO 70 at Whole-Of-Nation Approach. Magkasunod ding binuo ang Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sa Camarines Norte at Camarines Sur.

Ang pista ng Penafrancia ang isa sa mga nagbibigay-hugis sa nagkakaisang hangarin ng mamamayan upang makamit ang katarungan, kalayaan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Noong September 17, 1898 saksi si Ina sa pagningas ng digma ng masang Bikolano laban sa Espanyol.

Bilang mga tunay na anak ng bayan, muling pagtitibayin ng masang Bikolano ang kanilang pananampalataya at panata kay Inang mapagpalaya. Makakaasa si Ina at lahat ng inang mapagkalinga, na ang kanilang mga anak ay magpapatuloy sa landas ng rebolusyon.

https://cpp.ph/statement/mensahe-ng-pakikiisa-ng-ndf-bikol-sa-pista-ng-penafrancia/

CPP/CNL-Bikol: Pamibi ng Masang Bikolano sa Mahal na Birhen ng Penafrancia para sa Katarungan at Pangmatagalang Kapayapaan

Christians for National Liberation (CNL)-Bikol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 12, 2019): Pamibi ng Masang Bikolano sa Mahal na Birhen ng Penafrancia para sa Katarungan at Pangmatagalang Kapayapaan

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION - BIKOL
SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

Mahal na Ina, Patrona ng Kabikulan,

Pagpalain mo kami ng inyong proteksyon mula sa tiranikong nagpapahirap, nanggigipit at umaalipin sa sambayanan.

Sa bawat sulok ng rehiyon, tumatangis ang sambayanan dahil sa sumisidhing krisis. Ipinapaubaya ng tirano sa kanyang mga alipures ang malalawak na lupaing linikha ng Amang Diyos at matagal nang ipinaglalaban at linilinang ng taumbayan. Gaano man katinding pagpapagal, patuloy na dumarami ang kumakalam na tiyan. Silang mga kasapakat ng tirano at mapagsamantalang kapitalista at malalaking panginoong maylupa na walang araw na nagbilad sa gitna ng kabukiran ang masibang nakikinabang mula sa aming lakas-paggawa at likas-yaman ng bayan.

Mahal na Ina, bigyan mo ng kami ng lakas para sa aming mga tunguhin. Sa bawat araw na lumilipas, pinapaslang, tinutugis at dinudusta ng mga ahente ng estado yaong walang hiningi kundi ang kanilang mga batayang karapatan.

Mahal na Ina, bigyan mo kami ng katatagan para sa aming paninindigan. Ipinapangako naming walang tunay na anak ng Diyos – anak ng bayan – ang makikipagsabwatan kay Duterte at kanyang pangkatin.

Mahal na Ina, bigyan mo ng liwanag ang aming mga kapatid na sundalo at pulis upang mabuksan ang kanilang isipan sa tamang landas ng pagsisilbi sa bayan. Nawa’y maunawaan nilang hindi tunay na sakripisyo at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa ang pagiging tuta ng mga naghaharing-uri. Ibukas mo ang kanilang mga isipan tungo sa landas ng kanilang mga tunay na kapanalig. Sila’y aming kapatid at kababayan at tulad din naming dinukha at inalipusta ng lipunan.

Mahal na Ina, dinggin mo ang aming paglaban. Dinggin mo ang mga sigaw sa lansangan at ang dagundong ng kanayunan. Nakakuyom ang aming kamao’t namamanatang ipaglalaban ang bayan at masa para matamasa ang tunay na kalayaan, katarungan at kaunlaran.

Ikaw, Mahal na Ina, ang aming huwaran sa pagmamalasakit sa kapwa at walang pag-iimbot na pagmamahal. Ikaw din ay lumisan sa iyong tahanan at tumawid ng mga bayan upang ipagtanggol ang anak ng Diyos laban sa mga tirano. Sa ngalan ng Ama at ng anak at ng Espiritu Santo, pagpalain mo po ng katatagan ang Sambayanang Pilipino. Amen.

https://cpp.ph/statement/pamibi-ng-masang-bikolano-sa-mahal-na-birhen-ng-penafrancia-para-sa-katarungan-at-pangmatagalang-kapayapaan/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: P300-million fund for development cannot conceal the fascist and terrorist character of RTF-ELCAC

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 12, 2019): P300-million fund for development cannot conceal the fascist and terrorist character of RTF-ELCAC

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

DICT Sec. Gringo Honasan may brandish the P300-million fund for socioeconomic projects, but this will not hide the fascist and terrorist character of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC). No amount of money can ever parallel the value of civil rights and the people’s sovereignty, and the Bikolano masses will surely never surrender these to the fascist and terrorist US-Duterte regime.

In the formal creation of RTF-ELCAC last August 19-20 in Legazpi City, Albay, Honasan, one of the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development (CORD) Bikol, boastfully proclaimed that good governance, the delivery of health services, food, clothing and housing will curb insurgency in the region. True, for the longest time, these are things that the people been longing for. Is it proper to demand gratefulness and expect the masses to renounce their other civil rights in return for basic social services that, in the first place, are rightfully theirs?

Isn’t it the responsibility of the state to faithfully administer the people’s treasury – the fruit of the people’s toil and sacrifice? But what socioeconomic development will come from a fund that is not even enough to give a kilo of rice to more than five million Bikolanos? What can a few tabs of pain killers, free circumcision and haircuts and dance fairs do in the brunt of the Rice Tariffication Law and TRAIN Law?

In the formation of RTF-ELCAC, the US-Duterte regime will use the whole civilian bureaucracy and the people’s treasury to push and to fund an all-out war with the masses as a main target. The 83rd IB and Philippine Air Force (PAF) welcomed the creation of the RTF-ELCAC with the bombing and strafing of Brgy. Lidong, Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Those who truly defend and fight for the interests of the people are hunted down and murdered. Members of nationalist and progressive organizations are continuously being harassed, threatened and tagged as terrorists. All forms of struggle and airing out of legitimate grievances are considered crimes.

Masked between Honasan’s flowery words and sweet promises is the true face of RTF-ELCAC—a gang of corrupt grave diggers. The damage to the life and livelihood of the Bikolano masses brought on by RTF-ELCAC will surpass the combined losses of a storm and a mountain’s eruption.

The Filipinos are conscious that they can only rise from poverty once they overthrow the rotten and oppressive system that RTF-ELCAC rose from and protects. NDF-Bikol strongly calls on the Filipino people, especially the Bikolanos, to fight the RTF-ELCAC and all its efforts to suppress the people’s struggle. Bribes and alms can never restrain the fair and just struggle of the people.

Frustrate MO32 and EO70!

Fight the RTF-ELCAC!

Overthrow the US-Duterte regime!

https://cpp.ph/statement/p300-million-fund-for-development-cannot-conceal-the-fascist-and-terrorist-character-of-rtf-elcac/

CPP/NPA-Negros: RPA-ABB perfect example of capitulation and collaboration, must be disbanded and condemned

NPA-Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 12, 2019): RPA-ABB perfect example of capitulation and collaboration, must be disbanded and condemned

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

The surrender of firearms of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) last September 8 is nothing but a farce. The truth of the matter is this: the RPA-ABB has long been co-opted by the reactionary regime and is being used by Duterte’s minions to glamorize their futile efforts to end the Philippine Revolution.

The RPA-ABB already signed a peace pact with the Estrada government in 2000. In January 2002, the Arroyo administration recognized them as a paramilitary unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). In March 2010, the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee (JEMC) with the Tabara-Paduano Group adopted a Strategic Action Plan which defined the concrete activities and all deliverables of the Peace Agreement which included the provision on disposition of firearms and forces. The succeeding Aquino administration set aside P100M for socio-economic projects for the group. And now, the Duterte regime alloted P500M for the transition plan which includes social protection programs, livelihood and employment assistance and such. Even more comical is that the RPA-ABB allegedly surrendered their firearms in exchange for government-issued ones as soon as they complete the 45-day candidacy training of the Community Defense Unit.

Theirs is not an example of a successful implementation of localized peace engagement but a perfect example of capitulation and collaboration. The entry of RPA-ABB leader and Abang Lingkod Partylist Representative Stephen “Carapali” Paduano into mainstream politics is proof that they are coddled by landlords in Negros. The huge amount of funds allocated by the reactionary government is up for corruption especially by the top ranks in the AFP and PNP and government officials.

There is nothing revolutionary with the RPA-ABB. They are nothing but renegades turned bandits and armed mercenaries involved in heinous crimes and other anti-people activities. As paramilitary of the AFP, they are further emboldened to commit unbridled abuses. It is public knowledge that they are behind several atrocities in Negros. The brutal massacre of 9 farmers in Sagay last October 2018 was their handiwork. They serve as private goons of big, despotic landlords and businessmen in grabbing vast tracts of lands from peasants. They have a long history of harassment and killings of innocent civilians and progressive militant leaders not only in Negros but also in other areas where they operate. They have become a willing machinery of the reactionary state for “counter-insurgency” and extra-judicial killings.

The people can easily unmask this charade. What the RPA-ABB deserves is disbandment and condemnation. They must be made to answer to their crimes against the people.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/rpa-abb-perfect-example-of-capitulation-and-collaboration-must-be-disbanded-and-condemned/

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: Duterte regime masterminds paid jailbreak, persecutes communist leaders to ensure government of criminals

NDF-Ilocos propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 12, 2019): Duterte regime masterminds paid jailbreak, persecutes communist leaders to ensure government of criminals

KA ROSA GUIDON

TAGAPAGSALITA

NDFP ILOCOS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 12, 2019

Almost simultaneous with the Duterte regime’s underhanded release of 2,000 financially able but convicted criminals through a reported bidding process conducted by no less than the Bureau of Corrections, Duterte minions are now hunting members of the revolutionary organization on the basis of a rehashed narrative about Communist purging.

Such is the public outcry about the Duterte-masterminded prison break that the administration needed additional smokescreen to allow the convicts, especially itself, more time to get away. It is convenient for Rodrigo Duterte that the clichéd story of a Communist mass grave in Leyte did not gain ground in 2007 thus rendering it recyclable.

But Duterte’s unoriginal efforts at diversion, even his supposed ‘deliberation’ to ask for Corrections Chief Nicanor Faeldon’s resignation, were both epic failures. This was not even the first time he cleared the way for a criminal’s escape route. For example, despite displays of anger and issuances of death threats, the drug lords he named such as Peter Lim and Kerwin Espinosa were still at large. His administration merely went through the motions of prosecuting drug syndicate bosses but still allowed them their freedom.

With imperialist China’s aggressions, Duterte responded the same way. In June, a Chinese sea vessel collided with a Filipino fishing boat and left its crew and passengers in the middle of the ocean. Duterte merely belittled the deliberate hit-and-run incident and lifted not a finger for the foreign perpetrators’ apprehension.

What he succeeded at, instead, was exposing his plan to establish a government of criminals where he would be absolute king. Even the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos stopped at keeping cronies and loyalists around himself. Duterte, on the other hand, had to pool his fan base from convicted felons while earning a little cash on the side. He did not care about these criminals’ victims and their families who struggled to attain justice. Yet, when he was frothing in the mouth with tirades and expletives against those that abused illegal drugs, he dared use the victims of drug-related crimes to summarily designate drug users as the scourge of society; thus justifying the murder of some 20,000 minor drug offenders.

Duterte’s inconsistencies betrayed where his true interests lie. He is neither the fabled Robin Hood that he painted himself to be nor the ‘Tatay Digong’ persona he used to connect with the masses. He is but a gang leader of rich and powerful criminals.

AS HE PROJECTS HIMSELF TO BE A KINGPIN, Duterte exerts every effort to crush the revolutionary organization. The Communist movement in the Philippines is the biggest threat to his bubble of a kingdom; thus the hackneyed black propaganda about purging and the persecution of National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultant Jose Maria Sison. Malacañang Palace Spokesperson Salvador Panelo’s seemingly benign invitation for him to come home is but a double image of Duterte’s barefaced affectation of ignorance regarding the paid-for jailbreak.

The Filipino people will not be fooled by such duplicity. Instead, it will continue the struggle for justice and gain victories like the triumph of Rachel Mariano’s release last week after a year of unfair incarceration. She and many others in Ilocos region have been victims of vilification and terrorist-tagging because of their activism.

The struggle for her freedom embodies each and all victims’ struggle for justice. When the Bureau of Corrections itself, with fingerprints of the Chief-of-Staff’s go-ahead, proves itself to be corrupt and untrustworthy, the struggle for fairness becomes an uphill battle. Indeed, only through the establishment of revolutionary organs of democratic political power will justice truly be served.

The nationalist and democratic demand for Duterte’s ouster, resonated by other progressive forces nationwide, is gaining momentum locally and abroad. It will not be long before the Filipino people serve him his due and he will sit behind bars, not as an overlord, but like the common lowly criminal that he truly is. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-regime-masterminds-paid-jailbreak-persecutes-communist-leaders-to-ensure-government-of-criminals/

WESTMINCOM: Army officer: “We are gaining grounds”

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Sep 11, 2019): Army officer: “We are gaining grounds”



With the surrender of five communist terrorists in Zamboanga del Norte yesterday, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Leonel Nicolas said, “We are gaining grounds and our relentless military operation in the area pressured them to surrender.”



“With their surrender, we hope that they can encouraged their comrades to follow their path for them to benefit the programs of the government,” Col. Nicolas added.

Five NPA members yielded to the troops of the 97th Infantry Battalion at their headquarters in Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte yesterday, September 10, 2019.



Subject surrenderors also turned over one Browning automatic rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, and eight anti-tank improvised explosives.

“The surrender of the five CNTs is a product of the fruitful information dissemination that encouraged them to return to the folds of the law and we will help them enroll and benefit in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” said 97IB commander, Lt. Col. John Andrada.

Meanwhile, JTF ZamPeLan commander, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan acknowledged the sterling leadership of the RTF-ELCAC 9 and PTF-ELCAC of Zamboanga del Norte that led to the successful surrender of said NPA members.

“Western Mindanao Command stands firm in bringing about safety and security in its area of operations,” said WestMinCom commander, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

“While we intensify our operations in critical areas, we are more than willing to facilitate and encourage peaceful mechanisms to address the security concerns in Central and Western Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/army-officer-we-are-gaining-grounds/

WESTMINCOM: Young LTG combatant yields in LDS

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Sep 11, 2019): Young LTG combatant yields in LDS



A young Local Terrorist Group member yielded to the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion at the unit’s Advanced Command Post in Barangay Poblacion Bayabao, Butig, Lanao del Sur at 12 noon today, September 11.



Amer Ador Gandawali, 19 and a resident of Barangay Sandab of same municipality, handed over one Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) Heap and its launcher.

The successful surrender was facilitated by the 49IB’s Charlie Company, MILF JCMP representative Maliksaif Masjeda, and the local officials of Butig.

“We are delighted that more militants are now returning to the mainstream of society. It is but a greater achievement to end terrorism in a peaceful way than engaging in armed confrontations,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Gandawali was a member of the group under former LTG sub-leader Ali Amintao, a.k.a While Lawaan, who fought the government forces during a focused military operation conducted by the 103rd Brigade in 2016.

“With our strong collaboration with other line agencies and stakeholders, we are confident that significant headway can be achieved in our quest for peace and stability in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/young-ltg-combatant-yields-in-lds/

'Absurd': Why build China-backed telco towers in military camps?

From Rappler (Sep 13, 2019): 'Absurd': Why build China-backed telco towers in military camps?

A senator and a security expert say the deal exposes the Philippine military to Chinese spying at a time when other countries are shunning Chinese technology companies



DENNIS UY AND THE TOP BRASS. Military chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. (3rd-right), Mislatel president and CEO Dennis Uy (3rd-left), Maj. Gen. Adrian Sanchez (2nd-right) and Mislatel chief administrative officer Adel Tamayo (2nd-right) lead the signing on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Opposition Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan slammed the deal entered into by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the Mislatel consortium allowing the Chinese-backed telco to set up equipment and infrastructure in military camps and installations.

“Why build these telco towers inside camps in the first place?”

Mislatel, which will roll out services in 2020 under the brand Dito Telecommunity, is funded by the Beijing-run China Telecom in the consortium.

“The Philippine government has not only allowed the Chinese telco on our soil, it has laid the red carpet for Dito Telecoms inside our military camps,” Pangilinan said in a statement on Thursday, September 12, a day after the AFP and Mislatel signed their agreement.

The Liberal Party president pointed out that companies controlled by the Chinese government are mandated to gather and provide intelligence – or to spy – for China.

Chapter 1, Article 7 of China’s National Intelligence Law states, "Any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with the state intelligence work in accordance with the law..."

Pangilinan said the deal "raises fears of electronic espionage and interference given the record of some Chinese firms for engaging in this illegal activity."
"Our security and foreign policies have become so absurd,” he added.

Siphoning information

Security and defense analyst Jose Antonio Custodio told Rappler that worries about China using Mislatel’s facilities to “siphon information” are valid.

“Beijing itself will be tanga (stupid) if they don’t take advantage of the arrangement,” Custodio said, adding that the security risk is obvious.

While many countries including the US are holding off on Chinese communication providers and technologies over security concerns, “here we are opening ourselves up, and in military camps of all places,” the former National Security Council consultant pointed out.

Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, the UK, and the US are among countries that have either banned or restricted the use of the Chinese company Huawei’s technology in their fifth generation or 5G networks to guard against Chinese spying.

The military has acknowledged the “vulnerability” that goes with the deal with Mislatel, but AFP chief of staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr said their intelligence units have ways of preventing espionage.

Besides, Madrigal said the other telcos Globe and Smart have similar arrangements with the AFP. They are, however, Filipino-owned private companies.

China, which controls China Telecom, disputes the Philippines’ sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, as it vies for an oil and gas exploration deal with the Duterte administration to split the resources from the Philippines’ western exclusive economic zone.

Unreliable ally

With the maritime dispute, violent extremism, and the communist insurgency on their plate, the AFP would spread itself even thinner by having to mind a cybersecurity threat within their own camps, Custodio said.

“From the Chinese perspective, they may perceive what happened as a gauge of their success in coopting elements from within the Philippine military,” he added.

Chinese presence in Philippine military bases would also make other countries wary of dealing with the AFP, especially the US, a treaty ally with rotational presence in several camps.

“We will come out as an unreliable ally,” said Custodio.

Both Pangilinan and Custodio pointed out that even Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana flagged the security threat from Chinese-dominated Philippine Online Gambling Operation (POGO) hubs near military bases.

"Paano pa itong nasa loob na mismo ng mga kampo?” Pangilinan asked. (What more this one that's inside the camps themselves?)

The deal between the AFP and Mislatel has yet to get Lorenzana’s formal approval.

Rappler sought comment from Lorenzana, who's abroad, but he has not responded.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239994-china-backed-telco-access-afp-camps-questioned

Peasant leader gunned down in Bukidnon

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Sep 12, 2019): Peasant leader gunned down in Bukidnon

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Another farmer was gunned down in Bukidnon, this time in San Fernando town, on Wednesday night (Sept. 11), the police said Thursday.

Police identified the victim as Leonides Bacong, 63 years old, married, and a resident of Barangay Little Baguio.Chief Master Sergeant Ric Ogoy, San Fernando police investigator on case, said two still unidentified suspects entered the victim’s house posing as visitors.

Ogoy said Bacong was with his wife and child when the assailants arrived at their residence.

“After a while, they had a short conversation with the victim, then one of the suspect shot the victim at close range with the use of unknown short firearm hitting the left portion of the victim’s neck,” the police report said.

The victim’s wife told investigators she heard the one of the suspects telling her husband they have something to tell him as he received the visitors inside the living room.

“When I entered the bedroom, that’s when I heard the shots,” Bacong’s wife was quoted as saying.

Ogoy said the gunmen fired three shots but only one of the bullets hit Bacong, in the neck. He did not reach the hospital alive.

“It appeared that the victim did not know the suspects. Even the wife did not identify them,” Ogoy said.

In a statement, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Northern Mindanao Region (KMP-NMR) said Bacong was a leader of the Bukidnon-based peasant group Kasama, the provincial chapter of the KMP.

The group said Bacong was the 15th victim of extrajudicial killing in Bukidnon so far this year.

“Brutal attacks against activists and rights advocates continue to intensify since Martial Law was imposed in Mindanao in 2017,” KMP-NMR noted.

Before Bacong’s assassination, tribal leader Leah Tumbalang was shot dead by two attackers in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on Aug. 23, 2019, the group said.

Tumbalang, a member of the Tigwahanon tribe from San Fernando, was also affiliated with the Kaugalingong Sistema Igpapasindog Tu Lumadnong Ogpaan (Kasilo), a lumad and peasant organization in the province, and a Bayan Muna organizer.

READ: Lumad leader, mother of seven, killed in Bukidnon

“Being a Lumad leader in their community, [Tumbalang] was at the forefront in fighting for their rights to ancestral land and self-determination,” KMP-NMR said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/peasant-leader-gunned-down-in-bukidnon/

NPA teen member survives clash, surrenders to Army

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 13, 2019): NPA teen member survives clash, surrenders to Army

An alleged teenage NPA member was rescued by the tribal bagani group in Barangay El Katipunan, Laak, Compostela Valley.

The said rebel was immediately brought to the satellite Balik-Loob Assistance Center of the 60th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday.

1Lt Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the Civil-Military Operations officer of the 60th IB, said alias James was wandering alone in El Katipunan when the tribal bagani group found him. They approached the teen because his face doesn’t look familiar and he appeared to be lost.

Upon checking on him, they realized that he sustained a gunshot wound.

James told the tribal bagani that he was a member of the Guerrilla Front 3 (WGF3) under the Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. The group encountered joint operating troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion and the 25th Infantry Battalion on Sunday, which saw two rebels killed.

He also confirmed that they were the same group the tribal bagani of Sta. Emilia, Laak, clashed with last Aug. 26.

James said he had been on the run since the encounter. He was wandering for three days without food or proper sleep. He realized that his only chance for survival is to surrender. He also led the soldiers to the area where he hid his M16 rifle.

His wounds were treated and was given food inside the Army headquarters.

Meanwhile, around 400 families evacuated from the different affected barangays of Loreto and Veruela, both of in Agusan del Sur and Laak of ComVal province.

Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, commander of the 60th Infantry Battalion, said the incident with the teen rebel, “while gruesome to some extent, gave us an opportunity to show that our government means business.”

“For those who wish to surrender so they can rejoin their families and start leading peaceful and productive lives, we assure them that they will be welcomed with open arms,” he said.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/13/npa-teen-member-survives-clash-surrenders-to-army/

Army bares gains on terrorism, insurgency in CagVal

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 12, 2019): Army bares gains on terrorism, insurgency in CagVal

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Philippine Army officials in Cagayan Valley said they are gaining the war against terrorism and insurgency with the surrender, capture and seizure of various armed personnel and other resources of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in the region.

Lt. Colonel Remigio Dulatre, commanding officer of the army’s 86 Infantry Batallion, 5th Infantry Division, said two NPA communists surrendered in April this year while their armed engagements in May 2019 in Isabela province resulted in the killing of three NPA communists and yielded various firearms, land mines and electronic accessories and subversive materials.

“We are strongly recommending the implementation of Executive Order 70 in creating a task force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) through the provincial level and to further cascade this to the municipal and barangay levels,” he said.

Lt. Colonel Remigio Dulatre, commanding officer of the army’s 86 Infantry Batallion, 5th Infantry Division, informs the media on their different activities in support to Executive Order No. 70. (PIA Photo)

Dulatre made the statement during the recent joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) meeting at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center in this town.

He said they are also recommending the declaration of the CPP/NPA-NDF as Persona – Non- Grata within the provincial and municipal legislative councils.

According to Dulatre, they also facilitated quick impact projects funded and implemented by the provincial government in Isabela such as Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) , irrigation improvements and other agricultural development projects, among others to help our farmers.

“These projects are badly needed by our villagers and farmers which were then being capitalized by the insurgents when these where not yet put in place,” he said.

Dulatre said voluntary surrender of communist rebels were also realized through massive information campaign in various barangays in Cagayan Valley.

“We continue to collaborate with our partner agencies of the government and other organizations to bring in the necessary services and programs and projects to our distressed barangays so that their poor situation will be improved further towards economic progress,” he added. (MDCT/ALM/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027171