‘Missing’ activist taken to police station in Quezon – Solcom

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): ‘Missing’ activist taken to police station in Quezon – Solcom



Alexandrea Pacalda (Photo from her Facebook account)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – The 23-year-old rights activist who was reported missing in Quezon province since Saturday by rights group Karapatan had been taken to a police station in General Luna town by Army soldiers.

Lt. Colonel. Dennis Cana, public information officer of the Southern Luzon Command based here in Camp Nakar, announced this on Sunday.

Alexandrea Pacalda, who was last seen in Barangay Magsaysay in General Luna, according to a statement missing by Karapatan-Quezon chapter.

READ: Rights activist reported missing in Quezon

“I’m clearing if she surrendered or was caught in pursuit operations,” Cana said in reply to a request for comment by the Inquirer.

It was not clear whether she was suspected of being a member of the communist New People’s Army.

Capt. Jun Balilo, chief of the General Luna Municipal Police Station, confirmed that the activist was at the police station.

“But she is still not yet under the police custody. The Army has yet to formally turn her over to us. I don’t know about the circumstances of her situation,” Balilo told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

In a statement issued earlier on Sunday, the Quezon chapter of Karapatan said: “Unverified information suggests that she [Pacalda] was brought to a military camp in Barangay San Miguel Dao, Lopez, Quezon.”

According to Karapatan, Pacalda was managing editor of The Luzonian, the official student publication of Manuel S. Enverga University in Lucena.

She Pacalda was also an active member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines and Gabriela-Youth.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1164935/missing-activist-taken-to-police-station-in-quezon-solcom

200 MNLF rebels nasabat, mga armas isinuko

From the Philippine Star Ngayon (Sep 16, 2019): 200 MNLF rebels nasabat, mga armas isinuko

Naharang ng militar at pulisya ang may 200 rebeldeng MNLF habang pumaparada sa daan bitbit ang kanilang mga malalakas na armas at bandila sa Buluan, Maguindanao sa gitna ng pinaiiral na martial law ng pamahalaan sa Mindanao kamakalawa.  Rhoderick Beñez


MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Nasa 200 kasapi ng Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) ang naharang ng mga awtoridad habang pumaparada sa Buluan, Maguindanao bitbit ang kanilang mga malalakas na armas sa gitna ng umiiral na martial law sa Mindanao kamakalawa.

Umalerto ang militar at pulisya nang makitang ilang hukbo ng mga kalalakihan na mga armado at ang iba ay naka-uniporme pa ng tulad sa mga gamit ng mga sundalo ang nagmamartsa sa lansangan na may dalang mga bandila kaya sila hinarang at sinita.

Agad hinanapan ng mga kaukulang dokumento ang mga miyembro ng MNLF pero bigo silang makapagprisinta kaya napilitan nilang isuko ang mga dalang armas sa Buluan gymnasium sa bayan ng Buluan, Maguindanao, Sabado ng tanghali.


Sa ulat ng 40th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army, alas-12:30 ng tanghali nang isuko ng mga rebeldeng MNLF ang kanilang mga armas nang maharang sila sa nasabing lugar.

Kabilang sa mga nakum­piskang armas ay ang 21 na M16, tatlong M14, isang Ultimax, dalawang M4A1 carbine, dalawang garand, isang bar, tatlong cal. 45, isang M203, isang M79, isang Springfield, isang carbine, mga bandoliers at magazines na puno ng bala.


Ayon sa pinagkakatiwalaang source, magsasagawa sana ng pagpupulong ang mga miyembro ng MNLF pero wala naman silang koordinasyon sa kinauukulan o sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Maguindanao. Kinuwestiyon din ang pagsusuot nila ng uniporme o damit ng sundalo at ang pagdadala ng mga armas gayung nasa ilalim ng martial law ang Mindanao.
https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/probinsiya/2019/09/16/1952286/200-mnlf-rebels-nasabat-mga-armas-isinuko

BARMM to ease return to govt of ex-BIFF rebels

From the Manila Times (Sep 16, 2019): BARMM to ease return to govt of ex-BIFF rebels

COTABATO CITY: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) officials gave assurances to help return to mainstream society former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunmen.

Army Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6th ID,) on Sunday said at least 14 members of an Islamic State-inspired group have started reintegrating into civilian life with the help of the military and the Bangsamoro government.

Alimudin Malang and his 13 followers in the BIFF who had operated in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS or IS) on Thursday turned over their firearms to Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo of the BARMM as they renounced their membership with the BIFF and promised to reform for good and will no longer fight against the government.

The symbolic event was held at Camp Siongco, command center of the 6th ID located in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao.

The 14 former BIFF members each received initial relief supplies and cash assistance from BARMM’s Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence, or READI contingent, under Sinarimbo’s office.

Malang said he and his followers surrendered when they realized it is better to support the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose chairman, Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, is now BARMM chief minister.

The BIFF, blamed for all deadly bombings in central Mindanao in the past six years, was established in 2010 by the radical religious leader Ameril Ombra Kato, who started as commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command.

Kato was dismissed from the MILF in 2009 for abuses and, subsequently, organized the Jihadist BIFF, at first comprised of small bands of gunmen led by commanders wanted for criminal offenses.

Sinarimbo said the BARMM can embark on regional programs that can help hasten the rehabilitation of former BIFF members wishing to return to the fold of law.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/16/news/regions/barmm-to-ease-return-to-govt-of-ex-biff-rebels/617000/

The future of Philippine maritime enforcement

From the ASEAN Poste (Sep 15, 2019): The future of Philippine maritime enforcement (By Michael van Ginkel)

This file photo shows members of the Japanese Coast Guard and their Philippine counterparts board a vessel in "distress" during the conclusion of maritime security exercises in Manila. (AFP Photo)

Illicit activity in the Sulu and Celebes Seas continues to pose a daunting maritime security challenge for the Philippines. The recent kidnapping of nine fishermen off the coast of Borneo and the increasingly violent modus operandi of the militant Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have raised safety concerns amongst Philippine policy makers and local communities. Although the Philippines has initiated several maritime enforcement initiatives, including the extensive National Coastal Watch System (NCWS), the government needs to enhance cooperation between land-based and maritime operations and increase engagement between military and civilian agencies to improve regional maritime stability.

To prevent a resurgence in illicit activity, the Philippines has been developing its ability to counteract irregular maritime threats by implementing surveillance and information sharing systems and procuring additional physical assets. Established in 2011, the NCWS strengthens informed decision-making and maritime domain awareness by institutionalising intelligence-sharing mechanisms between agencies such as the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic resources, the National Anti-Terrorism Task Force and the Philippine Ports Authority. This integrated system will have 20 offshore platforms, mostly centred around the Sulu and Celebes Seas, and is equipped with surveillance and interdiction capabilities. To achieve its full potential, however, the NCWS will also need an increase in both, human resources and physical assets.

Additionally, the PCG, along with the Philippine Navy, supports the NCWS by performing maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental protection responsibilities. The PCG is expanding its maritime capacity by constructing 21 more substations and three provincial stations, increasing its floating assets with fast response boats procured from France and MRIV’s from Japan, and has reportedly expanded the deployment of personnel to the tri-border area by 200 percent.

The Philippine Navy, deputised to operate within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and coastal waters, works in coordination with the PCG by contributing necessary logistics support vessels, frigates, and corvettes to maritime enforcement operations.

Regional initiatives

The Philippines has also invested in regional initiatives with neighbouring countries like the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) and the Contact Group on Maritime Crime in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. Formed in 2017, the TCA coordinates maritime and aerial patrols and synthesises information sharing between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines to combat illicit trans-border activity. Established in August 2018, the Contact Group aims to enhance coordination and build mutual trust between stakeholders from various military and civilian agencies in the three countries.

To facilitate communication between stakeholders and to further develop the Philippines’ maritime enforcement capabilities, the Stable Seas program of the One Earth Future Foundation and the Asia Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation invited Philippine policymakers to a two-day workshop in June 2019. This workshop, which stems from the recently-released Sulu and Celebes Seas maritime security report, seeks to examine how the report’s findings could be transformed into policy impact. The valuable discussions highlighted two key policy requirements: the need to expand cooperation beyond the maritime domain and to increase engagement between military and civilian stakeholders. 

Source: Various (January 2018 to June 2019 )

Integrating efforts with land-based organisations creates a unified front against the multi-dimensional nature of maritime crimes. While illicit activity frequently occurs in ports and coastal waters, they are ultimately linked to land-based activities and networks, such as inland recruitment for piracy and financial institutions for money laundering. In July 2019, for instance, Philippine authorities arrested Mahmoud Afif Abdeljalil for using several mosques and religious seminaries in the southern Philippines to extend financial support to the ASG, an armed group responsible for piracy, kidnappings, illicit trading, extortion, and armed attacks.

Recognising the interconnected nature of land-based and sea-based operations, the TCA plans to incorporate land based military exercises into the existing maritime cooperative framework to deter transborder crime. Within the Philippines, creating systems of resource distribution will reduce inter-agency competition and encourage collaboration across inland, coastal, and maritime organisations.

The Philippines can also expand on cooperative measures by involving land-based stakeholders like the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation in official meetings on maritime security policy.

Civilian-military collaboration

To exploit the full potential behind civilian-military collaboration, single points of contact for the TCA and grassroots initiatives to support maritime enforcement need to be implemented. By creating a structured information-sharing system, focal agencies for international, national, and regional points of contact would harmonise response strategies between military and civilian agencies. Recognising the benefits, the National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) has decided to explore central points of contact options through a dedicated study group.

Increasing community member engagement in maritime stability also supports the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations of Philippines’ maritime law enforcement agencies. Diminishing support from the Tausug community, for example, allegedly contributed to the surrender of nine ASG members to the AFP in July, 2019. Philippine military intelligence has long suspected that locals have harboured ASG operatives and overlooked their illicit activity. Without the cooperation of local communities, the activities of armed groups become more vulnerable to detection.

PCG programs that recruit fishermen as auxiliaries against illicit trading forms another successful precedent for civilian-military collaboration. By widening the focus of the program to encompass other illicit maritime activities, the initiative could boost accountability amongst coastal communities and increase trust between the military and civilian sectors. Tapping into civilian resources to counter maritime threats will allow the NCWC, TCA, and PCG to expand the scope of their operations while working within budgetary constraints.

While the Philippines has successfully implemented national and regional counter-measures against illicit maritime activities, the expansive coastline of the Philippine archipelago, socio-economic difficulties experienced by coastal communities, and the destabilising presence of armed groups have created a complex environment for maritime enforcement efforts.

To heighten the effectiveness of Philippine maritime policy, officials need to invest in more land-based community involvement programs and strengthen civil-military relations. Combined, these initiatives would ensure the efficient use of state capacity and encourage a unified approach by national and regional actors to eradicate maritime security threats in the Sulu and Celebes Seas.

[Michael van Ginkel conducts research with One Earth Future (OEF) Foundation, a non-profit research organisation focused on international conflict and governance. His work concentrates on conflict resolution and peacekeeping operations. This article is derived from his research with the Stable Seas program, an OEF initiative providing innovative research on maritime security issues.] 

 
https://theaseanpost.com/article/future-philippine-maritime-enforcement

Hataman, Sangcopan file bill to allow ex-Abu Sayyaf members reintegrate into PH society

From Politiko (Sep 15, 2019): Hataman, Sangcopan file bill to allow ex-Abu Sayyaf members reintegrate into PH society



Two lawmakers on Thursday filed a measure seeking to prevent and counter violent extremism in the country through a program that combines measures to reduce the appeal of radicalism to the youth with a reintegration process for extremists into society.

Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman and Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan filed House Bill 4585, which seeks to establish a program for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) to fight the ever-present threat of terrorism.

“Violent extremism has no place in a peace-loving society such as ours. It takes lives, hurts people, stunts progress and strikes fear into the heart of peaceful communities. It corrupts religious beliefs and distorts moral standards to serve a vicious end: that is to pursue a political cause through acts of terrorism,” said Hataman and Sangcopan in the bill’s explanatory note.

“Ang bill na ito ay para maiwasan at ma-address ang violent extremism at terorismo, at ma-engganyo ang mga miyembro ng mga grupong ito na magbalik-loob na sa lipunan at iwanan ang ganitong klase ng pamumuhay,” Hataman added.

The two lawmakers said that the measure is timely, with the recent bombings in Sulu that “saw the escalation of atrocities carried out by local extremist groups.”

The bombing of a military camp in Indanan, Sulu in June this year is the first confirmed case of a Filipino as a perpetrator of a suicide bombing in the country.

Two other recent bombings were perpetrated by violent extremist groups: one is in front of a public market in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, on Sept. 7 where seven people were hurt, and the other in Indanan, Sulu, on Sept. 9, where the lone casualty was the perpetrator herself.

Under the bill, a returnee from violent extremist groups such as Abu Sayyaf and the Maute Group and the like will be considered as such if he or she returns to the fold, reforms and reintegrates into society. An inter-agency committee will be established to oversee the program under the law.

It will be chaired by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of National Defense (DND) as co-chairs.

Among the benefits eyed for returnees include the following:

• Safety and security guarantees.

• Support to relocation or housing services for the returnees and their families.

• Monetary assistance to aid families while processing enrolment into the program.

• Livelihood assistance to improve their socio-economic conditions.

• Reintegration assistance.

• Educational and training assistance.

• Enrollment in the National Health Insurance Program.

• Assistance in registering with government entities.

• Healing and reconciliation initiatives to provide psycho-social support to returnees.

• Other assistance as may be determined by the Inter-Agency Committee.

On the prevention side, the measure has provided an array of projects and activities that are envisioned to reduce or completely eliminate the appeal of radicalism to the people, especially the youth. These include activities promoting good governance, upholding the rule of law and eliminating corruption.

https://politics.com.ph/hataman-sangcopan-file-bill-to-allow-ex-abu-sayyaf-members-reintegrate-into-ph-society/

Eduardo Año: Joma Sison should never be considered political refugee

From the Philippine Star (Sep 16, 2019): Eduardo Año: Joma Sison should never be considered political refugee

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año called on the Dutch government to deport Sison to Manila and stand trial for murder over the Inopacan massacre in Leyte in 2006. Boy Santos/File

Self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison should be treated as a criminal and terrorist to be held accountable for his crimes, not as a political refugee that he claims to be, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said yesterday.

Año called on the Dutch government to deport Sison to Manila and stand trial for murder over the Inopacan massacre in Leyte in 2006.

Sison, the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), went to the Netherlands as a political refugee.

“Sison is a criminal and a mass murderer who should not be considered a political refugee,” Año said.

The Philippine government has been seeking Sison’s extradition after a Manila court issued a warrant of arrest against him and 32 other communist leaders in connection with the massacre of suspected government spies and subsequent discovery of mass graves in Inopacan, Leyte in 2006.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has sought out the Interpol to help arrest Sison in the Netherlands.

Año branded Sison as a coward for hiding and living like a king in Utrecht.

“Now that you are in the last few years of your life, do something right for a change, own up to your sins against the Filipino people and face the charges against you and give justice to the victims of the Inopacan massacre,” he said.

Even while living a self-imposed exile in the Netherlands, Año said Sison continues to direct the communist rebels in the war against the Philippine government.

While there is no bilateral extradition treaty between the Philippines and the Netherlands, Año said it is possible to explore the possibility of transmitting a request of mutual legal assistance on criminal matters.

Año believes it is only a matter of time before Sison and other communist rebels are brought to justice.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/09/16/1952147/eduardo-ao-joma-sison-should-never-be-considered-political-refugee

38 former rebels graduate from ALS

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 16, 2019): 38 former rebels graduate from ALS

Thirty-eight former rebels graduated from Alternative Learning System (ALS) last Friday in Northern Mindanao.

ALS focal person Rey Butch Mahinay of Department of Education (DepEd) Region X led the awarding of diploma to the 38 former members of the New People’s Army who were recently enlisted into the Philippine Army as soldiers.

The graduation ceremony, arranged by DepEd Division of Schools in Malaybalay, was held at the 4th Division Training School (4DTS) in Camp Osito Bahian, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Capt Ryan Layug, the 403rd Infantry Brigade civil-military operations officer, said the 38 ALS graduates are of various ethnic groups in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions that include Higaonon, Manobo, Talaandig, Banwaon, Umayamnon, Surigaonon, Mamanwa and Cebuano.

Layug said 23 graduated high school program while 15 completed the elementary curriculum.

The Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division, in compliance to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte, trained and enlisted the former rebels who surrendered to the government.

To ensure that they would satisfy the academic requirement for soldiery, he said the 4ID sought the assistance of DepEd Region X by enrolling them into the ALS program.

In response, DepEd assigned ALS instructors to conduct classes inside the military camp, even convening night classes, to make sure the students would be able to take the Assessment and Evaluation (A&E) exam.

The 38 graduates are among the 110 ALS students who passed the A&E.

The rest will be taking the same exam soon as they become academically prepared.

“The rebels were the reason why we did not able to finish our schooling. In my 20 years with them, they destroyed my future,” Marila Taquin, the only female member of the graduating class, said in vernacular during her speech. “We are very thankful to the government, especially to President Rodrigo Duterte, who gave us the chance for a better future.”

“I am proud that even I’m already 34, I received my diploma, a treasure nobody can steal from me.”
Taquin is a former NPA amazon whose sister was murdered by the rebels three days after giving birth.
“Nothing can compare to our happiness,” said Jupiter Macrojon, who at 43 is the oldest graduate.

Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of Army’s 403rd IB based in Bukidnon, said the government will continue to save those who were strayed so they return to school and have a better future.
http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/16/38-former-rebels-graduate-from-als/

Samar town exec, wife shot dead

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): Samar town exec, wife shot dead

A municipal councilor in Samar and his wife were shot dead by unidentified assailants who barged into their house in Barangay Jose Rono, Jiabong yesterday morning.

Claudio Gabiana, 54, and his wife Corazon, 47, were having breakfast at around 6 a.m. when two armed men entered and shot them several times.

The Gabianas were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Corazon was former chief of Barangay Jose Rono.

The assailants, who fled after the killing, did not harm the couple’s children.

Probers have yet to verify reports that the New People’s Army was responsible for the killing.

Jiabong is among towns in Eastern Visayas being monitored by authorities due to its insurgency problem and history of election-related violence.

Records show that at least three village chiefs were recently killed in Northern Samar and one each in Leyte and Southern Leyte.

The other day, Councilor Esteban Tarrayo of Barangay Carmen, Calbayog City was killed in an ambush by alleged members of a private armed group.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/09/16/1952086/samar-town-exec-wife-shot-dead

AFP-CRS: President Duterte on Talks with CPP-NPA: Pure Hypocrisy

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): President Duterte on Talks with CPP-NPA: Pure Hypocrisy



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2701053743246666/?type=3&theater

[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.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Non-Stop All-Out War Grinds on vs. CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): Non-Stop All-Out War Grinds on vs. CPP-NPA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2701054843246556/?type=3&theater

[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.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Non-Stop All-Out War Grinds on vs. CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): Non-Stop All-Out War Grinds on vs. CPP-NPA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2701056199913087/?type=3&theater

[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.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Destroying the Idea of Suicide Terrorism

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): Destroying the Idea of Suicide Terrorism



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2701057166579657/?type=3&theater

[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.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Another Area in North Cotobato Declares NPA Persona Non Grata

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 15, 2019): Another Area in North Cotobato Declares NPA Persona Non Grata



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2701057866579587/?type=3&theater

[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.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

NDF/Sison: On the possible ouster of Duterte

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Sep 15, 2019): On the possible ouster of Duterte

NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria Sison / JB

Inteview with Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant
By Andres Antonio

1. According to Presidenial Spokesman Panelo, Duterte cannot be ousted. Is Panelo right in saying that the possible ouster of Duterte is illusory?

JMS: The possibility of Duterte’s ouster is still running and is not illusory. The objective conditions are present for the ouster of the Duterte regime. This regime is notorious in the Philippines and abroad for being tyrannical, treasonous, mass murdering, corrupt and swindling. Duterte is liable for impeachment if not for the rigging the previous elections through electronic dagdag-bawas and thereby gaining a majority in both houses of Congress.

But there is a high probability for certain factors to combine or converge in order to oust him like when Marcos and Estrada were ousted in 1986 and 2001, respectively. The factors include the intensification of people’s war, gigantic protest mass actions in the streets, the support of the Catholic and other churches, denunciations by the political and business leaders offended by Duterte and withdrawal of suppport from him by a significant bloc of AFP rank and file.

2. Looking back, what was the concrete contribution of the revolutionary movement to the downfall of Marcos in 1986? At this stage, can the revolutionary movement do again what it did to Marcos in order to cause the downfall of Duterte now?

JMS: The revolutionary movement contributed the longest and greatest efforts to discredit, weaken, isolate and overthrow Marcos. The efforts included the growth in strength and advance of the people’s war and the inspiration that this gave to the broad masses of the people and to the eventual upsurge of gigantic mass protest actions. These persuaded the US to consider Marcos a liability more than an asset, junked him and signalled to the AFP to withdraw support from Marcos.

It is obvious from the continuing people’s war that the revolutionary movement is trying its best to fight the Duterte regime. It is doing its part to seek the ouster of Duterte. But other factors have to be taken into account. The legal democratic mass movement, the churches already offended by Duterte and the opposition groups need to cooperate and do their best to arouse and mobilize the masses for mass protests like the following: community-based noise barrages and meetings and marches from various assembly points to converge on a focal area. All these are achievable by the people in the exercise of their democratic right to speak and assemble.

The Duterte regime and its pro-US military officials have so far been trying to please the US with their repeated promises to destroy the revolutionary movement once and for all time. But the US also notices that the regime itself is a provocation and challenge to the people to join or support the armed revolution. And the US is becoming resentful over Duterte’s sell-out of the West Philippine Sea and its marine and mineral resources to China and his involvement in China’s takeover of the telecommunications system in the Philippines.

Many of the junior officers of the AFP are already grumbling against Duterte’s sell-out of the West Philippine Sea and the surrender of the telecommunications system to China. They are insulted that the Chinese cell towers will be built in military camps and use the troops as security guards instead of hiring private security agencies. The patriotic officers within the AFP consider Duterte traitorous and stupid for using AFP camps to accommodate both Chinese cell towers and US military facilities (under EDCA).

3. Considering the violent acts being widely committed by the state against those opposed to Duterte and the all-out war in the countryside, is it possible for the revolutionary movement to revive and deploy “sparrow units” in order to strike back in the cities against those in power?

JMS: I have already read from publications of the CPP and NPA that they are reviving armed city partisan units and at the same time preparing commando teams that are based in the countryside but can be sent to the cities on missions to punish officials who are notorious for corruption, human rights violations and connivance with crime syndicates as well as to sabotage or destroy key military and police detachments and installations. They are reportedly studying closely the previous urban warfare conducted by Filipino and Vietnamese revolutionaries. They are anticipating worse repression and even fascist dictatorship which will outlaw legal organizations and social activism.

Right now, because of the widespread red-tagging, threats to life and liberty and actual killing of social activists, the Duterte regime is already compelling a considerable number of activists to go underground and join the people’s war in the countryside. After politico-military training, many of these activists are expected to become good fighters in armed city partisan units and commando teams. It can be calculated that what you might call “sparrow” warfare in the urban areas can strategically force the military and police to take guard duties or go on the defensive in the cities and have less armed personnel for combat in the countryside.

Duterte has been failing in his scheme to destroy the revolutionary movement because he is preserving and aggravating the basic problems of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism that drive the people to join and support the new democratic revolution led by the CPP. The CPP and NPA have been pursuing the strategic line of protracted people’s war of encircing the cities from the countryside. In more than 50 years, this strategic line has enabled the creation of strong Party branches, more than 110 guerrilla fronts, revolutionary mass organizations and the people’s democratic government from the barangay level upwards.

Under E.O. 70, Duterte is failing in his military strategy and tactics. Most of his military and police officers preoccupy themselves most of the time with psywar activities, violating human rights, meddling with civilian agencies of the reactionary government, pocketing public funds and extorting from people, faking surrenders and encounters and deploying too many checkpoints and token patrols. Thus, they reduce the number of officers and men for combat. Furthermore, even if he increases the number of combat units, they are ineffective because they are rendered deaf and blind by the people’s support for the revolutionary movement. ###

https://www.ndfp.org/on-the-possible-ouster-of-duterte/

CPP/NDF-ST: General Tokhang/Double Barrel “Bato” de la Rosa pasistang pakawala at tuta ni Duterte sa Senado

NDF-Southern Tagalog (ST) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15, 2019): General Tokhang/Double Barrel “Bato” de la Rosa pasistang pakawala at tuta ni Duterte sa Senado

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

Umandar na naman ang pasistang pakawala at tuta ni Duterte sa Senado na si Ronald Bato de la Rosa sa walang tigil na pangungutya at red tagging sa mga progresibong partylist na kabilang sa blokeng Makabayan sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso. Sa pagdinig sa Senado kamakailan sa mungkahing budget ng COMELEC sa 2020, tinutulak ni Bato de la Rosa ang COMELEC na idiskwalipika ang Bayan Muna (BM), Gabriela Women Partylist (GWP), Alliance of Concern Teachers (ACT-Partylist), Kabataan Partylist (KPL) at maging ang Anakpawis (AP) kahit wala ito ngayong kinatawan sa mababang kapulungan ng Kongreso dahil ang naturang mga Partylist, sa paniniwala ni Bato, ay legal front ng CPP-NA-NDFP at kaaway ng estado.

Ginagamit ni Bato de la Rosa ang pagdinig sa budget ng COMELEC sa Senado para i-presyur ito na madaliin ang pag-aksyon at pagpasya sa mga nakabinbing kaso ng diskwalipikasyon laban sa mga progresibong Partylist. Itinutulak din ni Bato de la Rosa ang pag-amyenda sa batas kaugnay sa sistemang Partylist sa bansa.

Ang pagtutulak ni Gen Tokhang/Double Barrel Bato de la Rosa sa pag-amyenda sa batas sa sistemang Partylist ay naglalayong ipagbawal ang pag-iral ng mga progresibong partylist sa ilalim ng blokeng Makabayan. Ito ay malinaw na pagsasalaula at lubusang pagtanggal sa tunay na kahulugan at intensyon ng sistemang partylist na magkaroon ng representasyon sa Kongreso ang mga mahihirap at kapuspalad na sektor ng lipunang Pilipino. Nais ni Bato na alisin ang oportunidad at magkaroon ng boses sa reaksyunaryong Kongreso ang mga tunay na kumakatawan sa mga inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahang uri at sektor ng lipunan na ginagampanan ng mga progresibong partylist sa ilalim ng blokeng Makabayan at palitan ito ng isang bagong batas na magpapatatag sa political dynasty at monopolisasyon sa kapangyarihan ng mga oligarkong pamilya sa bansa. Ginagawa ito ni Bato de la Rosa bilang pagtalima sa maitim na balak ni Duterte na tanggalin ang mga natitira pang balakid na ipatupad ang lantarang pasistang paghahari sa bansa.

Samantala, ginagamit ni Bato ang isyu laban sa blokeng Makabayan para ilihis ang atensyon ng publiko sa kinasasangkutan niyang ilegal na pagpapalaya sa 120 bilanggong nahatulan ng habambuhay na pagkabilanggo dahil sa mga karudumal dumal na krimen. Imbes na matapang na harapin niya ang kanyang naging pananagutan at responsibilidad bilang dating Director General ng Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR) sa ilegal na pagpapalaya sa 120 bilanggo, bahag ang buntot at todo hugas kamay ngayon si Bato at ibinaling ang sisi at atensyon sa kamalian ng Implementing Rules and Regulations ng RA 10592 o Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) na binalangkas ng nakaraang administrasyon.

Dapat hindi mawala sa pokus ang taumbayan sa panawagan na paimbestigahan at kasuhan si Bato de la Rosa sa kanyang mga nagawang katiwalian nuong pinuno pa siya ng BUCOR mula Abril 2018 hanggang Oktubre 2018.

Mula nang maluklok si Bato de la Rosa sa Senado, wala na itong ginawa kundi gamitin ang pusisyon para manlinlang, manira, magpakalat ng mga anti-komunistang lason at isterya at magpanukala ng mga mapanupil na batas na kapag naaprubahan ay lalong magpapatalim sa pangil ng pasismo ng administrasyong Duterte na siyang lubusang kikitil sa natitira pang kalayaang sibil at demokrasya sa bansa.

Malinaw na ang dahilan kung bakit pinatakbo at ipinanalo ni Duterte si Bato de la Rosa at iba pang kaalyado nito sa Senado sa pamamagitan ng manipulasyon at pandaraya, ay upang makontrol niya nang buo ang Senado at gamitin itong sandata sa pagpapatalsik sa mga progresibo at oposisyon sa Kongreso tulad ng ginawang pagpapatalsik ng papet na rehimeng Roxas noong 1946 sa pitong Kongresista na nanalo sa Gitnang Luzon sa ilalim ng alyansang Demokratikong Alyansa-Partido Nasyunalista. Sa pagkontrol kapwa sa Senado at Mababang Kapulungan ng Kongreso, madali nang mailulusot ni Duterte, nang walang sagabal, ang kanyang pasistang adyenda at mga anti-mamamayan at anti-demokratikong mga batas kabilang ang batas na magpapalawig sa kanyang termino lagpas sa nakasaad sa saligang batas ng Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

Gusto ni Duterte na mawala sa loob at labas ng Kongreso ang kanyang mga kritiko at oposisyon lalo na ang mga progresibong organisasyon at partylist na matatag, puspusan at matapang sa paglalantad at paglaban sa mga anti-mamamayan at anti-demokratikong mga patakaran at programa ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Naniniwala ang NDFP-ST na mabibigo ang anumang balakin ni Duterte na magpatupad ng higit na mapanupil at malulupit na batas na lubusang kikitil sa kalayaan at pundamental na mga demokratikong karapatan ng taumbayan. Lalong naniniwala ang NDFP-ST na hindi pahihintulutan ng taumbayan na makapanaig ang pakana ng pasistang rehimeng Duterte na ipagbawal ang pag-iral ng mga progresibong organisasyon at partylist sa bansa. Tiyak na sasalubungin ito ng mariing pagtutol at pagkilos ng taumbayan para ipaglaban at ipagtanggol ang kanilang mga sariling organisasyon at partylist laban sa tumitinding pasistang panunupil ng rehimeng Duterte.

Malalim ang pagkakilala at pagkabatid ng taumbayan sa maganda at mahusay na rekord ng mga progresibong organisasyon at partylist sa pagtataguyod at pagsusulong ng kanilang mga interes at kahilingan. Naranasan nila sa mahabang panahon kung paano itinaguyod at ipinaglaban ng blokeng Makabayan ang kanilang mga hinaing at kahilingan sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa loob ng parlyamento at maging sa mga pagkilos sa lansangan. Kongkreto nilang naranasan kung paano ipinaglalaban at ipinagtatanggol ng blokeng Makabayan ang kanilang mga karapatang pantao at iba pang demokratikong karapatan. Kung ganuon, hindi nakapagtataka kung sakaling sumiklab ang puot at galit ng taumbayan at humantong ito sa malakihang pagkilos upang biguin ang sinumang magtatangkang lubusang ipagbawal ang pag-iral ng mga progresibong organisasyon at partylist na tunay na kumakatawan sa mga api’t pinagsasamantalahang uri at sektor ng lipunang Pilipino.

Kinikilala at sinusuportahan ng NDFP-ST ang anumang mga gagawing pagkilos ng taumbayan para hadlangan ang anumang balakin ng pasistang rehimeng Duterte na magpataw ng higit na mapanupil at malulupit na batas sa bansa. Umasa ang taumbayan na gagawa ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan ng sarili nitong mga pamamaraan at hakbangin para mapanagot at maparusahan ang mga may kasalanan sa patuloy na pagyurak at paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mamamayan.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/general-tokhang-double-barrel-bato-de-la-rosa-pasistang-pakawala-at-tuta-ni-duterte-sa-senado/

CPP/NDF-ST: Huwad ang Reporma sa Lupa ng Pasistang Rehimeng Duterte

NDF-Southern Tagalog (ST) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15, 2019): Huwad ang Reporma sa Lupa ng Pasistang Rehimeng Duterte

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

Walang programa sa reporma sa lupa ang anti-magsasakang rehimeng Duterte. Panggagantso sa masang magsasaka ang serye ng pamamahagi ni Duterte ng Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) sa mga magsasaka sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Walang ibang layunin ito kundi manloko at maibangon ang sadsad niyang imahe sa publiko lalo higit sa hanay ng mga magsasaka. Hindi layunin nito ang pagbubuwag sa monopolyo sa pag-aari sa mga lupain at pagwawakas sa kapangyarihang pyudal ng mga panginoong maylupa sa kanayunan.

Kahit ang labis na pagyayabang ni Duterte na ipamamahagi niya nang libre ang lupa sa masang magsasaka ay naglalayon lamang na buhusan ng malamig na tubig ang nagpupuyos na pakikibaka ng masang magsasaka para sa lupa. Kontra-insurhensya ang layunin nito at sa katunayan, sa mga lugar na may mga tagumpay ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagpapatupad ng repormang agraryo, sistematikong binabawi ng AFP ang mga tagumpay ng kilusang magsasaka at muling ibinabalik ang kapangyarihan ng mga panginoong maylupa.

Ang pinakahuli sa mga panloloko at pagpapakitang tao ni Duterte ay ang pamamahagi ng CLOA sa ilang magsasaka ng Hacienda Luisita na ginanap sa opisina ng Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) sa lunsod ng Quezon at itinaon sa araw ng kamatayan ni Corazon Aquino. Gustong papaniwalain ni Duterte ang mga magsasaka sa bansa na seryoso ang kanyang administrasyon na tugunan ang problema nila sa kawalan ng lupa. Subalit ang katotohan ay inuulit at pinagpapatuloy lamang ni Duterte ang huwad at bangkaroteng Republic Act 6657 o ang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) ni Corazon Aquino.

Nahihibang si Duterte sa pag-aakalang maloloko niya ang masang magsasaka kahit araw-arawin pa niya gawin ang pamamahagi ng CLOA. Matagal nang isinuka ng mga magsasaka ang CARP o RA 6657 dahil alam nila na ang CLOA ay sertipiko ng isang huwad at inutil na repormang agraryo.

Hindi libre ang pamamahagi ng lupa na siyang nais palitawin ng gubyernong Duterte. Sa ilalim ng CARP, babayaran ng magsasaka ang lupa sa loob ng 30 taunang amortisasyon na may 6% interest kada taon sa Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). Ang taunang amortisasyon ay katumbas ng 5% ng abereyds na kabuuang halaga (gross) ng tatlong (3) magkakasunod na anihan. Ang sinuman na hindi makabayad at umabot sa 3 pinagsamang (aggregate) taon ay otomatikong babawiin ang CLOA. Kapag binawi kasabay na mababalewala ang mga naunang naibayad na amortisasyon ng mga magsasaka.

Sa karanasan, maraming mayhawak ng CLOA ang nabawian dahil sa hindi nakabayad ng amortisasyon sa lupa. Ang iba dahil sa kagipitan at kahirapan sa pagbabayad sa amortisasyon ay napilitang isangla kung di man ibenta ang kanilang mga hawak na CLOA sa mga nakaririwasang saray na magsasaka at komersyante-usurero.

Tiyak na mauuwi lamang sa kabiguan ang anumang pakana ni Duterte na apulain ang nag aapoy na damdamin ng mga magsasaka sa bansa. Hindi na kayang burahin sa isipan ng mga magsasaka ang mapapait na karanasan na sinapit nila sa kamay ng AFP at PNP. Ang mga magsasaka at katutubo ang laging biktima ng kalupitan at karahasan ng mga pasistang tropang militar ng AFP at PNP sa pagtataguyod at pagtatanggol nito sa interes ng malalaking panginoong maylupa, burgesya komprador at dayuhang korporasyon.

Sa Mindanao, gusto pa ni Duterte na bunutin ang mga Lumad sa kanilang mga lupaing ninuno at dalhin sa isang takdang relokasyon para bigyang daan ang pagpasok at pananalasa ng mga dambuhalang korporasyon sa pagmimina at pagbubukas at pagpapalawak ng mga plantasyon sa oil palm, saging at piña.

Malaking kalokohan ang pagmamalaki ni Duterte sa superyoridad ng reporma sa lupa ng mga nagdaang reaksyunaryong gubyerno at pagmamaliit sa mga tagumpay ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagpapatupad ng rebolusyong agraryo.

Walang kahihiyan na ginagamit ni Duterte ang okasyon ng pamamahagi ng CLOA para ipagmalaki sa madla na nakakahigit ang programa ng gubyerno sa reporma sa lupa at maliitin ang programa ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Dapat malaman ni Duterte na mula pa sa panahon ni Manuel L. Quezon hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay walang matinong batas sa repormang agraryo ang naipatupad at nagpabago sa kalagayan ng mga magsasaka sa bansa. Hindi libre ang pamamahagi ng lupa sa mga magsasaka. Walang ginawang pagbaklas sa mga malalawak na lupain na pag-aari ng iilang malalaking panginoong maylupa at dayuhang korporasyon para ipamahagi sa mga magsasaka. Sa halip lalo lamang tumibay ang pusisyon sa pagmamay-ari ng iilang angkan sa malalawak na lupain dahil sa pagkakaroon ng sangkaterbang butas at eksemsyon ng mga isinabatas na repormang agraryo ng reaksyunaryong estado.

Bilang halimbawa, sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan pa lamang, patuloy na napanatili ng iilang malalaking panginoong maylupa ang kanilang mga naglalakihang lupain tulad ng mga Ayala, Zobel, Cojuangco at Dolor sa Batangas. Sa Quezon, nanatili ang malawak na lupain nina Danding Cojuangco, Willy Matias, pamilyang Uy, pamilyang Reyes at ang malaking land lease holder na si Murray ng Tumbaga ranch. Ganundin ang pamilyang Alvarez sa Palawan. Ang mga Aguinaldo at Remulla naman ang prominenteng pamilya na may malalawak na lupain sa Cavite. Nariyan din ang pamilyang Yulo, Lucio Tan, Ayala, Villar at de los Reyes na may malalawak na lupaing pag-aari sa Laguna.

Ang patuloy na pag-iral at konsentrasyon ng malalawak na lupain sa iilang pamilya ang patunay na bigo at inutil ang mga nagdaang repormang agraryo ng reaksyunaryong estado.

Ang demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan ang tutugon sa malaon nang kahilingan ng masang magsasaka na magkaroon ng sariling lupang masasaka.

Tanging sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan (DRB) malalagot ang kadenang dantaon nang gumagapos sa masang magsasaka busabos na kalagayan ng pyudal at malapyudal na pagsasamantala ng malalaking panginoong maylupa, mga asendero at komersyante-usurero gayundin ang kawalan ng sariling lupang masasaka.

Ang rebolusyong agraryo, na pangunahing nilalaman ng DRB at sa saligan ay isang rebolusyong magsasaka, ay naglalayong wakasan ang pyudal na monopolyo sa lupa at ibagsak ang kapangyarihang pyudal at malapyudal ng mga malalaking panginoong maylupa, asendero’t komersyante sa kanayunan.

May maksimum at minimum na layunin ang rebolusyong agraryo na pinapatupad ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ang libreng pamamahagi ng lupa sa walang lupa at kulang sa lupa ang maksimum na layunin ng rebolusyong agraryo. Pagpapababa sa upa sa lupa, pagpapataas ng presyo ng produktong bukid, pagpapataas ng sahod ng mga manggagawang bukid, pagpawi sa usura at promosyon ng iba’t ibang anyo ng kooperasyon sa pagsasaka ang ilan naman sa nilalaman ng minimum na layunin ng rebolusyong agraryo.

Sa kasalukuyan tinatamasa na ng libo-libong magsasaka sa saklaw ng mga sona’t larangang gerilya ang produkto ng mga tagumpay ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagsusulong ng mga anti-pyudal na laban at kampanya para sa minimum na layunin ng rebolusyong agraryo. Ganundin, sa ilang bahagi ng mga sona’t larangang gerilya selektibong naipapatupad na ang maksimum na layunin ng kumpiskasyon at libreng pamamahagi ng lupa sa masang magsasaka at pinakikinabangan na ang mga lupain na produkto ng mga tagumpay ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang magsasaka.

Sa paglulubos ng tagumpay ng DRB sa buong bansa, kagyat na isusunod ang sosyalistang rebolusyon at......

https://cpp.ph/statement/huwad-ang-reporma-sa-lupa-ng-pasistang-rehimeng-duterte/

CPP/NDF-ST: Si Duterte ay masugid na anti-magsasaka at kaaway ng bayan!

NDF-Southern Tagalog (ST) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15, 2019): Si Duterte ay masugid na anti-magsasaka at kaaway ng bayan!

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

Labis na pambubusabos at pagmamalupit ang tanging dinanas at sinapit ng mga magsasaka sa kamay ng pasistang rehimeng Duterte sa nakaraang mahigit na tatlong taon. Walang indikasyon na mababago ang ganitong kalagayan at kahaharapin ng mga magsasaka sa natitirang mga taon ng panunungkulan ni Duterte kundi ang lalong pagtindi ng kahirapan, karahasan at pasismo ng estado.

Sagad sa buto ang pagiging anti-magsasaka ni Duterte. Walang puwang sa kanyang administrasyon ang pagtugon sa matagal nang kahilingan ng mga magsasaka na magkaroon ng sariling lupang masasaka at magdulot ng konting pagbabago sa kanilang abang kalagayan. Pawang mga pakitang tao at pagpapaganda ng imahe ang ginagawa ni Duterte tulad ng mga palabas na pamamahagi niya ng mga pekeng Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) para palitawing nagmamalasakit siya sa mga magsasaka.

Ngunit ang katotohanan, sa loob pa lamang ng tatlong taong panunungkulan ni Duterte, umabot na sa 177 lider magsasaka at katutubo ang napapatay ng mga death squads na pinaghihinalang binuo mula sa mismong hanay AFP at PNP. Bago sila pinatay, dumanas muna ang mga lider magsasaka ng iba’t ibang tipo ng panghaharas, panlalait at red-tagging mula sa AFP at PNP. Karamihan sa mga napatay na lider magsasaka at katutubo ay mula sa Mindanao na kung saan umiiral ang batas militar.

Walang ibang nakikitang dahilan at motibo kung bakit sila pinatay kundi ang aktibong lumalaban para sa karapatan sa lupa at sa pagtatanggol sa lupaing ninuno na nais ibukas ni Duterte sa pandarambong ng mga dayuhan at lokal na korporasyon sa pagmimina.

Libo libong magsasaka at katutubo din ang naging biktima ng karahasan at iba’t ibang paglabag sa karapatang pantao resulta ng mga operasyong militar ng AFP at PNP sa kanilang komunidad at pamayanan.

Pinapatay ni Duterte ang mga magsasaka hindi lang sa literal na pagkahulugan ng extra judicial killings (ejk’s) sa bansa kundi maging sa pamamagitan din ng mga anti-magsasakang batas at patakaran nito.

Dahan dahang pinapatay ni Duterte sa gutom at kahirapan ang 2.4 milyong mga magsasaka sa palayan at ng iba pang umaasa at nakasandig sa industriya ng bigas dahil sa inilabas na Republic Act 11203 (RA 11203) o Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) na kanyang pinirmahan nuong February 15, 2019.

Sa kasalukuyan, sumadsad na sa Php7-11 ang kada kilo ng palay sa farmgate. Bago ang implementasyon ng RTL, lumalaro pa ito sa Php17–21 kada kilo ang bilihan ng palay sa farmgate. Ayon sa datos na nakalap ng Senado, mula nang ipatupad ang RTL, umabot na sa mahigit 200,000 magsasaka ang tumigil sa pagtatanim ng palay habang nasa 4,000 na rice mill sa bansa ang tuluyan nang nagsara. Dahil sa Rice Tariffication Law bumaha sa bansa ang mga imported na bigas sa kapariwaraan naman ng milyong magsasaka at mahihirap na PIlipino.

Sa RTL, pinahihintulutan ang sinumang pribadong negosyante na mag-angkat ng bigas nang walang restriksyon basta magbabayad lang ng kaakibat na taripa sa importasyon. Umaasa ang administrayong Duterte na sa pamamagitan ng RTL mapapababa ang presyo ng bigas sa merkado at mapapababa din ang mataas na implasyong nararanasan ng bansa.

Pero ang katotohanan, ang nasabing batas ay kikitil sa lokal na industriya ng palay at bigas. Ito ay kontra-magsasaka at kontra-mahihirap dahil higit lang itinutulak ng RTL ang liberalisasyon sa importasyon ng bigas na pumapabor lamang sa mga mayayamang negosyante’t komersyante sa industriya ng bigas. Magbubunsod ito ng lalong pagbaha ng mga imported na bigas sa merkado at siyang papatay naman sa industriya ng bigas sa bansa. Mawawala din sa merkado ang murang bigas na binebenta ng National Food Authority (NFA) na siyang hinahanap-hanap at abot-kayang bilhin ng mahihirap nating mga kababayan.

Hindi rin naman nangyari ang inaasahang pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas sa Php7-10 kada kilo na siyang ipinangako ng gubyerno kapag naisabatas ang RTL. Ayon sa Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), bumababa lang ang presyo ng bigas sa bansa ng P1-2 kada kilo. Nanatiling matataas ang presyo ng bigas ilang buwan makalipas maisabatas ang RTL.

Tumigil na rin sa pamimili ng palay at pagbebenta ng murang bigas ang NFA dahil sa RTL. Sinabi ng pamunuan ng NFA na ang kanilang buffer stocks mula sa importasyon ng bigas ay nakalaan at gamitin lamang sa mga lugar na nagkaroon ng kalamidad.

Wala ding silbi ang lehislasyon ng Kongreso na maglaan ng sampung (10) bilyong Rice Enhancement Competiveness Fund (RECF) na kukunin diumano sa taripa ng mga iaangkat na bigas mula sa ibang bansa para itulong sa mga maaapektuhang magsasaka. Kakarampot ito kung tutuusin kumpara sa mawawalang kita at pagbagsak ng kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka sa palayan dahil sa RTL.

Samantala, patuloy na ipinagkakait ni Duterte ang coco levy fund na dapat mapunta sa mga magsasaka sa niyugan para magamit sa kanilang pangangailangan at pangkagalingan. Ang coco levy fund ay itinuturing ng mga magniniyog sa bansa na malaking tagumpay at bunga ng kanilang puspusang pakikibaka para mabawi ito mula sa kamay ni Danding Cojuangco at iba pang kroni ng namayapang Ferdinand Marcos.

Nananatili din ang kawalang interes ni Duterte na tugunan at resolbahin ang labis na kagutuman at kahirapan ng mga magsasaka sa niyugan dulot ng patuloy na pagbagsak ng industriya ng niyog sa bansa, ng kawalan ng lupa, ng epekto ng pyudal at mala-pyudal na pagsasamantala ng mga panginoong maylupa, asendero’t komersyante at ng patuloy na militarisasyon sa kanayunan.

Sa ganitong kalagayan, walang ibang dapat gawin ang mga magsasaka kundi ang lumaban at ibagsak ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Dapat ihanda nito ang sarili at tularan ang libo-libong kapwa nila magsasaka at iba pang sektor na nagpasyang humawak ng sandata at lumahok sa Demokratikong Rebolusyon ng Bayan na isinusulong ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Tanging sa pamamagitan ng DRB magkakaroon ng katuparan ang matagal nang mithiin ng mga magsasaka na magkaroon ng sariling lupang masasaka at lubos na tamasahin ang produkto ng kanilang pinagpaguran. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/si-duterte-ay-masugid-na-anti-magsasaka-at-kaaway-ng-bayan/

CPP/NPA-ST: Paghuhugas-kamay ni Duterte sa kurapsyon sa BuCor, isang desperadong hakbang

NPA-Southern Tagalog (ST) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15, 2019): Paghuhugas-kamay ni Duterte sa kurapsyon sa BuCor, isang desperadong hakbang 

JAIME 'KA DIEGO' PADILLA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG 

MELITO GLOR COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

Naobliga ang hambog na presidente ng reaksyunaryong Gobyerno ng Republika ng Pilpinas na si Rodrigo Roa Duterte na ipag-utos na bawiin ang ginawang pagpapalaya sa 1,900 kriminal na may mga kasong heinous crimes. Nagkandarapa siya sa takot nang kundinahin siya ng buong sambayanan at salubungin ng galit sa pakanang paggawad ng kanyang masugid na alipures na si Nicanor Faeldon ng Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) kahit sa mga may kasong karumaldumal na krimen. Pangitang-pangita rin ang kurapsyon sa hanay ng reaksyunaryong ahensyang Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) dahil siyento porsyentong binayaran ang inutil na ahensya ng mga maiimpluensyang bilanggo sa National Penitentiary.

Para iwasang masingil ng taumbayan, agarang sinibak nito si Faeldon upang isalba ang sariling reputasyon sa publiko. Para kunwang may pangil ang kautusan ni Duterte na ibalik sa kulungan ang mga pinalayang bilanggo, nagbanta siya ng isang milyong patong sa ulo sa bawat mahuhuling bilanggo na pinalaya sa ilalim ng GCTA. Hindi pa nasiyahan, inutusan niya pa ang AFP-PNP na hulihin ng patay o buhay ang mga nakalayang bilanggo sa loob ng 15 araw. Hinamon niya pa ang New People’s Army (NPA) na tumulong sa pagdakip sa mga nakalayang bilanggo at baka maging daan ito sa muling pagbubukas ng usapang pangkapayapaan.

Malinaw na ang pag-aalok ng rehimeng US-Duterte na tumulong ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan (CPP-NPA-NDFP) sa pagdakip sa mga pinalayang bilanggo ng mga kurap na pinuno ng BuCor (Bureau of Corrections) ay pagpapakita na hindi ito nagtatagumpay sa paggamit ng kamay na bakal ng pasismo sa lumalabang sambayanang Pilipino. Malaking kahihiyan ang pa-bastang pananawagan ni Duterte na umupo sa mesa ng kapayapaan ang CPP-NPA-NDFP sa kabila ng kanyang pagmamayabang na tatapusin ang armadong pakikibaka bago matapos ang kanyang termino sa 2022. Kahit hindi hamunin ni Duterte ang NPA, ang NPA ay lagi’t laging handang tumulong at magbigay katarungan sa mga biktima ng mapaniil na sistema ng hustisya sa bansa. Hindi kailangang hamunin ni Duterte ang NPA dahil may sarili itong pinapatupad na rebolusyunaryong hustisya para lamang sa muling pagbuhay sa usapang pangkapayaan. Sa kasalukuyan, hindi na umaasa ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa ilalim ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte na muling mabuksan ang nauntol na usapang pangkapayaan. Makakaasa ang mamamayan, laluna ang pamilya ng mga bikitma ng karumaldumal na krimen, sa tulong ng rebolusyunaryong kilusan na mabibigyan sila katarungan at hustisya.

Buong tatag, tapang at determinasyong haharapin ng CPP-NPA-NDFP kasama ang malawak na masa ng sambayanang Pilipino ang pasistang pananalakay at karahasan ng mersenaryong tropa ng pasista at tiranikong rehimeng US-Duterte sa rehiyon Timog Katagalugan at sa buong bansa. Kaalinsabay na nanawagan ang Melito Glor Command – NPA Southern Tagalog sa lahat ng mamamayang mapagmahal sa kapayapaan at katarungan na buong pagkakaisang tutulan at labanan ang lumalalang pasismo ng estado sa buong rehiyon at sa buong bansa. Sama-sama nating biguin ang kapalaluan ng pasista at tiranikong rehimeng US-Duterte na ipailalim ang bansa sa kanyang kontrol at pasistang paghahari.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/paghuhugas-kamay-ni-duterte-sa-kurapsyon-sa-bucor-isang-desperadong-hakbang/

CPP/PKM: Mga Kasong Aralin-Bikol/Camarines Sur/Albay

Propaganda publications posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15, 2019): Mga Kasong Aralin

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019



Mga Kasong Aralin – Camarines Sur | Download PDF

Mga Kasong Aralin – Albay | Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2019/09/15/kasong-aralin-camarines-sur-ndf-bikol/

WESTMINCOM: 3 high powered firearms hand-over to AFP

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Sep 15, 2019): 3 high powered firearms hand-over to AFP

The Western Mindanao Command, through all of its Joint Task Forces, continuously intensifies its campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms in its area of operations.

At 9am today, 3 high-powered firearms and ammunitions including one M14 rifle with scope, one M79, one M203 Grenade Launcher, four 40mm and three 7.62mm ammunitions, and one 40mm bandolier were turned-over to the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Butig, Lanao del Sur.



The ceremonial hand-over was held at the Brgy. Hall of Brgy. Sundig of said town, being facilitated by Charlie Company of the 49IB, officials of Butig municipality led by Councilor Saiben Panolong, and Barangay Sundig Chairman Abolan Macatbar.

“This activity highlights the support of the Local Government Unit of Butig town in the AFP’s campaign against loose firearms,” said Brigadier General Romeo Brawner, Jr. , commander of the 103rd Brigade.



Said HPFAs, ammunitions, and gun paraphernalia are placed under the custody of the 49IB for proper disposition.

“I personally like to express my sincerest gratitude to the local government units and the civilian community for their untiring support to the AFP’s campaigns,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.

“With your support in all our endeavours, peace and development will soon be attained,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

http://www.westmincom.com/3-high-powered-firearms-hand-over-to-afp/

Military disarms MNLF-Misuari members in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (Sep 15, 2019): Military disarms MNLF-Misuari members in Maguindanao

The military on Saturday confiscated 37 assorted long and short firearms during a summit of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misusari faction in Buluan, Maguindanao.

Lt.Col. Edwin Alburo, spokesperson of the 6th Army Division said armed MNLF-Misuari members were forced to surrender their firearms to soldiers deployed to the area to enforce a law on disbanding armed men.

Alburo said their troops “were alerted by concerned individuals” about the gathering of armed men in camouflage uniforms.

“This is unauthorized,” Alburo said.

At around 12:30 on Saturday noon, after negotiations by the military with the MNLF members led by Ustadz Jamaluddin Abdullah, chief of the “Dragon Border Command” of the MNLF, the MNLF handed over their firearms to the soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion.

The MNLF members were not arrested or investigated. They went home after they surrendered their firearms.

The MNLF signed two peace agreements with the government: the Tripoli Agreement of 1976 with the then undivided MNLF under Misuari and the Final Peace Agreement of 1996 with the MNLF faction under Misuari.

The MNLF split into three factions after the failed implementation of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement: MNLF under Misuari, “New MNLF” which was later renamed Moro Islamic Liberation Front under Salamat Hashim and MNLF Reformist Group under Dimas Pundato.

After the Marcos dictatorship was ousted, the Cory Aquino administration offered the hand of peace to the Moro rebels. No peace agreement was forged with the Misuari faction. Exploratory talks were held with the MILF. The MNLF Reformist Group’s leader arrived from exile and joined the government.

The 1996 peace agreement provided for an integration of 7,500 members of the MNLF’s Bangsamoro Armed Forces into the military and police – 5,000 to the military and 2,500 to the police.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/09/military-disarms-mnlf-misuari-members-in-maguindanao/

Army deploys CST in San Fernando, Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15, 2019): Army deploys CST in San Fernando, Bukidnon

Army’s 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion (88IB) recently deployed community support teams (CSTs) to various barangays in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Lt. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, 88IB Commander, said this is part of the army’s Community Support Program (CSP) that provides assistance in conducting community-based initiatives identified by the locals themselves in tandem with the local government.

These teams will be stationed in San Fernando’s seven barangays namely Namnam, Magkalungay, Cawayan, Little Baguio, Tugop, Nacabuklad, and Halapitan.

In a send-off ceremony during the convocation program at San Fernando town hall, Mayor Levi Edma warmly welcomed the troops.

“As a public servant, my concern is the development, needs, and security of the people. I believe that in our cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and through Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte, the empowered inclusiveness of the government to end local communist armed conflict will be in our hands. Thus, let us support our government’s community development projects and programs. I encourage you [people] to take part and actively engage in the government’s projects, programs, and activities because there can never be progress if there is no peace,” the mayor said.

Community Support Program (CSP) is part of the army’s multi-sector approach highlighting the concerted efforts of people in the village.

It aims to capacitate communities to bring in lasting solutions to conflicts in the locality so people could live peacefully and productively.

Likewise, Fabic urged the community’s active participation and cooperation in the government’s call to end insurgency.

"The other key to ending the local communist armed conflict is through collaboration and cooperation. As emphasized in E0 70, "inclusiveness" means the participation of the people. We will take care of the armed components of the CPP-NPA terrorists here in San Fernando. The Dragon Warriors will not stop chasing them," Fabic said. (Norven Jay Garcia, CMO Officer, 88th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027353

DND highlights diplomatic and domestic approaches to security issues, territorial dispute

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15, 2019): DND highlights diplomatic and domestic approaches to security issues, territorial dispute (By DND)

Representing Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana, Defense Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna highlighted the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing regional security challenges, particularly the territorial disputes on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), during the forum entitled “National Defense Policy: In Defense of the National Territory” held in Makati City on September 13, 2019.

“There is a huge and indispensable task in managing the issues in the South China Sea (SCS) dispute, which we duly recognize as source of instability and tension in the region, and a potential flashpoint,” Undersecretary Luna said, noting that China’s reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea infringe upon the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over our exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippines continues to exercise its rights in the WPS as a rules-based state, guided by the Constitution and the country’s commitments to treaties, and undertaking both diplomatic and domestic efforts.

Undersecretary Luna shared that central to the country’s diplomatic efforts is the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the SCS, serving as the primary bilateral dialogue mechanism of the Philippines and China on territorial disputes and overlapping maritime claims in the SCS. The BCM has working groups for political-security; oil and gas; fisheries; and marine scientific research and marine environment protection.

“At the BCM, we are continuously engaging China to discuss the issue. At the same time, we are reaffirming our commitment to international laws, especially to the UNCLOS and to the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” Undersecretary Luna said. “More particularly, the government has been very consistent and firm in raising alarm and opposition to China’s continued militarization in the South China Sea,” he added.

Enhancing and harmonizing our internal capabilities, meanwhile, are also at the core of the approach in upholding the national interests in the WPS, the Philippine Rise, and all the rest of our maritime domains. “Surveillance and enforcement operations will arm the government of the Philippines in lodging diplomatic actions on every Chinese incursion and unlawful action in our maritime domain,” said Undersecretary Luna, adding that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dutifully conducts legitimate and regular maritime and aerial patrols over the WPS.

Repair and rehabilitation of facilities in the Municipality of Kalayaan are also well underway. The development of facilities in the area, according to the Defense Undersecretary, will not only enhance the presence in the WPS, but more importantly, it will aid Filipino fishermen and residents in the area.

“In the same spirit, the government remains committed in further bolstering our defense posture in the WPS through the modernization program of the AFP, and capability upgrades on the part of the Philippine Coast Guard, National Coast Watch System, as well as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,” Undersecretary Luna said.

“This is alongside the prioritization of the development and upgrading of bases, facilities, and stations in the area – all with the end view of protecting the Philippine territorial waters and jurisdictional waters,” he continued.

The Defense Undersecretary also shared that the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, headed by the National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., has been designated by the President to lead the government’s efforts in managing the WPS issue. Presently, the Task Force is at the helm of a number of legislative agenda geared towards strengthening the country’s claim in the area. This includes investing on credible defense posture, upgrading the facilities and improving the welfare of the community in Kalayaan Island Group, and pursuing robust marine scientific research, among others.

Undersecretary Luna also emphasized the importance of international alliances, especially with the country’s policy intent of de-escalating tensions in the region.

“We recognize that the regional alliance is an integral part in pursuing the country’s interests, which also comes with the profound intention of maintaining our good relationship with our neighboring countries,” Undersecretary Luna said, noting that the country continues to engage fellow ASEAN members in finalizing the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. “The Department is confident that the conclusion of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea will be integral in ensuring safety and freedom of navigation in the area,” he added.

“While we maintain that the West Philippine Sea dispute is at the diplomacy level, we have always affirmed that our defenders are committed to defend our territory with whatever means available to them,” the Defense Undersecretary said. “However, we have to inculcate in the minds of our people that the defense of the state is a duty of each citizen, not just the military.”

Hosted by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Makati Chapter, the forum looked deeply into the country’s national security policies, as well as analysis and commentaries from some of the country’s renowned political analysts and international law experts.

Undersecretary Luna enjoined the members of the academe and the private sector, especially the lawyers and the members of the IBP, to help elevate the level of domestic and international discourse on the issue.

“We count on you, as lawyers of the country, to herald the efforts of the government in managing the challenges we face in the West Philippine Sea,” Undersecretary Luna said. “We count on you to help us communicate and articulate to the Filipino people and to the foreign public that the government strives to put forward all of our national interests, without severing any long-standing relationship with other nations, especially with our neighboring countries who are also claimant-states,” he concluded. (DND)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027365

Marines, NGOs, GOs extend help to Maguindanao kids

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2019): Marines, NGOs, GOs extend help to Maguindanao kids



FEEDING PROGRAM. Members of the 1st Marine Brigade conduct a feeding program for school children and parents of Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Women Organization of Rajah Mamalu Descendants as well as non-government and government organizations participated in the event. (Photo courtesy of WORMD)

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- More than 500 pupils from Pigcalagan Elementary School in Barangay Pigcalagan here have benefitted from the outreach program conducted jointly by the 1st Marine Brigade, local government officials and non-government organizations on Saturday (September 14).

The activity, held inside the school premises, were parlor games, medical consultation, distribution of hygiene kits, dental kits, school supplies, and a feeding program, according to Aileen Kesa Marie Usob Hualde, executive director of Women Organization of Rajah Mamalu Descendants (WORMD).

The activity was also initiated in partnership with Mayor Shameem Mastura, board member Sharifudin Mastura, the Philippine Dental Association-Cotabato Chapter, the Philippine Pharmacists Association and the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The beneficiaries were school children and the community surrounding the school.

Marine health providers also extended health services to both pupils and parents, according to Brig. Gen. Eugenio Hernandez, 1st Marine Brigade commander.

“We are ready to serve the needy in whatever way we can,” Hernandez said in the vernacular during the program.

Hernandez, together with the Masturas, vowed to support all activities that will provide the necessary assistance to far-flung communities.

Hualde of WORMD also lauded the Marines for inviting her group to the activity.

“We too are always ready to extend help when our services are needed,” she said.

As an Indigenous Peoples (IP) organization, WORMD is not only serving and helping the IPs but other inhabitants in the locality as well.

WORMD is also promoting the prevention of violence against women and violent extremism.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080496

Calabarzon provinces forge unity vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2019): Calabarzon provinces forge unity vs. NPA



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- All five provinces of the Calabarzon Region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) have forged unity against the New People’s Army (NPA) following activation of their respective Provincial Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID), on Sunday said the Southern Tagalog provinces’ spirit of unity signals the “high-five” PTF-ELCAC region-wide implementation in pursuit of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 calling for a “whole-of-nation” approach to end the 50-year-old insurgency in the country.

“The operationalization of PTFs ELCAC signals the institutionalization of a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ in attaining an ‘inclusive and sustainable peace’ by addressing the root causes of insurgency through harmonization of government efforts toward conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities,” Burgos said.

“Cavite was the first to activate the Provincial Task Force on April 4 through an Executive Order signed by then Gov. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla followed by Laguna on April 9, Quezon on April 11, Rizal on August 13 and Batangas on September 10,” he added.

He said the military is confident that through the unified stand of the five local chief executives of the Calabarzon provinces, this will help in "putting an end to the 50-year communist insurgency that has been hampering our potentials and growth as a nation."

'Decisive blow'

The Army’s 2ID top brass said security forces have already dismantled early this year the GF Honda, the NPA unit which used to operate in Batangas and Cavite.

He described the military’s rare feat “has dealt a decisive blow that crippled the terrorist organization” which government forces claim as “an indicator that the enemies of the state have been pushed to a state of irreversible collapse.”

Burgos also reported that security forces’ assessment was bolstered by the surrender of some 122 rebels who are now enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), providing grants and assistance as the former rebels return to mainstream society.

He added that the unity stance among the five provinces was demonstrated through the snowballing of their declarations of “persona non grata” against the NPAs.

According to Burgos, three provinces, three cities, eight municipalities, and 184 barangays have already passed their respective resolutions banning the presence of the NPA communist terrorists from their communities.

“These declarations indicate the local government units (LGUs) and constituents have denied these NPAs their much-needed space and mass base support,” he maintained.

As a prime mover of the Calabarzon RTF-ELCAC, the pioneering regional task group to eradicate the five-decade-old insurgency, the 2ID, along with task force members and stakeholders hosted the recent meeting graced by Department of the Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo M Ano, Cabinet Officer Responsible for Development and Security (CORDS) in Region 4-A (Calabarzon).

“I am calling on the few remaining rebels to lay down your arms, avail the grants provided by E-CLIP, work hand in hand with the government and be part of the solution to help our country regain its glory so that our people may finally enjoy the peace, prosperity and development which every Filipino truly deserves,” Burgos appealed.

He said military solution alone cannot achieve peace as the 2ID soldiers have been playing their critical role in the delivery of services to the grassroots like their “Serbisyo Caravan” in Barangay Cagsiay III, Mauban, Quezon last Aug. 30.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080519

List of possible AFP chief now with PRRD: AFP spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2019): List of possible AFP chief now with PRRD: AFP spox



Military spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo (PNA File Photo) 

The names of possible replacements for outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. have already been forwarded to the office of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, military spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said Sunday.

Arevalo said the names of Madrigal's possible successor have been gathered by the Board of Generals.

"I don't know the exact date on when the list was submitted to the Office of the President but I'm sure that it is already there," he said in Filipino during an interview with reporters.

Arevalo said the list contains the names of "between seven or eight" three-star generals still in active service.

The AFP spokesperson also stressed that those in the list have "proven competence, integrity and managerial and leadership acumen".

"The next (AFP) chief-of-staff is expected to continue the programs and the operational thrusts of the current leadership, especially pursuing the guidance of President Duterte to finish insurgency within his term so as you know he has less than three years to complete that. So he is expected to be able to continue (with our) operational gains, and the same time implement adjustments in the plan in order for us to defeat decisively (the) New People's Army," he pointed out.

Arevalo further said the change-of-command ceremony for Madrigal's successor is on September 24 as arranged between the AFP and the Office of the President.

Madrigal will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 this coming September 28.

Earlier, the outgoing AFP chief said it is not for him to recommend any successor as it is the prerogative of the Chief Executive to select his successor.

Madrigal took over the helm of the AFP on December 11, 2018 replacing then AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez who bowed down after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. He is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080504

Co-location MOA with telco firm passed gov't scrutiny: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2019): Co-location MOA with telco firm passed gov't scrutiny: AFP



AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said co-location memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Dito Telecommunity (former Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company or Mislatel) passed government scrutiny before being signed by the military.

This was emphasized by AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo after some sectors criticized the agreement on fears that it could be utilized for espionage activities.

"Alright, so first thing first, itong pagpirma ng AFP sa isang MOA between Dito Telecommunity yung dating MISLATEL (this signing of MOA between AFP and Dito Telecommunity, formerly Mislatel), it must be taken in the light of three reasons. Number one, this passed thorough government scrutiny when it comes to its fitness to do business in the Philippines, unang-una may (first, there is) government regulatory agencies naman tayo kagaya ng (like) Securities and Exchange Commission, I understand at ang (and the) National Telecommunications Commission na siyang mismong nakakaalam (which is knowledgeable) when it comes to operations ng (of) telecommunications,” Arevalo said in a media interview.

“Ikalawa, ang ibinibigay naman natin sa kanila (Second, what we give them) when we say allowing them in the military camps, hindi naman siya (it is not) physically co-located sa ating mga (with our) communications facility," he added.

The Dito Telecommunity is composed of Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Udenna Corp, and China Telecom.

It was conferred with the status of New Major Player in the telecommunications industry by the National Telecommunications Commission on November 19, 2019. The AFP and Dito signed the co-location MOA last September 11.

"Basically what we are providing is the venue kung saan (where) we will be able to lend them yung (the) relative security na maibibigay nung sinsasabing MOA na yun at yung mga locations na, kasi alam na ng AFP yung mga magagandang locations kung saan pinakamagandang mag-propagate ng (that the MOA can provide and those locations, because the AFP knows better locations that can propagate best) signal so that's the second reason,” Arevalo said.

“And the third reason is the AFP has already put up naman appropriate safeguards to address that particular concern of security and data security in telecommunications," Arevalo stressed.

The AFP spokesperson also said this third telecommunication company is in response to the "longing of the people to have better service".

"Please remember that the longing of the people to have a better service when it comes to telecommunications, so this is the third telco that they were asking, at ito kumbaga sinusuportahan ng (and this is what the) Armed Forces (is supporting) the decision of (the) government, the AFP is supporting and that's why we embarked on this memorandum of agreement," he added.

Earlier, AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., said there are ongoing efforts and activities to secure all military communications from espionage.

Also, Madrigal said partnering with Mislatel is nothing new as similar MOAs have been entered with Smart and Globe.

Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Mislatel in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units.

The telecommunication firm is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and shoulders all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses, and other charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080506