CPP/NDF-Negros: Dugang maghiliusa kag padayon nga ipakig-away ang tawhanon nga kinamatarung

NDF-Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2019): Dugang maghiliusa kag padayon nga ipakig-away ang tawhanon nga kinamatarung

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 11, 2019

Sa ika-71 nga tuig sang Pagkalibutanon nga adlaw sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung, indi lang kita magkomerar sang deklarasyon sang mga sibil, politikal, ekonomiko kag demokratiko nga kinamatarung kundi padayon nga pakig-awayan ang paglapak sini kag sukton ang hustisya nga ginadingut sang inutil nga gobyerno sa idalum sang korap, tiraniko kag berdugo nga paghari sang US-Duterte nga rehimen.

Sa masobra tatlo ka tuig nga pagpungko ni Duterte sa pwesto iya ginbuyagyag ang iya kaugalingon bilang imahe kag tuta sang imperyalistang US, despotiko nga agalon mayduta kag dalagku komprador burgesya. Patraydor nga ginpalarga ang todo-gyera nga nagwasak sa kabuhi kag palangabuhi-an sang pumuluyong Pilipino. Madata nga militarisasyon kag kontra-pumuluyo kag paantus nga mga patakaran ang iya sabat sa nagalala nga gutom kag kapigaduhon sa pungsod.

Sini lang Disyembre 8, 2019, gin-abduct si Rosel Cabusog, 23 anyos nga taga-Manjuyod, Negros Oriental sang mga elemento sang 94th Infantry Battalion kag tubtub subong wala pa gihapon makita. Dugang ini nga kaso sa paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung nga sa Negros idalum sang rehimen Duterte naglab-ot na sa 89 nga biktima sang politikal nga pagpamatay kag 95 nga bilanggong pulitikal nga biktima sang patu-patu nga mga kaso kag planted nga mga ebidensya.

Sa pihak sang mapintas kag sistematiko nga pagpang-atake sang pasista nga estado sa idalum sang madinugu-on nga de facto martial law, maisog nga gin-atubang sang bug-os nga Negrosanon ang halit nga gindala sini sa balayon sang Executive Order 70 ukon “whole of nation approach” kag sang Memorandum Order 32. Agud hinabonan ang sobra-sobra nga mga pagpang-abuso sa diin ginakondena na sang pumuluyo sa bilog kalibutan, padayon ang mga iskemang fake news, persona non grata kag medals of “dis-honor” sang manugpatay kag butigon nga AFP/PNP.

Nagahiliusa ang hanay sang mga mangunguma, mamumugon sa uma, mamumugon, imol nga taga-syudad, kabataan kag estudyante, mga aktibista, human rights lawyer, propesyunal, tawong simbahan kag kauturan sa mas-midya sa nagakusog nga panawagan nga maghimakas agud paslawon ang diktadurya nga paghari sa Isla. Naga-ani ini sang madamu nga suporta kabahin diri ang pagpakig-isa sang indi magnubo sa 64 ka mga kongresista nga nagpirma sang resolusyon agud i-preserba ang demokrasya sa pagpahayag kag untaton ang pagpang-atake sa mga pumuluyo diri sa isla sang Negros.

Ang pumuluyong Pilipino naghandum sang makatarungan nga kalinong kag matuod nga kahilwayan. Apang ang nabanhaw nga interes ni Duterte sa peace talks sa tunga sang GRP-NDFP nanimaho sang pakana para mahatagan rason ang masunod nga pagsingki sang mga atake batuk sa pumuluyo. Dapat bantayan ang ginahambal sang Malacanañg nga indi na magpalawig sang martial law sa Mindanao bangud posible isunod sini ang mas makahalalit nga pagdeklara sang martial law sa bilog nga pungsod.

Dapat nga padayon nga ilunsar ang nagkalain-lain nga porma sang paghimakas agud ma-angkon ang aton ekonomiko nga kinamatarung paagi sa pagpamatuk sa nagalala nga mga neoliberal nga polisiya dala sang export-oriented kag import-dependent nga klase sang ekonomiya, atrasado nga agrikultura kag dominasyon sang mga multi-nasyunal nga mga korporasyon. Padayon sa paghiwat sang madinalag-on nga mga paghulag agud depensahan ang sibil, politikal kag demokratiko nga mga panawagan sang mga pumuluyo.

Ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa Negros upod sa pumuluyong Pilipino determinado nga pasingki-on ang pagsulong sang pungsodnon demokratiko nga rebolusyon nga nagatib-ong sang makasahi nga interes sang sahing pigos kag ginahimuslan para maagum ang matuod nga reporma sa duta, pungsodnon nga industriyalisasyon kag hustisya-sosyal nga amu ang sabat sa ugat sang armadong komplikto nga nagaluntad sa pungsod. Ubos-kusog nga maghimakas agud depensahan ang aton mga kinamatarung kag paslawon ang de facto martial law sa Negros kag sa bilog Pilipinas!

https://cpp.ph/statement/dugang-maghiliusa-kag-padayon-nga-ipakig-away-ang-tawhanon-nga-kinamatarung/

CPP/NDF-ST: Papanagutin ang AFP-PNP sa patuloy na pagbinbin ng mga labi ni Kasamang Ermin Bellen

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2019): Papanagutin ang AFP-PNP sa patuloy na pagbinbin ng mga labi ni Kasamang Ermin Bellen

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Mariing kinokondena ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog (NDFP-ST) ang rehimeng Duterte sa kawalan ng habag at di makataong pagkakait sa pamilya na makuha ang mga labi ng kanilang mahal sa buhay. Ginigipit at iniipit ng 2nd ID at 80th IB ng Philippine Army ang mga kapamilya para patuloy na bimbinin ang bangkay nina Kasamang Ermin Bellen at Lucio Simburoto. Ang nasabing mga kasama ay kabilang sa tatlong minasaker ng pinagsanib na tropa ng 80th IBPA at PNP Region IV-A sa Sierra Vista Subdivision, Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City nuong madaling araw ng Disyembre 5, 2019.

Mariin din naming binabatikos ang talamak na tiwaling iskema sa AFP at PNP na pinagkikitaan ang mga pabuya na nakapatong sa mga nasa listahan ng kanilang mga wanted sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng pangalan ng mga ito sa kanilang mga napapatay sa operasyon tulad ng paggamit sa pangalang Armando Lazarte na hindi ang tunay na identidad ni Kasamang Ermin Bellen.

Walang kahihiyang ginagamit na kundisyon ng 80th IBPA na para makuha ng asawa ang labi ni Kasamang Ermin Bellen ay dapat pumayag silang lagdaan ang death certificate sa pangalan ni Armando Lazarte. Ito’y sa kabila na mismong asawa na nya ang nagpapatunay ng kanyang pagkatao.

Sa kabila nito, kung anu-ano pang mga rekisitos ang hinihingi na mahirap na maiprodyus agad sa mga pagkakataong ito. Pilit na pinaaamin sa kaanak na si Kasamang Ermin ay si Armando Lazarte kung nais ng mga itong mairelis na ang kanyang labi. Si Armando Lazarte ay nasa wanted list ng AFP/PNP at may patong na malaking halaga sa ulo buhay man o patay.

Wala kaming nakikitang dahilan dito kundi ang paghahabol ng mga kawatan at mersenaryong opisyal ng AFP ng promosyon at sa paghahati-hatiang malaking pabuya na nakapatong sa ulo ni Armando Lazarte. Ito lang ang tanging dahilan kung kaya’t sinasabi sa pamilya na madali nilang makukuha ang bangkay sa kundisyong sasailalim ito sa pangalang Armando Lazarte at hindi ni Kasamang Ermin Bellen. Binalaan din ang pamilyang huwag na huwag didikit sa Karapatan kung nais nitong makuha ang kaanak.

Malinaw na pinatay ng pinagsanib na tropa ng 80th IB at PNP Regiona IV-A si Kasamang Ermin Bellen para makuha ang pabuyang nakapatong sa ulo sa kung sinumang Armando Lazarte na kanilang ipinalalabas sa midya na napatay.

Sa patuloy na pagkakait na makuha ng pamilya ang mga labi ni Ka Ermin Bellen, minsan pang pinatunayan ang pagiging di-makatao, kriminal, mersenaryo at pasista ng AFP at PNP. Palibhasa’y mga sinanay sa doktrina bilang mga bayaran at mersenaryo, wala ni anumang bahid ng pagrespeto o pagkilala man lang sa kaugalian at tradisyon, sa karapatan ng pamilya na makuha ang bangkay ng kanilang kaanak at mahal sa buhay upang mabigyan ito ng disenteng burol, matunghayan ang kanyang labi sa huling pagkakataon ng mga kamag-anak, kaibigan at mga masang nagmamahal sa kasama hanggang sa paghahatid sa kasama sa kanyang huling hantungan. Pinatay na nga’t sukat, nais pang pagkakitaan ng buhong na AFP at PNP ang bangkay ni Kasamang Ermin Bellen.

Ang pangyayaring ito ay mahahalintulad sa insidente sa Oriental Mindoro na matagal ding ibininbin at ipinagkait ni Gen. Teofilo, pinuno ng 203rd Bde ng Philippine Army at ng PNP Mimaropa sa mga kamag-anak ang mga labi ng tatlong kasamang nasawi sa labanan sa Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro nuong Hunyo 2019. Matagal ding bininbin ang bangkay ni Alcosa na pilit na ipinalalabas ng kaaway na si Bonifacio Magramo alyas Eboy na isang mataas na opisyal ng NPA sa rehiyon. Nagpataw din ang AFP at PNP ng kundisyon na papayag lang silang ibigay sa pamilya ang labi ni Alcosa sa kundisyong pipirma ang pamilya sa dokumento kung saan nakasaad ang pangalan ni Bonifacio Magramo at hindi ang kanilang kaanak na si Alcos. Malinaw na pabuya na nakapatong sa ulo ni Bonifacio Magramo at promosyon ang habol ng kaaway kung kaya’t pilit nilang pinalalabas na si Bonifacio ang bangkay na kanilang pinaslang at hindi si Alcosa.

Dahil sa malakas na presyur ng kilusang masa at pamilya, napilitan din ang kaaway na ibigay ang mga labi ni Kasamang Alcosa sa pamilya.

Sinasabi ng mga operatiba ng AFP at PNP na lehitimo ang kanilang operasyon laban kina Ermin Bellen at dalawa pa niyang kasama dahil sa mayroon silang hawak na warrant of arrest (WOA) para isilbi sa kasama. Hinahamon namin ang AFP at PNP na ilabas ang WOA kay Kasamang Ermin Bellen kung totoo ang kanilang sinasabi na armado sila ng utos mula sa korte.
Kung sakali mang may WOA si Kasamang Ermin Bellen, walang dahilan ang AFP at PNP na sila’y imasaker. Hindi armado ang mga kasama at walang naganap na labanan sa lugar. Sinalbeyds ang tatlong kasama sa mismong bahay na kanilang tinitigilan. Hindi na nagawang makabangon ng mga kasama mula sa kanilang pagkakatulog nang sila ay pagbabarilin ng mga operatiba mula sa PNP/AFP.

Malaki ang ipaliliwanag at pananagutan ng mga operatiba ng 80th IBPA at PNP Region IV-A sakaling wala silang hawak na WOA kay Kasamang Ermin kundi ang kay Armando Lazarte.
Katarungan para sa mga martir na kasamang sina Ermin Bellen, Jose Villahermosa at Lucio Simburoto. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/papanagutin-ang-afp-pnp-sa-patuloy-na-pagbinbin-ng-mga-labi-ni-kasamang-ermin-bellen/

CPP/NPA-Quezon: Ipagbunyi ang buhay-at-kamatayang pakikibaka ni Ka Romano!

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2019): Ipagbunyi ang buhay-at-kamatayang pakikibaka ni Ka Romano!

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON

APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Pulang Saludo sa Tatlong Martir ng Antipolo

Nagbibigay ng pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang Apolonio Mendoza Command-NPA at ang buong rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa lalawigan ng Quezon kina Kasamang Ermin Bellen, mas kilalang Ka Romano at sa dalawa pang kasamang sina Jose Villahermosa at Lucio Simburoto.

Sila ay namartir noong Disyembre 5, 2019 sa Barangay Cupang ng Antipolo City matapos paslangin ng mga pulis at sundalo sa isang mala-Tokhang na reyd .

Labis-labis ang pagkilalang ibinibigay ng mamamayan ng Quezon sa mahalagang ambag ni Ka Romano sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka sa lalawigan. Sa panahon ng kanyang pamumuno bilang kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at kumander ng NPA, tinipon at pinagmartsa nya sa iisang landas ang rebolusyunaryong puwersa sa bahagi ng hangganang Quezon, Rizal at Laguna para dalhin ang digmang bayan sa isang antas na gumimbal sa pasistang tropa at naghaharing uri ng kasalukuyan at mga nagdaang rehimen.

Lahat ng kampanyang supresyon na inilunsad ng Armed Forces of the Philippines sa erya ng digma na pinamunuan ni Ka Romano ay matapang na hinarap at binigo ng rebolusyunaryong mamamayan. Sa kaigtingan ng mga focused military operation, ang mga yunit ng NPA sa pamumuno ni Ka Romano ang nakapagtala ng matutunog at matatagumpay na taktikal na opensiba na puminsala sa pasistang tropa, at mga aksyong pamamarusa na nagbigay katarungan sa mamamayan mula sa pagsasamantala at pang-aapi ng naghaharing uri.

Pinakasariwa sa alaala ng katutubong Dumagat at Remontado at iba pang maralita sa kanayunan ng North Quezon ang magiting na paglaban sa pagtatayo ng mapaminsalang proyektong Kaliwa Dam. Hanggang kasalukuyan, magiting na tumitindig ang mamamayan para tutulan at labanan ang Kaliwa dam. Isa ito sa iniwang pamana ni Ka Romano sa kanyang pagkamartir.

Hindi ka malilimutan ng uring api na iyong pinagsilbihan, kasamang Romano! Kasabay ng aming pagluluksa sa iyong kamatayan ang pagdiriwang din sa kaisa-isang buhay na walang pag-iimbot mong inialay para sa ating mahal na bayang Pilipinas!

Buhay ang iyong alaala na nananahan sa bawat puso ng mamamayan ng Quezon!

Pangakong ipagpapatuloy namin ang iyong naputol na gawain sa pagrerebolusyon at dadalhin ito sa mas maraming tagumpay!



https://cpp.ph/statement/ipagbunyi-ang-buhay-at-kamatayang-pakikibaka-ni-ka-romano/

CPP/NDF-ST: Gunitain ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Karapatang Tao na may ibayong determinasyong lumaban sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte

NDF-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2019): Gunitain ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Karapatang Tao na may ibayong determinasyong lumaban sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Mahigpit na nakikiisa ang National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Tagalog (NDFP-ST) sa sambayanang Pilipino sa paggunita at pagdiriwang sa Pandaigidigang Araw ng Karapatang Tao ngayong Disyembre 10, 2019. Ipinapaabot din namin ang mahigpit na pakikiisa sa lahat ng mga inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahang mamamayan ng atrasadong mga bayan sa daigdig na patuloy na nakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya laban sa imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukratang kapitalismo. Ito’y araw ng paggunita sa maningning na tagumpay ng mamamayan ng daigdig sa proseso ng kanilang magigiting na pakikibaka laban sa iba’t ibang anyo ng makauri at pambansang pang-aapi, pagsasamantala at diskriminasyon at para sa pagkakamit ng pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya at sosyalismo.

Bagama’t nagpapatuloy ang malawakang paglabag sa karapatang pantao, kagutuman at pang-aapi sa daigdig, maituturing pa ring mahalagang pangyayari ang paglalabas ng Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) ng United Nations noong Disyembre 10, 1948 na taunang ginugunita at ipinagdiriwang sa iba’t ibang panig ng daigdig. Nabibigyan nito ng pagkakataon na maiparating ng mamamayan ng daigdig ang kanilang mga hinaing para ipanawagan ang pagwawakas sa pang-aapi at pagsasamantala, ang pagwakas sa anumang uri ng paglabag sa karapatang pantao at maisulong ang kanilang simulain para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya laban sa imperyalismo at lahat ng uri ng reaksyon.

Kaya’t napakahalaga para sa sambayanang Pilipino na taun-taon ginugunita ang pandaigdigang araw ng karapatang tao, sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang anyo ng sama-samang pagkilos, upang patuloy na maiparating sa pamahalaan ang mga kahilingan ng taumbayan para sa lupa, trabaho, nakabubuhay na sahod, libre at murang pabahay, libre o abot kamay na serbisyo publiko at higit sa lahat ang igiit ang pagkilala at pagrespeto ng estado sa kanilang likas na mga demokratikong karapatan at interes. Mahalaga ding maiparating sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte na hindi kailanman masisindak, matatakot, mapapaatras at mapapatahimik ang mga grupo at organisasyon na nagsusulong at nagtatanggol sa karapatang tao kahit sa kabila ng mga malulupit na bira at atake na pinakakawalan ng kanyang pasistang rehimen laban sa mamamayan.

Samantalahin natin ang paggunita sa pandaigdigang araw ng karapatang tao para lalong pahigpitin ang hanay at ibayong magpalakas upang matatag na harapin ang mga panibagong hamon sa pagsusulong at pagtatanggol sa karapatang tao sa darating na mga taon. Kailangang muling pagtibayin ang komitment at determinasyon ng bawat isa upang maitaas ang antas ng aktibismo sa pagtataguyod at pagtatanggol sa karapatang tao. Muling pagtibayin ang pangako sa bayan na isagawa ng walang takot at kapaguran ang paghahanap ng katarungan sa lahat ng mga naging biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang tao lalo na sa kasalukuyang panahon ng paghahari ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte na wala ni katiting na pagkilala o pagrespeto sa karapatang tao ng kanyang mamamayan. Kailangan ang ibayong katapangan at katatagan.

Itinuturing ni Duterte ang mga nagtataguyod at nagtatanggol sa karapatang tao bilang mga kaaway ng estado at sa gayun maging target ng kanyang pasismo. Nagagawa ng mga armadong pwersa at mga berdugong ahente ng pasistang rehimeng Duterte ang mga paglabag sa karapatang tao nang walang patumangga at walang pinangangambahan dahil sa suporta na tinatamasa nila mula kay Duterte.

Sa panahon ni Duterte, hindi lang mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan ang naging biktima ng mga pagpaslang at iba pang paglabag sa karapatang tao. Maging ang mga grupo’t indibidwal na tagapagtaguyod at tagapagtanggol sa karapatang tao ay naging target ng demonisasyon, red-tagging, intimidasyon, panggigipit at marami ang ikinukulong batay sa pampulitikang paniniwala at mga gawa-gawang kaso. Ngunit ang pinakamasahol sa mga ito ay ang dumaraming bilang mula sa hanay nila ang nagiging biktima ng extra judicial killings (ejk’s) ng death squads ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Nais din ni Duterte na takutin at patahimikin ang lahat ng mga kritiko na masugid na tumutuligsa sa kanyang paghahari kabilang ang mga progresibong grupo at partylist, media, taong simbahan, mga abugado at iba pang propesyunal at oposisyon. Dapat humanay ang mga grupong ito sa taumbayan sa pagbubuo ng isang malakas na anti-pasistang nagkakaisang prente para ibangga sa lantarang pasistang paghahari ni Duterte.

Muli naming hinihikayat ang lahat ng mga kaanak at biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang tao sa rehiyong Timog Katagalugan na makipag-ugnayan sa mga organisayon at grupo na nagtataguyod at nagtatanggol sa karapatang tao. Lumapit kayo sa kanila upang idulog at magpatulong sa pagsasampa ng reklamo laban sa mga indibidwal at opisyal ng AFP at PNP na pangunahing may kagagawan sa pagyurak at paglabag ng inyong mga karapatan. Nananawagan din kami sa mga kaanak at biktima ng kampanya laban sa iligal na droga ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte na idulog sa mga grupo at organisasyon ang inyong mga reklamo kabilang ang mga ebidensya upang maisama sa mga ipapadala sa International Criminal Court (ICC) kung saan may nakasampang reklamo kay Duterte na crimes against humanity dahil sa libu-libong namatay sa kanyang gera kontra droga na ang mga pangunahing biktima ay galing sa mahihirap na pamilya at komunidad.

Laging bukas din ang pinto ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagtanggap ng anumang mga reklamo at demanda laban sa mga indibidwal at opisyal ng AFP at PNP at sinuman na pangunahing pinagsususpetsahan na may kagagawan sa pagyurak at paglabag sa karapatang tao nila. Lubos kayong makakaasa, sa abot ng aming kakayanan, na pananagutin ang lahat ng mapatutunayang maysala sa ilalim ng batas at hustisya ng rebolusyonaryong gubyerno ng bayan. ###



https://cpp.ph/statement/gunitain-ang-pandaigdigang-araw-ng-karapatang-tao-na-may-ibayong-determinasyong-lumaban-sa-pasistang-rehimeng-us-duterte/

CPP/NDF: Kasamang Ermin “Ka Romano” Bellen at 2 pang kasamang pinaslang sa Antipolo Masaker, Martir ng Sambayanang Pilipino!

NDF propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2019): Kasamang Ermin “Ka Romano” Bellen at 2 pang kasamang pinaslang
 sa Antipolo Masaker, Martir ng Sambayanang Pilipino!

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 10, 2019

Rebolusyonaryong Hustisya ang sigaw ng bayan para sa Antipolo 3!

Ipinaabot ng NDFP- Isla ng Palawan ang kanyang pinakamataas na pagkilala kay Kasamang Ermin “Ka Romano“Bellen, Ka Jose Villahermosa at Ka Lucio Simburoto sa kanilang taos-pusong paglilingkod sa masang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan. Inspirasyon ng lahat ng nakikibakang mamamayang Palaweño lalo ng SUPOK o Rebolusyonaryong Organisasyon ng mga Katutubong Palaw’an ang mga pakikibakang pinangunahan ng mga kasamang martir lalo na ni Ka Romano. Punong puno ng talino, tapang at determinasyon lalo na ang pagsusulong ng laban ng mga katutubong Dumagat at Remontado at ng mga magsasaka’t maralita. Naipamalas niya ito sa pangunguna sa pagtutol sa mapaminsalang New Centennial Water Source—Kaliwa Dam Project at mga proyektong nakakasira ng kalikasan tulad ng quarry sa Montalban.

Tampok ang kanyang pamumuno at pagiging kadre upang mahusay niyang ikonsolida ang gawain, pagkaisahin ang kaisipan ng base at Bagong Hukbong bayan na ugitin ang landas ng pagsulong sa armadong paglaban na di–kailanman umatras o sumuko sa pasistang pananalakay ng militaristang rehimen ni Duterte. Ang pagdadalamhating ating nararamdaman ay bunga ng pagkawala ng isang tunay na may malasakit sa bayan at masang anakpawis.

Ang mga patak ng kanilang dugo ay ang tinta na panulat sa kasaysayan ng kabayanihan na siyang kanilang tunay na tatak ng pagiging rebolusyonaryo. Sadyang umaalimpuyo ang galit ng mamamayan sa isinagawang pag masaker kina Ka Romano at sa 2 pa nuong Disyembre 5 , ala una ng madaling araw sa Sierra Vista Subdivision, Brgy. Cupang, Antipolo City. Napakaduwag ng mga operatiba ng magkasanib na elemento ng 80th IBPA at PNP CALABARZON upang hindi man lamang bigyan ng pagkakataon sina ka Romano na ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili.

Walang pakundangan pang naghabi ng mga kasinungalingan na umano’y lehitimong engkwentro ang naganap at nagtanim pa ng ebidensya tulad ng m16 at granada.
Istilong ala “tokhang” ang nasabing operasyon. Ang lagim ng pasismo ng AFP/PNP ay laging nasasalamin sa malubhang paglabag sa karapatang pantao, wala sa tamang pag-iral ang proseso ng batas at sa kultura ng pagpatay. Ito ang paraan kung paano nila nilapastanganan ang kahalagahan ng buhay ni Ka Romano at ng 2 pa niyang kasama.

Mariin naming kinukondena ang karahasang ito at ang tahasang pagtalikod, paglabag ng 2ndIDPA at PNP CALABARZON sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law o CARHRIHL na nilagdaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP. Sa tiyak tulad ng iba pang may mga utang na dugo sa mamamayan, kakalingain at ipagtatanggol ang mga berdugo ng punong pasista—ang rehimeng Duterte.

Rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang isinisigaw ng taong bayan! Singilin at panagutin ang mga berdugo at mersenaryong 2nd IDPA at PNP CALABARZON na may malaking pananagutan sa masaker na ito! Muli, para kay Ka Romano, Ka Lucio at Ka Jose , rebolusyonaryong pagpupugay sa inyong kabayanihan! Hindi man namin kayo muling makakapiling, subalit hindi namin kayo malilimutan!

Mabuhay si Ka Romano at ang lahat ng martir ng sambayanan!
Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDFP!
Isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan hanggang sa tagumpay!

https://cpp.ph/statement/kasamang-ermin-ka-romano-bellen-at-2-pang-kasamang-pinaslang%e2%80%a8-sa-antipolo-masaker-martir-ng-sambayanang-pilipino/

CPP/NDF-CNL:Resist Looming Tyranny & Human Rights Attack

NDF-CNL propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 10, 2019): Resist Looming Tyranny & Human Rights Attack

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

RENMIN MALAYA

SPOKESPERSON

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION – NDFP

DECEMBER 10, 2019

” Human rights are not only violated by repression or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that creates huge inequalities.”. – Pope Francis

The Christians for National Liberation joins the international community this year 2019 in commemorating the 71st Anniversary of Human Rights Day. Pope Francis aptly describes human rights that include the unfair economic structures creating huge inequalities. Activities across the world are marked with protests to alert people of circumstances where human rights are not recognized or respected, or where these rights are not considered to be important.
For us here in the country, glaring inequalities is very obvious, the much talked about the cost of the “cauldron” for the Southeast Asian Games. The spiraling prices of basic commodities slowly dehumanizes majority who are poor. The President is not only lying about issues affecting the country, and his minions demonize and harass those who resist and expose the truth. The latest statistics provided by Karapatan Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights (Karapatan), 3rd quarter this year the administration for illegal arrests alone for Luzon 234, Visayas 423 and Mindanao has the highest 1,777or a total of 2.484. This statistics is in addition amidst the rampant, unabated killings of farmers, red-tagging of human rights defenders and has no qualms of victimizing anyone, including church people like the Rural Missionaries.

CNL condemn in the highest and strongest terms, how this administration is perpetrating the culture of impunity, and believes that state efforts to silence its critics are failing miserably, instead their voices are growing louder with every human rights violation instigated by the coercive apparatus of the state. What is inspiring is that fellow Christians have been awakened i.e. groups and sectors vowed to continue the fight of the Filipino masses to attain genuine social change. Together we will not allow the President to complete his establishment of a fascist dictatorship and kill us with bullets and worsening hunger and poverty.

We call on fellow Christians and faith believers to unite and Resist the Looming Tyranny and Human Rights Attack on the people.

Long live the People’s Democratic Revolution! !
Onward the people’s struggle towards national liberation!
https://cpp.ph/statement/resist-looming-tyranny-human-rights-attack/

No extension of martial law in Mindanao, says Malacañang

From Rappler (Dec 10, 2019): No extension of martial law in Mindanao, says Malacañang

(UPDATED) Martial law in Mindanao ends on December 31, 2019



PHILIPPINE CHIEF. President Rodrigo Duterte presides over the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Command Conference in Malacanang Palace on December 9, 2019. Photo by Robinson Niaal Jr/Presidential Photo

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Heeding the recommendation of security officials, President Rodrigo Duterte will not seek another extension of martial law in Mindanao, Malacañang announced on Tuesday, December 10.

“President Duterte is not extending martial law. It will expire on December 31, 2019,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced in a Palace news briefing.

“His decision is based on the assumption of security forces as well as the defense advisers that the terrorist and extremist rebellion have been weakened as a result of the capture and neutralization of their leaders as well as there had been a decrease in the index crime,” Panelo added.

The Palace official said that even without martial law in Mindanao, "the people of Mindanao can rest assured that any incipient major threat will be nipped in the bud."

Malacañang made the announcement a day after Duterte presided a joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police command conference in Malacañang.

The President made the decision days after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año both recommended that there was no need for another extension of martial law in Mindanao.

The siege of Marawi City by the Islamic State (ISIS) affiliate Maute terror group in May 2017 prompted to place all of Mindanao under martial law. Since then, the defense establishment kept recommending the measure’s extension even after the siege ended in October that year, citing threats from terrorists and communist insurgents.

The region has been under martial law for about two and a half years – nearly half of Duterte's term.

The AFP welcomed the President's decision, as it took into consideration the AFP's recommendation, said its spokesman, Marine Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo.

"We have cited several reasons like improved security climate in Mindanao, the continues decline of the Daesh-inspired local terrorist groups, and to further promote an environment more conducive to economic activities as it did in terms of increase in trade and commerce in Mindanao," Arevalo said.

He said the AFP will continue to collaborate with local chief executives and communities to "sustain these gains brought about by martial law."

"The AFP will pursue our advocacy towards the amendment of the Human Security Act into an Anti-Terrorism Law that will not be too restrictive to security forces but has more teeth to prevent or counter terrorism," Arevalo said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/246898-duterte-no-extension-martial-law-mindanao

Families displaced by Maguindanao clashes cry for help

From Rappler (Dec 11, 2019): Families displaced by Maguindanao clashes cry for help (By JC Gotinga)

Traumatized by the sound of bombs and guns, at least 2,000 families caught in the battle between terrorists and the military are staying in makeshift booths in open spaces, a Moro community leader tells Rappler



DRIVEN OUT. Skirmishes between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters including the pro-ISIS Abu Torayfie Group in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, over the past week have driven some 2,000 families to flee their homes and stay in makeshift booths. Photo sourced by Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – As government forces battle terrorists in the central Mindanao province of Maguindanao, thousands of people are forced to leave their homes and stay in flimsy makeshift booths in coconut groves and other open spaces.

"Na-trauma na sila sa pagsabog ng kanyon at saka pagputok ng IED (They're traumatized by the blast of cannons and IED explosions)," a Moro community leader from Barangay Libutan told Rappler on Tuesday, December 10. He asked to be kept anonymous for fear of riling up local leaders whom he said might be displeased that he publicized the information.

Since fighting broke out between the military and terrorists from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the pro-Islamic State (ISIS) Dawlah Islamiyah Torayfie Group (DITG) on December 3, more than 2,000 families have fled to Libutan in Mamasapano municipality from barangays Tina and Bialong in Shariff Aguak municipality, and Pusao in Shariff Saydona Mustapha municipality, the community leader said.

Many of the evacuees have built booths from tree branches and drapes, while others, thinking they will be displaced for a long time, have started building cottages.



MAKESHIFT HOMES. Evacuees in Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, stay in flimsy booths made from sticks and drapes. Photo sourced by Rappler

Bayan Alumadan, a husband and father from Barangay Tina, said families like his have had to leave behind farmyards and livestock – their only sources of livelihood.

"Sana po ay mapansin ng gobyerno itong nangyari sa amin. Dahil sa matinding kahirapan ay hindi po namin alam kung ano'ng aming gagawin," Alumadan said. (I hope the government takes notice of what has happened to us. We are very poor and we do not know what to do.)


Some of the evacuees risk visiting their homes to retrieve some of their belongings or pick a few vegetables from their farm plots, in order to survive.

The height of the battle with the terrorists is over, but clearing operations were still underway as of Tuesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson Major Arvin Encinas told Rappler.

On December 3, AFP Westmincom reported that troops from the Philippine Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion and 5th Special Forces Battalion "pounded BIFF rebels" in Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak, and recovered heavy explosives such as a rocket-propelled grenade, grenade launchers, rifles, warhead mortars, and other improvised explosive devices (IED).



POOR CONDITIONS. Exposed to the elements with little food and water, evacuees still prefer the safety of their tents to the sounds of bombs and guns back home. Photo sourced by Rappler

"Military forces pursue the enemies of the state in a very deliberate manner to drive the terrorists out of their strongholds," Westmincom chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said, adding that government forces are determined to rid central Mindanao of terrorism and violence.

The BIFF and DITG are among several terror groups that continue to threaten Mindanao and the rest of the Philippines. While the two groups mostly operate in central Mindanao, the Abu Sayyaf Group, another ISIS affiliate, continues to operate in Sulu and, sporadically, in Basilan.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he would no longer seek to extend the enforcement of martial law in Mindanao beyond December 31, when it expires after more than 2 years since it was imposed at the height of the siege of Marawi City in May 2017.

Security officials said the threat of violence in the region has scaled down, and they would be able to pursue terror groups even without martial law.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/246963-families-displaced-maguindanao-clashes-cry-help

Dela Rosa says rebels only using peace talks to recruit fighters

From Rappler (Dec 10, 2019): Dela Rosa says rebels only using peace talks to recruit fighters (By Aika Rey)

'Kapoy na. Pagod na tao 'dyan,' says the police general-turned-senator




NO TO PEACE TALKS. Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa says there shouldn't be any peace talks with communist guerillas. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Tuesday, December 10, slammed the Left for their "insincerity," days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would send Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to talk to Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison.

"Kapoy na. Pagod na tao 'dyan. Lokohan lang [ang] peace talks na 'yan. Are they sincere? No. Kung sincere sila eh di matagal nang natapos ito," Dela Rosa told reporters. (I'm tired of it. The people are tired of it. They are just fooling around with these peace talks. Are they sincere? No. If they were sincere they we would've ended this a long time ago.)

The police chief-turned-lawmaker said that there shouldn't be peace talks anymore.

"Everybody wants peace. For me, we shouldn't close the door if they are sincere. But we have proven time and again who isn't sincere. It's them, not the government," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Dela Rosa said the communists will only take advantage of the space allowed them in a peace process. "Dahil nga they are not sincere, ginagamit lang nila ang peace talk na 'yan para lang makaluwag yung fighting space ng kanilang mga armado sa baba, dahil naiipit na sa gobyerno, at para makapasok sa lugar na di nila napapasok para makapagrecruit, makapagconsolidate magmobilize kumuha ng kailangan nila," Dela Rosa said. (Because they are not sincere, they are using the peace talks to widen the fighting space of their armed troops in the lowlands, because they are already threatened by the government, and so they are able to enter areas that they were not allowed, to recruit, consolidate, mobilize, and get the resources they need.)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr earlier said that the President wants another round of peace talks with communist rebels, but wants it done in the Philippines.

Sison has been in exile in the Netherlands for more than 3 decades.

After the talks broke down in 2017, the Duterte administration mounted a counter-insurgency campaign that has resulted in what human rights organizations describe as illegal raids and arrests, and the harassment of organizations that are doing legal work.

Duterte has in fact ordered the military to end the insurgency before he steps down.

Negotiations ended in November 2017, when the President accused the communists of violating a ceasefire. Duterte later ordered the creation of a task force holding "localized peace talks," but this has not taken off.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/246947-dela-rosa-says-rebels-only-using-peace-talks-fighters

Kalinaw News: Inaugural Ceremony of “Kapuso-Mapula Hanging Steel Bridge”

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2019): Inaugural Ceremony of “Kapuso-Mapula Hanging Steel Bridge” (By Kalinaw News)



Paquibato District, Davao City – The GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the City Government of Davao conducted the Inaugural Ceremony of the newly constructed KAPUSO-MAPULA HANGING STEEL BRIDGE sponsored by MX3, Royal Mandaya Hotel, Cemex Cement, PPG Paints, Equator Energy Solar Lamps on December 10, 2019 at Brgy Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City.

Gracing the event as guests of honour were GMA Kapuso Foundation Ambassador, Founder and 24 Oras News Anchor Ms. Mel Tiangco together with the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog, Focal Person of Peace 911 Mr. Roger S. Baay representing Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, GEN NOEL S CLEMENT, AFP. Around five hundred (500) residents were also present during the event.

The District of Paquibato, a newly-declared ‘Peace Zone’ in Davao City, is now on the road to progress and a home to the Ata indigenous group, who for many years have struggled to transport their goods due to lack of paved roads and bridges in the locality. Locals, especially students, have been facing the danger of crossing the river almost daily in order to travel from their homes to their schools.

This project features the 50-meter cable-suspended steel bridge with a concrete bridge tower. It is designed to be 1.8 meters wide to accommodate habal-habal motorcycles, allowing a faster and more convenient way to transport Paquibato’s local products. Other than transportation, the project aims to promote safety for residents, improve access to food, healthcare, education, trade opportunities, and even open up Paquibato as a tourist destination.

Mr Roger S Baay, Focal Person, Davao City Peace 911, delivered the message of Hon. Sara Z. Duterte, City Mayor, Davao City, “Let this 50 meter cable suspended steel hanging bridge with concrete towers symbolically bridge economic gaps and the community to allow safe and easy passage across the river for travelling to school and the community. Transport of goods, access to medical facilities and other significant activities. It is also my hope that this is just the beginning of a series of initiatives to benefit not only Brgy Mapula but also the neighboring communities dahil ang kaunlaran ng isang komunidad, kaunlaran din ng ating buong bayan.”

Gen Clement, in his message, “We are truly honored to be part of this very successful project, since then that we have been partnering in the conduct of worthwhile endeavors that aim to benefit and deliver services to our fellow Filipinos while also setting our sites on a folding peace and security in our country. In the long years that we have been partnering in different worthwhile endeavors, we have provided necessary logistics, expertise and manpower support that is needed to fulfill our mission here in Brgy Mapula particularly in completing this 50 meter steel hanging bridge.”

Ms. Mel Tiangco, on her message said, “Kami ay nagpakita ng pagmamahal at kapag nagpakita ng pagmamahal pinakamagandang panukli ay pagmamahal… Let it be a concrete manifestation of how a project will become successful kung napagtutulungan ng lahat ng sektor.”

The activity was highlighted with the Ribbon Cutting headed by Ms. Mel Tiangco and Ms. Rikki Escudero-Catibog of GMA Kapuso Foundation together with Armed Forces of the Philippines headed by GEN NOEL S CLEMENT, AFP and different sponsors of the said project. It was then followed by the Ata ritual called Panubad-tubad with Datu Antonio Ensaan IPMR of Brgy Mapula and a Blessing officiated by LTC MELCHOR P TORAYNO (CHS) PA, 10ID’s Division Chaplain. Other activities conducted were tree planting along Mapula Bridge and gift giving to the students of Mapula Elementary School.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/inaugural-ceremony-of-kapuso-mapula-hanging-steel-bridge/

Kalinaw News: Reds duplicity prevents kin from reclaiming body of slain rebel

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2019): Reds duplicity prevents kin from reclaiming body of slain rebel (By Kalinaw News)



MANILA — Further proof of communist rebels’ duplicity and deceit is further gleaned from the family of a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader, killed in a clash with government troops in Antipolo City, Rizal, which cannot recover his body and give it a decent burial as he is known by another name in the rebel movement, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) said Monday.

Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, was referring to the case of Armando Lazarte alias “Pat Romano” who was killed last week.

Lazarte is the secretary of the communist rebels’ Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub-Regional Military Area 4A.

“Days after Armando Lazarte alias Pat ‘Romano’, secretary of Sub-Regional Military Area 4A was killed in a raid in Antipolo City, his body still cannot be retrieved by the family. It is because he is known by another name in a classic duality of the CPP(Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA,” Parlade said in a statement to the PNA Monday.

Lazarte is also known as “Ermin Bellen” in Pampanga where he lived with his family and is known to be a kind individual working for a non-government organization (NGO), he added.

Unknown to many, Lazarte is also the leader of one of the NPA’s violent group responsible for many atrocities in the Southern Tagalog area.

“Little did people know that he was the head of a dangerous and violent terrorist group of the NPA who was responsible in the ambush of police forces in Rizal and Laguna, the burning of equipment in Calabarzon, and the death of young child recruits and students from UP Los Banos, PUP (Polytechnic University of the Philippines) and other schools. Among them was John Carlo Capistrano Alberto and Josephine Lapira,” he said.

Even Lazarte’s family, he added, was unaware of his connections with the CPP-NPA and it took the announcement of one member of Karapatan-Southern Tagalog to make the connection.

“But Bellen’s family did not know that the Lazarte alias ‘Pat Romano’ who was reported killed was the same guy they know in Pampanga until Casey Ann Cruz of Karapatan – Southern Tagalog informed family members that Bellen was killed in that encounter. Recovered at the scene were several subversive documents, Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc paraphernalia, bomb-making materials and manuals, other NPA paraphernalia, as well as uniforms and flags used by underground mass organizations like Kabataang Makabayan and its chapters in UP,” Parlade said.

Because of the NPA leader’s multiple identities due to the communist movement’s duplicitous character, he said Lazarte’s family will have a hard time claiming his body for a decent burial.

“His multiple identities were further complicated by Karapatan’s intervention to make a situation out of it,” he said.

He also scored Karapatan as it has consistently proven that they are not dissenters but a legal front whose purpose is to bail out captured CPP-NPA personalities and claim bodies of slain NPA fighters and supporters.

Karapatan’s actions, he said, are consistent with the CPP-NPA doctrine calling for the strengthening of all organizations allied to it .

“This is consistent with the ‘Limang Taong Programa ng Partido (2017-2021)’. This is why the document says ‘kailangan palakasin ang mga progresibong kaalyado..upang makasuporta ang mga ‘HAYAG sa mga LUBOG‘. It is talking about Karapatan and the NUPL(National Union of Peoples Lawyers), who are now complaining of being vilified in Leyte. In truth the CPP document is very clear about their role in the armed revolution,” he added.

He said the NTF ELCAC has already communicated with the family of the slain NPA leader in Albay and assured them that the body will be released for the proper burial rites.

“The CPP already stole one of our family members from us for a very long time. Now that he is dead, we request Karapatan to please leave us alone so we can give Erwin the proper burial. We do not want CPP rites for him,” Parlade quoted one of Lazarte’s brother as saying.

He also slammed Karapatan for maintaining alleged government human rights violation records abroad even while it goes about with its grisly work of accounting for the dead rebels in the Philippines.

“So tell us Cristina Palabay, Secretary General of Katapatan? Are these one of the reasons why you are getting international recognition for your works? Accounting for your dead NPAs while making sure that government human rights statistics are maintained abroad? Meantime, you also make sure that the case of child warrior Litboy Binogcasan, who was recently killed in Butuan City does not reach your European donors?” he said.

The death of Lazarte and recently captured of CPP-NPA Central Committee member Jaime Padilla are among the reasons why communist rebels are worried about the continued existence of the NTF ELCAC, he added.

“This is also why Renato Reyes of Bayan Muna has been very vocal in calling for the abolition of the NTF ELCAC. These are just few of the many reasons why the CPP-NPA is just too happy to hear about another round of peace talks with this administration,” he added.

“The CPP wants to see light at the end of their dark tunnel. Incidentally it is an upcoming train from the NTF ELCAC and they are not happy with it,” Parlade said.

The CPP-NPA has been listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines

https://www.kalinawnews.com/reds-duplicity-prevents-kin-from-reclaiming-body-of-slain-rebel/

Kalinaw News: Following the death of Notorious Southern tagalog NPA Commander, NPA Terrorists surrender firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2019): Following the death of Notorious Southern tagalog NPA Commander, NPA Terrorists surrender firearms (By 201st Infantry Brigade)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Four days after the death of a notorious terrorist leader, three NPAs surrendered high-powered firearms to government forces at Quezon Province’s town of Lucban on Monday.

This raised to four the number of terrorists from the province who returned to the folds of law since Dec 1 including the NPA regular from San Francisco town.

According to Col Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the 1st and 2nd Districts of Quezon, the “three who surrendered to the 1st Infantry Battalion in Lucban turned over an M16 rifle and a 40mm Grenade Launcher and are all listed in our Periodic Status Report.”

PSR is a military document which contains the names of identified NPA terrorists including their position, membership and areas where they operate.

He added that “one of them is a squad leader of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit’s Platoon Tres who went down with his vice squad leader taking along with them a member of KLG Cesar’s Platoon 4A1.”

Similarly, an NPA regular turned his back from the underground movement after turning himself over to the elements of 85th Infantry Battalion stationed at Gumaca, Quezon since the beginning of the month.

Col Norwyn Romeo Tolentino, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade which covers the 3rd and 4th Districts of the province, said that “the outpouring of surrenders of NPA regulars is a tangible proof that the government is winning the war against insurgency because of the sincere and dedicated efforts of the entire government echelon to deliver services and ensure sustainable growth in the countryside.”

He added that the series of surrenders can be directly attributed to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Task Forces at the National, Regional and Provincial levels to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in implementing President Duterte’s call for a whole of nation approach in addressing the different issues prevailing in our society.

The names of the surrenders are being withheld pending the relocation of their families to ensure their security from the NPA’s possible acts of reprisal.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, said that aside from the proactive actions of RTF ELCAC in addressing the root causes of insurgency, the series of surrenders was triggered by the neutralization of top NPA leaders in the area.

“Per their testimonies, the fall of their prominent and notorious leaders brought damaging psychological impact upon their ranks which made them doubt the safety of the jungles and fear the loyalty of their so-called mass base” after learning that information which led to their neutralization came from within the underground organization, said MGen Burgos.

He congratulated the former rebels “for choosing their families over the terrorists, for choosing peace over conflict and for choosing to become productive members of society rather than being part of the problem.”

The military has expressed optimism that they, together with the different agencies and LGUs in Region 4A, will be able to deal the enemies of the state the decisive blows to once and for all defeat insurgency in Southern Tagalog.

MGen Burgos ended his statement by calling on the few remaining NPA terrorists “to lay down their arms, enjoy the benefits provided under the government’s E-CLIP and live peaceful lives with their families” while reaffirming his soldiers’ “commitment to serve the Filipino people and ensure their security at all times so that they may enjoy their families’ company, particularly this coming holiday season.”

Since the E-CLIP’s implementation last year, 69 out of 162 former rebels have already availed P 4.485 million worth of financial assistance and other benefits from the program while 95 are on process and will be presented in separate event after the processing of documents, something which known left-leaning groups and personalities have blatantly opposed because such undertaking led to unprecedented number of surrenders from the region.

The former rebels will undergo reintegration protocols such as medical check up and custodial debriefing among others prior their enrollment to E-CLIP.



https://www.kalinawnews.com/following-the-death-of-notorious-southern-tagalog-npa-commander-npa-terrorists-surrender-firearms/

Kalinaw News: 61IB empowers Tubungan youth through leadership summit

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2019): 61IB empowers Tubungan youth through leadership summit (By 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion)



CAMP MONTECLARO, Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo – The 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion in partnership with the LGU- Tubungan spearheaded a 3-day Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) held at Community Learning Center, Tubungan Iloilo. At least 150 Tubungan youth from all walks of life participated in the said leadership summit that commenced on December 06 and culminated on Sunday, December 08.

The closing ceremony of the YLS was graced by Hon. Matt Palabrica, Board member, 3rd District of Iloilo where he captured the attention of the participants through his true-to-life experience as a Sangguniang Kabataan leader before.

“As youth, we want to change everything. And, we can start changing everything by changing ourselves,” Palabrica stressed. The YLS aims to enhance the potential of the youth to become responsible citizens and catalysts of peace and development.

This activity will also educate the youth on the importance, functions, responsibilities and the constitutional mandate of the national and local governments; develop values of compassion and patriotism among the youth, and instill awareness on important matters and issues in the society.

According to LTC Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer, 61IB, the summit will help encourage the youth to become enthusiastic agents of peace building,committed environmental activists, and responsible citizens of the nation. LTC Batara expressed his deepest gratitude to LGU-Tubungan headed by Honorable Mayor Roquito Tacsagon, the Municipal Mayor for supporting the activity.

“The overwhelming support of LGU-Tubungan will surely boost the morale and
welfare of the future young leaders of the town as they courageously pursue the right
and peaceful path towards the attainment of their dreams,” LTC Batara said.
Further, Batara encouraged every Tubunganon youth to be a more responsible
member of the community, be an advocate of peace and progress, and be the
source of the town’s pride.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/61ib-empowers-tubungan-youth-through-leadership-summit/

Kalinaw News: 4ID welcomes CHR probe on NPA recruitment of minors

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2019): 4ID welcomes CHR probe on NPA recruitment of minors (By 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In the pursuit of finally ending the recruitment of minors of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army welcomes the decision of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to probe the NPAs recruitment of minors.

Jacqueline de Guia, CHR Spokesperson said in an interview with CNN Philippines, “Under the International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, even non-state armed groups must respect the prohibition to recruit and use children in armed conflict and hostilities.” “[The boy] was still in his development years and should be focusing on honing his potentials so he can pursue his goals and dreams but his life was snuffed out and can no longer be taken back,” she added

It can be recalled that a 16-year old NPA member named Litboy Binongcasan was killed in an encounter with the troops of the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion at the hinterlands of Brgy. Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City. He was recruited when he was just 14-years old.

Further, based on 4ID records, a total of 63 NPA minor combatants operating in Northern Mindanao and Caraga have either surrendered or killed since January 2019. Their age range are from 12 to 17 years old. Also, the data from ‎2016-2019 revealed that the CTGs are recruiting minors as young as 12 years old and the average age of recruit in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA Regions is 17 years old.

Alyas Christine, 17, an NPA medic who surrendered to 23 Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion last October 2019 said, “Dakong pagbasol nako nga misulod ko sa kalihukan. Wala ko tuguti nga bisitahon akong pamilya ug gihulga pa sila nga patyon ugaling mosumbong ko sa otoridad.” (I really regret joining the NPA. They didn’t allow me to visit my family and they threatened to kill them if we tell the authorities.)

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, the Commander of the 4th ID said, “We welcome the decision of the CHR to probe the NPA’s recruitment of minors. Their continues recruitment is clear violation of the Children’s Right and the International Humanitarian Law.” “The youth is the hope of our nation and the CTG is destroying our future” Gacal ended.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4id-welcomes-chr-probe-on-npa-recruitment-of-minors/ 

Kalinaw News: CPP-NPA declared Persona Non Grata in Kitaotao, Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 10, 2019): CPP-NPA declared Persona Non Grata in Kitaotao, Bukidnon (By 10TH INFANTRY (AGILA) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY)



BUNAWAN DISTRICT, Davao City – – A Peace –Building Seminar (PBS) initiated by the 3rd Infantry Battalion in partnership with LGU of Kitaotao, Bukidnon concluded on Sunday, December 8 with the declaration of CPP-NPA-NDF as Persona Non Grata by residents of Brgy Sinuda and Brgy Kipilas of Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

A total of 426 participants underwent the 3-day Peace Building Seminar(PBS) composed of Former Rebels (FRs), Milisya ng Bayan members (MBs), former Underground Mass Organization members (UGMOs) and former mass supporters and sympathizers.

During the closing program, the residents led by the Barangay Council members of the two barangays and the Matigsalog-Manuvo Tribal Council of Elders collectively declared the CPP-NPA-NDF as Persona Non Grata in their communities.

The declaration was solidified through the conduct of an Oath of Allegiance to the Government through the Panunumpa sa Pagsalikway sa CPP-NPA, symbolic signing of Denouncement of the CPP-NPA-NDF tarpaulin, burning of the CPP-NPA flags and the conduct of “Pakang”, a sacred ritual wherein the Matigsalog-Manuvo took an Oath of cutting all forms of support to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Hon Lorenzo A Gawilan, Mayor of Kitaotao; Sangguniang Bayan members and all municipal Dept Heads attended the opening ceremony of said PBS as they formed part of the TF ELCAC or Whole of Nation Approach(WNA) in the delivery of services to the vulnerable communities.

A medical and dental outreach dubbed “Gasa para sa Katawhan” in partnership with the Kitaotao LGU was conducted during the last day of PBS which benefited 990 individuals in different services such as medical treatment, dental extraction, corn and vegetable seeds distribution, PhilHealth Registration and information drive by the MSWD.

Colonel Nolasco A Mempin, Commander of the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade welcomed this peace-building activity and hope that others will follow suit the stance made by these Kitaotao residents.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/cpp-npa-declared-persona-non-grata-in-kitaotao-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Series of NPA leaders’ neutralization lead to mass surrender in southern tagalog

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2019): Series of NPA leaders’ neutralization lead to mass surrender in southern tagalog (By 2nd Infantry Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Forty eight NPA militias surrendered to soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on Saturday.

This was after the apprehension of Jaime Padilla alias Diego, one of the NPA leaders in Mindoro, at the posh Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan on Nov 26.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Arbolado, Commanding Officer of 4th Infantry Battalion which operates in the island provinces, said that “demoralization and fear of apprehension similar to the fate of Jaime Padilla was among the main reasons why they decided to return to the folds of law.”

He added that alias Diego’s arrest while enjoying high-end medical treatment became the “breaking point” of their commitment to the underground movement for “they realized the terrorists’ unfair treatment between the leaders and the ordinary fighters.”

Brigadier General Antonio R Lastimado, Commander of the 203rd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said that “they will undergo assessment and once they qualify then will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP so that they may enjoy government grants which they could use to start living peaceful lives with their families.”

It can be recalled that 79 former rebels received Php 1.185 million worth of assistance from the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict last November 26 during a ceremony at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Occidental Mindoro’s PTF ELCAC is under Gov Eduardo Gadiano and is considered as one of the most active and efficient in implementing the national government’s peace initiatives across Southern Tagalog.

Under the E-CLIP, a militia can received Php 15,000 cash assistance provided by the national government who decided to return to the folds of law and may also qualify for additional compensations in the form of educational, health services, employment and housing benefits among others.

BGen Lastimado added that “the proactive stance of Occidental Mindoro’s Task Force ELCAC is a testament of the government’s sincerity in its call for NPA terrorists to return to mainstream society so that peace, prosperity and development can finally be enjoyed by our constituents.”

For his part, Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, expressed confidence that “through the government’s concerted effort at all levels in the implementation of the President’s directive to end local communist armed conflict, we will be able to address the prevailing social issues thereby uprooting the causes of insurgency in the the countryside”.

He also cited that “the series of neutralization of hard core cadres in Southern Tagalog is a manifestation of the lingering demoralization among the enemy’s ranks as well as the reality that the NPAs no longer enjoy support from what used to be a solid mass base in the region.”

He ended his statement by assuring the people of Southern Tagalog that the government is on top of internal security situation in the region.

“I call on the few remaining NPA terrorists to put down their arms and peacefully return to the folds of law because sooner than later they will suffer the same fate either that of Armando Lazarte, who recently died, or Jaime Padilla who will be spending the rest of his life behind bars.”

Upon completion on the assessment stage, the qualified former rebels will undergo E-CLIP enrollment process wherein part of which is the DSWD’s needs assessment, profiling and counselling by health professionals to prepare them to their eventual return and reintegration to mainstream society.



https://www.kalinawnews.com/series-of-npa-leaders-neutralization-lead-to-mass-surrender-in-southern-tagalog/ 

WESTM INCOM: 3 drug personalities apprehended, 34M worth of shabu seized in Tawi-Tawi

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Dec 11, 2019): 3 drug personalities apprehended, 34M worth of shabu seized in Tawi-Tawi (By PIO Western Mindanao Command)



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City-December 10, 2019

Combined AFP-PNP-PDEA elements apprehended 3 drug personalities and seized Php34, 000,000.00 worth of shabu in Tawi-Tawi at 8:30 am today, December 10, 2019.

Operating troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Tawi-Tawi/ BARMM/Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office, and Bongao Municipal Police Station apprehended Haberson Jaafar y Abirin, Elmer Jamadin y Asid, and Adzfar Asali in an Anti-Illegal Drug Operation in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.



“Said operation also resulted in the seizure of more or less 5 kilograms of shabu with an estimated market value of Php34, 000,000.00,” said Brig. Gen. Camilo Balutan, commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

Apprehended personalities will be charged for violation of sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165.

“Congratulations to our marine troopers and our partner agencies for this very remarkable accomplishment,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.



“It is noteworthy that we, together with other law enforcement agencies, have had significant gains in our campaign against illegal drugs,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

“Rest assured that we will continue this quest to ensure a better life for our future generations,” he concluded.



http://www.westmincom.com/3-drug-personalities-apprehended-34m-worth-of-shabu-seized-in-tawi-tawi/

WESTMINCOM: 2 BIFF rebels yield to military in Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Dec 11, 2019): 2 BIFF rebels yield to military in Cotabato (By PIO Western Mindanao Command)



Camp Navarro Calarian, Zamboanga City-December 10, 2019

Two members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters under Karialan Faction surrendered Monday afternoon to military authorities in North Cotabato. Adam Jakaria and Teng Palot, both residents of Pikit, North Cotabato, surrendered to soldiers of the 7th Infantry Battalion and Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan at 2pm on December 9.




Jakaria and Palot yielded one Noveske N4 carbine, one M79 Grenade Launcher, ammunition, and magazines.



The duo underwent a custodial debriefing conducted by military troops. Said rebels belonged to the group of former BIFF bandits Gani Saligan and Commander Nao.

“We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our partners from the LGU for their untiring support to all our endeavour most especially on our campaign against terrorism,” said Lt. Gen. Cirlito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.



“The military exerts all earnest efforts towards peace and development through the employment of legal mechanisms, such as the capitulation of terrorists in the area of operation,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/2-biff-rebels-yield-to-military-in-cotabato/

WESTMINCOM: 6th most wanted personality in Maguindanao neutralized by gov’t forces

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Dec 11, 2019): 6th most wanted personality in Maguindanao neutralized by gov’t forces (By PIO Western Mindanao Command)



Combined elements of the 90th Infantry Battalion and the CIDG BARMM conducted law enforcement support operation which led to the neutralization of the 6th most wanted personality in Maguindanao.

Operating troops proceeded to Sitio Kiniputan, Poblacion Dalican, DOS Maguindanao at 5pm on December 9, 2019 to serve a Warrant of Arrest against Ebrahim Mudzol Ali, a.k.a. Dalupang.


While approaching the area, operating troops were fired upon by the suspect which forced them to retaliate.

The exchange of fires resulted in the death of the suspect.

“Ali was the 6th most wanted criminal in Maguindanao and was involved in carnapping and the series of killings in Maguindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.



Recovered from the said personality were one Caliber 45 with one magazine loaded with seven rounds of ammunitions.

“We continually conduct military and law enforcement support operations to eliminate the menace of society,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander.

“Team WestMinCom would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our silent supporters, the LGU, and the civilian communities.”

“They play a big part in the success of our campaign against terrorism and lawlessness,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana expressed.


The cadaver and the recovered pistol were turned over to Datu Odin Sinsuat Police Station for proper disposition.



http://www.westmincom.com/6th-most-wanted-personality-in-maguindanao-neutralized-by-govt-forces/

Muslim community welcomes various stakeholders to MWOP

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): Muslim community welcomes various stakeholders to MWOP (By Doreen Marielle N. Rosales)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- In celebration of this year’s Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP), the Muslim Community welcomed the Christian and indigenous people (IP) participants to their community in Narra Road, Brgy. 26 New Society Village, this city on November 29, 2019.

The non-Muslim guests were made to witness the tradition and customs commonly followed by the Muslims.

Sultan Gamal Amerol, Sultan of Caraga Administrative Region, along with Brgy. Captain Ibrahim T. Abdulahim and Datu Muna Datu S. Ebra of the Bangsamoro-MNLF Caraga welcomed Most Rev. Fr. Cosme Damian Almedilla, Bishop of the Diocese of Butuan, Datu Revise Mandahinog of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and other leaders and members of the Christian and IP communities in Caraga to the brief immersion that was scheduled by the Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) as its activity for the third day of the weeklong celebration of MWOP.

The activity commenced with non-Muslim participants witnessing the khutba, an Islamic tradition equivalent to a Sunday mass performed by the Catholic church which is observed during the duhr (noon) congregation prayer every Friday.

This was succeeded by a feast prepared by the women of the community where exotic Maranao dishes were served in a tabak, a traditional Maranao silverware that serves as a tray for the dishes. The guests were also encouraged to observe Maranao table manners such as sitting on the floor during meals and using one’s hands when eating.

A program was then hosted after a shared meal. Leaders of the various participating communities praised the hospitality of the community, acknowledging the uniqueness of their manner of welcoming their guests and providing them an opportunity to experience their traditions.

Barangay captain Ibrahim T. Abdulahim remarked on the holiness of the occasion since it was held on a Friday. “Friday is a holy day in Islam which therefore makes this event even more blessed,” he said.

Reverend Father Carlito P. Clase, executive director of CCPD, took the chance to apologize on behalf of the whole non-Muslim communities for perpetuating the negative stereotypes against the Muslims, which are primarily rooted on ignorance and indifference.

To signify the reconciliation between the Muslims and the members of the non-Muslim communities, the leaders exchanged bahandi – a century-old malong was gifted by the Muslims to the Christian and IP communities while the latter gifted the Muslims an ancient pottery.

On behalf of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) regional director Monaim Guro, chief of Settling Division Norlain Balt delivered a speech to conclude the program.

“We try our best to extend our understanding for our non-Muslim siblings when they mock our traditions such as our manner of praying. We take into consideration the fact that they still do not possess a deep understanding of the customs we observe, which is why an inter-religious dialogue is necessary,” she emphasized. (DMNR/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031304

ELCAC official says IPs used for insurgency campaigns

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): ELCAC official says IPs used for insurgency campaigns (By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo)

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Dec. 10 (PIA) – Officials of the National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) here said Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the country are being lured into insurgency camps and opeations.

Lt. Jano Andig, national LTF-ELCAC head secretariat said IPs continue to be recruited and used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) especially in Mindanao.

He said NPAs were able to build their camps within IP communities using and capitalizing deceitful social issues and concerns affecting their welfare under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).

“This is also happening in Luzon not only in Mindanao . Our IP communities are now infiltrated that is why we need to come together and address these issues,” Andig said.

He said insurgency campaigns and operations are being done by the Cordillera Peoples Struggle (CPS), a communist terrorist group covering Luzon.

According to Andig, the presence of Ancestral Domain Claims in Luzon have become targets of the NPA in establishing their stronghold with the support of IP sympathizers and members.

“We are asking our IP elders to conduct your own assessments in your respective areas and come up with your security plans and programs,” he added.

Andig also bared hat IPs are also being used to push the anti-government

campaigns and rallies in Metro Manila and in regions and provinces.

The ELCAC official made the report during the Regional Planning Workshop on NTF-ELCAC initiated by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP). (MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031450

Insurgency front groups using IPs for fund sourcing

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): Insurgency front groups using IPs for fund sourcing (By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo)



BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Dec. 10 (PIA) – Front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New Peoples Army (NPA) are using hapless stories of Indigenous Peoples to generate funds for their interest.

“The funds generated by the CPP-NPA front organizations from donors here and abroad are used to push their anti-government sentiments , atrocities and alleged human rights abuses,” said Lt. Jano Andig, National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) head secretariat.

IPs in Cagayan Valley list their names during National Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict(NTF-ELCAC) REgional Workshop of the NCIP at Tam-an Resort, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The activity aims to craft a convergence plan of gov't agencies to empower IP communities against the threat of insurgency in their communities.# PIA Photo

He made the report during the Regional Planning Workshop on NTF-ELCAC initiated by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) at the Tam-an Resort at barangay Busilac in this town.

Andig said the funds generated by the insurgency – front organizations from various donors and supporters end up in the pockets of their leaders.

He said these front organizations are using ancestral domain issues and concerns of the IPs as proposals for funding from various donors.

“They use published news articles as proofs and justifications of their proposals for mobilization in rallies and post-activity reports but these are supposed to help IPs in their genuine quest for their ancestral domain rights,” Andig added.

He further asked IP leaders to be vigilant in their respective communities to prevent their members from being used in insurgency activities.(MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031453

More than 200 youths participate in 1st AgNor YLS

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): More than 200 youths participate in 1st AgNor YLS (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Government agencies have stepped up its effort in addressing the needs of the locals in different communities, particularly the youths of Caraga region.

This is still part of the ongoing implementation of the Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The extensive conduct of the Youth Leadership Summit is one of the priority activities of the Philippine Army to help the youths in enhancing their skills as they are potential leaders in their respective municipalities.

Jerwen Escalania was one of the grateful participants who shared the values and experiences that he gained during the 3-Day Youth Leadership Summit.

He was thankful to the concerned government agencies, together with the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army for generously and seriously providing them the needed assistance and guidance.

“We’ve learned a lot of new ideas from our resource persons and our leadership skills were enhanced and we will apply all of these in our life and our community,” said Escalania.

“We were taught to be more responsible while the organizers and facilitators emphasized to us that we should always respect our parents and elders, as well as contribute to nation-building,” shared Roniel Yongco.

According to Roberto Laurente, president of the Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY) organization, they also aim to help the youths to become more responsible and wiser in using the social media. he cited that there have already been many people who became victims of fake news.

“The youth should be able to determine whether an information they read or hear is factual or not, so they would not be deceived and become victims of fake news,” cited Laurente.

“When using the social media, the aim should be helping other people become well-aware of what is happening in the country and being able to contribute to its development,” said Ma. Leaneth Penarejo.

As the honored guest speaker, 2Lt. Gianmatteo Vittorio Guidicelli, Reservist – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), called on the Caraganon youths to get involved in the government’s activities leading towards lasting peace and development.

“Let us unite and pool our resources and help the government towards attaining lasting peace. We could use the social media to promote a peaceful environment and inspiring other people to contribute to peace-building efforts of the government,” highlighted Guidicelli.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Molina Jr., stressed the vital role of parents in rearing their children well; ensuring them to grow without vices; and preventing them from the recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPAs). (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031352

Former rebels regret joining the Reds

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): Former rebels regret joining the Reds (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- In the implementation of the Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), there is an increasing number of former rebels who chose to return to the folds of the law, and decided to live a peaceful life with their families.

During the site visit and assessment of government agencies in Zapanta Valley, Barangay Bangonay in the municipality of Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, several former rebels have revealed their worst experiences, and regretted the time they joined and supported the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist group.

According to Lando Adlangan, former courier and supporter of the NPA he felt sorry for his own family because instead of spending quality time with them, he wasted his life serving the CPP-NPA. He said, joining in the terrorist organization has not brought any good for him, but only sufferings and hardships.

He also called on the other members of the tribe who were deceived by the NPAs and are still involved in the communist-terrorist movement to surrender to the government and live a normal life with their respective families.

“Living in a simple life with my wife and kids is more fulfilling than what I used to do before when I was still part of the NPA. A peaceful life is what I longed for my family to experience in our community,” said Adlangan.

A certain Ging-Ging Adlangan, former secretary of the Kasalo group, also conveyed her regrets upon realizing that she was only manipulated and exploited especially during rallies and ‘operation bakwit’ of the NPA.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes in our community that truly help us cope with life, especially with all the programs and livelihood provided to former rebels like us from the government,” Adlangan shared.

Many of the former rebels and local residents in Zapanta Valley have also expressed their gratitude to the government for implementing projects and programs that they can benefit from.

“We are now benefitting from the farm-to-market road and other projects that were established in our community for us to have better way of living and enjoy the programs and services from the government,” said Brando Fernandez, chairperson of Zapanta Bisaya Organization.

Meanwhile, regional director Manuel Orduña of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) gave emphasis that the government continuous to provide the basic needs of the communities particularly in the rebel-infested areas. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031287

Minor NPA killed, high-powered firearms recovered in Army clash in AgNor

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): Minor NPA killed, high-powered firearms recovered in Army clash in AgNor (By 23IB Philippine Army)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 6 -- The army troopers of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army under the operational control of 402nd Infantry Brigade encountered recently a group of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) in the hinter area of So. Salvacion, Brgy Manila de Bugabos, this city.

The army troopers received reports coming from the concerned civilian residents about the presence of armed men in their barangay. The responding troops immediately proceeded to the area and conducted focus military operation and encountered more or less 20 CNTs believed to be members of Guerilla Front 4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Command. The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes after which the enemies scampered towards Southwest direction.

The said encounter resulted in the recovery of one dead body, two AK-47 rifles, one M16A1 rifle, one M16A1-RMC rifle, five civilian backpacks, two bandoleers, six magazines of AK-47 rifle, five magazines of M653 rifle subversive documents and other personal belongings. Heavy bloodstains were also visible in the withdrawal route which indicates that there are still members of CNTs who suffered severe wounds while there is no casualty in the government side.

Moreover, the recovered cadaver of the slain NPA was turned-over to the Barangay Council of Barangay Manila de Bugabos, Butuan City headed by Punong Barangay Jhonryl B. Denuro for proper disposition and burial. Unfortunately, the slain rebel identified as Litboy Binungcasan, 16 years old, and a resident of Sitio Siohan, Barangay Malinao, Gingoog City.

Emalyn Binungcasan, sister of late Litboy, expresses her resentment to the CNTs for recruiting her brother. “I was saddened because he said he will just apply for a job but he did not come back for a couple of months. We didn’t know that he was already recruited by the CNTs. I hope that the leaders of CNTs will stop recruiting and deceiving innocent civilians for their personal interest," she said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco Molina, Commanding Officer, 23IB, extends his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the slain CNT. “Another young innocent life was lost because of the deception done by the heartless NPAs. If only the members of the CNTs heed to our call for them to go back to the mainstream society, this incident should not have happened," he said.

He also extends his gratitude to the concerned residents who provide information regarding the whereabouts of the CNTs. “I am so glad that many of the civilians support us in ending insurgency. Your 23IB soldiers will never get tired in pursuing the remaining members of the CNTs and we will assure you that we will do our best to dismantle the said group so that the civilian populace will have the chance to live peacefully especially this yuletide season," he said.

"The CNT group must be dismantled so that they can no longer celebrate another anniversary of implicating and deceiving innocent civilians. These CNTs who claims to be an 'Army for the poor' did no good to our nation, instead, they impoverish the people and leads them to suffer real poverty,” Molina added. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031256

Another rebel killed, firearms recovered in AgNor clash

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10, 2019): Another rebel killed, firearms recovered in AgNor clash (By 23IB, Philippine Army)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 10 -- A New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist was killed in a clash in the hinter area of Sitio San Jose, Barangay Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte at 8:05 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
At the same time, several high-powered firearms, food supplies, medicines, and subversive documents were recovered by troops of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), Philippine Army.

The 23IB troopers under the supervision of Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr., commanding officer, encountered more or less 40 NPA terrorists believed to be members of Guerilla Front 4A, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) under Eddie Mangubat alias "Weds."

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, after which the enemies scampered towards Northeast direction. The said encounter resulted in the recovery of one NPA dead, one AK-47 Rifle, two M16 Rifle, four Laptops, one Generator, 21 backpacks, two sacks of rice, food supplies, medicines, subversive documents and other personal belongings. Traces of heavy bloodstains are also visible in the withdrawal route which indicates that there were members of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who suffered severe wounds.

The recovered cadaver of the dead CNT was turned over to the Barangay Council of Brgy. Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte for identification and proper disposition.

Meanwhile, LTC Molina extended his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the dead CNT. “This is the result of the deception and manipulation of CNT leaders to their members. The members risk their lives fighting for the false ideologies and propaganda, but their comrades just left them when they needed them the most," he said.

"Once again, we urge the remaining members of the CNTs to go back to the mainstream society while you still have a chance. We are always willing to help you to live a normal life and we will never hesitate to assist you in availing the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for you to start a new life. But if you will just neglect our call, your 23IB soldiers will never stop pursuing you as we want peace to prevail in the communities who wish to live peacefully," he added. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031253