AFP-CRS: PH Army, US Navy strengthen bilateral ties

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Dec 16, 2019): PH Army, US Navy strengthen bilateral ties



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2667158020018326/2667157060018422/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2667158020018326/2667157263351735/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2667158020018326/2667157383351723/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2667158020018326/2667157590018369/?type=3&theater

PH Army, US Navy strengthen bilateral ties
(Peace 88.3 FM)

The Philippine Army (PA) and the United States Navy continue to strengthen the two forces’ bilateral ties in a courtesy call held here today, December 13.

Commander of Army Support Command Maj. Gen. Byron H. Calimag received on behalf of the Army Commanding General the delegates of Navy International Programs Office (NIPO) led by its Director, Rear Adm. Francis D. Morley.

NIPO and PA’s cooperation is directed towards enhancing the war capabilities of the Filipino forces particularly in countering terrorism through the additional equipment and trainings. The undertaking will also support the Army’s International Defense and Security Engagement as part of the command’s Defense Mission.

Some of the equipment that the Army was able to receive through NIPO includes unmanned aircraft systems, night vision devices, and communication equipment. Before the year ends, the PA will also get small arms weapons, ammunition, individual first aid kits, and night vision devices as well as future trainings in using the new equipment.

Morley also recognized the activation of the Army Aviation Regiment as a strategic approach against threats posed by terrorism. On the other hand, Calimag expressed his gratitude and the command’s proposed plan of conducting a Joint Visual Inspection for the TC12 Beach Craft and Whiskey Helicopter in 2020.

“Strengthening our relationship with other military counterparts is critical in boosting our capabilities and further capacitate our soldiers in addressing threats and safeguarding the land,” said Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala. | Philippine Army

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

Kalinaw News: Army seizes another 2 NPA Terrorist lairs in Caraga

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 17, 2019): Army seizes another 2 NPA Terrorist lairs in Caraga (By 402nd Infantry Brigade)




Bancasi, Butuan City – Another Two (2) CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNT) lairs were seized by the troops under the 402nd Infantry Brigade in the municipalities of Jabonga and San Miguel in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, last November 26, 2019 and December 5, 2019, respectively.

Troops of 29IB under the 402nd Brigade while conducting security operations, in response to the reports of the residents about the presence of armed group, seized a CNT lair that can accommodate more or less sixty (60) CNT members at Brgy Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte last November. Meanwhile a tip-off from a civilian led to another seizure of CNT lair by elements of 36IB at Sitio Inadan, Brgy Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur that can accommodate more or less twenty (20) CNT members.

It can be recalled that a CNT lair was also discovered last October 26, 2019 at Sitio Suba, Brgy Mabuhay, Tandag City that can accommodate more or less fifty (50) CNTs.

A walk-in informant whose identity was withheld for security reason, reported the whereabouts of the suspected lair of an armed group at Brgy Bangonay, Jabonga to 29IB as some of the members of his family feared for their lives. This prompted a security operation leading to the capture of the said lair. Another hideout was discovered by 36IB at Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel when a resident who is a farmer and an IP member, divulged the presence of armed men in the outlying areas of the said barangay.

According to Brigadier General Licudine, the recent clashes of government troops against the CNTs in the outskirts of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City in three (3) separate occasions resulting to the seizure of seven (7) high powered firearms, three (3) CNTs killed and the recovery of assorted personal and subversive materials, indicates effective support channel from the communities towards the Army’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict in Caraga.

“Both CNT lairs that were discovered in were abandoned for just a couple of days, hence, our troops are tracking the armed groups in those areas. We shall not let the CNTs to relax as they still resort to threat and violence at the expense of our people in far flung areas considered as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs)”, he said.

Since January this year, troops under the operational control of 402nd Infantry Brigade discovered a total of seventy-two (72) CNT lairs and 90% of them were either seized, captured or overran, and came from the revelation of the populace.

Likewise, a total of seventy-eight (78) skirmishes between 402nd Brigade troopers and CNTs transpired since January 2019 and resulted to the killing of twenty-three (23) CNTs and the seizure of a total of seventy (70) assorted firearms.

“CNTs have nowhere to go. Their only option is to peacefully lay down their arms and surrender as there will be no let-up in our operations against them. We shall relentlessly pursue these terrorists as the people already despise them based on the increase in the number of discovered CNT lairs and successful encounters. Hence, we call upon the remaining CNT leaders and members to stop harboring violence and start embracing the path of peace. Your Army in Caraga is very willing to accept with open arms those who wanted to surrender and avail the government’s integration program, the E-CLIP. Let’s have a peaceful season and shun violence”, Brigadier General Licudine added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-seizes-another-2-npa-terrorist-lairs-in-caraga/

Kalinaw News: 3ID Commander: Our peace campaign is victorious, EO 70 hurts CPP-NPA significantly

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 17, 2019): 3ID Commander: Our peace campaign is victorious, EO 70 hurts CPP-NPA significantly (By 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division)



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Executive Order No. 70 which aims to address root causes of insurgency through the Whole-of-Nation approach and the creation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is continuously gaining and winning against the CPP-NPA Terrorist in Central and Western Visayas.

BGen Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said the CPP-NPA is badly hurt of the significant results of the EO 70, hence, they are now desperately building a fountain of lies and fabricated stories to destroy the people’s drive versus insurgency.

“EO 70 aims to achieve genuine peace. Discrediting EO 70 is like rejecting peace. Their attack without concrete basis to government’s sincere strategy is an insult to the intellect of peace-loving Visayans. For those who are not fully aware of this Executive Order, you can freely open and read its content through online sources,” BGen Vinoya clarified.

BGen Vinoya also encouraged the leaders and members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist who are blatantly maligning EO 70 to read its content for them to be enlightened.

“With EO 70, government agencies are converging their efforts toward delivering the most needed services to eradicate social issues that these communist groups are capitalizing. Likewise, offering the CPP-NPA Terrorist a new and peaceful life is part of this consolidated effort, but it is them who are maliciously and continuously rejecting peace and development. They are now showing their identity as true enemy of peace and progress,” BGen Vinoya highlighted.

One of the significant results of the EO 70 is the creation of the Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) by the different Local Government Units in Central and Western Visayas which also led to the declaration of the CPP-NPA as persona non grata.

“Nasasaktan at natatalo na ang mga teroristang CPP-NPA dahil ang taong bayan na mismo ang umaayaw sa kanila. Binabaliktad nila ang tunay na sitwasyon kung saan sila ang bumabagsak ngayon at humihina ang lakas. Hindi nila kayang banggain ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno at ng taong bayan na nagkaisa para sa isang layunin na mapuksa ang kanilang deka-dekadang pagmamalupit at pagpapahirap sa sambayanang Filipino. Kung meron mang patuloy na nagiging pasakit sa buhay ng mamayang Filipino ay wala ng iba kundi ang CPP NPA. Magising nawa sila sa panawagan ng mga mamamayan kung tunay nga silang makatao,” BGen Vinoya emphasized.

Vinoya further stressed “You cannot deny the fact that you are afraid of EO 70. Your desperate and cowardly act of maligning the government and the people’s peace effort is an obvious sign that you are bothered and threatened. Maligning EO 70 is like accepting defeat. And, since we are gaining and winning, we will not rest on our laurels to sustain our victory against you. I am also challenging you to come out and engage us in a public debate, and let the people decide who is telling the truth.”

Vinoya also called on other LGUs and Local Chief Executives to take a cue from those provinces, cities, and towns that bravely stand against the CPP-NPA Terrorist by declaring them persona non grata. “Refusing to declare the communist-terrorists unwelcome is like supporting their terroristic activities. And, supporting this terrorist group is a betrayal of public trust.”

The 3ID Commander reiterated his reminder to the CPP-NPA leaders and members that the government forces are serious in fulfilling the people’s will to end the insurgency. “We are trained to be always ready. Your lies and fabricated stories inspire us to fight hard against you. We are on the advantageous path, so expect more intensified combat operations against you. As what I have said before, you only have two options, surrender or die,” he added.

Further, he encouraged the people of Central and Western Visayas to support EO 70 and be part of the whole nation’s journey towards achieving genuine peace and development.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3id-commander-our-peace-campaign-is-victorious-eo-70-hurts-cpp-npa-significantly/

NTFELCAC: Former rebels have successfully finished their training in Automotive Servicing

From the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Facebook Page (Dec 16, 2019): Former rebels have successfully finished their training in Automotive Servicing



https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/photos/a.115198216585238/137085574396502/?type=3&theater

Former rebels have successfully finished their training in Automotive Servicing NC I. TESDA

The development came after a total of 25 former rebels received their Certificate of Training during the graduation ceremony on Thursday, December 12 at the camp of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army in Brgy. Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

#NTFELCAC
#EO70

https://bit.ly/2S04n0O

https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/

Philippines, France eye enhanced maritime defense pact

From the Philippine Star (Dec 16. 2019): Philippines, France eye enhanced maritime defense pact (Patricia Lourdes Viray)

The Philippines is eyeing another agreement with France to strengthen maritime defense cooperation.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and French Defense Minister Florence Parly recently signed the Letter of Intent on Enhancing Defense Cooperation in the Maritime Domain in Paris.

See: France challenges China's dominance in South China Sea

See: France to continue sailing in South China Sea

The deal was signed on November 29 during Lorenzana's official visit to Paris, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

"Secretary Lorenzana’s visit to France culminated in the increased level of interaction between the defense ministries of the Philippines and France in 2019 and acknowledged the vast potential of this field of cooperation between the two countries," the statement read.

In September, the Philippines and France convened their second joint defense consultative committee meeting.

The two top defense officials also previously signed a technical arrangement on defense equipment cooperation between the two countries.

Under the Aquino administration in May 2016, the Philippines and France inked a defense cooperation arrangement that sought to focus on cooperation on high-level dialogues and defense policy consultations.

France earlier declared it would continue to sail in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea.

During the 2019 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in June, Parly said her country would address the maritime dispute with its own "steady, non-confrontational but obstinate way."

"There will be objections, there will be dubious manoeuvres at sea, but we will not be intimidated into accepting any fait accompli, because what international law condemns, how could we condone?" Parly said.

Paris was among the first European nations to stand up to Beiijing's aggression in the region.

In June 2018, a Chinese warship reportedly challenged a French military vessel passing through the Spratly Islands.

Hudson Institute senior fellow Jonas Parello-Plesner, in an article published in The Wall Street Journal, pointed out that France has been conducitng freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea since 2014.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/16/1977483/philippines-france-eye-enhanced-maritime-defense-pact

Army soldier, 4 rebels slain in new clashes in Sorsogon

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 16, 2019): Army soldier, 4 rebels slain in new clashes in Sorsogon (By: Mar Arguelles, Villamor Visaya Jr.)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — A suspected commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his three companions were killed in a firefight with Army soldiers in a remote village in Matnog town, Sorsogon province, on Sunday, the military reported.

Maj. Ricky Aguilar, public affairs chief of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division based in Camarines Sur, said Robert Estiller, alias “Cindy”/“Meo,” was killed, along with his three companions, in the encounter at Barangay Tugas (not Calpi as earlier reported by Bicol police) in Matnog.

Aguilar said Estiller was the commanding officer of the NPA Sentro De Garbidad, Larangan 2, operating in Sorsogon. His three companions were immediately identified.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, earlier identified the slain rebel leader as Arnel Estiller, alias “Mando.” She said a platoon of Army soldiers chanced upon a 60-member NPA group led by Estiller. The fighting continued through Sunday afternoon.

Isabela encounter
Aguilar said government soldiers were still going after the remaining NPA rebels who fled to the mountainous areas of Matnog.

On Saturday, an Army corporal was reported killed while two other soldiers were wounded during an encounter with NPA rebels in Echague town, Isabela province.

Maj. Noriel Tayaban, Army 5th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the fatality as Cpl. Adonis Galera of Pinukpuk town, Kalinga province.

The wounded were Cpl. Harold Ganagan of Tinglayan town in Kalinga and Cpl. Fajardo Manuel of Paracelis town, Mountain Province.

Tayaban said the soldiers, who belonged to the 86th Infantry Battalion, were sent to Barangay Villa Rey in Echague after receiving reports that suspected rebels were trying to extort for the NPA anniversary on Dec. 26.

The military operation resulted in a 20-minute gunfight with the rebels, some of whom were also reportedly wounded.

Tayaban said Galera fired at the rebels but was killed. Ganagan and Manuel were taken to a private hospital in Santiago City.

On Friday, a policeman and two civilians were killed while 17 others were hurt in an ambush allegedly staged by NPA rebels at Barangay Libuton, Borongan City, Eastern Samar province.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1201923/army-soldier-4-rebels-slain-in-new-clashes-in-sorsogon

4 rebels slain in Sorsogon clash

From the Philippine Star (Dec 16, 2019): 4 rebels slain in Sorsogon clash (By Michael Punongbayan) 

Four suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter in Matnog, Sorsogon early yesterday morning.

Among the fatalities was Robert Estiller, who used the aliases “Cindy” and “Meo.”

Estiller was reportedly an official of the NPA’s Komiteng Probinsya 3-Bicol Regional Party Committee, which operates in the towns of Bulan, Castilla, Juban, Irosin, Magallanes and Matnog.

A combined team of the police and military was responding to reports about the presence of armed men in Barangay Tugas when they encountered the rebels at past 5 a.m., according to Maj. Ricky Anthony Aguilar, public information office chief of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division.

The firefight lasted an hour and a half before the rebels retreated in different directions, leaving their slain comrades behind.

No one was killed or wounded among the government forces.

The military recovered rifles and grenade launchers at the scene of the firefight.

The rebels were reportedly planning to extort from the villagers and launch attacks as part of the observance of the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26, Aguilar said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/12/16/1977275/4-rebels-slain-sorsogon-clash

5 NPA dead in encounter with military in Sorsogon

From CNN Philippines (Dec 15, 2019): 5 NPA dead in encounter with military in Sorsogon



Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 15) — Five suspected combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed Sunday in an encounter with the military in Matnog, Sorsogon, police said.

Bicol police reported that an encounter between an unknown number of suspected New People’s Army members and the Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion happened at 7:15 a.m. in Barangay Calpi.

Among those killed in the encounter is a certain Robert Estiller, the police said. 

An M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, an M653 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, and another M16 rifle were recovered from the scene.

All unit commanders in Bicol were directed to be on alert and to conduct checkpoint operations.

https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/12/15/New-People-s-Army-Sorsogon-encounter.html

OPAPP: Duterte taps Misuari as Special Economic Envoy to OIC

From the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Dec 14, 2019): Duterte taps Misuari as Special Economic Envoy to OIC

DAVAO CITY, December 13, 2019 – The government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have agreed to pursue the implementation of the remaining commitments contained in the Tripartite Review Process (TRP) of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, among others, during the first meeting of the newly-established government-MNLF Peace Coordinating Committee which was presided by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte here Friday.

“At least before I step down, I want to see an enduring peace in Mindanao,” the President told the members of Peace Coordinating Committee in their meeting at the Matina Enclaves.

The meeting was attended by MNLF Founding Chairman Nur Misuari and members of the MNLF Peace Coordinating Committee namely: Atty. Joel Obar, Atty. Yaser Lumbos, Atty. Mohammad Ali Guro, Dr. Udtog Kawit, Atty. Alongan Dimacaling and Atty. Arthur Lim represented by Atty. Ma. Victoria P. Lim-Florido. For the government side, the team was led by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who President Duterte named as chair of the six-member team of the government. The other five members include Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panelo, National Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero, Bangsamoro Transition Authority member Nabil Tan, and retired BGen. Buenaventura Pascual.

Several Cabinet members who joined the meeting are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Interior Secretary Eduardo Manahan Año, Solicitor General Jose Calida, while Undersecretary Ernesto Abella represented the Department of Foreign Affairs and Prosecutor Rassendell Rex Gingoyon representing the Justice Department.

Former Executive Secretaries Eduardo Ermita and Ruben Torres, who played a major role during the crafting of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement were also at the meeting to serve as advisers to the government’s coordinating committee. The team was also joined by Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.

Implementing the Results of the TRP

Based on the results of the TRP of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, only two commitments have yet to be implemented.

These are the establishment of the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund (BDAF) and the and the creation of the Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee (TIMC).

The TRP, which was jointly carried out by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Philippine Government and MNLF, was concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in January 2016.

Pursuing Federal System of Government

Both parties have also agreed to realize the vision of federalism.

Both President Duterte and Misuari have vowed to work closely to change the current structure of the government into federal.

President Duterte said he is not giving up on the shift to federalism.

“Help me also convince the Moro members of Congress to work on it fast vis à vis the effort on the federal set up,” the President said as he sought Misuari’s help.

“Our allies in Congress have assured me that they will work on it because that is part of my program. In the [presidential] campaign, I said drugs, corruption, and the federal system. I have to comply,” the President said.

Combatting terrorism in Mindanao

Misuari, for his part, said he will help in the government’s efforts to rid Mindanao from the threats of terror groups, particularly in the island province of Sulu, where Abu-Sayyaf Group is actively operating.

“There is no place for them to go…We can assure the President that the MNLF will fully support the resolution of this problem. Try us on how effective we are,” Misuari vowed.

In recent years, the government has been tapping the help of Misuari to free kidnapped victims that were brought in Sulu.

Galvez said the military and police and MNLF forces on the ground can establish a “close coordination” efforts through the Peace Coordinating Committee to run after the terror groups.

“There will be security coordination with MNLF forces to persuade the Abu-Sayyaf members to return to the mainstream society and to eradicate the problem of terrorism and kidnapping incidents, particularly in Sulu,” he said.

Misuari as government’s Special Economic Envoy in the OIC

Meanwhile, in order to accelerate the implementation of the peace agreements and to develop further the support of the Islamic countries, President Duterte announced the appointment of Misuari as Special Economic Envoy on Islamic Affairs to the OIC.

“Brother Nur has occupied several positions in the past. Considered it as an honor for me to delegate you as special envoy of the government so that you can foster further lasting relationships with the leaders of the Islamic countries,” the President told Misuari.

“Most of the leaders of the OIC are friends of Nur. It’s good that Allah has given you a longer life to see these things because I do not think that there is other Moro personality that could command the respect and trust of the OIC but only you. You are the only one who can bring the case to the OIC and get the results,” PRRD told Misuari.

Misuari, for his part, gladly received the position, saying “we are grateful” to President Duterte.

Both President Duterte and Misuari have met several times this year to discuss ways on how to further improve its partnership towards achieving sustainable peace in Mindanao.

During a meeting in Malacanang last November 11, both sides discussed the creation of the Peace Coordinating Committee between the GPH and the MNLF as a platform to strengthen the peace process in Mindanao.

Ways Forward

Misuari is poised to attend the annual meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States in Burkina Faso in Western Africa on January 21 to 23, 2020.

This developed as the leadership of the OIC is set to visit the Philippines in February 2020.

The involvement of the influential OIC will play a crucial role in pushing forward the implementation of the peace agreements between the government and the Moro fronts. For years, the OIC has been actively involved in the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum to harmonize all the Moro fronts in the Philippines and integrate all the development plans to foster long-lasting and enduring peace in Mindanao.

President Duterte vows to implement all the signed peace agreement with the Moro fronts. The President has earlier emphasized that “no one will be left behind in the peace process and everyone will be given equitable opportunity and be fair for all the people in the Bangsamoro.”###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/12/duterte-taps-misuari-as-special-economic-envoy-to-oic/

Misuari vows to help gov’t crush Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 16, 2019): Misuari vows to help gov’t crush Abu Sayyaf
(By Bong S. Sarmiento)



PHOTO BY LEILA SALAVERRIA/INQUIRER

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari has vowed to help the military go after the Abu Sayyaf Group, the government’s long-time security headache notorious for bomb attacks and the beheading of their captives.

Misuari, 80, made this promise following his appointment over the weekend as the special economic envoy on Islamic affairs to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

President Duterte and Misuari, along with their top aides, met here Friday night, the first meeting of the newly-established government-MNLF peace coordinating committee.

Misuari said he would help in the government’s efforts to rid Mindanao of threats from terror groups, particularly on the island province of Sulu, considered an MNLF bailiwick where the Abu Sayyaf Group, founded in 1991 by the late Islamic preacher Abdurajak Janjalani, had been known to operate.

“There is no place for them to go. We can assure the President that the MNLF will fully support the resolution of this problem. Try us on how effective we are,” Misuari said in a statement released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the military, police and MNLF forces on the ground could establish “close coordination” efforts through the peace coordinating committee to run after the terror groups.

The Abu Sayyaf that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State had joined forces with the Maute Group in a futile attempt to establish a caliphate in Marawi City in 2017.

Misuari had been charged with rebellion and violation of international humanitarian law after MNLF fighters loyal to him staged the 2013 Zamboanga standoff that left 137 persons dead, 251 injured and over 100,000 civilians displaced.

He was ousted as MNLF chair in 2000 and replaced by the so-called “MNLF Council of 15” who questioned his “incompetent performance”as governor of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), a political entity replaced by the present Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Misuari ruled as ARMM regional governor from Sept. 30, 1996 until he left Sulu for Sabah, Malaysia, in November 2001 after leading the rebellion. He was arrested there and returned to the country in January 2002.

He is still facing charges of rebellion and corruption, but the court gave him temporary liberty in October 2016 “to allow him to attend peace talks with the government.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1201958/misuari-vows-to-help-govt-crush-abu-sayyaf

WESTMINCOM: Pres. Duterte lauds 11ID troops in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Dec 16, 2019): Pres. Duterte lauds 11ID troops in Sulu (By PIO Western Mindanao Command)



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte lauded soldiers of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division as they made great strides in their continuing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf during his visit to the troops in Sulu last Saturday.

Accompanied by Army General Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, President Duterte graced the celebration of the 1st anniversary of the Alakdan Division held in Jolo on December 14.

He conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan, on soldiers of the 11ID for their gallantry in action in a ceremony held at Kampu Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital.

“To our brave soldiers who are with us today, you are here because you have answered the call to serve your nation by ensuring peaceful and safe communities for all,” said Pres. Duterte.



He urged ground troops to sustain the momentum against the Abu Sayyaf during his talk to the men in Sulu on Saturday.

Soldiers also received packages and financial assistance from the President.

Other military officials present were WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and Joint Task Force Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

“We are all the more motivated to continue our fight against terrorist groups for our peace and development campaign in Mindanao. We are all inspired by the full support and sincerity of the Commander-in-Chief. Nothing can inspire us more than knowing that we have his full support and sincerity,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

http://www.westmincom.com/pres-duterte-lauds-11id-troops-in-sulu/

Police looking into personal grudge, NPA in Gumitan attack

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 17, 2019): Police looking into personal grudge, NPA in Gumitan attack (By Rhoda Grace Saron)

Police are looking into several angles in the Saturday morning ambush in Barangay Gumitan that led to the death of the barangay captain and his live-in partner.

“There are many angles that (investigators) are looking (into the death of Barangay Gumitan chair Fernando Banayao and partner Jennelyn Valenzuela),” said Capt. Rosario Aguilar, the spokesperson of Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Aguilar said personal grudge could be behind the attack or he was targeted by the communist group.

Banayao, the DCPO spokesperson said, was active in the drive against New People’s Army in his area.
Two men staged the ambush along Upian Road in Mundo Hill, Sitio Quarry, Gumitan around 6 a.m.

Initial investigation disclosed that Banayao was driving his motorcycle with Valenzuela as the backrider along Upian Road.

At a downhill portion, a white Yamaha XTZ motorcycle with two men aboard overtook them. Upon reaching a curved portion, the two unidentified men stopped.

As Banayao reached the point, the two men gunned down the victims.

As the victims crashed, the gunmen pumped three more bullets into the head of the barangay captain.

The attackers then fled.

Police recovered several empty shells of .45 caliber and 9mm from the site.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/17/police-looking-into-personal-grudge-npa-in-gumitan-attack/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: NPA scoffs at Arevalo’s ‘pa-pogi’ points

NPA-Central Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 16, 2019): NPA scoffs at Arevalo’s ‘pa-pogi’ points

JB REGALADO

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 16, 2019

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army Central Negros Guerrilla Front (LPC-NPA) found BGen. Benedict Arevalo ridiculous when he bragged about his achievements as 303rd Brigade Commander.

According to LPC-NPA spokesperson JB Regalado, Arevalo based his accomplishments on 21 alleged encounters of army troops with the NPA and even took into his account the many tactical offensives such as ambuscades launched by the NPA guerrilla fronts in Central, North and South Negros against the military.

“Included in the victories that he boasted about were the killings of innocent civilians as a result of Oplan Sauron, illegal arrests based on trumped-up charges, and fake surrenders of peasants,” Regalado said in a press statement today.

“These are only ‘pa-pogi’ points using awards to delude himself and his troops and to further his corruption in the E-CLIP program,” he added.

Regalado claimed that Arevalo did not gain any mark of victory during his more than one year term in Negros.

“Not one guerrilla front was decimated, no mass base was destroyed and, most of all, the membership of the Party and the NPA increased together with the expanding and strengthening of its mass base,” said Regalado.

Army recruitment crisis

Regalado pointed out further that the AFP is experiencing a recruitment crisis, also for the Civil Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

He said that as a result the [AFP] enforces a recruitment quota of 25 CAFGU per barrio on barangay officials wherein the army will sponsor firearms only for 10.

“In addition to their crisis is the numerous absences without leave in their rank in file because of the bad treatment of army officials towards their troops and their fear of the NPA’s tactical offensives,” Regalado said.

The 303rd Brigade has hidden their casualties during several NPA offensives from the public, said Regalado.

Last November 30, the LPC-NPA mounted simultaneous offensives on the CAFGU detachments of Barangay Balogo in Guihulngan City and Barangay Alingasaw in Moises Padilla town.

According to Regalado, CAFGU members were drunk and singing videoke when the NPA sniped and harassed the Balogo detachment fatally wounding two auxiliary forces and injuring more.

Call for peace

The LPC-NPA also unites with the people in calling for the resumption and the serious treatment of the GRP-NDFP peace talks that was sabotaged by militarists in the GRP.

“While the root causes of [civil] war in the Philippines are not resolved there is fertile ground for the revolutionary movement to flourish; for the implementation of agrarian revolution and national industrialization; and for the liberation of the country and people from indebtedness, backwardness and grave poverty,” it ended.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-scoffs-at-arevalos-pa-pogi-points/

CPP/NPA Central Negros & NPA-Panay: Kahambog ni General Benedict Arevalo sang 303rd Bde. Phil Army Tuman ka Kaladlawan para sa mga Negrosanon

NPA-Central Negros & NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 15, 2019): Kahambog ni General Benedict Arevalo sang 303rd Bde. Phil Army Tuman ka Kaladlawan para sa mga Negrosanon

JB REGALADO

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULIO MONTANA

NPA-PANAY

CORONACION CHIVA "WALING-WALING” COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 15, 2019

Tuman ka kaladlawan ang pagtinikal ni 303rd Bde. Commander General Arevalo sa iya pahayag para sa iya pagbiya sa Negros. Ang iya lang nga basehan amo ang naka 21 ka beses nga naka-engkwentro ang iya tropa sa NPA. Iya pa gindala sa engkwentro ang madamo ka beses nga ginlunsad nga taktikal nga opensiba sang NPA batok sa iya tropa pareho sa mga pila ka beses nga ambus sang mga larangan gerilya sa Central Negros, Norte kag Sur.

Lakip sa iya gintinikal nga mga kadalag-an, ang pagpamatay sa mga inosente nga mga sibilyan nga gintuga sang Oplan Sauron, illegal nga mga pagpang-aresto paagi sa mga hinimo-himo nga kaso, kag mga peke nga mga pagpasurender sa mga mangunguma. Ini mga papogi points lamang ni Arevalo para into-on ang kaugalingon kag iya tropa sang mga award nga makuha kag mga pagpangkwarta sa programa sang E-CLIP.

Ang matuod, sa masobra isa ka tuig ni General Arevalo sa Negros wala sang bisan anu nga marka sang kadalag-an ang naangkon niya. Ang kabangis sang AFP/PNP “anti-insurgency” campaign sa idalum sang Oplan Kapanatagan nagpamuklat lang sa malapad nga Negrosanon sang matuod nga dagway sang estado sang nagahari nga sahi nga ginaserbisyohan ni Arevalo. Mas lang nga nag-angkon ang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sang mga kadalag-an sa nagkalain-lain nga patag. Nagdaku ang katapuan sang NPA nga gintulod sang Oplan Sauron. Mas nagtaas ang kamuklatan sang pumuluyo paagi sa ila pagpartisipar sa inaway banwa paagi sa gerilya nga pagpakig-away. Ginhakos sang masa ang armadong rebolusyon, pagtaas sang ila suporta sa NPA kag pagkilala nga amo lang ang makadepensa sa ila tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag pag-armas mismo sang ila kaugalingon para sa pagdepensa sa baseng masa.

Madamu man sang pagbatikos sa mga krimen nga nakomiter sang mga militar sa idalum sang 303rd Bde PA. Indi lang mga human rights group sa sulod sang pungsod kundi pati sa bilog nga kalibutan ang nagapaninguha para imbistigahan ang mga ini. Nabulgar ang kapintas ni Arevalo sa Negros upod sa PNP sa bilog nga kalibutan pareho sang Sagay 9 massacre, nagapadayon nga Oplan Sauron kag mga peke nga pagpasurender sa mga sibilyan.
Ang mas gin-atubang nga krisis ni Arevalo kag sang AFP amo ang krisis sang recruitment sa AFP kag Civil Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU). Resulta sini amo ang pagpamugos sa paghatag sang kota sa mga Baryo opisyal sang pagrecruit sang 25 ka CAFGU sa matag baryo nga ila sabton ang pagpaarmas sa 10 sini. Dugang pa sa ila krisis amo ang madamu nga nag-AWOL tungod sa indi maayo nga pagtratar sang mga opisyal sini sa iya tropa kag tuman nga kahadlok sa mga taktikal nga opensiba nga ginalunsar sang NPA.

Madamu man sang casualties sa AFP sa idalum sang 303rd Bde nga ila gintago sa publiko kag pila ka taktikal nga opensiba sang NPA. Pareho sang Nobyembre 30 adlaw sang pagsaulog sa ika-55 nga anibersaryo sang Kabataang Makabayan kag adlaw man ni Gat Andres Bonifacio, dungan nga ginlunsad ang taktikla nga opensiba sa Central Negros. Alas 9:00 sang gab-i gin-snipe kag ginsundan sang pagharas sang mga unit sang NPA sa idalum sang LPC ang duha ka CAFGU detatchment. Ang isa sa Brgy. Balogo Guihulngan City, samtang naga-inom kag naga-videoke ang mga hubog nga katapu sang CAFGU duha sini sa ila ang patal nga naigo kag pila pa ka mga nagkalapilasan kag halos 15 na ka-minutos nga nakapalayo ang unit sang NPA antes naka balos palupok ang mga ini. Ang isa pa amo ang CAFGU detatchment sang Brgy. Alingasaw, sakop sang Moises Padilla.

Ang pagtinikal ni Arevalo pagtabon lang sang dako nga kapaslawan niya sa Negros. Wala sang bisan isa ka larangan gerilya ang napukan, wala sang baseng masa ang nawasak kag labi sa tanan, nagdaku ang katapu sang Partido kag NPA kadungan sang nagalapad kag nagalig-on nga baseng masa. Gani ginakilala sang LPC-NPA nga ang mga pahayag ni Arevalo napuno sang mabaskog nga hangin sang kahambog.

Samtang indi masolbar ang ugat sang gyera sa Pilipinas nagapadayon nga nagatambok ang duta sang rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan nga amo lamang ang solo nga solusyon nga mag sulbad sini; ang pagpatuman sang agraryong rebolusyon kag pungsodnon nga industriyalisasyon; kag ang paghilway sang pungsod kag pumuluyo sa pagkabangkarote, pagkaatrasado kag tuman nga kaimulon.

Ang LPC-NPA nagaupod man sa panawagan sang pumuluyo para ipadayon kag seryosohon ang peace talk sa tunga sang NDFP kag GRP nga gin-undang tungod sa pagsabotahe sang mga utok militarista nga nagaposisyon sa GRP. Kag naga-upod man sa paghimakas sang pumuluyo para sa pangmalawigon nga kalinong nga nakabase sa hustisya sosyal.

Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDFP!
Mabuhay ang rebolusyon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/kahambog-ni-general-benedict-arevalo-sang-303rd-bde-phil-army-tuman-ka-kaladlawan-para-sa-mga-negrosanon/

CPP/NDF-KAGUMA-Negros: Pahayag sang Katipunan ng Gurong Makabayan – Negros kaangot sa resulta sang PISA 2018

NDF-KAGUMA-Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 14, 2019): Pahayag sang Katipunan ng Gurong Makabayan – Negros kaangot sa resulta sang PISA 2018

KATIPUNAN NG MGA GURONG MAKABAYAN

KATIPUNAN NG MGA GURONG MAKABAYAN - NEGROS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 14, 2019

Nabuyagyag na naman ang kahimtang sa sistema sang edukasyon sa Pilipinas sa resulta sang Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) sadtong 2018 sa diin ang estudyanteng Pilipino nakakuha sang pinakanubo nga score sa reading comprehension kag naga-pangaduha ini sa may manubo nga score sa Mathematics kag Science. Masobra 600,000 ka estudyante sa 79 ka pungsod ang nakigbahin sa PISA 2018. Human ini sa bug-os nga implementasyon sang Enhanced Basic Education Act ukon ang K to 12 program.

Nagapabilin nga manubo ang kalidad sang edukasyon sa Pilipinas. Madugay na nga ginasinggitan sang mga estudyante, ginikanan kag mga manunudlo ang kakulang sa mga libro, bangko kag classroom; paantus nga dalagku nga galastuhan; madamo nga isip sang estudyante sa kada manunudlo; kakulang sa teaching materials; kag kakulang mismo sa mga manunudlo nga nagresulta sa overload nga trabaho sa eskwelahan sa tunga sang manubo nga sweldo. Nakadugang lang sang palas-anon ang K to 12 program ilabi na ang dugang duha ka tuig nga senior high school.

Gin-abandona sang reaksyunaryo nga gobyerno ang bwas-damlag sang kabataan sa pagbuya sang responsibilidad nga maghatag sang libre kag de-kalidad nga edukasyon para sa tanan. Sa P4.1 trillion nga badyet sa pungsod para sa 2020, padayon nga nagtaas ang badyet para sa AFP/PNP kag National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Manubo nga budget ang gin-alokar para sa edukasyon kag iban nga serbisyo sosyal kag ginahatagan ligwa ang mga kapitalista edukador sa pagdumala sini. Athag ang prayoridad sa rehimen Duterte, ulihi ang Pilipinas sa hambalanon sa edukasyon sa bilog kalibutan apang numero uno sa pagpamatay kag paglapak sa tawhanon nga kinamatarong.

Indi mabasul ang mga kabataan kung kulang ang ihibalo sa eskwelahan tungod sa sistema sang edukasyon nga dunot kag komersyalisado.

Ang direksyon sang sistema sa edukasyon sa Pilipinas nagasunod sa export-oriented, import-dependent nga ekonomiya sang pungsod. Samtang madamo pa nga kabataan ang indi maka-eskwela bangud sa kagutom kag kapigaduhon, ang mga maka-gradwar sa idalum sang K to 12 program wala man gihapon maayo nga palaabuton. Dugang sa dako nga reserba sang mga wala trabaho ang mga pamatan-on nga nakatapos sang K to 12. Mangin kabahin sila sang semi-skilled nga pwersa nga pang-eksport para magtrabaho sa mga pakturyahan nga naga-serbi sa interes sang mga dumuluong nga mga kapitalista sa barato nga kusog-pangabudlay.

Kabutigan ang ginahambal sang DepEd nga makatrabaho ang mga pamatan-on pagkatapos maka-gradwar. Sa pahayag sang Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) nga hilaw pa ang mga K to 12 graduates para sa trabaho. Samtang suno sa isa ka survey sang Job Street, 24% lang sang employers ang handa nga magdawat sang K to 12 graduates. Ang administrasyon ni Duterte ang may pinakamataas nga rekord sang wala sang trabaho kag nagapadayon ang kontraktwalisasyon.

Ang pasismo sang rehimen Duterte nabatyagan man mismo sa sulod sa mga eskwelahan. Ang mga estudyante kag manunudlo biktima sang militarisasyon kag pagpamahug ni Duterte kag iya pasista nga tropa. Gusto i-imposar sang AFP/PNP ang Reserved Officers Training Corps nga magsabwag sang kultura sang kalakasan sa kabataan.

Ang paghatag kasulbaran sa sistema sang edukasyon sa pungsod upod sa pagsulbad sa mala-kolonyal, mala-pyudal nga sistema sa sosyedad Pilipino. Nagakadapat nga padayon nga ipakig-away sang mga manunudlo kag kabataan-estudyante ang maki-pungsodnon, siyentipiko kag pangmasa nga edukasyon nga may kurikulum nga naghatag tum-ok sa pungsodnon nga pag-uswag nga nakabase sa pungsodnon nga industriyalisasyon kag matuod nga reporma sang duta. Nagaka-angay nga sukton sang mga manunudlo ang ila makatarunganon nga sweldo nga gindingut sang rehimen Duterte. Indi magpasugot nga mangibabaw ang pasismo sang rehimen Duterte sa mga komunidad kag sa eskwelahan.

Apang, sa ulihi, paagi sa pagpakigbahin sa pungsodnon demokratiko nga rebolusyon lamang malab-ot ang aton maki-pungsodnon nga handum upod sa malapad nga masang pigos.

https://cpp.ph/statement/pahayag-sang-katipunan-ng-gurong-makabayan-negros-kaangot-sa-resulta-sang-pisa-2018/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: NTF-ELCAC behind extortion issue, says NPA-Negros spox

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 14, 2019): NTF-ELCAC behind extortion issue, says NPA-Negros spox

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 14, 2019

New People’s Army (NPA)-Negros Island spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua identifies the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as the culprit behind the extortion issue against the NPA.

“They want to subdue local government units for the military to have free reign and be able to suck dry funds of the Bacolodnons into the pockets of AFP generals and criminal bureaucrats,” said Magbanua.

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of NPA Negros expressed through a statement issued today suspicion over the extortion complaint of two businessmen turning up after the Bacolod City Council declared the NPA as persona non grata.

Magbanua noted the obvious scheme of cooking up a situation to justify another round of illegal arrests of civilians and progressive groups critical of the Duterte regime.

“It is possible that innocent civilians in Bacolod City will again be tagged as members and finance officers of the NPA and evidences will be planted against them,” he warned.

Magbanua categorically denies the NPA’s alleged involvement in extortion activities in Bacolod City.

“It is not NPA protocol to demand money from businessmen through cellphones,” said Magbanua.

“This, however, is an extortion modus of members of the AFP/PNP/RPA,” he added.

Magbanua further clarifies that the NPA did not open fire at heavy equipment of Amphil construction firm last August 2019 in Bago City.

He explained that the NPA follows a just process in implementing revolutionary taxation through official letters and with both parties agreeing based on just negotiations.

“Revolutionary taxation is not extortion because it is a basic right of the People’s Democratic Government that has its own laws, policies and principles,” Magbanua said.

“The existence of the revolutionary government for more than 50 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines is supported by the broad masses and they enjoy social services from the People’s Democratic Government,” he added.

The NPA will be celebrating the 51 years of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ leadership of the Philippine revolutionary movement this December 26, 2019.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/ntf-elcac-behind-extortion-issue-says-npa-negros-spox/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Malalang paglabag ng AFP at PNP sa karapatang tao sa mga Sorsoganon

NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 14, 2019): Malalang paglabag ng AFP at PNP sa karapatang tao sa mga Sorsoganon

SAMUEL GUERRERO

NPA-SORSOGON

CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 14, 2019

Ngayong Disyembre 10, muli nating gugunitain ang ika-71 taon ng International Human Rights Day, kabilang ang mga Sorsoganon sa maglulunsad nito bahagi ng kanilang karapatang magpahayag ng kanilang hinaing laluna ngayong nananalanta ang Executive Order 70 at Memorandum Order 32 ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Malaki ang pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Tisoy, subalit mas matindi ang epekto ng pakanang community support program (CSP) ni Duterte at kasapakat nitong pwersa ng AFP at CAFGU sa mga lugar dito sa Sorsogon.

Sa bayan ng Barcelona, nasa ilalim ng CSP ng gubyerno ni Duterte ang mga baryo ng Sta Lourdes, San Antonio, Bagacay, Fabrica, San Ramon at Sta Cruz. Ganundin ang mga baryo ng Tigkiw at Tugawe sa bayan ng Gubat. Ang mga baryo naman ng Sta Barbara at San Jose sa Bulusan. Bawat baryo ay mayroong hindi bababa sa 20 ang pwersang nakatalaga dito. Nagdudulot ito ng takot sa mga komunidad laluna sa mga bata at kababaihan laluna sa hanay ng mga magsasaka.

Nang ideklara ng rehimeng Duterte ang Executive Order 70 at Memorandum Order 32 noong nakaraang taon para ipatupad ang kontra-insurhensiyang paglaban nito sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) at Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), pawang mga sibilyan ang kanilang pinupuntirya at naging biktima katulad nang lantarang pagpaslang kina Nanay Nelly Bagasala at Ryan Hubilla, mga boluntaryong gumagampan para sa kagalingan ng kapwa nila Sorsoganon na ginigipit ng gubyerno ni Duterte.

Mula nang maupo si Duterte, naitala sa probinsya ang 32 kasong biktima ng walang habas na pamamaslang ng mga pwersa nitong AFP-PNP-CAFGU at DDS, walo dito ngayong taon. Pinakahuli sa kanilang pinaslang si Bernabe G. Estiller, 41, kagawad at residente ng San Antonio, Barcelona noong ika-8 ng Nobyembre 2019. Nagdala noon ng kopra sa pisaran si Estiller nang patraydor syang barilin ng dalawang lalaki ayon sa mga nakasaksi.

Layon ng rehimeng Duterte sa mga ganitong paglabag ay lumikha ng takot at patahimikin ang mamamayan laban sa kanyang walang habas na pamamaslang , korapsyon, kainutilan sa usapin ng tunay na pagsisilbi sa bayan—kontrakwalisasyon, walang tunay na reporma sa lupa, libreng edukasyon, kulang na kulang na serbisyong panlipunan pero bukas na bukas sa neoliberal na mga patakarang idinidikta ng mga among dayuhan nito— ang US at China.

Ang kalagayan ng Sorsoganon, ay hindi hiwalay sa kalagayan ng sambayanang Pilipino, nagpapatuloy ang pagdausdos ng kabuhayan ng masang magsasaka dulot ng batas na ipinataw gaya ng RLL o Rice Liberalization Law, na nagresulta ng pagbagsak ng halaga ng palay sa presyong 10/kilo. Ang mga magniniyog ay lugmok din sa kahirapan at wala ng kinikita sa kanilang produktong kopra na sanhi ng liberalisasyon at pagbaha ng produkto mula sa palm oil at dinagdagan ng pahirap na dulot ng bagyong Tisoy.

Ang ganitong kalagayan ng masang pilipino, laluna sa Sorsogon ang dahilan kaya lumalakas ang kilusang mapagpalaya dito. Naghahangad ang mga Sorsoganon ng pagbabago. Nais nilang wakasan na ang tumitinding kahirapan at pagsasamantala laluna ng masang anakpawis.

Hindi dapat matakot tayong mga Sorsoganon. Ito ang panahon ng pagkilos at paglaban, hindi dapat manaig ang pasismo ni Duterte sa ating lipunan. Dapat nating buklurin ang isang malakas na hanay at tinig laban sa pagpapatalsik kay Duterte. Padagundungin natin ang sigaw ng mamamayan ng Sorsogon.

Labanan ang pasista, pahirap at papet na rehimeng US-Duterte!
Ibasura ang kontra mamamayang EO70, MO32 at Oplan Kapanatagan!
Itigil ang atake sa mga Mamamayan!
Itigil ang pagpatay, pagdukot at sapilitang pagkawala!
Katarungan sa paglabag sa Karapatang Tao
Rehimeng US-Duterte, Ibagsak!

https://cpp.ph/statement/malalang-paglabag-ng-afp-at-pnp-sa-karapatang-tao-sa-mga-sorsoganon/

19 NPAs yield to gov’t authorities in S. Cotabato

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 16, 2019): 19 NPAs yield to gov’t authorities in S. Cotabato (By Danilo E. Doguiles)

19 rebel returnees were presented to South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., at the provincial capitol on Friday, December 13. 

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 16 (PIA) — An opportunity to quit a difficult and dangerous life in the revolutionary movement and the promise of a government delivering basic services to the needy sector have prompted 19 members of New Peoples’ Army (NPA) to return to the fold of law.

Alias Edgar, formerly a vice commander of a platoon under the communist rebel’s Far South Mindanao Regional Committee, along with 18 NPAs operating in South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and Sarangani surrendered to the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) earlier last week and were presented to South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. at the provincial capitol on Friday.

In an interview, Edgar said he and his teammates surrendered because they can no longer bear the hardship they had experienced fighting for the revolutionary movement.

“Di na namin kayang makipag-away sa kapwa namin Pilipino,” Edgar said. (We can no longer fights against fellow Filipinos)

He recounted that in his three years with the communist group, his team had three encounters with the government troops, including a clash with the 27th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

“Ang mahirap isang buwan kaming halos walang nakakain dahil tinutugis kami ng 27th IB,” he said. (What’s difficult was for a month we hardly had food because we were being pursued by troops of the 27th IB.)

One of the rebel returnees presented an M16 armalite to South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., on Friday. The rifle is one of the 8 firearms that the former rebels yielded to authorities. 

Meanhile, Alias John Mark, who was an NPA platoon vice commander operating in North Cotabato, said he and his fellow members were encouraged to surrender because they have witnessed what the government has been doing to address what they fought for.

“Nagpasalamat mi nga may serbisyo na nga nagaabot sa pareha namong mga lumad sama sa eskwelahan ug dalan. Nagahatag pud sila ug pangabuhian,” John Mark told Philippine Information Agency in an interview. (We are grateful that government services such as schools and roads have already reached lumads like us. They are also giving livelihood.)

Among the surrenderers presented to South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. at the provincial capitol on Friday were squad leaders, platoon vice commanders, political organizers, and militia ng bayan. Three of them are women.

Seven were members of the NPA Guerilla Front 73 and 1 from the Guerilla Front 56 of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee operating in South Cotabato and Sarangani and 11 from Guerilla Front 53 of South Mindanao Regional Committee operating in North Cotabato and Davao del Sur, accoring to Police Colonel Jimuel Siason, director of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

Upon surrender, the rebels also yielded 8 firearms, including two homemade .38 pistols, two homemade shotguns, a homemade .22 pistol, a fragmentation grenade, a Carbine rifle, and an M16 armalite.

Col. Siason said the rebel returnees were fetched by troops of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO) and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) on December 10 and 12, after a series of negotiations.

More are expected to surrender this week, both Siason and Governor Tamayo disclosed.

Since July, 55 NPAs have surrendered to the SCPPO and the RIU and presented to Gov. Tamayo.

Awaiting documentation and intervention with concerned government entities, the former rebels are temporarily cared for by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office.

At the ceremony, Gov. Tamayo lauded the former NPAs for trusting the provincial government and vowed that, along with other government agencies, will expedite the assistance to rebel returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Under the E-CLIP, a former rebel is assured of safety and security guarantees by the law enforcement agencies; support for relocation for the FR and his or her immediate family; immediate assistance of P15,000 for mobilization expenses while being enrolled to the program; livelihood assistance of P50,000; reintegration assistance of P21,000 to defray subsistence while in custody of the receiving unit and other incidental expenses such as securing birth certificate, identification card, and others; and firearm remuneration.

An FR will also be enrolled in PhilHealth and may avail of services of other government agencies such as housing from the National Housing Authority, skills training from Technical Education and Skills Development, livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Trade and Industry, scholarship from the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education and many others.

Tamayo urged the surrenders to encourage their former comrades to return to the fold of law, assuring them that the government is already addressing their concerns such as lack of basic services.

“Tell them there is no reason for them to revolt against the government. The government in now open to listen to your complains,” Tamayo told the former rebels. (DED/PIA XII)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031671

PRRD, CGPA visit troops in Sulu

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 16, 2019): PRRD, CGPA visit troops in Sulu (By PA)



FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig CIty, Dec. 16 -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte together with the Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, visited the soldiers of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID) at Jolo, Sulu on Saturday, December 14.

The President conferred the award of the Order of Lapu-lapu, Rank of Kampilan to 10 wounded military personnel in connection with the 11ID’s first founding anniversary.

“To our brave soldiers who are with us today, you are here because you have answered the call to serve your nation by ensuring peaceful and safe communities for all,” addressed Duterte who lauded Alakdan Division’s efforts in fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the region.

The President gave the award to 1st Lt. Vergara D. Geronimo, Sgt. Vicente Calvin O. Belino Jr., Cpl. Ariel H. Gormonit, Cpl. Cornelio G. Olandag, Pvt. First Class Albert C. Aras, Pvt. First Class Jezzer S. Ea, Pvt. First Class Jay-Arr D. Redula, Pvt. First Class Francis M. Ybañez, Pvt. First Class John Carlo C. Casintahan, and Pvt. First Class Glenn C. Acayan after being seriously injured in an encounter against the ASG early this December.

On the other hand, CGPA who graced the anniversary celebration in a thanksgiving ceremony, commended the Division’s accomplishments after it was activated last year.

Among 11ID's successful operations resulted in the neutralization of 249 threat group personalities, recovery of firearms and improvised explosive devices as well as the rescue of 14 kidnapping victims and the Hyrons couple.

The CGPA also challenged the troops to sustain the momentum of neutralizing the terrorist groups and continue to take initiative in the peace and development activities to further serve the people and secure the land.

“Ang inyong mga sakripisyo tulad ng pagiging malayo sa pamilya at palaging malapit sa kapahamakan ay hindi matutumbasan. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong mga magandang nasimulan at tiyak ko na masmalayo pa ang mararating ninyo sa mga susunod pa na mga taon,” said Gapay. (PA)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031699

PNP readies raps vs. Reds behind E. Samar attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2019): PNP readies raps vs. Reds behind E. Samar attack (By Sarwell Meniano)



LAST RESPECTS. Philippine National Police officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa pays his last respects to Pat. Mark Jerome Rama who was killed during a landmine attack staged by the CPP-NPA last Dec. 13, 2019 in Borongan, Eastern Samar. The PNP is set file cases against the NPA members who were behind the attack. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing to file cases against New People’s Army (NPA) members who were behind the landmine attack in Borongan City, Eastern Samar that killed a policeman and two civilians and wounded several others on December 13.

PNP deputy regional director for administration, Col. Marvin Manuel Pepino said they are still conducting a thorough probe of the attack and gathering statements from witnesses so that they can file airtight cases against the perpetrators.

“Our intelligence unit and our counterparts in the Philippine Army are still conducting an investigation to identify personalities involved. This is preparation for the filing of murder and attempted murder charges,” Pepino told reporters.

A junior police officer, a 69-year-old woman, and a 50-year-old local government employee were killed while four other policemen and 11 civilians, including three minors, were injured during the explosion followed by a burst of gunfire.

The policemen, who were from the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company based in Dolores town, were on board a patrol car heading to Borongan City while the civilians were riding a van and two tricycles.

“We ask policemen to be always on alert. An ambush can be prevented through intelligence information from the community,” Pepino added.

On Sunday PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa paid his last respects to the slain cop, Pat. Mark Jerome Rama and extended sympathies and assistance to the bereaved families of the fatalities.

Gamboa also visited the four wounded policemen and extended financial assistance to them.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088823

Zambo mayor backs Misuari’s appointment as special envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2019): Zambo mayor backs Misuari’s appointment as special envoy (By Salvador Santiago)

SUPPORTIVE. Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar of Zamboanga City announces her support on Monday (Dec. 16, 2019) to the appointment of Moro National Liberation Front founding chair Nur Misuari as Special Economic Envoy on Islamic Affairs to the Organization of Islamic Conference. Misuari earlier welcomed his appointment. (Grabbed from Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar's Facebook page)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has expressed full support to the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to appoint Moro National Liberation Front’s founding chairman Nur Misuari as Special Economic Envoy on Islamic Affairs to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Salazar said Monday that she will abide by the wisdom of the President giving Misuari the opportunity to take a leadership role in the government “so as to fully implement the peace process in Mindanao.”

“When he won the elections as president in 2016, he already revealed it to me that he really had the intention of giving Misuari the chance to take a leadership role in the government. If this had been done earlier, it could have been better so we will not have become the victim of the collateral damage of (the 2013) siege,” Salazar said.

However, the mayor assured Zamboangueños, particularly the victims of the 2013 siege by the MNLF-Misuari faction that the city government will continue to pursue the case filed against Misuari and his cohorts.

“We will not stop pursuing the case. Para con el maga victima, hinde kita para el diaton aspiration para pidi justicia (To the victims, we will not stop seeking justice),” she said.

Last Friday, the government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) agreed to pursue the implementation of the remaining commitments contained in the Tripartite Review Process (TRP) of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

“At least before I step down, I want to see an enduring peace in Mindanao,” President Rodrigo Duterte told the members of the Peace Coordinating Committee in a meeting, which he presided at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City.

Misuari, for his part, gladly accepted the position, saying “we are grateful” to President Duterte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088892

Maguindanao guv urges BIFF to yield, live normal lives

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2019): Maguindanao guv urges BIFF to yield, live normal lives (By Edwin Fernandez)



SURRENDER. Lt. Col. Rogelio S. Gabi, the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion commander, receives a rifle from one of the three Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who surrendered to the military in Gen. SK Pendatun, Maguindanao on Sunday (Dec. 15, 2019). The surrenderers claimed they have been duped by their former BIFF leaders into fighting a futile cause. (Photo courtesy of 40IB)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu of Maguindanao called on members of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on Monday to surrender and live normal lives than continue fighting the government.

The governor made the appeal after the military’s 601st Infantry Brigade (601 IBde) presented to her Monday three BIFF members who yielded to the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) in Gen. S.K. Pendatun, Maguindanao on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Rogelio S. Gabi, 40IB commander, identified the rebels who also turned in two rifles and explosives as Ustadz Yasser U. Saligan alias “Ustadz”, Norudin Dalinding alias “Survivor”, and Omar Tatang alias “Jo”, all residents of Gen. SK Pendatun town.

They handed over one M14 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, and two 81mm unexploded ordnance.

Saligan said he and his companions decided to surrender because they no longer believed the cause they were fighting for.

“We were blinded by the false promises, and as BIFF members, it is as if everyone is hunting us down,” Saligan said during the surrender ceremony.

Gabi said one of the returnees told him that they were also duped into receiving huge monthly payments if they join the BIFF and the Dawlah Islamiyah.

“They realized they were fighting for a wrong cause,” Gabi said.

Mangudadatu said the provincial government is ready to extend financial aid and livelihood assistance through the Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

On Dec. 9, two BIFF members also surrendered in Pikit, North Cotabato to the Army’s 7th IB.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088847

Rebel leader, 3 others killed in Sorsogon clash with gov't troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2019): Rebel leader, 3 others killed in Sorsogon clash with gov't troops (By Connie Calipay and Mar Serrano)

A leader and three members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in an armed encounter in Barangay Tugas, Magtnog town, Sorsogon province on Sunday, a 9th Infantry Division (9ID) official said Monday.

Army Maj. Ricky Aguilar, 9ID spokesperson, in a phone interview, identified the slain communist leader as Robert Estiller alias Cindy/Meo, commanding officer of Sentro De Grabidad (SDG), Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 3 of the NPA's Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) operating in the towns of Bulan, Irosin, Matnog, Magallanes, Castilla, and Juban, all in Bicol province.

Aguilar said government troops were conducting combat operations in response to a report on the rebels' presence in the area when they encountered more or less 60 NPA rebels.
"Firefight lasted for one hour and thirty minutes before the enemies withdrew and scurried to different directions, leaving their dead comrades behind," he said.

Aguilar, however, clarified that the encounter took place in Barangay Tugas, not Barangay Calpi as earlier reported by the Philippine National Police.

Aguilar said pursuit operations are still going on for the remaining NPA rebels who fled to the neighboring mountainous areas of the town.

Recovered from the scene of the firefight were four high-powered firearms including an M203 rifle, the report said.

Police checkpoints were set up in strategic areas and police forces were placed on standby for possible reinforcement.

It was learned that prior to the armed clash, the terrorists were having an assembly, planning for a tactical offensive and at the same time conducting extortion activities as part of their schemes days before the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP's) anniversary on December 26.

Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, 9ID commander and chief of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), immediately directed his men to conduct hot pursuit operations against the enemies and tighten the security in the area.

The JTFB also reminded the public to be wary of other illegal activities expected to be rolled out by the terrorists in connection with their upcoming anniversary.

Trinidad assured Bicolanos that JTFB will not put its guard down and will continue its intensified focused military operations to stop the armed group from perpetrating violence especially this holiday season.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier emphasized that it would not declare a Christmas truce and would even strengthen its security measures against the enemies of the state that are planning to disrupt the joyful celebration of the Yuletide season.

On the other hand, JTFB once again reiterated the call of the government for the communist rebels to surrender and lay down their arms instead of participating in their group's useless cause, and help the government in its all-out campaign to end insurgency through the full-swing implementation of Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach.

Through EO 70, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) or Task Force Katuninongan asin Kauswagan is delivering more efficient and timely plans, programs and projects for the people including the former rebels, to assist them in reestablishing their lives outside the armed movement.

This Yuletide season, Trinidad is encouraging the NPAs to remember their families who are waiting for them, adding that the greatest gift they could give to them is their decision to go home, never to return to the mountains to hide and fight the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088881

PNP to acquire over 17K Israeli-made assault rifles

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2019): PNP to acquire over 17K Israeli-made assault rifles (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa. (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to acquire 17,048 new units of 5.56m Basic Assault Rifle amounting to PHP712,927,360 sourced from the 2019 General Appropriations Act, PNP officer-in-charge.

PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa on Monday said he had already signed the Implementing Arrangement with IMOD East Asia Regional Director Nuni Sella on December 11 for the procurement of the rifles from the Israel Weapons Industries (IWI), one of the leading arms manufacturers in the world.

The PNP National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee has entered into a collaboration with the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) through the ‘Government to Government’ (G2G) mode of acquisition.

“The procurement through G2G was no easy undertaking. We initiated this undertaking through various discussions and coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the historical procurement was given birth,” said Gamboa who used to chair the National Headquarters-Bids and Awards Committees (NHQ-BAC).

Gamboa cited the Basic Assault Rifle has a price of only PHP41,820, much lower than the price per unit obtained through public bidding.

In a letter from DND dated March 18, 2019, the defense department said “the MOU is an executive agreement ratified by the President, it is applicable and may be utilized by the PNP for its procurement on a G2G arrangement with IMOD for which this Department fully support and recommend.”

To fully exercise the said accord, the PNP through the Procurement Management Committee and the PNP NHQ Bids and Awards Committee, has conducted market study and several deliberations on the latest procurement of Basic Assault Rifle and Light Machine Gun conducted through by the PNP NHQ BAC Public Bidding. The study and determinations of the PNP NHQ BAC included the procurements conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Based from curated records, PDEA through public bidding has procured 600 units Galil Ace (Basic Assault Rifle) from IWI for a unit price of around PHP168,000.

In 2017, the PNP NHQ BAC through public bidding has procured 8,170 units of Basic Assault Rifle for a price per unit of PHP87,995.

Similarly in 2017, the PNP NHQ BAC through Public Bidding has procured 698 units of Basic Assault Rifle for a price per unit of PHP82,000.

In 2018, the PNP through Public Bidding has procured 7,700 units of Galil Ace for IWI from a price per unit of PHP46,999.

In 2019, the PNP has procured 5,767 units Basic Assault Rifle for the same price of PHP46,999.

“These procurement projects were done through Competitive Public Bidding, and these projects passed the very rigid and strict post-qualification procedures, test and evaluation, and acceptance requirements of the PNP,” Gamboa said.

He also noted the G2G mode of procurement has laid the path for the PNP to procure Basic Assault Rifle of the same superior quality for a price per unit of PHP41,000 only, far lower than the price per unit obtained through public bidding.

“Aside from its firm legal anchorage and transparency, backed up by intelligent market research, the Government-to-Government mode of procurement truly is transparent, corrupt-free and beneficial to the government,” he said.

The weaponry of the PNP is even made more superior and standardize through G2G as part of the continuing effort of the PNP leadership and the national government to enhance the firepower, mobility, and tactical capabilities of PNP operating units to serve and protect the Filipino people, Gamboa noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088838

Stop attacks if you want peace talks to resume, Palace to Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2019): Stop attacks if you want peace talks to resume, Palace to Reds (By Azer Parrocha)

Malacañang urged communist rebels to stop staging attacks if they are sincere in resuming peace talks with the government.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after members of the New People’s Army (NPA) staged an attack in Borongan City, Eastern Samar that killed three people and wounded several others on December 13.

Reports showed a police officer and two civilians were killed while 15 others, including three minors, were wounded in the attack.

The attack came just six days after President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that he is considering communist rebels as his “friends.”

“Iyong mga NPAs kung gusto talaga nilang makipag-usap eh dapat tigilan na nila iyong ginagawa nila (Of course we don’t want that. If the NPAs really want to talk, they should refrain from staging attacks),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Monday.

“When you do that, your sincerity is in question with respect to peace talks,” he added.

Panelo, however, said it is too early to tell whether the recent NPA attack would affect the proposed resumption of peace talks.

“Let us see, how it will affect the proposed peace talks,” Panelo said.

On Dec. 7, the President announced that Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, former state chief peace negotiator, would hold a dialogue with communist founder Jose Ma. Sison in The Netherlands for the possible revival of peace talks between the national government and the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

The peace talks were formally terminated through the issuance of Proclamation 360 on Nov. 23, 2017, due to continuous attacks made by NPA rebels against government troops and civilians.

On Dec. 5, 2017, the President signed Proclamation 375, branding the CPP and its armed wing, the NPA, as terror groups because of their supposed actions “against the Filipino people, against humanity, and the law of nations.”

Apart from the Philippines, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have listed the CPP-NPA as a terror organization

No ceasefire

Panelo deferred to the decision of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año not to recommend the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels this holiday season.

“The AFP and the… well, Secretary Año, I think both of them are against it. And usually, the President defers to whatever recommendation those people on the ground give him,” the Palace official said.

Earlier, AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the AFP would not recommend a ceasefire because based on historical records, communist rebels take advantage of this to “recruit, refurbish, regroup and reserve.”

Instead of a ceasefire, the AFP was pushing for continuous operations against terror groups.

Año, for his part, said instead of a holiday ceasefire, communist rebels should heed the government’s call for them to surrender and return to the fold of the law.

He said the government would provide the ex-rebels with financial assistance and livelihood opportunities as mandated by the law.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088858

Kalinaw News: AFP Statement on the ambush by the NPA in Boronggan, Eastern Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 16, 2019): AFP Statement on the ambush by the NPA in Boronggan, Eastern Samar (By Kalinaw News)

On 13December2019, the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) New People’s Army’s (NPA) deplorable act of murdering a civilian and wounding fourteen others including children— all non-combatants—affirmed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ decision not to recommend the declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the CTG this Yuletide Season.

The abominable crime that also killed a policeman shows what these terrorist members of the New People’s Army are capable of: an evil of unconscionable degree and timing. It was done on a Christmas season when everyone’s longing is to be home to celebrate the holidays with family. Instead, the bereaved relatives will be mourning their dead.

The AFP commiserates with them in this moment of grief. We will help them find justice.

The CTG did the gruesome killing as if to threaten government that the latter should yield to their desire for peace negotiation.

The NPA perpetrated the detestable felony despite the President and Commander-in-Chief’s order for Secretary Silvestre Bello III to discuss with Mr. Jose Ma. Sison how peace negotiations can be resumed.

In essence, the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army under Mr. Sison and his stewards merely confirmed who they really are—opportunists in advancing peace negotiations and transgressors of human rights masquerading to be pro-people.

We beseech our people to unite against these terrorists. They should never allow these malefactors in their communities. They should be wary of wolves in sheep’s clothing that lurks around them. Parents are forewarned of the beasts that have devoured the future of many unwitting minor children who were lured into joining the terrorist NPA.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-statement-on-the-ambush-by-the-npa-in-boronggan-eastern-samar/

Kalinaw News: Army affirms commitment to Human Rights with March, Concert for Peace

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 16, 2019): Army affirms commitment to Human Rights with March, Concert for Peace (By 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade)

Bancasi, Butuan City – The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade together with troops of 23IB and 29IB in collaboration with the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) paraded its commitment as it joined the nation in promoting Human Rights thru the conduct of Peace March and Peace Concert last December 10, 2019 in Butuan City.

The activity is the culmination of the Brigade’s week-long celebration of Human Rights Week with a theme “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights” and commemoration of the adoption of the 71st Year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Peace March led by troops of 402nd Infantry Brigade with the 23IB and 29IB troopers in partnership with the Butuan City Police Office, was also participated by the students of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU).

“It is a celebration of our commitment together with the PNP in Caraga to respect and uphold the Human Rights of every individual especially the youth. Our utmost concern of this celebration is voicing out or creating awareness on the continuing abuse and exploitation of the CPP-NPA-NDF pushing the youth including minors to bear arms against the government”, said Maj Francisco P Garello Jr, 402nd Brigade CMO Officer.

According to Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigadier Commander, that as per record, there are already twelve (12) minor CNTs who surrendered, captured or killed by government troops in their previous encounters. He said, “The twelve (12) minors are those who we were able to rescue when we captured them or when they surrender. However this number does not include those unaccounted CNT members who were recruited during their younger years as minor.”

“Timely with the theme of this celebration, we in the AFP are standing up for the protection of the human rights of the youth. We deplore the use of minors as child warriors by the CNTs. We are calling all parents to unite with us and stand up for the rights of their children. Let us cut the source of the recruitment of the CNTs. I call on to all Parents Teachers Association to firm up the monitoring in the schools so that no one will be recruited anymore”, BGen Licudine added.

The Brigade started its week-long celebration thru the Flag Raising Ceremony last December 4, 2019 highlighted with the “Panata sa Karapatang Pantao” and a Tree Planting activity inside the Brigade Headquarters at Brgy Bancasi of same city on December 7, 2019.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-affirms-commitment-to-human-rights-with-march-concert-for-peace/