DILG to communist rebels: Lay down your arms, start a new life

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 23, 2019): DILG to communist rebels: Lay down your arms, start a new life (By Chito Chavez)

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año asked communist rebels on Monday to lay down their arms and get back to the government’s fold and be reintegrated to society.



DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)

He issued the call after the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) declared a unilateral ceasefire from December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020.

Año expressed hope that members of the New People’s Army (NPA) would surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Community Integration Program (ECLIP) where they can rejoin mainstream society and “start a new life together with their families.’’

“I also hope that the NPA rebels would realize that what they are fighting for is already a lost and despicable cause,’’ Año said.

Earlier, Año has ordered all the field units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to comply with the ceasefire agreement between the government and the NDF.

“It is the prerogative of the President, as commander-in-chief, to declare a unilateral ceasefire for the Christmas season and we abide by his decision,’’ he added.

While government forces remain vigilant and take a strong defensive stance, Año said the ceasefire will allow “our policemen and soldiers in the field to spend a meaningful celebration of Christmas with their families.’’

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/23/dilg-to-communist-rebels-lay-down-your-arms-start-a-new-life/

NegOcc gives P365-K aid to former rebels

From the Panay News (Dec 23, 2019): NegOcc gives P365-K aid to former rebels

A former New People’s Army member (right) receives a P15,000 financial aid from the Negros Occidental provincial government, in the presence of provincial director Ferdinand Panes (left) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Dec. 19. 303RD INFANTRY BRIGADE/PHILIPPINE ARMY

The Negros Occidental provincial government, through the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), gave a total of P365,000 in various assistance to former rebels.

Seven former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received immediate assistance of P15,000 each, totaling to P105,000.

The checks released by the provincial government were turned over by provincial Social Welfare Development officer Elena Serenias.

One of the seven recipients was given an additional P50,000 as remuneration for a .45-caliber pistol he surrendered to the authorities.

A separate check worth P210,000 as reintegration assistance was released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Negros Occidental to the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) represented by Major Franco Ver Lopez, head of the civil-military operations.

The amount will be used by the 15th Infantry Battalion for the subsistence or meal cost of former rebels who have been placed under its protection while processing their benefits under the E-CLIP.

The E-CLIP is one of the programs under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), a body created by President Rodrigo Duterte through Executive Order No. 70.

It aims to ensure sustainable and inclusive peace and put an end to the 50-year armed conflict perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303IB based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said the government remains sincere in helping those who have become victims of the deception of the CPP-NPA.

“It is time to lay down your firearms, return to your family, and live a peaceful life in mainstream society. The government has laid down programs for you to start anew. Or else, the security forces will use all its might to hunt you down,” Pasaporte added.

Colonel Romeo Baleros, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), echoed Pasaporte’s call for the communist rebels in the province to return to the fold of the law.

“As the TF-ELCAC is gaining momentum, we are continuously calling for the peaceful surrender of the remnant forces of the NPA in the province,” Baleros added.

Baleros was represented by Major Norberto Barniso, chief of NOCPPO Community Affairs Development Section, during the turn-over ceremony.

The turn-over of benefits was led by provincial director Ferdinand Panes of the DILG-Negros Occidental, in rites held here on Dec. 19.(With a report from PNA/PN)

https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-gives-p365-k-aid-to-former-rebels/

Soldier killed, 6 hurt in NPA attack in Camarines Norte

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 23, 2019): Soldier killed, 6 hurt in NPA attack in Camarines Norte (By Mar S. Arguelles)

An Army soldier died and six others were wounded in an attack on Monday staged by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a remote village in Labo town in Camarines Norte province, an Army report said Monday.

Maj. Ricky Aguilar, Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID) public affairs chief, said a platoon of Army soldiers on combat patrol were pulling out at 9:20 a.m at Barangay Baay when attacked by undetermined number of NPA rebels.

Rebels planted and detonated an improvised explosive device on the path of the soldiers, and fired upon them, killing a soldier and wounding six others.

A brief firefight ensued, prompting the rebels to flee and seek refuge in neighboring villages.

The names of the fatality and the wounded soldiers are not yet available to media as of this writing.

Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), condemned the attack as a treacherous act by the communist rebels and a violation of the ceasefire declared separately by the government and the NPA.

Trinidad in a press statement has expressed his strong disappointment with the terrorist group’s defiance of the agreed nationwide Christmas truce which aims to give Filipinos a peaceful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“This action is a clear manifestation of their deceptive and ill motives as well as their use of terror and violence to show their strength which, for so long a time, hampers the government’s campaign to attain sustainable peace and development,” he said.

On Sunday, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) was the first to declare a truce and called all its guerrilla units nationwide to suspend military operations which took effect right after the government’s declaration of Suspension of Police Operations and Suspension of Police Operations 12 a.m. Monday until Jan. 7 next year.

JTFB said it maintained its “stand to comply with the ceasefire and assured the public that it would not compromise their safety and security hence all military units are still on alert to preempt any atrocities that the NPA rebels plan to spread.”

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1204857/soldier-killed-6-hurt-in-npa-attack-in-camarines-norte

‘Three slain communist guerillas targeted Duterte, other officials’

From The Daily Express (Dec 23, 2019): ‘Three slain communist guerillas targeted Duterte, other officials’ (ByThe Philippine Star)

Photo Source: philstar.com

MANILA: The three men killed in an encounter with police operatives in Quezon City earlier last week were part of the team directed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to assassinate high-ranking government officials, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Año claimed Eleuterio Agmaliw, Fredde Daileg and Lucio Carbonel were part of the special team deployed by the CPP-New People’s Army (NPA) to kill officials in their supposed hit list.

“These NPA leaders are part of the special teams directed by the CPP leadership to assassinate senior government officials that include the President. But we got to them first and we will not stop until every one of them is arrested and brought before the bar of justice,” Año said in a statement.

The three were killed in a shootout last Friday with policemen who were about to arrest them on charges of destructive arson, murder, frustrated murder and rebellion.

Officials said Agmaliw and Daileg were high-ranking NPA leaders.
Carbonel, on the other hand, was supposedly a liaison of the NPA in Manila and the owner of the safe house in Barangay Damong Maliit, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Lawmen recovered an M-16 rifle, a .38 revolver, a .45 pistol and an MK2 hand grenade.

safehouse were also arrested to face charges of obstruction of justice and harbouring wanted persons.

Año warned communist rebels have no place to hide.

“As I promised, we will get you first even before you get near us. There is no safe place for you in Metro Manila and in any urban centre around the country. If I were you, I better give up before it’s too late,” he said.

Earlier this month, the military revealed a communist plot to assassinate Cabinet officials who are spearheading President Rodrigo Duterte’s counterinsurgency programme.

The hit list includes Año, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Chairman Allen Capuyan, a former military intelligence officer.

Officials said President Duterte is on the top of the communist hit list, prompting the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to intensify its security for the Chief Executive.

The NPA reportedly threatened to assassinate Duterte to mark its 50th anniversary on Dec. 26.

Apart from the communist rebels, drug lords and criminal syndicates have also placed the Chief Executive on their hit list, according to PSG Commander Brig. Gen. Jose Ariel Niembra.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/145354/three-slain-npas-targeted-duterte-other-officials-/

Police, military to get additional P3 billion in 2020

From the Philippine Star (Dec 21, 2019): Police, military to get additional P3 billion in 2020 (By Edu Punay)

Under the ratified version of the 2020 General Appropriations Act, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) budget increased from P190 billion to P192 billion while the Philippine National Police (PNP) budget rose from P185.9 billion to P187.6 billion.  The STAR/ File

The military will get an additional budget of P2.093 billion and police an additional P1.73 billion for next year after the bicameral conference committee of Congress approved the budgets of the two security agencies with the combined additional funding of P3.823 billion.

Under the ratified version of the 2020 General Appropriations Act, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) budget increased from P190 billion to P192 billion while the Philippine National Police (PNP) budget rose from P185.9 billion to P187.6 billion.

The allocations are part of the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for next year.

For the AFP, the bicam increased the budgets of the Navy by P27.485 million, Army by P995 million, Air Force by P500 million, General Headquarters by P175 million, Office of Civil Defense by P15 million and additional P132.8 million for the office of the secretary and P15 million for arsenal purchases.

In the PNP, on the other hand, the budget of maintenance and other operating expenses of police stations nationwide got an additional P101.75 million. The other increases were not specified in the ratified version of the budget.

Members of the Makabayan bloc in the House questioned the increases in the AFP and PNP budgets, which they said could be used to boost anti-insurgency campaign of the government.

“We cannot stomach this national budget that is filled with funds for killings and harassment against the opposition, but is lacking in funds for the welfare of our poor countrymen,” said Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas.

The militant lawmakers specifically assailed the huge budget allocated to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, which they said targets the ranks of left-leaning organizations.

During budget deliberations, the bicam realigned funds and added P1 billion each to the appropriations of the AFP and the PNP for their camp development funds.

The amount was taken from the P5.7-billion budget of the Commission on Elections for next year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls that were postponed, and the P3.7-billion funding of the Department of Public Works and Highways for deferred road right-of-way projects.

The modernization of the AFP and PNP is among the priority programs of the Duterte administration.

The House and Senate also allocated P3 billion for the reconstruction of Marawi City, which had been extensively flattened when security forces drove out Muslim terrorists who had taken over the city in mid-2017.

The fund allocation is part of the calamity fund in the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for next year.

However, lawmakers reduced the fund by P4 billion to P16 billion, although the money for Marawi City has been retained.

In his budget proposal, President Duterte had proposed P20 billion for aid, relief and reconstruction in case of calamities.

Residents of Marawi and other parts of Mindanao have been complaining that despite the national leadership’s promises, the city has not recovered from devastation caused by the terrorist siege more than two years ago.

What makes matters worse is that reconstruction funds amounting to more than P4 billion have not been spent, deputy speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said yesterday.

He said the funds are part of the 2019 national budget and their validity will expire at the end of the year.

“The expiration of the appropriations will deny the victims of the 2017 Marawi siege the justice that they have been painstakingly looking for over two years now,” Hataman, former governor of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said.

He pointed out that it is not the fault of Marawi residents if the funds have not been used and would revert to the national treasury by yearend.

Hataman said the Department of Budget and Management and Task Force Bangon Marawi are blaming each other for such failure.

Of the P5.1 billion allocated for the city’s rehabilitation, only P871.7 million, or 17 percent, has been utilized as of last month.

Poor utilization of appropriations is apparently not limited to Marawi but affects other government agencies as well.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/21/1978680/police-military-get-additional-p3-billion-2020

MILF: Finance Sec. Dominguez: “BARMM to set stage for rapid Mindanao development

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Dec 19, 2019): Finance Sec. Dominguez: “BARMM to set stage for rapid Mindanao development (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)

COTABATO CITY – Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has expressed the hope that the new Bangsamoro autonomous region will light up the pathway for rapid development for the people of Mindanao, especially those from communities once torn by conflict.

In a press statement, Dominguez said the inaugural meeting on Monday. December 16 of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) represents the commitment of the Duterte administration and the new government of Bangsamoro people headed by Interim Chief Minister Al haj Ahod B. Ebrahim aka Murad Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to institute innovative mechanisms and yield productive results from this consultative process, especially during this crucial transition period for the BARMM.

Ebrahim is the Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest rebel organization in Mindanao.

Dominguez and BARMM Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) signed in Davao City the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the Joint Secretariat of the IGRB as co-chairmen of this intergovernmental body.

Iqbal serve as the Chair of peace implementing panel and is the longest peace negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The heads of the Joint Secretariat for the national government and BARMM also signed the TOR.

“I am confident there will be sufficient goodwill and a large pool of talent to make this initiative a success,” Dominguez said after the first-ever meeting of the IGRB held at the Marco Polo Hotel Davao.

Dominguez thanked the BARMM, represented by Iqbal, for its commitment to the success of the IGRB.

“I look forward to further working with you in achieving our shared goal of inclusive growth and development in the BARMM,” Dominguez said further.

It is said that under the TOR, the IGRB is mandated to coordinate and resolve issues on intergovernmental relations between the national government and the BARMM through regular consultation and continuing negotiations in a non-adversarial manner.

Its Joint Secretariat is tasked to prepare and submit the meeting agenda, to document the proceedings of the meeting, to prepare the highlights of the meeting, and to handle all administrative requirements relative to the conduct of the meeting, the TOR states.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) was designated as the joint secretariat of the IGRB.

The IGRB shall exhaust all means to resolve issues brought before it, which include the effective implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the national programs and projects of the National Government in the BARMM.

The IGRB is also tasked to resolve territorial issues, and issues of devolution and jurisdiction; and the creation of the other intergovernmental relations mechanisms enumerated under the BOL.

Under the TOR, unresolved issues shall be elevated to the President, through the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Government.

Even before the IGRB held its first meeting in Davao, the Department of Finance (DOF) had already organized a series of dialogues with BARMM officials and formed a technical working group involving other government agencies to assist the officials of the new Bangsamoro government in running their economic agencies and crafting sound policies.

In his opening remarks at the first meeting of the IGRB, Dominguez said this body is a "major step forward" in realizing a substantial and functional autonomy for a new autonomous Muslim region, in step with President Dutertes commitment to achieve just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

He said that through the IGRB we hope to achieve informed and constructive discussions aimed at exploring the best plausible solutions to transform points of differences into points of cooperation between the National Government and Bangsamoro Government.

Dominguez also co-chairs with the BARMM Finance Minister the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFRB), which is designed to address revenue imbalances and fluctuations in the regional financial needs and revenue-raising capacity of the BARMM government.

The IGRB will ensure that our policies and programs are service-oriented, people-centric, and transformative to bring tangible benefits and real change to the lives of the people in this region, Dominguez said.

The IGRB was proposed during the negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The representatives between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) envisioned the IGRB as the main platform for the national and Bangsamoro governments to discuss key intergovernmental related.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1965/finance-sec--dominguez-----barmm-to-set-stage-for-rapid-mindanao-development

MILF: Malaysia invited to explore BARMM opportunities

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Malaysia invited to explore BARMM opportunities (By Nikko Fabian, Sabah News)

In Photo-Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr. Mahathis Mohammad shaking hands with BARMM’s Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim during the latter’s visit to Malaysia

KOTA KINABALU: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister, Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, has invited potential investors from Malaysia and Indonesia to explore business opportunities in the region.

He has also travelled to Saudi Arabia and Turkey for investment missions and to establish closer economic co-operation with the two countries earlier this year.

Ebrahim hoped BARMM will become a major investment destination in the country as the Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) recorded PHP4.1 billion worth of financing in 2019, which is 80 per cent higher compared to last year’s PHP2.5 billion.

The optimism is anchored on the report presented recently by RBOI senior investment specialist Shamera A. Abubakar following a recent RBOI year-end reporting and investment briefing held in Cotabato City.

“The Chief Minister has become the region’s top investment promoter,” said lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, RBOI chairperson.

As a result of the regional business venture promotion, Ebrahim said RBOI-BARMM is expecting more investments in 2020. Record shows that agriculture is still the top ranked investment opportunity in the region due to ideal agro-climatic conditions and fertile lands available in the region.

Other investment priority areas that may push through next year are infrastructure, healthcare, mining, education, energy (natural gas), manufacturing and transportation as potential investors see these industries as feasible in the Bangsamoro Region.

With the passage of the Republic Act 11439 or the Islamic Banking Act in August this year, which provides for the organisation, regulation and powers of Islamic banks to be established in the country, BARMM is leveraging its position as the only Muslim-majority region in the country by promoting investments in Islamic banking and finance.

Under the said law, Islamic banks are treated as universal banks meaning that they can establish business subsidiaries.

While there is an existing Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank that BARMM wants to acquire, the region can also explore setting up its government-owned Islamic bank through legislation.

Private investors with foreign partners can likewise form Islamic banks. One way of attracting investment in Islamic banking and financing is through fiscal incentives.

For instance, Indonesia’s National Committee for Sharia Finance (KNKS) Executive Director Ventje Rahardjo said during Ebrahim’s recent visit that Sharia banks still need help, through temporary tax incentives, to reach the goal. Rahardjo said such incentives could boost Sharia bank performance to ensure a level playing field with conventional banks.

While Indonesia still seeks to provide fiscal incentives to Islamic banking and finance, the BARMM through the autonomous region list of the national Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) already provides fiscal incentives to such investors in the BARMM since 2017.

“Only in the BARMM can Islamic banking and finance investors enjoy such fiscal incentives through the RBOI,” the Chief Minister said. Ebrahim said high investments in 2019 can be attributed to the relative peace the Bangsamoro Region is now experiencing, brought about by the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which was overwhelmingly ratified by the people last January.

“This can also be viewed that more investors are attracted to investing in the region to take advantage of the improving business climate,” he said.

He added that regional officials are doing their best to ease the process of doing business in BARMM by assisting investors to facilitate their investment needs from a business plan to reality and, most importantly, the granting of incentives or tax breaks.

“BARMM is open for business. We want investors to come and create jobs and incomes to help us attain our goal of sustainable development and inclusive growth by establishing the foundation of self-governance through moral governance,” Ebrahim said.

In 2019, RBOI has registered five investment projects in the BARMM. The biggest investor was Lamitan Agri-Business Corporation (LABCO) to engage in Cavendish banana plantations worth PHP1.8 billion in Lamitan City, Basilan province.

The second top investor was JMI Sand and Gravel Truck Services Corporation, which invested PHP1.4 billion in sand and gravel project located in Gang, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The third biggest investor is Maguindanao Corn Development (MCD) DSA-1 Corporation which is into a modern yellow corn production project costing PHP515 million located in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Wao Development Corporation (WDC) came fourth, investing PHP306 million for a new pineapple packing plant in Wao Municipality, Lanao del Sur.

The fifth is Hong Kong Feng Sheng Heritage Philippines Inc. (HK FSH) based in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur investing PHP100 million to establish an abaca fiber processing plant.

“A total of 2,724 jobs are expected to be created from these projects,” Abobakar said. He said that for this year, the province of Maguindanao continues to dominate in investment generation, followed by Lanao del Sur and Basilan.

BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Lanao del Sur; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato province.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1966/malaysia-invited-to-explore-barmm-opportunities

NDF/CPP-CC: Ceasefire Order: December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020

Central Committee Ceasefire Order posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Ceasefire Order: December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020



Central Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines

Upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) hereby orders all commands and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militias a nationwide ceasefire order that will take effect from 00:00H of 23 December 2019 to 23:59H of 7 January 2020.

This ceasefire order shall take effect upon issuance of the corresponding and reciprocal ceasefire orders in the form of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Police Operations (SOPO) to be issued by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).
The purpose of the reciprocal and unilateral ceasefires is to generate a positive atmosphere conducive to the holding of informal talks preparatory to the formal meeting to resume the peace negotiations. These shall be measures of goodwill and confidence building during the traditional celebrations of Christmas and New Year holidays.

During the ceasefire period, all NPA units and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military operations against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the GRP.

All units of the NPA and the people’s militias shall be on defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels. They shall nonetheless maintain a high degree of militancy and vigilance against any hostile actions or movements contrary to the ceasefire order. Active-defense operations shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger and actual armed attack by hostile forces.

All branches and committees of the CPP, units of the NPA and people’s militias and revolutionary mass organizations should closely monitor any hostile actions being carried out by the armed units and personnel of the GRP. Such information should be reported to the concerned commands of the New People’s Army and leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

https://ndfp.org/ceasefire-order-december-23-2019-to-january-7-2020/

NDF/NDF International Office:NDFP International Office successfully launches English and German editions of Sison book

Press release posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Dec 22, 2019): NDFP International Office successfully launches English and German editions of Sison book



The International Office of the National Democratic of the Philippines (NDFP) successfully launched at its conference hall in Utrecht the book of Jose Maria Sison, Reflections on Revolution and Prospects and its German version Ein Leben im Widerstand, on Saturday, December 21, 2019.

Solidarity activists in support of the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation filled the conference hall. They came from various countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Canada, Turkey and Pakistan.

Acting as the moderator, Coni Ledesma welcomed all the guests and introduced the speakers, the author Jose Maria Sison and his co-author Dr. Rainer Werning, and the book reviewers NDFP chief international representative Luis Jalandoni and Peter Weispfenning of .

Sison thanked Rainer Werning for asking him the questions he answered, the Editor Julieta de Lima, the publishers International Network for Philippine Studies and the Verlag Neuer Weg, the book reviewers and the NDFP International Office as sponsor of the book launch. He also discussed briefly the current Philippine and global situation.

Dr. Werning narrated his solidarity of more than 50 years with the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation. He spoke warmly of the Filipino comrades and friends he had known personally and worked since 1970. He referred to his German translation of Jose Maria Sison’s Philippine Society and Revolution published in 1973.

In his book review, Luis Jalandoni discussed how Reflections on Revolution and Prospects reflects the development of the revolutionary struggle of the Filipino people under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines since 51 years ago. He described the revolutionary forces., including the CPP, the New People’ Army, the mass organizations, the NDFP and the local organs of political power.

In his book review of Ein Leben in Widerstand, by Peter Weispfenning discussed the global issues in relation to Filipino-German revolutionary solidarity. He concurred with Sison on the global situation characterized by the intensifying contradictions between the old imperialist powers headed by the US and the new imperialist powers, China and Russia.

In the course of the sharpening struggle for a redivision of the world, the crisis of the world capitalist system escalates the oppression and exploitation of the people and at the same time drives the people to wage revolutionary struggle.

The book launch was made lively with the cultural intermissions, open forums and open mic session during which solidarity greetings were given to the Communist Party of the Philippines through the NDFP. Snacks were served to the guests during the sale of book copies and autographing by Sison and Werning. The guests of the book launch milled around to converse among themselves.###

https://ndfp.org/ndfp-international-office-successfully-launches-english-and-german-editions-of-sison-book/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Pahayag hinggil sa matagumpay na kilusang masa sa Maguindanao Massacre

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Pahayag hinggil sa matagumpay na kilusang masa sa Maguindanao Massacre

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 22, 2019

Pinagpupugayan ng NDF-Bikol ang tagumpay na nakamit ng matatag na kilusang masang walang pagod na nagtulak ng hustisya para sa masaker sa Maguindanao. Bunga ng kanilang isang dekadang pagkakaisa’t pagsisikap napilitan na ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno na pananagutin ang kalakhan ng maysala sa naturang masaker. Ngunit hindi pa tapos ang laban. Marapat lamang na ipanawagan ang pagpapanagot sa nalalabing mga kriminal, tiyakin na maparurusahan ang mga nasakdal hanggang sa pinakamataas na korte at ang pagkilala sa ika-58 biktima ng masaker na si Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay. Gayundin, marapat ang malakas na pagsuporta ng masa sa mga kapamilya ng biktimang maaaring balikan ng mga alagad at kaalyado ng pamilyang Ampatuan. Marapat lamang na ipaglaban ng sambayanang Pilipino ang pagtigil ng pang-aatake sa mga kagawad ng midya, pagsusulong ng pagtataguyod ng malayang pamamahayag at ang pagpapanagot sa numero unong banta sa kanilang kaligtasan – ang rehimeng US-Duterte.

Bahagi ng pasistang pamamalakad ni Duterte ang higit pa ngang marahas na pagsikil sa kalayaan sa pamamahayag ng mamamayan laluna ng mga propesyunal at manggagawa sa midya. Hindi na mabilang ang beses na nagpahayag si Duterte ng mga deklarasyong anti-midya at humihikayat ng karahasan laban sa kanila. Sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno, walang kapantay na teror ang dinanas ng mga kagawad ng midya.

Ipinapatupad ni Duterte ang isang crackdown laban sa mapanuring pamamahayag na naglalantad sa kanyang pasista at kontramamamayang rehimen upang mapatahimik ang midya sa bansa. Patuloy na kinokontrol ng AFP ang mga ilinalabas na balita ng midya upang pagtakpan ang malawakang karahasan, pagpaslang at pagnanakaw ng militar. Samantala, ang mga mapangahas pa ring nagpapahayag ng katotohanan ay tahasang tinatarget at madalas na nagiging biktima ng pananakot, pambabanta, paninira, pagmamanman, panununog at paninira ng mga kagamitan hanggang pamamaslang.

Hindi lamang ang mga mamamahayag ang inaatake ni Duterte. Nangunguna rin ang pasistang pangulo sa pag-atake sa katotohanan. Mula mismo sa bibig ni Duterte nagmumula ang samu’t saring pinalobong datos, pekeng balita at disimpormasyon na agad namang kinakatigan ng kanyang mga alagad. Gamit ang rekurso ng bansa, nag-aalaga siya ng kanyang batalyon ng mga online trolls na walang ibang misyon kung hindi ang manlinlang, maghasik ng kaguluhan, bantaan ang mga progresibo at makabayang hanay at ipagtanggol ang kanilang pasistang panginoon.

Sa pagpapatupad ng militaristang Whole of Nation Approach at pagkakaroon ng isang juntang militar sa bisa ng EO 70, lalong pinahihigpit ni Duterte ang kontrol sa midya at ang lantarang pang-aatake sa kanilang hanay. Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa malawak na mamamayang patuloy na suportahan at lumahok sa laban ng mga kagawad ng midya. Ang tunay na katarungan para sa mga mamamahayag ay hindi nagtatapos sa pagkakakulong ng iilang mga salarin sa Maguindanao Massacre. Marapat lamang na ibayo pang magkaisa upang mapabagsak ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Higit sa lahat, marapat lamang na lumahok ang hanay ng midya at iba pang progresibong uri sa pambansa demokratikong rebolusyong siyang magwawakas sa sistema ng pang-aapi at pagsasamantala at magpupundar ng isang lipunang may tunay na pagpapahalaga at pagkilala sa katotohanan at makauring paninindigan.

https://cpp.ph/statement/pahayag-hinggil-sa-matagumpay-na-kilusang-masa-sa-maguindanao-massacre/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Mamamayan ibayong pandayin ang pagkakaisa! Labanan ang pasismo ng estado!

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Mamamayan ibayong pandayin ang pagkakaisa! Labanan ang pasismo ng estado!

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 22, 2019

Buung-buo ang pagsuporta ng NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano sa kanilang laban sa militarisasyon at pasismo ng estado. Mabilis na nahuhubdan ang patung-patong na kasinungalingang ipinamamarali ng 9th IDPA at buong Joint Task Force Bicolandia sa rehiyon. Matapos ang magkakasunod na pagkakalantad ng pamamaslang sa mga sibilyang magsasaka sa Catanduanes at ang pekeng pagpaparada sa isang militar bilang nahuling NPA, muli na namang nalantad sa publiko ang katotohanan sa likod ng masahol na pamamaslang kay Kapt. Wolfert Dalanon “alias” Ompong, Barangay Kapitan ng Brgy. San Antonio, Milagros, Masbate noong ika-6 ng Nobyembre sa prubinsya ng Masbate. Pinagpupugayan ng NDF-Bikol ang katapangan ng maybahay ni Kapt. Dalanon na buong kapangahasang nagpahayag ng katotohanan sa kabila ng nagpapatuloy na presensya ng militar sa kanilang lugar. Kasabay nito ang pagsugod ng masang Masbatenyo sa mainland Bikol upang ipahayag ang mga paglabag sa kanilang karapatang matagal na nilang dinaranas sa kamay ng 2nd IBPA at Provincial Police Mobile Force sa kanilang prubinsya.

Ang pagtindig na ito ng masang Bikolano ay malaking sampal sa 9th IDPA at JTFB. Pinapatunayan nito ang pilit pa rin nilang pinagtatakpang katotohanan – na sila ang tunay na kaaway ng mamamayan. Sinisingil na sila ng nagkakaisang hanay ng masa sa kanilang mga utak-pulbura, tahasan at masasahol na kaso laban sa mga Bikolano. Ang pagtindig ng masang Masbatenyo para sa kanilang karapatan ay paniningil para sa katarungan hindi lamang sa kanilang prubinsya kung hindi para sa buong rehiyon. Ito ay paniningil ng katarungan para sa lahat ng mga biktima ng ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang. Ito ay panawagan ng katarungan para sa lahat ng biktima ng pekeng pagpapasuko, panunugis, pananakot, pambobomba, pangwawasak ng kabuhayan at pandarahas ng militar at pulis.

Marapat lamang na suportahan ng malawak na hanay ng mamamayang Bikolano ang kanilang kapwa inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan sa anti-pasistang labang ito. Hinihikayat ng NDF-Bikol ang mga kagawad ng midya na higit pang patambulin sa madla ang katotohanan sa likod ng disimpormasyon ng militar at pulis. Tulungan ang masang maiparinig sa publiko ang kanilang mga hinaing. Nananawagan din ang NDF-Bikol sa mga makabayang lokal na yunit ng gubyerno, progresibong organisasyon, taong-simbahan, propesyunal at nasa akademya na ibigay ang lahat ng makakayang suporta at tulong sa lahat ng biktima ng militarisasyon sa rehiyon.

Kasabay ng pag-abante ng kilusang anti-pasista, makaaasa ang masang Bikolano na lagi nilang katuwang ang kanilang Partido sa pagbabalikwas laban sa pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Magpapatuloy ang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa, ang lahat ng yunit ng Hukbo at mga sangay ng Partido sa paglulunsad ng lahatang-panig na laban sa lahat ng may utang na dugo sa sambayanan. Ang bawat tagumpay sa lahat ng larangang tinatamo ng CPP-NPA-NDF ay iniaalay nito sa masang lubos nitong pinaglilingkuran.

Mamamayan Ibayong Pandayin ang Pagkakaisa! Labanan ang Pasismo ng Estado!

https://cpp.ph/statement/mamamayan-ibayong-pandayin-ang-pagkakaisa-labanan-ang-pasismo-ng-estado/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Ka Juanito Magbanua (of AGC-NPA Negros) on the CPP’s nationwide ceasefire announcement for the holidays:

NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Ka Juanito Magbanua (of AGC-NPA Negros) on the CPP’s nationwide ceasefire announcement for the holidays:

JUANITO MAGBANUA

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 22, 2019

The CPP Central Committee has announced its order re nationwide ceasefire to all commands and units of the NPA and people’s militia. The nationwide ceasefire order will take effect from 00:00H of 23 December 2019 to 23:59H of 7 January 2020.

But take notice that “the ceasefire order shall take effect upon issuance of the corresponding and reciprocal ceasefire orders in the form of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Police Operations (SOPO) to be issued by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).”

The NPA in Negros shall be on defensive mode and will suspend all tactical offensives as soon as the ceasefire begins. But as ordered, active-defense operations shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger and actual armed attack by hostile forces.

The ball is on Duterte’s court if the GRP will reciprocate or not. The CPP-NPA-NDFP has already shown good will and readiness for confidence building.

Malipayon nga paskwa sa tanan!
Sulong sa 2020!

#CPP51
#ResumeGRP-NDFPPeaceTalks
#NotoLocalizedPeaceTalks

https://cpp.ph/statement/ka-juanito-magbanua-of-agc-npa-negros-on-the-cpps-nationwide-ceasefire-announcement-for-the-holidays/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Parangal ng CMC BHB-Sorsogon sa apat na Pulang mandirigmang martir

NPA-Sorsogon propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Parangal ng CMC BHB-Sorsogon sa apat na Pulang mandirigmang martir

SAMUEL GUERRERO

NPA-SORSOGON

CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 22, 2019

PINARARANGALAN ng Celso Minguez Command-NPA Sorsogon ang apat na Pulang mandirigma na nagbuwis ng buhay sa nangyaring sagupaan sa Gabod, Bulan, Sorsogon nitong Disyembre 15. Magiting nilang hinarap ang magkasanib na pwersa ng 31st IBPA at PNP Mobile Force Company na sumalakay sa kanila upang tiyakin ang ligtas na pag-atras ng kanilang kasamahan.

Sina Robert Estiller (Ka Mio), Gaspar Gracela (Ka Gabby), Eddison Omrog (Ka Lito) at si Ka Poy ay mga bayaning walang pag-iimbot na nag-alay ng kataas-taasang sakripisyo sa pagsusulong ng rebolusyon.

Hindi matatawaran ang panahong isinerbisyo nila bilang mga pultaym na mandirigma ng bayan. Hindi sila malilimot ng masa at mga kasamang nakahalubilo at nakaisa nila sa buhay-at-kamatayang pakikibaka.

https://cpp.ph/statement/parangal-ng-cmc-bhb-sorsogon-sa-apat-na-pulang-mandirigmang-martir/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Ligtas na pag-atras ng yunit ng BHB, alay ng martir ng sambayanan

NPA-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Ligtas na pag-atras ng yunit ng BHB, alay ng martir ng sambayanan

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

NPA-BICOL REGION

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 22, 2019

Patraydor na inatake ng magkakumbinang pwersa ng 31st IB at Provincial Mobile Force Company ang isang yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ng Celso Minguez Command, 6:05 ng umaga sa Bgy. Gabud, Bulan, Sorsogon noong Disyembre 15. Nag-alay ng buhay sina Robert “Ka Mio” Estiller, Gaspar “Ka Gabby” Gracela, Eddison “Ka Lito” Omrog at Ka Poy.

Mapagpasyang pinanghawakan ng mga pulang kumander na si Ka Mio, kasama ang mga mandirigmang sina Ka Lito, Ka Gabby at Ka Poy, ang organisadong pagharap ng pormasyon ng BHB sa magtatatlong oras na labanan. Sa huli, inialay nila ang kanilang buhay para bigyan ng sapat na panahon na makaatras ang kanilang mga kakolektibo tungo sa ligtas na tereyn.

Matapos ang labanan, ilang ulit na bumalik ang helicopter ng AFP para mabilis na maitago ang kanilang mga nasawi sa labanan. Ayon sa mga nakasaksi, tinatayang hindi bababa sa sampu ang naging kaswalti sa hanay ng mersenaryong hukbo.

Iniaalay ng RJC-BHB Bikol ang pinakamataas na pagdakila sa apat na martir ng rebolusyong Pilipino. Pinagpupugayan ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang kanilang mga kapamilya at kaibigan sa pagpapanday ng mga matatapat na pulang mandirigma’t kumander. Makakaasa ang mamamayang Pilipino na ipagpapatuloy ng lahat ng kumand ng BHB sa rehiyong Bikol ang mapagpasyang pagharap sa pasista’t teroristang atake ng MO32 at EO70.

Lumaban para lumaya!

Isulong ang makatarungang digma ng mamamayan!



https://cpp.ph/statement/ligtas-na-pag-atras-ng-yunit-ng-bhb-alay-ng-martir-ng-sambayanan/

CPP/CPP Central Committee: Context and premises of the CPP declaration of ceasefire (December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020)

CPP Central Committee propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Context and premises of the CPP declaration of ceasefire (December 23, 2019 to January 7, 2020)


2019 Central Committee CPP

Upon the recommendation of the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines declares to all commands and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militias a nationwide ceasefire order that will take effect from 00:00H of 23 December 2019 to 23:59H of 7 January 2020.

This ceasefire order is being issued simultaneously with and shall be effective upon the corresponding and reciprocal ceasefire orders in the form of Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Police Operations (SOPO) to be issued by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) as a gesture of goodwill and confidence building measure.

The purpose of the reciprocal and unilateral ceasefires is to generate a positive atmosphere conducive to the holding of informal talks preparatory to the resumption of the formal peace talks. The ceasefire order is being issued in solidarity with the traditional celebrations of Christmas and New Year holidays.

During the ceasefire period, all NPA units and people’s militias shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive military operations against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other paramilitary and armed groups attached to the GRP.

Personnel of the AFP and PNP who have no serious liabilities other than their membership in their armed units shall not be subjected to arrest or punitive actions. They may be allowed individually to enter the territory of the people’s democratic government to make personal visits to relatives and friends.

All units of the NPA and the people’s militias shall be on defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels. They shall nonetheless maintain a high degree of militancy and vigilance against any hostile actions or movements of the enemy armed forces, including encroachment on the territory of the people’s democratic government, surveillance and other offensive operations including so-called “peace and development”, civil-military” or “peace and order”operations. Active-defense operations shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger and actual armed attack by the enemy forces.

All branches and committees of the CPP, units of the NPA and people’s militias and revolutionary mass organizations should closely monitor any hostile actions being carried out by the enemy armed forces. Such information should be reported to the concerned commands of the New People’s Army and leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Copy Furnished:

National Council
National Democratic Front of the Philippines

https://cpp.ph/2019/12/22/context-and-premises-of-the-cpp-declaration-of-ceasefire-december-23-2019-to-january-7-2020/

Kalinaw News: On the declaration of a nationwide ceasefire

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): On the declaration of a nationwide ceasefire

The Palace hereby announces that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has directed the declaration of a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire with the coalition of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). The ceasefire will be implemented nationwide, and it shall be effective from 12:00AM of 23 December 2019 and shall last until 11:59PM of 07 January 2020.

The Chief Executive has instructed the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, to issue an official declaration therefor and communicate the directive for a national armistice with the CPP-NPA-NDF to their respective agents and armed units for due observance during the period. The President has also ordered the reconstitution of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) Negotiating Panel, naming Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea as among its members.

With the undertaking of these confidence-building measures -a reflection of the seriousness and commitment of the GRP, as well as a mark of goodwill on the part of the Commander-in-Chief – the Office of the President looks forward to the possible resumption of peace talks with the NDF, achieve accord with the whole coalition and ultimately, attain a lasting peace among the citizenry of our country.

The President wishes that all Filipinos enjoy quietude and serenity as they celebrate the Holiday Season with their loved ones free from violence or any form of disruption.

Salvador S. Panelo
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
& Presidential Spokesperson

https://www.kalinawnews.com/on-the-declaration-of-a-nationwide-ceasefire/

Kalinaw News: Ampatuan town yields 16 unlicensed firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): Ampatuan town yields 16 unlicensed firearms (By 6th Infantry Division)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 16 unlicensed firearms were surrendered by the municipality of Ampatuan through Honorable Mayor Bai Leah Sangki to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion under 601st Infantry Brigade on Monday (December 16).


601st Brigade Commander Col. Jose H. Narciso and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. James B. Ferrnando received the firearms in a simple turnover ceremony held at the town’s municipal hall.

The firearms surrendered were 4 homemade caliber .50 rifle, one 7.62mm rifle, 1 rocket propelled grenade launcher, three 40mm grenade launcher, 1 caliber .38 revolver, one 9mm Uzi, four 12-gauge shotgun, and one 5.56mm Ultimax machine gun with magazines and ammunition.

The ceremony was witnessed by Ampatuan Municipal Police, barangay chairpersons of Ampatuan, and constituents of local government of Ampatuan.

“The owner of the firearms decided to surrender the firearms to support the 6th Infantry Division’s campaign against proliferation of loose firearms and also to avoid being charged with illegal possession of firearms,” said Lt. Col. Fernando.

Col Narciso expressed his appreciation to the local government unit of Ampatuan under the leadership of Mayor Sangki and the barangay leaders for their genuine gesture to facilitate the surrender of firearms.

Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon expressed his gratitude to the municipality of Ampatuan for the support and cooperation in the government’s campaign against proliferation of loose firearms as this will aid in the reduction of crime rates in Central Mindanao.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ampatuan-town-yields-16-unlicensed-firearms/

Kalinaw News: Four BIFF members surrender to JTFC troops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): Four BIFF members surrender to JTFC troops (By 6th Infantry Division)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Four members of the Bungos Faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered and decided to return to the folds of the government on December 19, 2019 at Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao.

The BIFF members surrendered to the 34th Infantry Battalion, 8ID and the 6MIB under the 602nd BDE and the 1401st RMFC, RMFB14 of the PNP at Brgy Indatuan of Northern Kabuntalan.

The 4 surrenderers Ibrahim Odin, Diya Musa, Daud Paglas and Yasser Abunawas also brought along with them one homemade cal .50 rifle, one M16 rifle, one homemade rocket propelled grenade launcher and one IED.

“The surrenderers held command positions and important designations in the group. However, they decided to surrender due to the hardships they are facing while in the group and in the belief and trust in the sincerity of the government in helping those who want to end their struggle against the government” said Lt. Col. Glenn Caballero, Commanding Officer of the 34IB.

“With the support of the Local Government of Northern Kabuntalan and the continuous coordination with the PNP against terrorism and violent extremism, the surrenderers have made the right decision in surrendering and living a life of peace. They like the other surrenderers were convinced to lay down their arms in support to the peace and security programs of the government. I encourage all the members of the BIFF to follow their comrades and surrender already and take this opportunity to live a peaceful life together with their loved ones who are longing for them to come back.” Maj. Gen. Carreon said.

The surrenderers are currently at the custody of 34 IB to ensure their safety and security.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/four-biff-members-surrender-to-jtfc-troops/

Kalinaw News: 4ID honors battle casualties during 84th AFP Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): 4ID honors battle casualties during 84th AFP Anniversary (By 4th Infantry Division)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – On the onset of the commemoration of the 84th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Founding Anniversary, the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Philippine Army honors the sacrifices of the wounded diamond troopers at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) on Friday morning, December 20, 2019.

At around 7:30 o’clock in the morning, the command conducted flag raising ceremony and the reading of the message of the Chief of Staff, AFP in relation to 84th AFP Anniversary. Immediately after, MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, the Commander of 4ID together with the General and Personal Staff, visited the battle casualties and non-battle casualties currently confined at CESH to personally talk to them, check their morale and welfare and distributes Christmas presents.

Five battle casualties received noche buena package, cash gift and tablet while 27 non-battle casualties received noche buena package together with their families as an early Christmas presents of the Command in recognizing to their selfless service and sacrifices.

PFC Kenly Jertos, 26yrs old from the 43rd Division Reconnaissance Company who got wounded last December 11, 2019 expresses his happiness and appreciation. “I am very much happy and honored to be visited by our Commander. “Masaya ako sir, kasi ramdam ko ang pagpapahalaga and malasakit ni MGen Gacal, salamat po sir and Merry Christmas sa inyo”.

Meanwhile, MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, the Commander of 4ID said, “I would like to express the gratitude of the entire team 4ID to all your sacrifices, remember that each of you is a blessing to our Army and our nation. I remain indebted to your services and sacrifices on both combat and non-combat efforts.”

Along with my prayers for your fast recovery, may these simple presents you receive will give you happiness and may you feel the spirit of Christmas. I wish you a merry Christmas and happy new year”,Gacal ended.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4id-honors-battle-casualties-during-84th-afp-anniversary/

Kalinaw News: Mass Wedding of Former Rebels highlight the 75IB’s 29th Founding Anniversary in Surigao Del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): Mass Wedding of Former Rebels highlight the 75IB’s 29th Founding Anniversary in Surigao Del Sur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – The 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion initiated the wedding ceremony of former New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels in the celebration of 75IB’s 29th Founding Anniversary held at Headquarters, 75IB on December 18, 2019.

The seven (7) couples composed of three (3) former NPA rebels and four (4) former NPA rebels turned into soldiers; all of them were from the dismantled Guerilla Front 14, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF14, NEMRC).

The couple tied the knot in a ceremony officiated by Major Dionesio Acaso, Division Chaplain, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army. Among the guests was Honorable Florencio C Garay, City Mayor of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur together with his wife, Hon Margarita G Garay, City Board Member of Bislig, SDS, both were the principal sponsors of the newlywed couples.

Families, visitors, and friends were invited to witness the holy matrimony of the couples. Other visitors were Hon Shem G Garay, Mayor of the Municipality of Hinatuan, SDS; Miss Reygela M Decalit, Presidential Management Staff, CARAGA Region; other invited stakeholders from Philsaga Mining Corporation; API Group of Company; SSS Bislig City; Rotary Club of Bislig; The Fraternal Order Club of Eagles; Filipinas Palm Oil Plantation Inc (FPPI); Southern Technology Institute of the Philippines (STIP); Conception Basic Builders Incorporated (CBBI); PCSO Bislig City and Radyo Bandera.

Meanwhile, AKA Vladimir, a former NPA rebel who surrendered recently in 75IB, got teary-eyed during the entourage. Consequently, AKA Vladimir expressed his gratitude to 75IB and others who supported them as well. “Nagpasalamat mig utro uban akong asawa sa suporta na gihatag sa 75IB sa amo. Karon, bag-ong dalan na ang among agion, ang dalan kung asa mi magtukod ug pamilya nga malipayon ug hapsay. Salamat sa atong gobyerno ug sa 75IB sa ilang pinakamalipayong pinaskohan na among nadawat karon. Salamat sa inyong suporta ug paghigugma.” AKA Vladimir said.

In his message, Mayor Florencio C Garay of Bislig City amicably congratulated the 75IB for keeping its Area of Responsibility (AOR) peaceful and likewise congratulated the newlyweds. “I honored the 75IB in upholding the traditions of love, inspiring unity and cooperation through this Christmas season. May the celebration nurture solidarity, objectives, and goals for the benefit of the Filipino people, particularly the people of Bislig. If there’s no peace, we will not achieve progress.” Mayor Garay stated.

Further, Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda, Commanding Officer of 75IB, expressed his gratitude to the Local Government Unit of Bislig, stakeholders, and the Marauder troopers for the untiring support displayed by everyone and said. “We’ll work together with unity in promoting our vision and mission for peace and development. The 75IB will always be proud to pursue the Philippine Army’s vision towards professionalism to serve better and people whom we are mandated to serve. Thus, we always leave up to the Army Slogan of being at your service across the land.”

https://www.kalinawnews.com/mass-wedding-of-former-rebels-highlight-the-75ibs-29th-founding-anniversary-in-sursur/

Kalinaw News: Manipongol in Maco declares CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata, first in Davao de Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): Manipongol in Maco declares CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata, first in Davao de Oro

MACO, Davao de Oro, December 20 (PIA) – Days before Christmas, a Barangay in Maco, Davao de Oro declared through a resolution, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as persona non grata. Through a formal declaration on Friday, the residents of Barangay Manipongol, Maco expressed their desire to unwelcome the communist groups in their area by signing in the Barangay Council Resolution No. 10, series of 2019 – the first in the province of Davao de Oro.

Manipongol located around 15 kilometers from the poblacion, was a known stronghold of different armed groups since 1970s. Former barangay captain Lito Makunlay disclosed that two armed groups have settled in the barangay that time, the Bangsamoro Army and the New People’s Army. In his 24-year stint as the village chief from 1983 to 2007, Makunlay said that the armed groups flourished in their area due to some abuses of the military then.

He even has relatives that were recruited by the communist movement and were reported to have been killed in encounters in other provinces. The worst gun battle he recalled was last September 16, 1989 between around 200 NPA members and 60 government forces backed up by four military choppers. The battle forced the residents to evacuate around 12 kilometers away from the village. Until now, people are still residing in the evacuation area, which they now called the Mansaka Village.

Makunlay also bared that due to the persistent mass organization of the left movement, a shadow government was also established and supported the cause of the rebel groups. He said the presence of the armed group slowly diminished, when the military immersed to the barangay for community-based interventions, together with the local government unit. Now, barangay captain Vicente Ibasitas said that to sustain the peace and order in their village, the more than 270 households or around 2,000 residents will help each other to chide off lawless elements disturbing their area, especially the CPP-NDF-NPA.

Mayor Alvera Veronica Rimando commended the barangay residents for the bold declaration, adding that Manipongol will now set the tone for other barangays to have their own pronouncement as well. Despite the signing, Rimando reminded the community to be united saying, “kung naay panaghiusa ug kooperasyon, naay kalinaw.” (if there is unity and cooperations, there is peace.) Rimando also stressed the legacy programs of her administration, which include Maco Unity Card for any financial assistance to be given to Maco residents only, and programs for solo parents and families with differently-abled children. “Rest assured na ang kaning deklarasyon, sugod ra ni. Anaa naman dinhi ang gobiyerno ug army ug kami kanunay na mohatag ug serbisyo kaninyo,” she said. (Rest assured that this declaration is just the start.

We already have here our government and army, who will constantly provide you with services.) In support to the programs of the mayor, Col. John Oberio, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, emphasized the whole of government and whole of nation approach encapsulated in the Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte to end local communist armed conflicts. “Our President is committed to put an end on this more than 50-year insurgency problem of our nation, pooling all agencies and its government resources.” Oberio also committed to study the placement of a detachment group near the village to assist in the defense system of the barangay and other community development activities.

The brigade commander also urged the community to help the government and the military convince their family, relatives, and friends who are members of the rebel group to surrender. “Daghan nag programa para sa magbalik sa sabakan sa gobiyerno, apil na dinhi ang E-CLIP,” he said. (There are lot of programs for those who are going to go back to the fold of the government, including the E-CLIP.) (PIA 11, Michael Uy)

https://www.kalinawnews.com/manipongol-in-maco-declares-cpp-npa-ndf-as-persona-non-grata-first-in-davao-de-oro/

Arms cache recovered by 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion in Carranglan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 22, 2019): Arms cache recovered by 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion in Carranglan (By 7th Infantry Division)

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija– Elements of Intelligence Platoon of the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, together with 71MICO, 2nd PMFC under the supervision of 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade recovered an arms cache in BrgyPuncan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on December 21 2019, 1 PM while in the conduct of Special Intelligence Operation.

Recovered were the following items: one (1) M16 A1 Rifle with Serial Number 4891054 surrendered by AA CN Alma, one (1) M16 Rifle with defaced serial number surrendered by AA CN Juancho, six (6) pieces of 40MM, HEDP, two (2) short steel magazines for M16, eight hundred fifty-eight (858) pieces of CTG, 7.62MM Ball, one thousand five hundred fifty-seven (1,557) pieces of CTG, 5.56MM Ball, M193, seven hundred eighty-two (782) pieces of CTG, 7.62MM in 4 Links for M60 LMG.

The Commander of 7th Infantry Division, MGEN LENARD T AGUSTIN, AFP, who has been riding a wave after wave of operational successes, simply stated that “the accomplishment of our troops only showed that the NPAs have lost the support they were ones enjoying as the local populace themselves are now reporting their locations to our soldiers and the credit goes not just to the hardworking team of the 84IB, but to all government security forces who helped in the retrieval of the arms cache.”

“The things we have achieved we owe to the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to finally put an end to the local communist armed conflict,” Agustin added.

Moreover, COL ANDREW D COSTELO INF (GSC) PA said that this is the best time for the CPP/NPA/NDF members to return to the folds of the law. The continuous recovery of arms cache in not only various parts of their area of responsibility but in the other parts of the country is solid proof that the arm struggle has weakened and the only choice for its members to survive is to return to mainstream society. Under the Whole-of-Nation-Approach, not only the government organizations provide a new lease to life, private entities also offer a fresh start to former rebels. The implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo RoaDuterte is a clear manifestation of government’s initiative to put to an end the 51-year-old communists’ terrorist activities.

COL COSTELO encourages other NPA members to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Program (E-CLIP). Under the program, the surrenderees are provided with the livelihood, cash incentives for surrendered firearms and other benefits that would help them to be re-integrated to the mainstream society.The AGILA Troopers calls on everybody to give their support to lasting peace and inclusive growth. 

https://www.kalinawnews.com/arms-cache-recovered-by-84th-infantry-victorious-battalion-in-carranglan/

Sayyaf slain, captives rescued amid clash in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Dec 22, 2019): Sayyaf slain, captives rescued amid clash in Sulu (By PIO Western Mindanao Command)



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- December 22, 2019

Military troops neutralized an Abu Sayyaf militant and rescued two Indonesian captives following a fierce clash Sunday in Sulu.



Elements of the 4th Marine Battalion engaged in a 25-minute gun battle with Abu Sayyaf militants in Barangay Pugad, Panamao at 4:43am on December 22.

Marine troops further exchanged fire with militants in a separate encounter at 6:27am.



Soldiers recovered an enemy body count and several firearms, including one M16, one M203, and one Gunner rig with ammunition.



Said operations led to the rescue of two Indonesian captives, identified as Maharudin Bin Lunani and Samiun Bin Maneu.



Indonesian fishermen Lunani and Maneu, along with Muhammad Farhan, were kidnapped in the seawaters off Lahad Datu, Sabah on September 23, 2019.

The military identified the neutralized ASG member as Hairula Itum.

We will continue to pursue and neutralize militants with our deliberate operations to rescue captives and thwart their hostile plans,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command.


“We have reinforced our troops and have cordoned off the area, so we are optimistic that we can rescue Farhan.”

“This is part of our relentless effort to rescue the remaining captives and defeat the Abu Sayyaf before the end of the year,” Lt. General Sobejana added.

Meanwhile, a soldier died and another incurred wounds during said clashes.

“We offer our condolences the bereaved family and loveones of our soldier, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace to thrive in Sulu. His gallantry will continue to inspire us to accomplish more for the common good,” said Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

The wounded promptly received medical treatment.

http://www.westmincom.com/sayyaf-slain-captives-rescued-amid-clash-in-sulu/

NCR's 1st peace & dev't convergence program targets displaced Malabon vendors

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 23, 2019): NCR's 1st peace & dev't convergence program targets displaced Malabon vendors (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)

Sidewalk vendors of Malabon City on Saturday welcome the alternative livelihood programs being offered by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster of the National Capital Region Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (PIA NCR)

MALABON CITY, Dec. 23 (PIA) – At least 75 displaced sidewalk vendors in the city stand to benefit from the whole-of-nation convergence program designed to alleviate their plight and provide alternative, long-term, and more stable earning opportunities for them.

During Satruday’s 1st Metro Manila Convergence Program of government, private entities, and civil society organizations held at the Malabon National High School, and spearheaded by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Capital Region Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in support of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, the beneficiaries were given the option to learn skills on Hilot (Wellness Massage) NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, and Tile Setting NC II, coupled with orientation on livelihood, business management, financial assistance, and employment opportunities, among others.

Malabon City Mayor Antolin "Len" Oreta, who graced the event, expressed his support to the convergence effort. The mayor also assured that the city was working on providing an alternative means of livelihood for the vendors.

Gilberto Dela Cruz happily shows his seal of approval for the livelihood program. (PIA NCR)

Gilberto Dela Cruz, a 64-year old vendor from Barangay Catmon, said he was quite surprised at first, because despite his age, he is still given the opportunity to avail of the skills training on bread-making.

“Sabi ko po interesado ako, gusto ko pong maipakita sa gobyerno at kay Pangulong Duterte na gusto ko pa rin makibahagi sa programa ng gobyerno,” Dela Cruz said, adding that he will challenge himself to finish the training course and engage with other vendors to avail of the livelihood opportunities.

“Ang totoong gusto ko po ay sa computer [operation] pero baka next year pa raw po i-offer, kaya nag-shift po muna ako sa bread-making business. Pero kasi, interesado rin ako sa ganyan e. Magagamit [ko] sa negosyo at malay nyo, baka makapagpatayo rin tayo ng bakery,” he said.

Nabanggit din po nila sa amin noong primerong orientation namin sa munisipyo na mayroong ibibigay na mga gamit pang-baking kapag nakatapos sa kurso,” he added.

For her part, Lolita Bon, 52, of Barangay Hulong Duhat, who used to sell her wares beside the Malabon City Square Mall, said she and her fellow vendors were encouraged by the local government to avail of the programs being offered. She said she will avail the bread and pastry-making course and also train as a therapeutic masseuse due to its readily available potential income.

“Napakaganda po at napakamaraming matutulungan na kagaya sa aming mga vendors, bale 75 po kami na mga vendors na willing mag-training kasi po, lalo na ngayong clearing time, wala po kaming pagkakataong magtinda sa kalsada nang maghapon. Hinihikayat ko po sila na mag-avail at ito po ang magiging hanapbuhay namin kapag nakatapos po kami,” Bon said.

Training courses would last for as short as 10 days to 18 days depending on its specialty. The convergence program will also provide business opportunities to graduates through-supportive environment such as provision of facilities, mentoring and coaching, training, and networking that will help them establish their respective start-up business.

Graduates of the program are expected to use their skills and knowledge to put up their own business while others can be hired as employees of various business establishments. On the other hand, those who have no business capital may form a group and register as a cooperative so that they can start their own business venture, said Pilar Hernandez-Herbolario of the City of Malabon Polytechnic Institute.

“Ang programang ito, hindi magtatapos sa hilot, mayroon din pang-negosoyo, pangkabuhayan, tapos mayroon din, kung 15 na kayo [members], pwede kayong magtayo ng coop para isang grupo na kayo, na hahanapin. 'Di ba meron tayo na nabuong Tricycle Food Tour noon? O baka sa susunod mayroon na tayong Malabon Tricycle Hilot Tour, at iikutan na kayo ng mga gustong magpahilot para iyong serbisyo natin ay naipapa-abot talaga natin,” she said.

To recall, Malabon City has started promoting its culinary landmarks by means of accredited tricycles, a local public utility transport, which can easily wheeze through traffic and narrow alley ways.

Also, the national and city governments have ordered for the clearing of streets of obstructions to comply with the mandate of the President. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031909