PNP to use drones vs lawless groups

From the Philippine Star (Dec 26, 2019): PNP to use drones vs lawless groups (By Emmanuel Tupas)



“These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are ideal weapons against the enemies of the state as well as in protecting government’s security forces during combat operations,” he said. (Philstar.com/File Photo)

The Philippine National Police will be using drones in conducting tactical offensives against lawless groups, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said yesterday.
“These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are ideal weapons against the enemies of the state as well as in protecting government’s security forces during combat operations,” he said.
“It can prevent ambuscades, get to enemy frontlines and collect information on how troopers can penetrate the area,” Gamboa added.

The PNP in November acquired 51 drones to boost the operational capabilities of its field units. In 2018, the police procured about 700 UAVs.

Gamboa said they have been using drones in the past for aerial surveillance to protect major events such as the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Among the groups battling the government are the New People’s Army, Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Aside from drones, the PNP also plans to procure more firearms and vehicles next year.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/12/26/1979778/pnp-use-drones-vs-lawless-groups

Kalinaw News: Christmas Message of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 25, 2019): Christmas Message of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (By Kalinaw News)



In the spirit of the Yuletide season, I am extending my sincere holiday greetings to every Filipino and the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially those who are in their respective duties and stations.

I would like to commend the military and civilian personnel of our beloved institution for being an instrument of peace and development in our nation. The accomplishments of every AFP unit have contributed to ensure the security of the citizens in this very significant occasion. All of your hard work and sacrifice give the Filipino people a chance to be with their families to celebrate this festivity in exuberance and tranquility.

To our countrymen, rest assured that first and foremost in our minds is the peace and security of your communities. The drive to perform our duties this holiday is fueled by the spirit of Christmas and we are gladdened by the fact that the Filipinos we have sworn to serve are able to celebrate Christmas in the safe confines of their homes and with their families.

Christmas celebration is an important tradition deeply embedded in our culture. It reinforces the sense of love and sharing with each other especially among family members who greatly value strong family ties. Let us all take this opportunity to spend our precious time with family and friends in observance of the essence of the Christmas Season. Even the bravest of our warriors long for the warmth of their loved ones in this very special celebration.

As defenders of our state and sovereignty, let us continue to fulfill our duties to serve our nation and the Filipino people. The greatest gift we can offer the state and our fellow countrymen to attain the lasting peace and sustainable development that we are all hoping for. With our united and persistent effort, we will certainly achieve complete victory in this mission.

Mabuhay ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all!

https://www.kalinawnews.com/christmas-message-of-the-chief-of-staff-of-the-armed-forces-of-the-philippines/

Kalinaw News: CPP-NPA violates ceasefire agreement

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 25, 2019): CPP-NPA violates ceasefire agreement (By Kalinaw News)



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commanding General Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay recognizes the sense of duty and sacrifice of the troops who were ambushed by New People’s Army terrorists in Labo, Camarines Norte last December 23.

The troops belonging to the 92nd Division Reconnaissance Company were on their way back to their base in observance of the Suspension of Military Operations that has just been declared at midnight of December 22.

The CGPA also condemns the use of landmine in the attack that left one soldier dead and six others wounded which was a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and also goes against the just-issued ceasefire in connection with the resumption of the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). Less than an hour after the ambush in Camarines Norte, another attack by NPA terrorists were carried out on a police patrol vehicle, wounding a police personnel and a soldier in Tubungan, Iloilo.

“We are one with the government and the people’s desire to a just and lasting peace in the entire country. In light of this development, other means of peaceful resolution such as localized peace talks need to be considered. We just hope that the CPP-NPA will not miss this opportunity by staging these senseless attacks, especially during a time when the nation celebrates the season of love, peace and unity,” said Gapay.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/cpp-npa-violates-ceasefire-agreement/

Kalinaw News: Christmas Message of the Commanding General, Philippine Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 25, 2019): Christmas Message of the Commanding General, Philippine Army (By Kalinaw News)




Season’s Greetings to the officers, enlisted personnel, and to the civilian human resource of the Philippine Army!

This year, our organization confronted several challenges which threatened the safety and security of the peace-loving Filipino people and ultimately placed our skills and capabilities to a test. Among these challenges were the sacrifices of our valiant men and women in uniform, whose lives were selflessly dedicated while in the line of duty to maintain peace and stability in our country. Despite such, this year has been very fruitful and memorable as we have accomplished several milestones while fulfilling our mission and more importantly, carrying out our role as an effective, reliable, and capable force provider in service to our people and our country.

By continuing the legacy of our predecessors, achieving our longstanding aim of becoming a world-class Army is closer than we have envisioned before. As long as we will retain the same amount of effort and commitment in our current initiatives, this will greatly enable us to sustain the momentum in capacitating the Army towards greater mission effectiveness. Never lose sight of our goal and let our proven successes serve as our motivating force toward becoming more responsive and proactive in undertaking our duties and responsibilities.

As we celebrate the Christmas season, I truly hope that we will have a peaceful one, that is full of joy and giving, be it with our family members or with our fellow soldiers. On this note, let us also remember the main reason of our thanksgiving- the birth of our Lord and Savior. The true spirit of Christmas is not defined in the annual tradition of preparing of meals and giving of gifts, yet, it is shown in the peace, love, and happiness that we bring one another.

Carrying on this essence of hope, it is my utmost desire that our 100,000 strong and empowered Team Army of Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and Civilian Human Resource will be more dependable, effective, and highly capable of sustaining and achieving everlasting peace and security.

Muli, isang Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon sa ating lahat!

https://www.kalinawnews.com/christmas-message-of-the-commanding-general-philippine-army/

Communists rebuke military: Ceasefire attacks initiated by gov't troops

From Rappler (Dec 25, 2019): Communists rebuke military: Ceasefire attacks initiated by gov't troops (By Lian Buan)

'These were defensive actions by the NPA units involved in the face of armed attacks and sustained military operations by the AFP and the PNP,' says NDFP negotiating panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili



DEFENSIVE MODE ONLY. The New People's Army claims that the supposed attacks on government troops during the holiday ceasefire were defensive moves in the face of sustained military and police operations against them. File photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

Communist leaders denied that their armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), violated the holiday ceasefire, saying that "attacks" in 3 provinces were defensive moves in the face of "sustained operations" by government troops.

"These were defensive actions by the NPA units involved in the face of armed attacks and sustained military operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)," said Fidel Agcaoili, chairperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) negotiating panel.

The supposed attacks could spoil a potential resumption of the peace talks.

The AFP has accused the communists of violating the agreed upon holiday ceasefire, from December 23 to January 7, after 3 separate attacks in Iloilo, Quezon, and Camarines Norte.

One was killed and 6 were wounded in the attack on army troopers in Camarines Norte.

But according to Agcaoili, "there were no ceasefire violations by the NPA." 

(READ: Sara Duterte: Exclude Davao City in ceasefire with CPP-NPA)

AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said the attacks "show that the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF does not have at all any control over their people."

Threat of spoiling peace talks

Citing statements from the Romulo Jallores Command of NPA Bicol and the Napoleon Tumagtang Command of NPA Southern Panay, Agcaoili reiterated that government troops were first to attack.

"The statements belie the malicious charges in the press releases earlier issued by the concerned units of the AFP and PNP on the incidents," said Agcaoili.

Agcaoili said they are still to receive copies of the SOMO (Suspension of Military Operations) and SOPO (Suspension of Police Operations) from the AFP and PNP, respectively, as guidelines for the ceasefire.

After declaring the 16-day ceasefire, President Rodrigo Duterte reconstituted the government panel and named his trusted executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea, as one of its members. 

(READ: How to resume talks with rebels? January meeting to set the agenda)

https://www.rappler.com/nation/247913-communist-rebuke-military-ceasefire-attacks-initiated-by-government-troops

Norway supports revival of GRP-NDF peace talks

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 25, 2019): Norway supports revival of GRP-NDF peace talks (By Zea Capistrano)

DAVAO CITY – The Royal Norwegian Government has expressed its support to the revival of the peace talks between the Philippine Government (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).



Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide (Ine Eriksen Søreide FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement posted on the government’s website on December 23, Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide said the Norwegian government is hopeful that the unilateral ceasefires between the two parties will lead to the resumption of the peace talks.

“We are hopeful that the ceasefire and talks just before Christmas will help the parties to find their way back to the negotiating table. Norway stands ready to assist,” Søreide said.

The GRP and the NDFP agreed to implement unilateral ceasefire which took effect on December 23 and will last until January 7, 2020. The ceasefire hopes to provide a peaceful environment that is conducive to the resumption of the stalled peace negotiations.

“After decades of conflict between the communists and the Government of the Philippines, a peace settlement would be of vital importance for civilians in the areas affected by conflict,” Søreide added.

The armed conflict between the Philippine government and the Communist Party of the Philippines has lasted for 50 years. The New People’s Army, the armed wing of the CPP, celebrated its 50th founding anniversary on March 29 this year. Meanwhile, the CPP will observe its 51st founding anniversary today, December 26, 2019.

Søreide said Norway has been a facilitator of the peace process since 2001.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/25/norway-supports-revival-of-grp-ndf-peace-talks/

Army prefers localized peace talks over negotiations with Reds top brass

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 25, 2019): Army prefers localized peace talks over negotiations with Reds top brass (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday expressed its preference for the implementation of localized peace talks with Communist insurgents, rather than top level negotiations with the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).



Philippine Army (MANILA BULLETIN)

Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay, Army commanding general, said that localized peace talks should be considered instead of formal talks between the Philippine government (GRP) and CPP-NPA-NDF after the attack on soldiers and policemen allegedly by rebels.

“We are one with the government and the people’s desire to a just and lasting peace in the entire country. In light of this development, other means of peaceful resolution such as localized peace talks need to be considered,” Gapay said in his Christmas Day message.

“We just hope that the CPP-NPA will not miss this opportunity by staging these senseless attacks, especially during a time when the nation celebrates the season of love, peace and unity,” he added.

Suspected NPA rebels launched separate violent attacks against withdrawing soldiers and cops in Labo, Camarines Norte; Tubungan, Iloilo and Tagkawayan, Quezon last Monday — the first day of the holiday truce.

President Duterte approved late Sunday, December 22, the holiday truce recommended by the GRP negotiating panel and NDF from 12 a.m. of December 23, 2019 to 11:59 p.m. of January 7, 2020.

The separate attacks resulted in the death of a soldier and wounding of eight others, including two cops.

Gapay also honored the troops ambushed by suspected NPA rebels for their sense of duty and sacrifice, and condemned the NPA for their attacks.

Prior to Duterte’s order to pursue the revival of the peace talks, the national government has been pursuing localized peace talks in the communities affected by the communist rebellion.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/25/army-prefers-localized-peace-talks-over-negotiations-with-reds-top-brass/

PH Marines honors slain soldier who fought ASG terrorists to free abducted Indonesians

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 24, 2019): PH Marines honors slain soldier who fought ASG terrorists to free abducted Indonesians (By Martin Sadongdong)

On Tuesday, Christmas Eve, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) rendered full military honors to one of its own who was killed in exchange for the freedom of two Indonesian fishermen from their Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) abductors in Sulu.


The PH Marine Corps rendered a full military honor to Sgt. Romnick Estacio, a Marine soldier killed in a firefight with ASG militants in Sulu to free 2 of its 3 abducted Indonesian fishermen. (PMC via Martin Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)

Sargeant Romnick Estacio, a gunner of the 65th Marine Company of the PMC, was killed in a gunfight with Abu Sayyaf gunmen on Sunday in Panamao, Sulu which resulted in the rescue of Maharudin Lunani, 48, and Samion Bin Maniue, 27.

The operation also resulted in the death of an ASG terrorist named Hairula Itum.

The two fishermen were abducted by the ASG on September 22, along with another companion, Muhammad Farhan, in the waters off Sabah, Malaysia. Rescue operations were still underway to save the third fishermen.

Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command, and Major General Nathaniel Casem, PMC commandant, led the ceremony at the Marines’ headquarters in Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City.

As a true-blooded Marine, Estacio had been into several combat operations particularly in Mindanao, said Captain Jarald Rea, director of the Marine Corps Public Affairs Office.

In fact, Estacio also fought for the liberation of Marawi City from the hands of the Maute terrorists in 2017. He was awarded with a Bronze Cross medal for his contributions to liberate Marawi City.

Meanwhile, Estacio’s brother, Corporal Jethro Fil Estacio, an Army Scout Ranger, was also killed in action while fighting the Maute terrorists, according to multiple reports.

The PMC condoled with the bereaved family of Estacio as it promised all the necessary assistance accorded to a fallen soldier. He is survived by his wife and classmate, Corporal Marijoe Ornedo Estacio, a son and a daughter.

“The Filipino people salute our Marine hero, Sgt. Estacio and his family. Their grief cannot be alleviated by no words. However, the appreciation of the grateful nation is more than enough for your Marines,” the PMC said in a statement.

“He will always be remembered as an extraordinary Marine, a hero of our modern time,” it added.

Meanwhile, the two rescued Indonesian fishermen were also flown to Manila to undergo debriefing before they are allowed to go back to their country.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/24/ph-marines-honors-slain-soldier-who-fought-asg-terrorists-to-free-abducted-indonesians/

2 soldiers die, 5 hurt in Lanao Sur Christmas Eve shooting

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25, 2019): 2 soldiers die, 5 hurt in Lanao Sur Christmas Eve shooting (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Pagayawan town, Lanao del Sur.

Two soldiers were killed while five others were wounded in an ambush in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, a top military official said.

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., the Army’s 1st Infantry Division acting commander, said the shooting incident occurred in Barangay Bandaraingud, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur at about 7 a.m.

Gaerlan said the troops were on the way to the site of an ambush that happened in Barangay Bandaraingud on Monday when they were fired upon by a "scalawag soldier", identified as Cpl. Nao Mohammad Lassam.

He was unable to divulge the identities of the slain and wounded soldiers, except to say they belonged to the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion.

Gaerlan, who is also acting commander of the Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces), expressed his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.

“Thorough investigation, pursuit, and manhunt operation of the perpetrator is ongoing. Our unit commanders were directed to cooperate with the friendly forces to apprehend the perpetrator,” he said.

Gaerlan also assured the best medical care for the wounded troopers for their speedy recovery.

Killed in Monday’s ambush, also in Barangay Bandaraingud, were police chief of Binidayan town, Executive Master Sgt. Amen Lucman Macalangan, and his driver Ramel Pangcatan.

Macalangan’s two other companions -- police non-uniformed personnel Asliah Adiong and policeman, Patrolman Nasser Arafat -- were unhurt.

Col. Madzgani Mukaram, Lanao del Sur police director, said the victims were returning to Binidayan from a weekly oversight meeting at the provincial police headquarters in Marawi City when they were waylaid.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089473

PRRD visit aims to improve Bangsamoro’s lives: BARMM execs

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25, 2019): PRRD visit aims to improve Bangsamoro’s lives: BARMM execs (By Edwin Fernandez)



LOVE FOR THE BANGSAMORO. President Rodrigo Duterte speaks during his Dec. 23, 2019 visit to the compound of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City. Duterte led the distribution of 815 certificates of land ownership to 912 agrarian reform beneficiaries coming from the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan. (Screengrab from PCOO television coverage)

COTABATO CITY – The visit of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) compound here Monday is a clear indication of his desire to improve the lives of the Bangsamoro people, officials said.

Despite the series of bombings that rocked Cotabato City, North Cotabato, and Maguindanao on the eve of his visit, Duterte arrived here on December 23 and pushed through with the distribution program of more than 800 certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) to farmer-beneficiaries from across the region in ceremonies held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.

“The President's coming over shows his untiring support to Bangsamoro and the regional government,” lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, minister of BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), told reporters in a huddle here on Tuesday.

The CLOA distribution event was the first-ever ceremonial distribution of land titles in the BARMM since its formation in March this year following a two-part plebiscite.

A total of 815 CLOAs covering more than 2,000 hectares of land were given to 912 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) from the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan.

In his speech, Duterte warned the beneficiaries against selling the lands awarded to them.

“There will come a time that all the lands in the world will have owners. So love your land, work on it and I will help you,” he said.

Sinarimbo said a provision in the land distribution states that they should not sell it during a specified period.

“They could, however, pass the lands to their children and grandchildren,” Sinarimbo added.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim said the distribution of CLOAs was geared towards providing support to the implementation of agrarian reform programs in the BARMM.

“With our symbolic land distribution program recently, we can assure our dear partners from the national government that we will tap the region’s resources to reenergize our economic potentials and contribute to the national growth as well,” Ebrahim said.

He added that land distribution was aimed at providing tenurial security to landless farmers through ownership over the lands they have been cultivating for years and open opportunities for economic viability and self-reliance.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089490

AFP, PNP initiate parallel probe in Lanao Sur shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25, 2019): AFP, PNP initiate parallel probe in Lanao Sur shootout (By Divina Suson)



ILIGAN CITY--The military and the police started parallel investigations into Tuesday's shooting incident in the Lanao del Sur town of Pagayawan that resulted in the killing of two soldiers and the wounding of five others, officials said.

The crime scene, around 500 meters from the detachment of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu), is the same area where the officer-in-charge of Binidayan town police and his driver were killed in a separate ambush on December 23.

Officials said the wounded victims are now on a stable condition in a medical facility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, an Army personnel who is familiar with the details of the incident said the troops were clearing the area when the Cafgu detachment commander, identified as Corporal Nao Mohammad Lassam, indiscriminately fired on the soldiers.

He identified the casualties as 2nd Lt. Mark Linne Banua and Sgt. Jhanjihan Carumba, and the wounded soldiers as TSgt. Randy Esmade, PFC. Nilo Rubiato, Pvt. Roger Amihan, Pvt. Jovanie Calaguian, Pvt Therenz John Francisco.

The victims belong to the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB).

"He (Cpl. Lassam) served as a guide to the troops because he knows the terrain," the Army source said.

Lassam fled the crime scene in Sitio Banisilan, Barangay Bandaraingud, to unknown directions after shooting the soldiers, he said.

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said in a statement on Tuesday that “thorough investigation, pursuit and manhunt of the perpetrator is ongoing”.

“Our unit commanders were directed and cooperate with the friendly forces to apprehend the perpetrator,” he said.

Gaerlan also assured medical care for the wounded troopers for their speedy recovery.

On Monday evening, Police Executive Master Sgt. Amen Lucman Macalangan, OIC chief of Binidayan Municipal Police Station and his driver, Ramel Pangcatan, were killed when their police car was ambushed by around five armed men.

A female non-uniformed personnel and other policeman escaped unhurt.

The following morning, the Provincial Police Office of Lanao del Sur (PPO LDS) requested the military to help them clear the area after establishing that the crime was in connection with the result of Macalangan's series of law enforcement operations, according to Police Colonel Madzgani Mukaram, PPO LDS chief.

"He (Macalangan) received death threats because of that accomplishments. Our persons of interest are the owners of the smuggled cigarettes confiscated by the Binidayan police led by Macalangan," Mukaram said.

The Philippine National Police has already created the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Macalangan tasked to investigate the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089491

Entrapment op nets NPA member in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25, 2019): Entrapment op nets NPA member in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



ARRESTED. Joint operatives of the Philippine National Police and the PHILIPPINE Army arrest Dante Ornilla Urbiztondo, 32, an alleged member of Guerrilla Front Committee 30 of the New People’s Army.. Urbiztondo was arrested on December 24 in Barangay Pag-antayan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A joint entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army on Christmas Eve (December 24) resulted in the arrest of an active member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area, an official said.

The chief of the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13), Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. said the operation was conducted by the elements of Cantilan Municipal Police Station and the Charlie Company of 36th Infantry Battalion.

Esquivel identified the NPA member as Dante Ornilla Urbiztondo, 32, a resident of Zone 3, Barangay Poblacion, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Urbiztondo is a member of the Guerrilla Front Committee 30 of the NPA, the police official said, adding that authorities had received information about the suspect's recruitment activities in the area.

Esquivel said police and Army operatives launched the entrapment operation at around 5 p.m. in Barangay Pag-antayan, Cantilan, in which the suspect allegedly yielded a hand grenade, a .38 revolver, and five rounds of ammunition.

“This notable accomplishment is attributed to the good relationship between the PNP and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) in the region that resulted in information sharing and collaborative efforts between the government forces,” Esquivel said.

He also cited the "significant role of the people in the area" who reportedly provided information that led to the arrest of the suspect.

“The active support of the community also plays a significant role in this success. I encourage the community to continue giving your support to our government forces who always ensure the safety and security of the Caraganons,” Esquivel added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089495

Christmas not compatible with Reds’ ideals, AFP exec says

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25, 2019): Christmas not compatible with Reds’ ideals, AFP exec says (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations (PNA File photo)

Christmas and its Christian ideals are incompatible with the mindset of communist rebels, a ranking official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) said Wednesday.

Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, made this statement as the Filipino public celebrates the Yuletide season and the ceasefire brokered by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-National Democratic Front (NDF).

"As we celebrate Christmas and the ceasefire that the CPP has brokered, let us remember the basic tenet of duplicity by the CPP, particularly of its founder Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison, and its avowed members in our society," he said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency.

He added that communism is a very evil doctrine hence, it is very easy for the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, to kill and maim government troops during the ceasefire.

"To understand why they talk truce and yet kill our soldiers and police, especially during Christmas, we have to understand that communism is intrinsically evil. Communism believes that political power comes from the barrel of the gun. JMS (Jose Maria Sison) adopted a Maoist-focused thought, hence the 'dictatorship' that the CPP espouses (CPP Constitution and Programs, May 2016). Even after the fall of the communists in Europe, the CPP remains a product of historical and dialectic materialism of Karl Mark," Parlade said.

"But what is kept secret is that Marx, his father Heinrich, Lenin, and Stalin were members of the Sabbatai Zevi satanic cult. Zevi is a kabbalist and occultist, who in 1666 declared himself the Jewish Messiah. He then turned the Torah around by declaring that all sins were now considered 'holy'. 100 years later a Jacob Frank would declare himself a reincarnation of Zevi. The Sabbatean and Frankist heresies would continue until it found its way to the Soviet Union. The rest is history," he said.

With this evil tenet, Parlade said he finds it very surprising why many members of various religious orders and faiths are being coopted by the CPP-NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"So as we wonder how come we have so many sisters, priests, and members of the clergy in the CPP, let us remember how these communists use these dual tactics of infiltrating the church to destroy the church," he added.

He said he is wondering why many of these religious members are so passionate about taking peace and yet are recruiting minors to die for the cause and targetting civilians in a bid to further their senseless ideals.

"If we wonder how come these former sisters and priests Jalandoni, Fernandez, Ledesma, Navarro, are so pretentious about talking peace, while they continue to kill our children and non-combatants in cold blood, think again about how these wolves in sheep's clothing worship Satan, consistent with their communist dogma," he added.

"Let us understand their methods. We can start by reading "The Satanic Theology Behind Cultural Marxism", Googling Zevi, or going to http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/benjamin/1940/history.htm," he said.

While Parlade wishes all peace-loving Filipinos Merry Christmas and the best of the season, he lambasted all members of the Makabayan Bloc for their hypocrisy and double-talk.

"To the hypocrites, especially the Makabayan Bloc members, you can join the communists in celebrating your 51st CPP Anniversary(which falls on December 26)," he added.

The ceasefire between the Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDF started at 12 a.m. of December 23 and will end at 11:59 p.m. of January 7 next year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089496

US-PH ties good amid ban on de Lima accusers: Locsin

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 25, 2019): US-PH ties good amid ban on de Lima accusers: Locsin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



'PERFECT.' Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. speaks to reporters at the NAIA Terminal 1 after welcoming a group of repatriates from Lebanon on Wednesday (Dec. 25, 2019). He called the relationship between the US and the Philippines "perfect" amid US President Donald Trump's signing of the US 2020 budget which includes an amendment authorizing the US secretary of state to stop the US entry of those behind Sen. Leila de Lima’s detention. (Photo by Joey Razon)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. on Wednesday categorized as "perfect" the relationship between the United States and the Philippines amid the possible travel ban on Filipino officials and a US Senate resolution condemning the government over the detention of Senator Leila de Lima.

"(It's) perfect... that's the legislative branch. The same in Europe, sometimes the legislative branch in the European Parliament says something against us," the Filipino top diplomat told reporters in an interview when asked to comment about the recent moves on de Lima's release at the US Senate, particularly a provision on the US national budget.

The said US appropriations law includes a provision allowing the State Department to ban the entry of Philippine government officials involved in jailing de Lima to the US.

Locsin recognized that any country has the right to ban foreign nationals from its borders, but he defended the legality of De Lima's detention, saying the Supreme Court itself has said so.

"Read the (US) resolution, the resolution says we are giving authority to the executive branch to look into these people who may have been responsible for the illegal detention of de Lima. My answer is, illegal? Who said it's illegal? The Supreme Court said no, it's legal, so who would you believe?" he said.

De Lima, one of President Rodrigo Duterte's staunchest critics, has been in detention since February 2017 for her alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Aside from the US national budget provision, de Lima's case was also brought up at the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which recently approved Senate Resolution 142 that condemns the Philippine government for the continued detention of de Lima.

When asked how these latest developments in Washington DC would affect President Duterte's supposed US trip, Locsin said the decision would still depend on the chief executive.

"Ang problema hindi possibility (The problem is not whether it's possible) if he will go, it's whether he wants to go. He has had so many invitations already from President Trump, he really likes Duterte," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089498