AFP-CRS: 7ID presents 12 former rebels, 26 CCSR firearms in a Press Briefing

Posted to the Armed Forces of Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Website (Dec 27, 2019): 7ID presents 12 former rebels, 26 CCSR firearms in a Press Briefing

Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija –Twelve former rebels (FRs) and 26 captured, confiscated, surrendered or recovered (CCSR) firearms were presented to the Army & PNP leadership and the media during a Press Briefing held at the Kaugnay Multi-Purpose Hall, Officer’s Club House of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, at 10:20 a.m. today, December 21.

The FRs presented were alias Alex, alias Roel, alias Ninoy, alias Megan, alias Junrey, alias Charlie, alias Dave, alias Coco, alias Yong, alias Sam, alias Kevin and alias Olili who all surrendered to the 7ID’s 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade.

Of the CCSR firearms, 23 are light weapon, while 3 are small arms. The firearms were gained thru the surrender of the aforementioned FRs.

Prior to the presentation, a christening of the daughter of alias Megan and alias Ninoy was held at the St. John the Worker Chapel of 7ID. The Christening was hosted by the 7ID as a sign of goodwill to the former rebels who are now cooperating with the government, are eager to give their daughter a peaceful life, away from the hardships and dangers of being a rebel.

Standing as benevolent godfathers to the seven-month old child of the FR couple were Lieutenant General Ramiro Manuel A. Rey, Commander of Northern Luzon Command, together with Major General Lenard T. Agustin, Commander, 7ID; Police Brigadier General Rhodel Orden Sermonia, Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director; Colonel Andrew D. Costelo, Commander, 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, 7ID, PA; Police Colonel Leon Victor Zamora Rosete, Provincial Director, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office; Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva II, Commanding Officer, 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7ID, PA; Police Lieutenant Dennis C. Wenceslao, Battalion Commander, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company; Police Colonel Raul C. Siriban, Provincial Director, Police Provincial Office, Aurora; and, Police Senior Master Sargeant Ryan C. Brillantes, Platoon Executive Senior Police Officer (ESPO), 1st Platoon Mobile Force Company, NEPPO.

The same set of officers mentioned above were likewise the resource persons during the Press Conference that followed right after the christening.

During the Press Conference, Lt. Gen. Rey conveyed that he is glad that the FRs chose to surrender and start a new life. He said that he would rather see them alive and working hard to live peacefully than discover them in a cold, unmarked grave, with nothing to identify them with. He encouraged the FRs to communicate with their active comrades and convince them to surrender.

Near the end of the conference, Maj. Gen. Agustin said, “Truly, what we have is a working government…we understand your strength, so kindly help us (addressing the media)…tell our people that we are doing our best so that we can finally end this local armed conflict.” He further goes on to say that they (the Army) are not happy when an enemy dies, for at the end of the day, they still are fellow Filipinos.

https://afpcrs.wordpress.com/2019/12/27/7id-presents-12-former-rebels-26-ccsr-firearms-in-a-press-briefing-2/?fbclid=IwAR0tFpsI1FvNCPkw9H0ov_SoZ1oq1hfffRRDSqVGy5_Vx7C4L8-6dHRewEw

NDF/Sison: ITANONG MO KAY PROF: Peace Talks sa 2020

Interview with Jose Maria Sison posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Dec 29, 2019): ITANONG MO KAY PROF: Peace Talks sa 2020



Panayam ni Prop. Sarah Raymundo, KODAO Productions

Paunang pagbati para sa pagsasara ng taon

Isang mapagpalayang pagati sa ating mga tagapakinig. Sa pagtatapos ng taon, hayaan ninyo akong taos-pusong magpasalamat sa inyo para sa inyong masigagsig na pag-unawa sa malalaking pwersa sa lipunang humuhubog sa ating mga personal at pang-araw-araw na buhay. Sinalanta po tayo ng mga sakuna dulot ng mga kalamidad at gayundin ng gobyernong walang planong gawing tahimik at masaya ang buhay ng mga Pilipino at sa halip ay walang habas na extra judicial killings na dala ng war on drugs, arbitraryong panghuhuli, crackdown sa mga progresibong organisasyon, masaker ng mga magsasaka, pagpatay sa mga lider aktibista at mga tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang pantao.

Sa lahat ng ito, nakasama namin kayo sa pagpupunyaging makapagbigay linaw, pag-asa, at pagbati sa inyo, mga kasama naming nagsisikhay sa pakikibaka para sa mapayapa, maunlad at masayang buhay. Batid din naming dama niyo ang ligayang dala ng ating sama-samang pakikisangkot. Naway maging mas matibay at malalim ang ting pakikitungo sa mga kasama at ating mga organisasyon sa darating na taon. Maligayang bagong taon!

Sarah: Ano pa nga ba ang mas naaayon na pag-usapan sa pagsasara ng taon kundi ang pinakaasam-asam nating kapayapaan? Napakahalaga para sa nakararaming Pilipino ang tahimik at payak na buhay, kasama ang kanilang pamilya, may disenteng tahanan at trabahong nakapagsusustena sa kanilang batayang pangangailangan.

Ang armadong rebolusyon na isisnusulong ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan o New Peoples Army (NPA) sa gabay ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ay rebolusyonaryong tugon ng masang anakpawis sa ligalig at dilim na dala ng walang kapantay na pang-aapi, pandarambong, at pangwawasak na dulot ng mga makapangyarihan na nakapanghahari sa kasalukuyang sistema.

Marahil marami sa inyo ang nagtatanong: Totoo ba na nilapitan muli ng rehimeng Duterte si Prop. Sison at ang NDFP para sa Usapang kapayapaan? Paano ito nangyari, kailan at saan? Totoo bang uuwi ang tagapagtatag na pangulo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na si Prop. Sison para sa Peace Talks? Ano ang mga nakasalalay na usapin sa posibilidad na ito? Kapag hindi na naman sumulong ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan, sa pagkakataong ito ano ang mangyayayari?

Walang iba kung hindi ang founding chair ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, isa sa mga mayor na negosyador sa usapang pangkapayapaan at Chair Emeritus ng International League of Peoples’ Struggle upang ibahagi ang kanyang pagtingin sa gobyerno ni Duterte at sa Usapang pangkapayapaan, Magandang Araw , Prof. Joma at happy holidays!

JMS: Magandang araw sa iyo, Prop. Sarah Raymundo. At binabati ko ang lahat ng ating tagapakinig, Maligaya at matagumpay na bagong taon sa lahat ng inyong pagsisikap para sa pamilya at para sa bayan!

Mga Tanong:

1. Prof Sison, maaari po ba ninyong maipaliwanag sa ating mga tagapakinig ang sinasabing magkakaroon daw po ng usapang pangkapayapaan o peace talks sa pagitan ng Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) at National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) sa taong 2020.

JMS: Nagkaroon ng back channel talks kami ni Secretary Bello na pumarito sa Netherlands alinsunod sa utos sa kanya ni Presidente Duterte noong Disyembre 5. Linubos ang pag-uusap namin sa pamamagitan ng exploratory teams ng GRP at NDFP na pinamunuan nina Nani Braganza at Fidel Agcaoili.

Napagkasunduan na magkaroon ng reciprocal ceasefire agreement mula Disyembre 23 hanggang Enero 7 bilang goodwill and confidence building measure para buksan ang daan tungo sa pormal na miting ng muling pagbubukas ng peace negotiations sa ikalawa o ikatlong linggo ng Enero ng 2020.

2. Mayroon po bang mga kondisyon na inilatag sa pagitan ng GRP at NDFP para matuloy ang nasabing peace talks?

JMS: Napagkasunduan na ng exploratory teams na itaguyod muli ang mga dating kasunduan na ginawa ng GRP at NDFP magmula pa sa The Hague Joint Declaration ng 1992 at igpawan o alisin ang mga balakid sa negosasyon, tulad ng Proclamation 360 and 374, Executive Order No. 70 at iba pa.

Napagkasunduan din na sa muling pagbubukas ng negosasyon na itakda ang agenda ng negosasyon at isama sa adyenda ang tinatawag na Interim Peace Agreement na kinabibilangan ng tatlong kasunduan: una, general amnesty and pagpapalaya sa mga political prisoner; ikalawa, pag-apruba sa mga mayor na artikulo tungkol sa repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon sa Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER); at ikatlo, coordinated unilateral ceasefire.

3. May ilang nagsasabi Prof Sison, na para daw po matuloy ang peace talks ay kailangang ninyong umuwi at dito ganapin ang usapang pangkapayapaan. Ano po ang inyong masasabi tungkol dito?

JMS: Sa tamang panahon, matapos ang pag-apruba ng magkabilang panig sa CASER, puede akong makipagtagpo kay Presidente Duterte sa Manila at pag-usapan namin kung paano mapahusay at mapabilis pa ang negosasyon, ang implementasyon ng CASER at kung sa Pilipinas ba isasagawa ang pag-uusap tungkol sa political and constitutional reforms, end of hostilities and disposition of forces.

Bago kami magtagpo sa Manila, puede kaming magkita ni Presidente Duterte nang mas maaga sa isang bansang malapit sa Pilipinas matapos maaprubahan ng dalawang panig ang tinawag na Interim Peace Agreement. Sa tulong ng Royal Norwegian Government, madaling ayusin ang mga rekisitong legal, pampulitika at sa seguridad para sa aking pagbiyahe sa Asya.

Hindi tamang basta na lang uuwi ako sa Manila sa kasalukukuyang panahon. Kung gawin ko ito, ibig sabihin na tinatanggap ko at sumusuko ako sa status quo at sa kasalukuyang katangian ng rehimeng Duterte na tiranikal, traydor, berdugo, korap at manggagantso. Hindi ko nais at hindi ko kayang ipagkanulo ang mga ipinaglalaban ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan at sambayanang Pilipino.

Bukod pa riyan, mapanganib ang sinumang magbigay tiwala sa mga death squad ng rehimen. May mga babala sa akin mula sa ilang kaibigan ko sa loob ng AFP at PNP mismo tungkol sa mga panganib. Pero maliit na bagay ang personal kong kaligtasan. Pinakamalaking bagay ang pagtitiyak na hindi mabitag sa kamay ng rehimen ang interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, pati kaligtasan ng mismong proseso ng peace negotiations at negotiating panel ng NDFP.

Alam naman ng lahat ng tao sa daigdig na pumapaslang at arbitraryong nang-aaresto ang mga militar na alipures ni Duterte sa mga tauhan ng NDF sa peace negotiations. Paulit ulit nang linabag nila ang Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees at CARHRIHL. Tandaan ang pagpaslang kay Randy Malayao at pag-aresto kina Vic Ladlad, Rey Casambre, Rafael Baylosis, Adel Silva, Reynante Gamara at iba pa.

4. Hindi na rin daw po ieextend ang martial law sa Mindanao. Ano po ang inyong pagtingin dito, Prof Sison?

JMS: Mabuti kung totoong hindi i-extend ang martial law sa Mindanao. Hindi makatwiran at masama ang pagproklama ng martial law sa buong Mindanao mula sa umpisa. Ginamit lamang ito na lisensiya ng rehimen, mga militar at pulis para labagin ang mga karapatang tao.

Kabilang sa paglabag ang maramihang pamamaslang, pagkidnap, pagbomba sa mga komunidad. pag-agaw ng lupa at likas yaman mula sa mga lumad at mga mahirap na magsasaka, pangingikil sa mga checkpoint at raket ng mga opisyal ng militar sa mga pekeng proyekto, pekeng pasurender at pekeng engkwento. Ginamit pa ng rehimen ang martial law sa Mindanao para dayain ang proseso at resulta ng eleksyon noong Mayo.

5. Sa panghuli Prof Sison, ano po ang inyong pabaon sa ating mga tagapakinig na umaasa ng malaki sa usapang pangkapayapan.
JMS: Sisikapin ng National Democratic Front ng magkaroon muli ng peace negotiations, alinsunod sa interes at kagustuhan ng sambayanang Pilipino at mga organisasyon at institusyon na nagtataguyod ng makatarungang kapayaaan. Subalit maaga pa, may prekondisyon na ang rehimeng Duterte na sa Pilipinas isagawa ang peace negotiations. Hindi papasok ang NDF sa ganitong maliwanag na bitag.

Kung hindi matuloy ang peace negotiations. Ibig lang sabihin na ipagpatatuloy ng sambayanang Pilipino ang lahat ng anyo ng pakikibaka laban sa rehimeng Duterte. At kahit na may peace negotiations, hindi mawawala ang karapatan ng sambayanang ipaglaban sa ibat ibang anyo ng pakikibaka ang pambansang kalayaan, demokrasya, hustisya sosyal at lahatang-panig na pag-unlad. Lagi nating itinataguyod at ipinaglalaban ang makatarungang kapayapaan!

Sarah: Lubos na pasasalamat at masayang bagong taon sa inyo Prop. Sison! Napakahalaga ng naibahagi ninyong perspektiba hinggil sa Usapang Kapayapaan. Nararapat lang nating suportahan ang pagtatagumpay nito at laging sumandig, may peace talks man o wala, sa tibay ng hanay ng batayang masa at ng ating pakikibaka.

JMS: Nagpapaalam ako kay Prop. Sarah Raymundo at sa lahat ng kababayan! Maraming salamat sa inyo at sa lahat ng ating tagapakinig. At inuulit ko ang aking pagbati, Maligaya at matagumpay na bagong taon sa lahat ng inyong pagsisikap para sa pamilya at para sa bayan! Hanggang sa susunod na panayam.

Sarah: Ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan o Peace Talks ay patunay na ang masang api ay mayroon ding sistematiko at organisadong lunduyan ng kapangyarihan na kayang makaengkwentro ang estado at dalhin ito sa isang platapormang makapagtutulak ng mga tunay na reporma para sa kapakanan ng mga nakararaming magsasaka, pamalakaya, manggagawa, mala-mangggawa, pambansang minorya maralitang lungsod, kababaihan, LGBTQ, kabataan.

Mahalagang ituring natin ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan o Pistok sa katawagan ng ordinaryong mamamayan, bilang isang porma ng kapangyarihan ng sambayanan na kinikilala ng estado.

Manigong bagong taon, kapayapaan at mas maraming tagumpay para ating lahat. Dito nagtatapos ang Itanong Mo kay Prop para sa taong 2019. Hanggang sa muli!

https://ndfp.org/itanong-mo-kay-prof-peace-talks-sa-2020/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Kasinungalingan ng AFP, inilantad ng mapagmatyag at mapanuring mga Bikolano

NPA-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 30, 2019): Kasinungalingan ng AFP, inilantad ng mapagmatyag at mapanuring mga Bikolano

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

NPA-BICOL REGION

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 30, 2019

Nagkakamot sa ulo ngayon ang pambansang kumand ng AFP para isalba ang kanilang imahe matapos kahiya-hiyang malantad sa social media ang kapalpakan ng 2nd IB ng Masbate sa pagpaparada ng niretokeng larawan ng mga pekeng surrenderee. Binaha ito ng pagbatikos ng sa iba’t ibang daluyan.

Nakabatay sa kasinungalingan ang naratibong nais ipinta ng buong sibilyang junta. Nauutal ngayon ang mga tagapasalita’t upisyal sa iba’t ibang antas ng kumand ng AFP sa paglalabas ng iba’t ibang dahilan para iligtas ang kanilang imahe. Sa huli, ibinagsak ni Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ang sisi sa kainutilan ng kumand ng 2nd IB.

Desperado ang mga batalyon na kamtin ang kota na itinakda ng pambansang kumand ng AFP sa mga pekeng surrenderee bago magtapos ang taon. Hindi lang sa Masbate at sa buong rehiyon ng Bikol laganap ang pagmamanupaktura ng mga estadistikang nagpapalobo sa pagpapatupad ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Isa itong pambansang kampanya sa ilalim ng National Peace Framework ng EO 70. Isang pambansang kahihiyan!

Isinuko na ni Duterte ang manibela sa pamumuno ng bansa sa mga lasing sa kapangyarihan na paksyong militar. Walang kapasidad ang pangkating militar na pagkunutan ng noo ang pagsasalba ng sambayanang Pilipino mula sa krisis sa pulitika at ekonomya. Sinabaw na ng dekadang pasismo at terorismo ng estado, paninibasib para sa sariling interes at pangangayupapa sa dayuhan ang kanilang lohika.

Pinupuri ng RJC-BHB-Bikol ang kapasyahan ng mamamayang Bikolano at buong sambayanang Pilipino sa kanilang mapanuring tindig sa mga pekeng balita. Ang kanilang karanasan ang mismong patunay ng tunay na naratibo ng bayang pinapasakitan ng pangingibabaw ng estratehiyang militar sa pamamahala ng isang gubyerno.

Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!

Lumaban at lumaya!

https://cpp.ph/statement/kasinungalingan-ng-afp-inilantad-ng-mapagmatyag-at-mapanuring-mga-bikolano/

CPP/NPA-Southern Mindanao: Despite own ceasefire, AFP troops courting disaster in combat operations around Southern Mindanao

NPA-Southern Mindanao propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 30, 2019): Despite own ceasefire, AFP troops courting disaster in combat operations around Southern Mindanao

RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ

NPA-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

MERARDO ARCE COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

DECEMBER 30, 2019

Since December 23, AFP troops have launched combat operations in at least 5 provinces around Southern Mindanao region, in direct violation of the GRP’s unilateral ceasefire declaration, actively seeking armed engagement with NPA units and terrorizing peasants and Lumad in their wake.

Most definitely, these forward deployments are offensive in nature, and in no way able to downplay the AFP’s abhorrent posturing of abiding by their own ceasefire order. To be sure, in the event of an armed encounter with Red fighters as a result of these incursions into hinterland areas, the AFP will feign guiltlessness and condemn the NPA for “attacking their troops who are pulling out of the area in observance of their ceasefire order.”

Between 23 December to 28 December 2019, the following troop movements of the AFP in Southern Mindanao have been reported and confirmed:

Bukidnon:

1.1 December 24 – Sitio Salumayag, Brgy. Digongan, Kitaotao – 30 members of the 89th Infantry Battalion
1.2. December 24 – Sitio Gatungon, Brgy. Sta. Fe, Quezon – 18 members of the 89thIB
1.3. December 25 – Brgy. Balokbokan, Kitaotao – at least 1 squad of the 3rd IB
1.4. December 24- Brgy. Metebagao, Kitaotao – at least 1 squad of the 3rd IB
1.5. December 24 – Brgy. Kalapaton, Kibawe – at least 1 squad of the 3rd IB
1.6. December 24 – Sitio Salalayan, Brgy. Sinuda, Kitaotao – 1 platoon of the 57th IB

Davao del Norte:

2.1. December 23 – Sitio Lambid, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod. – 1 platoon of the 56thIB
2.2. December 23 – Sitio Migsulok-sulok, Brgy. Sto. Niño, Talaingod – 1 platoon of the 56thIB

Davao deo Oro:

3.1. December 23 – Brgy. Manurigao, New Bataan – 66th IB
3.2. December 23 – Sitio Mascareg, Brgy. Anitapan, Mabini – 71st IB
3.3. December 23 – Sitio Manasa, Anitapan, Mabini – 71st IB
3.4. December 23 – Sitio Candinuyan, Brgy. Golden Valley, Mabini – 71st IB

Davao Oriental:

4.1. December 23 – Baganga – 67th IB

North Cotabato:

5.1. December 23 – Arakan – 19th IB and its paramilitary Bagani

Aside from these specific instances of troop movements in hinterland areas, AFP units have likewise intensified patrol base operations in Laak, Asuncion and New Corella in Davao del Norte and in Montevista, Davao de Oro.

Meanwhile, NPA units in the region are conscientiously observing the CPP’s ceasefire order, adhering to the directive of active defense mode while holding off offensive actions against enemy units in their areas of operations. However, in light of the current situation on the ground, NPA units are also ready to give battle to the AFP’s operating troops in order to defend the masses and their ranks.

In the midst of these AFP combat operations, however, NPA units and revolutionary mass organizations were able to successfully celebrate the CPP’s 51st anniversary in guerilla bases and zones around the region. Despite the treacherous marauding of AFP troops in the countryside, NPA units were able to mobilize the network of organizations, supporters and allies within their respective areas of operation to ensure that the celebrations were safely held.

The Regional Operations Command of the NPA in Southern Mindanao reiterates its commitment to the formal resumption of the peace negotiation, even as we continue to be vigilant against the orchestrations of the warmongers and peace spoilers within the US-Duterte regime that have always seen the peace process as a threat to the perpetuation of the exploitative semi-colonial and semi-feudal system.

https://cpp.ph/statement/despite-own-ceasefire-afp-troops-courting-disaster-in-combat-operations-around-southern-mindanao/

Joma Sison: Reds won’t pull out of talks due to aborted plenum

From MindaNews (Dec 30, 2019): Joma Sison: Reds won’t pull out of talks due to aborted plenum (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews / 30 December) — Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison assured Monday that they will not pull out from the negotiating table merely because the Army spoiled the scheduled communist plenum in Surigao del Norte.

“There was no exchange of gunfire and there was no bloody incident. This is too small (of an) issue to warrant a pull out from the negotiations,” said Sison, also the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

Sison, who is on self-exile in Utrecht, The Netherlands, spoke to reporters Monday morning via Skype after the Army spoiled the planned plenum and mass wedding ceremony of their supporters in Bacuag town.

He said the NPA units and top leaders of the communist party have already pulled out from Bacuag Monday morning.

Sison, however, did not discount the possibility that the NPA Front 16 would file a protest for the provocation allegedly committed by the Army.

He said that the NPA unit could raise their protest to the NDFP negotiating panel, which will in turn discuss it with the government panel headed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Major General Nemecio Gacal, Jr., chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said on Monday that the communist rebels violated ceasefire conditions with their attempt to hold their plenum and mass wedding of their members near a community.

Gacal stressed that the ceasefire agreement was “clear that the rebels should not have ventured out from their camps.”

But they have chosen to hold their activity near Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi in Gigaquit town, which is a “clear violation of the ceasefire,” Gacal said.

“It would take only a complaint from a resident and I will send in the troops,” he said.

The Army deployed soldiers and 105mm howitzers in Barangay Lahi ready to assault the rebels’ position.

Gacal revealed they got wind of the events being planned by the rebels from village officials.

“There were feelers from officials asking us what if the rebels hold a plenum in their village. What would happen?” he said.

Gacal said they confirmed the information after police officers and soldiers arrested two communist rebels and two other supporters bringing a big quantity of supply to their waiting comrades in Barangay Lahi.

The rebels have invited journalists from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan and Davao to cover the event.

By late Sunday afternoon, the rebels monitored the build-up of troops in Gigaguit town.

Ka Oto, spokesperson of NPA Front 16, advised reporters who were about to cover the event not to proceed anymore.

The reporters were staying in a hotel in Butuan City and would have travelled to nearby Bacuag town, venue of the plenum and mass wedding.

“Its no longer safe for you to come here,” Ka Oto said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/joma-sison-reds-wont-pull-out-of-talks-due-to-aborted-plenum/

Duterte renews calls for NPA rebels to surrender

From MindaNews (Dec 30, 2019): Duterte renews calls for NPA rebels to surrender (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 December) – President Rodrigo Duterte renewed Monday his call for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender, weeks after giving peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) another shot.

In a speech during his visit to the earthquake-affected families in M’lang, Cotabato, Duterte said members of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), could become “useful” if they surrender and contribute to the development of the country, particularly in the booming construction industry.

He said that many skilled workers, such as electricians, plumbers and construction workers, have been leaving the country to work in the Middle East because of higher salary, leaving the local construction industry with insufficient manpower to complete private and government projects.

“Kailangan ko kayong mga NPA. Hindi sa patayan, wala akong makuha kung patayin kita, may mas silbi kayo sa bayan kung magtulungan tayo (I need you NPA. But not in killing, I will get nothing if I kill you. You will be useful to the country if we help each other),” he said.

Duterte claimed a number of NPA rebels had surrendered since he assumed the presidency on June 30, 2016.

The President promised to provide those who will surrender with a house and lot, employment and free education at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Maraming nag susurrender, marami talaga ang bumababa. Magsama na lang tayo, may pera ang gobyerno. Pagdating ninyo dito sa baba, pagawaan ko kayo ng mga condo, tapos mag aral kayo sa TESDA (Many have surrendered, many have come down. Let’s join together, the government has money. When you get down here, I will build you a condo, and then you study at TESDA),” he said.

Early this month, Duterte, during a visit to typhoon-hit Legaspi City in Albay, revealed that he ordered Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the chief government negotiator in talks with the communists, to talk with Jose Maria Sison, CPP founding chair and NDFP chief political consultant, regarding the possible resumption of peace negotiations.

Duterte cancelled peace talks with the NDFP, the CPP’s political arm, then slated on November 25 to 27, 2017 through Proclamation 360. He cited their “lack of sincerity” due to their continuing offensives against government troops.

The President subsequently signed Proclamation 374, designating the CPP and the NPA as terrorist organizations.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/duterte-renews-calls-for-npa-rebels-to-surrender/

Rebels’ plenum in Surigao called off as soldiers swarm venue

From MindaNews (Dec 30, 2019): Rebels’ plenum in Surigao called off as soldiers swarm venue
(By FROILAN GALLARDO)

BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews / 29 December) – Communist rebels called off Sunday a plenum and mass wedding of their supporters in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte on Monday, December 30, as soldiers swarmed the venue.

The arrest of two rebels and two other supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) led the Army to suspect that something big was going to happen in Bacuag.

Police arrested two motorcycle drivers carrying 18 packs of black fatigue pants; 37 packs of poncho tents; and 1,000 bottles of softdrinks last Saturday.

Members of the New People’s Army of Northern Mindanao Guerilla Front 68 in formation during a ceremony in Barangay Tikalaan, Talakag town in Bukidnon in this file photo taken last April 17, 2017 when the NPA released a police officer it earlier held captive. MIndaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Col. Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army 401stInfantry Brigade, said they also arrested two communist rebels with warrants of arrests near Bacuag town on Sunday.

“This led us to suspect the rebels are planning something big near Bacuag town,” Licudine said.

President Rodrigo Duterte and the CPP’s Central Committee on December 22 each declared a unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire from December 23, 2019 to 11:59 p.m. on January 7, 2020.

Surigao has been the usual venue for the December 26 anniversary celebrations of the CPP.

Police Regional 13 Director Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr., said the drivers, under intense questioning by the police, told investigators they were instructed to deliver the supplies to the communist rebels waiting in Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

“We also monitored the coming and going of known rebels in Barangay Lahi,” Licudine said, adding he immediately dispatched soldiers to take up positions in Barangay Lahi.

He also deployed four 105mm howitzers ready to assault rebel positions but Licudine said “what held us was our concern that the communist rebels will withdraw from the negotiating table.”

The rebels monitored the build-up of soldiers in Gigaguit town.

At about 7 p.m. on Sunday, Ka Oto, spokesperson of the New People’s Army (NPA) Front 16, informed reporters invited to cover the plenum not to proceed anymore.

The reporters were staying in a hotel in Butuan City and would have travelled to nearby Bacuag town, venue of the plenum and mass wedding.

Ka Oto advised reporters who were about to cover the event not to proceed anymore or turn back

“It’s no longer safe for you to come here,” Ka Oto said. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/rebels-plenum-in-surigao-called-off-as-soldiers-swarm-venue/

‘Ex-rebels’ photo genuine, not fake’

From the Manila Standard (Dec 31, 2019): ‘Ex-rebels’ photo genuine, not fake’ (By MJ Blancaflor)

The Palace on Sunday defended the “photoshopped” photo of supposed rebel surrenderees distributed by the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division, saying it had not been manipulated since it was merely a “collage.”

PHOTOSHOPPED? The original photo released by the Army’s 9th infantry division, 2nd IB, which came under fire from eagle-eyed netizens.Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo claimed that the edited photo, which was supposedly taken on Dec. 26, were two photos that were combined in one collage.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and I were talking. The explanation to him was those were two photos that were combined. So it was just collaged. In other words, those were authentic,’’ Panelo said in a radio interview.

So that’s not manipulation. It would be different if the photo was fake to make it appear that many people surrendered.”

Malacañang warned communist rebels to refrain from attacking government forces in the wake of the purported violations of the holiday ceasefire that will last until Jan. 7 next year.

This came after military forces cried foul at the New People’s Army for detonating an improvised explosive device in Iloilo and Camarines Norte on Dec. 23, the first day of the truce.

Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte remained open to resuming the talks with the rebels despite the recent incidents.

The President gave them another chance so they should avoid the repeat of attacks against government forces,’’ Panelo said.

And amid the plan to revive the peace negotiations, Malacañang on Sunday appealed to the Communist Party of the Philippines’ armed wing, the New People’s Army, to honor the ceasefire deal with the government troops.

Panelo said President Duterte had decided to ignore the recent attacks waged by the NPA rebels despite the implementation of the holiday truce for the sake of the planned resumption of the talks between the state peace negotiators and the members of the CPP’s political arm, the National Democratic Front.

Whatever the reason is, the President gave them another chance, so they should avoid the repeat of attacks against government forces,” Panelo said in an interview with dzIQ.

The photo, sent to reporters with a press release, showed a group of people in Masbate lining up in front of a row of rifles placed on top of a desk.

Lorenzana earlier said he had directed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Noel Clement to conduct an inquiry and ensure that sanctions were out against those responsible for the manipulated photos.

This is very serious because it undermines the efforts of the whole Organization, the AFP,’’ he was quoted in a report.

The wrongdoing, Lorenzana said, was unacceptable while the military was enjoying an unprecedented high trust rating from the people.

The Philippine Army unit involved, through its spokesman Major Ricky Aguilar, has owned up to the mistake and apologized, saying they edited the picture to ensure the safety of former rebels and their families.

But the group stood by its claim that there were rebel surrenderees.

There were indeed 306 surrenderers in Masbate where negotiations began sometime in October 2019. The actual surrender was done Dec. 26, 2019,” Aguilar said.

In our ardent desire to release timely information, we were not able to double-check the pictures we attached in our press release.” With PNA

https://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/313674/-ex-rebels-photo-genuine-not-fake-.html

Arrest of 4 suspected rebels led Army to CPP plenum venue in Surigao

From Cebu Daily News (Dec 30, 2019): Arrest of 4 suspected rebels led Army to CPP plenum venue in Surigao (By Froilan Gallardo)

CPP in Mindanao aborts plenum in Surigao town amid heavy presence of soldiers, policemen

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — The arrest of two communist rebels and two other supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines led the Army to suspect that something big was going to happen in Bacuag town, Surigao del Norte by today, Monday, December 30, 2019.

On Saturday, police arrested two suspected CPP supporters, both motorcycle drivers carrying 18 packs of black fatigue pants, 37 packs of poncho tents, and 1,000 bottles of soda.

Colonel Maurito Licudine, commander of the Philippine Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, said they also arrested two communist rebels with pending arrest warrants near Bacuag town on Sunday.

“This lead us to suspect the rebels are planning something big near Bacuag town,” Licudine in an interview on Sunday night.

Under intense questioning by the police, the drivers told investigators they were instructed to deliver the supplies to the communist rebels waiting in Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, revealed Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 director General Joselito Esquivel Jr. in a separate interview.

“We also monitored the coming and going of known rebels in Barangay Lahi,” Licudine said.

Licudine said he immediately dispatched soldiers to take up positions in Barangay Lahi. He also deployed four 105mm howitzers ready to assault the rebel positions.

However, he said, they decided to hold back any offensive action because it could derail ongoing peace negotiations.

“What held us was our concern that the communist rebels will withdraw from the negotiating table,” Licudine said.

The rebels, who had planned the plenum amid an existing holiday ceasefire, have monitored the build-up of soldiers in Gicaguit town in Surigao del Norte.

Key leaders of the CPP in Mindanao, along with its military arm, the New People’s Army, were planning to hold a plenum and mass wedding of its supporters in Barangay Lahi this Monday. They have invited a number of journalists in Mindanao to cover the plenum.

At about 7 p.m. on Sunday, however, Ka Oto, spokesperson of NPA Front 16, informed reporters invited to cover the plenum that they could no longer proceed since Army soldiers have swarmed the town.

The reporters had by then left the hotel they were staying in Butuan City and were en route to nearby Bacuag town where the rebels said they would be holding the plenum and mass wedding.

Ka Oto advised reporters who were about to cover the event not to proceed and turn back.

“Its no longer safe for you to come here,” Ka Oto said in a message to reporters gathered outside of the town./elb

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/278084/arrest-of-4-suspected-rebels-led-army-to-cpp-plenum-venue-in-surigao

Sison offers to meet Duterte 'in any country' near PH

From ABS-CBN (Dec 30, 2019): Sison offers to meet Duterte 'in any country' near PH

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MANILA (UPDATE) - Exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison refused calls
by Malacanang for him to come home for the peace negotiations, but emphasized
he was "willing to meet the President in any country near the Philippines."

Should the government and communist rebels concur on an interim peace
agreement, Sison said he can meet with President Rodrigo Duterte in a nearby
nation.

"It’s not yet time for me to go to the Philippines because (that would be) putting
at risk the peace process but we can go further after the interim peace agreement
to completing CASER (Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms),"
Sison told ANC's Early Edition.

"After that I can go to Manila and meet the President there."

The Philippine Army, however, assured Sison of his security.

"The President has guaranteed his safety and the Armed Forces will guarantee
his safety. If him coming home is a solution for us to end this 50-year-old insurgency
then we welcome it," Philippine Army public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala
told ANC's Headstart.

"He should also be sincere of coming home. I think 50 years, he seemed
disconnected already."

Sison believes the formal resumption of peace negotiations between government
and communist rebels may be achieved within January or February next year
of 2020.

Peace talks with Reds may resume in January: Bello

Sison, however, said both camps must first reaffirm deals made since 1992,
terminate President Rodrigo Duterte's order last March cancelling the peace talks,
and negotiate  the interim peace agreement.

The agreement is composed of general amnesty and the release of all political
prisoners, the mutual approval of the articles on land reform and national
industrialization on social economic reforms, and the creation of a coordinated
unilateral ceasefire-monitoring committee, according to Sison.

"The reforms must be put forward, they must be agreed upon first up to a
certain point to show that the Duterte regime is really changing for the better and
not trying to get NDFP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines) into a trap
in Manila," he said.

Sison, meantime, welcomed the appointment of Executive Secretary Salvador
Medialdea to the government's peace panel.

"If you have the Executive Secretary there, who is the alter ego and sometimes
called the 'Little President' then things that need to be done by the President can
be facilitated," he said.

"It's a good sign that President Duterte is inclined to have peace negotiations
even if there’s a counter-manifestation from military hawks."

Sison added that the unilateral ceasefire would hold and may be extended if
there are "clear assurances that the negotiations will be resumed."

The military earlier accused the left's armed wing, the New People's Army, of
violatingthe ceasefire, which was set from 12 a.m., Dec. 23 until 11:59 p.m.
of Jan. 7, 2020.

Palace declares ceasefire with communist rebels, eyes resumption of peace talks

"There's nothing systematic and deliberate about the incidents. They happen to
be the responsibility of military and police forces involved," Sison said, adding
that the NPA had not yet received a copy of the ceasefire orders.

But the soldiers involved were on their way back to camp to "conduct active
defense," Zagala said.

"That’s not a reason. Both parties signed that the ceasefire starts midnight,"
he said.

"If that’s the case then we can see Mr. Joma Sison has no control over his
rebel forces, the more that we should be talking locally," Zagala added.

Government had pushed for local peace negotiations with communist rebels
following the formal termination of national peace efforts.

Palace: Local peace efforts in Davao can continue

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/30/19/sison-offers-to-meet-duterte-in-any-country-near-ph

Lorenzana to CPP: AFP an unwilling party to ceasefire? Look who's talking

From GMA News Online (Dec 30, 2019): Lorenzana to CPP: AFP an unwilling party to ceasefire? Look who's talking (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday slammed the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for supposedly calling the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as an "unwilling party" to the ceasefire agreement between the government and the communist rebels.

"Look who is talking! They, members of the terrorist CPP-NPA, are the peace spoilers. They prostituted and violated every ceasefire that has been declared," Lorenzana said in a statement.

Lorenzana, a former military general, said he believes that if there is any group that has faithfully and dutifully observed ceasefires, that was the government's security forces.

"Even if soldiers were treacherously attacked by these criminals and extortionists during humanitarian mission, they abided by the truce," he said.

The Defense chief mentioned the attacks of the communist rebels just few hours after the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire between the government and the communist group.

RELATED CONTENT
Lorenzana belittles CPP call for overthrow of Duterte admin

"Undeniably, the CPP-NPA is the party against ceasefires," Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana's remarks came after a New People's Army spokesman identified only as Ka Oto said the communist group has cancelled its assembly in Bacuag, Surigao Del Norte due to the presence of government troops in the area.

Ka Oto reportedly accused the military of being an "unwilling party" to the ceasefire.

Lorenzana, meanwhile, said the CPP could still push through with their assembly. "So they have a plenum? They can go ahead. Our troops are not prohibited from doing their other duties such [as] law enforcement and assisting the local populace," he said.

"What the ceasefire prohibits them from doing is to engage the NPA in combat. Our troops will however react in self-defense," Lorenzana added.

The government and the communist group has declared ceasefire for the holiday season and to create an enabling environment for the possible resumption of peace talks.

The ceasefire will last until January 7. —KBK, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/720531/lorenzana-said-npa-can-go-ahead-with-plenum-amid-reported-cancellation/story/

Lorenzana: CPP ‘can go ahead’ with cancelled assembly of Communist leaders

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 30, 2019): Lorenzana: CPP ‘can go ahead’ with cancelled assembly of Communist leaders (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) “can go ahead” with its plenum after it was initially canceled because of reported tension between the military and the group’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), in Surigao del Norte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Office of the Secretary of National Defense / MANILA BULLETIN)

Media reports said that the annual plenum of the CPP, which aims to gather the leaders of the CPP, NPA, and National Democratic Front (NDF), in Bacuag town on Sunday night had to be called off.

A certain Ka Oto, self-proclaimed spokesperson of the Guerrilla Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command, said elements of the 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) were deployed in the area before the start of the assembly, thus, leaving them no choice but to order the cancellation of the event.

Reacting to the issue, Lorenzana said, “So they have a plenum? They can go ahead.”

Lorenzana reiterated that a holiday truce between the national government (GRP) and the CPP – NPA – NDF remains in effect from December 24, 2019 to January 7, 2020.

“Our troops are not prohibited from doing their other duties such as law enforcement and assisting the local populace,” he said.

“What the ceasefire prohibits them from doing is to engage the NPA in combat. Our troops will, however, react in self-defense,” he added.

Ka Oto claimed that the situation on the ground remains volatile despite the existing ceasefire with the troops.

The Communist official then blamed the military for the situation as he said the Armed Forces of the Philippines “is an unwilling party to the ceasefire.”

Lorenzana answered fuming mad, saying that it was the Communist rebels who displayed their insincerity when they ambushed withdrawing troops in Camarines Norte and Iloilo on the first day of the truce, resulting in the death of a soldier and wounding of eight others.

“Look who is talking! They, members of the terrorist CPP-NPA, are the peace spoilers. They prostituted and violated every ceasefire that has been declared,” Lorenzana said.

“If there is any group that has faithfully and dutifully observed ceasefires, that is us. Even if soldiers were treacherously attacked by these criminals and extortionists during humanitarian mission, they abided by the truce,” he added.

“Undeniably, the CPP-NPA is the party against ceasefires,” he conluded.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Duterte had allowed the attacks on troops slide as he decided to continue the unilateral and reciprocal ceasefire.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/30/lorenzana-cpp-can-go-ahead-with-cancelled-assembly-of-communist-leaders/

Joma Sison: Despite hiccups, CPP won’t back out of peace talks

From Rappler (Dec 30, 2019): Joma Sison: Despite hiccups, CPP won’t back out of peace talks (By Bobby Lagsa)

Tense encounters between government forces and communist guerrillas test a fragile holiday ceasefire, but the communist rebel leader says they are no reason to drop plans for negotiations



REBEL LEADER. Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria "Joma" Sison says recent tense encounters between the military and communist guerrillas are no reason to back out of planned peace talks with the government. File photo

Communist rebel leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison may have serious apprehensions about the government’s offer of another attempt at peace negotiations, but his party will take it anyway, he said on Monday, December 30.

Speaking to a group of Mindanao-based reporters via Skype, Sison, who is on self-imposed exile in the Netherlands, said the military’s “swarming” of a yearly communist party assembly in Surigao del Norte on Sunday, though undoubtedly tense, was no reason to back out of the planned peace talks.

Members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), whose founding chairman is Sison, ended up cancelling its annual plenum after it reported the heavy presence of Philippine Army soldiers from the 30th Infantry Battalion around their venue in Gigagquit town, and nearby Bacuag town.

“The military had hostile and provocative actions from the incident last night, which can be raised to the Joint Monitoring Committee, but I will not run ahead from the complaint to be made…. The incident will not be enough for us to pull out of the peace talks,” Sison said.

The CPP had declared a holiday ceasefire that began on December 23 and will last until January 7, 2020, which the government reciprocated.

However, the military and police reported 3 separate attacks on December 23 that they blamed on the New People’s Army (NPA), the CPP’s armed wing. One Army soldier was killed and 6 others were wounded in one of the incidents. The government then accused the CPP of violating the ceasefire but nevertheless did not withdraw its offer of peace negotiations.

No ceasefire violation

On Sunday, after calling off its assembly, the CPP accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of being an unwilling party to the ceasefire.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana lashed back at the CPP on Monday, saying he and the military take exception to its “preposterous accusation.”

“Look who is talking! They, members of the terrorist CPP-NPA, are the peace spoilers. They prostituted and violated every ceasefire that has been declared,” Lorenzana said in a statement to reporters.

The ceasefire allows units of the AFP to keep up patrols and to defend themselves in case of an attack, and the military “has faithfully and dutifully observed ceasefires,” Lorenzana added.

Before President Rodrigo Duterte reciprocated the CPP’s unilateral ceasefire, Lorenzana said he would not recommend a truce because the guerrillas tended to take it as an opportunity to regroup.

The defense chief pointed out that it was a ceasefire violation by the NPA that prompted Duterte to terminate an earlier round of peace negotiations in November 2017.

On Monday, Sison said the “swarming” of Gigaquit and Bacuag put the NPA on the defensive, but that no skirmish happened, and therefore no ceasefire violation from either side.

Duterte’s legacy?

Duterte’s announcement on December 5 of reviving peace talks with the communist rebels came as a surprise even to Sison. Malacañang said it was a gesture borne out of the President’s “earnest desire for peace.”

Sison’s hunch is that Duterte wants to be remembered as the one who would end the communist insurgency, which marked its 51st year on December 26.

Duterte’s military approach to the rebellion has so far been unsuccessful despite imposing deadlines on the AFP, Sison said. With only two years left in office and rumors of illness, Duterte must be having “a change of heart,” hence the offer of peace talks, Sison added.

But because the President insists on holding the negotiations in the Philippines, and dares Sison to meet him one-on-one in Manila beforehand, Sison thinks the offer could also be a ploy to get him out of exile and arrest him. (READ: Duterte, Joma Sison can't agree on venue for peace talks)

"But lets us see. While we are cautious, we also have a desire to make agreement to the social, economic reforms which is beneficial to the Filipino people. So it’s a step by step process. There is caution and desire to create an agreement for reforms towards just peace," Sison said. – with a report from JC Gotinga/Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248238-joma-sison-cpp-not-back-out-peace-talks

Former rebels undergo livelihood skills training

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 30, 2019): Former rebels undergo livelihood skills training

FIFTY-NINE former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and supporters in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay have successfully completed month-long skills training to enable them to earn a living while living peaceful life.

The training was conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) facilitated by the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion.

Dr. Noralaine Rasul, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) regional director, said the livelihood training that the former NPA rebels and supporters have successfully completed included shielded metal arc welding, food processing, and cake baking.

They graduated Friday, December 27. The ceremony was held at the multi-purpose building in Guinoman Village, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Rasul congratulated the graduates and hoped for more former rebels to enroll in the program in order for them to gain skills and jobs, which is beneficial for their families.

Lieutenant Colonel Don Templonuevo, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, vowed to work and encourage more NPA surrenderers to sustain the gains of peace and development in the province.

Templonuevo facilitated the surrender of former NPA rebels and their supporters and assisted them to enroll for skills training with Tesda.

Colonel Leonel Nicolas, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the fruitful endeavor is the result of the whole-of-nation approach and the convergence of the national government units and agencies in the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Brigadier General Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan acting commander, was delighted by the successful activity and the choice of the former rebels to become productive individuals.

He hoped they will encourage their remaining comrades to follow their path, which is to stop the armed struggle and live a normal life.(SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1838130

Panelo: NPA surrender photo ‘authentic’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 30, 2019): Panelo: NPA surrender photo ‘authentic’
(By Jeannette I. Andrade, Julie M. Aurelio)



NETIZENS’ TURN The Army 9th ID photo (above) is a composite image, according to social media users who have noticed the Photoshop job and reworked the picture by putting the alleged communist rebels in different parts of the country in memes, including riding boats on the artificial lake in BurnhamPark in Baguio City (below).



Despite the Army’s admission that it manipulated a picture of alleged communist rebels surrendering and its apology for the “honest mistake,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Sunday insisted the image was “authentic.”

Panelo said the 9th Infantry Division did not manipulate the picture, which showed alleged New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas standing in a row before a table laden with high-powered firearms.

The 9thID released the picture together with a press release about the surrender of the alleged rebels in Masbate City on Thursday. Keen-eyed social media users noticed that the image was composite, with at least two pictures being combined to make a picture of the surrender ceremony.

Photoshop job

The possibility is that the picture of the men standing in a row, their faces pixelized, was grafted into the picture of the table with firearms.

The Photoshop job drew dozens of memes on social media casting doubt on the authenticity of the picture.

Many ridiculed the military’s claim of a surrender, with the memes putting the alleged surrenderers in different parts of the country, including touring Baguio City and a strawberry farm in La Trinidad, Benguet.

“I talked to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The explanation given to him was that it was two photos combined together into a collage. Both were still authentic,” Panelo said on Sunday.

He said Lorenzana did not say the image was manipulated.

“It was made into a collage, combined. The two photos combined into one picture. So that’s not manipulation,” Panelo said.

Under public criticism on Saturday, the 9th ID admitted the manipulation and apologized, but said its intention was not to mislead the public but to protect the surrenderers.

Maj. Ricky Aguilar, 9th ID public affairs chief, said his unit had failed to verify the pictures provided by the 2nd Infantry Battalion.

“In our ardent desire to release timely information, we were not able to double check the pictures we attached [to] our press release,” Aguilar said.

“We apologize for the honest mistake,” he said.

Probe ordered

The military top brass has ordered an investigation into the photoshopped surrender photo, stressing that the military upholds “the highest standards in reporting and delivering information to the public.”

Panelo insisted that the picture was not wrong.

“What [would be] untrue is that it you added more people there to make it appear that many surrendered to authorities,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, the Army chief, attributed the manipulated picture to overzealous soldiers who were overjoyed by the surrender of 306 NPA rebels and supporters, which coincided with the 51st anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.

He said those behind the photoshopped surrender picture would be punished for violating military policies on media releases.

Lorenzana on Saturday expressed dismay over the picture, saying it undermined all military efforts to end the communist insurgency.

He said he had directed the Army to investigate, and gave assurance that those involved in the doctoring of the picture would be sanctioned.

“This is very serious, because it undermines the efforts of the whole organization, the [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. The military is doing well, enjoying an unprecedented high trust rating from the people. And now this? This action is unacceptable,” Lorenzana said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1207205/panelo-npa-surrender-photo-authentic

12 NPAs, 6 MB supporters surrender during holidays

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 30, 2019): 12 NPAs, 6 MB supporters surrender during holidays (By Rhoda Grace Saron)

Twelve New People’s Army rebels and six Militiang Bayan (MB) surrendered to different units of the Eastern Mindanao (EastMinCom) from Dec. 23-26.

Three communist rebels in San Fernado Bukidnon surrendered to local officials, tribal leaders, and business leaders in Matupi, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of EastMinCom, said they were turned over to the 88th Infantry Battalion for custodial debriefing.

The local negotiating team identified the surrenderees as, alias Sam known to be a team leader of a vertical unit in Bukidnon, along with his wife; alias En-En, a supply officer, and alias Danny, another team leader of the same vertical unit.

On the other hand, six MB members from Sitio Tambo, Barangay Binicalan San Luis, Agusan del Sur, surrendered to the 26th Infantry Battalion, San Luis Police Station, and Municipal Task Force-ELCAC San Luis at late afternoon on Dec. 23.

Balagtey said an NPA medic in Panabo City identified as Angel surrendered through the initiative of Davao del Norte Representative Allan Dujali and Governor Edwin Jubahib.

In New Bataan, Davao De Oro, a member of an organizing committee in Davao City identified as alias Bobby brought his 9mm pistol when he surrendered to 66th Infantry Battalion on the morning of Dec. 25.

The next day, three NPA rebels surrendered to local officials in Bislig, Surigao Del Sur to the 75th Infantry Battalion. They were identified as alias EJ, a political guide; alias Azad, and alias Mylyn. They also handed over two AK-47 rifles and one M16A1 rifle.

In a separate instance on Dec. 26, four other NPA rebels yielded to the joint elements of the Davao Sur Police Office and 39th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Mainit, Barangay Sibulan, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur.

They were identified as alias Abeth, a medical staff previously being monitored in the said area; aliases Jhazen, Rambo, and Goco, all elements of the same group. They brought with them one M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, and one M16 rifle.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., commander of EastMinCom, attributed the series of surrender to the effectiveness of the local peace Initiatives of the different local government units.

“We hope that the academe, the religious sector, and other members of the community will channel their initiatives and support these peace endeavors of the different LGUs so that we can all together work for a peaceful environment,” Santos said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/31/12-npas-6-mb-supporters-surrender-during-holidays/

As truce crawls on, NPA accuses Army militias of attacks in Caraga

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 30, 2019): As truce crawls on, NPA accuses Army militias of attacks in Caraga (By Jigger J. Jerusalem)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Sunday (Dec. 29) accused the military of launching an attack on rebels in the Caraga region on Dec. 23, the start of a 15-day holiday truce between rebels and the government.

Nicolas Marino, NPA spokesperson for the guerrillas’ north central Mindanao command, said the military’s 26th Infantry Battalion staged attacks against NPA forces near the village of San Vicente in Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province.

The NPA spokesperson said four militiamen attacked an NPA camp in the area, leading to a gunfight that lasted for about 2 minutes. No casualt was reported, though.

In a statement, Marino said the attack was a violation of the truce.

On Dec. 23, clashes were also reported between NPA and the military at the village of Baay, Labo town, Camarines Norte province which killed a government soldier and wounded six others.

Clashes were reported, too, at the village of Singon, Tubungan town, Iloilo province, which wounded two policemen.

The violence broke out at the start of the truce which rebels and the government separately declared but which was to last until Jan. 7, 2020.

The military and police blamed the clashes on NPA but rebels claimed they were just defending themselves.

The rebel spokesperson, Marino, said the government’s ceasefire declaration would be a “deception” if President Rodrigo Duterte would not unite the military, police and government militias to support the truce.

The Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade had earlier announced that several towns in the Caraga region had joined a protest movement protest against NPA.

During the 51st anniversary of Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26, residents and local officials of Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, the towns of Remedios T. Romualdez, Kitcharao, Nasipit,

Buenavista and Surigao City, joined the protest, condemning rebels in the region.

“The support of the civilian population for the military indicates the NPA has lost the support of the common folk,” said Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, head of the 402nd IB.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1207488/as-truce-crawls-on-npa-accuses-army-militias-of-attacks-in-caraga

12 rebels yields as ceasefire is in effect

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Dec 30, 2019): 12 rebels yields as ceasefire is in effect

TWELVE members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and six Militiang Bayan have surrendered in separate areas in Mindanao as the localized peace initiatives continue to gain headway, the military reported Monday, December 30.

Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson, said three of the 12 NPAs surrendered in Matupe Village, San Fernando, Bukidnon 14 hours after the ceasefire took effect on December 23.

Both the government and the NPA have declared ceasefire in lieu of the holiday season.

Balagtey said the three, who are ranking NPA members voluntarily surrendered to a local negotiating team composed of local officials, tribal leaders and representative from the business sector and were turned over to the Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion for custodial debriefing.

They were only identified as a certain Sam, team leader of a vertical unit in Bukidnon; a certain En-En, supply officer and the wife of Sam; and a certain Danny, also a team leader of the same unit.

An NPA medic based in Panabo City identified as a certain Angel surrendered on December 24 through the initiative of Congressman Allan Dujali and Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao Norte.

In New Bataan, Davao De Oro, a member of an organizing committee in Davao City identified as alias Bobby yielded to the Army’s 66th Infantry Battalion on December 25. He turned over a 9-mm pistol.

Three NPA members identified as a certain EJ, Azad and Mylyn, surrendered on December 26 were turned over to the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion by the local officials in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. EJ is a political guide of the NPA.

They turned over two AK-47 assault rifles and one M16A1 “Baby Armalite” rifle.

Also on December 26, community leaders yielded another four NPA members to the joint elements of the Davao Sur Police Office and Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Mainit in the village of Sibulan, Sta Cruz, Davao Del Sur.

They were identified as a certain Abeth, an NPA medical staff; and a certain Jhazen, Rambo, and Goco, all former NPA followers. They brought with them one M-14 rifle, one caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, one M-16 Armalite rifle, and medical paraphernalia.

The six Militia ng Bayan based in Sitio Tambo in the village of Binicalan, San Luis, Agusan del Sur, voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion, police and Municipal Task Force-ELCAC on December 23.

Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom chief, attributed the cascade of surrender to the effectiveness of the local peace initiatives of the different local government units (LGUs).

“With this cascade of surrender, we see the effectiveness of the local peace initiatives being pursued by the different LGUs. We hope that the academe, the religious sector and other members of the community will channel their initiatives and support these peace endeavors of the different LGUs so that we can all together work for a peaceful environment,” Santos said. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1838128

Unusual deliveries lead army, PNP to CPP's plenum site

From Rappler (Dec 30, 2019): Unusual deliveries lead army, PNP to CPP's plenum site (By Bobby Lagsa)

Interrogations on two Skylab motorcycle drivers delivering goods show the transported items were ordered by Ka Jacob, commanding officer of the New People's Army Guerrilla Front 16C, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee



ANNIVERSARY. Armed members of the New People's Army-Melito Glor Command gather on a clearing in the lower Sierra Madre mountains in Quezon Province, south of Manila, to celebrate the 50th year founding of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26, 2018. File photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – An unusual number of food and drink deliveries heading into the hinterlands of Gigaquit town in Surigao del Norte led soldiers and police to the planned plenum of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for its 51st anniversary.

Soldiers and town police conducting a checkpoint on December 29, 2019 in Gigaquit confiscated from two Skylab motorcycle drivers 18 packs of black fatigue pants, 37 packs of poncho tents and 1,000 bottles of soft drinks.

Interrogations done by authorities showed the items were ordered by Ka Jacob, commanding officer of the New People's Army Guerrilla Front 16C, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Caraga Regional Police director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. in a statement said the items were supposed to be brought to the group of Roel Tremidal Neniel, alias Ka Jacob.

"The motorcycle drivers disclosed that they were instructed to bring the items in Sitio Bay-ang, Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao Del Norte," Esquivel said.

"The government troops are determined to end the local armed conflict in Caraga. We appeal to the active members of the CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and join their families in the mainstream society," Esquivel, Jr added.

However, Ka Oto, spokesperson of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16 said that what was confiscated by the military were intended for the mass wedding of fighters and supporters.

Many food supplies were already delivered into Barangay Lahi and the last delivery was for the wedding guest.

The discovery of the delivery led the state security forces into the site of the 51st anniversary plenum of the CPP.

Confirming the site for the plenum, the 30th Infantry Battalion, 402nd Brigade of the army's 4th Infantry Division send in troops to Gigaquit and Bacuag.

Prompted by the troop deployment, the NPA aborted the civilian celebration of the CPP-NPA in Barangay Lahi.

The CPP-NPA aborted the plenum on December 29 at around 7 pm.

Although the Philipine Government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP declared a holiday truce from December 23, 2019 to January 8, 2020, the NPA deemed it prudent to abort the plenum.

Insider information from the NPA suggested the Plenum was actually conducted. This Information was also corroborated by an intelligence officer from 401st Brigade based in Tandag, Surigao del Sur. The high-ranking intelligence officer asked not to be named.

A Plenum is an annual gathering of NPA officers and CPP leaders. This gathering will allow new recruits to meet the old guard of the organization. The plenum is also where directions of the organization are set for the coming year.

402nd Deputy Brigade Commander Colonel Cerilo Balaoro, Jr. said the deployment of the troops into Bacuag and Gigaquit are but normal deployments of troops, especially as Mindanao is now on its last day of Martial Law.

"It is just a normal deployment of troops as we are taking defensive formations," Balaoro said.

Balaoro said that the since the issuance of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) the army have stop doing combat operations.

Ka Oto blamed the military's actions as hostile when the NPA are just organizing a civilian celebration, allowing family members of the NPA fighters to be reunited in time for the Christmas season.

Balaoro added a civilian gathering with armed men is illegal and constitute violations of laws and rhe human security act as the NPA is considered a terrorist organization.

"Their gathering is still illegal, however civil it is," he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/248249-unusual-deliveries-lead-location-cpp-plenum-site

Joma expects peace talks to resume January or February

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 30, 2019): Joma expects peace talks to resume January or February (By Marjaleen Ramos)

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison expects the peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels to resume in January or February next year.



Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison
(FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN)

“We optimistically look forward to informal meetings be held within the second or third week of January and we’re hoping that the formal opening of the peace negotiations can be made within January or sometime in February,” Sison said in an interview with ANC’s Headstart on Monday.

“Formal meetings have to be held until a certain level of agreement that can be made for formalization,” he added.

Sison said the Government of the Republic Philippines (GRP) Panel for the Peace Talks and the CPP–New People’s Army-National Democratic Front panel have to reaffirm the agreements made since The Hague Joint Declaration in 1992

He added that President Duterte has to do away with all the presidential issuances that made the peace negotiations impossible.

“With the demands of the people, and so many peace talk advocates, so strong that even Duterte was so moved to call for the resumption of peace negotiations whereas before, he was sounding so tough he thinks he could exterminate the revolutionary movement,” Sison said.

The communist leader also said that all military plans of the government have failed to destroy the revolutionary movement.

“His armed minions keep on moving the deadline. One deadline has passed after another and I think his military and police boys are a failure in that regard.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/30/joma-expects-peace-talks-to-resume-january-or-february/

Lorezana blasts CPP-NPA as real ‘peace spoilers’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 30, 2019): Lorezana blasts CPP-NPA as real ‘peace spoilers’ (By: Nestor Corrales)

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hit back Monday at the communist rebels whom he called as the real “peace spoilers.”

Lorenzana issued the statement a day after the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF) aborted its scheduled assembly in Surigao del Sur due to the swarming of Army soldiers in the area.

READ: CPP-NPA-NDF aborts Surigao plenum amid heavy military presence in the area

“So they have a plenum? Go ahead. Our troops are not prohibited from doing their other duties such as law enforcement and assisting the local populace,” Lorenzana said after learning about the assembly.

The government and the CPP separately declared a ceasefire from December 22 to January 7.

“What the ceasefire prohibits them from doing is to engage the NPA in combat. Our troops will, however, react in self-defense,” Lorenzana said.

Ka Oto, spokesperson of New People’s Army (NPA) Front 16 Northeastern Mindanao Regional Command, accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines as an unwilling party to the ceasefire.

“Look who is talking! They, members of the terrorist CPP-NPA, are the peace spoilers. They prostituted and violated every ceasefire that has been declared,” Lorenzana said.

“If there is any group that has faithfully and dutifully observed ceasefires, that is us. Even if soldiers were treacherously attacked by these criminals and extortionists during a humanitarian mission, they abided by the truce,” he added.

The defense chief said the CPP-NPA has “proved to be a band of recidivists and habitual offenders to peace talks who prompted President Duterte to cancel an ongoing peace negotiation in November 2017.”

He cited that “just a few hours after their unilateral declaration of a Ceasefire on 23 December 2019, these terrorists in Camarines Norte ambushed a team of soldiers who were on their way back to camp following the DND-AFP’s directive to suspend all offensive military operations.”

A soldier was killed and 6 others were wounded, he said, adding that this happened after “NPA members blasted an anti-personnel landmine on unwitting policemen returning to station also from an operation halted by the ceasefire.”

“Undeniably, the CPP-NPA is the party against ceasefires,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1207387/lorezana-blasts-cpp-npa-as-real-peace-spoilers

Lorenzana: BARMM won’t have own armed force

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 30, 2019): Lorenzana: BARMM won’t have own armed force (By Jeannette I. Andrade)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana clarified over the weekend that President Rodrigo Duterte did not actually want the Bangsamoro Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to have its own armed force, but only security personnel under the military’s control.

In a speech last week, Mr. Duterte said that he might allow Barmm to have its own armed force to crush terrorists in the region. This was amid the ongoing decommissioning of an initial 30 percent of Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.

“When you are already evolved into something which is really a regional [functional autonomous government] and if you have your own armed forces or police, I will allow it,” Mr. Duterte said. Lorenzana, however, pointed out that the Bangsamoro Organic Law does not allow the Barmm to have its own armed force.

“I believe what the President wants is for the Barmm [to] have its own armed forces supervised and controlled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he explained.

The defense secretary added, “Our law (Constitution) only allows the existence of one armed force.”

In an interview aired Sunday over radio station dzBB, Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said he met on Friday with Barmm chief minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim to express the Army’s continuing support to the region’s joint peace and security team.

Decommissioning

“We just reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippine Army for its support for the success of the normalization process because right now we are in the process of decommissioning [MILF] combatants and their firearms,” he said.

According to Gapay, the Army is also ensuring the smooth reintegration into mainstream society of former MILF fighters through various interventions of government agencies in terms of providing livelihood and other benefits.

“Right now we are working on 30 percent initial [decommissioning], so this is by phase, and we are training the joint peace and security teams (JPST), ” the Army commanding general said.

He pointed out that each JPST is made up of 30 personnel: 15 MILF, 8 policemen, and 7 soldiers and “facilitates the decommissioning and transition of former MILF camps into productive and economic hubs.”

Gapay added that the JPST was primarily tasked to protect the civilian communities during the BARMM transition to a fully established regional government by 2022.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1207224/lorenzana-barmm-wont-have-own-armed-force

4ID celebrates Rizal Day with LGU, stakeholders

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 30, 2019): 4ID celebrates Rizal Day with LGU, stakeholders (By 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 30 – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Philippine Army joins the whole nation in the commemoration of 123rd Rizal Day with the theme, “Jose Rizal: Huwaran ng Pilipino sa Ikadalawampu’t Isang Siglo."

Around 120 diamond troopers composed of honor guards, firing party, marching band, security elements, general and special staffs led by Colonel Noel Z Plaza, 4ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, assembled in the Heroes Monument, Plaza Divisoria, this city as early as 5:00 a.m.

Colonel Noel Z Plaza, 4ID Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs and City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno lead the full military honors and mass wreath-laying at Plaza Divisoria in Cagayan de Oro City to commemorate the 123rd death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The activity started with the sounding of sirens followed by a formal program highlighting the raising of the Philippine flag with full military honors and mass wreath-laying participated by various agencies and sectors headed by City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno and Colonel Plaza as the military host.

In his message, Mayor Moreno reminded everyone of the sacrifices of Dr. Jose Rizal and that freedom is earned. “Let the memories of our heroes inspired us to do our task and fulfill our mandate to deliver a better community, a better Mindanao. Let us continue our teamwork, unity despite the diversity and to strive more for the next generation,: he said.

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander said, “On the commemoration of 123rd Rizal Day celebration, let us be reminded of the courage, commitment, and patriotism of Dr. Jose Rizal who fought for our freedom through peaceful means."

Let this be a fitting reminder to everyone to preserve our freedom against CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) and other unscrupulous organizations that wants to destroy democracy and deterrent to peaceful and develop communities. I urge everyone to do your share for us to attain lasting peace and sustainable development in Regions 10 and Caraga," Gacal further said.

The Rizal Day is celebrated every December 30 as the anniversary of Rizal's 1896 execution at Bagumbayan, at present the Rizal Park in Manila. It is declared a national holiday in commemorating the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal as the national hero of our country. (4ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032157

Rebel-returnees surrender teaching paraphernalia, NPA docs to PNP Cagayan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 30, 2019): Rebel-returnees surrender teaching paraphernalia, NPA docs to PNP Cagayan (By Mark Djeron C. Tumabao)

In a Press Conference conducted by the Cagayan Police Prov'l Office today, the two rebel-returnees surrendered important NPA documents to the former. (Photo by PIA-2)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Dec. 30 (PIA) - - Two rebel-returnees from Piat town, in this province, surrendered some teaching materials and other significant documents of the New Peoples Army (NPA) to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Cagayan today, Dec. 30.

'Ka Rudy' and 'Ka Jerry', not their real names and who are both from the Henry Abraham Command of the NPA, returned to the fold of the law early this year. The two, however, did not surrender any document and firearms at the time of their surrender, according to the Cagayan Police Provincial Office.

Police Colonel Ariel Narag Quilang, PNP Cagayan officer-in-charge, said the two rebel-returnees, who later became their assets, decided to voluntary surrender the said materials today which they used when they were still part of the movement.

Among the surrendered documents include books and various reference materials on communism and rebellion, movement-produced newspapers, teachings written on a manila paper, among others.

Quilang said the two rebel-returnees' voluntarily surrender of the materials was attributed to the recently conducted Cagayan Indignation Rally and the intensified campaign of the PNP and other concerned agencies to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict in the province.

Police Colonel Ariel Narag Quilang, PNP Cagayan officer-in-charge checks the paraphernalia surrendered by the two rebel-returnees today.
Alias Ka Rudy revealed that the surrendered paraphernalia were used in teaching NPA doctrines among newly recruits especially the youth sector.

On the other hand, the provincial director added that the PNP Cagayan is committed to support Executive Order No. 70 to attain a peaceful, safe, and communist- and terrorist-free Cagayan.

"We are on the process of creating Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict. As of now, 26 mayors have already signified their support to pass an executive order and we are just waiting for the three other mayors," Quilang said.

"Our local chief executives and local officials are very supportive and committed to end local insurgency. Actually, all of them already passed an ordinance declaring NPAs as Persona Non Grata in their locality," he added. (ALM/MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032160

PRRD leads Rizal day commemoration in Davao City

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2019): PRRD leads Rizal day commemoration in Davao City (By Che Palicte)



HONORING RIZAL. President Rodrigo Duterte honors Dr. Jose Rizal in Davao City on Monday (December 30, 2019). Duterte stressed the importance of remembering Rizal's life, saying his legacy has inspired Filipinos to dedicate their lives for the good of the nation. (Photo courtesy of PTV Davao)

DAVAO CITY –President Rodrigo Duterte led the commemoration for the 123rd death anniversary of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal here on Monday, accompanied by daughter, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte.

In his message, President Duterte stressed the importance of remembering Rizal's life, saying, "the hero’s life and legacy have inspired countless others for his dedication by offering his own life to the nation".

“May his shining example to always think of the greater good be emulated by generations of our youth who looked up to him today,” the President said.

Duterte said the freedom gained by Rizal’s heroism may be kept thriving through the solidarity in combatting illegal drugs, corruption and criminality.

“Let us keep the embers of nationalism alive as we courageously face the challenges of apathy and divisiveness and triumph over them just like what Rizal tenaciously did more than 120 years ago,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sara said that the presence of President Duterte during the commemoration uplifted the spirit of City Hall employees who missed the President. Together with other local officials, President Duterte offered flowers to the monument of the country’s National Hero.

The lady mayor also reminded the Dabawenyos to remember what Rizal did for the country, saying everyone should remember how Jose Rizal put the country first before himself and learn from his heroic deeds.

“Let us remember his contribution in the country and learn from what he did for the love of our country, for what he did for our fellow men,” she added.

On the other hand, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief, Major General Erwin Bernard Neri, also stressed that the heroism of Rizal that should be applied by Filipinos in their day to day lives.

“Rizal is both an icon and a role model not just for the youth but to every one of us. Rizal symbolizes the united Filipino nation one that helps one another, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of everyone other than himself and to do that, I know that he sacrificed himself for everyone,” he said.

Neri narrated the recent calamities that the country experienced, including the series of earthquakes in Mindanao.

“In times like these, we need a hero like Rizal, as a Mindanaoan, I believe in our resiliency on whatever challenges may come our way,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089734

Mom says NPA dragged rebel son to his grave

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2019): Mom says NPA dragged rebel son to his grave
(By Alexander Lopez)



GRIEVING MOTHER. Erlinda Cabatchete grieves over the death of his son, Bertoldo, Jr. who died in Luzon of pneumonia last year while fighting for the New People's Army. Erlinda blamed the communist group for destroying his son's future. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte – The grieving mother of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who died of illness in Luzon last year blamed the New People's Army (NPA) for his son's death.

“Gibira sa mga NPA ang akong anak sa iyang lubnganan (The NPA dragged my son to his grave),” Erlinda Limit Cabatchete, Junjun's mother, yelled in tears upon the arrival of his son's remains at their home in Barangay Punta here at around 5:25 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 29.

Bertoldo Cabatchete Jr., fondly called "Junjun" by his kin and known as alias “L J” in the NPA, died of pneumonia and abandoned by his comrades in the hinterlands of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija last year, the military said based on the accounts of a rebel returnee who knew Cabatchete.

Based on the accounts, the military exhumed Cabatchete's remains sometime this month and had them airlifted on Sunday from Villamor Air Base to Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

A SON IS HOME. Relatives and soldiers carry the metal box containing the remains of Bertoldo Cabatchete, Jr. the NPA member who died of pneumonia and was buried in a knee-deep grave last year in the hinterlands of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. Cabatchete's remains arrived on Sunday afternoon, December 29 in their home in Punta, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

Junjun, who would have turned 30 next year, is the youngest of nine children. He was born on July 14, 1990.

Erlinda, a widow, was joined by Punta Barangay Captain Rosario Campo in Laguindingan Airport in claiming the remains of her son.

“She is in great pain. She never expected this would happen to her son,” Campo told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday.

Erlinda vented out her sorrow and anger when the remains of Junjun arrived home and reunited with his siblings, stepfather, relatives, and friends.

In 2016, Junjun left Nasipit town for Manila to look for a job. Erlinda said she was not aware that Junjun was recruited by the NPA.

Junjun’s brother, Roberto, earlier told PNA that he had work in catering services in Manila then left after several months and transferred to a cement factory in Antipolo.

Junjun and Roberto stayed in the same boarding house in Antipolo City at that time. Roberto was working in a subdivision that was under construction in Cainta, Rizal.

Roberto said Junjun decided not to return home in 2018, and instead headed to Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija, where he claimed to have been offered a higher-paying job.

But he did not give any details as to what job he would take in Nueva Ecija, nor the name of the company or employers.

That was the last time Roberto and Junjun saw each other.

Erlinda said it was clear that his son was lured by the rebels into joining the NPA through deceptive means.

“Wala silay (NPA) kalooy sir, ilang gidaut ang kaugmaon sa akong anak (They (NPA) have no mercy, they destroyed the future of my son,” she added.

Deceived

Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., said Junjun was likely already brainwashed and recruited by the NPA in the region before he went to Manila.

Molina, together with 23IB civil-military operations Officer, 1Lt. Roel Maglalang, joined the family of Junjun on Sunday in bringing his remains home.

Nasipit and nearby towns in Agusan del Norte are under the operational jurisdiction of the 23rd IB.

“He was deceived for believing he would be given enough support when he fell sick. The needed assistance did not arrive and his sickness severed that caused his death,” Molina said.

Molina said the "ugly thing" with the NPA "is that they’re only good to a person as long as they can utilize him or her".

“We've already heard lots of instances here in the region where they (NPA) leave their wounded or dead comrades after armed engagements. The Army usually provide immediate medical treatment to wounded NPA members before sending them to hospitals,” he said.

He added that dead NPA members recovered by the Army are properly turned over to their family members.

Buenaventura Aguilar, Junjun's stepfather, also broke down in tears when shown pictures of the actual exhumation of the rebel's remains.

“I want them (NPA) all burned," he .said

Aguilar also expressed his appreciation to the Army for bringing home his stepson.

“The Army did not mind the fact that Junjun was part of terrorists who want to destroy our government,” he said.

Protect the youth
Nasipit town Mayor Enrico Corvera was present when the remains of Junjun arrived in Barangay Punta on Sunday. “We are intensifying our advocacy to guard our youth against the recruitment of the NPA,” Corvera told PNA in an interview.

Corvera also urged the youth in his area to be alert and not to be swayed by the promises of NPA recruiters.

“The parents of this child who went home dead were not aware that he was already recruited by the NPA to fight the government,” Corvera said.

The mayor added that the local government is also working with school authorities to make members of Parents and Teachers Associations (PTAs) aware of the recruitment of the NPA.

Barangay Captain Campo also told PNA that her administration will work with 23IB to make the residents aware of the tactics being used by the NPA to recruit members, especially the youth.

“The case of Junjun is a lesson for us. I, as the barangay captain here, was not aware that this guy was already recruited by the NPA,” she said.

Molina said the Army has been working with various stakeholders in their area of jurisdiction to counter the recruitment of the NPA.

He also welcomed the plan of Campo on a series of assemblies they will conduct starting next year and pledged full support to such initiative.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089731