Jailed consultants nix talks in Manila

From the Manila Times (Jan 20, 2020): Jailed consultants nix talks in Manila (ByDempsey Reyes)

Detained peace consultants on Sunday rejected the idea of holding peace negotiations in the Philippines as well as the offer of President Rodrigo Duterte to have a one-on-one session with self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison.

In a statement they signed, 10 jailed consultants said the one-on-one proposal of Duterte to Sison, who is in The Netherlands, was a “trap” and a “setup” “intended to finish [Sison] off and decapitate the 51-year-old nationwide insurgency.”

The statement was signed by Leopoldo Caloza, Eduardo Sarmiento, Rey Casambre, Ferdinand Castillo, Frank Fernandez, Renante Famara, Vicente Ladlad, Adelberto Silva, Cleofe Lagtapon, Esterlita Suaybaguio and two other staff members of the NDFP Alex and Winona Birondo.

The NDFP is the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

The consultants also questioned why Duterte has not released any public statements regarding the opposition of some security officials to reviving negotiations between the Philippine government and the NDFP.

The statement of the consultants was read at a forum organized by church groups supporting the peace talks.

“It is important that peace negotiations be held in a neutral third country because the NDFP does not want to repeat the experience during the August 1986-January 1987 negotiations,” they said.

They were referring to the time when the bloody Mendiola massacre broke out following peace negotiations. Thirteen farmers were killed during the incident.

The consultants described as the “biggest obstacle to the resumption of peace negotiations” National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Peace Process Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., and top echelon of the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police.

Sources said that the informal talks leading to the main negotiations are being worked out in The Netherlands by the government and NDFP panels.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/01/20/news/top-stories/jailed-consultants-nix-talks-in-manila/675898/

CPP/NPA-Panay: Kriminal kag sindikato nga RPA-ABB gin-ambus sang NPA

NPA-Panay propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 20, 2020): Kriminal kag sindikato nga RPA-ABB gin-ambus sang NPA

JULIO MONTANA

NPA-PANAY

CORONACION CHIVA “WALING-WALING” COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JANUARY 20, 2020

Ginapanginbulahan sang Coronacion “Waling-Waling” Chiva Command, Rehiyunal nga Kumand sa Operasyon, New People’s Army-Panay ang magkasunod nga madinalag-on nga taktikal nga opensiba nga ginlunsar sang mga yunit sini batuk sa Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) sa diin, nagsuprir ining lagawan nga rebeldeng tropa sang 6 ka killed in action kag indi magnubo sa 5 ka wounded in action.

Kon madumduman, una nga gin-ambus sang yunit sang Mount Napulac Command ang tropa sang RPA-ABB nga ginapamunuan ni Rammy Cataluña sa Brgy. Camia, San Joaquin, Iloilo alas 5:30 sang hapon sadtong Enero 12 samtang nagapauli ang mga ini halin sa kapyestahan. Tatlo ka adlaw lang makalipas, gin-ambus man sang yunit sang Napoleon Tumagtang Command ang mas o menus isa ka platun sang RPA-ABB nga ginapamunuan nanday Jojo Camino kag Gene Maido. Nagapakadto sa kapyestahan sang Brgy. Cunsad, Alimodian, Iloilo sadtong aga sang Enero 15, 2020 sang ginbanatan sila sang mga Pulang Hukbo.

Sandig sa masaligan nga impormasyon sang NPA nakilala sa 6 nga napatay amo sanday Rammy Cataluña sang Danao, Janiuay, PJ Castiva, alyas Panoy nga taga-Bangko, Alimodian kag isa nga naga-apelyido Amoyo. Ini baliskad sa binutig nga ginpahayag ni Major Pancito, spokesperson sang 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army nga wala sang kaswalti sa RPA-ABB.

Ining aksyon militar ginpatuman sang NPA bilang sabat sa mabaskog nga demanda sang malapad nga pumuluyo nga silutan ining kriminal, abusador, sindikato nga grupo nga suportado sang AFP kag sang Rehimeng Duterte. Maathag nga gin-ako ni Pancito nga ini sila ginakabig nga espesyal CAFGU kag nagabaton sang alawans halin sa ila gubyerno. Sang Oktubre 2019 nag-abot gid si Duterte sa Camp Peralta, Jamindan agud saksihan ang pagbalik sa sabak sang iya gobyerno sang 300 ka tropa sang RPA. Maathag man nga ginhambal sang rehimen nga igapaidalom sila sa paghanas para himuon nga auxillary force.

Ginakunsente kag ginasagod sang AFP ining kriminal kag sindikato nga grupo sa pihak sang ila malaba na nga listahan sang pagpamatay, pagpanghold-ap, pagpangilkil, pagpanakit sa pumuluyo. Inutil ang rehimen nga mapasabat sila sa ila mga krimen sa pumuluyo kag mahatag ang hustisya sa ila mga biktima. Sa baylo gin-ligalisa pa ang ila pagluntad paagi sa paghimo sa ila nga espesyal CAFGU.

Pila sang mga krimen nga ila na-komiter amo ang mga masunod:

-Pagpatay kay Joe Calapardo sang Buga, Leon, Iloilo sang 2006

-Paghold-ap, pagpatay kag sekreto nga paglubong sang isa ka babaye nga retired teacher nga taga-Jaro sang 2014

-Pagpatay kakunsabo ang “dirty tricks department” sang AFP kay Romeo Capalla, manedyer sang isa ka eksport bisnis sa tindahan sang Oton sang Marso 15, 2014.

-Pagpatay kay Dionisio Garete sang Dabong, Janiuay sang 2014.

-Pagpatay kay Isik Calseña, isa ka mangunguma sang Seol Norte, Leon, Iloilo sang 2016. Si Calseña bag-o lang nakagwa sa hospital sang gintiro sa uringan.

-Pagpatay kay Rodgie Aliparo sang Brgy. Bagacay, Tigbauan. Ginpatay siya sa Brgy. Salngan, Oton sang 2016

-Pagpatay sang isa ka brgy. opisyal nga naga-apelyido Tubungbanua sang Brgy. Dorong-an, Tigbauan sang 2016

-Pagpatay kay Alex Torre sang Brgy. Lanag Tigbauan. Ginpatay siya sa Brgy. Guisian, Tigbauan sang 2017

-Pagkastigo sa isa ka manunudlo sa Bad-as San Joaquin National High School

-Pagpatay kay Konsehal Amatorio sang Sipitan, Tigbauan, Iloilo sang 2019; si Castiva isa sang na-identify nga may salabton sa pagpatay sa nasambit nga konsehal

Nagapanawagan kami sa malapad nga masa nga makigbahin sa kahublagan sa pagbungkag sining kriminal kag sindikato nga RPA-ABB. Lab-uton nga mapaathagan ang inyo myembro sang pamilya nga ginaganoy nila sa ila mga aktibidad. Kumbinsihon sila nga maggwa sa nasambit nga grupo. Mangisog nga ibuyagyag ang malaba nga listahan sang ila mga krimen. Pamatukan ang pagtolerar kag pag-inakop sa ila sang pasistang rehimeng Duterte sa tabon sang paghimo sa ila bilang Espesyal CAFGU.

https://cpp.ph/statement/kriminal-kag-sindikato-nga-rpa-abb-gin-ambus-sang-npa/

CPP/PKM-Ilocos: Rehimeng Duterte, bulag sa kalagayan ng mga magsasaka

PKM- Ilocos propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 20, 2020): Rehimeng Duterte, bulag sa kalagayan ng mga magsasaka

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID

PKM-ILOCOS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT PHILIPPINES

JANUARY 20, 2020

Bingi sa sigaw na katarungan para sa mga biktima ng Mendiola Massacre

Malagim ang araw ng Enero 22 para sa masang magsasaka. Tatlumpu’t tatlong taon na ang nakalipas nang pagbabarilin ng militar ang higit-kumulang 20,000 nagmamartsang mamamayan na nananawagan para sa repormang agraryo. Nakitlan ng buhay ang 13 magbubukid habang higit na marami ang nasugatan.

Kahit pa batayang karapatan sa kabuhayan ang kanilang sigaw, bala ang isinagot ng unang administrasyong Aquino. Hanggang ngayon, kasing-ilap ng katarungan para sa mga biktima ang pagkakamit ng tunay na reporma sa lupa na patuloy na pinagbubuwisan ng buhay ng uring magsasaka. Kahit 70% ng populasyon ay mga magbubukid, ito ang uring palaging isinasantabi ng mga reaksyunaryong rehimen. Sa kabila nito, araw-araw na binabata ng pamilyang nagsasaka ang higit na pagkabusabos dahil sa mga neoliberal na atake, gayundin ang pasistang karahasan ng rehimen.

Tunay na Kalagayan

Bulag-bulagan si Duterte sa paghihimagsik ng masa laban sa Rice Tariffication Law of 2019 (RTL) na todo-todong nagbukas sa pamilihan sa walang restriksyong pag-angkat ng bigas. Tulad ng inaasahan, bumagsak ang presyo ng lokal na palay. Ang ilang bayan ng Ilocos Norte ay kabilang sa may pinakamababang presyo ng palay na Php7/kilo. Bago ang RTL, nasa Php22 ang pambansang average nito habang ang pambansang average na gastos sa produksyon ng palay ay Php12/kilo.

Hindi pa rin bumababa ang presyo ng bigas sa pamilihan tulad ng ipinangakong Php27/kilo ng mga ekonomista ni Duterte. Sa katunayan, sa Vigan, Php36 hanggang Php46 ang presyo ng kilo ng bigas. Maaari pang tumaas ito dahil wala namang kontrol ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas sa pandaigdigang presyo ng bigas.

Si Duterte din ang nagpatakbo ng TRAIN o Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act. Higit na tumaas ang presyo ng bilihin dahil ipinapasa ng mga kumpanya sa mamimili ang dagdag na buwis sa produktong petrolyo, kuryente at iba pa. Ibig sabihin, higit na lumaki ang gastos sa produksyon ng mga magsasaka.

Karahasan Laban sa Magbubukid

Tulad ng mga rehimeng nauna sa kanya, naliligo sa dugo ng mga magsasaka si Duterte. Sa loob ng tatlong taong panunungkulan (Hunyo 2013 hanggang Hunyo 2016), 216 sa naitalang 266 na biktima ng pampulitikang pamamaslang ay mga magsasaka. Maipagmamalaki din ng kanyang rehimen ang Sagay Masaker sa Negros Occidental noong nakaraang Oktubre 20 na kumitil sa buhay ng siyam na magsasaka, kabilang ang apat na babae at dalawang menor de edad. Tulad ng mga magsasaka noong dekada 80, iginigiit nila ang libreng pamamahagi ng lupa.

Napupuno ang kasaysayan ng mga halimbawa ng karahasan laban sa uring magsasaka sa tuwing umiigting ang pakikipaghamok para sa lupa. Nagsimula ang pakikibaka ng mga magsasaka noon pang panahon ng pananakop ng Espanya. Sa nakalipas na kalahating siglo, bukod sa Mendiola at Sagay, mayroong karahasan sa Guinayangan (1981, Quezon), Escalante (1985, Negros Occidental), Lupao (1987, Nueva Ecija), Hacienda Luisita (2004, Tarlac), Kidapawan (2016, North Cotabato) at marami pang iba. Halos lahat ng administrasyon, kabilang ang diktadurang Marcos, ay may tampok na halimbawa ng karimarimarim na pasismo laban sa magsasaka.

Sa ngayon, mahigit dalawang taon nang militarisado ang ikalawang distrito ng Ilocos Sur at papatindi pa ang Red-tagging sa mga grupo at indibidwal na nakikipaglaban para sa kapakanan ng masa. Batid ng rebolusyonaryong hanay ng magsasaka na paglalatag ito para sa higit pang pasismo ng gobyerno ni Duterte.

Ngunit hindi ito umaatras sa hamong patuloy na ipaglaban ang lupa at kabuhayan. Sa halip, nagpapalakas ito sa pamamagitan ng tuloy-tuloy na pampulitikang pakikibaka. Naninindigan ito sa papel ng uring magsasaka bilang isang hukbong mapagpalaya, lalo sa kalagayang mahigpit ang pangangailangan para sa armadong paglaban. Tanging demokratikong rebolusyon ng mamamayan ang magkakamit ng katarungan para sa mga magsasaka at iba pang aping uri.

Dapat malaman ni Duterte na taumbayan ang lumilikha ng kasaysayan at katatawanan lamang ang mga walang batayan niyang pagbubuhat ng bangko. Ang mamamayan, kabilang ang uring magsasaka, ang nakakabatid at maglalantad ng kanyang mga kasinungalingan, karahasan at pagkaganid. Ang mamamayan ang kumikilos para sunggaban ang paghina ng kanyang pamumuno at ibaon siya sa kangkungan ng kasaysayan.

Katarungan para sa mga biktima ng pasismo ng estado!
Singilin ang kontra-magsasakang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Isulong ang Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan!
Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statement/rehimeng-duterte-bulag-sa-kalagayan-ng-mga-magsasaka/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: CPP at NPA sa ST, lumaban para sa pangmatagalan at makatarungang kapayapaan!

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 20, 2020): CPP at NPA sa ST, lumaban para sa pangmatagalan at makatarungang kapayapaan!

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JANUARY 20, 2020

EO 70 at JCP Kapanatagan, tuluy-tuloy na biguin ngayong 2020

Mainit na sinasalubong ng Melito Glor Command-NPA Southern Tagalog (MGC-NPA ST) ang taong 2020 na buo ang pasyang dalhin sa mas mataas na antas ang digmang bayan at tuluy-tuloy na biguin ang kontra-rebolusyonaryong gerang JCP Kapanatagan at whole-of-nation-approach ng Executive Order 70 ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Alinsunod sa atas ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido sa TK, naghahanda ang lahat ng yunit ng NPA para sa maigting na paglaban at pagtatanggol sa mamamayan sa harap ng posibilidad ng muling pagbubukas ng peace talks sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP.

Buong pusong tutuparin ng MGC ang mga tungkuling iniatang dito ng Partido. Ngayong 2020, ibayong magpapalakas at magpapakahusay ang Pulang hukbo sa TK sa malaganap at masinsing pakikidigmang gerilya upang harapin at biguin ang bata-batalyong pwersa ng AFP-PNP na nananalasa at naghahasik ng teror sa mamamayan ng kanayunan at kalunsuran. Higit nitong pahihigpitin ang ugnayan sa mga magsasaka, manggagawa at aping mamamayan na siyang balon ng hindi masasaid na lakas ng rebolusyon. Sa kanila magmumula ang pinakamabubuting anak ng bayan na sasapi sa NPA at hahawak sa mabibitiwang armas ng mga martir ng rebolusyon.

Tuntungan ng hukbong bayan ang mga tagumpay sa mga nagdaang taon para matamo ang malalaking hakbang pasulong sa rehiyon. Determinado ang MGC na biguin ang focused military operation (FMO) ng AFP-PNP sa pamamagitan ng mas maraming aksyong militar at pagsaklaw sa mas malawak na erya para sa gawaing masa sa kanayunan. Ang walang puknat na operasyong militar ng AFP-PNP ay higit pang maghahasa sa kakayahan ng mga Pulang mandirigma. Maitataas pa nga nito ang antas ng taktika at pamumuno sa mga yunit gerilya. Kaalinsabay, bibigyan ng pansin ng mga opisyal pampulitika ng Hukbo ang pag-aangat sa pampulitikang kamalayan ng mga kasama upang patatagin ang kanilang paninindigan at tiyakin na pulitika ang namumuno sa baril.

Bagamat bukas ang MGC-NPA ST sa muling pagbubukas ng peace talks, hindi ito nagpapakasapat sa mga binibitiwang salita ng GRP. Tatalima ang MGC-NPA ST sa atas ng Partido na manatiling alerto at huwag hayaang magtagumpay ang mga tusong pakana ng mga peace saboteur ng rehimen na bitagin at pasukuin ang CPP-NPA-NDFP gamit ang peace talks.

Mahigpit na itinataguyod MGC-NPA ST ang linya ng Partido na makakamit lamang ang pangmatagalan at makatarungang kapayapaan sa Pilipinas kung malulutas ang sanhi ng armadong labanan na nakaugat sa kahirapan at pagkaatrasado ng bansa. Malaon nang hinahangad ng mamamayan ang hustisyang panlipunan mula sa pagsasamantala at pang-aapi ng imperyalismong US at magkasamang paghahari ng mga malalaking burgesya-kumprador-panginoong maylupa at mga burukrata-kapitalista. Ang mga pundamental na suliraning ito ang ugat ng gyera sibil sa bansa at kung bakit patuloy na itinataguyod ng NPA ang armadong pakikibaka.

Makakaasa ang mamamayan na mananatiling tunay na hukbo nila ang NPA na palaging magtatanggol sa kanilang interes at karapatan mula sa mga mapagsamantala at mapang-aping uri. Anumang atake at imbing pakana ng rehimeng US-Duterte at ng mga sagadsaring pasista ng AFP-PNP para sa 2020 ay tiyak na bibiguin ng NPA. Sa pamumuno ng Partido at pagtangkilik ng mamamayan, susulong ang armadong pakikibaka sa rehiyon ng TK sa mas mataas na antas at buong lakas na mag-aambag sa pagdadala sa rebolusyong Pilipino sa pintuan ng estratehikong pagkapatas. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/cpp-at-npa-sa-st-lumaban-para-sa-pangmatagalan-at-makatarungang-kapayapaan/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Ipagkaloob ang atensyong medikal kay Ka Diego

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 20, 2020): Ipagkaloob ang atensyong medikal kay Ka Diego

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG 

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JANUARY 20, 2020

Mariing kinukundena ng Melito Glor Command-New People’s Army Southern Tagalog (MGC-NPA ST) ang pagkakait ng atensyong medikal kay Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla, dating tagapagsalita ng MGC-NPA ST. Si Ka Diego ay detenidong pulitikal na may malubhang karamdaman sa puso at katawan.

May serye ng mga paglabag ang AFP-PNP sa karapatan ni Ka Diego bilang hors de combat at detenidong pulitikal sang-ayon sa Comprehensive Agreement for Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). Iligal siyang hinuli habang nagpapagamot sa Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Sinampahan siya ng gawa-gawang kasong murder at kidnapping. Itinago siya sa kanyang mga abogado at lihim na inilipat sa San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. At ngayon, pinagkakaitan siya ng atensyong medikal.

Hindi makatwiran ang pagkakait ng atensyong medikal kay Ka Diego. Malaking panganib sa kanyang buhay ang kawalan nito dahil seryoso ang kanyang karamdaman. Ginagamit ng AFP-PNP ang mga nakasampang gawa-gawang kaso kay Ka Diego para palabasing “terorista” at pigilan ang korte na pagkalooban si Ka Diego ng atensyong medikal. Malaking kalokohan pa ang sinasabi nilang nagkukunwari lamang si Ka Diego na may sakit gayong iligal siyang dinakip sa ospital.

Sa mga aksyong ito, pinatutunayan lamang ng rehimeng US-Duterte at ng AFP-PNP na sila ang mga tunay na terorista. Naghahasik sila ng takot at karahasan sa bayan tulad ng mga di-makatao at uhaw-sa-dugong mga terorista at mersenaryong AFP at PNP. Ginagamit nila ang dahas at kamay-na-bakal ng estado upang makapaghari nang walang taning. Mulat nilang nilalabag hindi lamang ang karapatang tao kundi maging ang mga saligang demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayan. Dahil dito, patuloy na tampulan ang tiranikong rehimen ng matinding disgusto at galit mula sa sambayanan. Ito ang magsisilbing gasolina sa umaalab na galit ng mamamayan at magpapabilis sa pagpapabagsak kay Duterte.

Nananatili ang panawagan ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon at buong bansa para sa agarang pagpapalaya kay Ka Diego. Ang kanyang katatagan sa loob ng piitan ay inspirasyon sa buong rebolusyonaryong pwersa na magpatuloy at magsikhay sa pagrerebolusyon. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/ipagkaloob-ang-atensyong-medikal-kay-ka-diego/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: AFP-PNP, para sa cease talks, hindi peace talks

NPA-Southern Tagalog propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 20, 2020): AFP-PNP, para sa cease talks, hindi peace talks

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JANUARY 20, 2020

Para sa cease talks (tigil-usapan) ang AFP-PNP at hindi sa peace talks ang itinutulak nito. Malinaw ito sa samu’t saring pakana ng berdugong tropa upang idiskaril ang peace talks na paulit-ulit nitong ginagawa mula pa nang magbukas ang negosasyon sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP noong 2016 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Isang patunay ang tuluy-tuloy na mga operasyong militar ng AFP-PNP sa mga eryang saklaw ng larangang gerilya ng NPA kahit may deklarasyong tigil-putukan ang NDFP at GRP. Nitong nagdaang Reciprocal Unilateral Ceasefire (RUCF) pa lamang, hayagang pumapasok ang mersenaryong tropa sa mga larangang gerilya. Sinisikap ng mga yunit ng NPA na umiwas sa mga labanan sa abot ng makakaya, subalit sa mga pagkakataong nanganganib ang buhay ng yunit at masa, nakahandang ilunsad ng NPA ang mga kontra-opensiba laban sa mga nag-ooperasyong AFP-PNP.

Tigas-mukhang ipinangangalandakan ng AFP-PNP na “hindi sinsero” at “ayaw sa kapayapaan ng CPP-NPA” gayong sila ang paulit-ulit na umaatake sa mga larangang gerilya kahit sa panahon ng tigil-putukan. Sa tuwing idinedeklara ng NDFP at GRP ang ceasefire para sa muling pagbubukas ng peace talks, lantarang nang-uupat ng laban ang mga operasyong militar at pulis sa mga larangang gerilyang saklaw ng CPP-NPA-NDFP. Walang karapatan ang AFP-PNP na ibunton sa NPA ang sisi sa tuwing may mga nagaganap na labanan sa panahon ng ceasefire dahil sa loob mismo ng mga larangang gerilya nagaganap ang mga labanan. Ang panghihimasok ng AFP-PNP sa teritoryo ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay patunay na mulat na nilalabag ng AFP-PNP ang kasunduan sa tigil-putukan.

Patuloy ding sinisiraan ng AFP-PNP ang NPA sa midya. Sa Timog Katagalugan, ipinagkakalat ng Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) na ginagamit ng CPP-NPA-NDFP umano ang nagdaang ceasefire upang makapangikil sa mga government projects, private contractors at business establishments at para makapagpalakas. Bahagi rin ito ng iskema ng AFP-PNP upang pagtakpan ang kanilang mga paglabag sa ceasefire at maikatwiran ang pagpapatigil ng peace talks sa NDFP.

Ang mga akusasyon at atake ng AFP-PNP sa panahon ng tigil-putukan ay pakana upang idiskaril hanggang sa tuluyang matigil na ang usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng NDFP at GRP. Ni hindi maagap na nagdeklara ng Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) ang pasista at utak-pulburang tropa sa nagdaang RUCF at noon lamang Disyembre 26 natanggap ng NDFP ang opisyal na kopya ng SOMO ng AFP at SOPO ng PNP. Sadyang hindi nila nanaising makamit ang makatarungang kapayapaan sa bansa upang makapaghari pa sa ganitong bulok na sistema. Kung gayon, mas malinaw sa mamamayan na ang tunay na peace saboteurs ay ang AFP-PNP.

Ang pakanang idiskaril ang peace talks ay sang-ayon sa kumpas ng imperyalismong US sa pamamagitan ng mga ahente nito sa Cabinet Cluster E na sina Lorenzana, Esperon at Año. Wala sa interes ng mga peace saboteurs na ito ang pagharap sa peace talks liban kung kagyat na nilalaman ng usapan ang pagsasalong ng armas ng NPA.

Sa kabilang banda, dalisay ang hangarin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa pagharap sa peace talks dahil pagkakataon ito upang patuloy na maigiit ng NDFP ang inihapag nitong Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). Nilalaman ng CASER ang kalutasan ng mga demokratiko at pambansang kahilingan ng mamamayan tulad ng lupa para sa mga magsasaka, pambansang industriyalisasyon, pagtigil ng kontraktwalisasyon at pagtaas ng sahod ng mga manggagawa, hanapbuhay para sa mamamayan, libre at de-kalidad na edukasyon para sa kabataan, at iba pa. Malinaw sa mga yunit ng NPA na hangga’t hindi nakukuha ang mga naturang saligang kahilingan ng mamamayan, hindi nila isusuko ang kanilang armas at patuloy silang lalaban para makamit ito.

Samantala, may peace talks man o wala, magpapatuloy ang tungkulin ng NPA na ibagsak ang kasalukuyang malakolonyal at malapyudal na sistema sa Pilipinas at pagsilbihan ang mga inaapi at pinagsasamantalahang mamamayan. Sa ganap na tagumpay ng bagong demokratikong rebolusyong bayan, maitatatag ang demokrasyang bayan sa buong kapuluan at makakamit ang malaon nang hinahangad na pambansang paglaya, kasaganaan at demokrasya. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/afp-pnp-para-sa-cease-talks-hindi-peace-talks/

Kalinaw News: Army applicants flock 4ID’s recruitment booth for registration

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 20, 2020): Army applicants flock 4ID’s recruitment booth for registration (By 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Many aspiring army applicants flock the Army Recruitment Office – Mindanao’s recruitment booth during the Static/Kinetic Display and Peace Concert of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division last January 18-19, 2020 at the Activity Center, Ayala Malls – Centrio, Cagayan de Oro City.

Ariel Pilonggo, 20, who travelled 8 hours from Pikalawag, Sultan Naga Dimapuro, Lanao del Norte said, “Akong tan-aw sa mga sundalo usa ka Bayani. Gusto nako mahimong sama nila aron makatabang sa akong pamilya ilabi na sa katawhan.” (I believe that soldiers are Heroes. I want to become like them and help my family especially the people.)

Sweetsel Mae Abero, 22, a recent board passer of Mechanical Engineering from Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City also expressed, “The soldiers inspire me and every time I see them I am amazed on how they keep our country safe. I have always felt the calling of service and I believe that being a soldier will fulfill that calling.”

The online registration of the ARO-Mindanao is part of the booths of the activity in commemoration of the 50th Founding Anniversary of the 4ID. It is the first step in the application process of becoming Candidate Soldier (CS), Officer Candidate Course (OCC) and Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) trainees. Next steps will be the AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) examination, Army Qualifying Exam (AQE) and Special Written Exam (SWE) for OCC and OPC applicants, Physical Fitness Test (PFT), Medical Exams and Interview.

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of 4ID said, “We are happy and we warmly welcome the influx of applicants who aspire to serve our country. The profession of arms is a very noble road to take and serving the people gives us the ultimate happiness.” “We encourage our young generation to apply and become one of us rather than being recruited by terrorist groups. The Philippine Army will surely give you a much more secured future,” Gacal ended

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-applicants-flock-4ids-recruitment-booth-for-registration

Lumad groups block RPOC demand

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 20, 2020): Lumad groups block RPOC demand (BY SAMANTHA BURGOS)

Pro-Lumad groups spurned the intent of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) to close a church that runs a sanctuary for Lumad evacuees.

In a press conference, groups supportive to the plight of Lumad – Pasaka, Karadyawan and Salugpongan ta’tanu Igkanugon – assailed the RPOC for its resolution calling for the immediate closure of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Haran Center for alleged violations to the indigenous people (IP).

“We are displaced from our ancestral land, our school has been closed due to the false accusation of (National Security Adviser) Hermogenes Esperon, and now, you want to close the church that has been helping the displaced,” Datu Mentroso Malibato, the Pasaka vice chairman for Southern Mindanao Region, said in vernacular during a press conference yesterday.

The UCCP-Haran Center in Fr. Selga Street has been the home of Lumad who were displaced by military operation in the hinterlands of Davao del Norte.

The RPOC claimed the security sector recorded violations of IP’s rights, child abuse, child trafficking and the exploitation of IPs for alleged terroristic activities committed inside the facility.

The RPOC, headed Davao de Oro Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, is composed of top-ranking military and local government officials, particularly governors and mayors, in the Davao region.

“As our lives and security were threatened, we, Lumad from Davao del Norte and in other provinces from Region 11 were forced to evacuate here in UCCP temporarily,” Malibato said. “We are pleading to stop militarization and deploying paramilitaries, particularly the Alamara, in our communities.”

Malibato lamented that Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib pushed for the plan to close UCCP.

“Our challenge to governor Jubahib, if he really experienced poverty and if he is really serving the public, is to see and discuss the real issue why we, the Lumad in Talaingod, Kapalong and other towns in the provinces could not go back to our lands because there are people who are hindering us from living peaceful lives,” Malibato added.

Meanwhile, UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis was also dismayed with the RPOC decision.

Tequis said that RPOC did not even consult them as to the decision to close permanently the UCCP-Haran Mission Center.

“We haven’t received any invitation from the RPOC. We did not even talked table-by-table about their decision. If we were to go face-to-face, I would really raise to them the negative effect of their decision,” he said.

UCCP has been serving as a domicile for the Lumad who were forcibly displaced by violence and attacks by paramilitary and military groups for years now. According to Tequis, it has become a place of healing among them who have been distressed by intermittent harassment and violence committed against them.

“The continuing harassment and possible filing of charges against UCCP-Haran Mission Center is a threat against the commitment of the church to do Christ’s mission of ministering to the oppressed and marginalized,” the bishop said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/01/21/lumad-groups-block-rpoc-demand/

5 Sayyafs killed in military ops in South

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 20, 2020): 5 Sayyafs killed in military ops in South

Security forces killed 5 Abu Sayyaf militants in separate clashes in the southern Philippines where operations against the pro-ISIS group continues in the restive region, officials said Monday.

Officials said four gunmen were killed in the weekend fighting that also injured a soldier in the village of Lakit-Lakit in Tawi-Tawi’s Sapa-Sapa town after Marine soldiers tracked down the gang.

The slain militants were linked by the military to ransom kidnappings off Sabah and Indonesia and had been in the list of notorious drug dealers.

Military photos released to The Zamboanga Post show the slain gunmen and recovered weapon and ammunition in Tawi-Tawi province. 

“The group is also known as conduits of Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf group conducting kidnapping operations in the tri-boundary of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. The neutralized enemies are notorious drug personalities positively identified by the local government of Sapa-Sapa,” said Brig. Gen. Camilo Balutan, commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.

He said troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 and 64th Marine Company clashed with about 10 gunmen. The others managed to escape during the fighting that killed Oyong Maulana, Datu Solon Maulana, Rashida Maulana, and Nhadz Omar.

Balutan said soldiers recovered two packets of suspected crystal meth and a rifle, including ammunition and two cell phones.

In neighboring Sulu province, one Abu Sayyaf fighter was also killed after helicopter gunships pounded a terrorist hideout on Sulare Island off the town of Parang after civilians tipped off the military on the location of the militants.

Members of the US-trained elite Army Light Reaction Company and Naval Special Operations Group recovered the body of the gunman after the air assaults, according to Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr, commander of anti-terror Joint Task Force Sulu.

“Once again, the Abu Sayyaf group has no safe place here in Sulu now that Tausugs are working actively hand in hand in promoting peace in this area,” he said, adding, “this operation was successfully achieved in collaboration with the local government of Sulu.”

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the soldiers for their “very remarkable accomplishments” in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. He said the operations against the Abu Sayyaf continue in the South. “Our troops are in pursuit of the remaining members of the group who managed to escape. We are working round-the-clock to ensure the safety and security of the people in our area of operations,” Sobejana said.

The Abu Sayyaf is also suspected of holding 5 Indonesian fishermen who were kidnapped on January 16 off Lahad Datu town in Sabah near Tawi-Tawi. Eight gunmen hijacked a trawler near Tambisan Island and seized five of the 8 crew, according to the Daily Express, which quoted a report by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) chief Datuk Hazani Ghazali.

Ghazali, speaking on television news channel Astro Awani, said “eight men had boarded the fishing boat before five of them are believed to have been kidnapped between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ESSCOM is currently collecting information from the three spared fishermen.”

He did not release the names of the fishermen, but the Indonesian news agency Antara has identified the skipper of the trawler as Arsyad Abdullah, 41. However, the Strait Times named the four other victims as La Baa, 32; Riswanto Hayano, 27; Edi Lawalopo, 53; and Syarizal Kastamiran, 29, - all based in Sandakan.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, but the victims were snatched from the same area where the Abu Sayyaf captured 3 Indonesian fishermen in September last year and brought to Sulu. The trio - Muhammad Farhan, 27, Samiun Maneu, 26, and Maharudin Lunani, 26, were all rescued separately by Filipino troops in Sulu. (Zamboanga Post)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/01/5-sayyafs-killed-in-military-ops-in.html

17th IB’s new chief urges stakeholders’ support to end insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2020): 17th IB’s new chief urges stakeholders’ support to end insurgency (By Oliver T. Baccay)

ALCALA, Cagayan, Jan. 20 (PIA) - - The newly installed battalion commander of the 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army embarked on partnership and collaboration with the civic organizations, local officials and other government officials towards his quest to end insurgency in this province and in Apayao.

LTC. Angelo Saguiguit urges officials to take part in the fight against insurgency during his formal installation ceremony as the new commander of the 17th Infantry Battalion. (Photo by CPIO)
Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Saguiguit, during the change of command turn over ceremony, stressed the important roles of the local chief executives of the different Local Government Units whom he referred to as “team leaders” while sectoral leaders and the law enforcers as the “team members”.

“I believe that peace and security is a shared responsibility. Every sector has to take part and contribute to the fight against the menace of our society,” Saguiguit said.

He also lauded the significant accomplishments of his predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Pagala, who led the “Do or Die” battalion in various operations and community support programs against the rebel groups that resulted in the surrender of a number of regular New People’s Army (NPA) members and “militia ng bayan”.

Pagala received two merit medals for his meritorious and invaluable service and for leading the battalion in 13 battalion initiated operations, three company size, three platoon size, and 1,188 small unit operations which resulted in the arrest and surrender of high ranking NPA officials including their high powered firearms.

BGen. Pablo Lorenzo (2nd from right), commander of the 5th ID, pins merit medal to LTC Jesus Pagala for his meritorious accomplishements during his stint as the commander of the 17th IB. (Photo by CPIO)

He also initiated various humanitarian programs to include tree planting, medical and dental, bloodletting and youth leadership summits.

“It is a mission accomplish on our part and we attain our objective to reduce the manpower and equipage of the rebel group,” Pagala said.

Pagala was also lauded for leading the 17th IB in various encounters and military operations against the NPAs with zero combat casualty during his stint as the commander.

Pagala has served two years as battalion commander of the 21st Infantry battalion in Sulu in 2017 and the 17th IB in this province while Saguiguit served as executive officer of the 502nd brigade before he was assigned as the new commander of the 17th IB. Pagala will lead a unit at the 5th Infantry Division. (ALM/MDCT/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033052

RTF-ELCAC to bring caravan of services to Isabela town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2020): RTF-ELCAC to bring caravan of services to Isabela town (By Carlson B. Alelis)

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Western Visayas is set to deliver various government services to the people of Isabela town, Negros Occidental on January 21.

Various national government agencies in Western Visayas will provide corresponding services based on their mandates.

Among the services that will be made available are issuance of documents, like Philippine Statistics Authority-issued birth or death certificates and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance; health and medical services; legal services; assistive devices and food packs; and skills training.

A total of 1,000 people are expected to attend the said activity.

The caravan of services is dubbed "Serbisyo sa Negrosanon,” which is in support of the launching of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). (LTP/CBA/PIA-6)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033055

Top NPA commander in Bukidnon, wife, and comrades surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2020): Top NPA commander in Bukidnon, wife, and comrades surrender (By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)



VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon, Jan. 20 (PIA) — Couple Renante Tumbalang alias “Jigger or War” and Resylyn Pardo aka “Jamby,” leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) under Guerilla Front 6 (GF6), along with five other NPA leaders operating in Bukidnon surrendered Thursday in Valencia City.

“Jigger,” 37, from barangay Nacabuklad, San Fernando town is the commander of GF6’s Front Operational Command, while his wife “Jamby,” 28, of barangay Namnam in the same town is the GF6 Secretary and strategist who is in command in radicalizing new members.

Their Command covers the city of Valencia and six other towns, specifically San Fernando, Kitaotao, Maramag, Don Carlos, Dangcagan, and Quezon.

The 7-man NPA leaders surrendered to Valencia City mayor Azucena Huervas and congressman Rogelio Neil Roque thru barangay Banlag councilor Saliezer Dejos.

In a press conference, the couple revealed that the loss of mass base and the military’s nonstop offensive operations trapped them in the mountain lairs.

Apart from being stuck in a series of encounters, ‘Jamby’ said they are now struggling in moving through the mountains because they lost the community’s support.

“We are running out of stocks. Our food supplies and other necessities are running very low because villagers won’t help us facilitate the freights anymore. We even gave them money to help us buy our provisions in bulk but they refused. These difficulties and various obstacles forced us to give up and decide to leave the communist movement,” Jamby said.

Likewise, her husband 'Jigger' said they are all set to abandon the CPP-NPA group because after 16 years of service to the organization, all they reaped were woes.

“We are all set for a peaceful life with our families from this day on,” he said.

Five other NPA leaders also surrendered along with the couple, namely Shairyl Pardo aka ‘MG’, platoon group squad leader, Sentro de Grabidad; Roger Gonzales aka ‘Narra,’ platoon group team leader; Regine Pardo aka ‘Raya,’ platoon leader, Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP5); Angelito Tundag aka ‘Grob,’ Vice Commanding Officer, SYP5; and Mark Jason Pardo aka ‘Rassk’, platoon officer, Sentro de Grabidad.

BGen. Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Brigade Commander said the surrender of Front Secretary is a very significant breakthrough of the Task Force ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) efforts.

He said Jamby revealed that 18 KRBs (Kilusang Rebolusyonaryong Barangay or CPP ‘shadow government’) that she personally established in Bukidnon were dismantled due to the people’s withdrawal of membership in their “KalMas (Kalihokang Masa)” and “Sanga sa Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL).”

“Guerrilla Front 6 in Bukidnon is in the brink of collapse. Nauubos na ang pinagmamalaki ni Joma [Jose Maria Sison] noon na dumadaming bilang ng Guerrilla Front. Ang gaganda ng mga statement na binitawan ni Jamby na siyang CPP Political Leader sa six municipalities and one city in southern Bukidnon. Sustaining this ‘initial gain’ is the challenge to ELCAC at all levels. Jamby, as political and main propaganda officer of GF6 has a vast knowledge of the socio-political-economic issues that need to be addressed by local government units and regional line agencies, so the communities cleared by the Community Support Program (CSP) teams will be conflict-resilient; its people’s recovered trust and confidence in the government is sustained, and their decision to reject the NPA will not change,” BGen. De Leon said.

Jamby and Jigger, along with their five comrades, were presented by Valencia City officials to Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr as Provincial Chairman of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) Committee.

After thorough profiling, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will determine the package of assistance that would suit the needs of these FRs (former rebels), which the military now calls “Kauban sa kalinaw ug kalamboan.”

Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander, meanwhile, commended the 403rd Brigade, the 88IB, and the local government unit of Bukidnon for winning the peaceful war.

"Our war is not focused on winning battles through barrel of guns. Ours is a peaceful war involving communities in conflict-affected areas. We, together with local leaders and our constituents, join hands and commit to battle land issues, poverty, and other problems through dialogue with the right people, organization, and agency,” MGen. Gacal said. (RLRB/PIA 10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033111

Duterte’s pro-poor projects push NPAs to surrender, top rebel commander says

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2020): Duterte’s pro-poor projects push NPAs to surrender, top rebel commander says  (By Ruby Leonora R. BalistoyPublished on January 20, 2020

Resylyn Pardo aka “Jamby” of Guerilla Front 6 (5th right) says they are losing ground because people started to notice the progress of projects President Duterte has done in their respective barangays. The projects include roads and bridges construction; road widening and expansion; setting up of health centers in remote areas; among all other government programs where the poorest of the poor are all counted in. “Our supporters, therefore, started to fall off. Eventually, they [mass base] withdrew their support to our group,” Jamby says in a news conference in Valencia City as they surrender to local government officials. (PIA Bukidnon)

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- Couple Renante Tumbalang alias “Jigger” and Resylyn Pardo aka “Jamby,” leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) of Guerilla Front 6 (GF6) who surrendered Thursday to Valencia City local officials said President Duterte’s projects for the poor pushed them to surrender.

“Jigger,” 37, from barangay Nacabuklad, San Fernando town is the commander of GF6’s Front Operational Command, while his wife “Jamby,” 28, of barangay Namnam in the same town is the GF6 Secretary and strategist who is in command in radicalizing new members.

Their Command covers the city of Valencia and six other towns, specifically San Fernando, Kitaotao, Maramag, Don Carlos, Dangcagan, and Quezon.
“We are losing ground because people started to notice the progress of projects President Duterte has done in their respective barangays such as setting up of health centers in remote areas, construction of roads and bridges, road widening and expansion, among all other government programs where the poorest of the poor are all counted in,” Jamby said.

In a press conference, she recounted their ease of recruiting “Lumad (native)” folks in previous years because no government agencies tried to visit the areas involved in their movement.

“Previously, we can easily sway our Lumad brothers to join in our group. But when President Duterte ordered to implement the ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) program, the barrio folks felt the government is getting closer and cares for them. Newly paved highways eased the farm-to-market deliveries of their harvests. Our supporters, therefore, started to fall off. Eventually, they [mass base] withdrew their support to our group,” Jamby said.

Five other NPA leaders also surrendered along with the couple, namely Shairyl Pardo aka ‘MG’, platoon group squad leader, Sentro de Grabidad; Roger Gonzales aka ‘Narra,’ platoon group team leader; Regine Pardo aka ‘Raya,’ platoon leader, Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP5); Angelito Tundag aka ‘Grob,’ Vice Commanding Officer, SYP5; and Mark Jason Pardo aka ‘Rassk’, platoon officer, Sentro de Grabidad.

Asked who initiated their surrender, Jamby quickly said, “We came out on our own because we realized it was futile to pursue our cause.”

In fact, Jamby repeatedly apologized to those she may have done wrong in the course of her being an NPA top officer then.

The 7-man NPA leaders surrendered to Valencia City mayor Azucena Huervas and congressman Rogelio Neil Roque thru barangay Banlag councilor Saliezer Dejos.

Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Brigade Commander said the surrender of Front Secretary is a very significant breakthrough of the Task Force ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) efforts.

He said Guerrilla Front 6 in Bukidnon is in the brink of collapse, pointing to the continued surrender of top-ranking NPA leaders and the fall of several members as indicators.

“Joma [Jose Maria Sison] is singing his own praises. The rising number of Guerilla Fronts that Joma boastfully claimed is now waning. Jamby revealed that 18 KRBs (Kilusang Rebolusyonaryong Barangay or CPP ‘shadow government’) that she personally established in Bukidnon were dismantled due to the people’s withdrawal of membership in their “KalMas (Kalihokang Masa)” and “Sanga sa Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL),” BGen. De Leon said.

Jamby and Jigger, along with their five comrades, were presented by Valencia City officials to Gov. Jose Ma. Zubiri Jr as Provincial Chairman of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) Committee.

After thorough profiling, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will determine the package of assistance that would suit the needs of these FRs (former rebels), which the military now calls “Kauban sa kalinaw ug kalamboan.”

Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander commended the 403rd Brigade, the 88IB, and the local government unit of Bukidnon for winning the peaceful war.

"Our war is not focused on winning battles through the barrel of guns. Ours is a peaceful war involving communities in conflict-affected areas. We, together with local leaders and our constituents, join hands and commit to battle land issues, poverty, and other problems through dialogue with the right people, organization, and agency,” MGen. Gacal said. (RLRBalistoy/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033113

NPA member abandons movement, yields to Army in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): NPA member abandons movement, yields to Army in NoCot (By Edwin Fernandez)



LOST CAUSE. Lt. Col. Neil Roldan, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion, receives an M14 rifle from “Ka Raffy” (right), a member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), who surrendered in Matalam, North Cotabato on Sunday (Jan. 19, 2020). The surrenderer said he decided to yield after realizing that the NPA is fighting a futile cause. (Photo courtesy of 7IB) 

An armed member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in North Cotabato decided to abandon his comrades and surrendered to military authorities Sunday.

Quoting a report from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB), Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, identified the surrenderer only as “Ka Raffy”, who also turned in his M14 rifle.
He belongs to an indigenous people community in Matalam, North Cotabato and operating under the NPA Guerilla Front 53 (GF53) of the Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (SMRC).

He told the military that he decided to abandon the movement after realizing they were fighting a lost cause.

“Raffy also told Army personnel on the ground that many of his colleagues have already surrendered to authorities and are now living normal lives,” Capulong said.

On Sunday, Raffy quietly left his group in an upland village in Matalam and showed up at an Army base manned by soldiers from the 7IB.

The Army unit welcomed him with open arms.

Like his companions who earlier surrendered, Raffy will be enrolled in the Expanded Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and be given livelihood assistance.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is listed as a terrorist organization by the governments of the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091338

4 ASG 'cohorts' killed in Tawi-Tawi clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): 4 ASG 'cohorts' killed in Tawi-Tawi clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

RECOVERED EVIDENCE. Government troops recover a US-made .30-caliber M1 Garand rifle, ammunition, two sachets of suspected shabu, and other pieces of evidence following a clash with armed men with alleged links with Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group in the town of Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi. Local and military officials say the suspects were also involved in illegal drugs. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Four drug personalities with alleged ties with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while a soldier was wounded in a clash in the province of Tawi-Tawi, military officials said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Camilo Balutan, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi commander, said the firefight occurred around 5 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Lakit-Lakit, Sapa-Sapa, Tawi-Tawi, when the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6) chanced upon a group of gunmen while conducting a "focused military operation."

Balutan said the clash resulted in the deaths of four gunmen identified as Oyong Maulana, Datu Solon Maulana, Rashida Maulana, and Nhadz Omar. A soldier was also slightly injured during the clash.

He said the slain gunmen are known as cohorts of the Sulu-based ASG in the group's kidnapping operations within the borders of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Sapa-Sapa officials have also positively identified the four casualties as notorious drug personalities, the Army official said.

Following the firefight, Balutan said the troops recovered firearms, ammunition, two plastic sachets of suspected shabu, assorted illegal drug paraphernalia, and other pieces of evidence.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, commended the troops for the "very remarkable accomplishment" in the government's anti-terror campaign.

“We are working round-the-clock to ensure the safety and security of the people in our area of operations,” Sobejana said.

He said troops are tracking down the other members of the group who managed to escape.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091325

2 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ASG SURRENDERERS. Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group surrender Friday (Jan. 17) to military authorities in the town of Indanan, Sulu. They turned over a US-made .30-caliber M1 Garand rifle, two .45-caliber pistols and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered to military authorities in the province of Sulu, military officials said Monday.

Lt. Col. Amadeo Cruz, the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the ASG surrenderers as Adamin Salem Nanong, 25 and Alkaisa Salem Nanong, 21, both residents of Barangay Pasil, Indanan, Sulu.

Cruz said the two, who are followers of ASG subleader Majan Sahidjuan Alias Apo Mike, voluntarily surrendered Friday to his headquarters in Barangay Liang, Patikul.

He said they turned over one US-made .30-caliber M1 Garand rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, and ammunition.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the Nanongs have been involved in clashes against government troops in the province of Sulu.

Vinluan said the two were placed undergoing custodial debriefing.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for their laudable accomplishments during the first few days of 2020,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

Sobejana said they are “definitely gaining grounds in Sulu and we hope that lasting peace and development will soon be attained.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091326

Army, LGU settle decades-old Moro clan war in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): Army, LGU settle decades-old Moro clan war in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan)



CONFLICT SETTLED. Mayor Yacob Ampatuan (standing, in yellow shirt) of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, lauds the warring families for acceding to the local government call and the military’s diplomatic intervention to settle their feud. The settlement aims to bring peace in their families and their town. (Photo courtesy of Rajah Buayan LGU)

RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao -- After decades-long dispute, two feuding Moro families ended Monday their bloody “rido” (clan war) that exacted fatalities from both sides.

The local government of Rajah Buayan, headed by Mayor Yacob Ampatuan, and Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB), facilitated the gathering and settling of family feud through peace negotiations here.

Involved in the clan war are the families of Gani Guiaman and Ali Giamelon which had been engaged in a land dispute for two decades.

“Surprisingly, the warring families are related by blood and by affinity,” Ampatuan said.

Ampatuan and Boongaling facilitated the signing of peace covenant between elders of the Guiaman and Guiamelon families at the town’s Sangguniang Bayan session hall Monday.

In the agreement, both sides acceded to the proposal from the Army and the local government that they should refrain from engaging in armed confrontations.

Should there be a misunderstanding, the LGU and Army would be called to mediate.

Ampatuan said the Guiamelons are identified with the 106th Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under Zacaria Guma, while the Guiamans have relatives with the MILF’s 118th base command led by Commander Wahid Tundok.
“I would like to commend the role of the MILF and government peace panels for helping us bring the warring families to the negotiating table and the eventual signing of peace covenant,” Ampatuan said.

Both families also assured the mayor and the 33IB that they would help prevent the spread of violent extremism espoused by Dawlah Islamiyah and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in their localities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091382

Army troops join Arabic schools festival

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): Army troops join Arabic schools festival (By Edwin Fernandez)



ARABIC SCHOOLS FEST. An Arabic school teacher speaks during the opening of the Maguindanao Provincial Arabic Schools Festival at Barangay Old Maganoy, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao on Saturday (Jan.18, 2020). The annual festival aims to advance the advocacy in strengthening Madaris schools in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 2MIB)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – As part of its immersion with the local populace, the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion (2MIB) participated in the opening of Maguindanao’s Provincial Arabic Schools Festival in Barangay Old Maganoy, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao over the weekend.

In a statement on Monday, 2MIB said the annual school festival was organized by the local government of Datu Abdullah Sangki, an active partner of the Army unit, to further advance the advocacy in strengthening the Madaris schools in Maguindanao.

It also aims to promote Madaris, not only as a center for Arabic literacy but an institute for culture, sports, and values education, it added.

This year’s festival, anchored on the theme “Strengthening and Developing Madaris Schools through Culture and Sports", was attended by teachers and students of the different Madrasah campuses.

Aside from 2MIB troopers, also in attendance were local leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), led by MILF 118th Base Command Commander Wahid Tundok.

In an interview by local reporters, Tundok lauded the Army for the great improvement of the peace and order situation in the area.

He also called on members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to abandon their armed struggle and return to the fold of law for a better and brighter future for the province.

“You see, Philippine soldiers and the MILF are working jointly to attain peace in our community. Be part of it. Come down,” Tundok said.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, expressed gratitude to Tundok for helping bring about peace in Datu Abdullah Sangki, along with the Philippine Army.

Carreon also vowed to local leaders, especially Muslim religious leaders, that the military is ready to extend whatever is allowed by law to improve Madaris education in Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091341

AFP eng’g units ready to build latrines for Taal evacuees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): AFP eng’g units ready to build latrines for Taal evacuees (By Priam Nepomuceno)\

ACKNOWLEDGED. Major General Antonio G. Parlade Jr., of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command, acknowledges the presence of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) engineering personnel for the construction of needed temporary latrines and shower facilities for evacuees dislocated by the Taal volcano eruption, in a meeting at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas on Sunday (Jan. 19, 2020). (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

FERNANDO AIR BASE, LIPA CITY, Batangas -- All military engineering units are ready to build latrines to prevent a possible health disaster in various evacuation centers housing thousands of families severely affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano on Jan. 12.

This, according to newly-appointed Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., in an interview at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas Sunday.

"All engineering units in SOLCOM) are ready to construct latrines, comfort rooms, they are just waiting for the details and the decision of the Department of Health on where these facilities will be constructed," he said in Filipino.

Parlade expressed hope that the decision to construct these facilities will come soon as to maximize the time and effort of military engineering units in the area.

These is also a great need for additional and clean latrines in order to prevent the outbreak of disease in the evacuation centers, he added.

"You know people, when comfort rooms are dirty, the portalets we provided, they might find other areas to (defecate). So it is really necessary to construct and made available more of these latrines or comfort rooms," he said.

He urged philanthropists and other people wishing to help families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano not to donate any more food --- as there is more than enough at hand --- but give toilets and other sanitation or hygiene kits that are more urgently needed.

He said sleeping items are also welcome.

Parlade also appealed to the officials of affected local government units to utilize these military engineering units for the construction of latrines in evacuation centers.

All these units need are materials to begin working, he added.

He said they are also working to ensure that the proper assessment regarding the eruption be given to the national and local government units on what to do to help or rehabilitate the affected communities.

Anticipating worse scenario for Taal Volcano

When asked how ready the SOLCOM is for a possible Level 5 (also known as magmatic eruptions), Parlade said they are anticipating the worse -case scenario for this event.

"Actually, Level 5 is (still) to be experienced in Taal so we cannot really tell if we are well prepared. (Only) the experts can tell when it (eruption) happens," he added.

Though Level 5 has not been reached, Parlade said the damage caused by Taal Volcano on a Level 4 (intensifying unrest characterized by earthquake swarms and frequent ash explosion), warning is already considerable.

A recent aerial inspection conducted by ranking government officials revealed that a lot of houses and other infrastructure were damaged by the Taal Volcano's eruption

"What we are doing now is anticipate the worse scenario for this Level 5 and (whether this event) can bring phenomenon like liquefaction or what. As early as possible, we must be able to determine it on when it will occur so that preparations (by concerned agencies) can be made as this could affect thousands, even hundreds of thousands of victims," he added in Filipino.

Ready for the job

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s 355th Aviation Engineer Wing (AEW) is more than ready to provide its technical skills in providing additional latrine facilities for the evacuees.

355th AEW deputy commander, Col. Gerardo M. Zamudio, said they have already deployed 25 officers and enlisted personnel with backgrounds on engineering, plumbing, electricity, plumbing, carpentry and masonry, aside from equipment consisting of trucks, graders, bulldozers, and backhoes for the job.

Zamudio said they are initially planning to build 20 latrines, 10 for the women with G.I./ sheet dividers for privacy and another 10 for the men with curtains for partition.

He added that they can easily construct the latrines are they only need to dig a hole in the ground, connect the old drums with pipes, and install the toilets for the use of evacuees.

They can easily build these facilities when requested, adding that they are also planning to install electricity, water and used old fuel drums as temporary septic tanks to make these latrines more sanitary and environment-friendly.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091344

Groups seek probe on Makabayan over minors' recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): Groups seek probe on Makabayan over minors' recruitment (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Members of Hands Off our Children and League of Parents in the Philippines (LPP) on Monday appealed to the House of Representatives to look into ethical violations and moral culpability of the progressive Makabayan bloc for its involvement in the alleged communists’ recruitment of minors.

In a letter addressed to House Committee on Welfare of Children chairperson Yedda Marie Romualdez and other concerned committees, parents of the missing minors denounced the progressive bloc for stalling efforts to find their children.

“It is our hope that the House leadership takes action in assisting us by addressing our concerns and grievances and determining, among others, any ethical violations and moral culpability of the Makabayan bloc,” the groups said.

They also urged Congress to investigate Makabayan bloc’s alleged support to the New People’s Army, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) listed as a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Makabayan bloc is composed of party-list representatives from Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriela, ACT Teachers, and Kabataan.

The parents said their children’s involvement with the leftist groups led them to leave their homes and drop out of schools.

“Since they left us, we have not seen nor heard from them and were never given the chance to celebrate the season as a complete family,” they said.

The groups also condemned the Makabayan bloc’s move to prevent their children from going home to have normal lives.

“At the height of our appeal for assistance for our children to be reunited with us, the solons from the Makabayan bloc even held a press conference and had the gall to present Alicia Jasper Lucena—one of the recruited youths/students--at the House of Representatives to mislead public perception and justify her absence instead of delivering her to her family, which is an outright insult to the parents,” they said.

“If found liable for serious offenses, we appeal that the Makabayan bloc be expelled from Congress, or be given formal disciplinary and other legal sanctions on account of their actions,” the groups added.

The Philippine News Agency has reached out to Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT-Teachers Rep. France Castro, and Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao to get their side but no response was received as of posting time.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091409

Duterte swears in Gamboa as new PNP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20, 2020): Duterte swears in Gamboa as new PNP chief (By Azer Parrocha)



NEW PNP CHIEF. President Rodrigo Duterte administers the oath of office to new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa on Monday (Jan. 20, 2020). Gamboa is the 23rd PNP chief. (Screenshot)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday administered the oath of office to new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa.

Gamboa took his oath and received his four-star rank before Duterte led the distribution of calamity assistance to families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Dutere earlier announced that he will be appointing Gamboa as PNP chief but only after talking with Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

Duterte gave Año a blanket authority to supervise the PNP as well as procurement powers.

During his first public appearance since Duterte announced his appointment, Gamboa said his style of leadership would be a “participative” PNP where everyone will be working together in harmony.

"I am just your leader but every single individual in the PNP counts that's why I call it 'Team PNP' because this is a participative leadership. I cannot do this alone. We have to do this as an organization, as team PNP," Gamboa said.

On Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it was Gamboa’s honesty that earned him PNP’s top post.

Panelo said although honesty and competence were the two qualities in the President’s criteria in the search for new PNP chief, honesty carried more weight because competence was expected from his appointees.

Prior to his appointment, Gamboa served as PNP officer-in-charge for three months after the retirement of former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde who was accused of being involved in the “ninja cop” controversy.

As officer-in-charge, Gamboa acknowledged that he had been performing the functions of PNP chief “on limited capacity and authority.”

However, he said three months as OIC has made him “more than ready” to take on the responsibility given to him by the Commander-in-Chief.

Gamboa was also the spokesman of the Davao Region Police Office from December 1997-2002 while he was studying law at the Ateneo de Davao University and passed the Bar Exam in 2004.

In Camp Crame, he held the positions of Deputy Director of the Directorate for Logistics, Directorate for Comptrollership, and Deputy Chief for PNP Administration.

Gamboa, the 23rd PNP chief, is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986.

A native of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, he has been assigned in various capacities in the Davao Region.

He is the third member of the PMA Sinagtala Class to become the country’s top cop. Others are Albayalde and Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091428