From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Feb 7, 2020): NPA Negros refutes military claims (By TERESA D. ELLERA)
THE Apolinario Gatmaitan Command-New People's Army (AGC-NPA) in Negros Island, through its spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua, refuted the military claims on the weakening revolutionary movement in Negros.
Magbanua said the statement of the military claiming that the NPA strength is diminishing is "based on false claims and all these were intended to mislead the people."
Magbanua said the 303rd brigade commander is not ignorant of the actual situation of the revolutionary movement in Negros, but the military official wanted to whitewash their own schemes, such as fake surrenderers, massacres, extrajudicial killings, bombings, hamletting, tortures and many other forms of human rights violations.
"It cannot be denied that there are five guerrilla fronts from the northern to southern parts of Negros and one regime after another have unleashed various efforts but instead of decimating [the NPA], it continues to grow in strength and is firmly rooted among the broad masses," Magbanua said in a statement.
Magbanua said P162.5 million should have been allocated for the alleged surrenderers, but he stated that based on information they gathered, many have not received any cash assistance and, if some did, these were in small amounts.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1843277
Friday, February 7, 2020
Couple believed to be CPP-NPA supporters arrested in NegOr
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 7, 2020): Couple believed to be CPP-NPA supporters arrested in NegOr (By Florence Baesa)
A couple facing rebellion charges and allegedly hardcore supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army ( CPP/NPA) was arrested by inter-agency operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA), on Friday morning, February 7, 2020, in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina town, Negros Oriental. | photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Battalion
A couple facing rebellion charges and allegedly hardcore supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army ( CPP/NPA) was arrested by inter-agency operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA), on Friday morning, February 7, 2020, in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina town, Negros Oriental.
Police Colonel Julian Entoma, director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police (NOPPO), identified the suspects as Luis Ragay, 53, and his wife Lenie, 49. Both are farmers and residents of the said village.
Entoma, in an interview with CDN Digital, said the couple was arrested by the joint personnel from the 705th Mobile Company led by Police Captain Ranie Bantolio, 11th Infantry Lapu-Lapu Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Ramir Redosendo, Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Intelligence Branch of the NOPPO, Bayawan City Police Office and the Intelligence Headquarters of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-7).
According to Entoma the suspects were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Marie Rose Inocando-Paras of Branch 63, Bayawan City dated January 2, 2020. Bailbond recommended is P200,000.
“Identified na jud ni sila sa communist terrorist group. Taas-taas ng ilang posisyon sa Negros Oriental. Na belong sila sa higher echelon sa organisasyon sa CPP-NPA,” Entoma said. (They are really identified by the communist terrorist group. They hold a high position in Negros Oriental. They belong to the higher echelon of the organization of the CPP-NPA.)
Entoma said the arrest of the couple is expected to hamper the recruitment activities of the armed wing of the CPP in the area.
Meanwhile, Redosendo said Luis is an ex-hukbo member.
His son was a former member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit ( CAFGU) but was discharged from the service in 2018 because he was used as a deep penetration agent (DPA) of the NPA.
He described the couple as the eyes and ears of the rebels.
“This is a big blunder para sa kanila. They are known supporters of the NPA. Our detachment in Talalak was harassed last June. Ang movement ng tropa were being monitored sa mag-asawa,” Redosendo said. (This is a big blunder for them. They are known supporters of the NPA. Our detachment in Talalok was harassed last June. The movement of the troops were being monitored by the couple.)
With the arrest of the couple, Redosendo is confident the rebels’ movement is hampered.
A couple facing rebellion charges and allegedly hardcore supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army ( CPP/NPA) was arrested by inter-agency operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA), on Friday morning, February 7, 2020, in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina town, Negros Oriental. | photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Battalion
A couple facing rebellion charges and allegedly hardcore supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army ( CPP/NPA) was arrested by inter-agency operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA), on Friday morning, February 7, 2020, in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina town, Negros Oriental.
Police Colonel Julian Entoma, director of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police (NOPPO), identified the suspects as Luis Ragay, 53, and his wife Lenie, 49. Both are farmers and residents of the said village.
Entoma, in an interview with CDN Digital, said the couple was arrested by the joint personnel from the 705th Mobile Company led by Police Captain Ranie Bantolio, 11th Infantry Lapu-Lapu Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Ramir Redosendo, Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Intelligence Branch of the NOPPO, Bayawan City Police Office and the Intelligence Headquarters of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-7).
According to Entoma the suspects were arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Marie Rose Inocando-Paras of Branch 63, Bayawan City dated January 2, 2020. Bailbond recommended is P200,000.
“Identified na jud ni sila sa communist terrorist group. Taas-taas ng ilang posisyon sa Negros Oriental. Na belong sila sa higher echelon sa organisasyon sa CPP-NPA,” Entoma said. (They are really identified by the communist terrorist group. They hold a high position in Negros Oriental. They belong to the higher echelon of the organization of the CPP-NPA.)
Entoma said the arrest of the couple is expected to hamper the recruitment activities of the armed wing of the CPP in the area.
Meanwhile, Redosendo said Luis is an ex-hukbo member.
His son was a former member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit ( CAFGU) but was discharged from the service in 2018 because he was used as a deep penetration agent (DPA) of the NPA.
He described the couple as the eyes and ears of the rebels.
“This is a big blunder para sa kanila. They are known supporters of the NPA. Our detachment in Talalak was harassed last June. Ang movement ng tropa were being monitored sa mag-asawa,” Redosendo said. (This is a big blunder for them. They are known supporters of the NPA. Our detachment in Talalok was harassed last June. The movement of the troops were being monitored by the couple.)
With the arrest of the couple, Redosendo is confident the rebels’ movement is hampered.
NDF/Negotiating Panel: OPAPP has long been irrelevant
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 6, 2020): OPAPP has long been irrelevant
Press Statement
NDFP Negotiating Panel
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has long been irrelevant in the peace process. It has lately been very vocal in opposing the resumption of the peace negotiations, thereby negating the very title of its office, becoming the office against the peace process.
Under retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., the OPAPP has become part of the military’s psywar machinery in attempting to deny the existence of the armed conflict between the forces represented by the GRP and the NDFP. It thus sabotages the process of resolving it through peace negotiations between the two parties with the forging of agreements on basic social, economic and political reforms to pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
From the beginning, General Galvez has been consistent in attacking the peace negotiations and all signed agreements between the GRP and the NDFP, even terminating the appointment of the members of its own negotiating panel and the services of its own Joint Secretariat in the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the body mandated under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to monitor the implementation of the Agreement. The Joint Secretariat of the JMC has its offices in Quezon City that is supported by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG), Third Party Facilitator in the peace negotiations.
In its latest press release, OPAPP went to extreme length in proclaiming the “successes” of Executive Order (EO) 70. But no amount of drum beating can obliterate the real character of EO 70 as a fascist decree by the Duterte regime to put under military supervision the entire civilian bureaucracy, including its resources, in a vain attempt to defeat the revolutionary forces and people under the so-called whole of nation approach implemented through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In fact, EO 70 is an integral part of the military Operational Plan (Oplan) Kapanatagan that has been terrorizing and wreaking havoc on communities through sustained military occupation and operations; indiscriminate aerial and artillery bombardments of villages; assassination of civilians (Lumad leaders, peasant activists, trade unionists, professionals such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, even local government officials); illegal arrest, detention and torture of suspected supporters/sympathizers of the New People’s Army (NPA); witch hunting or red-tagging of churches, organizations and mass leaders; and other forms of human rights violations.
With a P21B budget, the NTF-ELCAC, under the rubric of localized peace talks and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), has been devising all sorts of money-making schemes to line the pockets of military and police commanders and local bureaucrats such as, among others:
1. buying off (with kickbacks) city and municipal councils into declaring the NPA persona-non-grata in their areas;
2. manufacturing fake surrenderees to obtain the reward and integration monies (as recently exposed in the photoshopped picture of previous surrenderees and the alleged surrender of Alde Salusa, a military agent who killed anti-mining activist Datu Jimmy Liguyon);
3. appointing paramilitaries Alamara and New Indigenous People’s Army to local councils that extend permit fees to mining and logging companies as well as multinational agribusiness corporations for the exploitation of ancestral lands;
4. renegotiating a bigger amount of “settlement” with the previously surrendered and paid Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) in a new agreement called Clarificatory Implementing Document.
OPAPP’s latest press release is also meant to justify the huge increase in the 2020 military and intelligence budget much to the detriment of resources for social services, disaster preparedness and response, and health as proven by the failed response of the Duterte regime to the Taal volcano explosion and the spread of the new Corona virus. Like the AFP, OPAPP is deeply mired in corruption.
Instead of promoting peace negotiations, OPAPP has been demonizing the revolutionary forces, as well as the Chief Political Consultant of the NDF, Prof. Jose Maria Sison, with worn-out lies long debunked by facts and evidence. It is acting against the interest of the people who have been clamoring for the resumption of peace negotiations.
Just as the call for the resumption of the peace negotiations is gathering strength and the Duterte regime appears prodded back to the negotiating table, OPAPP seems hell bent on derailing every effort to resume the peace talks. OPAPP has long lost all credibility as it is exposed to be sinister, corrupt and a saboteur of the Filipino people’s aspirations for a just and lasting peace. It has indeed become irrelevant in the peace process as part of the AFP’s psywar machinery.###
Press Statement
NDFP Negotiating Panel
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has long been irrelevant in the peace process. It has lately been very vocal in opposing the resumption of the peace negotiations, thereby negating the very title of its office, becoming the office against the peace process.
Under retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., the OPAPP has become part of the military’s psywar machinery in attempting to deny the existence of the armed conflict between the forces represented by the GRP and the NDFP. It thus sabotages the process of resolving it through peace negotiations between the two parties with the forging of agreements on basic social, economic and political reforms to pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
From the beginning, General Galvez has been consistent in attacking the peace negotiations and all signed agreements between the GRP and the NDFP, even terminating the appointment of the members of its own negotiating panel and the services of its own Joint Secretariat in the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC), the body mandated under the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to monitor the implementation of the Agreement. The Joint Secretariat of the JMC has its offices in Quezon City that is supported by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG), Third Party Facilitator in the peace negotiations.
In its latest press release, OPAPP went to extreme length in proclaiming the “successes” of Executive Order (EO) 70. But no amount of drum beating can obliterate the real character of EO 70 as a fascist decree by the Duterte regime to put under military supervision the entire civilian bureaucracy, including its resources, in a vain attempt to defeat the revolutionary forces and people under the so-called whole of nation approach implemented through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In fact, EO 70 is an integral part of the military Operational Plan (Oplan) Kapanatagan that has been terrorizing and wreaking havoc on communities through sustained military occupation and operations; indiscriminate aerial and artillery bombardments of villages; assassination of civilians (Lumad leaders, peasant activists, trade unionists, professionals such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, even local government officials); illegal arrest, detention and torture of suspected supporters/sympathizers of the New People’s Army (NPA); witch hunting or red-tagging of churches, organizations and mass leaders; and other forms of human rights violations.
With a P21B budget, the NTF-ELCAC, under the rubric of localized peace talks and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), has been devising all sorts of money-making schemes to line the pockets of military and police commanders and local bureaucrats such as, among others:
1. buying off (with kickbacks) city and municipal councils into declaring the NPA persona-non-grata in their areas;
2. manufacturing fake surrenderees to obtain the reward and integration monies (as recently exposed in the photoshopped picture of previous surrenderees and the alleged surrender of Alde Salusa, a military agent who killed anti-mining activist Datu Jimmy Liguyon);
3. appointing paramilitaries Alamara and New Indigenous People’s Army to local councils that extend permit fees to mining and logging companies as well as multinational agribusiness corporations for the exploitation of ancestral lands;
4. renegotiating a bigger amount of “settlement” with the previously surrendered and paid Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) in a new agreement called Clarificatory Implementing Document.
OPAPP’s latest press release is also meant to justify the huge increase in the 2020 military and intelligence budget much to the detriment of resources for social services, disaster preparedness and response, and health as proven by the failed response of the Duterte regime to the Taal volcano explosion and the spread of the new Corona virus. Like the AFP, OPAPP is deeply mired in corruption.
Instead of promoting peace negotiations, OPAPP has been demonizing the revolutionary forces, as well as the Chief Political Consultant of the NDF, Prof. Jose Maria Sison, with worn-out lies long debunked by facts and evidence. It is acting against the interest of the people who have been clamoring for the resumption of peace negotiations.
Just as the call for the resumption of the peace negotiations is gathering strength and the Duterte regime appears prodded back to the negotiating table, OPAPP seems hell bent on derailing every effort to resume the peace talks. OPAPP has long lost all credibility as it is exposed to be sinister, corrupt and a saboteur of the Filipino people’s aspirations for a just and lasting peace. It has indeed become irrelevant in the peace process as part of the AFP’s psywar machinery.###
CPP/NDF-Ilocos: NDF-Ilocos: The Filipino people demands the termination of the VFA
NDF-Ilocos propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2020): NDF-Ilocos: The Filipino people demands the termination of the VFA
KA ROSA GUIDON
TAGAPAGSALITA
NDFP ILOCOS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 07, 2020
Duterte threatened by US rebuff while mass movement advances against him
February 6’s Senate hearing about the long-demanded termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) left the Filipino people dissatisfied, if not unsurprised. Short of articulating their opposition to Rodrigo Duterte’s statement who supposedly pushes to end the VFA, the Upper Chamber’s deliberation of the issue ran along vague terms of ‘negative impact to US-Philippine ties’ but parrots that the decision rests on Duterte.
It thus becomes a waiting game. The Filipino people is anxious to see if an unjust bilateral military agreement that has undermined Philippine sovereignty and independence for 21 years will be terminated at the whim of an unhinged president and his favourite lapdog Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa. Or will Duterte use the Senate’s ambivalence as an excuse to renegade on a declared change on major foreign policy?
Wrong and Right Reasons
It started with a sad Bato whose US visa was cancelled. Duterte then threatened to terminate the VFA if the issue was not corrected within a month.
But the struggle to abrogate the VFA, along with its annexations Mutual Defense Treaty and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, actually started the moment it was passed. It is a primary indication of neocolonialism where imperialist powers do not directly inhabit a weaker nation but still subjugates it through political and economic intervention, military affairs included.
Since the VFA was passed in August 1998, various mass organizations have opposed it because it allows the US military to bring in nuclear weapons. Such results in greater risk of war involvement and far greater damage during wartime. It also exempts US forces from taxes and tariffs while clearing American personnel from criminal liability. Both Lance Corporals Daniel Smith and Joseph Pemberton of the US Marines were tried in the country for raping Filipino individuals only due to the public pressure led by anti-imperialist organizations. They were also both found guilty but avoided serving their sentences in any Philippine correctional facility because of the VFA. These are the most valid of reasons why the Filipino people oppose the VFA and campaign for its cessation.
Advancing Mass Movement
It might seem like Duterte’s most recent outburst is just another item from his long list of arbitrary orders given verbally. Yet, upon closer analysis, Duterte and his minions do need to worry. It is assumed that the US government applied the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against Bato. This is a US law sanctioning foreign government officials implicated in extensive violations by barring them entrance and freezing their US assets. Bato could be just the first among a string of officials, Duterte included, who would experience the omnipresent Big Brother’s display of power and control. It is no wonder that the megalomaniac Duterte is antagonized and irked.
This also corresponds to the growing infamy of Duterte and his administration. The US government is known to withdraw support from its puppets when the latter becomes irrevocably unpopular amongst the people. The organized mass movement against the present regime is steadily rising and expanding and the threat of an ouster is almost palpable.
All organizations and forces under the National Democratic Front – Ilocos must intensify the people’s struggle not just against the VFA and all unfair agreements but also against all forms of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. Every allied organization in the united front is expected to contribute to the further weakening of this despotic but desperate regime. Link regional and sectoral issues to the most urgent national issues now gripping the Filipino people. Support the escalation of the armed revolution in the countryside. The sound of thousands chanting and marching in the streets must reverberate with the sound of the revolutionary army’s winning gunfire against the military troops of this isolated regime. ###
https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ilocos-the-filipino-people-demands-the-termination-of-the-vfa/
Duterte threatened by US rebuff while mass movement advances against him
February 6’s Senate hearing about the long-demanded termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) left the Filipino people dissatisfied, if not unsurprised. Short of articulating their opposition to Rodrigo Duterte’s statement who supposedly pushes to end the VFA, the Upper Chamber’s deliberation of the issue ran along vague terms of ‘negative impact to US-Philippine ties’ but parrots that the decision rests on Duterte.
It thus becomes a waiting game. The Filipino people is anxious to see if an unjust bilateral military agreement that has undermined Philippine sovereignty and independence for 21 years will be terminated at the whim of an unhinged president and his favourite lapdog Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa. Or will Duterte use the Senate’s ambivalence as an excuse to renegade on a declared change on major foreign policy?
Wrong and Right Reasons
It started with a sad Bato whose US visa was cancelled. Duterte then threatened to terminate the VFA if the issue was not corrected within a month.
But the struggle to abrogate the VFA, along with its annexations Mutual Defense Treaty and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, actually started the moment it was passed. It is a primary indication of neocolonialism where imperialist powers do not directly inhabit a weaker nation but still subjugates it through political and economic intervention, military affairs included.
Since the VFA was passed in August 1998, various mass organizations have opposed it because it allows the US military to bring in nuclear weapons. Such results in greater risk of war involvement and far greater damage during wartime. It also exempts US forces from taxes and tariffs while clearing American personnel from criminal liability. Both Lance Corporals Daniel Smith and Joseph Pemberton of the US Marines were tried in the country for raping Filipino individuals only due to the public pressure led by anti-imperialist organizations. They were also both found guilty but avoided serving their sentences in any Philippine correctional facility because of the VFA. These are the most valid of reasons why the Filipino people oppose the VFA and campaign for its cessation.
Advancing Mass Movement
It might seem like Duterte’s most recent outburst is just another item from his long list of arbitrary orders given verbally. Yet, upon closer analysis, Duterte and his minions do need to worry. It is assumed that the US government applied the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against Bato. This is a US law sanctioning foreign government officials implicated in extensive violations by barring them entrance and freezing their US assets. Bato could be just the first among a string of officials, Duterte included, who would experience the omnipresent Big Brother’s display of power and control. It is no wonder that the megalomaniac Duterte is antagonized and irked.
This also corresponds to the growing infamy of Duterte and his administration. The US government is known to withdraw support from its puppets when the latter becomes irrevocably unpopular amongst the people. The organized mass movement against the present regime is steadily rising and expanding and the threat of an ouster is almost palpable.
All organizations and forces under the National Democratic Front – Ilocos must intensify the people’s struggle not just against the VFA and all unfair agreements but also against all forms of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. Every allied organization in the united front is expected to contribute to the further weakening of this despotic but desperate regime. Link regional and sectoral issues to the most urgent national issues now gripping the Filipino people. Support the escalation of the armed revolution in the countryside. The sound of thousands chanting and marching in the streets must reverberate with the sound of the revolutionary army’s winning gunfire against the military troops of this isolated regime. ###
https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ilocos-the-filipino-people-demands-the-termination-of-the-vfa/
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Kampanyang disimpormasyon ng AFP at NTF-ELCAC, pagwaldas sa pondo ng taumbayan at pagsabotahe sa usapang pangkapayapaan
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 7, 2020): Kampanyang disimpormasyon ng AFP at NTF-ELCAC, pagwaldas sa pondo ng taumbayan at pagsabotahe sa usapang pangkapayapaan
MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 07, 2020
Kinukundena ng NDF-Bikol at mamamayang Bikolano ang pagbibitbit ng AFP ng kanilang kontramamamayang adyenda sa ibayong-dagat sa harap ng krisis na kinakaharap ng bansa. Habang kapos na kapos ang rekurso para sa mga rescue operations, tulong pampinansyal at rehabilitasyon sa masang nasa Timog Katagalugan at Kabikulang hinaharap nang sabay-sabay ang pag-aalburoto ng Bulkang Taal at Mayon at pagkalat ng 2019-nCoV, milyun-milyong pondo ng taumbayan ang winawaldas ni Parlade sa pagpapatambol ng militaristang tunguhin ng NTF-ELCAC. Sa pagbubukas ng taon, nagpunta ang tim ni SOLCOM Chief Maj. Gen. Parlade sa Australia upang lantarang atakehin ang mga makabayang organisasyong lumalaban sa pasismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte at bansagang teroristang organisasyon ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa halip na magmobilisa para sa mabilisang tulong sa mamamayan, puro panlilibak at red-tagging ang inaatupag ng upisyal ng militar.
Higit pa rito, malinaw na bahagi ito ng lantarang pananabotahe ng kontra-kapayapaang AFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan. Sa kabila ng pagtalima ng CPP-NPA-NDFP sa pinagkaisahang goodwill and confidence building measures upang maitulak ang usapang pangkapayapaan, patuloy pa rin ang paglulunsad ng AFP at NTF-ELCAC ng malawakang paninira sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan kasabay ng tahasang pagtarget sa mga ligal at progresibong organisasyon.
Sa huling bahagi ng nagdaang taon, nagtagpo ang mga kinatawan ng NDFP at GRP upang pag-usapan ang posibilidad ng pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan. Napagkasunduan ng dalawang panig na sa muling pagbubukas ng negosasyon ay itakda ang adyenda at isama ang Interim Peace Agreement na kinabibilangan ng tatlong kasunduan. Una rito ang general amnesty at pagpapalaya sa mga bilanggong pulitikal. Ikalawa, ang pag-apruba sa mga mayor na artikulo tungkol sa repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon sa Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) at huli, ang posibilidad ng isang coordinated unilateral ceasefire.
Ngunit, kasabay nito, tuluy-tuloy din ang pagkontra ng mga militar na nakaluklok sa gubyerno tulad nina National Security Adv. Esperon, Defense Sec. Lorenzana, DILG Sec. Ano, OPAPP Sec. Galvez at AFP Chief of Staff Santos. Sa halip, ipinagpipilitan pa rin nila ang militaristang tunguhing ipagpatuloy ang kontramamamayang gera ng rehimen.
Sa panahong lahat ay nananawagan para sa pagkakaisa sa harap ng mga sakuna at nananawagan para sa pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan upang makamit ang mga makabuluhang sosyoekonomikong pagbabago, abala naman ang AFP at NTF-ELCAC sa pagsasagawa ng mga patraydor at mapanabotaheng hakbangin laban sa interes ng sambayanan. Hindi nakapagtatakang maging sa Australia ay sinasalubong si Parlade at ang buong tim ng NTF-ELCAC ng protesta at pagkondena ng mga Pilipinong OFW at mga progresibong organisasyon.
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano na patuloy na makipaglaban para sa makatarungang kapayapaan. Sinisikap ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na muling magpatuloy ang usapang pangkapayapaan alinsunod sa interes at kagustuhan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ngunit kung hindi man matuloy ang negosasyon dahil sa sulsol ng mga utak-pulburang militarista, marapat lamang na ipagpatuloy ang lahat ng anyo ng pakikibaka laban sa rehimeng US-Duterte. Mayroon mang usapang pangkapayapaan o wala, naririyan ang karapatan ng mamamayang lumahok sa iba’t ibang anyo ng pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at katarungang panlipunan.
https://cpp.ph/statement/kampanyang-disimpormasyon-ng-afp-at-ntf-elcac-pagwaldas-sa-pondo-ng-taumbayan-at-pagsabotahe-sa-usapang-pangkapayapaan/
Kinukundena ng NDF-Bikol at mamamayang Bikolano ang pagbibitbit ng AFP ng kanilang kontramamamayang adyenda sa ibayong-dagat sa harap ng krisis na kinakaharap ng bansa. Habang kapos na kapos ang rekurso para sa mga rescue operations, tulong pampinansyal at rehabilitasyon sa masang nasa Timog Katagalugan at Kabikulang hinaharap nang sabay-sabay ang pag-aalburoto ng Bulkang Taal at Mayon at pagkalat ng 2019-nCoV, milyun-milyong pondo ng taumbayan ang winawaldas ni Parlade sa pagpapatambol ng militaristang tunguhin ng NTF-ELCAC. Sa pagbubukas ng taon, nagpunta ang tim ni SOLCOM Chief Maj. Gen. Parlade sa Australia upang lantarang atakehin ang mga makabayang organisasyong lumalaban sa pasismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte at bansagang teroristang organisasyon ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Sa halip na magmobilisa para sa mabilisang tulong sa mamamayan, puro panlilibak at red-tagging ang inaatupag ng upisyal ng militar.
Higit pa rito, malinaw na bahagi ito ng lantarang pananabotahe ng kontra-kapayapaang AFP sa usapang pangkapayapaan. Sa kabila ng pagtalima ng CPP-NPA-NDFP sa pinagkaisahang goodwill and confidence building measures upang maitulak ang usapang pangkapayapaan, patuloy pa rin ang paglulunsad ng AFP at NTF-ELCAC ng malawakang paninira sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan kasabay ng tahasang pagtarget sa mga ligal at progresibong organisasyon.
Sa huling bahagi ng nagdaang taon, nagtagpo ang mga kinatawan ng NDFP at GRP upang pag-usapan ang posibilidad ng pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan. Napagkasunduan ng dalawang panig na sa muling pagbubukas ng negosasyon ay itakda ang adyenda at isama ang Interim Peace Agreement na kinabibilangan ng tatlong kasunduan. Una rito ang general amnesty at pagpapalaya sa mga bilanggong pulitikal. Ikalawa, ang pag-apruba sa mga mayor na artikulo tungkol sa repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon sa Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) at huli, ang posibilidad ng isang coordinated unilateral ceasefire.
Ngunit, kasabay nito, tuluy-tuloy din ang pagkontra ng mga militar na nakaluklok sa gubyerno tulad nina National Security Adv. Esperon, Defense Sec. Lorenzana, DILG Sec. Ano, OPAPP Sec. Galvez at AFP Chief of Staff Santos. Sa halip, ipinagpipilitan pa rin nila ang militaristang tunguhing ipagpatuloy ang kontramamamayang gera ng rehimen.
Sa panahong lahat ay nananawagan para sa pagkakaisa sa harap ng mga sakuna at nananawagan para sa pagpapatuloy ng usapang pangkapayapaan upang makamit ang mga makabuluhang sosyoekonomikong pagbabago, abala naman ang AFP at NTF-ELCAC sa pagsasagawa ng mga patraydor at mapanabotaheng hakbangin laban sa interes ng sambayanan. Hindi nakapagtatakang maging sa Australia ay sinasalubong si Parlade at ang buong tim ng NTF-ELCAC ng protesta at pagkondena ng mga Pilipinong OFW at mga progresibong organisasyon.
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano na patuloy na makipaglaban para sa makatarungang kapayapaan. Sinisikap ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan na muling magpatuloy ang usapang pangkapayapaan alinsunod sa interes at kagustuhan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ngunit kung hindi man matuloy ang negosasyon dahil sa sulsol ng mga utak-pulburang militarista, marapat lamang na ipagpatuloy ang lahat ng anyo ng pakikibaka laban sa rehimeng US-Duterte. Mayroon mang usapang pangkapayapaan o wala, naririyan ang karapatan ng mamamayang lumahok sa iba’t ibang anyo ng pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at katarungang panlipunan.
https://cpp.ph/statement/kampanyang-disimpormasyon-ng-afp-at-ntf-elcac-pagwaldas-sa-pondo-ng-taumbayan-at-pagsabotahe-sa-usapang-pangkapayapaan/
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Confidential and intelligence funds ng DICT at iba pang sibilyang ahensya, pondo para sa pasistang panunupil
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 6, 2020): Confidential and intelligence funds ng DICT at iba pang sibilyang ahensya, pondo para sa pasistang panunupil
MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 07, 2020
Garapalang winawaldas ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang kabang bayan para sa huwad na gera kontra-terorismo. Hindi na masikmura kahit ng mismong mga upisyal ng sibilyang ahensya ang garapalang pangungurakot at paggastos ng pera ng taumbayan para sa pasistang panunupil. Noong Pebrero 3, mismong si DICT Usec Eliseo Rio na ang bumitiw sa pwesto dahil sa mga anomalya sa paggastos ng P300 milyong confidential and intelligence funds ng tanggapan.
Saan nga naman gagamitin ng isang sibilyang ahensya ang badyet para sa paniniktik at sarbeylans? Lahat ng sibilyang ahensya, kabilang na ang badyet na nakalaan sa mga ito, ay nakalaan sa layuning magupo ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan para sa tunay na demokrasya, katarungan at kalayaan. Ito na ang kongkretong pagpapatupad ng EO 70 at Whole-of-Nation Approach ng pasistang rehimen.
Noong Agosto 2019 pa lamang ay ipinahayag na ni DICT Sec. Gringo Honasan, bilang Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) ng Bikol, na mayroong nakalaan na P300 milyong pondo para sa mga limos na proyektong sosyoekonomiko sa rehiyon. Iba man ito o hindi sa pondong tinutukoy ni Rio, walang makabuluhang pagbabagong natamo ang masang Bikolano mula sa paghahambog na iyon ni Honasan. Bagkus, ibayong tumindi ang paniniktik, sarbeylans at panghaharas sa mga kasapi ng makabayan at progresibong grupo. Sinalakay ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang kanayunan at pinagkakitaan ang pagpapasuko sa mga sibilyan bilang mga NPA.
Sa pamamagitan ng EO 70, walang ibang kinahihinatnan ang pambansang badyet kung hindi balon ng korapsyon at pondo para sa pasistang panunupil. Samantala, nananatiling kapos at panandalian ang mga tugon ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa mga tunay na isyung kinakaharap ng mamamayang Pilipino – pagdausdos ng agrikultura, kakulangan ng serbisyong pangkalusugan, sumisirit na presyo ng mga bilihin at kawalan ng maagap at pangmatagalang solusyon sa mga kalamidad.
Napakalaking krimeng gamitin ang buwis ng mamamayan para sa gerang yumuyurak sa kanilang mga karapatan. Sa halip na apulahin, higit lamang nitong pinagniningas ang kapasyahan ng mamamayang tuluyan nang wakasan at panagutin ang rehimeng US-Duterte.
Mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang Bikolano na tanganan ang lakas ng pagkakaisa upang magapi ang pasismo at terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Hinihikayat din ang lahat na isapraktika ang community journalism, lumapit sa midya, mga tagapagtaguyod ng demokrasya at makabayang lider, upang ilantad ang mga anomalyang nagaganap sa loob ng pasistang gubyerno. Tanging sa pagkakaisa at sama-samang pagkilos makakamit ang tunay na lipunang pagbabago.
https://cpp.ph/statement/confidential-and-intelligence-funds-ng-dict-at-iba-pang-sibilyang-ahensya-pondo-para-sa-pasistang-panunupil/
Garapalang winawaldas ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang kabang bayan para sa huwad na gera kontra-terorismo. Hindi na masikmura kahit ng mismong mga upisyal ng sibilyang ahensya ang garapalang pangungurakot at paggastos ng pera ng taumbayan para sa pasistang panunupil. Noong Pebrero 3, mismong si DICT Usec Eliseo Rio na ang bumitiw sa pwesto dahil sa mga anomalya sa paggastos ng P300 milyong confidential and intelligence funds ng tanggapan.
Saan nga naman gagamitin ng isang sibilyang ahensya ang badyet para sa paniniktik at sarbeylans? Lahat ng sibilyang ahensya, kabilang na ang badyet na nakalaan sa mga ito, ay nakalaan sa layuning magupo ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan para sa tunay na demokrasya, katarungan at kalayaan. Ito na ang kongkretong pagpapatupad ng EO 70 at Whole-of-Nation Approach ng pasistang rehimen.
Noong Agosto 2019 pa lamang ay ipinahayag na ni DICT Sec. Gringo Honasan, bilang Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) ng Bikol, na mayroong nakalaan na P300 milyong pondo para sa mga limos na proyektong sosyoekonomiko sa rehiyon. Iba man ito o hindi sa pondong tinutukoy ni Rio, walang makabuluhang pagbabagong natamo ang masang Bikolano mula sa paghahambog na iyon ni Honasan. Bagkus, ibayong tumindi ang paniniktik, sarbeylans at panghaharas sa mga kasapi ng makabayan at progresibong grupo. Sinalakay ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang kanayunan at pinagkakitaan ang pagpapasuko sa mga sibilyan bilang mga NPA.
Sa pamamagitan ng EO 70, walang ibang kinahihinatnan ang pambansang badyet kung hindi balon ng korapsyon at pondo para sa pasistang panunupil. Samantala, nananatiling kapos at panandalian ang mga tugon ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa mga tunay na isyung kinakaharap ng mamamayang Pilipino – pagdausdos ng agrikultura, kakulangan ng serbisyong pangkalusugan, sumisirit na presyo ng mga bilihin at kawalan ng maagap at pangmatagalang solusyon sa mga kalamidad.
Napakalaking krimeng gamitin ang buwis ng mamamayan para sa gerang yumuyurak sa kanilang mga karapatan. Sa halip na apulahin, higit lamang nitong pinagniningas ang kapasyahan ng mamamayang tuluyan nang wakasan at panagutin ang rehimeng US-Duterte.
Mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang Bikolano na tanganan ang lakas ng pagkakaisa upang magapi ang pasismo at terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Hinihikayat din ang lahat na isapraktika ang community journalism, lumapit sa midya, mga tagapagtaguyod ng demokrasya at makabayang lider, upang ilantad ang mga anomalyang nagaganap sa loob ng pasistang gubyerno. Tanging sa pagkakaisa at sama-samang pagkilos makakamit ang tunay na lipunang pagbabago.
https://cpp.ph/statement/confidential-and-intelligence-funds-ng-dict-at-iba-pang-sibilyang-ahensya-pondo-para-sa-pasistang-panunupil/
CPP/NPA-Negros Island: NPA Negros corrects 303rd Bde’s false claims
NPA-Negros Island propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 6, 2020): NPA Negros corrects 303rd Bde’s false claims
JUANITO MAGBANUA
NPA-NEGROS ISLAND
APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
FEBRUARY 06, 2020
The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army (AGC-NPA) in Negros Island through its spokesperson, Ka Juanito Magbanua, sets right Col. Pasaporte’s recent media statement on the weakening revolutionary movement in Negros.
“Pasaporte is boasting of diminishing NPA strength based on false claims and all these were intended to mislead the people,” said Magbanua.
According to him, the 303rd Bridage commander is not ignorant of the actual situation of the revolutionary movement in Negros, however, the military official wanted to whitewash their own schemes such as fake surrenderees, massacres, extrajudicial killings, bombings, hamletting, tortures and many other forms of human rights violations.
“It cannot be denied that there are five guerrilla fronts from the northern to southern parts of Negros and one regime after another have unleashed various efforts but instead of decimating [the NPA], it continues to grow in strength and is firmly rooted among the broad masses,”
“With the current strength of the revolutionary movement, the butcher reactionary armed AFP/PNP no longer has the capacity to destroy it,” Magbanua said.
The AGC-NPA regarded the claim of the AFP/PNP of 2,510 surrenderees in Escalante City, Negros Occidental as a mere money-making modus of military officials and its cohort in the Escalante local government.
Magbanua figured that P162.5M should have been allocated for the alleged surrenderees but he stated further that based on information they gathered, many have not received any cash assistance and, if some did, these were in small amounts.
Magbanua also reiterated that the arrested members and leaders of militant groups along with workers of Vallacar Transit who sought the help of KMU and the cultural youth were not NPA recruiters.
“They are militant groups who bravely criticize the rottenness of the tyrannical and terrorist US-Duterte regime and in order to silence them, their offices were desperately raided, arms and explosives were planted and they were charged of trumped-up cases,” said Magbanua.
“It is the people’s right to air their grievances if they see that this government is rotten, tyrannical and does not serve their interest,” he added.
The AGC-NPA spokesperson affirmed that the whole revolutionary movement in Negros under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is in the position of continuing armed struggle and achieving victories this new decade.
Further, that the NPA is ready and has the capacity to face whatever enemy campaign such as Oplan Kapanatagan and the sabotage of localized peace talks pushed by Gov. Lacson to divide and destroy it.
Finally, Magbanua asserted that with the broad people and the entire revolutionary forces, their ranks will grow stronger through mounting tactical offensives, strengthening clandestine mass organizations and launching anti-feudal struggles to raise the economic situation of the peasant masses.
The NPA will be celebrating its 51 years of achieving great strides for the Philippine revolutionary movement under the absolute leadership of the CPP this March 29, 2020.###
https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-negros-corrects-303rd-bdes-false-claims/
The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army (AGC-NPA) in Negros Island through its spokesperson, Ka Juanito Magbanua, sets right Col. Pasaporte’s recent media statement on the weakening revolutionary movement in Negros.
“Pasaporte is boasting of diminishing NPA strength based on false claims and all these were intended to mislead the people,” said Magbanua.
According to him, the 303rd Bridage commander is not ignorant of the actual situation of the revolutionary movement in Negros, however, the military official wanted to whitewash their own schemes such as fake surrenderees, massacres, extrajudicial killings, bombings, hamletting, tortures and many other forms of human rights violations.
“It cannot be denied that there are five guerrilla fronts from the northern to southern parts of Negros and one regime after another have unleashed various efforts but instead of decimating [the NPA], it continues to grow in strength and is firmly rooted among the broad masses,”
“With the current strength of the revolutionary movement, the butcher reactionary armed AFP/PNP no longer has the capacity to destroy it,” Magbanua said.
The AGC-NPA regarded the claim of the AFP/PNP of 2,510 surrenderees in Escalante City, Negros Occidental as a mere money-making modus of military officials and its cohort in the Escalante local government.
Magbanua figured that P162.5M should have been allocated for the alleged surrenderees but he stated further that based on information they gathered, many have not received any cash assistance and, if some did, these were in small amounts.
Magbanua also reiterated that the arrested members and leaders of militant groups along with workers of Vallacar Transit who sought the help of KMU and the cultural youth were not NPA recruiters.
“They are militant groups who bravely criticize the rottenness of the tyrannical and terrorist US-Duterte regime and in order to silence them, their offices were desperately raided, arms and explosives were planted and they were charged of trumped-up cases,” said Magbanua.
“It is the people’s right to air their grievances if they see that this government is rotten, tyrannical and does not serve their interest,” he added.
The AGC-NPA spokesperson affirmed that the whole revolutionary movement in Negros under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is in the position of continuing armed struggle and achieving victories this new decade.
Further, that the NPA is ready and has the capacity to face whatever enemy campaign such as Oplan Kapanatagan and the sabotage of localized peace talks pushed by Gov. Lacson to divide and destroy it.
Finally, Magbanua asserted that with the broad people and the entire revolutionary forces, their ranks will grow stronger through mounting tactical offensives, strengthening clandestine mass organizations and launching anti-feudal struggles to raise the economic situation of the peasant masses.
The NPA will be celebrating its 51 years of achieving great strides for the Philippine revolutionary movement under the absolute leadership of the CPP this March 29, 2020.###
https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-negros-corrects-303rd-bdes-false-claims/
CPP/NDF=Bikol: Panagutin ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa kapabayaan sa pagharap sa nCoV
NDF-Bikol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 6, 2020): Panagutin ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa kapabayaan sa pagharap sa nCoV
MAKABAYANG SAMAHANG PANGKALUSUGAN
MAKIBAKA-BIKOL
MALAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN
MSP-BIKOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 06, 2020
Mahigpit na nakikiisa ang MSP-Bikol at MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa panawagan ng mamamayan para sa libre at abot-kayang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Ang kawalang-aksyon ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa kinakaharap na paglala ng kumakalat na novel Corona Virus (2019-nCoV) ay isang patunay na walang maaasahang pagbabago o makamasang hakbang mula sa pasistang rehimen. Ilang araw pa matapos ibalita ang pagkalat ng 2019-nCoV sa ibang bansa nagkaroon ng mga hakbang ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno upang iwasan ito. Ngunit maging ang mga hakbang na ito ay kapos at sadyang walang makabuluhang naitutulong sa masa upang labanan ang sakit.
Sa halip na mga kagyat na hakbangin upang iwasan ang pagkalat ng 2019-nCoV sa bansa, nauna pang maabala ang rehimen na ihambog ang hungkag na Duterte Legacy. Tulad ng matagal nang batid ng masang anakpawis, ito ay walang iba kung hindi legasiya ng pagpapakatuta sa mga imperyalistang bansa at pagiging sunud-sunuran sa mga neoliberal na patakarang naaayon sa kagustuhan ng kanyang mga amo. Ito rin ay legasiya ng papatinding karahasan sa mga komunidad sa kanayunan at kalunsuran.
Ano pa nga ba ang maaasahan sa rehimeng wala lamang naging proyekto para sa kalusugan at nagwawaldas lamang ng pera para sa mga kontramamamayang gera? Sa Pilipinas, pinakabulnerableng tamaan ng bayrus na ito ang mga komunidad sa kalunsuran at mga rural eryang hindi naaabot ng serbisyong pangkalusugan at walang nakukuhang impormasyon hinggil dito. Higit madaling matamaan ang mahihirap na walang kakayahang pumunta sa mga klinika at mga ospital upang bumili ng gamot o magpatingin man lang ng kanilang karamdaman. Sa Kabikulan, iilan lamang ang mga pampublikong ospital at lahat ng ito ay matatagpuan lamang sa mga syudad. Karaniwan ding kapos ang kagamitan o tauhan ng mga klinika sa mga baryong hindi rin nagbubukas araw-araw.
Matagal nang binitiwan ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang tungkulin nitong ibigay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan, isang batayang serbisyo, para sa mamamayan. Nararapat na panagutin at singilin ang papet na rehimen sa pag-abandona sa tungkulin nito sa mamamayan. Dapat mabigyan ng sapat na atensyong medikal ang mamamayang Pilipino, laluna ang mga nasa liblib na lugar sa kanayunan, sa mga laylayan at sa mga maralitang lungsod. Nananawagan ang MSP-Bikol at MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa lahat ng mamamayang Bikolano laluna sa mga manggagawa sa sektor ng kalusugan na magtulungan upang maabot ang mga komunidad sa kanayunan.
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte! Mamamayan, magkaisa at lumaban!
https://cpp.ph/statement/panagutin-ang-rehimeng-us-duterte-sa-kapabayaan-sa-pagharap-sa-ncov/
Mahigpit na nakikiisa ang MSP-Bikol at MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa panawagan ng mamamayan para sa libre at abot-kayang serbisyong pangkalusugan. Ang kawalang-aksyon ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa kinakaharap na paglala ng kumakalat na novel Corona Virus (2019-nCoV) ay isang patunay na walang maaasahang pagbabago o makamasang hakbang mula sa pasistang rehimen. Ilang araw pa matapos ibalita ang pagkalat ng 2019-nCoV sa ibang bansa nagkaroon ng mga hakbang ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno upang iwasan ito. Ngunit maging ang mga hakbang na ito ay kapos at sadyang walang makabuluhang naitutulong sa masa upang labanan ang sakit.
Sa halip na mga kagyat na hakbangin upang iwasan ang pagkalat ng 2019-nCoV sa bansa, nauna pang maabala ang rehimen na ihambog ang hungkag na Duterte Legacy. Tulad ng matagal nang batid ng masang anakpawis, ito ay walang iba kung hindi legasiya ng pagpapakatuta sa mga imperyalistang bansa at pagiging sunud-sunuran sa mga neoliberal na patakarang naaayon sa kagustuhan ng kanyang mga amo. Ito rin ay legasiya ng papatinding karahasan sa mga komunidad sa kanayunan at kalunsuran.
Ano pa nga ba ang maaasahan sa rehimeng wala lamang naging proyekto para sa kalusugan at nagwawaldas lamang ng pera para sa mga kontramamamayang gera? Sa Pilipinas, pinakabulnerableng tamaan ng bayrus na ito ang mga komunidad sa kalunsuran at mga rural eryang hindi naaabot ng serbisyong pangkalusugan at walang nakukuhang impormasyon hinggil dito. Higit madaling matamaan ang mahihirap na walang kakayahang pumunta sa mga klinika at mga ospital upang bumili ng gamot o magpatingin man lang ng kanilang karamdaman. Sa Kabikulan, iilan lamang ang mga pampublikong ospital at lahat ng ito ay matatagpuan lamang sa mga syudad. Karaniwan ding kapos ang kagamitan o tauhan ng mga klinika sa mga baryong hindi rin nagbubukas araw-araw.
Matagal nang binitiwan ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang tungkulin nitong ibigay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan, isang batayang serbisyo, para sa mamamayan. Nararapat na panagutin at singilin ang papet na rehimen sa pag-abandona sa tungkulin nito sa mamamayan. Dapat mabigyan ng sapat na atensyong medikal ang mamamayang Pilipino, laluna ang mga nasa liblib na lugar sa kanayunan, sa mga laylayan at sa mga maralitang lungsod. Nananawagan ang MSP-Bikol at MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa lahat ng mamamayang Bikolano laluna sa mga manggagawa sa sektor ng kalusugan na magtulungan upang maabot ang mga komunidad sa kanayunan.
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte! Mamamayan, magkaisa at lumaban!
https://cpp.ph/statement/panagutin-ang-rehimeng-us-duterte-sa-kapabayaan-sa-pagharap-sa-ncov/
Kalinaw News: First TF-ELCAC facility in CARAGA inaugurated in Bayugan City
Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2020): First TF-ELCAC facility in CARAGA inaugurated in Bayugan City (By 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion)
Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur (ADS) – Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Security Operations, Alexander L Macario, Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis led the inauguration and blessing of Kalinaw Building on February 6 at the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion headquarters in barangay Noli, Bayugan City. Kalinaw Buidling the first inter-agency facility to support the initiatives of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as it will house the conduct of deradicalization and reintegration programs for Former Rebels (FRs) in CARAGA.
“Tama na, sobra na. We need to end insurgency, especially here in Bayugan City. Before the deployment of the 3rd Special “Arrowhead” Battalion in our city, we ranked 113 among the competitive cities in the Philippines. After the conduct of Bayanihan Team Activity (BTA) and Community Support Program (CSP) from 2016-2018 by the Special Forces, our ranking significantly increased making us number 12 as of this date. We are grateful for our partnership with the 3rd SF Battalion to bring the basic and social services to the farthest barangays to address the root causes of insurgency that is why we supported and approved this project,” Mayor Kirk Asis, said.
“This, I think, is the first of its kind, in the LGUs of the Philippines and I will bring this to the attention of the National Task Force ELCAC so that they can challenge the Local Chief Executives and Local Government Units (LGUs) nationwide to do the same, “Asec. Macario, said.
“Kung gugustuhin ng LGU na tapusin ang insurgency, magagawa ito. Political will talaga and commitment ang kailangan para umunlad pa lalo ang bawat lugar sa Pilipinas. I commend the City of Bayugan City for this peace and development project borne out of the collective ideas of the members of Bayugan City Peace and Order Council, the Sangguniang Bayan Members and the Mayor,” Asec. Macario, added.
Meanwhile, the Kalinaw Buildingis a fully furnished 3-storey facility that also aims to promote inter-agency collaborations to produce developmental and synergistic ideas that can greatly contribute in building lasting and genuine peace not only in Bayugan City but in the whole CARAGA Region.
This will also be an instrument of good governance as this will house the conduct of various stakeholders’ capability and capacity building through training and education such as the Retooled Community Support Program orientation to further implement EO 70 in the city.
Also present to grace the activity are BGen Lincoln Francisco T Tagle AFP, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), BGen Maurito L Licudine AFP, 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander, COL Allan D Hambala INF (MNSA) PA, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander, LTC Joey B Baybayan INF (GSC) PA, 3SFBn Commanding Officer, Bayugan City Officials and stakeholders and the officers, men and women of the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion.
[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/first-tf-elcac-facility-in-caraga-inaugurated-in-bayugan-city/
Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur (ADS) – Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for Security Operations, Alexander L Macario, Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis led the inauguration and blessing of Kalinaw Building on February 6 at the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion headquarters in barangay Noli, Bayugan City. Kalinaw Buidling the first inter-agency facility to support the initiatives of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as it will house the conduct of deradicalization and reintegration programs for Former Rebels (FRs) in CARAGA.
“Tama na, sobra na. We need to end insurgency, especially here in Bayugan City. Before the deployment of the 3rd Special “Arrowhead” Battalion in our city, we ranked 113 among the competitive cities in the Philippines. After the conduct of Bayanihan Team Activity (BTA) and Community Support Program (CSP) from 2016-2018 by the Special Forces, our ranking significantly increased making us number 12 as of this date. We are grateful for our partnership with the 3rd SF Battalion to bring the basic and social services to the farthest barangays to address the root causes of insurgency that is why we supported and approved this project,” Mayor Kirk Asis, said.
“This, I think, is the first of its kind, in the LGUs of the Philippines and I will bring this to the attention of the National Task Force ELCAC so that they can challenge the Local Chief Executives and Local Government Units (LGUs) nationwide to do the same, “Asec. Macario, said.
“Kung gugustuhin ng LGU na tapusin ang insurgency, magagawa ito. Political will talaga and commitment ang kailangan para umunlad pa lalo ang bawat lugar sa Pilipinas. I commend the City of Bayugan City for this peace and development project borne out of the collective ideas of the members of Bayugan City Peace and Order Council, the Sangguniang Bayan Members and the Mayor,” Asec. Macario, added.
Meanwhile, the Kalinaw Buildingis a fully furnished 3-storey facility that also aims to promote inter-agency collaborations to produce developmental and synergistic ideas that can greatly contribute in building lasting and genuine peace not only in Bayugan City but in the whole CARAGA Region.
This will also be an instrument of good governance as this will house the conduct of various stakeholders’ capability and capacity building through training and education such as the Retooled Community Support Program orientation to further implement EO 70 in the city.
Also present to grace the activity are BGen Lincoln Francisco T Tagle AFP, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), BGen Maurito L Licudine AFP, 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander, COL Allan D Hambala INF (MNSA) PA, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander, LTC Joey B Baybayan INF (GSC) PA, 3SFBn Commanding Officer, Bayugan City Officials and stakeholders and the officers, men and women of the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion.
[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/first-tf-elcac-facility-in-caraga-inaugurated-in-bayugan-city/
Kalinaw News: High Ranking Officer of Communist Terrorist Group Arrested in Tacloban City
Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2020): High Ranking Officer of Communist Terrorist Group Arrested in Tacloban City
CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN, SAMAR – Executive Order 70’s Joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations led to the arrest of Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio @PEN, Secretary, Regional White Area Committee – Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC-EVRPC) and four (4) others today, Febuary 7, 2020 in Tacloban City, Leyte.
At about 2AM this morning, a simultaneous implementation of search warrants were conducted by joint AFP-PNP in two (2) identified Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) safe houses within Tacloban City. The warrants (SW No. 2020-02-02 and No. 2020-02-03) for violations of R.A. 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions” were issued by Executive Judge Eligio P Petilla of RTC 44, Tacloban City on 03 February 2020.
The searched houses are located in Gumamela St, Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) and Calanipawan St, Brgy 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02). Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the CTGs of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City.
Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses.
The CTG personalities were arrested for violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions”. The arrested personalities and the seized illegal items are now under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Tacloban City, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition.
Major General Pio Q Diñoso III, Joint Task Force Storm Commander in his message “Ang pagkakaaresto kay Frenchie Castro Cumpio at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ay resulta ng ating pagtutulungan – impormasyon mula sa ating mga kababayan, teamwork ng ating security forces at suporta ng ating local na pamahalaan at mga ahensiya”.
“Sinasabuhay na po natin ang whole-of-nation approach. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ito at siguradong marami pa tayong mahuhuli at ma-neutralize na miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at sama-sama nating ma-aaccomplish ang ating mission to end local communist armed conflict dito sa Eastern Visayas”, Diñoso added.
[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]
CAMP GENERAL VICENTE LUKBAN, CATBALOGAN, SAMAR – Executive Order 70’s Joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations led to the arrest of Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio @PEN, Secretary, Regional White Area Committee – Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC-EVRPC) and four (4) others today, Febuary 7, 2020 in Tacloban City, Leyte.
At about 2AM this morning, a simultaneous implementation of search warrants were conducted by joint AFP-PNP in two (2) identified Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) safe houses within Tacloban City. The warrants (SW No. 2020-02-02 and No. 2020-02-03) for violations of R.A. 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions” were issued by Executive Judge Eligio P Petilla of RTC 44, Tacloban City on 03 February 2020.
The searched houses are located in Gumamela St, Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) and Calanipawan St, Brgy 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02). Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the CTGs of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City.
Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses.
The CTG personalities were arrested for violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions”. The arrested personalities and the seized illegal items are now under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Tacloban City, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition.
Major General Pio Q Diñoso III, Joint Task Force Storm Commander in his message “Ang pagkakaaresto kay Frenchie Castro Cumpio at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ay resulta ng ating pagtutulungan – impormasyon mula sa ating mga kababayan, teamwork ng ating security forces at suporta ng ating local na pamahalaan at mga ahensiya”.
“Sinasabuhay na po natin ang whole-of-nation approach. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ito at siguradong marami pa tayong mahuhuli at ma-neutralize na miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at sama-sama nating ma-aaccomplish ang ating mission to end local communist armed conflict dito sa Eastern Visayas”, Diñoso added.
[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]
Altermidya correspondent, 4 human rights leaders arrested in Tacloban
From Rappler (Feb 7, 2020): Altermidya correspondent, 4 human rights leaders arrested in Tacloban
(UPDATED) Various media and school organizations call for their immediate release, saying the arrests are meant to silence media and human rights defenders
ARRESTED. Eastern Vista executive director Frenchiemae Cumpio were among the 5 persons arrested by the police and military on February 7, 2020. Photo from Altermidya Network's Facebook page
Marielle Domequil
Alexander Philip Abinguna, Karapatan national council member for Eastern Visayas
Mira Legion, Bayan
Marissa Cabaljao, People’s Surge Network spokesperson
Cabaljao was arrested together with her one-year-old baby, who was sleeping beside her when the police and military forcibly entered their office, Karapatan said in a statement.
Both mother and baby, and the 4 activists are detained at the municipal office of the Philippine National Police in Palo.
A military report said they supposedly raided “identified Communist Terrorist Group safe houses” in Tacloban and arrested the 5 personalities for allegedly bearing firearms.
But Karapatan said the guns and improvised explosive devices recovered by the authorities were “planted in the rooms.”
(UPDATED) Various media and school organizations call for their immediate release, saying the arrests are meant to silence media and human rights defenders
ARRESTED. Eastern Vista executive director Frenchiemae Cumpio were among the 5 persons arrested by the police and military on February 7, 2020. Photo from Altermidya Network's Facebook page
(UPDATED) – Altermidya Network correspondent Frenchiemae Cumpio as well as 4 other human rights leaders in Tacloban were arrested early Friday, February 7, in a joint raid of the military and police, who accused them of illegal possession of firearms, reports said.
The authorities raided the two offices shared by various left-leaning groups, leading to the arrest of Cumpio, who is also Eastern Vista correspondent, and the following:
The authorities raided the two offices shared by various left-leaning groups, leading to the arrest of Cumpio, who is also Eastern Vista correspondent, and the following:
Marielle Domequil
Alexander Philip Abinguna, Karapatan national council member for Eastern Visayas
Mira Legion, Bayan
Marissa Cabaljao, People’s Surge Network spokesperson
Cabaljao was arrested together with her one-year-old baby, who was sleeping beside her when the police and military forcibly entered their office, Karapatan said in a statement.
Both mother and baby, and the 4 activists are detained at the municipal office of the Philippine National Police in Palo.
A military report said they supposedly raided “identified Communist Terrorist Group safe houses” in Tacloban and arrested the 5 personalities for allegedly bearing firearms.
But Karapatan said the guns and improvised explosive devices recovered by the authorities were “planted in the rooms.”
(READ: No letup in human rights abuses under Duterte – Human Rights Watch)
“Today's arrests and raids should enrage should who stand for civil liberties and human rights, social justice and lasting peace in the country. We are calling on all advocates and communities to defend the rights of defenders against these attacks by the Duterte administration,” said Karapatan, a human rights group.
Days before the simultaneous arrests, Cumpio had also informed Altermidya that she was being tailed by men riding motorcycles, whom she believes were military assets. Unidentified men were also patrolling Eastern Vista’s office in Tacloban.
On January 31, an unidentified person also visited Eastern Vista’s office and was reportedly carrying a photo of Cumpio and a band of flowers.
Call for release
“We condemn the Leyte police and state forces for this latest attack on Eastern Vista, our fellow community journalist Cumpio, and against people’s groups in Leyte. We demand their immediate and safe release, and call on the public to denounce this latest attempt to silence and intimidate independent media and human rights defenders,” said Altermidya.
“Today's arrests and raids should enrage should who stand for civil liberties and human rights, social justice and lasting peace in the country. We are calling on all advocates and communities to defend the rights of defenders against these attacks by the Duterte administration,” said Karapatan, a human rights group.
Days before the simultaneous arrests, Cumpio had also informed Altermidya that she was being tailed by men riding motorcycles, whom she believes were military assets. Unidentified men were also patrolling Eastern Vista’s office in Tacloban.
On January 31, an unidentified person also visited Eastern Vista’s office and was reportedly carrying a photo of Cumpio and a band of flowers.
Call for release
“We condemn the Leyte police and state forces for this latest attack on Eastern Vista, our fellow community journalist Cumpio, and against people’s groups in Leyte. We demand their immediate and safe release, and call on the public to denounce this latest attempt to silence and intimidate independent media and human rights defenders,” said Altermidya.
Despite risks, Duterte orders Locsin to terminate VFA
From Rappler (Feb 7, 2020): Despite risks, Duterte orders Locsin to terminate VFA (By Sofia Tomacruz)
President Rodrigo Duterte ignores the calls of top security and foreign officials to first review the defense agreement
TERMINATE VFA. In this file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed government officials at Malacañang on February 6, 2020. File photo by Toto Lozano/Presidential Photo
President Rodrigo Duterte ignores the calls of top security and foreign officials to first review the defense agreement
TERMINATE VFA. In this file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed government officials at Malacañang on February 6, 2020. File photo by Toto Lozano/Presidential Photo
Defying warnings issued by top security and foreign affairs officials, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to send the United States formal notice that he was terminating the two countries' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday, February 7, said Duterte directed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to inform Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr of his order.
"PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) is instructing ES (Medialdea) to tell SFA (Locsin) to send the notice of termination to the US government," Panelo said.
Duterte's latest move sees the Philippines a step closer to abrogating the VFA, despite saying earlier that he would give the US one month to take action.
Duterte announced on January 23 that he wanted the VFA scrapped after the US government canceled the visa of his first police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
Panelo said Duterte and US President Donald Trump were also scheduled to have a phone call "soon," though he did not disclose what would be discussed.
National security risks. Duterte's latest order comes despite top officials such as Locsin and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's warnings of the far-reaching consequences if the Philippines were to abrogate the VFA.
Locsin said the VFA has served as a deterrent to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea; facilitated assistance in huge disasters; helped the Philippine military modernize and combat terror; and promoted economic ties not only with the US but its allies.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Friday, February 7, said Duterte directed Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to inform Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr of his order.
"PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) is instructing ES (Medialdea) to tell SFA (Locsin) to send the notice of termination to the US government," Panelo said.
Duterte's latest move sees the Philippines a step closer to abrogating the VFA, despite saying earlier that he would give the US one month to take action.
Duterte announced on January 23 that he wanted the VFA scrapped after the US government canceled the visa of his first police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
Panelo said Duterte and US President Donald Trump were also scheduled to have a phone call "soon," though he did not disclose what would be discussed.
National security risks. Duterte's latest order comes despite top officials such as Locsin and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana's warnings of the far-reaching consequences if the Philippines were to abrogate the VFA.
Locsin said the VFA has served as a deterrent to Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea; facilitated assistance in huge disasters; helped the Philippine military modernize and combat terror; and promoted economic ties not only with the US but its allies.
(READ: With threats to scrap VFA, Duterte gambles Philippines' security)
Locsin pushed for a review of the VFA rather than its outright revocation.
The DFA chief said that while that is the President's prerogative, "the continuance of the agreement is deemed to be more beneficial to the Philippines compared to any benefits were it to be terminated."
Locsin pushed for a review of the VFA rather than its outright revocation.
The DFA chief said that while that is the President's prerogative, "the continuance of the agreement is deemed to be more beneficial to the Philippines compared to any benefits were it to be terminated."
(FULL TEXT: Locsin on impact assessment of VFA termination)
Duterte's decision departs from officials urging for more discussion before moving forward with the high-stakes decision.
Locsin earlier said he had the notice already prepared in Washington and he will send it only upon the direct order of Duterte himself. Termination will take place 180 days after the US receives written notification
https://www.rappler.com/nation/251292-duterte-orders-locsin-terminate-vfa-february-2020
Duterte's decision departs from officials urging for more discussion before moving forward with the high-stakes decision.
Locsin earlier said he had the notice already prepared in Washington and he will send it only upon the direct order of Duterte himself. Termination will take place 180 days after the US receives written notification
https://www.rappler.com/nation/251292-duterte-orders-locsin-terminate-vfa-february-2020
Phl Army gives updates on security situation in OrMin
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Phl Army gives updates on security situation in OrMin (By Luis T. Cueto)
BGen. Antonio R. Lastimado, brigade commander of the 203rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) raises issues and concerns of affected barangays by local armed conflicts during Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Meeting held at Tamaraw Hall, Provincial Capitol, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. (PIA Oriental Mindoro)
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 7 (PIA) – Brigadier General Antonio R. Lastimado, brigade commander of the 203rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) updated members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) about security situation of the province during the 1st Quarter Joint Meeting cum Provincial Task Force-ELCAC Meeting held at Tamaraw Hall, Provincial Capitol, this city on Feb. 4.
In the report presented by the military, they said CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) remains as the main threat against the Philippine democracy. The communist-terrorists group (CTG) will continue to be guided by its grand strategy of advancing the revolutionary armed struggle towards the seat of power in Manila, report said.
Lastimado said “NPA concentrations were mostly monitored in the far flung areas of the municipalities of Bongabong, Mansalay, Bulalacao, Gloria, Victoria and Socorro.”
According to Lastimado, the Philippine Army continues to degrade the armed capability of Sub-Regional Military Area 4D, known as Lucio De Guzman Command. They actively support the efforts and initiatives of Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).
The military also participates on the “Serbisyo Caravan” being conducted by different local and national government agencies in some identified affected barangays. As of now, the military is organizing Mindoro Integrated and Security Alliance (MISA) to maintain peace and order situations of the two Mindoro provinces, Oriental and Occidental.
Lastimado also mentioned issues and concerns with respect to the peace and order situations in the affected barangays, such as ancestral domain, road networks, construction of school buildings, creation of livelihood programs and other beneficial projects that could uplift the lives of people in the community. He suggested to the council to conduct needs assessment of all sectors especially the affected barangays.
Lastimado is strongly recommending the following to maintain peace: operationalization and institutionalization of EO 70 (whole-of-nation) in local level as part of law of the land; declare the CPP-NPA as persona non-grata in the province; regularly conduct PTF-ELCAC meetings; organize PTF-ELCAC cluster; and implement and develop programs and projects included in the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) plan of the province. (LTC/PIA-OrMin)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034141
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro, Feb. 7 (PIA) – Brigadier General Antonio R. Lastimado, brigade commander of the 203rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) updated members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) about security situation of the province during the 1st Quarter Joint Meeting cum Provincial Task Force-ELCAC Meeting held at Tamaraw Hall, Provincial Capitol, this city on Feb. 4.
In the report presented by the military, they said CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) remains as the main threat against the Philippine democracy. The communist-terrorists group (CTG) will continue to be guided by its grand strategy of advancing the revolutionary armed struggle towards the seat of power in Manila, report said.
Lastimado said “NPA concentrations were mostly monitored in the far flung areas of the municipalities of Bongabong, Mansalay, Bulalacao, Gloria, Victoria and Socorro.”
According to Lastimado, the Philippine Army continues to degrade the armed capability of Sub-Regional Military Area 4D, known as Lucio De Guzman Command. They actively support the efforts and initiatives of Oriental Mindoro’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).
The military also participates on the “Serbisyo Caravan” being conducted by different local and national government agencies in some identified affected barangays. As of now, the military is organizing Mindoro Integrated and Security Alliance (MISA) to maintain peace and order situations of the two Mindoro provinces, Oriental and Occidental.
Lastimado also mentioned issues and concerns with respect to the peace and order situations in the affected barangays, such as ancestral domain, road networks, construction of school buildings, creation of livelihood programs and other beneficial projects that could uplift the lives of people in the community. He suggested to the council to conduct needs assessment of all sectors especially the affected barangays.
Lastimado is strongly recommending the following to maintain peace: operationalization and institutionalization of EO 70 (whole-of-nation) in local level as part of law of the land; declare the CPP-NPA as persona non-grata in the province; regularly conduct PTF-ELCAC meetings; organize PTF-ELCAC cluster; and implement and develop programs and projects included in the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) plan of the province. (LTC/PIA-OrMin)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034141
Cagayan de Oro launches task force to end insurgency
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Cagayan de Oro launches task force to end insurgency (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The newly formed Cagayan de Oro Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) was formally launched Friday morning in Brgy. Tignapoloan, this city.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- The newly formed Cagayan de Oro Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) was formally launched Friday morning in Brgy. Tignapoloan, this city.
Secretary Martin Andanar, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Northern Mindanao, and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno unveil the logo of the Cagayan de Oro Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. The launching features caravan of government services for residents of Brgy. Tignapoloan and its nearby barangays.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno led the launching which was witnessed by military and police officials, representatives of national and local government agencies.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also attended the occasion as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Northern Mindanao.
In his message, Secretary Andanar congratulated the local government of Cagayan de Oro and the barangays of Tignapoloan, Mambuaya, and Tuburan for working together to make peace sustainable.
"I am grateful for the valuable support of NGAs, security sectors, the private sector, and peace and development partners. Such unity of purpose gives us a sense of hope that we can finally do things right... Let us continue to work together for our expected results and fulfill our shared agenda of inclusive and sustainable peace and development in northern Mindanao," he further said.
The launching was highlighted by the distribution of checks to nine former rebels for firearms remuneration under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
Former rebels also received starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment and P8,000 cash assistance, sleeping kits and family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno led the launching which was witnessed by military and police officials, representatives of national and local government agencies.
Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also attended the occasion as Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Northern Mindanao.
In his message, Secretary Andanar congratulated the local government of Cagayan de Oro and the barangays of Tignapoloan, Mambuaya, and Tuburan for working together to make peace sustainable.
"I am grateful for the valuable support of NGAs, security sectors, the private sector, and peace and development partners. Such unity of purpose gives us a sense of hope that we can finally do things right... Let us continue to work together for our expected results and fulfill our shared agenda of inclusive and sustainable peace and development in northern Mindanao," he further said.
The launching was highlighted by the distribution of checks to nine former rebels for firearms remuneration under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
Former rebels also received starter kits from the Department of Labor and Employment and P8,000 cash assistance, sleeping kits and family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Representatives from the Department of Labor led by Assistant Regional Director Estrella U Pahalla awards P20,000-worth of starter kits to two parents of child laborers in Cagayan de Oro City. The awarding of assistance is among the highlights of the CDO Task Force ELCAC launching.
The Department of Education also presented 32 adult learners who completed the Binuliga Program, a basic literacy program for former rebels, Militia ng Bayan members, and their families. Binuliga is a Higaonon term which means "helping one another."
Part of the launching was the conduct of Tabang Medico Serbisyo Caravan and CAPDEV (Convergence Areas for Peace and Development) Caravan where various government services were offered for free by the city government and regional line agencies to residents of Brgy. Tignapoloan and nearby barangays.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno expressed appreciation to all government agencies that supported the CDO Task Force ELCAC. He said by helping one another, government services reached kababayans in far-flung communities. It also removed obstacles of growth and prosperity.
He also said that the convergence will show that the government is concerned about the welfare of the people.
The creation of local task forces ELCAC aims to end the problem of insurgency through a convergence of government agencies and local government units following the guidelines of Executive Order 70. (APB/PIA10)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034210
The Department of Education also presented 32 adult learners who completed the Binuliga Program, a basic literacy program for former rebels, Militia ng Bayan members, and their families. Binuliga is a Higaonon term which means "helping one another."
Part of the launching was the conduct of Tabang Medico Serbisyo Caravan and CAPDEV (Convergence Areas for Peace and Development) Caravan where various government services were offered for free by the city government and regional line agencies to residents of Brgy. Tignapoloan and nearby barangays.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno expressed appreciation to all government agencies that supported the CDO Task Force ELCAC. He said by helping one another, government services reached kababayans in far-flung communities. It also removed obstacles of growth and prosperity.
He also said that the convergence will show that the government is concerned about the welfare of the people.
The creation of local task forces ELCAC aims to end the problem of insurgency through a convergence of government agencies and local government units following the guidelines of Executive Order 70. (APB/PIA10)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034210
CTG high-ranking officer, 4 others, arrested in Tacloban City
From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 7, 2020): CTG high-ranking officer, 4 others, arrested in Tacloban City (By PIA-8/8CMO)
TACLOBAN CITY, Feb 7 (PIA) – Executive Order 70's Joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations led to the arrest of Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio @PEN, 20 years old, Secretary, Regional White Area Committee - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC-EVRPC) and four (4) others today, February 7, in Tacloban City.
Report coming from the joint forces showed that at 2 a.m. of February 7, a simultaneous implementation of search warrants were conducted by joint AFP-PNP in two (2) identified Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) safe houses within Tacloban City.
The warrants (SW No.2020-02-02 & No. 2020-02-03) for violations of R.A. 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions” were issued by Executive Judge Eligio P. Petilla of RTC 44, Tacloban City on February 3, 2020.
The searched houses are located at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) and Calanipawan St., Brgy. 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02).
Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the CTGs of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City.
Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses.
Aside from Cumpio, the simultaneous implementation of the said Search Warrant at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) also resulted to the arrest of Marielle Alvez Domequil @Maye, 22 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Finance Officer of Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas (RMP-EV).
Meanwhile, the implementation of the search warrant at Gumamela St., Ba̱ezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02) resulted to the arrest of Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna @Chakoy, 24 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of Alyansa han Pagpanalipud han Tawhanon nga Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas (KATUNGOD-SB); Marissa Abayare Cabaljao @Harupay, 33 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas (PSA-EV); and Mira Dalla Destura Legion @Lira, 21 years old, an EXECOM Member of KAGUMA-EV and Chairperson, Anak Bayan РEastern Visayas.
Seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte were: one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Taurus with Serial Number 125373; one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Colt with Serial Number 825631; two (2) magazine assembly for cal 45; fourteen (14) live ammo for cal 45; two (2) fragmentation hand grenades; oe (1) pc colored red flag with CPP-NPA symbol; and cash amounting to Php557,360 for safekeeping as witnessed by barangay officials.
On the other hand, seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte yielded two (2) Cal 45 pistols; one (1) KG9 rifle; one (1) improvised claymore mine; two (2) mag assay for cal 45; one (1) mag assay for kg9; fifteen (15) rounds live ammos for cal 45; and 17 round live ammos for 9mm.
The CTG personalities were arrested for violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions,” and for violation of RA 9516 for illegally possessing explosives.
The arrested personalities and the seized illegal items are now under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Palo, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition.
Police Brigadier General Ferdinand Divina, PRO-8 regional director expressed elation on the successful joint operations.
Meanwhile, Major General Pio Q. Diñoso III, Joint Task Force Storm Commander in his message said, “Ang pagkakaaresto kay Frenchie Castro Cumpio at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ay resulta ng ating pagtutulungan – impormasyon mula sa ating mga kababayan, teamwork ng ating security forces at suporta ng ating local na pamahalaan at mga ahensiya.”
“Sinasabuhay na po natin ang whole-of-nation approach. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ito at siguradong marami pa tayong mahuhuli at ma-neu-neutralize na miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at sama-sama nating ma-aaccomplish ang ating mission to end local communist armed conflict dito sa Eastern Visayas,” Diñoso added. (PIA8/8CMO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034236
TACLOBAN CITY, Feb 7 (PIA) – Executive Order 70's Joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations led to the arrest of Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio @PEN, 20 years old, Secretary, Regional White Area Committee - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC-EVRPC) and four (4) others today, February 7, in Tacloban City.
Report coming from the joint forces showed that at 2 a.m. of February 7, a simultaneous implementation of search warrants were conducted by joint AFP-PNP in two (2) identified Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) safe houses within Tacloban City.
The warrants (SW No.2020-02-02 & No. 2020-02-03) for violations of R.A. 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions” were issued by Executive Judge Eligio P. Petilla of RTC 44, Tacloban City on February 3, 2020.
The searched houses are located at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) and Calanipawan St., Brgy. 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02).
Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the CTGs of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City.
Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses.
Aside from Cumpio, the simultaneous implementation of the said Search Warrant at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) also resulted to the arrest of Marielle Alvez Domequil @Maye, 22 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Finance Officer of Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas (RMP-EV).
Meanwhile, the implementation of the search warrant at Gumamela St., Ba̱ezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02) resulted to the arrest of Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna @Chakoy, 24 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of Alyansa han Pagpanalipud han Tawhanon nga Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas (KATUNGOD-SB); Marissa Abayare Cabaljao @Harupay, 33 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas (PSA-EV); and Mira Dalla Destura Legion @Lira, 21 years old, an EXECOM Member of KAGUMA-EV and Chairperson, Anak Bayan РEastern Visayas.
Seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte were: one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Taurus with Serial Number 125373; one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Colt with Serial Number 825631; two (2) magazine assembly for cal 45; fourteen (14) live ammo for cal 45; two (2) fragmentation hand grenades; oe (1) pc colored red flag with CPP-NPA symbol; and cash amounting to Php557,360 for safekeeping as witnessed by barangay officials.
On the other hand, seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte yielded two (2) Cal 45 pistols; one (1) KG9 rifle; one (1) improvised claymore mine; two (2) mag assay for cal 45; one (1) mag assay for kg9; fifteen (15) rounds live ammos for cal 45; and 17 round live ammos for 9mm.
The CTG personalities were arrested for violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions,” and for violation of RA 9516 for illegally possessing explosives.
The arrested personalities and the seized illegal items are now under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Palo, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition.
Police Brigadier General Ferdinand Divina, PRO-8 regional director expressed elation on the successful joint operations.
Meanwhile, Major General Pio Q. Diñoso III, Joint Task Force Storm Commander in his message said, “Ang pagkakaaresto kay Frenchie Castro Cumpio at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ay resulta ng ating pagtutulungan – impormasyon mula sa ating mga kababayan, teamwork ng ating security forces at suporta ng ating local na pamahalaan at mga ahensiya.”
“Sinasabuhay na po natin ang whole-of-nation approach. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ito at siguradong marami pa tayong mahuhuli at ma-neu-neutralize na miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at sama-sama nating ma-aaccomplish ang ating mission to end local communist armed conflict dito sa Eastern Visayas,” Diñoso added. (PIA8/8CMO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034236
Sultan Kudarat town gives decent burial to slain NPA rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6, 2020): Sultan Kudarat town gives decent burial to slain NPA rebels (By Edwin Fernandez)
DECENT BURIAL. Local officials, police and military authorities bury on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020) the remains of two communist rebels slain in clashes with government forces in Senator Ninoy Aquino town, Sultan Kudarat on Jan. 30, 2020. The burial was arranged after the remains of the two rebels remained unclaimed at a local funeral parlor. (Photo courtesy of SNA LGU)
DECENT BURIAL. Local officials, police and military authorities bury on Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020) the remains of two communist rebels slain in clashes with government forces in Senator Ninoy Aquino town, Sultan Kudarat on Jan. 30, 2020. The burial was arranged after the remains of the two rebels remained unclaimed at a local funeral parlor. (Photo courtesy of SNA LGU)
Two communist rebels killed in a recent clash with government forces were given a decent burial by the local government unit (LGU) of Senator Ninoy Aquino town in Sultan Kudarat province on Wednesday afternoon.
“They too are Filipinos, we may have different ideology and belief, but they are our brothers and sisters,” said Mayor Randy Ecija Jr. in the vernacular during the burial ceremony attended by police, military, and local officials.
The remains of the two New People’s Army (NPA) members were retrieved by government forces at the clash site in Barangay Bugso following an encounter on January 30.
Found with the slain NPAs were an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, and ammunition. The bodies were turned over to a local funeral parlor but were not claimed by anybody.
Ecija said the LGU had conducted repeated calls through the social media, radio stations and even coordinated with the local officials of nearby towns to determine if they have missing constituents.
“However, nobody showed up to claim the remains,” he said.
Ecija said local religious leaders were called to administer burial rites before they were laid to rest. He also appealed to his constituents to reject recruitment activities by the rebels.
Lt. Colonel Robert Go, Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion commander, also joined the burial at the town cemetery.
The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the governments of the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Australia, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093153
“They too are Filipinos, we may have different ideology and belief, but they are our brothers and sisters,” said Mayor Randy Ecija Jr. in the vernacular during the burial ceremony attended by police, military, and local officials.
The remains of the two New People’s Army (NPA) members were retrieved by government forces at the clash site in Barangay Bugso following an encounter on January 30.
Found with the slain NPAs were an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, and ammunition. The bodies were turned over to a local funeral parlor but were not claimed by anybody.
Ecija said the LGU had conducted repeated calls through the social media, radio stations and even coordinated with the local officials of nearby towns to determine if they have missing constituents.
“However, nobody showed up to claim the remains,” he said.
Ecija said local religious leaders were called to administer burial rites before they were laid to rest. He also appealed to his constituents to reject recruitment activities by the rebels.
Lt. Colonel Robert Go, Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion commander, also joined the burial at the town cemetery.
The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the governments of the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Australia, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093153
Central Negros village remembers victims of NPA massacre
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Central Negros village remembers victims of NPA massacre (By Nanette Guadalquiver)
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS. Residents of Barangay Puso in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, together with town officials led by Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan and personnel of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, on Thursday (Feb. 6, 2020) remember the victims of the massacre in their village, which killed eight civilians and a policeman and injured 12 others, seven years ago. The ambush was perpetrated by the New People’s Army while the victims were on their way home from a fiesta in a neighboring village on Jan. 27, 2013. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army, 303rd Infantry Brigade)
REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS. Residents of Barangay Puso in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, together with town officials led by Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan and personnel of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, on Thursday (Feb. 6, 2020) remember the victims of the massacre in their village, which killed eight civilians and a policeman and injured 12 others, seven years ago. The ambush was perpetrated by the New People’s Army while the victims were on their way home from a fiesta in a neighboring village on Jan. 27, 2013. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army, 303rd Infantry Brigade)
Residents of Barangay Puso in the central Negros town of La Castellana honored their kin who were victims and survivors of an ambush perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) in rites that commemorated the seventh year of the massacre on Thursday.
During the incident on Jan. 27, 2013, eight civilians and a policeman were killed while 12 others were injured. The victims were on their way home from a fiesta in a neighboring village when they were ambushed by NPA rebels, who later claimed responsibility for the deaths of civilians and apologized.
Municipal officials led by La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan and troops of the Philippine Army led by Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, and personnel of the Philippine National Police joined the village officials and the victims’ families during the event.
“After seven years of the tragedy that brought painful memories, we are here coming together in our desire to bring peace and order to our municipality,” Nicor-Mangilimutan said.
She added that through the assistance of the government, nine children of the victims were able to graduate from college and are now professionals.
Nicor-Mangilimutan said having peace and order would bring La Castellana progress and development.
The commemoration rites were held at the site of the massacre, where a Holy Mass was celebrated and wreaths were offered by the families and relatives of the victims.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the municipal government for honoring the victims of the massacre.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines are one with the families of the victims in seeking justice against the communist-terrorist NPA. We will continue to hunt down the armed group and stop them, their relentless killing of innocent civilians,” he added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093176
During the incident on Jan. 27, 2013, eight civilians and a policeman were killed while 12 others were injured. The victims were on their way home from a fiesta in a neighboring village when they were ambushed by NPA rebels, who later claimed responsibility for the deaths of civilians and apologized.
Municipal officials led by La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan and troops of the Philippine Army led by Lt. Col. Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, and personnel of the Philippine National Police joined the village officials and the victims’ families during the event.
“After seven years of the tragedy that brought painful memories, we are here coming together in our desire to bring peace and order to our municipality,” Nicor-Mangilimutan said.
She added that through the assistance of the government, nine children of the victims were able to graduate from college and are now professionals.
Nicor-Mangilimutan said having peace and order would bring La Castellana progress and development.
The commemoration rites were held at the site of the massacre, where a Holy Mass was celebrated and wreaths were offered by the families and relatives of the victims.
Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the municipal government for honoring the victims of the massacre.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines are one with the families of the victims in seeking justice against the communist-terrorist NPA. We will continue to hunt down the armed group and stop them, their relentless killing of innocent civilians,” he added.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093176
NPA rebel with murder case nabbed in Albay town
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): NPA rebel with murder case nabbed in Albay town (By Mar Serrano)
An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who is facing a murder charge was nabbed by police on Thursday in a remote village in Daraga town, a police report said.
In an interview on Friday, Capt. Dexter Panganiban, Albay police spokesperson, identified the suspect as Salvador Fulgar alias "Rudy", reportedly an NPA member operating in Albay.
"The police operatives arrested the suspect at around 10 a.m. following an information sent by residents of his presence in Barangay Anislag in Daraga town," Panganiban said.
The suspect, along with four other rebels, is facing murder charges for the killing of Army Private 1st Class George Rey Murillo at the public market also in Barangay Anislag on Nov. 18, 2017.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093210
In an interview on Friday, Capt. Dexter Panganiban, Albay police spokesperson, identified the suspect as Salvador Fulgar alias "Rudy", reportedly an NPA member operating in Albay.
"The police operatives arrested the suspect at around 10 a.m. following an information sent by residents of his presence in Barangay Anislag in Daraga town," Panganiban said.
The suspect, along with four other rebels, is facing murder charges for the killing of Army Private 1st Class George Rey Murillo at the public market also in Barangay Anislag on Nov. 18, 2017.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093210
Ranking NPA leader, 4 others nabbed in Tacloban
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Ranking NPA leader, 4 others nabbed in Tacloban (By Sarwell Meniano)
APPREHENDED. Government forces arrested early Friday (Feb. 7, 2020) a suspected high ranking official of the New People's Army and four others over possession of firearms and ammunition at the alleged communist terrorist group safe houses in Tacloban City. The suspects and confiscated items are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional field unit in the city.(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division)
TACLOBAN CITY -- Government forces arrested early Friday a suspected high ranking official of the New People's Army (NPA) and four others for possession of firearms and ammunition at the alleged communist terrorist group’s safe houses here.
Armed with a search warrant, the operatives of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police arrested Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio, 22, in one of the safe houses. The military identified her as secretary of NPA's regional white area committee in Eastern Visayas.
Four other activists and former student leaders were arrested in a simultaneous raid in two houses around 2 a.m.
They were identified as Marielle Domequil, Alexander Philip Abinguna, Marissa Cabaljao, and Mira Legion, the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division said in a statement.
However, the statement did not specify who among the four were arrested along with Cumpio.
A police report said the suspects yielded two caliber 45 pistols, two magazine assemblies for caliber 45, 14 live ammunition for caliber 45, two fragmentation grenades, a red flag with Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA symbol, and PHP557, 360 in cash. The confiscation of the evidence was witnessed by barangay officials.
The houses which the authorities raided are in Fatima village and on Calanipawan Street. It was unspecified from which house the confiscated weapons and money came from.
Executive Judge Eligio Petilla of Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Tacloban City issued the search warrant on Feb. 3, 2020.
Cumpio is a former student of the University of the Philippines Tacloban campus. Her social media account identified her as a reporter of Eastern Vista, a pro-communist online publication.
The suspects are charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions.
“Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the communist terrorist group (CTG) of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City. Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have actual possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and other contraband items inside the searched houses,” the Army statement said.
The suspects and confiscated items are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional field unit in Tacloban City.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093264
APPREHENDED. Government forces arrested early Friday (Feb. 7, 2020) a suspected high ranking official of the New People's Army and four others over possession of firearms and ammunition at the alleged communist terrorist group safe houses in Tacloban City. The suspects and confiscated items are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional field unit in the city.(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division)
TACLOBAN CITY -- Government forces arrested early Friday a suspected high ranking official of the New People's Army (NPA) and four others for possession of firearms and ammunition at the alleged communist terrorist group’s safe houses here.
Armed with a search warrant, the operatives of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police arrested Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio, 22, in one of the safe houses. The military identified her as secretary of NPA's regional white area committee in Eastern Visayas.
Four other activists and former student leaders were arrested in a simultaneous raid in two houses around 2 a.m.
They were identified as Marielle Domequil, Alexander Philip Abinguna, Marissa Cabaljao, and Mira Legion, the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division said in a statement.
However, the statement did not specify who among the four were arrested along with Cumpio.
A police report said the suspects yielded two caliber 45 pistols, two magazine assemblies for caliber 45, 14 live ammunition for caliber 45, two fragmentation grenades, a red flag with Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA symbol, and PHP557, 360 in cash. The confiscation of the evidence was witnessed by barangay officials.
The houses which the authorities raided are in Fatima village and on Calanipawan Street. It was unspecified from which house the confiscated weapons and money came from.
Executive Judge Eligio Petilla of Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Tacloban City issued the search warrant on Feb. 3, 2020.
Cumpio is a former student of the University of the Philippines Tacloban campus. Her social media account identified her as a reporter of Eastern Vista, a pro-communist online publication.
The suspects are charged with violation of Republic Act 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions.
“Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the communist terrorist group (CTG) of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City. Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have actual possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and other contraband items inside the searched houses,” the Army statement said.
The suspects and confiscated items are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional field unit in Tacloban City.
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093264
NPA couple, 2 others yield in Sarangani
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): NPA couple, 2 others yield in Sarangani (By Richelyn Gubalani)
RETURNEES. Four more communist New People’s Army rebels, including a couple, surrender to the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion on Thursday in Sitio Loot, Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan town in Sarangani. Since last month, at least 17 NPA rebels under Guerilla Front Tala operating in Sarangani and Davao Occidental have already surrendered. (Photo courtesy of the 73IB)
RETURNEES. Four more communist New People’s Army rebels, including a couple, surrender to the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion on Thursday in Sitio Loot, Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan town in Sarangani. Since last month, at least 17 NPA rebels under Guerilla Front Tala operating in Sarangani and Davao Occidental have already surrendered. (Photo courtesy of the 73IB)
Faced with ongoing military operations, four more communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels--including a couple--surrendered to government troops in Sarangani province on Thursday.
1Lt. Orestes Fausto, Alpha company commander of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said Friday the rebels voluntarily yielded on an Army unit in Sitio Loot, Barangay Poblacion in Malapatan town.
Fausto said the returnees were former members of the Guerilla Front-Tala of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region, which operates in the provinces of Sarangani. Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur.
The couple was identified as Ramsy Domacio, a team leader, and Rosalie Dubo, a medic. The two other surrenderers were identified only as Dot and Jolito Simbanan, both listed as regular cadres of the NPA in Malapatan town.
Fausto said Domacio was included on their “watchlist” for allegedly leading extortion activities and harassment of civilians in local communities. These activities were reportedly ordered by a local NPA leader identified as a certain “Kumander Yoyong,” he added.
The four surrenderers were already "tired of fighting against the government" and cited their difficult life in the mountains.
“They were also disheartened with the uncertainty of their cause and the failure of their leaders to give them their promised benefits,” Fausto said.
Since last month, at least 13 NPA rebels under Guerilla Front Tala have already surrendered in Sarangani. Two other rebels were killed in an encounter last week on the outskirts of Barangay Kinam, Malapatan.
Fausto assured that the returnees will be provided with appropriate assistance, especially in terms of livelihood, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093198
1Lt. Orestes Fausto, Alpha company commander of the Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion, said Friday the rebels voluntarily yielded on an Army unit in Sitio Loot, Barangay Poblacion in Malapatan town.
Fausto said the returnees were former members of the Guerilla Front-Tala of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region, which operates in the provinces of Sarangani. Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur.
The couple was identified as Ramsy Domacio, a team leader, and Rosalie Dubo, a medic. The two other surrenderers were identified only as Dot and Jolito Simbanan, both listed as regular cadres of the NPA in Malapatan town.
Fausto said Domacio was included on their “watchlist” for allegedly leading extortion activities and harassment of civilians in local communities. These activities were reportedly ordered by a local NPA leader identified as a certain “Kumander Yoyong,” he added.
The four surrenderers were already "tired of fighting against the government" and cited their difficult life in the mountains.
“They were also disheartened with the uncertainty of their cause and the failure of their leaders to give them their promised benefits,” Fausto said.
Since last month, at least 13 NPA rebels under Guerilla Front Tala have already surrendered in Sarangani. Two other rebels were killed in an encounter last week on the outskirts of Barangay Kinam, Malapatan.
Fausto assured that the returnees will be provided with appropriate assistance, especially in terms of livelihood, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093198
Couple nabbed in NegOr for rebellion charges
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Couple nabbed in NegOr for rebellion charges (By Mary Judaline Partlow)
A couple was arrested in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Friday by a team of police personnel and Army troopers for the crime of rebellion.
Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental said the two, who were apprehended based on an arrest warrant, are alleged supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Based on an initial report from the police, the suspects were identified as Luis dela Cruz Ragay, 53; and his wife, Lenie Acabo Ragay, 49; both farmers and residents of Sitio Guitalaokan.
They were nabbed around 6:30 a.m. by a team from the 11th IB, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, Bayawan Police Station and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, and intelligence operatives.
The couple’s arrest warrant was issued by Judge Marie Rose Inocando-Paras of the Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Bayawan City on Jan. 2, 2020.
The suspects are now in the custody of the Sta. Catalina Police Station while the court has set bail at PHP200,000.
Redosendo said Luis Ragay is an alleged former member of the CPP-NPA's “Hukbo” group who laid low in the '90s.
He joined the government’s Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) but was terminated in 2013.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093219
Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental said the two, who were apprehended based on an arrest warrant, are alleged supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
Based on an initial report from the police, the suspects were identified as Luis dela Cruz Ragay, 53; and his wife, Lenie Acabo Ragay, 49; both farmers and residents of Sitio Guitalaokan.
They were nabbed around 6:30 a.m. by a team from the 11th IB, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, Bayawan Police Station and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, and intelligence operatives.
The couple’s arrest warrant was issued by Judge Marie Rose Inocando-Paras of the Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Bayawan City on Jan. 2, 2020.
The suspects are now in the custody of the Sta. Catalina Police Station while the court has set bail at PHP200,000.
Redosendo said Luis Ragay is an alleged former member of the CPP-NPA's “Hukbo” group who laid low in the '90s.
He joined the government’s Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) but was terminated in 2013.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093219
SOLCOM chief scores KMP chair for ‘lack of respect’ allegations
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): SOLCOM chief scores KMP chair for ‘lack of respect’ allegations (By Priam Nepomuceno)
Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Southern Luzon Command (PNA File photo)
Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Southern Luzon Command (PNA File photo)
Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) commander, Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., scored Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairperson Danilo Ramos for claiming that he has no respect for the "living and the dead" over the former’s refusal to release the bodies of two communist rebels killed in an encounter in Laguna, to their comrades.
"Mr. Danilo Ramos of KMP you can ask Cristina Palabay of Karapatan and Satur Ocampo of Bayan (Muna). Just to refresh your minds that as commander of the 4SFBn (Special Forces Battalion) and 1SFBn in the area in 2004 and 2005, respectively, we killed several NPA (New People's Army) terrorists in legitimate encounters and captured four in one of those encounters in Batangas. Guess what former Rep. Satur found out when he called me immediately after? The captured (rebels) were being treated well," he said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency Thursday.
He added that when Palabay and her "truckload of followers" went to check on the captured rebels, she found out that they were eating ice cream and fried chicken while under their custody.
On the claims that he has no respect for the dead, Parlade cited the case of Armando Lazarte alias "Pat Romano" and also known as "Ermin Bellen" who was killed by government troops in an operation in Antipolo, Rizal in December last year.
He added that he facilitated the release of the body of the slain rebel, who was secretary of the New People’s Army’s Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee's Sub-Regional Military Area 4A, to his relatives for a decent burial.
“No respect for the dead? Please check with the relatives of (Ermin) 'Bellen' alias 'Pat Romano', killed during a raid in (Antipolo, Rizal) last (December), who facilitated the release of his body so that he may be given a decent burial," he said.
KMP and its allies, he said, should respect the law rather than create a ruckus and accuse the government of atrocities or any illegal acts.
"Respect for the law is what you do not have. You know that the cadaver cannot be released to non-relatives but you insist because as far as you are concerned they belong to 'Bayan', not their parents or spouses where you stole these poor victims from. Respect for their grieving families is what you do not have, so don’t tell me about respect, hypocrites," Parlade said.
While military units have always been persuading NPA rebels to surrender peacefully, troops cannot be faulted if the NPAs choose to fight it out and get killed in combat, he added.
“Now that they are dead, don’t lie about their being killed as peasants,” he said, citing the case of Emerito Pinza of Pinagkaisang Ugnayan ng mga Magsasaka sa Laguna (PUMALAG) and one unidentified companion who were killed in an encounter with RMFB 4A elements in Sitio Balat Kahoy, Brgy San Antonio, Laguna on January 19, 2020.
He added that troops recovered one M14 rifle, one shotgun, one Bandolier, four improvised explosive devices, six pieces of seven-meter detonating cords, and four blasting caps from the two rebels.
“They were positively identified by their former comrades now FRs (former rebels) under 1IB (1st Infantry Battalion) as alias 'BIPAR', IL, Pltn 4A1, and Leo San Jose Dela Cruz alias 'Warly', VIL, PLTN 4A1 operating in Laguna and Mauban area," he added.
He said the duo’s wake went on for four days with no one claiming the remains.
“After four days and with no one claiming the bodies, the PNP (Philippine National Police) facilitated the burial of the two in Calamba cemetery," Parlade said.
He also cited the case of Jay-ar Mercado alias "Sander" of the NPA's “IL, Pltn Serna, KLG MAV" who was killed in an encounter with troops of the 4th Infantry Battalion it Sitio Lupges, Barangay Cambunang, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro on Jan. 25.
Sander was buried at the local cemetery on Feb. after no relatives surfaced to claim the former’s remains, he added.
Mercado, he said, is a notorious member of "KLG MAV" who spearheaded several atrocities in Oriental Mindoro including the murder of two militiamen in Cambayang and Lisap, and attempted murder on a barangay councilor in Barangay Purnaga, Magsaysay town in 2018.
Recovered from the slain NPA were a .38 caliber revolver, hand grenades, terrorist documents, and assorted belongings.
“Clearly, the said personalities are NPA combatants, terrorist, not a plain civilian, involved in previously recorded crimes," Parlade said.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, are listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093197
"Mr. Danilo Ramos of KMP you can ask Cristina Palabay of Karapatan and Satur Ocampo of Bayan (Muna). Just to refresh your minds that as commander of the 4SFBn (Special Forces Battalion) and 1SFBn in the area in 2004 and 2005, respectively, we killed several NPA (New People's Army) terrorists in legitimate encounters and captured four in one of those encounters in Batangas. Guess what former Rep. Satur found out when he called me immediately after? The captured (rebels) were being treated well," he said in a statement to the Philippine News Agency Thursday.
He added that when Palabay and her "truckload of followers" went to check on the captured rebels, she found out that they were eating ice cream and fried chicken while under their custody.
On the claims that he has no respect for the dead, Parlade cited the case of Armando Lazarte alias "Pat Romano" and also known as "Ermin Bellen" who was killed by government troops in an operation in Antipolo, Rizal in December last year.
He added that he facilitated the release of the body of the slain rebel, who was secretary of the New People’s Army’s Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee's Sub-Regional Military Area 4A, to his relatives for a decent burial.
“No respect for the dead? Please check with the relatives of (Ermin) 'Bellen' alias 'Pat Romano', killed during a raid in (Antipolo, Rizal) last (December), who facilitated the release of his body so that he may be given a decent burial," he said.
KMP and its allies, he said, should respect the law rather than create a ruckus and accuse the government of atrocities or any illegal acts.
"Respect for the law is what you do not have. You know that the cadaver cannot be released to non-relatives but you insist because as far as you are concerned they belong to 'Bayan', not their parents or spouses where you stole these poor victims from. Respect for their grieving families is what you do not have, so don’t tell me about respect, hypocrites," Parlade said.
While military units have always been persuading NPA rebels to surrender peacefully, troops cannot be faulted if the NPAs choose to fight it out and get killed in combat, he added.
“Now that they are dead, don’t lie about their being killed as peasants,” he said, citing the case of Emerito Pinza of Pinagkaisang Ugnayan ng mga Magsasaka sa Laguna (PUMALAG) and one unidentified companion who were killed in an encounter with RMFB 4A elements in Sitio Balat Kahoy, Brgy San Antonio, Laguna on January 19, 2020.
He added that troops recovered one M14 rifle, one shotgun, one Bandolier, four improvised explosive devices, six pieces of seven-meter detonating cords, and four blasting caps from the two rebels.
“They were positively identified by their former comrades now FRs (former rebels) under 1IB (1st Infantry Battalion) as alias 'BIPAR', IL, Pltn 4A1, and Leo San Jose Dela Cruz alias 'Warly', VIL, PLTN 4A1 operating in Laguna and Mauban area," he added.
He said the duo’s wake went on for four days with no one claiming the remains.
“After four days and with no one claiming the bodies, the PNP (Philippine National Police) facilitated the burial of the two in Calamba cemetery," Parlade said.
He also cited the case of Jay-ar Mercado alias "Sander" of the NPA's “IL, Pltn Serna, KLG MAV" who was killed in an encounter with troops of the 4th Infantry Battalion it Sitio Lupges, Barangay Cambunang, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro on Jan. 25.
Sander was buried at the local cemetery on Feb. after no relatives surfaced to claim the former’s remains, he added.
Mercado, he said, is a notorious member of "KLG MAV" who spearheaded several atrocities in Oriental Mindoro including the murder of two militiamen in Cambayang and Lisap, and attempted murder on a barangay councilor in Barangay Purnaga, Magsaysay town in 2018.
Recovered from the slain NPA were a .38 caliber revolver, hand grenades, terrorist documents, and assorted belongings.
“Clearly, the said personalities are NPA combatants, terrorist, not a plain civilian, involved in previously recorded crimes," Parlade said.
The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, are listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093197
PN chief to boost Navy's sea systems command
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): PN chief to boost Navy's sea systems command (By Priam Nepomuceno)
Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo. (File photo)
Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo. (File photo)
Newly-appointed Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said he will capacitate the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC) to ensure that all incoming ships and platforms are properly maintained to ensure their availability in the coming years.
The PN chief said this is part of his priority program which is a "Sustainment Suite for New Platforms, Weapons, and Sensors of the Fleet".
He said boosting the NSSC is needed because it is the PN unit in charge of the maintenance and repairs of all Navy ships' weapons, communications and electronic systems along with the hull, machinery, and electrical systems of these vessels.
"To capacitate NSSC is to capacitate the Fleet and the Marines --- the one-two punch of the Philippine Navy," Bacordo said in a message.
The PN chief said he would push for the "inclusion of the materiel and facility requirement in every modernization package" for the Navy.
This means that in every ship to be acquired by the PN, there must be programs for drydocks that can accommodate these vessels along with special tools and test equipment for maintenance and simulators that will test warfighting skills which will help train combat-information-center personnel to be more cohesive.
Bacordo said this also includes the development of naval port facilities where these multi-billion peso platforms can be homeported.
Bacordo took over the PN helm on February 3, replacing Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad who bowed out of the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093215
The PN chief said this is part of his priority program which is a "Sustainment Suite for New Platforms, Weapons, and Sensors of the Fleet".
He said boosting the NSSC is needed because it is the PN unit in charge of the maintenance and repairs of all Navy ships' weapons, communications and electronic systems along with the hull, machinery, and electrical systems of these vessels.
"To capacitate NSSC is to capacitate the Fleet and the Marines --- the one-two punch of the Philippine Navy," Bacordo said in a message.
The PN chief said he would push for the "inclusion of the materiel and facility requirement in every modernization package" for the Navy.
This means that in every ship to be acquired by the PN, there must be programs for drydocks that can accommodate these vessels along with special tools and test equipment for maintenance and simulators that will test warfighting skills which will help train combat-information-center personnel to be more cohesive.
Bacordo said this also includes the development of naval port facilities where these multi-billion peso platforms can be homeported.
Bacordo took over the PN helm on February 3, replacing Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad who bowed out of the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093215
PCG to receive its biggest ships by 2022
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): PCG to receive its biggest ships by 2022 (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)
CONTRACT SIGNING. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade (left) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd (Mitsubishi) president and chief executive officer Koji Okura (right) during the contract signing for the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) two 94-meter multi-role response vessels to be delivered in 2022. During the event, PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia said the contract is a landmark achievement for the development of the country’s maritime security and safety. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)
CONTRACT SIGNING. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade (left) and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd (Mitsubishi) president and chief executive officer Koji Okura (right) during the contract signing for the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) two 94-meter multi-role response vessels to be delivered in 2022. During the event, PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia said the contract is a landmark achievement for the development of the country’s maritime security and safety. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is set to receive two of its biggest ships yet after a contract signing between the Philippines and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. Ltd (Mitsubishi) on Friday.
In his remarks, PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel Garcia said the contract, which dictates the terms for the delivery of two 94-meter multi-role response vessels by 2022, is a landmark achievement for the development of the country’s maritime security and safety.
“We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and (PCG), but also for the Philippines – acquiring the first-ever biggest ships for the Coast Guard,” Garcia said.
In his keynote speech, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the “breakthrough” in the country’s modernization of maritime protection and border patrol was made through a partnership with the government of Japan.
“The modernization of the PCG has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much,” Tugade said.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative Yoshio Wada said the partnership between the two countries, especially in the maritime sector, is crucial for boosting economic trade.
“Through the time, JICA partnering with PCG is a testament to the strong friendship between our two nations: Japan and the Philippines – both maritime nations where seaborne trade plays a crucial role in our economic growth,” Wada said.
The DOTr said in a statement the ships, capable of maximum speeds reaching upwards of 24 knots and an endurance of more than 4,000 nautical miles, would increase the PCG’s capability to respond to maritime incidents in the edges of the country’s exclusive economic zone.
These incidents include search and rescue operations, maritime security operations, and marine environmental protection, it added.
Other officials who witnessed the event include DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Garry de Guzman, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Paul Yebra, and Assistant Secretary for Maritime Lino Dabi.
Mitsubishi was represented by its president and chief executive officer Koji Okura and Business Department general manager Kenichiro Mase, among others.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093239
In his remarks, PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel Garcia said the contract, which dictates the terms for the delivery of two 94-meter multi-role response vessels by 2022, is a landmark achievement for the development of the country’s maritime security and safety.
“We are making a milestone, not just for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and (PCG), but also for the Philippines – acquiring the first-ever biggest ships for the Coast Guard,” Garcia said.
In his keynote speech, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the “breakthrough” in the country’s modernization of maritime protection and border patrol was made through a partnership with the government of Japan.
“The modernization of the PCG has been going fast and quick and very meaningful. In fact, in this effort to make it quick, fast, and very meaningful, the government of Japan has contributed very much,” Tugade said.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) chief representative Yoshio Wada said the partnership between the two countries, especially in the maritime sector, is crucial for boosting economic trade.
“Through the time, JICA partnering with PCG is a testament to the strong friendship between our two nations: Japan and the Philippines – both maritime nations where seaborne trade plays a crucial role in our economic growth,” Wada said.
The DOTr said in a statement the ships, capable of maximum speeds reaching upwards of 24 knots and an endurance of more than 4,000 nautical miles, would increase the PCG’s capability to respond to maritime incidents in the edges of the country’s exclusive economic zone.
These incidents include search and rescue operations, maritime security operations, and marine environmental protection, it added.
Other officials who witnessed the event include DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Garry de Guzman, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Paul Yebra, and Assistant Secretary for Maritime Lino Dabi.
Mitsubishi was represented by its president and chief executive officer Koji Okura and Business Department general manager Kenichiro Mase, among others.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093239
Security issues raised during PRRD’s meet with AFP, PNP
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Security issues raised during PRRD’s meet with AFP, PNP (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)
COMMAND CONFERENCE. President Rodrigo R. Duterte presides over the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Command Conference at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (Feb. 6, 2020). Also in the photo are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (Presidential Photo)
COMMAND CONFERENCE. President Rodrigo R. Duterte presides over the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Command Conference at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (Feb. 6, 2020). Also in the photo are Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (Presidential Photo)
Several pressing security issues, including the fight against enemies of the state, were raised during the joint police and military command conference with President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañan Palace on Thursday night, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Friday.
During his meeting with top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the President reiterated his appeal for them to “do better,” Lorenzana said in a text message.
“What he (Duterte) normally wants in a command conference is to be briefed about the police and military operations against the enemies of the state: drugs, Terrorism, insurgency, criminality,” said Lorenzana, who attended the joint AFP-PNP command conference.
“He gives his guidance at the end, always exhorting everyone to do their jobs well,” he added.
The joint command conference with top police and military officials came in the wake of the President’s move to terminate the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (US).
Lorenzana, however, said the planned revocation of the VFA was not discussed during the conference.
On January 29, Duterte said he was determined to scrap the VFA, which was signed by the Philippines and the US on Feb. 10, 1998, due to Washington’s interference in Manila’s domestic affairs.
A day after the President’s pronouncement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the termination of VFA is a “studied” and “tactical” decision.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., however, warned Thursday that terminating the VFA would have a “negative” impact on the Philippines.
Duterte’s meeting with high-ranking officials of the AFP and the PNP also came amid the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) in the Philippines.
Lorenzana said there was “no mention” about concerns on the 2019-nCoV in the country.
The viral disease has already killed over 600 people and infected more than 30,000 others.
The joint command conference was also attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Human Settlements Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093241
During his meeting with top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the President reiterated his appeal for them to “do better,” Lorenzana said in a text message.
“What he (Duterte) normally wants in a command conference is to be briefed about the police and military operations against the enemies of the state: drugs, Terrorism, insurgency, criminality,” said Lorenzana, who attended the joint AFP-PNP command conference.
“He gives his guidance at the end, always exhorting everyone to do their jobs well,” he added.
The joint command conference with top police and military officials came in the wake of the President’s move to terminate the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (US).
Lorenzana, however, said the planned revocation of the VFA was not discussed during the conference.
On January 29, Duterte said he was determined to scrap the VFA, which was signed by the Philippines and the US on Feb. 10, 1998, due to Washington’s interference in Manila’s domestic affairs.
A day after the President’s pronouncement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the termination of VFA is a “studied” and “tactical” decision.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., however, warned Thursday that terminating the VFA would have a “negative” impact on the Philippines.
Duterte’s meeting with high-ranking officials of the AFP and the PNP also came amid the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (2019-nCoV ARD) in the Philippines.
Lorenzana said there was “no mention” about concerns on the 2019-nCoV in the country.
The viral disease has already killed over 600 people and infected more than 30,000 others.
The joint command conference was also attended by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, Human Settlements Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093241
DOJ submits VFA termination impact report to Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): DOJ submits VFA termination impact report to Palace (By Benjamin Pulta)
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete. (File photo)
Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete. (File photo)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed its impact assessment report on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippine and the United States to Malacañang on Thursday.
“The report has been submitted,” DOJ Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete told reporters Friday.
Perete said it is now up to the Office of the President "to reveal its contents".
He added that the document also contained inputs from the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“The DOJ only tackled the legal matters concerning the VFA termination,” he said.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra met with the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces (PCVF) and the Cabinet cluster on security, justice, and peace on January 31 and February 3.
The DOJ report initially answered such questions as: 'Is the VFA a treaty or an executive agreement?'; 'If it is a treaty, is Senate concurrence required for termination?'; 'Who will give the notice of termination?' (and), 'Is it necessary to state any ground for termination?"
Late in January, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to start the process of termination of the VFA following the cancelation of the US visa of retired national police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of those who implemented the government's anti-drug campaign.
Duterte earlier warned the US government that he will scrap the agreement if the cancelation of the visa of dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, is not rectified within a month.
Signed by the Philippines and the US in 1998, the VFA is an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.
Aside from exempting US forces from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines. The same policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.
It also allows Washington DC to retain jurisdiction over US personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093267
“The report has been submitted,” DOJ Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete told reporters Friday.
Perete said it is now up to the Office of the President "to reveal its contents".
He added that the document also contained inputs from the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“The DOJ only tackled the legal matters concerning the VFA termination,” he said.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra met with the Presidential Commission on the Visiting Forces (PCVF) and the Cabinet cluster on security, justice, and peace on January 31 and February 3.
The DOJ report initially answered such questions as: 'Is the VFA a treaty or an executive agreement?'; 'If it is a treaty, is Senate concurrence required for termination?'; 'Who will give the notice of termination?' (and), 'Is it necessary to state any ground for termination?"
Late in January, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to start the process of termination of the VFA following the cancelation of the US visa of retired national police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of those who implemented the government's anti-drug campaign.
Duterte earlier warned the US government that he will scrap the agreement if the cancelation of the visa of dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, is not rectified within a month.
Signed by the Philippines and the US in 1998, the VFA is an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.
Aside from exempting US forces from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines. The same policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.
It also allows Washington DC to retain jurisdiction over US personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093267
Duterte orders formal notification of VFA termination to US
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2020): Duterte orders formal notification of VFA termination to US (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)
President Rodrigo Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to transmit the Philippines’ formal notification to the United States (US) with regard to its termination of the 22-year-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Malacañang announced on Friday.
The President’s order came a day after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. warned that the revocation of the VFA might have a “negative” impact on the Philippines.
“PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) is instructing (Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to tell (Locsin) to send the notice of termination to the US government,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Inked by the Philippines and the US on Feb. 10, 1998, the VFA serves as an agreement that stipulates how American forces should be treated in the Philippines.
The agreement exempts US troops from passport and visa regulations, and also allows them to use their permits and licenses in the Philippines.
Washington also retains jurisdiction over US military personnel accused of committing crimes in the Philippines, unless the offenses are punishable in the host country.
Duterte’s termination of VFA was in retaliation for US senators' interference in the case of Senator Leila de Lima who is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City due to her involvement in illegal drugs.
Panelo said the President is also scheduled to have a phone call with US President Donald Trump “anytime soon.”
He, however, did not mention the possible issues that might be discussed between Duterte and Trump.
On January 30, Panelo said terminating the VFA is a “studied” and “tactical” decision.
Panelo also said Duterte had no choice but scrap the VFA because of the “brazen interference” and “disrespect” of the US Senate for the Philippines’ judicial system.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093298
The President’s order came a day after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. warned that the revocation of the VFA might have a “negative” impact on the Philippines.
“PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) is instructing (Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to tell (Locsin) to send the notice of termination to the US government,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Inked by the Philippines and the US on Feb. 10, 1998, the VFA serves as an agreement that stipulates how American forces should be treated in the Philippines.
The agreement exempts US troops from passport and visa regulations, and also allows them to use their permits and licenses in the Philippines.
Washington also retains jurisdiction over US military personnel accused of committing crimes in the Philippines, unless the offenses are punishable in the host country.
Duterte’s termination of VFA was in retaliation for US senators' interference in the case of Senator Leila de Lima who is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City due to her involvement in illegal drugs.
Panelo said the President is also scheduled to have a phone call with US President Donald Trump “anytime soon.”
He, however, did not mention the possible issues that might be discussed between Duterte and Trump.
On January 30, Panelo said terminating the VFA is a “studied” and “tactical” decision.
Panelo also said Duterte had no choice but scrap the VFA because of the “brazen interference” and “disrespect” of the US Senate for the Philippines’ judicial system.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093298
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