WESTMINCOM: NPA’s section head nabbed in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 16, 2020): NPA’s section head nabbed in Sultan Kudarat

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City-March 16, 2020

An NPA terrorist, known as the head of the Regional Peasant Bureau, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) was nabbed by the government forces in Sultan Kudarat.

Troops of the 6th Infantry Battalion and PNP-Lebak apprehended Leon Tacduro, a.k.a Paeng, at Sitio Kipopo, Keytodak, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat at 2:20am, March 16, 2020.

“Tacduro has a standing warrant of arrest for 3-counts of murder. He will first undergo custodial debriefing and documentation before we turn him over for proper filing of charges,” said Brig. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade.

Seized from Tacduro’s possession were: one Caliber 45 pistol; one homemade pistol; two fragmentary Hand Grenade; nine Cellular Phones; one digital camera; and subversive documents.

“This connotes positive development in our campaign against the communist terrorists in Central Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The apprehension of Tacduro will surely be of great impact in the operational capability of the FSMR in Sultan Kudarat,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

“Losing one of their pillars, weakens the group, thus giving us great advantage in instigating our offensives and peaceful mechanisms in the area,” he concluded.

Subject personality was brought to headquarters of Bravo Company, 6IB in Barangay Purikay of same municipality to undergo medical check-up, debriefing, and documentation prior further legal dispositive action.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
#wmcyourpartner
#wmcyourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade602nd "Liberator" Brigade603 Persuader Brigade1st Mechanized Infantry BrigadeUnang Marinong BrigadaTeam TabakJoint Taskforce Basilan103Rd Bde Haribon Pa Campo Ranao, Marawi CityMagbalantay Cmo11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"Gagandilan Siete1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade1st BCT AegisKwatromarinobrigada SuluJtf Tawi Tawi IndomalphiJoint Task Force ZamboangaJoint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual CenterUnbeatable Ranger BattalionMatatag BattalionTow Westmin CmoTow Westmin PioNaval Forces Western MindanaoCmou Western MindanaoKatapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion57th Infantry Masikap Battalion1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion7th Infantry - TAPAT BattalionReliablecmo R Section6IB Redskin37IB - Conqueror Battalion40 Infantry "Magiting" BattalionOnlyourbest MbltFive38th Infantry "We Clear" BattalionArvin John Gullos EncinasBreathe HeartRuel CasanesAr-ar GalvezAfman Rosales Jr.Antriosanjh Espenida NeneaSancus Princy NecessitasLa Independencia FilipinasSipiay O West

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/a.532970753511652/1677989222343127/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

WESTMINCOM: Another Dawlah Islamiya fighter surrenders in Lanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 16, 2020):  Another Dawlah Islamiya fighter surrenders in Lanao

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- March 16, 2020

Dawlah Islamiya fighter Bokharie Macadato Mahmod surrendered to soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Lanao del Sur on March 16.

Mahmod turned over to military troops one Carbine rifle, one COLT Caliber .45, magazines, and pieces of ammunition in Barangay Pagalongan, Sultan Dumalondong.

Military troops, along with Sultan Dumalondong Mayor Jamal Kurangking and Lumbayanague Mayor Salamona Asum, facilitated the surrender of Mahmod to 49IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Benjamin Tapnio.

Mahmod was recruited by alias Inspire, a Dawlah Islamiya sub-leader. He is a close friend of Dawlah Islamiyah fighter Emir, alias Abudar.

The former rebel fought against combat forces of the 103rd Infantry Brigade during their deliberate operations in Butig Municipality and Marawi City in 2016 and 2017.

After five months of fighting, Mahmod escaped from the main battle area by swimming across Lake Lanao.

Military troops debriefed Mahmod and kept safe the surrendered firearms and war materials.

“We want to dissuade more combatants from fighting and risking their lives on battlefields. We want this message to reach even those hardcore terrorists because our reformative program includes every rebel desiring a renewed life,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We urge other fighters to join our security and development campaign by crossing the line and returning to the fold of the law,” he added.

#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#wmcyourprotector
#wmcyourpartner
#wmcyourfriend

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade602nd "Liberator" Brigade603 Persuader Brigade1st Mechanized Infantry BrigadeUnang Marinong BrigadaTeam TabakJoint Taskforce Basilan103Rd Bde Haribon Pa Campo Ranao, Marawi CityMagbalantay Cmo11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"Gagandilan Siete1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade1st BCT AegisKwatromarinobrigada SuluJtf Tawi Tawi IndomalphiJoint Task Force ZamboangaJoint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual CenterUnbeatable Ranger BattalionMatatag BattalionTow Westmin CmoTow Westmin PioNaval Forces Western MindanaoCmou Western MindanaoKatapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion57th Infantry Masikap Battalion1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion7th Infantry - TAPAT BattalionReliablecmo R Section6IB Redskin37IB - Conqueror Battalion40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalionOnlyourbest MbltFive38th Infantry "We Clear" BattalionArvin John Gullos EncinasBreathe HeartRuel CasanesAr-ar GalvezAfman Rosales Jr.Antriosanjh Espenida NeneaSancus Princy NecessitasLa Independencia FilipinasSipiay O West

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/a.532970753511652/1678099725665410/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

Australia-Philippines: Prolonged partners

From the Lowy Institute/The Interpreter (Mar 16, 2020): Australia-Philippines: Prolonged partners (LUCY WEST/DAN HALVORSON)

Manila’s termination of defence ties with Washington will have a geopolitical cost, but Canberra has history on side.

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines conduct a boarding exercise onboard HMAS Anzac as part of Exercise Lumbas 2018 (Department of Defence)

The announcement by the Duterte administration last month that it will terminate the 1998 Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement will likely also raise questions about the future of the Australia-Philippines political and security relationship. Australia and the US are the only two countries that have formalised such arrangements with the Philippines.

Australia and the Philippines finalised their Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in July 2012 – after five years of deliberation by the Philippine senate. The SOFA provides a legal and operational framework for Australia-Philippines defence cooperation, and it builds on earlier joint defence commitments, including the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Defence Activities (1995) and to Combat International Terrorism (2003). These initiatives reflect a convergence of strategic interests and are consistent with the historic security cooperation between the two countries during the Cold War and in the post 9/11 period.

A review of Australia-Philippines bilateral relations suggests that Canberra should expect the trajectory of the political and security relationship to remain on course ­– despite the absence of a shared treaty ally. While Australia-Philippines relations partly operate within the context of the hub-and-spokes system of regional alliances in Asia, with the US at the centre, the bilateral relationship is robust enough to stand on its own.

Manila’s partnership with Canberra is less complicated than its relations with Washington. The period of US colonialism in the Philippines (1898–1946) followed by Manila’s economic and strategic dependency on Washington has often evoked nationalistic tensions in Filipino domestic politics and public opinion.

Australia and the Philippines share a number of commonalities in terms of identity and interests, which have made them natural partners in Asia when strategic circumstances have warranted it.

Analysts have tended to overlook the Australia-Philippines relationship in the study of Australia’s engagement with Asia. The absence of a significant economic basis to the relationship could account for this, but the shared history of participation in regional multilateral fora, and defence cooperation dating back to the early decades of the Cold War, constitutes a quiet success story for Australia’s regional relations.

The Cold War environment in East Asia drove Canberra and Manila into a close political and security relationship, exemplified by their shared status as treaty allies of Washington, memberships of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO) from 1954–77, and the Asian and Pacific Council (1966–75), and by their contributions to the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Archival records show that Manila has been invariably well-disposed toward Canberra since the Philippines gained independence in 1946, except for a brief period prior to the fall of the Marcos regime in 1986. Filipino governments have consistently defined Australia as a part of Asia and included Canberra in all regional meetings and proposals for regional organisations – including offering diplomatic support for Australia to seek membership of ASEAN in 1967 should it have chosen to press for membership.

Contemporary security relations between Australia and the Philippines originate in the aftermath of 9/11 and acute concerns over transnational terrorism in maritime Southeast Asia, which for Canberra was brought home by the October 2002 Bali bombings, in which 88 Australians were killed. The “war on terror” also generated renewed impetus in the US-Philippines relationship, which had experienced a period of stagnation since US military bases were closed in 1992 and joint cooperation suspended.

Australian soldiers demonstrate weapon handling drills to the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Pagadian, Philippines, as part Operation Augury-Philippines (Department of Defence)

Evidence that al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah operatives had trained with Moro separatist factions in the southern Philippines, was enough in the “war on terror” mindset prevailing in Washington and Canberra for Mindanao to be viewed as part of the global terrorist threat. Fragile states such as the Philippines with ungoverned political spaces were considered to be incubators for transnational threats.

The second pillar constituting the contemporary Australia-Philippines relationship is maritime security in the South China Sea. Under the Aquino administration (2010–16), Manila increased maritime cooperation with Australia in an effort to challenge Beijing’s territorial claims.

Aquino upgraded Philippine-Australian security relations to one of a comprehensive strategic partnership (similar to what Manila forged with Tokyo), noting the shared values, similar forms of government, and common outlook toward regional and global challenges. Finalised under Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in 2015, the agreement institutionalises the bilateral relationship through a biennial ministerial meeting, counter-terrorism, and maritime security cooperation.

The October 2017 Marawi City siege by ISIS-affiliated militants saw Australia provide surveillance support and counterterrorism training to the Philippines armed forces under Operation Augury-Philippines. The siege helped reinforce the importance of the bilateral defence relationship, with analysts marking it an opportunity to build on the steady history of security cooperation between both countries. Australia has also made a significant contribution to the post-conflict environment in Mindanao with initiatives delivered through Manila’s interagency Task Force Bangon Marawi.

Terrorism, and an assertive China pressing its claims in Southeast Asia, have again provided the conditions for a close security relationship between Australia and the Philippines. This has been given expression through Australian forces being stationed on Filipino territory in the fight against Islamist militancy and terrorism in Mindanao, the strategic partnership signed between the two, and maritime cooperation in the South China Sea.

Australia and the Philippines share a number of commonalities in terms of identity and interests, which have made them natural partners in Asia when strategic circumstances have warranted it. Manila’s termination of defence ties with Washington will have implications for the geopolitical balance, but Canberra and Manila can draw on what is approaching 75 years of diplomatic relations to respond to regional challenges and enhance cooperation across a range of strategic domains.

https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-philippines-prolonged-partners

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Mensahe ng Pagbati sa bagong Tagapagsalita ng BHB-ST

NPA-Palawan propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 16, 2020): Mensahe ng Pagbati sa bagong Tagapagsalita ng BHB-ST

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SALVADOR LUMINOSO

NPA-PALAWAN

BIENVENIDO VALLEVER COMMAND

MARCH 16, 2020

Ipinapaabot ng Bievenido Vallever Command-NPA Palawan ang pagsuporta at malugod nitong pagbati sa bagong tagapagsalita ng Melito Glor Command na si Ka Armando Cienfuego bilang papalit at magpapatuloy sa paghahatid ng Tinig ng Rebolusyon sa Timog Katagalugan(TK).

Pagpapatunay lamang na tuloy ang pag-inog at pag-ikid ng rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa Timog Katagalugan na kabaliktaran sa mga ipinangangalandakan ng mga mersenaryong militar na hihina ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa TK matapos umanong madakii ang dating tagapagsalita ng MGC na si Jaime ‘Ka Diego’ Padilla at pagkapaslang kay Ermin ‘Ka Romano’ Bellen.

Maituturing man na malaking kawalan ang di makatao at labag sa JASIG pagkakapiit kay Jaime ‘Ka Diego’ Padilla at ang brutal na pagpaslang kay Ka Romano ay malaking kahibangan naman para sa Southern Luzon Command-WESCOM at buong AFP na isiping naikulong din nila ang rebolusyonaryong diwa ni Ka Diego at ang rebolusyunaryong diwa ng mga mamamayan sa Timog Katagalugan.

Maaring ipiit ng pasista ang mga rebolusyunaryo ng makailang libong ulit, ngunit napatunayan na sa kasaysayan na ang daluyong ng rebolusyunaryong diwa ay hinding hindi kayang hadlangan ng makakapal na pader ay matitibay na rehas na bakal sapagkat ang lumaban ay likas sa masang malaon ng api at pinagsasamantalahan. Sa katunayan ang paglikha ng rehimeng US Duterte sa EO70 ay isang malinaw na batayan sa patuloy na paglakas ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa buong bansa. Samantalang sa Timog Katagalugan naman ay patunay din sa kainutilan ng RTF/PTF-ELCAC ang pagbubuo ng bagong batalayon mula sa dating 59th IB upang maging dagdag na pwersang panagupa laban sa pwersa ng NPA na ayon sa kanila ay humina na. Kung totoong humina na bakit kailangan pang magdagdag ng bagong batalyon para tuluyang durugin ang NPA sa Timog Katagalugan?

Ang pagkalantad ng di makataong pagtrato ng AFP kay kasamang Jaime “Ka Diego” Padilla at ang kanilang desperadong saywar laban sa NPA at buong rebolusyunaryong kilusan ay higit lamang na magpapasiklab sa nagpupuyos na damdamin ng laksa-laksang mamamayan at mga rebolusyunaryo ng rehiyon. Ang Tinig ni Ka Diego ay tinig ng milyun-milyong masang api sa Timog Katagalugan na nagnanais kumawala sa gapos ng dantaong kahirapan at pagkaalipin na magpapatuloy sa pamamagitan ng pagkakahirang kay Ka Armando Cienfuego bilang bagong tagapagsalita ng MGC. Patuloy na aalingawngaw ang Tinig ng Rebolusyon na tatagos sa diwa ng sambayanang Pilipino hanggang sa magiging apoy na tutupok sa pyudalismo, burukrata kapitalismo at imperyalismo.

Batid ng mamamayan na sa panahon ng malaganap na misimpormasyon, pekeng balita at supresyon sa mga daluyang kritikal sa rehimen, mahalagang salik ang gagampanan ni Ka Armando Cienfuego. Siya ang magiging matining na tinig ng rebolusyuanryong kilusan ng TK laban sa kontrarebolusyunaryong propaganda at saywar. Makakaasa si Ka Armando Cienfuego at ang MGC ng lubusang suporta mula sa Bienvenido Vallever Command ng NPA-Palawan na magiging matatag niyang bisig ang BVC sa pagpapalaganap ng rebolusyuanryong paninindigan at pagsusuri ng pangrehiyong kumand ng BHB.

Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDFP!

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Lumalaban!

Mabuhay ang Rebolusyon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/mensahe-ng-pagbati-sa-bagong-tagapagsalita-ng-bhb-st/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Pag-alaala kay Alfredo ‘Ka Bendoy’ Merilos

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 16, 2020): Pag-alaala kay Alfredo ‘Ka Bendoy’ Merilos

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 16, 2020

“Naging makatotohanang balon siya ng mga praktikal na gabay para sa mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga kadre ng Partido dahil sa kanyang malawak na karanasan sa pagtatayo ng Partido, pamumuno sa tropa at paglubog sa mga pangangailangan at kahilingan ng batayang masa. Kahit madalas niyang sinusubukang hindi maging kapansin-pansin, ang kanyang tangkad at ang kanyang mga nakakatawang kwento’t pakulo ang nakakahamig sa mga tao papalapit sa kanya. Pero istrikto siya kapag hinihingi ng pagkakataon laluna pagdating sa mga patakaran ng Partido.

Ilang araw bago siya pinatay at ibinuwal ng mga alagad ng kamatayan ng estado, muli siyang inatake ng mild stroke. Lagi’t lagi niyang hinaharap ang kanyang diabetes, hypertension at pumapalyang puso. Sa edad na 56, mabilis na nahuhulog ang kanyang katawan subalit muli’t muli niyang tinatanggihan ang pagpapa-opera sa kanyang puso dahil alam niyang lilimitahan nito ang kanyang pagkilos at mahihiwalay siya sa pagsisilbi sa kanayunan. Tumanggi siyang magpahinga at nagpatuloy sa kanyang ritwal na pagkalikot sa mga bagay na dapat ayusin—sa literal at makahulugang sabi. Kung hindi ang balikong paa ng mesa, ang pinagtagpi-tagping bubong, o kaya naman, mga bag na dapat ikamada uli o kapag hindi pwede, ang mga problema sa buhay ng mga kasama.”

(Mula sa parangal kay Alfredo ‘Ka Bendoy’ Merilos, ilinathala noong Marso 17, 2018.)

Ngayong anibersaryo ng kanyang pagkakapaslang, ipinagtitibay ng masang Bikolano ang kanilang kapasyahang lumaban para sa tunay na katarungan. Ibayong isusulong ng masang anakpawis ang rebolusyon hanggang ganap na tagumpay!

https://cpp.ph/statement/pag-alaala-kay-alfredo-ka-bendoy-merilos/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: RCSP, mukha ng kontra-mamamayang gera ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa kanayunan

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 15, 2020): RCSP, mukha ng kontra-mamamayang gera ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte sa kanayunan

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 15, 2020

Sukdulang karahasan ang inaabot ng masang anakpawis sa ilalim ng Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Wala itong pinagkaiba sa mga nakaraang programa ng mga pasistang rehimen. Gasgas nang programa ang di umano’y paghahatid ng mga serbisyong panlipunan upang tabingan ang pagsakyada ng militar sa kanayunan at higit na pagtutulak ng huwad na gera kontra-terorismo. Sa panahong balisa ang masang anakpawis dahil sa matinding krisis na dulot ng COVID-19 at African Swine Flu (ASF), higit pang naikukubli ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang tumitinding militarisasyon sa kanayunan at lumolobong bilang ng paglabag ng militar sa mga karapatang tao.

Sa Masbate, sinasalakay na ng mga elemento ng 2nd IB at PNP Masbate ang ilang barangay sa mga bayan ng Milagros, San Fernando, San Pascual, Claveria, Monreal at San Jacinto mula pa noong Pebrero 9.

Noong Marso 10, pinaslang ng mga militar si Kiko Garamay, 30 taong gulang, sa Brgy. Rizal, Monreal. Nadamay pa ang kanyang mga anak sa walang habas na pamamaril ng militar. Nang sumunod na araw, pinaslang naman si Nongnong Hermena, 50 taong gulang, sa Sitio Ilawod, Brgy. Macarthur. Mula Marso 9 hanggang Marso 11, mayroon pang anim na iligal na inaresto, dalawang ninakawan at isang pamilyang biktima ng iligal na panghahalughog ng bahay. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan hindi pa ilinilalabas sa publiko si Amado Bartolay ng Sitio Dalaquit, Brgy. Macarthur, Monreal.

Sa Sitio Bantayan, Brgy. Patag Poloan, Caramoan, Camarines Sur, dinadaig na ng militar ang mga sibilyang ahensya sa pagsasagawa ng mga census. Noong Marso 12, kinuhaan ng militar ng litrato ang mga bahay at tagabaryo nang walang pahintulot. Sapilitang pinapupunta ang mga nakuhaan ng litrato sa Pili nang walang anumang katwiran o maayos na paliwanag. Ito na ang kalakaran ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU upang makapagtipon ng sapat na dami ng taong palalabasing mga ‘sumukong NPA’. Halatang hinihintay lamang ng militar na matapos ang ligalig na dulot ng COVID-19 at ASF bago muling bumwelo sa pagpapalaganap ng kasinungalingan, laluna’t napahiya ito sa ilinabas nitong litratong naka-photoshop noong Disyembre 2019.

Lantarang kapabayaan sa kapakanan ng mamamayan ang pag-atupag ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa gerang mapanupil sa gitna ng tumitinding krisis pangkalusugan at pagdausdos ng ekonomya ng bansa. Sunud-sunod na binayo ng tagtuyot, mga bagyo, ASF at COVID-19 ang rehiyon ngunit walang ipinatupad na makabuluhang programa si Duterte upang maresolba ang mga ito.

Mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang Bikolano na magkaisa at ilantad ang mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang tao laluna sa mga bayang saklaw ng RCSP. Hinihikayat ang lahat ng biktima ng paglabag sa karapatang taong kagyat na mag-ulat sa midya, mga organisasyong nagtataguyod sa karapatang tao at mga upisyal ng barangay. Sa pagtindi ng disimpormasyon at saywar, hamon din para sa mga kagawad ng midya na maging kritikal at manatiling bukas upang makuha ang panig ng masang anakpawis. Naigpawan at higit lamang tumatag ang pakikibaka ng mamamayan sa gitna ng mga operasyong militar mula pa sa mga nakaraang pasistang rehimen. Bitbit ang praktika at kapasyahang labanan at durugin ang diktadurya, tiyak na mabibigo ng masang anakpawis ang RCSP at Oplan Kapanatagan ng rehimeng US-Duterte.

Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Biguin ang MO 32 at EO 70!

https://cpp.ph/statement/rcsp-mukha-ng-kontra-mamamayang-gera-ng-pasistang-rehimeng-us-duterte-sa-kanayunan/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Paglusot ng kontra-mamamayang patakaran sa gitna ng malaganap na takot sa COVID-19 at ASF, dapat bantayan

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 15, 2020): Paglusot ng kontra-mamamayang patakaran sa gitna ng malaganap na takot sa COVID-19 at ASF, dapat bantayan

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 15, 2020

Matagal nang gawi ng reaksyunaryong gubyernong samantalahin ang malaganap at matinding takot o anumang kaguluhan upang ilihis ang atensyon ng taumbayan at ilusot ang pagpapatupad ng mga kontra-mamamayang patakaran. Kasabay ng laban para sa libre, naaabot at de kalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan, nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mamamayang maging mapagbantay sa anumang pasista at neoliberal na patakarang maaaring iratsada ng rehimeng US-Duterte habang hinaharap pa ng taumbayan ang krisis dulot ng COVID-19 at African Swine Flu (ASF) sa bansa.

Patung-patong na krisis pang-ekonomya at pampulitika ang kailangang harapin ng masang anakpawis ngunit malinaw sa mga hakbang ng rehimeng US-Duterte na nananatili nitong prayoridad ang gera kontramamamayan. Kailan pa ba naging dalubhasa ang militar sa pagtutukoy kung aling baboy ang mayroong ASF at kung ano ang nakabubuti para sa mga taong pinagkakamalang mayroong COVID-19 para maging tagabatany mga checkpoint at quarantine zones? Kahit noong nagsisimula pa lamang lumaganap ang COVID-19, nakuha pa ng sibilyang junta ni Duterte na iparada ang mga task force nito sa iba’t ibang antas.

Nag-uugat ang pinakamatitinding krisis na dinaranas ng mamamayan sa kapabayaan, pagpapakatuta at lantarang pagpapasipara ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno sa mga lehitimong kahingian ng mamamayan. Ang pagwawaldas nito ng kabang-bayan para sa gera kontra-mamamayan ay nakakabahalang pangitain ng kawalang-kahandaan nitong sinserong harapin ang ligalig na dulot ng COVID-19, ASF o anumang mapanalasang sakuna. Bilyun-bilyon ang gastos ng rehimeng US-Duterte para sa mga attack helicopter, drone, matataas na kalibre ng baril at iba pang gamit-pandigma.

Hamon sa mamamayang Pilipinong magpakatatag upang maigpawan ang krisis ng COVID-19 at ASF. Higit sa lahat, manatiling kritikal at mapangahas na labanan ang anumang tangka ng rehimeng US-Duterte na higit pang yurakan ang buhay at kabuhayan ng masang anakpawis.

Mamamayang Bikolano, magkaisa!
Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/paglusot-ng-kontra-mamamayang-patakaran-sa-gitna-ng-malaganap-na-takot-sa-covid-19-at-asf-dapat-bantayan/

NDF/Sison: NDFP will seriously study ceasefire offer of Duterte

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 15, 2020): NDFP will seriously study ceasefire offer of Duterte 

By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant

March 16, 2020

As Duterte admits, it is true that the redeployment of his military and police to urban areas would leave a vacuum and will allow the New People’s Army to increase its tactical offensives in the countryside.

But the NDFP has gotten reports that the concentration of Duterte’s military and police forces is meant not to help in the fight against Covid-19 but to suppress the people’s democratic movement in the urban areas.

In fact Duterte himself gave recently the order to his armed minions to finish off the entire revolutionary movement before 2022.

But if he is really serious with his offer to have a ceasefire with the NDFP he must make a formal offer through the GRP negotiating panel to the NDFP negotiating panel.

The offer will be seriously studied by the NDFP and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). It will be related not only to the common fight against Covid-19 but also to the resumption of the peace negotiations.

In my view, the NDFP will certainly demand that the GRP realign government spending from excessive military spending and from rampant corruption in order to pursue genuine land reform and national industrialization and expand social services, especially public health and education.

The NDFP will demand that the public funds be poured into the effort to fight Covid-19 so that there will be adequate health workers, facilities, equipment and medicines for the purpose.

In the meantime, the revolutionary forces and the people themselves have to undertake collective efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and at the same time defend themselves against the continuing military assaults under NTF-ELCAC and various operational plans of the Duterte regme.

Duterte has the obligation to rein in his armed minions immediately because they are the ones invading and assaulting the guerrilla fronts which are the territory of the people’s democratic government of workers and peasants in the countryside.###

https://ndfp.org/ndfp-will-seriously-study-ceasefire-offer-of-duterte/

Caraga RDC endorses PhP22.39B Road Projects within PDZ areas

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2020): Caraga RDC endorses PhP22.39B Road Projects within PDZ areas (By 4TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



Bancasi, Butuan City – The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Caraga Region ensured the inclusion of the needed projects for the Geographically Isolated, Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDCAs) within the Peace and Development Zone (PDZs) after it successfully endorsed the Road Projects for FY2021 Proposed Budget during the 101st Caraga RDC Meeting held at NEDA Building Conference Hall, J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City last March 11, 2020.

A total of two hundred seventy-six (276) road projects amounting to PhP22.39 billion was endorsed to address the needs of one hundred fourteen (114) barangays belonging to identified PDZ areas.

As per Resolution Number 16, Series of 2019 of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC, the priority barangays in Caraga Region for focused development interventions to End Local Communist Armed Conflict through the “Whole of Nation” approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and development are categorized into two (2) focus areas namely: Focus Area A – Conflict-Affected Areas/Conflict Vulnerable Areas (CAAs/CVAs), Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) and Poverty Incidence (30%); Focus Area B – Conflict-Affected Areas/Conflict Vulnerable Areas (CAAs/CVAs) and Poverty Incidence (30%).

Last July 2018, the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Caraga declared all Guerilla Bases as Peace and Development Zone (PDZ) as the region’s banner program to combat insurgency by addressing the root causes of conflict. PDZ is conceptualized as a peace-building initiative/effort promoting peace-building processes that facilitates the establishment of durable peace and prevents the recurrence of violence by addressing the root causes and effects of conflict through the convergence of peace stakeholders.

In his statement Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander, 402nd Brigade said that “With the recurring insurgency problems in the identified CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) affected barangays, it is imperative to find solutions not only confined in confronting the armed component of the CNTs. We thank all regional line agencies, local leaders and partner stakeholders for ensuring that pressing issues in identified communities are given prime importance. The road projects are very vital to the economy and livelihood of the people living in the GIDCA areas as it will ease their burdenparticularin transporting their products and commodities”.

“Where development begins, insurgency ends precisely because the CTGs have no issues left to exploit and use to agitate the people to fight the government. These terrorists thrive when it seems there is no government existing in a community. The prompt response of the Caraga RDC in providing developmental projects and services to our people will surely end the insurgency here in Caraga region”, BGen Licudine 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]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/caraga-rdc-endorses-php22-39b-road-projects-within-pdz-areas/

Kalinaw News: 61IB encounters remnants of CPP-NPA terrorists in Calinog

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2020): 61IB encounters remnants of CPP-NPA terrorists in Calinog (By 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion)



CAMP MONTECLARO, Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo – A clash between the members of 61IB and the communist terrorists happened at about 3 ‘O’clock in the morning of March 16, 2020 at Sitio Agtaraw, Brgy Binolosan Pequeño, Calinog, Iloilo.

Ltc Joel Benedict G Batara, Commanding Officer, 61IB identified the group as members of Igabon Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay led by Alias Jun.

LTC BATARA said that 61IB received a report about the presence of these communist-terrorists planning to sabotage the peace and order situation in the area despite the chaos and health issues that the province is facing today.

The firefight lasted for about ten minutes before the terrorist group scampered towards the different directions. No casualty on the government side.

The troops recovered three (3) rifle grenades, one (1) Homemade M79 with seven (7) ammunitions, two (2) Backpacks, two (2) hammocks, medical paraphernalia, assorted canned goods and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

“I am urging everyone especially the community to help us and report the presence of the communist-terrorists in your area to stop them from casting more terror. Do not let them ruin your peaceful community. Let us spare the minors. Do not let your children live in fear, they have future ahead of them.” LTC BATARA added.

According to COL MARION R SISON, 301st Infantry Brigade Commander, this is a positive result of the on-going implementation of EO70 which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) were the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) is the primary tool in addressing all the issues capitalized by the communist terrorist in order to make their Arouse, Organized, Mobilized (AOM) works in their targeted barangay. RCSP strengthened the Community Support Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines by empowering the LGUs as the one primarily responsible in providing developmental interventions with the support from National Government Agencies (NGA’s) to address the issues identified in the CTG- influenced and threatened barangays.

“RCSP is the best instrument for us na linisin, alisin ang lason sa lipunan, ang mga bandidong komunistang terorista,” COL Sison added.

COL SISON further encouraged the LGUs to have a local peace engagement in their respective areas and called on the remaining members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist to avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP for them to regain their future and live a peaceful and productive life together with their loved ones.

[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/61ib-encounters-remnants-of-cpp-npa-terrorists-in-calinog/

Kalinaw News: Army acknowledged locals’ help for the capture of 3 NPAs in Negros Oriental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2020): Army acknowledged locals’ help for the capture of 3 NPAs in Negros Oriental (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – MGen Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division attributed the successful apprehension of three (3) armed CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Sta Catalina, Negros Oriental on March 12, 2020 to the vigilance of the local populace in town.

“I would like to acknowledge not only the effort of the joint elements of the PNP and 11th Infantry Battalion but also the vigilance of the people of Sta Catalina for giving accurate information to our troops that led to the apprehension of these armed communist-terrorists,” MGen Vinoya said.

11IB reported that upon receiving the information on the presence of the armed CNts at the vicinity Sitio Kakha, Barangay Talalak in Sta Catalina town, they immediately conducted joint operations that resulted in the capture of brothers Jeomar and John Bernadez of Barangay Talalak, and Warlito Quitay of Barangay Buenavista all of Sta Catalina.

“The apprehension of these CNTs prevented them from casting terror in the area. They are armed and dangerous as confirmed by the aforementioned war materials recovered from their possession, hence, I am grateful to the people of Negros Oriental for helping the government forces in thwarting communist-terrorist group’s criminal activities,” MGen Vinoya added.

With their capture, Vinoya renewed his persistent call to the Negrenses to continue supporting the government forces by giving accurate information about the movement and activities of the communist-terrorists to stop them from spreading more fear and violence.

Further, the 3ID Commander once again called on the remaining members of the CNTs in Negros Island to surrender and give peace a chance. “This is what I am saying before, you cannot escape from the full force of the law. Outlaws like you will always be on the run, thus, you need to choose the best option; and that is to yield for you to have a normal and peaceful life,” he emphasized.

The captured CNTs and the confiscated pieces of evidence are now in the custody of Sta Catalina MPS for proper disposition and documentation.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-acknowledged-locals-help-for-the-capture-of-3-npas-in-negros-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Awarding of wounded Soldiers led by Commander of Western Mindanao Command and JTFC Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 16, 2020): Awarding of wounded Soldiers led by Commander of Western Mindanao Command and JTFC Commander (By Western Mindanao Command)



Lt. Gen. Cirilito E. Sobejana, Commander of Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), representing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the awarding of gun certificates, gift items and financial assistance to the wounded soldiers admitted at Camp Siongco Station Hospital (CSSH) assisted by Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon and Presidential Management Staff led by Ms. Mary Ann Lucero on Saturday morning, March 14, 2020 in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The 18 soldiers were wounded during the recent encounter against the terror groups, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah Terror Group (DITG), in Ampatuan and Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao.

A civilian casualty, who was also wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion perpetrated by the terror groups, was also awarded with gift items and financial aid.

[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/awarding-of-wounded-soldiers-led-by-commander-of-western-mindanao-command-and-jtfc-commander/

Duterte asks NPA for ceasefire during coronavirus lockdown

From Rapper (Mar 17, 2020): Duterte asks NPA for ceasefire during coronavirus lockdown (By JC Gotinga)

The President sees the police and military on the frontlines of the Luzon-wide ‘enhanced community quarantine,’ and asks communist rebels for a halt in hostilities



SOLDIERS. Military contingents provided a support role to the Police in enforcing a "community quarantine" of Metro Manila on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler

President Rodrigo Duterte has asked the communist-led New People’s Army (NPA) for a ceasefire as he put the entire island of Luzon on lockdown over the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Kayo bang mga NPA, nagmamahal kayo sa gobyerno? 'Pag hindi…tumulong kayo. Distancing. At huwag ‘nyo muna galawin ang mga sundalo,” Duterte said as he announced the enhanced community quarantine on Monday night, March 16. (You NPA, do you love the government? If not…help out. Distancing. And don’t bother soldiers for now.)

“Ceasefire muna tayo. Ako na ang nanghihingi…. Kindly give me that,” he added. (Let’s go on ceasefire for now. I am asking you.)

Duterte made this appeal as he alternated between reading a prepared declaration of the lockdown and talking spontaneously in his usual meandering way.

Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, the exiled founder and figurehead of the communist rebellion, responded with a statement that expressed doubts about Duterte’s motives in declaring a lockdown.

Enforced by police and soldiers, the lockdown may be meant “to suppress the people’s democratic movement in the urban areas,” Sison said.

To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

Nevertheless, Sison said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), would consider Duterte’s offer.

“If he is really serious with his offer to have a ceasefire with the NDFP, he must make a formal offer through the [government] negotiating panel to the NDFP negotiating panel,” Sison said, adding that if so, the CPP and NDFP would “seriously study” the possibility.
Duterte has repeatedly dangled offers of negotiations with the communist rebels, even when he has vowed to eradicate them by the end of his term in June 2022.

Early in his term, Duterte broached peace talks with the NDFP but the effort bogged down in November 2017, when Duterte accused the rebels of repeatedly violating a ceasefire.

In December 2018, Duterte launched a campaign to deplete the communist movement’s guerrilla forces through so-called localized peace talks, offering fighters cash incentives and livelihood packages in exchange for their defection.

In December 2019, Duterte yet again offered peace talks to the CPP-NPA-NDFP, but he and Sison could not agree on a venue. Although a member of Duterte’s Cabinet had begun setting up the negotiations, the attempt has pretty much fizzled out.

‘Love your military man’

The lockdown, from March 17 to April 12, is meant to prevent the coronavirus from further spreading among Luzon’s more than 57 million people across 8 administrative regions.

Duterte has repeatedly insisted the measure is “not martial law,” but in his public addresses on the subject, he kept warning the public against confronting the police and military personnel enforcing the lockdown.

“So inuulit-ulit kasi yung reminder, you should love your military man. Namamatay na nga ‘yan sa giyera. ‘Tamo, uuwi na du’n sa kanila, kabaong na lang,” he said in the same speech. (I keep reminding you, you should love your military man. They already die in the war. See, he arrives home in a casket.)

“You should feel for your soldiers and policemen. They are not your enemies,” the President said as a way of dismissing the public’s apprehensions over the lockdown.

The “community quarantine” that began in Metro Manila on Sunday, March 15, was largely enforced by the Philippine National Police. Military contingents were deployed to cover certain areas.

It is unclear whether the Armed Forces of the Philippines would take on a more prominent role in the “enhanced community quarantine” that now covers a third of the country. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has yet to respond to reporters’ queries on the matter as of this posting.

As of Monday, the Philippines has had 142 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, and 12 deaths.

The global death toll, meanwhile, has reached 6,501, with 3,213 of the fatalities in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau). The number of cases worldwide has risen to 168,250, with more than 80,860 of the infections in China. The virus has spread to at least 142 countries.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/254797-duterte-asks-npa-ceasefire-coronavirus-lockdown

Army, Reds clash in Calinog

From the Panay News (Mar 17, 2020): Army, Reds clash in Calinog (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed with troops of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Binolosan Pequeño, Calinog, Iloilo before dawn yesterday.

According to Army Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61IB commander, there were around nine rebels and these belonged to the NPA-Panay Central Front Committee (CFC) under Ka June.

The encounter happened at around 3:15 a.m. Batara said his men were conducting “offensive combat operation” in Barangay Binolosan Pequeño.

The exchange of gunfire lasted for some 10 minutes.

The rebels retreated toward Barangay Guinbonyogan, said Batara.

“We were informed na may wounded sa part ng ating kaaway pero hindi natin ma account kung ilan,” said Batara.

On the other hand, none from the 61IB troops were hurt, he added.

Batara said the CFC operated in parts of Lambunao and Calinog, and parts of the municipality of Tapaz in Capiz province.

The 61IB troops recovered from the encounter site backpacks with personal belongings, an M79 rifle and bullets.

Batara said the NPA could be gearing for more offensives to mark its 51st anniversary on March 29.

“That’s why we have deployed more soldiers in the field,” said Batara.

https://www.panaynews.net/army-reds-clash-in-calinog/

NPA high-ranking leader arrested in Lanao Norte

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 16, 2020): NPA high-ranking leader arrested in Lanao Norte (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

A top-ranking Communist rebel of Northern Mindanao was successfully apprehended by the joint AFP-PNP operation at a safe house in Purok 3, Barangay San Manuel, Lala, Lanao del Norte on Sunday early morning.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the Public Affairs Office chief of 4th Infantry Division, identified her as Teresita Lapuz Naul, secretary of Regional White Area Committee, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Trinidad said Naul was arrested by virtue of the warrants of arrest for her crimes of destructive arson with criminal case number 6524, kidnapping and serious illegal detention with Criminal Case no. 6525, and another kidnapping and serious illegal detention with criminal case no. 6527, all with no fixed bail issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 7, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

She was arrested in a joint operation of soldiers of elements of the 4th Infantry Division, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) X, and Police Regional Office (PRO) X.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4th ID, said, “Teresita Naul Alias Tessie/Bessy attempted to flee at the backyard of her sister’s house in Purok 3, Barangay San Manuel, Lala, Lanao del Norte during the serving of the warrants of arrest.

“She was captured by apprehending authorities after being discovered hiding in the nearest rice field, and was later brought to CIDG-10 office for proper disposition,” Gacal said.

Alias Kris, a former liaison of WAC, NCMRC, said that last year, “Nanay Tessie, the finance officer of the region, gave me P25,000 intended for medical and other supplies of the members of SRC 2, NCMRC.”

Alias Joy, a former political officer, also identified the suspect as the secretary general of Karapatan-NMR, who personally gave her P50,000 “to support the food and mobility requirements of the anti-government rally in Cagayan de Oro City.

It can be recalled that on July 4, 2018, Naul and 12 others were also arrested in General Santos City while holding a series of meetings for anti-government activities.

The military said they violated Presidential Decree (PD) 1829 or obstruction of justice during the arrest of Francis Madria alias FX/KIANG who had standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping, kidnapping with murder, murder, attempted murder, and frustrated murder; and Maria Limbaga Unabia, who had standing warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated murder, and multiple murder.

“This will have an important impact on the morale and operational capability of NCMRC since she holds a significant position by providing financial and logistical support to the armed group,” Gacal added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/03/17/npa-high-ranking-leader-arrested-in-lanao-norte/

Ex-MILF member detained

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 16, 2020): Ex-MILF member detained (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

An alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was arrested by authorities in Tagum City for illegal possession of firearms on Sunday morning.

Maj. Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, identified him as Renante L. Gozon, 32, a resident of Purok 10, Barangay Limbaan, New Corella, Davao Del Norte.


According to the report, police officers on night patrol at Suaybaguio corner Mirafuentes, Barangay Magugpo North, Tagum City held a motorcycle driver around 10 a.m. after driving without plates.

Allegedly, the suspect was carrying a Colt .45 caliber pistol with one magazine loaded with eight bullets while driving his black Honda TMX. They detained him when he could not present any documents for the gun.

Meanwhile, a case for violation of RA 10591 is now being prepared against the suspect.


https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/03/17/ex-milf-member-detained/

High-ranking NPA leader nabbed in Lanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16, 2020): High-ranking NPA leader nabbed in Lanao Norte



TUBOD, Lanao del Norte – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a joint operation that led to the arrest of an alleged top-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in her hideout in Lala town, this province on Sunday.

Police and Army operatives arrested Teresita Lapuz Naul, alias Tessie or Bessy, secretary of the NPA’s "Regional White Area Committee (RWAC)” under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

She was arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest for her crimes of destructive arson, including two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. All cases were filed with no fixed bail issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 7, in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Naul was arrested by the joint forces of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Mechanized Infantry Division, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 10 and Police Regional Office (PRO) 10.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of 4ID, said the suspect attempted to flee at the backyard of her sister’s house in Purok 3, Barangay San Manuel, Lala, Lanao del Norte during the serving of the warrants of arrest. She was captured hiding in the rice field nearby and was later brought to CIDG-10 office for proper disposition.

The 4ID made a link in Nual's previous exploits through the revelation of former rebel identified only as "Kris," a former liaison of WAC-NCMRC. Kris said the suspect was a financer within the region and was active until 2019.
“Niadtong 2019, gitagaan ko ni Nanay Tessie, ang financer sa region, og PHP25,000 aron ipalit og mga tambal ug gamit para sa mga myembro sa SRC (sub-regional committee) 2, NCMRC (Last 2019, Nanay Tessie, the finance officer of the region, gave me PHP25,000 intended for medical and other supplies of the members of SRC 2, NCMRC.),” she said.

In another statement, a certain "Joy (real name withheld)," former Political Officer (PO) of SRC4, NCMRC, said Naul was even involved in progressive human rights group believed to be front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and NPA.

“Niadtong PO pako, mismong si Nanay Tessie, ang Secretary General sa Karapatan-NMR, ang mihatag kanako og PHP50,000 aron ibayad sa pagkaon, ug sakyanan sa hakuton nga mga tawo alang sa rally sa Cagayan de Oro City(When I was still a PO, Nanay Tessie, the Secretary General of Karapatan-NMR, personally gave me PHP50,000 purposely to support the food and mobility requirements of the anti-government rally in Cagayan de Oro City),” she said.

Records provided by the 4ID indicated that on July 4, 2018, Naul together with 12 others were also arrested in General Santos City while holding series of meetings to plan for anti-government activities. They were charged with violation of Presidential Decree 1829 or obstruction of justice during the arrest of Francis "FX/Kiang" Madria, who has standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping, kidnapping with murder, murder, attempted murder and frustrated murder; and Maria "Del" Limbaga Unabia, who has standing warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated murder and multiple murder.

“I laud the personnel involved in the joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operation which resulted in the successful arrest of Tessie. This will have an important impact on the morale and operational capability of NCMRC since she holds a significant position by providing financial and logistical support to the armed group. I urge all the CTG (CPP-NPA Terrorist Groups) members and supporters, abandon your lost cause and join the government in attaining lasting peace and sustainable development in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Regions,” he said.

3 NPA fighters surrender in Bukidnon

Meanwhile, three alleged NPA guerrillas surrendered in Impasugong and Cabanglasan towns, in Bukidnon last week.
The two surrendered to the office of Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy who also heads the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), and the other one surrendered to Reynard Encarguez, barangay chairman of Iba in Cabanglasan town and the head of the barangay TF-ELAC there.

One of the surrenderers, an alias "Marlboro," said it was hard for them to become guerrillas hiding in the mountainous areas because they could not provide help and resources to their families regularly.

“It is very hard to live in the mountain with the rebels. The foods and promised livelihood were not enough to accommodate the needs of my family. And also due to the high demands of our commanders, I was forced to operate day and night without time to rest and no food to eat. It’s for this reason that I took courage to surrender to the government and live peacefully,” he said.

Lt. Col. Edgardo V Talaroc Jr. commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion is calling on the remaining rebels to surrender and avail of government's amnesty program.

“I am calling the attention of the remaining NPA members to go down and return to the government side to live peacefully together with your family. We have the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) waiting for all of you),” Talaroc said.

The former rebels will be enrolled in the E-CLIP to avail the benefits offered by the government to include firearm remuneration, immediate livelihood assistance, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096734

PSG creates task force Covid-19 to ensure Duterte’s safety

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16, 2020): PSG creates task force Covid-19 to ensure Duterte’s safety (By Azer Parrocha)



PREVENTIVE MEASURE. A member of the Presidential Security Group uses thermal scanner to test an employee’s temperature in Malacañang. The PSG on Monday (March 16, 2020) said it has created the “PSG Task Force Covid-19” to safeguard President Rodrigo Duterte and the first family against the coronavirus disease. (File photo)

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Monday said it has created the “PSG Task Force Covid-19” to safeguard President Rodrigo Duterte and the first family following the rise in the number of persons infected with the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) to 140.

In a statement on its official website, PSG said the task force will implement preventive measures against infection among Duterte and the first family, PSG personnel and dependents, Malacañang employees, and other concerned parties.

Among the measures being implemented by the PSG are the strict enforcement of “no touch” policy on Duterte, including maintaining at least 10-meter distance from the audience.

For private functions or meetings, the PSG said only those who were tested and found negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to be near Duterte, while those not tested shall maintain at least six-feet or two-meter distance from him.

Medical teams and established quarantine sites will be in place within Malacañang Complex to attend to persons suspected of having contracted the disease.

The PSG will regularly conduct information drive for all PSG personnel and their dependents

It will also regularly conduct sanitation and disinfection of PSG compound and Malacañang Complex to include its neighboring buildings and facilities.

Stringent security protocols will also be implemented for proper disposition and monitoring of all PSG personnel and their dependents and to those entering Malacañang Complex.

Personnel posted as guards are required to wear surgical face mask and conduct temperature check to all the people going inside the Malacañang Complex.

Meanwhile, all those going in and out Malacañang Complex are required to accomplish a declaration form.

It will also optimize media platforms (TV, radio, internet, messaging, print and ads) to convey to the public of PSG’s security measures to protect the President and his family from Covid-19.

The implementation of PSG’s action plans will be in accordance with the guidelines of the “community quarantine” and Code Red (Sub-level 2) alert system.

The PSG will also collaborate with the Department of Health and other concerned government agencies for real time updates as basis for new guidelines and action plan.

Earlier, PSG commander, Col. Jesus Durante III tested negative for Covid-19 along with Duterte, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and a number of Cabinet members.

As of Sunday, the DOH said the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has surged to 140 with 12 deaths.

Duterte is set to meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country. He will make a public address after the meeting.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096761