Gov’t ceasefire declaration premature, insincere, false – Joma

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 19, 2020): Gov’t ceasefire declaration premature, insincere, false – Joma (By Noreen Jazul)

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Thursday said there is “no clear basis” for them to reciprocate President Duterte’s declaration of a ceasefire.



NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria “Joma” Sison (NDFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement, NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria “Joma” Sison called the President’s declaration as “premature.”

“There is communication going on between the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels. But there is yet no agreement for reciprocal unilateral ceasefires in connection with certain considerations, requirements, and modalities,” Sison said.


“There has to be catch-up on these matters, if still possible. The ceasefire declaration by the GRP or the Duterte regime is premature, if not insincere, and false,” he added.

Sison also questioned whether the reciprocal unilateral ceasefire was based on “national unity” against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The NDFP is not assured and satisfied that the reciprocal unilateral ceasefires are based on national unity against COVID-19, the appropriate solution of the pandemic as a medical problem and protection of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, including workers, health workers, those with any serious ailments and the political prisoners,” Sison said.

On March 18, President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-the New People’s Army-the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) so that government forces could focus on giving assistance to health workers, and local communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ceasefire will begin on March 19 and end on April 15.

Read more: Duterte declares ceasefire with Reds amid COVID-19 pandemic

Sison said unless the government will give them “sufficient assurances,” the NDFP will deem the ceasefire declaration as insincere and “not intended to invite reciprocation by the NDFP but is meant to be a mere psywar trick. “

The NDFP chief consultant said the President’s “lack of sincerity” in seeking a ceasefire was manifested by the “militarist lockdown” of the whole Luzon, and the continuous ”red-tagging, abducting, and murdering” of social activists in urban areas by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sison, however, expressed hope that the negotiating panels of the government and the NDFP “come to clear terms on certain considerations, requirements, and modalities for the benefit of the people.”

“Promises of Duterte, such as doing a good turn from a good heart, can be believed only as they are realized promptly and according to a definite schedule,” Sison said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/19/govt-ceasefire-declaration-premature-insincere-false-joma/

NPA told to avoid moving around to prevent acquiring COVID-19

From MindaNews (Mar 19, 2020): NPA told to avoid moving around to prevent acquiring COVID-19 (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 Mar) – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte asked the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to avoid moving around in different communities to protect themselves from potentially acquiring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and prevent transmitting the infection to other people.

In an interview during the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Wednesday, the presidential daughter told the NPA to avoid going from one hinterland barangay to another, particularly along the borders of the city, and other provinces in and outside Davao Region.

“Kinahanglan ta manawagan sa NPA, dili molihok kung asa man sila kung naa man sila sa Bukidnon, Pantukan, dili sila mo latas-latas sa laing lugar para dili pud sila magkasakit, ug dili pud sila makatakod (We need to make an announcement to NPA. Don’t move around and stay wherever you are, whether you are in Bukidnon, Pantukan, avoid going to other places so that you will not get infected, and you don’t infect other people),” she said.

The mayor also urged the residents of the region to avoid unnecessary trips, and just stay inside their homes.

Mayor Duterte was chosen to lead the Davao Region COVID-19 Task Force, created on Tuesday by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and Regional Development Council (RDC), which enforces a 14-day suspension of land, sea, and air travels to help contain COVID-19.

The Davao Region will close its borders starting 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

The task force, comprising various local chief executives and heads of other government agencies, has been formed to synergize the efforts of the region’s five provinces, six cities, and 43 municipalities to contain the COVID-19 infection, the statement read.

The suspension may be reduced to seven days depending upon the “review of Infectious Disease Specialist Consultant.”

It added that residents could still leave the region any time prior to the regional lockdown but warned that they could no longer be granted entry once the borders are closed, at least for the next 14 days.

In Executive Orders 12 and 13 issued following the announcement on the 14-day border closure, Mayor Duterte had ordered the suspension of domestic and international flights effective immediately in pursuance of Presidential Proclamation 922 placing the country “in a state of public health emergency in relation to national security.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/03/npa-told-to-avoid-moving-around-to-prevent-acquiring-covid-19/

NDFP says Duterte’s truce declaration “insincere”

From MindaNews (Mar 19, 2020): NDFP says Duterte’s truce declaration “insincere”

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 19 March) – The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Wednesday dismissed as insincere and a “mere psywar trick” the government’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire in light of the public health emergency triggered by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal (right) leads turnover rites at the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Monday (10 February 2020), with Col. Ferdinand Barandon (left) taking over the command from Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon. MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

President Duterte announced the unilateral ceasefire in a briefing Tuesday on the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine covering the entire Luzon island.

He said the ceasefire would facilitate the delivery of services to areas hit by the disease.

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the truce will take effect from March 19 to April 15.

But in a statement Wednesday, NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison said “there is yet no clear basis for the NDFP to reciprocate the aforesaid declaration of the GRP.”

“There is communication going on between the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels. But there is yet no agreement for reciprocal unilateral ceasefires in connection with certain considerations, requirements and modalities. There has to be catch-up on these matters, if still possible. The ceasefire declaration by the GRP or the Duterte regime is premature, if not insincere and false,” Sison said.

“The NDFP is not assured and satisfied that the reciprocal unilateral ceasefires are based on national unity against Covid-19, the appropriate solution of the pandemic as a medical problem and protection of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, including workers, health workers, those with any serious ailments and the political prisoners,” he said.

He added that unless the NDFP receives “sufficient assurances from the GRP,” it would be inclined to think that “the unilateral ceasefire declaration is not sincere and is not intended to invite reciprocation by the NDFP but is meant to be a mere psywar trick.”

Sison said the “lack of sincerity” was shown in alleged sustained attacks against social activists and human rights defenders and against guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Pia Paraiso, NPA media liaison officer in Bukidnon said troops from the 403rd Infantry Brigade have continued to attack their guerrilla bases despite the spread of Covid-19.

On Thursday, helicopter gunships could be seen flying from the brigade’s headquarters in Malaybalay towards the eastern part of Bukidnon, site of several skirmishes between government forces and NPA rebels. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/03/ndfp-says-dutertes-truce-declaration-insincere/

US Navy Warship Challenges China's 'Sweeping Maritime Claims' In South China Sea

Posted to the International Business Times (Mar 17, 2020): US Navy Warship Challenges China's 'Sweeping Maritime Claims' In South China Sea (By James Patterson)
03/17/20 AT 8:14 AM

KEY POINTS

• Guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell sailed past the Paracel Islands on March 10
• China warned the U.S. warship to leave the area and tracked its movements
• This is the second 'freedom of navigation' operation by the U.S. Navy this year

The United States guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell has completed what it calls a “freedom of navigation” operation in the South China Sea, sailing past the Paracel Islands on March 10. Beijing, to no one’s surprise, is voicing its objections to the passage.

An online report by msn.com on March 11 documented comments made by Col. Li Huamin, who is the spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater command. He said, “Under the guise of ‘freedom of navigation,’ the U.S. has repeatedly flexed its muscles, been provocative and stirred up trouble in the South China Sea. This is a hegemonic act that violates international law, and … threatens the peace and stability of the South China Sea.”

The msn.com report mentioned that the PLA warned the USS McCampbell to leave while tracking its movements.

This aerial view of the city of Sansha on an island in the disputed Paracel chain, which China now considers part of Hainan province on July 27, 2012. Photo: STR/AFP/GettyImages

The Paracel Islands are one of several island groups that are the focus of disputes between China and almost every country that has business in the South China Sea.

Those disputes include:

• The Natuna Islands, where Indonesia is conflicted with China and Taiwan in nearby waters.
• The Scarborough Shoal, where the Philippines disagrees with China, and Taiwan
• The Spratly Islands, where Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines all bicker with China over the islands and the right to explore the riches in and under the waters.
• The Spratly Islands again where sub-disputes rage between the non-Chinese nations.

In almost every case the squabbles are over sovereignty, with China claiming the entirety of the sea with its archaic (and UN overruled) Nine-Dash Line over the other countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Also, China has built seven artificial islands that are likely intended to gain a military advantage in the area.

The other ASEAN countries cannot compete with China militarily so the only balance of power to ensure that the international waterway remains free for peaceful commerce is provided by the U.S.

China and other critics of U.S. movements claim that the U.S. has its ambitions in the area. The U.S. has no clams of sovereignly in the South China Sea.

An email on Friday (March 13) from Seventh Fleet spokeswoman Commander Reann Mommsen to Stars and Stripes, an independent news and information source to the U.S. military, said, “Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose an unprecedented threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight and the right of innocent passage of all ships.” The territorial limit is 12 nautical miles from any coastline for any “innocent passage,” according to international sea law.

https://www.ibtimes.com/us-navy-warship-challenges-chinas-sweeping-maritime-claims-south-china-sea-2941448

US-Philippine Relations: Risk Update Following Diplomatic Dispute

Posted to JDSupra Global Risk Intel (Mar 17, 2020): US-Philippine Relations: Risk Update Following Diplomatic Dispute



Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States have recently come under strain after the US imposed a travel ban on the Philippines’ former national police chief, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, by revoking his visa. As justification for their decision, US officials have pointed to the detention of politician and human rights activist Leila de Lima as well as the extrajudicial killings that have taken place in the Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs,” a shoot-to-kill policy that has targeted thousands of suspected drug users and dealers. Senator’s dela Rosa’s role as a central figure in Duterte’s war on drugs has drawn scrutiny from the US, as government officials have raised concerns that aspects of Duterte’s war on drugs are incompatible with the US’ human rights-related foreign policy objectives. Following the visa cancellation, Duterte threatened to reduce military cooperation with the US, a long-time ally of the Philippines. The suspension of bilateral military engagement would have implications for counterterrorism efforts in the Philippines and would result in strategic shifts in Southeast Asia.

Terrorism Risks in the Philippines

Domestically, ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups have gained a foothold in the Southern Philippines, also known as Mindanao. Some ISIS-groups have withdrawn from the Middle East and have started recruiting followers in Marawi city on Mindanao. In 2017, Marawi city became a battleground between terrorist groups and the Philippines’ security forces. The conflict lasted for five months until Duterte claimed victory over the militants in October 2017. During the siege of Marawi city, US troops supported Duterte’s forces with technical and surveillance assistance. Despite being pushed back by the Philippine government, however, the terrorist organizations later regrouped and continued their operations in the Southern Philippines. Terminating the defense cooperation with the US could, therefore, have a significant negative effect on domestic security, as the Philippine government would have to contain terrorism in critical zones without US backing.

Strategic Shifts in Southeast Asia

Internationally, a dissolution of the US-Philippines defense pact would shuffle Southeast Asia’s regional politics. Historically, the Philippines has been one of the United States’ closest diplomatic partners in the region since the Second World War. In 1951, the government in Washington, D.C. signed the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines in order to strengthen their military alliance. In 1999, the Philippines implemented the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US, which establishes legal regulations for US troops and civilians who are temporarily stationed in the Philippines. The VFA reaffirmed the US-Philippine military cooperation. However, following the diplomatic dispute surrounding Senator dela Rosa, Duterte has decided to end the VFA, putting the US-Philippine alliance on unstable footing while the Philippines increasingly pivots towards China.

The Consequences of Balancing Alliances with China and the US

Cultivating amicable relations with China has become Manila’s aim in recent times because China maintains a non-interference policy concerning the domestic affairs of foreign partners. This permits Duterte to continue his war on drugs without foreign scrutiny. Additionally, China has become a strong economic partner, which is why the Philippines has been shifting focus onto China. While this newly formed strategic partnership might appear to be more convenient than the Philippines’ relationship with the US, China’s dominance in the South China Sea may eventually undermine the Philippines’ power and interests in territorial waters in the South China Sea. Losing US support could therefore not only influence domestic counterterrorism efforts but could also weaken Manila’s strategic leverage in the South China Sea. These, in turn, could potentially undercut regional stability and the confidence of foreign investors in the Philippines.

https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/us-philippine-relations-risk-update-24583/

Karapatan denounce crackdown on rights workers amid pandemic

From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Mar 18, 2020): Karapatan denounce crackdown on rights workers amid pandemic



Karapatan Regional Council Member for Northern Mindanao Teresita Naul was arrested at her relative’s residence in Lala, Lanao del Norte on March 15, 2020. (photo taken from Kabataan Partylist’s Facebook page)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Human rights group Karapatan decried the continuous crackdown of the Duterte administration on human rights defenders and activists amid the health crisis it is facing.

“Human rights defenders have stood against the government’s efforts to violate people’s rights and civil liberties. They have worked with marginalized communities to assert their rights to health and other basic social services amid threats of militarization and violence from state forces,” said Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Roneo Clamor.

Karapatan expressed concern over the arrest of its Regional Council Member for Northern Mindanao Teresita Naul on March 15, 2020, at around 8:00 a.m. at her relative’s residence in Lala, Lanao del Norte and the vilification of Karapatan Southern Mindanao.

Military and police personnel arrested Naul for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and destructive arson, which Karapatan described as trumped-up charges.

Last year, the Provincial Prosecutors Office of Bayugan City filed charges of kidnapping, arson, robbery and serious illegal detention against 468 individuals, including 78 known activists in Caraga and Northern Mindanao.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines alleged that they were involved in a military offensive by the New People’s Army against government troops that happened in November and December of 2018.

Before her arrest, Naul along with Karapatan Western Mindanao Chairperson, and Iglesia Filipina Independiente Bishop Antonio Ablon, and 15 other human rights activists and church workers were labeled as top-ranking officials, members, supporters, and organizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines in leaflets being distributed in Cagayan de Oro City.

Karapatan also expressed concern on a photo posted by Facebook page “Quiet No More PH” on March 1, tagging leaders and former members of Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region as New People’s Army (NPA).

“Amid COVID-19 threat in the country, Philippine government and its cabal of Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police has no let-up in terrorizing human rights workers and dissenters,” Karapatan SMR secretary-general Jay Apiag said in a separate statement.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/karapatan-denounce-crackdown-on-rights-workers-amid-pandemic/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Barikada ng mga Aeta, ginipit; dating lider ng Partido, inaresto

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2020): Barikada ng mga Aeta, ginipit; dating lider ng Partido, inaresto

Sa Capas, Tarlac, binatikos ng mga katutubong Aeta ang panibagong panggigipit ng Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). Noong Marso 3, nanghimasok sa komunidad ng mga katutubo ang may 20 armadong tauhan ng BCDA kasama ng lokal na pulisya at pinagbantaan ang kanilang barikada. Bago nito ay nagsidatingan ang mga buldoser at backhoe ng Pancho Construction na kinontrata ng BCDA.

Ayon sa Asosasyon ng Katutubong Mahawang, laban sa pagpapalawak ng proyektong New Clark City ang kanilang barikada. Una nang napalayas ang 500 pamilyang Aeta dahil sa itinayong Sea Games Stadium sa katabing lugar.

Samantala, tinuligsa ng Karapatan ang iligal na pag-aresto kay Rodolfo Salas noong Pebrero 18, alas-5:50 ng umaga sa Angeles City, Pampanga. Si Salas ay kilalang organisador ng mga magsasaka at kooperatiba na kabilang sa 25 indibidwal na sinampahan ng gawa-gawang mga kaso ng pagpatay sa Leyte. Notoryus ang kasong ito bilang “mga naglalakbay na kalansay” dahil inililipat ang mga kalansay sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Leyte at ginagamit na ebidensya laban sa naturang mga akusado.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/07/barikada-ng-mga-aeta-ginipit-dating-lider-ng-partido-inaresto/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Anti-Terrorism Bill: Dagdag sa pasistang arsenal ni Duterte

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2020): Anti-Terrorism Bill: Dagdag sa pasistang arsenal ni Duterte

Sinabayan ng protesta ng mga pambansa-demokratikong pwersa ang pagdinig sa kongreso sa Anti-Terrorism Bill o ATB noong Marso 3. Tinalakay sa pagdinig ang tatlong panukalang naglalayong amyendahan ang Human Security Act (HSA) na ipinasa sa panahon ng rehimeng US-Arroyo noong 2007. Ang naturang pagdinig ay ginanap matapos ipasa ng Senado ang sariling panukala nito (Senate Bill No. 1083) na pamalit sa HSA. Ang naturang panukala ay pinakahuli sa mga pasistang pakana ni Rodrigo Duterte.

Batas para sa terorismo ng estado, niraratsada

Kabalintunaang binansagang “Anti-Terrorism” Bill ang panukalang batas na iniratsada ng Senado at puspusang inihahabol ng Mababang Kapulungan na maging batas. Sa halip na puntiryahin ang mga “terorista,” palalawigin ang kapangyarihan ng estado para maghasik ng takot at pasismo.

Sa bersyon ng mababang kapulungan, susog ang ATB sa Human Security Act (HSA) na nakabalangkas sa estratehiya ng “global counterinsurgency” na ipinalalaganap ng US sa nagdaang dalawang dekada. Una nang pinadali ng HSA ang pagbabansag ng sinuman bilang “terorista” o kasapi ng isang “teroristang” organisasyon, alinsunod sa mga pamantayang itinakda ng US. Sa ilalim ng HSA, itinuturing nang “terorismo” ang ilang karumaldumal na krimen tulad ng walang-habas na pagpatay. “Terorismo” na rin ang paggulo sa sistemang pang-ekonomiko at panlipunan ng bansa, o pagdudulot ng malakihang pampublikong krisis sa seguridad.

Lalong pinalakas ng ATB ang HSA. Hindi na lamang ang paggawa ng mga aktibidad na lubhang nakapipinsala sa publiko ang tinatawag na “terorismo.” Kahit ang mga aktibidad na “may layunin” o balak pa lamang ay maaari nang bansagang “terorismo.” Kabilang sa mga ito ang pagpapanukala, pagpaplano, o pag-ahita sa mga tao. Kahit ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa itinuturing na terorista o teroristang organisasyon—ang pagpapatulong sa kanila, pagpapakain, at anupamang porma ng suporta—ay ituturing na ring “terorismo” ng panukalang batas. Kahit ang pagtulong at pagbigay ng donasyon sa panahon ng sakuna, itinuturing na ring terorismo kung ang organisasyong naglunsad ay hindi “state-recognized” o kinikilala ng estado.

Itinuturing din ng ATB na pagsuporta o pag-udyok sa paggawa ng teroristang atake ang paglalabas ng mga pahayag, banner, poster, o maging mga dibuho o guhit na nagpapakita sa rehimen bilang bulok at dapat pabagsakin. Posibleng maging ang pagbahagi ng mga kalatas, pahayag, o larawan—sa internet man o sa totoong buhay—ay maaaring ituring na porma ng pag-udyok sa “terorismo.” Gayundin, anumang porma ng pag-uulat o pagbalita, kahit pa ng mga pinsalang hatid ng militar sa kanayunan bunsod ng pakikipaglaban sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan o iba pang rebeldeng grupo, o kahit pa ng tuwirang pag-atake lamang ng militar sa mga komunidad, ay maituturing nang pag-uudyok sa terorismo.

Sa ganitong sistema, maging mga lehitimong pulong, pagsasanay, at diskusyon ng masa hinggil sa mga isyu sa kanilang komunidad ay maaaring paratangang porma ng pagrekruta para sa paggawa ng terorismo. Kahit pa sinasabing may inilagay na pagtatangi sa mga protesta at welga bilang nananatiling ligal, madaling paratangang ang ganitong mga pagkilos ay naglalayong manggulo o makapinsala.

Pinapalawig din ng ATB ang bilang ng araw na maaaring ikulong ang isang suspek nang walang kaso hanggang 24 na araw, sapat na panahon para bumuo ng gawa-gawang kaso sa kanilang ikinulong. Ginagawa ring lehitimo ng panukalang batas ang walang patumanggang paniniktik—pakikinig sa mga tawag, pagbukas sa mga pribadong e-mail at text message, at pangingialam sa pribadong komunikasyon. Kasalukuyan na itong ginagawa ng mga galamay ng rehimen pero sa ilalim ng ATB, magiging ligal at lantaran na ang ganitong taktika.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/07/anti-terrorism-bill-dagdag-sa-pasistang-arsenal-ni-duterte/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga pagsasanay-militar ng US at Pilipinas, tuloy sa kabila ng pagpapawalambisa sa VFA

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2020): Mga pagsasanay-militar ng US at Pilipinas, tuloy sa kabila ng pagpapawalambisa sa VFA

Tuluy-tuloy ang pagsasagawa ng mga pinagsanib na mga pagsasanay-militar sa pagitan ng US at Pilipinas. Sa kabila ito ng pormal na deklarasyon ng rehimen ni Rodrigo Duterte ng pagpapawalambisa ng Visiting Forces Agreement o VFA noong Pebrero 11. Ito ay dahil sa Hunyo pa mawawalan ng bisa ang kasunduan o 180 araw matapos ang pormal na anunsyo. Ito din ay kung sakaling walang ipapasang bago o pinasadahang kasunduang panghalili ang senado. Ang VFA ang kasunduang nagpapahintulot sa mga sundalong Amerikano na walang sagkang maglabas-masok anumang oras saan mang bahagi ng bansa.

Sa darating na Mayo, gaganapin ang taunang Balikatan na lalahukan ng 6,529 tropa ng US, 4,302 Pilipinong sundalo at 44 sundalong Australian. Ang pagsasanay na ito, na lalahukan ng tinatayang 11,000 ang pinakamalaki sa kasaysayan ng VFA mula nang pinagtibay ito noong 1999. Isa ang Balikatan sa 319 pinagsanib na pagsasanay-militar na nakatakdang ganapin ngayong 2020. Mas marami ito kumpara sa 281 na ginanap noong 2019.

Noong Enero 26-Pebrero 23, ginanap ang Balance Piston-20-1, isang pagsasanay na nilahukan ng US Army 1st Special Forces Group at ng 18th Special Forces Company ng Philippine Army. Tutok ng naturang pagsasanay ang pagpapaunlad ng mga taktikang “kontra-insurhensiya” ng AFP. Binigyang diin nito paggamit ng mga programang serbisyo para sa mga operasyong militar at pagkuha sa suporta ng mga lokal na komunidad. Noon ding Pebrero, inilunsad ang Bilateral Air Contingent Exchange–Philippines sa Clark Air Base sa Pampanga at San Fernando Air Base sa Batangas. Ang taunang pagsasanay ay isinasagawa ng mga hukbong panghimpapawid ng dalawang bansa.

Ginagamit ng US ang Balikatan at iba pang pagsasanay-militar para direktang makalahok ang mga tropa ng US sa mga operasyong militar sa loob ng bansa. Sa tabing ng “interoperability,” tinitiyak nitong mananatili sa kontrol ng US ang buong makinarya ng AFP.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/07/mga-pagsasanay-militar-ng-us-at-pilipinas-tuloy-sa-kabila-ng-pagpapawalambisa-sa-vfa/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Kapabayaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa pagtugon sa pagsabog ng bulkang Taal

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2020): Kapabayaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa pagtugon sa pagsabog ng bulkang Taal



Simula Enero 12, tuluy-tuloy ang pagsabog at pagbuga ng nakalalasong usok ng bulkang Taal na nakapagpalikas sa tinatayang milyong residente ng Batangas. Hanggang ngayon, hindi pa nakababalik ang mga nagbakwit sa mga evacuation center at mga tahanan ng kaibigan at kamag-anak sa mga karatig-prubinsya. Umabot sa P3 bilyong piso ang halaga ng pinsala sa agrikultura, karamihan sa subsektor ng pangisdaan. Sa harap ng mga trahedyang ito, nagtuturuan ang mga ahensya ng gubyernong Duterte sa mapagbubuntunan ng sisi.

Pinalalala ng kapabayaan at kainutilan ng rehimen ang kalagayan ng mamamayang apektado ng pagsabog ng bulkang Taal at iba pang sakunang dumaan sa bansa. Walang matinong plano ang rehimen para paghandaan ang pagtama ng mga kalamidad at harapin ang taunang problema ng pagsalanta ng mga bagyo, lindol at maging ng tagtuyot sa bansa na kumikitil sa libu-libong buhay at pumipinsala sa milyon-pisong halagang ari-arian at kabuhayan ng mamamayan. Kitang-kita ito sa mabagal, kapos at disorganisadong tugon ng kanyang gubyerno sa pagsabog ng bulkang Taal.

Kapabayaan at korapsyon

Walong buwan bago ang pagsabog, iniulat na ng Philippine Vulcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) sa rehimeng Duterte ang nakaambang pagsabog ng bulkang Taal. Subalit sa kabila nito, hindi agad itinaas ng rehimen ang alerto sa mga karatig nitong lugar. Kung anu-anong palusot ang ginawa ng rehimen para mangatwiran sa mabagal na pag-abiso sa mamamayan.

Sa unang araw ng pag-alburuto ng bulkan, hindi agad nag-abiso ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) at lokal nitong mga ahensya sa mga residenteng naninirahan sa paligid ng Lawa ng Taal. Walang kautusang palikasin ang mga residente kaya kusa silang nagsilikas at nagkanya-kanya sa paghahanap ng lugar para isalba ang kanilang buhay.

Makupad at disorganisado ang pagtugon ng rehimeng Duterte sa pangangailangan ng mamamayang nagbakwit. Kulang na kulang ang serbisyong sosyal at pondo para sa mga apektado. Sa unang linggo ng sakuna, umabot lamang sa P17.2 milyon ang pondong inilaan sa 16,000 pamilyang nasa 300 evacuation center. Katumbas ito ng P35 kada indibidwal para sa pitong araw. Hindi pa kabilang dito ang daanlibong mamamayang nakitira sa kanilang mga kamag-anak at kaibigan. Nangalap na lamang ang rehimen ng karagdagang pondo mula sa mga pribadong institusyon. Dagdag pa, may mga naiulat na hindi pantay na distribusyon ng pagkain at ibang gamit dahil kulang o walang datos sa kalagayan ng mga evacuation center.

Hindi rin madagdagan ng rehimen ang pondong pangkalamidad para sa Batangas dahil nauna na itong binawasan sa pambansang badyet para sa 2020.

Sabwatan sa pagsasamantala

Walang kahihiyang sinagpang ng mga burukrata ang napakahirap na kalagayan ng mamamayan para mangampanya sa susunod na eleksyon. Naglipana ang mga burukrata sa Batangas upang kunwa’y magbigay ng tulong pero ang totoo’y nagpabango lamang sa mga botante.

Kinundena ng mamamayang apektado ng pagsabog ng Taal ang pakana ng rehimen na magpautang sa mga bakwit. Balak pa nitong pagkakitaan ang paghihirap ng mga Batangueño. Masahol pa, sadya nitong pinagpapaliban ang pagpapabalik sa mga apektadong residente para unti-unting papasukin ang mga dayuhan at lokal na negosyo sa kanilang mga lupain.

Malaon nang isinusulong ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang Metro Taal-Tagaytay Development Project (MTTDP-2013) na binuo noon pang dekada 1990. Labinlimang target na proyekto sa paligid ng lawa ang nakaambang ipatupad kapag tuluyan nang mapalayas ang mga residente sa lugar.

Maagang yugto pa lamang ng MTTDP-2013, madugong dinemolis ng mga pulis at bayarang maton ang mga bahay, sakahan at pangisdaan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisdang nakatira sa palibot ng lawa. Matatandaang pinagbawalan ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang mga residente sa palibot ng bulkan na bumalik para isalba ang kanilang mga ari-arian at kabuhayan. Kabaliktaran nito, pinahintulutan ng rehimen ang pagbubukas ng Tagaytay City para sa mga negosyante at turista na nais masaksihan ang pagsabog ng bulkan.

Ginamit din ng imperyalismong US ang pagsabog ng bulkan para mailusot ang pinagsanib na pagsasanay-militar sa pagitan ng mga hukbong panghimpapawid ng US at Pilipinas sa San Fernando Air Base sa Lipa City sa tabing ng pagbibigay ng makataong ayuda.

Pagpupursige at pagsisikap ng sambayanan

Buhay na buhay ang kultura ng bayanihan, pagtutulungan at pagkakaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa harap ng kapalpakan ng rehimeng Duterte na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mamamayan ng Batangas. Isa sa agad na rumesponde ang Serve the People Corps-Southern Tagalog (STPC-ST). Nakipagtulungan ito sa iba’t ibang organisasyon para sa pangangalap ng mga donasyon, paglulunsad ng mga relief operations at pagkuha ng datos sa mga biktima ng sakuna.

Mula sa kanilang pagnanaliksik, iniulat ng STPC-ST na ang tunay na kailangan ng taumbayan ay isang komprehensibong programa at plano para sa paghahanda sa mga kalamidad na tumutugon sa pangmatagalang pangangailangan ng mamamayan. Hindi sasapat ang simpleng mga relief operation, lalo’t kailangan pa rin ng mga apektadong mamamayan ng kabuhayan upang makabangon.

Salungat sa diwa ng bayanihan, nagmamatigas ang rehimeng US-Duterte na makipagkaisa at makipagtulungan sa mga itinuturing nitong kalaban sa pulitika. Mas inuuna ng rehimen ang pakikipaggirian sa kapwa burukrata para mamulitika. Ang mga progresibong organisasyon na kumilos para tumulong sa mga biktima ng pagsabog ng Taal ay tahasang pinagbawalan at binalaan ng mga sundalo at pulis, at mga tauhan ng lokal na gubyerno. Hinarang at kinumpiska ng mga sundalo ang dalang pagkain at iba pang gamit pantulong na dala ng United Methodist Church para sila ang mamahagi. Imbes na tulungan ang mga biktima ng sakuna, nagpatuloy ang paglulunsad ng mga operasyong militar at pulis sa mga larangang gerilya upang sagpangin ang pagkakataong nakatuon ang mga rebolusyonaryo sa pagbibigay ng ayuda at serbisyo sa mga apektado ng sakuna.

Samantala, lagi’t laging itinataguyod ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang kapakanan at kagalingan ng masang Pilipino bilang tungkulin nito na unahin ang interes ng mamamayan. Mayroong nakabalangkas na mga plano’t programa ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan upang lutasin at tugunan ang mga hinaing at kahilingan ng masa sang-ayon sa Programa Para sa Pambansa Demokratikong Rebolusyon at 12-Puntong Programa ng rebolusyonaryong gubyernong bayan. Ang pagtulong at pagtugon sa mamamayang apektado o biktima ng kalamidad ay bahagi ng programang ito. Katuwang ang mga yunit ng hukbong bayan at lokal na gubyernong bayan, isinasagawa ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang iba’t ibang anyo ng pagsagip at pagstulong sa mamamayang biktima ng sakuna.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/07/kapabayaan-ng-rehimeng-us-duterte-sa-pagtugon-sa-pagsabog-ng-bulkang-taal/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Tro­pa ng 94th IB, inam­bus ng BHB

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2020): Tro­pa ng 94th IB, inam­bus ng BHB

Inambus ng isang yu­nit ng Ba­gong Huk­bong Ba­yan-Neg­ros (Leo­nar­do Pa­na­li­gan Com­mand) ang mga ele­men­to ng 94th IB sa Sit­yo Com­po­und, Ba­ra­ngay Luz, Gui­hul­ngan City noong uma­ga ng Mar­so 3. Kum­bi­na­syon ng pa­sa­bog at bala ng riple ang gi­na­mit ng mga Pu­lang man­di­rig­ma sa open­si­ba. Da­la­wa ang pa­tay at apat na sun­da­lo ang su­ga­tan sa na­tu­rang pa­na­nam­bang, ka­bi­lang ang ku­man­der ng yu­nit na si 2Lt. Niel Chris­ti­an Cureg.

Occi­den­tal Min­do­ro. Inam­bus ng BHB-Min­do­ro (Lucio de Guz­man Com­mand) ang mga nag-oo­pe­ra­syong tro­pa ng 4th IB at PNP sa Sit­yo Iba­nig, Ba­ra­ngay Mon­tecla­ro, San Jo­se noong ha­pon ng Peb­re­ro 19. Apat ang naiu­lat na su­ga­tan sa mga sun­da­lo.

Isang sun­da­lo na­man ang ma­lub­hang na­su­ga­tan sa isang ope­ra­syong is­nayp ng BHB-Min­do­ro sa Si­tio Ba­li­nga­so, Ba­ra­ngay Mon­tecla­ro, San Jo­se noong ha­pon ng Peb­re­ro 20.

Ayon kay Ka Ma­da­ay Ga­sic, ta­ga­pag­sa­li­ta ng BHB-Mindoro, ang mga ak­syong ito ay tu­gon sa hi­na­ing ng mga bik­ti­ma ng mga pag­la­bag at kri­men ng pa­sis­tang 203rd Bri­ga­de sa mga Min­do­reño. Ka­bi­lang di­to ang pag­pas­lang sa da­la­wang si­bil­yan na si­na Jay-ar Merca­do at Mark Eder­son Va­lencia de los San­tos noong Ene­ro.

Northern Sa­mar. Pi­to ang kum­pir­ma­dong pa­tay sa nag-oo­pe­ra­syong mga sun­da­lo ng 20th IB sa nga­lan ng Re­too­led Com­mu­nity Sup­port Prog­ram (RCSP) ma­ta­pos ang su­nud-su­nod na ak­syong mi­li­tar ng BHB-Northern Sa­mar (Ro­dan­te Urtal Com­mand) noong Peb­re­ro 17-25.

Hi­na­ras ng BHB ang tro­pa ng 20th IB na na­ka­him­pil sa Plaza ng Ba­ra­ngay Rizal, Ga­may noong ga­bi ng Peb­re­ro 17. Da­la­wang sun­da­lo ang na­pa­tay ma­ta­pos ang tatlong-mi­nu­tong pa­li­tan ng pu­tok. Ki­na­bu­ka­san, na­pa­tay din ang isa pang sundalo sa ope­ra­syong is­nayp ng BHB.

Tat­long sun­da­lo na­man ang na­pa­tay sa ak­syong mi­li­tar ng BHB noong Peb­re­ro 24 sa pa­re­hong ba­ra­ngay. Noong Peb­re­ro 25, isang sun­da­lo ang napa­tay sa ini­lun­sad na ope­ra­syong is­nayp ng BHB sa Ba­ra­ngay San Jo­se, Ma­pa­nas.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/07/tropa-ng-94th-ib-inambus-ng-bhb/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Kolektibong kumilos upang labanan ang banta ng epidemyang Covid-19

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 7, 2020): Kolektibong kumilos upang labanan ang banta ng epidemyang Covid-19



Mabilis na lumalaganap ang Covid-19. Ang bagong tipong ito ng coronavirus ay umapekto na sa mahigit 100,000 at pumatay ng mahigit 3,400 mula nang lumitaw tatlong buwan na ang nakararaan sa mahigit 80 bansa. Mayroong tunay na banta ng epidemyang Covid-19 sa Pilipinas, kung saan anim na kaso na ang kumpirmadong kaso kapwa sa mga Pilipino at dayuhan, at may isa nang namatay hanggang noong Marso 6.

Bulnerable ang bayan sa mga epidemya dahil sa kalunus-lunos na kalagayan ng pampublikong kalusugan at sa pangkabuuang panlipunang kalagayan. Pinakadelikadong magka-epidemya sa hanay ng masang anakpawis, laluna sa hanay ng mga manggagawa at mala-proletaryado. Maaari itong kumalat nang mabilis sa daan-daanlibong namumuhay sa siksikang mga barung-barong. Kapos sila sa malinis na tubig at hindi halos naaabot ng pampublikong mga serbisyo tulad ng sanitasyon, pagkolekta ng basura at marami pang iba. May banta ring mabilis na kumalat sa hanay ng mga manggagawa sa loob ng mga pabrikang kadalasa’y di maayos ang kundisyon sa pagtatrabaho.

Halos walang ginawa ang rehimeng Duterte upang tugunan ang banta ng epidemyang Covid-19 sa pambansang saklaw. Malawakan itong tinuligsa dahil sa naantalang pagtugon, partikular, sa pagkakwarintina at iba pang hakbang para bawasan ang interaksyon ng bansa sa China at iba pang bansa.

Sa halip, naging abala ang rehimen sa paglikha ng engrandeng kampanyang publisidad hinggil sa Covid-19. Bigo itong magsagawa ng kongkretong mga hakbang upang tulungan ang mamamayan para pigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit. Walang mga batayang hakbang tulad ng libre at malaganap na pamamahagi ng mga face mask at mga gamit pangkalinisan, at pagsasagawa ng malawakang mga kampanyang sanitasyon. Hinayaan nito ang mamamayan na mag-asikaso sa kanilang mga sarili, na karamiha’y abala sa pagtitiyak ng pagkain at batayang mga pangangailangan, at walang anumang proteksyon para iligtas ang kanilang mga sarili sa sakit.

Ang utos sa PhilHealth na magbigay sa mga benepisyaryo ng kakarampot na P30,000 para sa pagpapagamot sa Covid-19 ay naglalantad lamang ng mga limitasyon nito at kung paano ito nagsisilbi sa mga pribadong ospital na nakatuon lamang sa ganansya. Sa gitna ng banta ng Covid-19, kriminal na pagpapabaya ang pagpaliit ng rehimen sa badyet para sa pananaliksik sa mga kumakalat na sakit. Kulang na kulang ang pondo para sa mga test kit upang mabilis na malaman kung nahawaan ng sakit. Ang hungkag na mga pagtitiyak ni Duterte ay bigong ibsan ang takot ng mamamayan.

Palagiang isinasaalang-alang ng Partido at mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang kapakanan ng mamamayan, kabilang ang pampublikong kalusugan. Saan man nakatayo, ang demokratikong gubyernong bayan ay nagsasagawa ng mga kampanya sa kalusugan at nagbibigay ng libreng mga serbisyong medikal. Nagtatayo ito ng mga komite sa kalusugan sa antas-baryo pataas, upang tugunan ang mga usapin sa kalusugan ng mamamayan sa kani-kanilang mga erya at saklaw.

Kung gayon, kaisa ang Partido sa pagnanais ng mamamayang Pilipino na pangibabawan ang banta ng epidemyang Covid-19. Kaisa rin nila ang Partido sa pagbatikos at pagtuligsa sa kainutilan ng rehimeng Duterte at kawalan nito ng kongkreto at wastong mga hakbang upang harapin ang epidemya.

Nananawagan ang Partido sa mamamayang Pilipino na mag-organisa at kolektibong kumilos upang labanan ang banta ng epidemyang Covid-19. Hinihikayat ng Partido ang mga organisasyong masa na magtayo ng libu-libong mga komiteng pangkalusugan sa mga komunidad at pabrika upang magplano ng mga kongkretong hakbang sa kolektibong paglaban sa Covid-19.

Maliban sa paglulunsad ng mga kampanyang edukasyon, maaaring mobilisahin ng mga komiteng ito ang libu-libong mamamayan na magsagawa ng mga kampanyang sanitasyon sa mga komunidad at pabrika, gayundin sa mga paaralan at upisina. Dapat ding ilahad ng mga komiteng ito ang sentimyento ng mamamayan sa gitna ng banta ng epidemya at ng kainutilan ng rehimeng Duterte. Maaaring tumulong sila sa paggiit ng mga praktikal na hakbang sa mga pabrika (tulad ng libreng pamamahagi ng mga gamit medikal at pangkalinisan sa mga manggagawa) at mga komunidad (paggiit ng koleksyon ng basura, akses sa malinis na tubig, libreng pamamahagi ng mga paketeng pangkalusugan, at mga sistemang pangsanitasyon). Bagamat sa mga syudad ang unang banta ng mabilis na pagkalat ng sakit, dapat ding maghanda ang masang magsasaka at kanilang mga organisasyon sa malawak na kanayunan. Doo’y gipit ang kalagayang pangkalusugan, kung saan malalayo ang ospital at walang sapat na serbisyong medikal sa kanilang mga komunidad.

Pinupuri ng Partido ang mga nars, duktor at propesyunal sa kalusugan na silang nasa unahan ng paglaban sa Covid-19. Nanawagan sa kanila ang Partido na palakasin ang kanilang demokratiko at makamasang mga organisasyon. Kaisa ang mga organisasyong pangmasa at mga komiteng medikal, dapat nilang igiit ang dagdag na badyet sa pampublikong kalusugan, laluna sa harap ng kasalukuyang banta ng epidemya.

Ang pagdaragdag ng alokasyon para sa pampublikong kalusugan ay makatutulong sa pagtiyak ng pondo kapwa para sa pagtataas ng sweldo, pagpapaunlad ng mga pasilidad medikal at syentipikong pananaliksik. Dapat nilang labanan ang patakaran ng estado na suporta sa serbisyo-para-sa-ganansya at turismong medikal. Dapat nilang igiit ang pagpapalakas ng mga pampublikong ospital at itigil ang patakarang komersyalisasyon na sumesentro sa pagkamal ng tubo.

Pumatong ang banta ng epidemyang Covid-19 sa malubhang kundisyon ng pampublikong kalusugan ng mamamayang Pilipino. Mayroong malubhang problema ng epidemyang dengue, tuberculosis at iba pang kontrolado at nagagamot nang mga sakit na humahawa sa libu-libo at pumapatay ng maraming Pilipino taun-taon. Ito ang kinahinatnan ng kalunus-lunos na panlipunang mga kalagayan at pagpapabaya ng estado sa kalusugan ng mamamayan.

Hindi kailanman mabibigyan ng prayoridad ang pampublikong kalusugan ng mamamayang Pilipino sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang sistema. Tanging ang isang rebolusyong panlipunan—isang pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon—ang babaliktad sa kasalukuyang mga kalagayan, at maglalagay sa pampublikong kalusugan at kapakanan ng mamamayan sa tuktok ng mga prayoridad ng estado.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/03/07/kolektibong-kumilos-upang-labanan-ang-banta-ng-epidemyang-covid-19/

CPP/NDF-SMR: Duterte’s militaristic strategy in face of COVID-19 pandemic bodes far worse fate for Filipino masses

NDF-Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 19, 2020): Duterte’s militaristic strategy in face of COVID-19 pandemic bodes far worse fate for Filipino masses

RUBI DEL MUNDO

NDFP SOUTHERN MINDANAO REGION

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 19, 2020

The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao vehemently denounces the US-Duterte regime’s month-long lockdown at the National Capital Region and the regional/local/city community quarantine declarations in handling the outbreak of Coronavirus-19 disease in the country. Workers, urban poor and other members of the working class who live and thrive in hand-to-mouth subsistence and were placed under curfew, curtailment of movement, and restricted transport bear the brunt of this militaristic pandemic remedy.

As the situation unfolds, it is becoming clear to the Filipino people that the US-Duterte regime’s militarist strategy is not meant to address the health crisis but to preemptively stifle dissent that is sure to ensue as the burdensome effects of lockdowns and community quarantines become increasingly felt by the civilian population.

Feeding the prevalent confusion of the masses, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has prescribed “prohibition” on travelling in and out of the city and restricting the people’s movements with community quarantine, while refusing to declare such measures as “lockdown.” The general public find no consolation in her words nor viable means to address their problems such as food, work and other needs. Ever the supporter of militaristic approach in dealing with civilian situations, Sara Duterte has effectively placed the workers, urban poor, and plantation workers of Davao City at the mercy of the fascist discretion of the AFP and PNP, with no regard to how the masses will be able to feed their families—they who are forced to live with paltry wages or under no-work-no-pay schemes; odd jobs and/or selling lowly priced agricultural produce on a daily basis.

In the few days following the national declaration, Davao City and its neighboring provinces have either become virtual ghost towns or are uncertain as to how to cope; prices of basic goods have fluctuated, with medical supplies becoming very expensive or scarce; and civilians were left to fend for themselves despite of restrictions in their movement and with fear of being arbitrarily arrested by armed state agents.

Flaunting their sheltered and insensitive ruling class status, Duterte’s sycophantic minions meanwhile insist that the effects of the pandemic in the people’s economic situation will be “ephemeral,” going as far as idiotically insisting that the poor can afford to go hungry since no one has died of hunger.

As is the policy of this fascist reactionary regime, Duterte has elected to subject the Filipino people under military control instead of delivering concrete remedies such as beefing up the country’s health sector to squarely address the spread of the disease, and ensure that the masses of workers and peasants receive economic safety nets to tide them over as the effects of the pandemic unfold.

The US-Duterte regime is mainly scrambling to remedy the systemic flaws of the semi-colonial and semi-feudal system with stopgap measures such as lockdown and community quarantine. It refuses to recognize that beyond the immediate result of increasing toll of deaths and confirmed cases of infection, its band-aid militarist solution bodes a far worse scenario of widespread hunger and poverty, social unrest, and rapid economic decline that will hit the poor with severity and persistence.

Presently, the Philippines has had 8 deaths and 111 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the alarming toll of pandemic involving 128,000 cases and almost 5,000 deaths worldwide. While other countries had exercised some degree of action in dealing with travel to and from China, Duterte’s patent flip-flopping in the past weeks and his recent assertion to even depend on China in the event of the situation becoming worse, shows his inveterate subservience to imperialist interests, endangering Filipino lives in exchange for maintaining his lopsided relations.

We urge our revolutionary health professionals and forces to help educate the masses regarding the disease and practical preventive measures to avoid contraction. They must expose the inutile and fascist measures the US-Duterte regime is employing, which are meant not to provide solution but to inoculate itself from liability.

Revolutionary forces in Southern Mindanao are enjoined to conduct information drive among the masses to ensure that they are able to draw up plans of action to keep their communities safe and be kept abreast of the development of this health crisis. Consultations must also be undertaken to prepare for the expected consequences in the economic activity of the masses as a result of the regime’s restrictions and regulations.

The masses, led by their revolutionary organizations, must prepare for and launch all forms of political action to oppose the Covid-justified de facto martial law of the US-Duterte regime. Furthermore, NDF-SMR urges the masses to be vigilant and assiduous in the machinations of the US-Duterte regime to use the pandemic and deploy its ubiquitous fake news peddling as an excuse to suppress social unrest and perpetuate itself in power.

(sgd.) RUBI DEL MUNDO

https://cpp.ph/statement/dutertes-militaristic-strategy-in-face-of-covid-19-pandemic-bodes-far-worse-fate-for-filipino-masses/

CPP/NPA-Mountain Province: Do not be fooled and cowed into submission by the fascist and anti-people AFP-PNP

NPA-Mountain Province propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 19, 2020): Do not be fooled and cowed into submission by the fascist and anti-people AFP-PNP

MAGNO UDYAW

NPA-MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

LEONARDO PACSI COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MARCH 19, 2020

Attempts here and there have been made by the US-Duterte regime to fool the nation into thinking that the people’s war under the CPP’s leadership have weakened.

Under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) being led by the AFP-PNP, the reactionary government has launched a national drama consisting of “peace rallies,” “persona non grata” declarations against CPP-NPA-NDF, fake news and black propaganda against the revolutionary movement, and surrender campaign against civilans and members of progressive organizations.

These past months, “peace rallies” were launched to register the supposed condemnation of local government units and ordinary citizens towards CPP-NPA-NDF. In the communities of Mt. Province during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, LGU officials and employees were obliged to take part in the AFP-PNP’s pictorials tagged as “peace rally”. It is a preposterous attempt to thwart the celebrations of the CPP’s 51st anniversary, and the coercion by the military and police involved behind these “peace rallies” cannot be denied. The said LGUs are merely led on with the promise of projects and aid that they have long sought, lest they undertake the local ELCAC task force scheme being directed by the AFP-PNP.

Also included in the script are the supposed “persona non grata” declarations of LGUs against the CPP-NPA-NDF, as the AFP-PNP’s Community Support Program Operations (CSPO) continue to hound the communities. The deceptive CSPO aims to quell the legitimate struggle of the people for their rights. It also seeks to clear the way for the entry of destructive companies in mining and energy, like CEXCI and Chevron. The scheme also legitimizes the outright violation of CARHRIHL with regards to encampment in communities, like the military’s encampment of upland Bontoc, parts of Sagada since October 2019, and Bauko since January 2020.

To spice up the national drama – security plan of the rulling classes, these scenes have been peppered by the AFP-PNP with various fake news against the revolutionary movement. Examples are the long-disproven stories on extortion and landmines being planted by the NPA, which are being fed by the AFP-PNP to the locals and media.

Such scenes are duplicates of those that were spread in Bauko, Tadian, Besao, and Sagada after the series of victorious offensives by NPA-Mt. Province in 2019.

Another favorite antic of the AFP-PNP is parading “NPA surrenderees” who are in fact peasants, activists, even LGU officials, and others coerced into having their names “cleared” because of fear. Aside from a number of “recycled” surrenderees and materiel and explosives displayed and reshown at whim, the fascist regime has also resorted to ridiculous manipulation of pictures and stories to show people surrendering in droves. On the other hand, while bloating the actual number of surrenderees, the AFP-PNP’s higher-ups watch from their director’s seats and production rooms, as they relish in the riches promised to those who have surrendered – funds that head straight into their pockets.

The AFP-PNP’s deceptive and fascist tactics must be exposed and frustrated. The challenge is upon the people of Mt. Province to not be cowed into taking part in the US-Duterte regime’s national drama. What must be amplified are the people’s legitimate calls for social aervices, genuine land reform, national industrialization and self-determination; the immediate repeal of oppressive dictates such as the PD 705, Mining Act of 1995, EPIRA, IPRA, Rice Liberalization Law and TRAIN, the cessation of operations of large-scale and destructive mining, dam and energy, and the militarization of communities.

As we aim to reaffirm the unity of the people, we must not kneel to the AFP-PNP as intelligence agents or submissive CAFGU elements. The foulest agents of the enemy who owe much blood to the people must be exposed, while those coerced by the AFP-PNP due to poverty and unemployment must be encouraged to take the side of their own oppressed and exploited class. To side with the revolutionary movement that truly represents the interest of the oppressed masses is nothing but just.

The US-Duterte regime and AFP-PNP’s national drama is bound to flop and fail. Since Duterte signed into paper EO 70 which formed the NTF-ELCAC, the AFP-PNP has yet to liquidate even one unit of the NPA-Mt. Province. This as the number of casualties in their ranks grows. The fascist regime’s tactics are being uncovered because of its growing list of human rights violations such as firing at a civilian in Ambagiw, aerial bombing in Suquib, illegal search and destruction of rice granaries and structures in Tamboan and Catengan, and harassment of gardeners and peasants in Besao, Sagada and Tadian.

Contrary to what is being said and shown on speakers and screens, units of the NPA remain firm and the CPP-NPA-NDF continue to earn support from the ranks of the toiling masses. The downfall of the economy, civil liberties, and national sovereignty will break the illusion of putting an easy end to the armed conflict and instead compel the peasants, minorities, and masses to advance the people’s democratic revolution to victory.

https://cpp.ph/statement/do-not-be-fooled-and-cowed-into-submission-by-the-fascist-and-anti-people-afp-pnp/

CPP/NPA-Ilocos Cordillera: The revolutionary legacy of Julius ‘Ka Nars’ Giron is a continuing guiding light in advancing the people’s democratic revolution

NPA-Ilocos Cordillera propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 18, 2020): The revolutionary legacy of Julius ‘Ka Nars’ Giron is a continuing guiding light in advancing the people’s democratic revolution

KOMITENG TAGPAGPAGANAP NG KOMITENG REHIYON SA PKP-ILOCOS CORDILLERA NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 18, 2020

The Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the Regional Operational Command (Chadli Molintas Command) of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Ilocos- Cordillera Region (ICR) fervently condemn the ruthless massacre of Comrades Julius ‘Ka Nars’ Soriano Giron, Dr. Ma Lourdes Denero Tangco, and Arvie Alarcon Reyes, perpetrated by the barbaric killing machine of the fascist US-Duterte regime. The three unarmed comrades were mercilessly slaughtered by joint operatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) inside a residential house at 3:30 AM of March 13 in Hamada Subdivision, Barangay Queen of Peace, Baguio City.

Such a dastardly criminal act bespeaks of a paranoid regime vainly seeking to end the revolutionary armed struggle. For failing to successfully crush not even a single unit of the NPA in the guerilla fronts, they aimed their lethal bullets to an ailing and aged Ka Nars, his attending physician and his aide. And immediately after, the generals of the AFP Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and the PNP Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) arrogantly announced their “outstanding accomplishment”. Elated over their “accomplished mission”, they overzealously await their impending reward of promotion and millions of coveted bounty for Ka Nars’ murder. But the additional medals and insignia these military and police officers shall claim and brandish are not decorations of honor and heroism. They are awards of disgrace and cowardice blemished by the blood of their hors de combat victims.

To justify their Gestapo like operation of conducting a raid at dawn, officials of the AFP-PNP wove a ridiculous fairy tale, well publicized in print media, TV and radio stations nationwide. Complete with posted photos of the massacred victims with planted firearms beside their bullet riddled bodies, the AFP- PNP deceitfully claimed that they were “serving arrest and search warrants” and that “the three resisted arrest, ensuing a firefight that resulted to their death”.

Comrade Julius ‘Ka Nars’ Soriano Giron is the second NDFP peace consultant, butchered in cold- blood by the US-Duterte regime in Northern Luzon. The first was NDFP peace consultant Randy Felix Malayao, murdered by Duterte’s death squad while asleep inside a bus in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya at 2 AM of January 30, 2019.

With overbearing arrogance, the fascist generals of NOLCOM and PROCOR even went to the extent of declaring that with the death of Ka Nars, the CPP-NPA in the Ilocos Cordillera Region will “finally be crushed within six months”. But the frenzied execution of revolutionaries and civilians under the US-Duterte Regime’s Oplan Kapanatagan, such as the recent crimes committed against the three comrades in Baguio, can never quell the people’s armed revolution nor derail its advancement.

Oplan Kapanatagan’s vicious attacks against the revolutionaries and the people is definitely further arousing the Filipino masses to arm themselves and join the NPA in the intensifying people’s war for national liberation and people’s democracy. The exploited and oppressed classes more and more realize that armed revolutionary resistance is necessary, just and legitimate to liberate themselves from the ruling class and the reactionary state’s rampant fascism, corruption, plunder and repression in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.

As the fascists are celebrating the murder of Ka Nars, the people’s revolutionary fervor is further inflamed. And as Ka Nars sang during his last moments with comrades, “tatanda at lilipas din ako, ngunit mayroong prinsipyong iiwanan sa inyo”, his shining legacy as a pioneer revolutionary in Northern Luzon shall continuously serve as a beacon for the revolutionaries and the masses in pursuing the advancement of the people’s democratic revolution until final victory. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/the-revolutionary-legacy-of-julius-ka-nars-giron-is-a-continuing-guiding-light-in-advancing-the-peoples-democratic-revolution/

CPP/NDF-Agcaoili: Revolutionary Salute to Comrade Julius Giron–NDFP

NDF-Fidel Agcaoili propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 18, 2020): Revolutionary Salute to Comrade Julius Giron–NDFP

FIDEL AGCAOILI
CHAIRPERSON
NEGOTIATING PEACE PANEL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 18, 2020

The NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel, its consultants, personnel and staff extend their most heartfelt condolences to the comrades, family, relatives and friends of Comrade Julius Giron who was martyred in Baguio City recently, together with two companions.

We render the highest salute to Comrade Julius for his selfless commitment and lifelong dedication to the revolutionary movement of the people for national freedom, democracy, social justice and genuine peace.

Comrade Julius was one of our senior consultants in the GRP-NDFP peace talks on social, economic and political reforms, as well as end of hostilities and disposition of forces. He was holder of Document of Identification (DI) number 978410 under the name of Arnold Cruz as National Consultant 1, which entitled him to protection and immunity under the JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees).

While in detention during the years of the Marcos dictatorship, we came to know of Comrade Julius’ artistry. He was a good painter and headed the painting group inside prison. Indeed, his deep love for the Cordillera people is reflected in his paintings and poetry which are on display in his wake.

The martyrdom of Comrade Julius and his companions inspires us even more to firmly pursue the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation and for genuine and lasting peace.

https://cpp.ph/statement/revolutionary-salute-to-comrade-julius-giron-ndfp/

CPP/NDF-Sison: In honor of Ka Julius Soriano Giron–JMS

NDF-Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 17, 2020): In honor of Ka Julius Soriano Giron–JMS

JOSE MARIA SISON

CHIEF POLITICAL CONSULTANT

JOSE MARIA SISON | FOUNDING CHAIRPERSON

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 17, 2020

As Founding Chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines and Chief Political Consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, I honor Comrade Julius Soriano Giron with the Red salute and express the highest respect and commendation for his martyrdom and for his long record as a communist leader and revolutionary fighter in the Filipino people’s struggle for national liberation and democracy.

I convey sincerest condolences to his family and to all his comrades, relatives and friends. I share with them profound grief over his demise and at the same the pride and joy for his lifelong and fruitful service to the people in their noble cause and struggle for national and social liberation from foreign monopoly capitalism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

Comrade Julius served the people in the best way that he could and in the most exemplary way, died as a martyr and will therefore live forever in the hearts and minds of the people and in the continuance of the people’s democratic revolution with a socialist perspective. His murder in the hands of the armed minions of the traitorous, tyrannical, genocidal, corrupt and mendacious Duterte regime outrages the people and incites them to intensify their revolutionary struggle.

When the fascists butchers came to murder him, he was sleeping in the house where he was under treatment for his illness resulting from his advanced age and hard work. It is not true that he was able to fight back, contrary to claims of the reactionary government and military. He was murdered together with his medical doctor, Dr. Maria Lourdes Tangco, and an aide who, like him, were awakened only by the ramming down of the door and the barrage of fire from the murderers.

These murders are in clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law (Geneva Conventions) and the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law and also in particular the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees inasmuch as Comrade Julius was a political consultant of the NDFP in GRP-NDFP peace negotiations. It is appropriate and necessary for human right organizations, peace advocates and health workers to pay attention to the aforesaid murders and give due respect and honors to the victims of the brutal regime.

Like me, as a child and in his grade school years, Comrade Julius had religious tutelage from his mother and served as a sacristan to the Catholic priests. In high school, he was a bright and sociable person, with plenty of friends. He was charismatic because he was intelligent and had a talent for singing and dancing. He also excelled at numbers and hoped to become an engineer. He enrolled in the course of Engineering in the University of the Philippines in Baguio but was able to finish only the first two years because of his heavy responsibilities as a leading activist.

He joined the Kabataang Makabayan in 1970 and was therefore a product of the First Quarter Storm of 1970. He led the KM in Baguio City. During FQS, he often delighted and inspired the mass protests by reciting Amado Hernandez’s “Kung Tuyo Na ang Luha Mo, Aking Bayan” to the music of “Ang Gabing Mapanglaw”. He helped build the Samahan ng mga Anak Pawis (SaAnPa) in Baguio City in 1970. He became an outstanding activist of the national democratic movement as he engaged in organizing workers in the transport, energy, and mining sectors.

He became a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines in 1971 and assumed major responsibilities. He served with the Trade Union Bureau and participated in the organization of the Northern Luzon Regional Party organization. He was designated a staff member of the Instructor’s Bureau of the CPP under the Education Department. He served as team leader of an armed propaganda unit in Ifugao. He went to Isabela to instruct Political Officers of the New People’s Army for regional and national deployment.

When he was illegally arrested without warrant during the early part of the Marcos martial law period, he was physically and mentally tortured, administered electric-shock and truth serum. He withstood and overcame the torture because of his firm commitment to the revolutionary movement of the people and profound love for the people. Subsequently, he was able to escape from detention.

He immediately rejoined the revolutionary movement with increased fervor to fight the oppressive and exploitative semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system and the Marcos fascist dictatorship. Since then, he assumed higher responsibilities in the CPP. NPA and the National Democratic Front. Other comrades at the level of the Central Committee of the CPP can best present his responsibilities and accomplishments as a communist cadre and revolutionary fighter since the 1970s.

I issue this tribute to Comrade Julius as an immediate declaration to honor him in connection with his impending burial. We can expect a more authoritative and informative declaration of the CC of the CPP. I have based my declaration on the basis of information that I have gathered immediately from mutual friends and his relatives who are accessible.

I am confident that when a more comprehensive declaration is issued by the appropriate authority of the CPP the greatness of Comrade Julius as a revolutionary patriot and communist fighter will be amplified and will shine even brighter to inspire the current generation of the revolutionary cadres and masses and future generations to achieve the total victory of the people’s democratic revolution and proceed to the socialist revolution.###

https://cpp.ph/statement/in-honor-of-ka-julius-soriano-giron-jms/

CPP: Red Salute to Ka Nars!

NDF-Fidel Agcaoili propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 17, 2020): Revolutionary Salute to Comrade Julius Giron–NDFP

FIDEL AGCAOILI | CHAIRPERSON | NEGOTIATING PEACE PANEL / NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 18, 2020

The NDFP Peace Negotiating Panel, its consultants, personnel and staff extend their most heartfelt condolences to the comrades, family, relatives and friends of Comrade Julius Giron who was martyred in Baguio City recently, together with two companions.


We render the highest salute to Comrade Julius for his selfless commitment and lifelong dedication to the revolutionary movement of the people for national freedom, democracy, social justice and genuine peace.

Comrade Julius was one of our senior consultants in the GRP-NDFP peace talks on social, economic and political reforms, as well as end of hostilities and disposition of forces. He was holder of Document of Identification (DI) number 978410 under the name of Arnold Cruz as National Consultant 1, which entitled him to protection and immunity under the JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees).

While in detention during the years of the Marcos dictatorship, we came to know of Comrade Julius’ artistry. He was a good painter and headed the painting group inside prison. Indeed, his deep love for the Cordillera people is reflected in his paintings and poetry which are on display in his wake.

The martyrdom of Comrade Julius and his companions inspires us even more to firmly pursue the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation and for genuine and lasting peace.



https://cpp.ph/statement/revolutionary-salute-to-comrade-julius-giron-ndfp/

CPP: Condemn cold-blooded assassination of Party leader Giron–CPP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 17, 2020): Condemn cold-blooded assassination of Party leader Giron–CPP

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the cold-blooded assassination of Party leader Julius Giron (Ka Nars), his doctor Lourdes Tan Torres and their aide last March 13 in Baguio City. Claims made by the military and police that they were about to serve an arrest warrant are outright lies. It was a liquidation operation, a massacre, carried out at 3 a.m. with the clear aim of assassinating Giron and eliminating all witnesses.
The entire Party and all revolutionary forces are enraged over the murder of Ka Nars.

Giron was nearly 70 years old. He was suffering from the infirmities of old age. Giron, specifically, had difficulty keeping his balance. He and his companions in their residence were unarmed and were not in a position to fight back against the armed fascist agents. Claims by the police that their arresting team was fired upon by Giron is a fabrication to cover up their crime.

Giron was, in fact, murdered in cold blood. The perpetrators and masterminds of the assassination of the Girons are criminals. The Party and revolutionary movement will make sure that they will pay for their crime.

Giron’s blood is on Duterte’s hands. His assassination was carried out under Duterte’s war of suppression against the Party and the national democratic revolutionary movement. Duterte and his key security and military officials have long wanted to eliminate Giron who served as one of the Party’s leading cadres and principal peace consultant to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The cold-blooded murder of Giron contravenes Duterte’s recent overtures to resume peace talks with the NDFP. It demonstrates unequivocally that the NDFP-GRP peace talks cannot be successfully resumed as long as Duterte’s Proclamation 374 and Executive Order 70 remain in effect. Under these orders, military and police forces carry out killings, mass arrests, abductions, surveillance and intimidation and other forms of suppression against the people.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, the entire revolutionary movement, and the Filipino grieve over the loss of Ka Nars, Giron’s last known nom de guerre. The Party extends its deepest condolences to Ka Nars’ family, relatives and friends.

Ka Nars was one of the stalwarts of the Party’s Central Committee, its Political Bureau and Executive Committee, serving the Party’s central organs over the past three decades. Despite his advanced age, Ka Nars remained ever the active revolutionary communist and one of the key leading cadres of the CPP. He was forever a student and teacher of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism.

Ka Nars’ record of selfless and tenacious service to the proletariat, the Party, the Filipino people and their revolutionary movement will forever remain etched in the annals of the people’s war in the country. Many of the Party’s victories were achieved with Ka Nars performing important roles.

He played a key role in reconstituting the Party’s leadership in 2014 and bringing together more than a hundred Party cadres to hold the Party’s 2nd Congress in 2016. He was elected to the Second Central Committee, the Political Bureau and as one of the key officers of the Executive Committee.

As young revolutionaries, he and other Party cadres pioneered revolutionary work in the Cordilleras and other Northern Luzon regions in the 1970s. They helped forged Igorot unity, and in rousing, organizing and mobilizing the national minority groups in their resistance to national oppression, defense of their ancestral land, and in their fight for genuine autonomy. He was in the Cordilleras during the people’s epic struggle against the Chico River Dam Project.

The Duterte regime may have succeeded in ending the life of Ka Nars. However, with the dastardly act of murder of Ka Nars in the March 13 Baguio massacre, it has only further roused the people’s hatred for its fascist crimes and steeled their determination to resist and end the reign of state terrorism and all forms of oppression and exploitation.

Long live the memory of Ka Nars! Your blood will forever flow along the rivers of Magat and Agno, Catubig and the Pulangui and will always inspire the proletariat and all the toiling masses to wage revolution until victory!

https://cpp.ph/statement/condemn-cold-blooded-assassination-of-party-leader-giron/

Rappler Talk: Ex-VFA chief Edilberto Adan on cutting the military pact with the U.S.

From Rappler (Mar 18, 2020): Rappler Talk: Ex-VFA chief Edilberto Adan on cutting the military pact with the U.S.

Bookmark this page: Former Visiting Forces Agreement Commission executive director Edilberto Adan talks about the importance of the military deal and the impact of its repeal



The Philippines is about to walk out of an agreement that allows the presence of US military troops on its soil. When President Rordigo Duterte officially ordered the repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) on February 11, it set off a 180-day countdown to the deal's lapse, and the inevitable exit of American soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen from the country.

Aside from the yearly Balikatan (shouder-to-shoulder) exercises that involve thousands of Filipino and US troops training together, the VFA paved the way for Philippine-US cooperation in disaster response and counterterrorism cooperation. It also outlined how American servicemen suspected of crimes are to be prosecuted, as in the cases of the US marines Daniel Smith and Joseph Scott Pemberton.

Many Philippine government officials and members of the military argued for the retention of the VFA, and yet there are people from the same quarters who welcomed its termination, saying the agreement was lopsided in favor of the US.

On one hand, experts say the VFA has served as a deterrent against foreign aggression toward the Philippines. On the other hand, critics believe US military presence serves as a magnet for foreign attacks on Philippine soil.

What to make of this? Rappler speaks to retired Lieutenant General Edilberto Adan, who served as the Executive Director of the VFA Commission from 2007 to 2014. From his vantage point of overseeing joint military exercsies and witnessing how the Pemberton murder-turned-homicide case unfolded, Adan gives a comprehensive assessment of the VFA, and its place in the treaty alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

Bookmark this page to watch the interview at 4:30 pm.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/254976-interview-edilberto-adan-vfa-termination

Duterte declares ceasefire with communists amid coronavirus outbreak

From Rappler (Mar 18, 2020): Duterte declares ceasefire with communists amid coronavirus outbreak (Sofia Tomacruz)

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo says the ceasefire will last from March 19 until April 15



CEASEFIRE. Troops from the AFP's Joint Task Force-NCR man the checkpoint in Valenzuela City on March 15, 2020. File photo by Lisa Marie David/Rappler

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, March 18, declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels a day after a broad lockdown in Luzon took effect to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the announcement Wednesday night, saying the ceasefire against the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA), and political arm the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) would take effect midnight of Thursday, March 19, until April 15, 2020.

"The President has directed the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police, to cease and desist from carrying out offensive military and police operations during the ceasefire period," Panelo said.

The DILG and DND have yet to issue an order implementing this, including the Suspension of Offensive Military and Police Operations or SOMO.

In a statement Wednesday night, AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr said the military supports Duterte's call, urging troops to "continue their keen focus on their mission to protect our people from and assist medical health practitioners in the fight against this dreaded disease."

Santos likewise sought to assure the public troops will be able to respond to any threat, if needed.

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

"While I direct the troops to observe guarded optimism, your AFP will not be deterred by similar treacherous attacks by Communist Terrorist Group. We will be there where and when we are needed," he said.

Impromptu wish: Duterte on Monday night, March 16, asked the NPA for a ceasefire during a briefing on the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Kindly give me that," Duterte said as he continuously switched from a prepared statement on government measures to spontaneous talk on other topics.

Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, the exiled founder and figurehead of the communist rebellion, said Duterte has to make a formal offer through the government negotiating panel to the NDFP if he is "serious" with his call.

Duterte had repeatedly offered to negotiate with communist rebels but likewise named them terrorists.

Duterte earlier said the ceasefire is needed so that the Philippine government, including uniformed personnel, can focus on combating the novel coronavirus.

"Through this ceasefire, the Philippine government aspires that the swift provision of public health assistance goes unimpeded with the movement of health workers and medical supplies to communities, as well as of people in need of immediate medical attention remains unhampered," Panelo said.

As of Wednesday, the Philippines has reported 202 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 7 recoveries and 17 deaths.

The global death toll, meanwhile, has reached 7,873, with 3,237 of the fatalities in China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau). The number of cases worldwide has risen to 194,000, with more than 80,894 of the infections in China. The virus has spread to at least 150 countries.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/255064-duterte-declares-ceasefire-communists-coronavirus-outbreak

PAF to airlift coronavirus patient specimens from Northern Mindanao

From Rappler (Mar 18, 2020): PAF to airlift coronavirus patient specimens from Northern Mindanao (By Bobby Lagsa)

DOH Region 10 says the Philippine Air Force agrees to carry the PUI swab samples to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine



CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines – The Department of Health in Northern Mindanao (Region 10) said Wednesday, March 18, it was coordinating with the Philippine Air Force for the quick delivery of specimens of Persons Under Investigation (PUI) from here to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Metro Manila.

At present, it is only the RITM which confirms if a PUI is infected with the novel coronavirus.

DOH Region 10 Director Adriano Suba-an said that they have coordinated with the PAF for the delivery of Universal Tranport Medium (UTM) and other tools to be used to transport the specimens.

The UTM is a room temperature stable viral transport medium used for collection, transport, maintenance and long-term storage of viruses.

"We coordinated with Colonel Rommel Almaria and they responded that they would provide us with the schedules of the Air Force plane so we can send the samples," Suba-an said.

Suba-an said the first step of the process is, if the PUI has severe acute respiratory illness, especially if doctors suspect COVID-19, a swab specimen will be taken and stored in the UTM. The next step is the UTM with the specimen would be sent to the RITM, which houses the DOH national research laboratory for confirmatory tests.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/255061-air-force-airlift-coronavirus-patient-specimens-northern-mindanao-to-ncr

Duterte declares ceasefire with Reds

From MindaNews (Mar 18, 2020): Duterte declares ceasefire with Reds (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 18 Mar) – Beset by rising deaths from the deadly COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte decided to declare a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist rebels nationwide.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the ceasefire would become effective from March 19 to April 15, 2020.

Panelo said President Duterte directed the Department of Defense; Department of the Interior and Local Government; the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to cease and desist from carrying out offensive military and police operations during the ceasefire period.

He said both departments are also directed to issue the corresponding orders to implement the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire, including the Suspension of Offensive Military and Police Operations (SOMO).

Panelo said the government hopes that the ceasefire will allow the unimpeded movement of health workers and medical supplies across areas where there is a strong presence of New People’s Army rebels.

The Department of Health reported that the death toll for COVID-19 rose to 17 with 202 confirmed cases as of noon Wednesday.

There was no immediate answer from the National Democratic Front but its consultant, Jose Maria Sison, said the communist party should be wary of the ceasefire proposed by President Duterte.

In an article posted in the NDF page last March 16, Sison said the ceasefire could be used to suppress the people’s democratic forces in the urban area.

“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,” Sison said.

Sison said the NDFP and the Communist party will “seriously study” Duterte’s offer to see if this can also lead to a resumption of the peace negotiations.

New People’s Army rebels in Bukidnon have complained of unrelenting military attacks against their guerilla bases despite the onset of COVID-19

In a text message sent by Pia Paraiso, NPA media liaison officer, she said the attack involved 400 soldiers from the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/03/duterte-declares-ceasefire-with-reds/

NPA leader surrenders in AgNor

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 18, 2020): NPA leader surrenders in AgNor (By 29IB Philippine Army)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, March 18 -- A New People’s Army (NPA) leader, after realizing how much he loves and longs for his family, finally decided to surrender to the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army on March 11, 2020, in Barangay del Pilar, this city.

The surrenderee was identified as alias Jumong, 42 years old and a resident of Surigao del Norte. He was a former Platoon Leader of Platoon “KALAW,” Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) 16, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC).

He brought with him his M-653 issued rifle, one bandolier with five long magazines loaded with ammunition and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

The said surrenderee was formally presented to MGen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, Commander, 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division, during the latter's visit at the 29IB headquarters.

According to alias Jumong, life has not been easy for his family. As a father, all he wants is to give them a good life, but he did not know how, until the NPA came and enticed him to join them in exchange for helping his family.

"I trusted them for more than two years hoping they would keep their promise but I soon realized nothing they said was true. My family situation just worsened. I was far from my wife and children, when in fact I was supposed to be by their side supporting and looking after them but then I failed them," Jumong said.

"Many times, they tried to convince me to surrender, but I refused. I realized that I have failed to be a father to my children and husband to my wife and that I was not worthy of their love. I thought my life was already useless and of no purpose at all. But God is good because He enlightened my mind and made me take the path back to my family," he added.

Alias Jumong said he was grateful that despite having gone astray from the right path, his family still accepted him, and the Army still gave him a chance to live a new life with his family. (1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo, CMO Officer, 29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036364

Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo On the Government’s Declaration of Unilateral Ceasefire

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 18, 2020): Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo On the Government’s Declaration of Unilateral Ceasefire (By OPS)



In view of the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon amidst the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has decided to declare a unilateral ceasefire against the Communist Party of the Philippines-the New People’s Army-the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), effective 00:00H of March 19, 2020 to 24:00H of April 15, 2020.

The President has directed the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), to cease and desist from carrying out offensive military and police operations during the ceasefire period. Both of these departments shall issue the corresponding orders to implement the declaration of the unilateral ceasefire, including the Suspension of Offensive Military and Police Operations (SOMO).

Through this ceasefire, the Philippine Government aspires that the swift provision of public health assistance goes unimpeded with the movement of health workers and medical supplies to communities, as well as of people in need of immediate medical attention remains unhampered.

Salvador S. Panelo
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
& Presidential Spokesperson

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036576