Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Facebook Page (Mar 24, 2020): “We will invest for whatever we receive in the decommissioning”- Sulu MILF Combatant (By Alexander Iskandar)
Cotabato City – Roel Aliasgal, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Southern Sulu Provincial Committee told reporters during the 2nd Phase of the Decommissioning of MILF Combatants that, “They will invest whatever they receive in the decommissioning, and we will use as an instrument towards our long-awaited peace. We all believe that peace comes from within us”. Aliasgar is the last of the 12,000 combatants to undergo decommissioning under the 2nd phase of the decommissioning process conducted by the International Decommissioning Body (IDB) on March 20, 2020 at the Maguindanao Old Capitol, Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
Under the decommissioning program, each decommissioned combatant received a total of PhP 100,000 in transitory cash assistance from the government aside from other benefits, such as scholarships, livelihood programs, etc.
The decommissioning of MILF forces is among the key provisions of the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) forged between the government and MILF, which aims to help former combatants transform into peaceful and productive citizens, an OPAPP report said.
For Aliasgal and his comrades who travelled for more than twenty hours by boat from the island-province of Sulu to reach Maguindanao, the decommissioning process is very personal.
For more than four decades, MILF fighters like him were engaged in armed battle against the government, for self-rule over the ancestral lands in Mindanao, the OPAPP also said.
The PhP80,000 was provided under the Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support Package (BTFS) and the remaining PhP20,000 was sourced from the Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG), a fund that was created in partnership between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
I hope that our lives and mindsets would be back to normal, that we wouldn’t go back to what happened before. As for our families, we have to encourage our children to study not only western education but Islamic studies as well, Aliasgar said.
At least 2,100 assorted weapons and more than 500 ammunitions were also turned over by the former combatants to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).
With the successful conduct of the decommissioning phase, the GPH and MILF Implementing Panels are now looking forward to the implementation of the succeeding phases within the next two years, the OPAPP report added.
Earlier this month, members of the international community expressed their strong commitment to the Bangsamoro Peace Process during a Senate committee hearing on the BOL’s implementation. Among those who attended the hearing were the European Union (EU), Embassy of Turkey, Embassy of Japan, and the British Embassy.
At the sidelines of the hearing, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said he is very pleased with the successful implementation of the second phase of decommissioning whose effects are now starting to be felt by the MILF members, their families and communities. (Source: OPAPP)
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
CPP/NDF-BICOL: NDF-Bicol: Duterte, bayrus ng lipunan
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2020): NDF-Bicol: Duterte, bayrus ng lipunan
MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 24, 2020
Si Duterte ang tunay na pasistang bayrus ng lipunan na mahigit tatlong taon nang nanalasa at pumapatay ng mamamayang Pilipino. Itinaguyod niya ang interes ng mga imperyalista at lokal na naghaharing-uri. Higit na sumidhi ang epekto ng COVID-19 sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mamamayan dahil sa mga neoliberal na patakarang naglustay ng kabang bayan para sa mga walang kabuluhang proyektong pang-imprastruktura at gera kontra-mamamayan.
Katumbas ng pagdeklara ng state of emergency at pagkakaroon ni Duterte ng emergency powers ang pagpapatupad ng batas militar sa buong bansa. Taglay ng lockdown ang lahat ng katangian ng pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Nagkalat ang militar at pulis kapwa sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Tadtad ng checkpoint ang lahat ng prubinsya. Nagbanta na ang PNP na aarestuhin nila ang sinumang magpakalat ng ‘fake news’ sa social media. Sinumang tumanggi sa pang-iinteroga ng DOH ay kakasuhan ng pamamaslang. Ilang araw pa lamang matapos ang lockdown, nagkaroon na ng serye ng pang-aaresto ng mga maralitang wala namang tahanang tutuluyan at manggagawang nangangambang mawalan ng trabaho.
Kung anumang higpit ng lockdown sa mamamayang Pilipino ay siya ring luwag sa pagpapapasok ng mga dayuhan. Hindi pa rin ipinapatigil ang mga byahe mula at papunta sa ibang bansa. Maaari pa ring dumaong sa mga pantalan ang mga cargo ship. Sa pagdeklara ng state of calamity, binibigyan ng puwang ang reaksyunaryonng gubyernong ibwelo ang lahat ng neoliberal na proyekto nang hindi dumadaan sa public bidding at panatilihin ang aktibong presensya ng militar at pulis sa mga checkpoint kahit lumipas na ang isang buwang nakatakda para sa lockdown.
Bumabangga sa interes ni Duterte ang pagbibigay ng akma at kagyat na solusyon sa COVID-19. Sa takot na mahinog ang kalagayan para sa malawak na pag-aalsa ng mamamayan, hindi kataka-takang hinintay at pinabayaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte na lumala ang kalagayan upang magkaroon ng tuntungang makapagpatupad ng batas militar. Dapat higit pang maging mapagbantay ang taumbayan – tiyak sasamantalahin ni Duterte ang pagpapatupad ng mga pasista at neoliberal na patakaran, tulad ng nakaambang pagpapasok ng mga gamit-militar para sa 2020 Balikatan Exercises ngayong Abril. Sa gitna ng pagkabalisa ng publiko sa banta ng lockdown, ilinusot ni Duterte ang pagpapasa ng Public Service Act. Pinahihintulutan nito ang 100% pag-aari ng mga dayuhan ng mga pampublikong yutilidad tulad ng transportasyon, tubig, kuryente at telecommunications.
Ang tanging pamamaraan upang puksain ang bayrus ni Duterte ay ang pagdaluyong ng kilusang masang mapagpasyang magpapanagot at magpapabagsak sa isang pahirap, pasista at tutang rehimen. Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano na ibayong pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa at diwa ng pagtutulungan upang maigpawan ang krisis ng COVID-19.
Patuloy na maging mapagbantay at kritikal sa mga hakbang ng rehimen, laluna sa mga pangitaing pagpapalawig ng lockdown. Kagyat na mag-ulat ng mga paglabag ng militar at pulis ng mga karapatang tao. Higit sa lahat, huwag pabayaang wasakin ng sapilitang quarantine ang diwa ng sama-samang pagkilos.
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Magtarabangan para sa namamanwaan!
https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-bicol-duterte-bayrus-ng-lipunan/
Si Duterte ang tunay na pasistang bayrus ng lipunan na mahigit tatlong taon nang nanalasa at pumapatay ng mamamayang Pilipino. Itinaguyod niya ang interes ng mga imperyalista at lokal na naghaharing-uri. Higit na sumidhi ang epekto ng COVID-19 sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mamamayan dahil sa mga neoliberal na patakarang naglustay ng kabang bayan para sa mga walang kabuluhang proyektong pang-imprastruktura at gera kontra-mamamayan.
Katumbas ng pagdeklara ng state of emergency at pagkakaroon ni Duterte ng emergency powers ang pagpapatupad ng batas militar sa buong bansa. Taglay ng lockdown ang lahat ng katangian ng pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Nagkalat ang militar at pulis kapwa sa kanayunan at kalunsuran. Tadtad ng checkpoint ang lahat ng prubinsya. Nagbanta na ang PNP na aarestuhin nila ang sinumang magpakalat ng ‘fake news’ sa social media. Sinumang tumanggi sa pang-iinteroga ng DOH ay kakasuhan ng pamamaslang. Ilang araw pa lamang matapos ang lockdown, nagkaroon na ng serye ng pang-aaresto ng mga maralitang wala namang tahanang tutuluyan at manggagawang nangangambang mawalan ng trabaho.
Kung anumang higpit ng lockdown sa mamamayang Pilipino ay siya ring luwag sa pagpapapasok ng mga dayuhan. Hindi pa rin ipinapatigil ang mga byahe mula at papunta sa ibang bansa. Maaari pa ring dumaong sa mga pantalan ang mga cargo ship. Sa pagdeklara ng state of calamity, binibigyan ng puwang ang reaksyunaryonng gubyernong ibwelo ang lahat ng neoliberal na proyekto nang hindi dumadaan sa public bidding at panatilihin ang aktibong presensya ng militar at pulis sa mga checkpoint kahit lumipas na ang isang buwang nakatakda para sa lockdown.
Bumabangga sa interes ni Duterte ang pagbibigay ng akma at kagyat na solusyon sa COVID-19. Sa takot na mahinog ang kalagayan para sa malawak na pag-aalsa ng mamamayan, hindi kataka-takang hinintay at pinabayaan ng rehimeng US-Duterte na lumala ang kalagayan upang magkaroon ng tuntungang makapagpatupad ng batas militar. Dapat higit pang maging mapagbantay ang taumbayan – tiyak sasamantalahin ni Duterte ang pagpapatupad ng mga pasista at neoliberal na patakaran, tulad ng nakaambang pagpapasok ng mga gamit-militar para sa 2020 Balikatan Exercises ngayong Abril. Sa gitna ng pagkabalisa ng publiko sa banta ng lockdown, ilinusot ni Duterte ang pagpapasa ng Public Service Act. Pinahihintulutan nito ang 100% pag-aari ng mga dayuhan ng mga pampublikong yutilidad tulad ng transportasyon, tubig, kuryente at telecommunications.
Ang tanging pamamaraan upang puksain ang bayrus ni Duterte ay ang pagdaluyong ng kilusang masang mapagpasyang magpapanagot at magpapabagsak sa isang pahirap, pasista at tutang rehimen. Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolano na ibayong pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa at diwa ng pagtutulungan upang maigpawan ang krisis ng COVID-19.
Patuloy na maging mapagbantay at kritikal sa mga hakbang ng rehimen, laluna sa mga pangitaing pagpapalawig ng lockdown. Kagyat na mag-ulat ng mga paglabag ng militar at pulis ng mga karapatang tao. Higit sa lahat, huwag pabayaang wasakin ng sapilitang quarantine ang diwa ng sama-samang pagkilos.
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Magtarabangan para sa namamanwaan!
https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-bicol-duterte-bayrus-ng-lipunan/
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Krisis ng COVID-19, sama-samang igpawan, isulong ang programa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan! — NDF-Bicol
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2020): Krisis ng COVID-19, sama-samang igpawan, isulong ang programa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan! — NDF-Bicol
MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 24, 2020
Alinsunod sa panawagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP), mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng yunit ng hukbo at komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan na magmobilisa upang kagyat na matulungan ang mga taumbaryo na maigpawan ang krisis dulot ng COVID-19.
Una, dapat kagyat na makapagbuo ang mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan ng komprehensibong plano kung paano haharapin ang COVID-19. Ilan dito ang pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa COVID-19 at kung paano ito maiiwasan, pagsasagawa ng sanitation drives, pag-aayos ng koordinasyon ng mga grupong tulungan at kooperatiba upang matugunan ang batayang pangangailangan ng kani-kanilang komunidad.
Pangalawa, dapat ding pahigpitin ang koordinasyon ng mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan at rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa kalunsuran para sa pakikipagpalitan ng anumang tulong o ayudang makakalap. Palakasin ang alyansa sa mga internasyunal at lokal na organisasyon sa disaster response at mga tagapagtataguyod ng karapatang tao.
Pangatlo, dapat manatiling mapagbantay ang taumbayan sa mga pasistang hakbangin ng rehimen. Kagyat na mag-ulat sa mga upisyal ng barangay, organisasyong nagtataguyod ng karapatang tao at mga kagawad ng midya hinggil sa anumang pandarahas, panunupil at paglabag sa karapatang tao.
Sa pangmatagalan, dapat ibayo pang palakasin ang mga grupaong tulungan at kooperatiba sa kanayunan. Ipalaganap ang programa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan bilang natatanging pangmatagalang solusyon sa anumang krisis na humambalos sa lipunan. Higit na patingkarin ang panawagang palakasin ang agrikultura at pambansang industriyalisasyon. Itambol ang pangangailangang makapagtaguyod ng isang ekonomyang nakaasa-sa-sarili at hindi nakasandig o kontrolado ng mga imperyalista.
Hindi kailanman mauugat ng pasismo ang sakit ng lipunan. Bagkus, ito pa ang higit na nagpapatingkad na taliwas sa interes ng reaksyunaryong estado ang anumang programang ikabubuti ng masang anakpawis.
Magtarabangan para sa namamanwaan!
Isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!
https://cpp.ph/statement/krisis-ng-covid-19-sama-samang-igpawan-isulong-ang-programa-ng-demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan-ndf-bicol/
Alinsunod sa panawagan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP), mahigpit na nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng yunit ng hukbo at komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan na magmobilisa upang kagyat na matulungan ang mga taumbaryo na maigpawan ang krisis dulot ng COVID-19.
Una, dapat kagyat na makapagbuo ang mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan ng komprehensibong plano kung paano haharapin ang COVID-19. Ilan dito ang pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa COVID-19 at kung paano ito maiiwasan, pagsasagawa ng sanitation drives, pag-aayos ng koordinasyon ng mga grupong tulungan at kooperatiba upang matugunan ang batayang pangangailangan ng kani-kanilang komunidad.
Pangalawa, dapat ding pahigpitin ang koordinasyon ng mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan at rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa kalunsuran para sa pakikipagpalitan ng anumang tulong o ayudang makakalap. Palakasin ang alyansa sa mga internasyunal at lokal na organisasyon sa disaster response at mga tagapagtataguyod ng karapatang tao.
Pangatlo, dapat manatiling mapagbantay ang taumbayan sa mga pasistang hakbangin ng rehimen. Kagyat na mag-ulat sa mga upisyal ng barangay, organisasyong nagtataguyod ng karapatang tao at mga kagawad ng midya hinggil sa anumang pandarahas, panunupil at paglabag sa karapatang tao.
Sa pangmatagalan, dapat ibayo pang palakasin ang mga grupaong tulungan at kooperatiba sa kanayunan. Ipalaganap ang programa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan bilang natatanging pangmatagalang solusyon sa anumang krisis na humambalos sa lipunan. Higit na patingkarin ang panawagang palakasin ang agrikultura at pambansang industriyalisasyon. Itambol ang pangangailangang makapagtaguyod ng isang ekonomyang nakaasa-sa-sarili at hindi nakasandig o kontrolado ng mga imperyalista.
Hindi kailanman mauugat ng pasismo ang sakit ng lipunan. Bagkus, ito pa ang higit na nagpapatingkad na taliwas sa interes ng reaksyunaryong estado ang anumang programang ikabubuti ng masang anakpawis.
Magtarabangan para sa namamanwaan!
Isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!
https://cpp.ph/statement/krisis-ng-covid-19-sama-samang-igpawan-isulong-ang-programa-ng-demokratikong-rebolusyong-bayan-ndf-bicol/
CPP/MAKIBAKA-Bikol/MSP-Bicol: Lockdown, kontra-mamamayang solusyon sa pagharap sa COVID-19
MAKIBAKA-Bikol/MSP-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2020): Lockdown, kontra-mamamayang solusyon sa pagharap sa COVID-19
MAKABAYANG SAMAHANG PANGKALUSUGAN
MAKIBAKA-BIKOL
MALAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN
MSP-BIKOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 24, 2020
Kagyat, libre at naaabot na serbisyong medikal ang kailangan ng masang anakpawis para maigpawan ang COVID-19. Gayunpaman, batas militar at hindi serbisyong medikal ang sumambulat na solusyong hinapag ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa taumbayan. Sa isang lipunang atrasado at bansot ang ekonomya, tiyak na kagutuman at higit na kahirapan ang magiging resulta ng lockdown at hindi kaligtasan mula sa COVID-19.
Simula’t sapul, hindi prayoridad ng estado ang mga serbisyong panlipunan. Ipinagpatuloy ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang pagsasapribado ng mga ospital. Linustay nito ang kabang bayan sa mga mapanirang neoliberal na proyekto at gera kontra-mamamayan. Pinasiparahan nito ang banta ng COVID-19 noong Pebrero at pinanatiling bukas ang bansa sa pagpasok ng mga dayuhan. Sa halip na magpalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa sakit at magsalik kung paano ito maiiwasan bago pa man lumala, higit na binigyang-pansin ng rehimen ang pangangampanya hinggil sa Duterte Legacy at pagpapalabas ng pelikula sa Europa tungkol sa mga inabot ng madugong gera kontra droga.
Nananawagan ang MSP-Bikol at MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa rebolusyonaryong subkomiteng pangkalusugan na maglunsad ng malawakang kampanya upang mapagpasyang harapin ang epekto ng COVID-19 sa masang anakpawis. Dapat buhayin ang inisyatiba ng mga makabayang siyentista at doktor na magpalalim ng mga saliksik hinggil sa COVID-19 at maaaring lunas para rito. Pahigpitin ang koordinasyon sa pagitan ng mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan at rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa kalunsuran para sa pakikipagpalitan ng kaalaman, tulungan at iba pang ayudang makukuha mula sa mga alyansa. Higit sa lahat, paigtingin ang pakikibaka upang isulong ang programa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan bilang natatanging pangmatagalang solusyon sa panlipunang krisis.
Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
https://cpp.ph/statement/lockdown-kontra-mamamayang-solusyon-sa-pagharap-sa-covid-19/
Kagyat, libre at naaabot na serbisyong medikal ang kailangan ng masang anakpawis para maigpawan ang COVID-19. Gayunpaman, batas militar at hindi serbisyong medikal ang sumambulat na solusyong hinapag ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa taumbayan. Sa isang lipunang atrasado at bansot ang ekonomya, tiyak na kagutuman at higit na kahirapan ang magiging resulta ng lockdown at hindi kaligtasan mula sa COVID-19.
Simula’t sapul, hindi prayoridad ng estado ang mga serbisyong panlipunan. Ipinagpatuloy ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang pagsasapribado ng mga ospital. Linustay nito ang kabang bayan sa mga mapanirang neoliberal na proyekto at gera kontra-mamamayan. Pinasiparahan nito ang banta ng COVID-19 noong Pebrero at pinanatiling bukas ang bansa sa pagpasok ng mga dayuhan. Sa halip na magpalaganap ng impormasyon hinggil sa sakit at magsalik kung paano ito maiiwasan bago pa man lumala, higit na binigyang-pansin ng rehimen ang pangangampanya hinggil sa Duterte Legacy at pagpapalabas ng pelikula sa Europa tungkol sa mga inabot ng madugong gera kontra droga.
Nananawagan ang MSP-Bikol at MAKIBAKA-Bikol sa rebolusyonaryong subkomiteng pangkalusugan na maglunsad ng malawakang kampanya upang mapagpasyang harapin ang epekto ng COVID-19 sa masang anakpawis. Dapat buhayin ang inisyatiba ng mga makabayang siyentista at doktor na magpalalim ng mga saliksik hinggil sa COVID-19 at maaaring lunas para rito. Pahigpitin ang koordinasyon sa pagitan ng mga komiteng rebolusyonaryo sa kanayunan at rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa sa kalunsuran para sa pakikipagpalitan ng kaalaman, tulungan at iba pang ayudang makukuha mula sa mga alyansa. Higit sa lahat, paigtingin ang pakikibaka upang isulong ang programa ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan bilang natatanging pangmatagalang solusyon sa panlipunang krisis.
Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
https://cpp.ph/statement/lockdown-kontra-mamamayang-solusyon-sa-pagharap-sa-covid-19/
CPP: Resist Duterte’s authoritarian powers in the guise of Covid-19 response
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2020): Resist Duterte’s authoritarian powers in the guise of Covid-19 response
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the Senate and the House
of Representatives for railroading last night the bill that grants authoritarian powers to Rodrigo Duterte in the guise of emergency response to the threat of a Covid-19 epidemic.
Duterte is unscrupulously and shamelessly using the rising public health emergency to further reinforce his tyranny. Instead of strengthening the public health infrastructure, and mobilizing health personnel, he has placed Luzon and other parts of the country under military lockdown and gave the military and police additional powers to impose restrictions against the people.
By granting Duterte emergency powers, the Senate and House of Representatives, dominated by Duterte’s minions, once again proved itself the tyrant’s rubberstamp. It is a brazen and sickening act of obsequiousness.
If enacted, the bill will give Duterte powers similar to those of Marcos when he declared martial law in 1972 wherein he took over control of private establishments for his own aggrandizement, using the military and police to impose his authoritarian will.
Duterte’s extraordinary powers will give him and his military and police cohorts a much wider latitude for corruption, while leaving the people shortchanged of necessary public health service.
The granting of extraordinary powers underscores Duterte’s gross incompetence and failure to address the emerging public health emergency. Having cut the budget of the Department of Health, he has rendered the public hospitals and public health facilities incapable of carrying out mass testing, isolation and treatment of the growing number of patients infected by the Covid-19 disease.
He is using the Covid-19 threat to deny the people the right to travel and work, impose a curfew, leave millions of workers without wages and income, prohibit mass assemblies, and other measures that violate the people’s civil and political rights.
The Filipino people are justly enraged and distrustful of the Duterte regime’s militarist and antipeople response to the spread of the Covid-19. They are especially disgusted at how government officials were given priority in Covid-19 testing in the face of the scarcity of testing kits.
In the face of Duterte’s criminal incompetence, the call for his resignation or ouster is resonating among the people. The Filipino people must unite and act collectively in the face of the spread of the Covid-19, demand mass testing and other necessary public health measures to contain the spread of the disease, hold Duterte accountable for undermining the public health system and failing to act swiftly, and fight Duterte’s emergency powers using the Covid-19 as pretext to impose authoritarian rule.
https://cpp.ph/statement/resist-dutertes-authoritarian-powers-in-the-guise-of-covid-19-response/
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the Senate and the House
of Representatives for railroading last night the bill that grants authoritarian powers to Rodrigo Duterte in the guise of emergency response to the threat of a Covid-19 epidemic.
Duterte is unscrupulously and shamelessly using the rising public health emergency to further reinforce his tyranny. Instead of strengthening the public health infrastructure, and mobilizing health personnel, he has placed Luzon and other parts of the country under military lockdown and gave the military and police additional powers to impose restrictions against the people.
By granting Duterte emergency powers, the Senate and House of Representatives, dominated by Duterte’s minions, once again proved itself the tyrant’s rubberstamp. It is a brazen and sickening act of obsequiousness.
If enacted, the bill will give Duterte powers similar to those of Marcos when he declared martial law in 1972 wherein he took over control of private establishments for his own aggrandizement, using the military and police to impose his authoritarian will.
Duterte’s extraordinary powers will give him and his military and police cohorts a much wider latitude for corruption, while leaving the people shortchanged of necessary public health service.
The granting of extraordinary powers underscores Duterte’s gross incompetence and failure to address the emerging public health emergency. Having cut the budget of the Department of Health, he has rendered the public hospitals and public health facilities incapable of carrying out mass testing, isolation and treatment of the growing number of patients infected by the Covid-19 disease.
He is using the Covid-19 threat to deny the people the right to travel and work, impose a curfew, leave millions of workers without wages and income, prohibit mass assemblies, and other measures that violate the people’s civil and political rights.
The Filipino people are justly enraged and distrustful of the Duterte regime’s militarist and antipeople response to the spread of the Covid-19. They are especially disgusted at how government officials were given priority in Covid-19 testing in the face of the scarcity of testing kits.
In the face of Duterte’s criminal incompetence, the call for his resignation or ouster is resonating among the people. The Filipino people must unite and act collectively in the face of the spread of the Covid-19, demand mass testing and other necessary public health measures to contain the spread of the disease, hold Duterte accountable for undermining the public health system and failing to act swiftly, and fight Duterte’s emergency powers using the Covid-19 as pretext to impose authoritarian rule.
https://cpp.ph/statement/resist-dutertes-authoritarian-powers-in-the-guise-of-covid-19-response/
NDF: NDFP Negotiating Panel can recommend ceasefire to its principal in response to the call of UN Secretary General for global ceasefire
Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Mar 24, 2020): NDFP Negotiating Panel can recommend ceasefire to its principal in response to the call of UN Secretary General for global ceasefire
By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
By Jose Maria Sison
NDFP Chief Political Consultant
March 24, 2020
As Chief Political Consultant, I am advising the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to recommend to its principal, the NDFP National Council, the issuance of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Communist Party of the Philippines to the New People’s Army in order to respond to the call of UN secretary general Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire between warring parties for the common purpose of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
The NDFP and the broad masses of the people themselves need to refrain from launching tactical offensives to gain more time and opportunity to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and to look after the health and over-all welfare of the people in both urban and rural areas. The world must know that long before the belated quarantine declarations and repressive measures of the GRP, the NDFP and the revolutionary forces have been informing, training and mobilizing the people on how to fight the pandemic.
While the New People’s Army can cease and desist from launching tactical offensives against the military, police and paramilitary forces of the GRP, it must be vigilant and be ready to act in self-defense against any tactical offensive launched by any enemy force against the people and revolutionary forces in the guerrilla fronts of the people’s democratic government.
Said enemy forces have persisted in launching tactical offensives and bombing of communities in the countryside as well as campaigns of red tagging, abductions and murder in the urban areas. It is therefore understandable why the NDFP has desisted from reciprocating the false unilateral ceasefire declared by the GRP last March 15, 2020.
The NDFP has also refused to reciprocate the bogus unilateral ceasefire declaration of the GRP in order to avoid appearing as directly condoning and becoming complicit in the criminal culpabilities of the Duterte regime for allowing the Covid-19 to spread nationwide since January, for making no preparations against the pandemic and for making lockdowns on communities and yet failing to provide mass testing and treatment of the sick, food assistance and compensation for those prevented from work.
Most recently the tyrant Duterte has used the pandemic as an excuse for grabbing unnecessary emergency powers and huge amounts of public money to carry out repressive measures and feed bureaucratic and military corruption. While committed to their unilateral ceasefire declaration, the NPA and revolutionary forces can remain vigilant and militant in arousing, organizing and mobilizing the people not only against the Covid-19 pandemic and the far deadlier Duterte virus of tyranny and corruption.###
https://ndfp.org/ndfp-negotiating-panel-can-recommend-ceasefire-to-its-principal-in-response-to-the-call-of-un-secretary-general-for-global-ceasefire/
As Chief Political Consultant, I am advising the Negotiating Panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to recommend to its principal, the NDFP National Council, the issuance of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Communist Party of the Philippines to the New People’s Army in order to respond to the call of UN secretary general Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire between warring parties for the common purpose of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
The NDFP and the broad masses of the people themselves need to refrain from launching tactical offensives to gain more time and opportunity to fight the Covid-19 pandemic and to look after the health and over-all welfare of the people in both urban and rural areas. The world must know that long before the belated quarantine declarations and repressive measures of the GRP, the NDFP and the revolutionary forces have been informing, training and mobilizing the people on how to fight the pandemic.
While the New People’s Army can cease and desist from launching tactical offensives against the military, police and paramilitary forces of the GRP, it must be vigilant and be ready to act in self-defense against any tactical offensive launched by any enemy force against the people and revolutionary forces in the guerrilla fronts of the people’s democratic government.
Said enemy forces have persisted in launching tactical offensives and bombing of communities in the countryside as well as campaigns of red tagging, abductions and murder in the urban areas. It is therefore understandable why the NDFP has desisted from reciprocating the false unilateral ceasefire declared by the GRP last March 15, 2020.
The NDFP has also refused to reciprocate the bogus unilateral ceasefire declaration of the GRP in order to avoid appearing as directly condoning and becoming complicit in the criminal culpabilities of the Duterte regime for allowing the Covid-19 to spread nationwide since January, for making no preparations against the pandemic and for making lockdowns on communities and yet failing to provide mass testing and treatment of the sick, food assistance and compensation for those prevented from work.
Most recently the tyrant Duterte has used the pandemic as an excuse for grabbing unnecessary emergency powers and huge amounts of public money to carry out repressive measures and feed bureaucratic and military corruption. While committed to their unilateral ceasefire declaration, the NPA and revolutionary forces can remain vigilant and militant in arousing, organizing and mobilizing the people not only against the Covid-19 pandemic and the far deadlier Duterte virus of tyranny and corruption.###
https://ndfp.org/ndfp-negotiating-panel-can-recommend-ceasefire-to-its-principal-in-response-to-the-call-of-un-secretary-general-for-global-ceasefire/
Kalinaw News: As earth takes a breather, soldiers recycle drum as “Hands-Free” wash stations
Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2020): As earth takes a breather, soldiers recycle drum as “Hands-Free” wash stations (By 2nd Infantry Division)
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The Filipino people’s ingenuity was tapped by the 2nd Infantry Division when they recycled drums to portable wash stations and deployed them to different Quarantine Control Points or QCP in Rizal Province on Tuesday.
Aside from containing the spread of COVID-19, the innovation also serves as communications tool to educate passersby on the importance of personal hygiene to defeat the deadly virus plaguing the world through witty printed slogans.
According to Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, his headquarters is planning to manufacture more wash stations as they try to “install at least one of this per QCP in our Area of Responsibility”.
“We look at this crisis as an opportunity for us to contribute to the community through innovative endeavors, such as this, which will promote positive change upon our people’s behavior and at the same time promoting our common advocacy of saving the Earth by reducing garbage”, said Maj Gen Burgos.
The military is willing to share the technology and hoping that it will be replicated in other areas, particularly the hands-free feature which will allow the users to sanitize their hands without any contact with the faucet.
Maj Gen Burgos explained that they have “designed the wash stations as hands-free to prevent users from reacquiring bacteria or virus immediately after washing their hands while ensuring that it will be at an affordable and reasonable cost compared to sensor-controlled mechanisms used in high-end establishments.”
Colonel Joel Aquino, Commander of 2ID’s Service Support Battalion which developed the portable wash stations, said that the first version is 100% “soldier-made” and that “we are continuously looking for ways to improve the design without sacrificing the quality which is in line with our mandate to sustain the needs of those in the frontlines, soldiers and civilians alike”.
Col Aquino ended his statement by saying that “innovation is one of the hallmarks of the Army” as he assured their stakeholders of his soldiers’ “commitment, dedication and readiness to help our people regardless of the threat, be it terrorists or the unseen Corona Virus.”
The military said that this will complement their continuing loudspeaker operations to support and amplify the call for people to heed the protocols set forth by the Department of Health.
CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The Filipino people’s ingenuity was tapped by the 2nd Infantry Division when they recycled drums to portable wash stations and deployed them to different Quarantine Control Points or QCP in Rizal Province on Tuesday.
Aside from containing the spread of COVID-19, the innovation also serves as communications tool to educate passersby on the importance of personal hygiene to defeat the deadly virus plaguing the world through witty printed slogans.
According to Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, his headquarters is planning to manufacture more wash stations as they try to “install at least one of this per QCP in our Area of Responsibility”.
“We look at this crisis as an opportunity for us to contribute to the community through innovative endeavors, such as this, which will promote positive change upon our people’s behavior and at the same time promoting our common advocacy of saving the Earth by reducing garbage”, said Maj Gen Burgos.
The military is willing to share the technology and hoping that it will be replicated in other areas, particularly the hands-free feature which will allow the users to sanitize their hands without any contact with the faucet.
Maj Gen Burgos explained that they have “designed the wash stations as hands-free to prevent users from reacquiring bacteria or virus immediately after washing their hands while ensuring that it will be at an affordable and reasonable cost compared to sensor-controlled mechanisms used in high-end establishments.”
Colonel Joel Aquino, Commander of 2ID’s Service Support Battalion which developed the portable wash stations, said that the first version is 100% “soldier-made” and that “we are continuously looking for ways to improve the design without sacrificing the quality which is in line with our mandate to sustain the needs of those in the frontlines, soldiers and civilians alike”.
Col Aquino ended his statement by saying that “innovation is one of the hallmarks of the Army” as he assured their stakeholders of his soldiers’ “commitment, dedication and readiness to help our people regardless of the threat, be it terrorists or the unseen Corona Virus.”
The military said that this will complement their continuing loudspeaker operations to support and amplify the call for people to heed the protocols set forth by the Department of Health.
[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/as-earth-takes-a-breather-soldiers-recycle-drum-as-hands-free-wash-stations/
https://www.kalinawnews.com/as-earth-takes-a-breather-soldiers-recycle-drum-as-hands-free-wash-stations/
Kalinaw News: NPA insensitive, anti-people as it continues terror spree amidst COVID-19 crisis’, Army Commander in Caraga says (Graphic Photos)
Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2020): NPA insensitive, anti-people as it continues terror spree amidst COVID-19 crisis’, Army Commander in Caraga says (By 4th Infantry Division)
Bancasi, Butuan City – The Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade condemned the atrocities of the CPP-NPA terrorist and lamented its insensitivity and anti-people posture after it continued its terror spree while the government is observing the ceasefire and effected the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) due to the COVID-19 crisis.
While the country is determined to end the COVID-19 crisis with all the agencies uniting together in order to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CNTs is also hell bent on spreading terror and on the spree of targeting innocent civilians supportive of the government peace initiatives and the AFP and PNP troops conducting security operations in line with the implementation of the State of Calamity and other guidelines and protocols in Caraga region.
Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander lambasted the CNTs incapability to grasp the gravity of the situation confronting the whole country when it killed innocent civilians, a Tribal Leader and a former rebel who was also an IP, and took advantage of the Army soldiers focus and participation towards containing and preventing the entry of the COVID-19 possible carriers in Caraga region.
The IP community of San Miguel town to include the whole tribal communities in the province of Surigao del Sur is once again full of grief with the sudden and tragic death of its two (2) members, Datu Bernandino “Bandi” Astudillo, 74 y/o, Brgy Tribal Chieftain and Datu Zaldy “Domingo” Ybañez, 65 y/o and a Former Rebel, both from Brgy Magroyong of same town, when they were brutally executed by the CNTs. Hon Datu Rico Maca, the IP Mandatory Representative of San Miguel town in the province of Surigao del Sur is distraught on the killing of the members of his tribe. He condemned the CNTs attack to civilians particularly the attack of IPs with no direct involvement in the armed conflict.
“Ang dalawang biktima ay brutal na pinatay dahil sa dami ng saksak ng itak sa ibat ibang parte ng katawan. Ang pagpatay sa mga myembro ng tribu ay isang hudyat na ang totoong berdugo at kriminal ng mga katutubo ay mga myembro ng New People’s Army. Kinompirma ng mga tribu at myembro ng pamilya na ang pumatay sa mga biktima ay mga NPA dahil personal na nakita ang mga salarin”.
Meanwhile, recent clashed of government troops against the CNTs at Sitio Capangdan, Barangay Urbiztondo, Claver, Surigao del Norte and KM 9, Brgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur after troops, while conducting quarantine assistance that pre-empted planned CNT attack towards unarmed civilian community and mining firm and threatened civilian IP communities showed the perplexity of the CNTs and instead display its duplicity attacking government troops observing the ceasefire and amidst COVID-19.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, under Proclamation Nr 299, has placed the entire country under the State of Calamity after the rising COVID-19 cases in the country and followed a declaration of unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to pave the way on the government’s priority response over the COVID-19 pandemic disease.
In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade, underscores the importance of every agencies and stakeholders to help one another in this trying times and the challenges that besets the country. He said that while his troops exert all efforts to contribute in ending the pandemic disease, the CNTs with their allied left-leaning organization and other cohorts have taken advantage the situation by staging terror threats and sow propaganda and divisiveness among the people.
“The anti-people and insensitivity on the plight of the people by the CNTs manifest the true pathetic color and the intent of destroying this country riding on the supposed issues while our government is doing its best to protect the people from the outbreak. Taking undue advantage of the situation in order to advance their long dream in overthrowing the government proved the CPP-NPAs selfish and evil motives. We call on to all Caraganons, let us not be swayed by the treachery of the CNTs and instead deplore them for dragging us backwards from the development and peace the people are longing for. Likewise, we exhort all Filipinos to unite with us and end this disease together as one family, one nation”, Brigadier General 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/npa-insensitive-anti-people-as-it-continues-terror-spree-amidst-covid-19-crisis-army-commander-in-caraga-says/
Bancasi, Butuan City – The Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade condemned the atrocities of the CPP-NPA terrorist and lamented its insensitivity and anti-people posture after it continued its terror spree while the government is observing the ceasefire and effected the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) due to the COVID-19 crisis.
While the country is determined to end the COVID-19 crisis with all the agencies uniting together in order to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CNTs is also hell bent on spreading terror and on the spree of targeting innocent civilians supportive of the government peace initiatives and the AFP and PNP troops conducting security operations in line with the implementation of the State of Calamity and other guidelines and protocols in Caraga region.
Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander lambasted the CNTs incapability to grasp the gravity of the situation confronting the whole country when it killed innocent civilians, a Tribal Leader and a former rebel who was also an IP, and took advantage of the Army soldiers focus and participation towards containing and preventing the entry of the COVID-19 possible carriers in Caraga region.
The IP community of San Miguel town to include the whole tribal communities in the province of Surigao del Sur is once again full of grief with the sudden and tragic death of its two (2) members, Datu Bernandino “Bandi” Astudillo, 74 y/o, Brgy Tribal Chieftain and Datu Zaldy “Domingo” Ybañez, 65 y/o and a Former Rebel, both from Brgy Magroyong of same town, when they were brutally executed by the CNTs. Hon Datu Rico Maca, the IP Mandatory Representative of San Miguel town in the province of Surigao del Sur is distraught on the killing of the members of his tribe. He condemned the CNTs attack to civilians particularly the attack of IPs with no direct involvement in the armed conflict.
“Ang dalawang biktima ay brutal na pinatay dahil sa dami ng saksak ng itak sa ibat ibang parte ng katawan. Ang pagpatay sa mga myembro ng tribu ay isang hudyat na ang totoong berdugo at kriminal ng mga katutubo ay mga myembro ng New People’s Army. Kinompirma ng mga tribu at myembro ng pamilya na ang pumatay sa mga biktima ay mga NPA dahil personal na nakita ang mga salarin”.
Meanwhile, recent clashed of government troops against the CNTs at Sitio Capangdan, Barangay Urbiztondo, Claver, Surigao del Norte and KM 9, Brgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur after troops, while conducting quarantine assistance that pre-empted planned CNT attack towards unarmed civilian community and mining firm and threatened civilian IP communities showed the perplexity of the CNTs and instead display its duplicity attacking government troops observing the ceasefire and amidst COVID-19.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, under Proclamation Nr 299, has placed the entire country under the State of Calamity after the rising COVID-19 cases in the country and followed a declaration of unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to pave the way on the government’s priority response over the COVID-19 pandemic disease.
In his statement, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade, underscores the importance of every agencies and stakeholders to help one another in this trying times and the challenges that besets the country. He said that while his troops exert all efforts to contribute in ending the pandemic disease, the CNTs with their allied left-leaning organization and other cohorts have taken advantage the situation by staging terror threats and sow propaganda and divisiveness among the people.
“The anti-people and insensitivity on the plight of the people by the CNTs manifest the true pathetic color and the intent of destroying this country riding on the supposed issues while our government is doing its best to protect the people from the outbreak. Taking undue advantage of the situation in order to advance their long dream in overthrowing the government proved the CPP-NPAs selfish and evil motives. We call on to all Caraganons, let us not be swayed by the treachery of the CNTs and instead deplore them for dragging us backwards from the development and peace the people are longing for. Likewise, we exhort all Filipinos to unite with us and end this disease together as one family, one nation”, Brigadier General 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/npa-insensitive-anti-people-as-it-continues-terror-spree-amidst-covid-19-crisis-army-commander-in-caraga-says/
China opens new research outposts in the West Philippine Sea
From Rappler (Mar 23, 2020): China opens new research outposts in the West Philippine Sea (JC Gotinga)
The new research centers are on Zamora and Kagitingan reefs, which China has turned into military bases
KAGITINGAN REEF. This satellite image dated January 1, 2018, shows Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Photo courtesy of CSIS/AMTI/DigitalGlobe
The new research centers are on Zamora and Kagitingan reefs, which China has turned into military bases
KAGITINGAN REEF. This satellite image dated January 1, 2018, shows Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Photo courtesy of CSIS/AMTI/DigitalGlobe
China has opened two new new research outposts in the West Philippine Sea, on artificial islands that used to be submerged reefs and are claimed as territory by the Philippines.
The Integrated Research Center for Islands and Reefs of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) officially launched research centers on Zamora (Subi) Reef and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, according to a report by the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency on March 20.
“The Yongshu research station and Zhubi research station, with a number of laboratories on ecology, geology and environments, can support scientists in field investigation, sampling and scientific research on Nansha Islands, according to a source of the CAS,” the Xinhua report stated.
“Yongshu” refers to Kagitingan Reef, and “Zhubi,” to Zamora Reef. “Nansha Islands” is China’s term for the Spratly group of islands, which includes the Philippine-claimed Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
China started reclaiming these and 5 other reefs in the West Philippine Sea in early 2015.
The West Philippine Sea is the area within the South China Sea that belongs to the Philippines, consisting of its international law-mandated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the outlying portion of the KIG.
A triangle of outposts
According to the Xinhua report, the research outpost on Kagitingan Reef “has built several real-time monitoring systems for coral reef ecosystem, vegetation ecology, and freshwater conservation,” while the one on Zamora Reef “has completed the project design of monitoring systems for geological disaster and freshwater conservation.”
The two new stations complement the CAS’ Meiji Research Center built earlier on Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which China calls “Meiji.” Together, the 3 outposts have formed an “integrated scientific research base” for China, the report said.
ZAMORA REEF. This satellite photo shows vessels inside the harbor of Zamora (Subi) Reef, reclaimed and built into a military base by China. Photo from AMTI-CSIS/DigitalGlobe
The Integrated Research Center for Islands and Reefs of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) officially launched research centers on Zamora (Subi) Reef and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, according to a report by the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency on March 20.
“The Yongshu research station and Zhubi research station, with a number of laboratories on ecology, geology and environments, can support scientists in field investigation, sampling and scientific research on Nansha Islands, according to a source of the CAS,” the Xinhua report stated.
“Yongshu” refers to Kagitingan Reef, and “Zhubi,” to Zamora Reef. “Nansha Islands” is China’s term for the Spratly group of islands, which includes the Philippine-claimed Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).
China started reclaiming these and 5 other reefs in the West Philippine Sea in early 2015.
The West Philippine Sea is the area within the South China Sea that belongs to the Philippines, consisting of its international law-mandated exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the outlying portion of the KIG.
A triangle of outposts
According to the Xinhua report, the research outpost on Kagitingan Reef “has built several real-time monitoring systems for coral reef ecosystem, vegetation ecology, and freshwater conservation,” while the one on Zamora Reef “has completed the project design of monitoring systems for geological disaster and freshwater conservation.”
The two new stations complement the CAS’ Meiji Research Center built earlier on Panganiban (Mischief) Reef, which China calls “Meiji.” Together, the 3 outposts have formed an “integrated scientific research base” for China, the report said.
ZAMORA REEF. This satellite photo shows vessels inside the harbor of Zamora (Subi) Reef, reclaimed and built into a military base by China. Photo from AMTI-CSIS/DigitalGlobe
All 3 reclaimed islands are fitted with military facilities, including missile systems, naval harbors, and 3-km runways worthy of fighter jets.
Zamora Reef lies less than 26 km away from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, the Philippines’ main outpost in the KIG inhabited by some 250 people, mostly civilians.
The new research outposts on these militarized artificial islands will help Chinese oceanographers’ “observation and experimental capabilities on ecology, geology, environments, materials and marine energy utilization in the tropical marine environment,” the report said.
The facilities will be “further optimized” as China plans to “focus on research areas in the fields of ocean acidification, micro-plastic pollution, coral reef ecosystem conservation and marine disaster treatment,” the report added.
The July 12, 2016 ruling by the United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in the Hague stated that China's large-scale land reclamation in the West Philippine Sea has "caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems."
The same ruling debunked China’s spurious 9-dash line claim that eats up most of the West Philippine Sea, and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its EEZ.
Vast resources
On March 2, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command based in Palawan reported that 136 Chinese vessels were spotted around Pag-asa Island in January and February. The sightings were part of a now nearly yearlong deployment of seemingly fishing boats to waters surrounding the Philippine-held island.
Experts and Philippine defense officials suspect the vessels to be Chinese militias – a paramilitary force asserting China’s presence in the contested area.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr said the vessels were likely to remain in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island because of its proximity to Zamora Reef, which he believes may serve as a harbor for the Chinese vessels.
PANGANIBAN REEF. Structures seen In a satellite image of Panganiban (Mischief) Reef on November 15, 2016, released December 13, 2016. Image courtesy of CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/DigitalGlobe
Zamora Reef lies less than 26 km away from Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, the Philippines’ main outpost in the KIG inhabited by some 250 people, mostly civilians.
The new research outposts on these militarized artificial islands will help Chinese oceanographers’ “observation and experimental capabilities on ecology, geology, environments, materials and marine energy utilization in the tropical marine environment,” the report said.
The facilities will be “further optimized” as China plans to “focus on research areas in the fields of ocean acidification, micro-plastic pollution, coral reef ecosystem conservation and marine disaster treatment,” the report added.
The July 12, 2016 ruling by the United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in the Hague stated that China's large-scale land reclamation in the West Philippine Sea has "caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems."
The same ruling debunked China’s spurious 9-dash line claim that eats up most of the West Philippine Sea, and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its EEZ.
Vast resources
On March 2, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command based in Palawan reported that 136 Chinese vessels were spotted around Pag-asa Island in January and February. The sightings were part of a now nearly yearlong deployment of seemingly fishing boats to waters surrounding the Philippine-held island.
Experts and Philippine defense officials suspect the vessels to be Chinese militias – a paramilitary force asserting China’s presence in the contested area.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr said the vessels were likely to remain in the vicinity of Pag-asa Island because of its proximity to Zamora Reef, which he believes may serve as a harbor for the Chinese vessels.
PANGANIBAN REEF. Structures seen In a satellite image of Panganiban (Mischief) Reef on November 15, 2016, released December 13, 2016. Image courtesy of CSIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/DigitalGlobe
In 2019, the Department of National Defense reported sighting 15 Chinese research vessels moving in Philippine waters, in at least some instances without prior permission from the Philippine government.
China’s growing presence and control in the West Philippine Sea comes even as the Philippine government downplayed the Hague arbitral award in the hope of soothing China into stepping back from the contested waters.
The Philippines has agreed to bilateral talks to settle the dispute with China, and teams of diplomats from both countries meet roughly twice a year to begin what is expected to be a long drawn out negotiation.
The two countries have also begun the process of jointly exploring and exploiting Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea off Palawan. Based on scientific estimates, the South China Sea may hold up to 130 billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in its seabed, believed to be concentrated in the area of Recto Bank.
Meanwhile, Filipino artisanal fishermen have lost as much as 80% in the volume of their catch ever since Chinese vessels have forced them out of their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/255587-china-opens-new-research-outposts-west-philippine-sea-march-2020
China’s growing presence and control in the West Philippine Sea comes even as the Philippine government downplayed the Hague arbitral award in the hope of soothing China into stepping back from the contested waters.
The Philippines has agreed to bilateral talks to settle the dispute with China, and teams of diplomats from both countries meet roughly twice a year to begin what is expected to be a long drawn out negotiation.
The two countries have also begun the process of jointly exploring and exploiting Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea off Palawan. Based on scientific estimates, the South China Sea may hold up to 130 billion barrels of oil and 900 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in its seabed, believed to be concentrated in the area of Recto Bank.
Meanwhile, Filipino artisanal fishermen have lost as much as 80% in the volume of their catch ever since Chinese vessels have forced them out of their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/255587-china-opens-new-research-outposts-west-philippine-sea-march-2020
PH Army marks 123rd anniversary on frontlines vs coronavirus
From Rappler (Mar 23, 2020): PH Army marks 123rd anniversary on frontlines vs coronavirus (By JC Gotinga)
The Philippine Army receives two ambulances from private groups as it supports frontliners during the coronavirus lockdown
PROTECTIVE GEAR. Soldiers of the Philippine Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear unit wearing their personal protective equipment. Photo from the Philippine Army
The Philippine Army receives two ambulances from private groups as it supports frontliners during the coronavirus lockdown
PROTECTIVE GEAR. Soldiers of the Philippine Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear unit wearing their personal protective equipment. Photo from the Philippine Army
The Philippine Army canceled festivities to mark its 123rd founding anniversary originally set for Monday, March 23, to focus efforts on humanitarian assistance and disaster response amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Instead, the Army's various camps and bases held a simultaneous flag raising ceremony on Monday morning, led by Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay at their headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Wearing face masks and sitting a meter apart from one another, Army troops at the headquarters witnessed a demonstration of disinfection procedures for soldiers returning from duty at checkpoints to barracks.
The Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear unit showed off their personal protective equipment and gadgets they use to disinfect fellow soldiers.
The Army has deployed some 440 troops to checkpoints since the "enhanced community quarantine" or lockdown of Luzon began on March 17. It has also sent out 18 of its trucks to service health workers and employees of essential businesses in the absence of public transportation, which is grounded because of the lockdown.
Soldiers deployed to assist persons potentially infected by the virus are trained and educated about the disease, as the Army itself steps up precautionary measures in its camps, it said in a media release.
To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”
A soldier who had been posted at a checkpoint in northern Metro Manila came down with a fever, and is now a "person under monitoring" for the coronavirus, Gapay told reporters.
"Kakaiba ito sa ating mga tradisyunal na kalaban sapagkat hindi ito tao, ngunit labis na mapamuksa. Gayunpaman, mananatili tayong matatag sa pagtupad ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin – ang pagsilbihan at protektahan ang mga mamamayan at ating bayan kahit buhay man ang kapalit," Gapay said at the ceremony.
(This is different from our traditional enemies because this enemy is not human, but very deadly. Even then, let us stay strong in fulfilling our sworn duty – to serve and protect the people and our country even if it costs us our lives.)
ARMY TROOPS. The Philippine Army marks its 123rd anniversary on March 23, 2020, amid an outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Photo from the Philippine Army
Instead, the Army's various camps and bases held a simultaneous flag raising ceremony on Monday morning, led by Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay at their headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Wearing face masks and sitting a meter apart from one another, Army troops at the headquarters witnessed a demonstration of disinfection procedures for soldiers returning from duty at checkpoints to barracks.
The Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear unit showed off their personal protective equipment and gadgets they use to disinfect fellow soldiers.
The Army has deployed some 440 troops to checkpoints since the "enhanced community quarantine" or lockdown of Luzon began on March 17. It has also sent out 18 of its trucks to service health workers and employees of essential businesses in the absence of public transportation, which is grounded because of the lockdown.
Soldiers deployed to assist persons potentially infected by the virus are trained and educated about the disease, as the Army itself steps up precautionary measures in its camps, it said in a media release.
To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”
A soldier who had been posted at a checkpoint in northern Metro Manila came down with a fever, and is now a "person under monitoring" for the coronavirus, Gapay told reporters.
"Kakaiba ito sa ating mga tradisyunal na kalaban sapagkat hindi ito tao, ngunit labis na mapamuksa. Gayunpaman, mananatili tayong matatag sa pagtupad ng ating sinumpaang tungkulin – ang pagsilbihan at protektahan ang mga mamamayan at ating bayan kahit buhay man ang kapalit," Gapay said at the ceremony.
(This is different from our traditional enemies because this enemy is not human, but very deadly. Even then, let us stay strong in fulfilling our sworn duty – to serve and protect the people and our country even if it costs us our lives.)
ARMY TROOPS. The Philippine Army marks its 123rd anniversary on March 23, 2020, amid an outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Photo from the Philippine Army
New ambulances
Also on Monday, the Army received two donated ambulances: one from the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, and the other, from the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation.
Both vehicles will be used by the Army General Hospital to "enhance its medical capabilities in support [of] the enhanced community quarantine," the Army said in a separate media release.
The Army, as with the other branches of the military, is providing support to the police in enforcing the lockdown of Luzon and other parts of the Philippines to avert the novel coronavirus.
Although the Philippine National Police is the primary enforcer of the lockdown, there are checkpoints and outposts manned by the military.
As of Monday afternoon, the Philippines has recorded 462 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 33 deaths and 18 recoveries.
The Philippine Army traces its foundation to the establishment of the Philippine Revolutionary Government on March 22, 1897, in Tejeros, Cavite, with Emilio Aguinaldo as president and Artemio Ricarte as captain general.
The revolutionary government fought the Spanish colonial government for independence, which was first declared on June 12, 1898.
With more than 97,000 troops, the Army is the largest branch of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which also includes the Air Force and the Navy.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/255612-philippine-army-anniversary-frontlines-coronavirus-march-2020
Also on Monday, the Army received two donated ambulances: one from the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, and the other, from the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation.
Both vehicles will be used by the Army General Hospital to "enhance its medical capabilities in support [of] the enhanced community quarantine," the Army said in a separate media release.
The Army, as with the other branches of the military, is providing support to the police in enforcing the lockdown of Luzon and other parts of the Philippines to avert the novel coronavirus.
Although the Philippine National Police is the primary enforcer of the lockdown, there are checkpoints and outposts manned by the military.
As of Monday afternoon, the Philippines has recorded 462 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with 33 deaths and 18 recoveries.
The Philippine Army traces its foundation to the establishment of the Philippine Revolutionary Government on March 22, 1897, in Tejeros, Cavite, with Emilio Aguinaldo as president and Artemio Ricarte as captain general.
The revolutionary government fought the Spanish colonial government for independence, which was first declared on June 12, 1898.
With more than 97,000 troops, the Army is the largest branch of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which also includes the Air Force and the Navy.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/255612-philippine-army-anniversary-frontlines-coronavirus-march-2020
Joma Sison takes cue from U.N., calls for ceasefire with government
From Rappler (Mar 24, 2020): Joma Sison takes cue from U.N., calls for ceasefire with government (By JC Gotinga)
The communist rebel leader earlier declined to reciprocate the government's ceasefire, which President Rodrigo Duterte ordered as the country battles the novel coronavirus
LULL IN FIGHTING. Armed members of the New Peoples' Army-Melito Glor Command in the lower Sierra Madre mountains in Quezon Province on December 26, 2018. Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler
The communist rebel leader earlier declined to reciprocate the government's ceasefire, which President Rodrigo Duterte ordered as the country battles the novel coronavirus
LULL IN FIGHTING. Armed members of the New Peoples' Army-Melito Glor Command in the lower Sierra Madre mountains in Quezon Province on December 26, 2018. Photo by Alecs Ongcal/Rappler
Taking his cue from the United Nations (UN), Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, the exiled founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, called for a ceasefire with the government as the world battles a pandemic of the novel coronavirus.
Sison on Tuesday, March 24, advised the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) to recommend to the group’s national council “the issuance of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to the New People’s Army (NPA),” he said in a statement on the NDF website.
The Philippine government already declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebel group last week, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana officially ordering the military to stand down on Thursday, March 19.
Sison’s call for a ceasefire is “in order to respond to the call of UN secretary general Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire between warring parties for the common purpose of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The NDF and the broad masses of the people themselves need to refrain from launching tactical offensives to gain more time and opportunity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and to look after the health and over-all welfare of the people in both urban and rural areas,” Sison added.
UN chief Guterres earlier on Tuesday called for an “immediate global ceasefire” to help the world fight the virus, saying armed conflict debilitates affected countries from responding to the pandemic.
To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”
"To warring parties, I say: Pull back from hostilities. Put aside mistrust and animosity. Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end the airstrikes," Guterres said in a speech at the UN headquarters in New York.
Distrust
President Rodrigo Duterte had broached a ceasefire with the communists during his televised address on March 16, when he expanded the lockdown of Metro Manila to cover all of Luzon island, and to restrict all non-essential activities for nearly a month.
Sison declined to reciprocate the truce at the time, and called it “premature, if not insincere and false.” He also criticized the “enhanced community quarantine” of Luzon as a “militarist” move meant to intimidate and immobilize the populace.
Lorenzana also then expressed distrust in the rebels, and instructed the military to remain on guard against possible guerrilla attacks.
Similarly, Sison said, "While the [NPA] can cease and desist from launching tactical offensives against the military, police and paramilitary forces of the [government], it must be vigilant and be ready to act in self-defense against any tactical offensive."
The Duterte administration attempted to negotiate peace with the CPP-NPA-NDF, but efforts bogged down in November 2017 when Duterte accused communist guerrillas of violating a ceasefire.
The government has since determined to stamp out the rebellion, with Duterte wanting full victory by the end of his term in mid-2022.
In December 2018, Duterte began a “localized” tack in combatting the rebellion by enticing guerrillas to defect with offers of cash incentives and livelihood packages. Meanwhile, military offensives against communist targets continued.
In December 2019, Duterte again offered to talk peace with Sison, but both men have so far failed to agree on a venue.
Now, both sides have officially agreed to temporarily cease hostilities as the country struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak. Luzon is set to remain on Lockdown until April 12, and Metro Manila, until April 14. Other provinces, cities, and municipalities have also gone on lockdown as they reported local cases of the disease.
The Philippines has recorded 501 confirmed cases of the virus, with 19 recoveries and 33 deaths as of Tuesday morning.
Around the world, at least 341,300 people have contracted the disease, with more than 15,100 deaths. The virus has spread to 174 countries.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/255687-joma-sison-calls-ceasefire-government-coronavirus-march-2020
Sison on Tuesday, March 24, advised the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) to recommend to the group’s national council “the issuance of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to the New People’s Army (NPA),” he said in a statement on the NDF website.
The Philippine government already declared a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebel group last week, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana officially ordering the military to stand down on Thursday, March 19.
Sison’s call for a ceasefire is “in order to respond to the call of UN secretary general Antonio Guterres for a global ceasefire between warring parties for the common purpose of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“The NDF and the broad masses of the people themselves need to refrain from launching tactical offensives to gain more time and opportunity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and to look after the health and over-all welfare of the people in both urban and rural areas,” Sison added.
UN chief Guterres earlier on Tuesday called for an “immediate global ceasefire” to help the world fight the virus, saying armed conflict debilitates affected countries from responding to the pandemic.
To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”
"To warring parties, I say: Pull back from hostilities. Put aside mistrust and animosity. Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end the airstrikes," Guterres said in a speech at the UN headquarters in New York.
Distrust
President Rodrigo Duterte had broached a ceasefire with the communists during his televised address on March 16, when he expanded the lockdown of Metro Manila to cover all of Luzon island, and to restrict all non-essential activities for nearly a month.
Sison declined to reciprocate the truce at the time, and called it “premature, if not insincere and false.” He also criticized the “enhanced community quarantine” of Luzon as a “militarist” move meant to intimidate and immobilize the populace.
Lorenzana also then expressed distrust in the rebels, and instructed the military to remain on guard against possible guerrilla attacks.
Similarly, Sison said, "While the [NPA] can cease and desist from launching tactical offensives against the military, police and paramilitary forces of the [government], it must be vigilant and be ready to act in self-defense against any tactical offensive."
The Duterte administration attempted to negotiate peace with the CPP-NPA-NDF, but efforts bogged down in November 2017 when Duterte accused communist guerrillas of violating a ceasefire.
The government has since determined to stamp out the rebellion, with Duterte wanting full victory by the end of his term in mid-2022.
In December 2018, Duterte began a “localized” tack in combatting the rebellion by enticing guerrillas to defect with offers of cash incentives and livelihood packages. Meanwhile, military offensives against communist targets continued.
In December 2019, Duterte again offered to talk peace with Sison, but both men have so far failed to agree on a venue.
Now, both sides have officially agreed to temporarily cease hostilities as the country struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak. Luzon is set to remain on Lockdown until April 12, and Metro Manila, until April 14. Other provinces, cities, and municipalities have also gone on lockdown as they reported local cases of the disease.
The Philippines has recorded 501 confirmed cases of the virus, with 19 recoveries and 33 deaths as of Tuesday morning.
Around the world, at least 341,300 people have contracted the disease, with more than 15,100 deaths. The virus has spread to 174 countries.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/255687-joma-sison-calls-ceasefire-government-coronavirus-march-2020
Army adopts social distancing to mark 123rd anniversary
From the Mindanao Times (Mar 24, 2020): Army adopts social distancing to mark 123rd anniversary (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)
The 4th Infantry Division joined the Philippine Army in celebrating its 123rd anniversary in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro yesterday morning.
“The 123rd Founding Anniversary of the Army is celebrated in a simple but meaningful way, as we are reminded of our service – to selflessly serve the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions,” Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4th ID commander, said in his message.
“This is also the time for us to look back and recognize our fellow soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, offering their lives, for us to attain the freedom and democracy we are experiencing now,” he added.
Gacal said that the country is faced with a different kind of threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the soldiers are committed to helping all healthcare personnel and local government units to implement the measures to contain the spread of the virus.
“We will surpass this epidemic endangering the lives of everybody, with the collaborative efforts of the different agencies of the government and the cooperation of the community, we will succeed,” he added.
Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the 4th ID Public Affairs Office chief, said they observed the safety protocols of the Department of Health, including social distancing, during the flag-raising ceremony and oath of allegiance activity.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, commanding general of the Philippine Army, in his message said, “By patriotism, the Philippine Army has evolved from its humble beginnings to become the reliable and effective force that it is today: from our fight to freedom until this day against hybrid threats, and man-made and natural calamities.
The Philippine Army traces its roots during the Filipino-Spanish war. It was established when Emilio Aguinaldo was elected president of the Philippine Revolutionary Government at the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897 in Tejeros, San Francisco de Malabon in Cavite.
Artemio Ricarte was elected to lead the army and designated as captain-general of the Ejercito en la Republica de las Islas Filipinas or the Army of the Philippine Republic.
“The 123rd Founding Anniversary of the Army is celebrated in a simple but meaningful way, as we are reminded of our service – to selflessly serve the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions,” Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4th ID commander, said in his message.
“This is also the time for us to look back and recognize our fellow soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, offering their lives, for us to attain the freedom and democracy we are experiencing now,” he added.
Gacal said that the country is faced with a different kind of threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the soldiers are committed to helping all healthcare personnel and local government units to implement the measures to contain the spread of the virus.
“We will surpass this epidemic endangering the lives of everybody, with the collaborative efforts of the different agencies of the government and the cooperation of the community, we will succeed,” he added.
Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the 4th ID Public Affairs Office chief, said they observed the safety protocols of the Department of Health, including social distancing, during the flag-raising ceremony and oath of allegiance activity.
Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, commanding general of the Philippine Army, in his message said, “By patriotism, the Philippine Army has evolved from its humble beginnings to become the reliable and effective force that it is today: from our fight to freedom until this day against hybrid threats, and man-made and natural calamities.
The Philippine Army traces its roots during the Filipino-Spanish war. It was established when Emilio Aguinaldo was elected president of the Philippine Revolutionary Government at the Tejeros Convention on March 22, 1897 in Tejeros, San Francisco de Malabon in Cavite.
Artemio Ricarte was elected to lead the army and designated as captain-general of the Ejercito en la Republica de las Islas Filipinas or the Army of the Philippine Republic.
PH Army gets 2 new ambulances from private org
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2020): PH Army gets 2 new ambulances from private orgs (By Priam Nepomuceno)
NEW AMBULANCES. The Lucio Tan Group of Companies (LT Group, Inc.) and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. donate ambulances to the Philippine Army. These ambulances are expected to boost the Army's capabilities in support of the government's efforts to fight the threat of Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)
NEW AMBULANCES. The Lucio Tan Group of Companies (LT Group, Inc.) and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. donate ambulances to the Philippine Army. These ambulances are expected to boost the Army's capabilities in support of the government's efforts to fight the threat of Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)
The Philippine Army (PA) presented two donated ambulances that will be utilized by the Army General Hospital to enhance its medical capabilities in support of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), during its 123rd founding anniversary Monday.
These vehicles were officially received from the Lucio Tan Group of Companies (LT Group, Inc.) and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. (JVOFI) through the signing of a memorandum of agreement and deeds of donation between ranking Army officials and executives of the organizations which include JVOFI President Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. last March 3.
"This is a gesture of our full support to our men and women in uniform by helping capacitate its technical service units and personnel with the necessary equipment so they can ably provide better service to our fellowmen," LT Group Inc. President Michael Tan said.
Meanwhile, PA chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay thanked LT Group, Inc. and JVOFI for the donation.
"The donations will surely strengthen our capabilities in supporting our government’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 in the country,” he said.
Despite the threat posed by Covid-19, Gapay said the PA remains committed to serving and securing every Filipino family all over the country.
"Even if we are currently facing an invisible enemy, the PA assures you, we are dedicated to serve and secure every Filipino family,” he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097573
These vehicles were officially received from the Lucio Tan Group of Companies (LT Group, Inc.) and the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. (JVOFI) through the signing of a memorandum of agreement and deeds of donation between ranking Army officials and executives of the organizations which include JVOFI President Reinaldo Bautista, Jr. last March 3.
"This is a gesture of our full support to our men and women in uniform by helping capacitate its technical service units and personnel with the necessary equipment so they can ably provide better service to our fellowmen," LT Group Inc. President Michael Tan said.
Meanwhile, PA chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay thanked LT Group, Inc. and JVOFI for the donation.
"The donations will surely strengthen our capabilities in supporting our government’s efforts to fight the Covid-19 in the country,” he said.
Despite the threat posed by Covid-19, Gapay said the PA remains committed to serving and securing every Filipino family all over the country.
"Even if we are currently facing an invisible enemy, the PA assures you, we are dedicated to serve and secure every Filipino family,” he added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097573
PH Navy facilitates 'bunny suit' donation for Lung Center
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2020): PH Navy facilitates 'bunny suit' donation for Lung Center (By Priam Nepomuceno)
'BUNNY SUITS' DONATION. Navy personnel unload protective suits for medical personnel at the Lung Center of the Philippines on Monday (March 23, 2020). These "bunny suits" will augment the dwindling number of protective suits used by the hospital's medical workers who are attending to Covid-19 patients. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)
'BUNNY SUITS' DONATION. Navy personnel unload protective suits for medical personnel at the Lung Center of the Philippines on Monday (March 23, 2020). These "bunny suits" will augment the dwindling number of protective suits used by the hospital's medical workers who are attending to Covid-19 patients. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)
The Philippine Navy (PN) and various stakeholders on Monday night turned over 50 medical protective overalls or "bunny suits" to the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP).
This is in response to the appeal of hospital officials for more personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and gowns as their supplies are running out amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.
PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the "bunny suits" were requested from Tsukiden Philippines, LTI.
"Recognizing the ordeals of our health care workers on the frontline of this pandemic, the (Navy) chief directed concerned PN units to engage and coordinate with partner-stakeholders to help sustain the hospital’s capability to handle Covid-19 patients," Roxas added.
She said former PN flag-officer-in-command, retired Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, recommended to Navy chief Rear Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo to seek the assistance of the Biñan, Laguna-based electronic manufacturing company, through Jun Papa and Herson Tabanda, who immediately responded and donated the 50 "bunny suits".
Navy personnel picked up and transported the donated medical coveralls to the LCP, demonstrating its ability to link donors to beneficiaries especially in this time of crisis.
Roxas said these "bunny suits" will augment the dwindling number of protective suits in the LCP which, according to Dr. Antonio Ramos, a Lung Center official, “uses about 80 to 100 suits a day as it handles 40 patients."
"With this, the PN continuously appeals for more donations of needed equipment for our medical front-liners in the Lung Center of the Philippines as they are expanding their services after the government assigned it as among the country’s dedicated Covid-19 hospitals," she added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097599
This is in response to the appeal of hospital officials for more personal protective equipment (PPE) suits and gowns as their supplies are running out amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.
PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said the "bunny suits" were requested from Tsukiden Philippines, LTI.
"Recognizing the ordeals of our health care workers on the frontline of this pandemic, the (Navy) chief directed concerned PN units to engage and coordinate with partner-stakeholders to help sustain the hospital’s capability to handle Covid-19 patients," Roxas added.
She said former PN flag-officer-in-command, retired Vice Admiral Mateo Mayuga, recommended to Navy chief Rear Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo to seek the assistance of the Biñan, Laguna-based electronic manufacturing company, through Jun Papa and Herson Tabanda, who immediately responded and donated the 50 "bunny suits".
Navy personnel picked up and transported the donated medical coveralls to the LCP, demonstrating its ability to link donors to beneficiaries especially in this time of crisis.
Roxas said these "bunny suits" will augment the dwindling number of protective suits in the LCP which, according to Dr. Antonio Ramos, a Lung Center official, “uses about 80 to 100 suits a day as it handles 40 patients."
"With this, the PN continuously appeals for more donations of needed equipment for our medical front-liners in the Lung Center of the Philippines as they are expanding their services after the government assigned it as among the country’s dedicated Covid-19 hospitals," she added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097599
Officer, wife undergo treatment for Covid-19: AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2020): Officer, wife undergo treatment for Covid-19: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday confirmed that a senior military officer and his wife are now undergoing treatment at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City after they tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"Said military officer has a history of foreign travel and was admitted to the medical facility and his spouse as Persons Under Investigation or PUIs last March 15. They have been undergoing proper medical management with the military officer now being asymptomatic. They will continue medical treatment until fully recovered and strictly following (Department of Health) DOH imposed protocol for Covid-19 patients," AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., said in a statement.
He added that the AFP has put up measures and guidelines to protect its personnel particularly those stationed and working at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City against Covid-19.
"Since the community quarantine of Metro Manila started on March 15, only two gates were opened for ingress and egress to better monitor the movement of people in the Camp. Additional thermal scanners and qualified personnel were likewise made available to hasten the process of taking temperature," Santos said.
As part of these measures, the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club has temporarily ceased operations while only food stalls at the Soldier’s Mall remain operational.
Santos also said the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course, AFP Finance Center and other financial institutions located inside the camp have temporarily stopped operations.
"Religious services were likewise closed off but were broadcast live with the help of the CRSAFP (Civil Relations Service AFP)," he added.
To ensure that the Covid-19 will not spread in the AFP headquarters, Santos said the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel or J-1, also issued guidelines to maximize work from home measures for civilian employees with military personnel remaining inside the camp to ensure that other security operations are unaffected.
"Likewise, the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J-4 ensured the availability of important equipment and supplies throughout AFP units especially to those manning the different Quarantine Assistance Stations," he added.
Another step in line with the AFP's anti-Covid-19 measures is setting up the availability of a military treatment facility within the camp to cater specifically to personnel manifesting symptoms of Covid-19.
House-to-house reminders from General Headquarters-Headquarter Support Command and the station hospital are also done for residents within Camp Aguinaldo, encouraging them to practice personal hygiene and other related actions to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.
"Protocol from the DOH in preventing and combatting the spread of Covid-19 is being strictly implemented including Intensified contact tracing to ensure the safety of military and civilian personnel in the General Headquarters," Santos said.
Santos, meanwhile, said he is currently undergoing home quarantine.
He added that military officials have been maintaining social distancing prior to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
"(I am) Working from quarters. Social distancing naman kami always kahit sa (conference) before (We have always been maintaining social distancing even in prior conferences). We maintain the one-meter (distance). Just to make sure and undergo the protocol for the safety of everyone. No touch kami ever since may virus (Since the news of virus broke out, we have been observing a 'no-touch policy). That is the protocol (at the General Headquarters).
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097616
"Said military officer has a history of foreign travel and was admitted to the medical facility and his spouse as Persons Under Investigation or PUIs last March 15. They have been undergoing proper medical management with the military officer now being asymptomatic. They will continue medical treatment until fully recovered and strictly following (Department of Health) DOH imposed protocol for Covid-19 patients," AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., said in a statement.
He added that the AFP has put up measures and guidelines to protect its personnel particularly those stationed and working at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City against Covid-19.
"Since the community quarantine of Metro Manila started on March 15, only two gates were opened for ingress and egress to better monitor the movement of people in the Camp. Additional thermal scanners and qualified personnel were likewise made available to hasten the process of taking temperature," Santos said.
As part of these measures, the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club has temporarily ceased operations while only food stalls at the Soldier’s Mall remain operational.
Santos also said the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course, AFP Finance Center and other financial institutions located inside the camp have temporarily stopped operations.
"Religious services were likewise closed off but were broadcast live with the help of the CRSAFP (Civil Relations Service AFP)," he added.
To ensure that the Covid-19 will not spread in the AFP headquarters, Santos said the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel or J-1, also issued guidelines to maximize work from home measures for civilian employees with military personnel remaining inside the camp to ensure that other security operations are unaffected.
"Likewise, the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J-4 ensured the availability of important equipment and supplies throughout AFP units especially to those manning the different Quarantine Assistance Stations," he added.
Another step in line with the AFP's anti-Covid-19 measures is setting up the availability of a military treatment facility within the camp to cater specifically to personnel manifesting symptoms of Covid-19.
House-to-house reminders from General Headquarters-Headquarter Support Command and the station hospital are also done for residents within Camp Aguinaldo, encouraging them to practice personal hygiene and other related actions to prevent the spread of the Covid-19.
"Protocol from the DOH in preventing and combatting the spread of Covid-19 is being strictly implemented including Intensified contact tracing to ensure the safety of military and civilian personnel in the General Headquarters," Santos said.
Santos, meanwhile, said he is currently undergoing home quarantine.
He added that military officials have been maintaining social distancing prior to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
"(I am) Working from quarters. Social distancing naman kami always kahit sa (conference) before (We have always been maintaining social distancing even in prior conferences). We maintain the one-meter (distance). Just to make sure and undergo the protocol for the safety of everyone. No touch kami ever since may virus (Since the news of virus broke out, we have been observing a 'no-touch policy). That is the protocol (at the General Headquarters).
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097616
Palace welcomes CPP’s ceasefire amid fight vs. Covid-19
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2020): Palace welcomes CPP’s ceasefire amid fight vs. Covid-19 (By Azer Parrocha)
FIGHT VS. COVID-19. Police personnel check the temperature of motorists and commuters in Metro Manila on March 16, 2020. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared its own unilateral ceasefire amid the global fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. (PNA photo by Rico H. Borja)
FIGHT VS. COVID-19. Police personnel check the temperature of motorists and commuters in Metro Manila on March 16, 2020. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has declared its own unilateral ceasefire amid the global fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. (PNA photo by Rico H. Borja)
Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the recommendation of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison to observe its own unilateral ceasefire amid the global fight against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sison’s decision to respond to the call of the United Nations (UN) for an immediate global ceasefire is “a positive development.”
“It is about time they join the collective efforts of the nation to fight the spread of the coronavirus,” he said in a message to reporters.
In view of the state of calamity and public health emergency, Panelo said Filipinos deserved a safe and peaceful environment where movement of health workers, medical supplies, food and other needs are unimpeded.
“We therefore welcome the cooperation of all, including those in the Left, to realize our goal of absolute peace during these times,” he said.
He expressed hope that Sison and communist rebels would “make good” and “stay true to their words.”
“Mr. Sison proposes concord to be realized during this global health crisis, it is also our hope that their group’s armed component on the ground would show genuine sincerity in laying down their arms and not use the occasion to mobilize their forces,” he said, referring to CPP’s armed wing New People’s Army (NPA).
Sison initially refused to reciprocate the ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte from March 19 to April 15, calling it “premature, insincere, and false” and “no clear basis yet to reciprocate” Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier accused the NPA of instigating violence after killing of two civilians—Manobo tribal leader Datu Bernardino Austidillo and former rebel Zaldy Ibanez—in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on the first day the government’s unilateral ceasefire took effect on March 19.
On the same night, armed men believed to be members of the CPP-NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) attacked a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafrgu) patrol base in Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. No casualties were recorded during the firefight.
Sison changed his mind after UN Secretary General Antonio Guerres, in a speech at the UN headquarters in New York, called for a global truce to “focus on the true fight of our lives.”
“I am advising the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to recommend to its principal, the NDFP National Council, the issuance of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the CPP to the New People’s Army (NPA) in order to respond to the call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a global ceasefire between warring parties for the common purpose of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic,” Sison said.
Sison said there is a need to refrain from launching tactical offenses to gain time and opportunity to look after people’s health and welfare.
However, he noted that even with the unilateral ceasefire in place, the NPA must be vigilant to defend themselves against attacks by government forces.
On March 18, Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels to ensure the effective implementation of a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 12 to contain the spread of the disease.
As of Tuesday, health authorities reported a total of 501 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 33 fatalities in the country.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097594
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sison’s decision to respond to the call of the United Nations (UN) for an immediate global ceasefire is “a positive development.”
“It is about time they join the collective efforts of the nation to fight the spread of the coronavirus,” he said in a message to reporters.
In view of the state of calamity and public health emergency, Panelo said Filipinos deserved a safe and peaceful environment where movement of health workers, medical supplies, food and other needs are unimpeded.
“We therefore welcome the cooperation of all, including those in the Left, to realize our goal of absolute peace during these times,” he said.
He expressed hope that Sison and communist rebels would “make good” and “stay true to their words.”
“Mr. Sison proposes concord to be realized during this global health crisis, it is also our hope that their group’s armed component on the ground would show genuine sincerity in laying down their arms and not use the occasion to mobilize their forces,” he said, referring to CPP’s armed wing New People’s Army (NPA).
Sison initially refused to reciprocate the ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte from March 19 to April 15, calling it “premature, insincere, and false” and “no clear basis yet to reciprocate” Duterte’s unilateral ceasefire.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier accused the NPA of instigating violence after killing of two civilians—Manobo tribal leader Datu Bernardino Austidillo and former rebel Zaldy Ibanez—in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on the first day the government’s unilateral ceasefire took effect on March 19.
On the same night, armed men believed to be members of the CPP-NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) attacked a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafrgu) patrol base in Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. No casualties were recorded during the firefight.
Sison changed his mind after UN Secretary General Antonio Guerres, in a speech at the UN headquarters in New York, called for a global truce to “focus on the true fight of our lives.”
“I am advising the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines to recommend to its principal, the NDFP National Council, the issuance of a unilateral ceasefire declaration by the CPP to the New People’s Army (NPA) in order to respond to the call of UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a global ceasefire between warring parties for the common purpose of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic,” Sison said.
Sison said there is a need to refrain from launching tactical offenses to gain time and opportunity to look after people’s health and welfare.
However, he noted that even with the unilateral ceasefire in place, the NPA must be vigilant to defend themselves against attacks by government forces.
On March 18, Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels to ensure the effective implementation of a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 12 to contain the spread of the disease.
As of Tuesday, health authorities reported a total of 501 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 33 fatalities in the country.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097594
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