Sulu Sea kidnappers active despite pandemic, Esscom thwarted two attempts

From the Daily Express (May 9, 2020): Sulu Sea kidnappers active despite pandemic, Esscom thwarted two attempts

The Malaysia-Philippines’ co-operation contributes in efforts to tackle cross-border crime threats such as the kidnap for ransom (KFR) by the Abu Sayyaf Group and its network from southern Philippines on the east coast waters of Sabah, Malaysia.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said sharing of intelligence information with the Philippines enabled monitoring of KFR elements for interception at sea.

"From January to April, ESSZone security forces foiled two KFR attempts targeting the fishing community," he told Bernama.

He said the KFR groups carried out their crimes during the day and at night in the two attempts.

"However, they were thwarted after we were tipped off by the Philippines on the early movements of the KFR groups from the southern Philippines, and we set our assets into motion to intercept them," he said.

Hazani said ESSCom also provided information to the Philippines’ security forces on the abduction of five Indonesian fishermen in Tambisan waters, Tungku, Lahad Datu in January, believed to be by members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Later, he said, Philippines’ security forces actively pursued the victims and several series of clashes broke out with the Abu Sayyaf network from February to April, following which three members of the Jemaah Group were shot dead.

Security forces in Sabah endeavoured to curb cross-border criminal activities involving smuggling of goods, illegal immigrants and KFR, he added.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/152300/sulu-sea-kidnappers-active-despite-pandemic-esscom-thwarted-two-attempts/

Tackling Abu Sayyaf: Need to Rethink Strategies – Analysis

Posted to the Eurasia Review (May 10, 2020): Tackling Abu Sayyaf: Need to Rethink Strategies – Analysis (By Rommel C. Banlaoi)

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Abu Sayyaf Group continues its militant activities in the Southern Philippines and Sabah. There is a need to rethink strategies by both the Philippines and Malaysia to tackle the ASG more effectively.
The Philippine government declared on 16 March 2020 the entire Luzon island to be under “enhanced community quarantine” ̶ a subtle term for a total lockdown ̶ to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Terrorist activities in Mindanao of the Southern Philippines, however, remained unabated. Though local governments extended quarantine measures, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), continued their kidnap-for-ransom operations, ambuscades, bomb-making, and other militant offensives.

On 17 April 2020, the ASG killed eleven and wounded 14 soldiers of the Philippine Army in a firefight in Patikul, Sulu. The ASG ambushed the Philippine soldiers while they were conducting their hot pursuit operations against followers of Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Sawadjaan, two top ASG leaders in Sulu.

Most Devastating Attack

The incident on 17 April in Sulu was the deadliest attack of the ASG since the Jolo Cathedral suicide bombings in January 2018. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the attack was “the most devastating encounter for the military in a long while”. The encounter occurred a month after Mindanao was placed under quarantine due to COVID-19 threats.

The Office of the President of the Philippines released a statement exclaiming: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest incident in Patikul, Sulu, where members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) believed to be under ASG leader Radullan Sahiron and Hatib Hadjan Sawadjaan attacked government troops resulting in a firefight, which left 11 soldiers killed and 14 wounded.”

The following day, on 18 April 2020, the Philippine military resumed its operations against the ASG. The operations resulted in a firefight with the ASG in Talipao, Sulu where a certain Vikram, the grandson of Sahiron, was killed.

Vikram, who was on the military’s wanted list because of his involvement in the Jolo Cathedral suicide bombings, was an expert on the manufacture of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

On 23 April, another clash took place between the ASG and the Philippine Army in Patikul. Six ASG members died during the encounter but only three ASG members were identified namely Guro Khalid, Udal Muhamadar Said, and a certain “Budah”. Eight soldiers suffered wounds in this incident.

Sabah on Security Alert

While implementing security measures against COVID-19, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) placed the Malaysian state nearest to Sulu on high alert by beefing up its land and sea patrols to prevent the spillover of recent violent activities from Sulu.

In fact, amidst the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020, the ASG in Sulu planned to conduct kidnapping operations in Sabah. On 30 March, Malaysian intelligence had alerted the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre about the intention of the ASG to carry out kidnapping activities in Felda Sahabat and Tambisan areas.

Need for Rethinking of Strategies

As demonstrated by its past and recent activities, the ASG is operating not only in the Philippines but also in the tri-border areas of Southeast Asia covering the Sulu Sea, Sabah and Sulawesi Sea.

There is currently the Trilateral Cooperation Arrangement among the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia on patrolling their shared maritime borders against piracy, terrorism and kidnapping. There is, however, a need to level up the existing arrangement as it is not fully deterring the ASG from conducting its usual illegal activities even during the pandemic.

With the combined threats of terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic in the Southern Philippines and Sabah, the Philippines and Malaysia need a rethinking of their existing strategies to combat security threats. Terrorists worldwide are now exploiting the COVID-19 situation to further justify their violent extremist activities.

They have adapted to the pandemic to persist in propagating violent extremism. Thus, the world is bound to face multiple virulent threats. With this new situation, it is paramount for the Philippines and Malaysia to lead other members of ASEAN to formulate a coordinated regional response to combat multiple threats posed by terrorism, the pandemic, and others associated with them.

Without a coordinated regional response, Southeast Asian countries will find it difficult to combat these threats not only in the region but most importantly at home.

[Rommel C. Banlaoi, PhD, is the Chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research (PIPVTR) and Professorial Lecturer at the Department of International Studies, Miriam College, the Philippines. He contributed this to RSIS Commentary.]

[RSIS Commentaries are intended to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy relevant background and analysis of contemporary developments. The views of the author/s are their own and do not represent the official position of the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), NTU, which produces the Commentaries.]

https://www.eurasiareview.com/10052020-tackling-abu-sayyaf-need-to-rethink-strategies-analysis/

Army division honors 2 fallen colleagues

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10, 2020): Army division honors 2 fallen colleagues (By Noel Punzalan)



HONORED. Army soldiers carry on their shoulders the transport boxes bearing the coffins of two fallen colleagues from the Camp Siongco Chapel during send-off ceremonies to their respective families on Saturday (May 9, 2020). The fallen soldiers, Corporals Jermie Ombiang and Vicente Gata, both of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion, were manning a quarantine checkpoint in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao, when attacked by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels last May 7, 2020. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Soldiers here paid tribute to two fallen colleagues who were attacked by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels while manning a checkpoint in Datu Hoffer town of this province. 

The soldier-fatalities, Corporals Jermie Ombiang and Vicente Gata, both of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion, were fired upon by the BIFF while manning a quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Talibadok of the municipality on Thursday evening.

“They were treacherously attacked by the BIFF terrorist group while serving as front-liners against the coronavirus disease 2019,” Col. Steve Crespillo, 6th Infantry Division (6ID) assistant division commander for reservist and retirees affairs, said in a statement Saturday.

Crespillo represented Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, the 6ID commander, during the send-off ceremony for the two soldiers whose remains were transported to their respective hometowns accorded with appropriate security escorts.

The fallen soldiers were also posthumously awarded with military merit medals and cash assistance was provided to their bereaved families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102392

CPP: Daba-daba | Marso 2020

Panay propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 09, 2020): Daba-daba | Marso 2020

2020 Daba-Daba Publications

Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2020/05/09/daba-daba-marso-2020/

CPP: Ang Paghimakas | May 2020

Negros propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 10, 2020): Ang Paghimakas | May 2020


2020 Ang Paghimakas Publications

Download PDF

https://cpp.ph/2020/05/10/ang-paghimakas-may-2020/

CPP/NPA-Bicol: Labanan at ilantad ang mala-SEMPO na atake ng 9th ID sa rehiyon — BHB-Bikol

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 10, 2020): Labanan at ilantad ang mala-SEMPO na atake ng 9th ID sa rehiyon — BHB-Bikol

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

NPA-BICOL REGION

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

MAY 10, 2020

Nagwawasiwas ng pasismo ang AFP at PNP sa rehiyon. Sa gitna ng ligalig sa mga baryong hindi pa nakaaaalpas mula sa krisis dulot ng Covid-19, ilinulunsad na ng 9th ID ang mala-Synchronized Enhanced Military and Police Operations (SEMPO). Mula Marso hanggang sa kasalukuyan, pabugso-bugso ngunit sunud-sunod at maramihan ang pinapaslang, dinadakip at ikinukulong ng militar sa iba’t ibang prubinsya ng Bikol.

Nitong Mayo 8, 5 a.m., minasaker ng pinagsamang pwersa ng militar at pulis ang limang magsasaka sa Brgy. Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon. Tinaniman ng militar ng matataas na kalibre ng baril, mga magasin at bala ang mga pinaslang. Nakakandabuhol pa ang dila ni Capt. John Paul Belleza kung paano palilitawing lehitimo ang warrant at mga kasong nakahain sa mga pinaslang habang hinahambog ang insidente bilang tagumpay ng koordinado at masinsing plano ng militar at pulis. Ang katunayan, sa sentro ng baryo nakatira ang limang magsasaka, magkakalayo ang bahay at hindi mga Pulang mandirigma.

Noong gabi ng Mayo 3, dinakip si Apolinario Vergara ng Brgy. Del Carmen, Lupi, Camarines Sur. Pinagbugbog at ninakawan ng 31st IB ang 13 residente sa Brgy. Gabao, Irosin, Sorsogon noong Abril 16. Noong Abril 10, tatlo ang iligal na inaresto ng 2nd IB sa Aroroy, Masbate. Nanunog at sapilitang nagpalayas ng residente sa bahay ang militar sa parehong araw. Ito ang larawan ng patuloy na pagpapatupad ng MO 32 at EO 70 sa rehiyon, kung saan ginagamit ang mga search at arrest warrant bilang kasangkapan sa pagdakip at pagpaslang sa mga sibilyan.

Nananawagan ang RJC-BHB Bikol sa masang Bikolano na kundenahin at ilantad ang anumang kahalintulad na operasyong militar sa kani-kanilang mga baryo. Dapat kagyat na makapagplano ang mga yunit sa depensa sa sarili ng ma rebolusyonaryong samahang masa at organo ng kapangyarihang pampulitika sa mga baryo kung paano lalabanan ang mala-SEMPO na atake ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Tulad ito ng pananalakay ng mga militar at pulis sa Negros at Samar, na kapwang saklaw din ng MO 32.

Dapat aktibong makipagtulungan ang mga yunit ng Pulang hukbo sa mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa, milisyang bayan at mga yunit sa depensa sa sarili upang makabuo ng masinsin at komprehensibong plano para sa pagdedepensa ng mga komunidad. Maging handa sa lalo pang matinding atake ng AFP at PNP, laluna sa panahong nakaamba ang pagdeklara ng rehimeng Duterte ng batas militar sa buong bansa.

Labanan ang mala-SEMPO na atake sa Kabikulan!
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/labanan-at-ilantad-ang-mala-sempo-na-atake-ng-9th-id-sa-rehiyon-bhb-bikol/

CPP/NDF-Biocol: NDF-Bikol: Pandarahas at panunupil ng militar at pulis sa Kabikulan, higit na masahol sa Covid-19

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 9, 2020): NDF-Bikol: Pandarahas at panunupil ng militar at pulis sa Kabikulan, higit na masahol sa Covid-19

MARIA ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 09, 2020

Mahigpit na nakikiisa ang NDF-Bikol sa pagngangalit ng masang Bikolano sa masaker sa Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon kahapon ng umaga. Limang sibilyan ang walang kakurap-kurap na pinaslang at pinalabas na NPA ng magkakumbinang pwersa ng militar at pulis sa isa na naman sa kanilang mga mapangwasak na operasyon sa naturang prubinsya. Ilang daang ulit na masahol ang masaker na ito kaysa pa sa pandemyang COVID-19. Sa loob lamang ng ilang minuto, limang buhay ang pinugto sa ngalan ng kontra-mamamayang gera ng estado kumpara sa dalawang buwang pananalasa ng COVID-19 kung saan nakapagtala lamang ng apat na kaso ng mga nasawi ang rehiyon.

Dapat lamang mag-alsa ang masa laban sa kapalit na buhay ng mga sibilyan at pagyurak sa karapatang tao para lamang may maitilaok na tagumpay ang mga operasyong kombat ng AFP at PNP. Mula sa pambubomba sa Camarines Sur, hindi mabilang na kaso ng iligal na pag-aresto, pagdukot at pagpatay at hanggang sa pagmasaker ngayon sa limang magsasakang Sorsoganon, palagian nang pinalalabas ng mga berdugong militar na NPA ang kanilang kasagupa upang ikubli ang kanilang nag-uulol na karahasan laban sa sibilyang populasyon.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng Bikolanong kumilos at labanan ang karahasan ng militar at pulis. Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang masaker sa Dolos at iba pang paglabag ng militar sa karapatang tao. Hindi ito atake lamang sa iilang magsasaka, ito ay atake sa lahat ng naghihikahos at nagugutom na masang Bikolano. Isang magsasaka ng abaka sa Catanduanes, mangingisda sa Masbate, sibilyan sa Naga, upisyal ng LGU sa Albay – kahit na sino ay maaaring maging sunod na biktima ng mga berdugong militar at pulis. Umaabot na sa sukdulan ang panggegera ng estadong walang ni katiting na kunsiderasyon sa buhay at kabuhayan ng masa kahit sa gitna ng isang pandemya.

Hindi ipapaubaya ng masang Bikolano ang kanyang kinabukasan sa duguang kamay ng iilang baliw na tirano. Tungkulin ng bawat isa na ipagtanggol ang karapatan nila at ng kanilang kapwa mamamayan—may pandemya man o wala. Krimen ang kalimutan o ipagkibit balikat na lamang ang lahat ng pang-aatake ng estado sa masang inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan. Naninindigan ang NDF-Bikol na, kasama ng malawak na mamamayang lumalaban, hindi titigil ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan hanggat hindi nakakamit ang katarungan para sa lahat ng biktima ng karahasan at pagsasamantala ng estado. Makakaasa ang sambayanan na mananatiling matatag ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa Kabikulan sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan hanggang makamit ng mamamayang Pilipino ang isang lipunang tunay na magsisilbi sa interes ng nakararami.

AFP-PNP-CAFGU, berdugo!
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Talingkas sa pagkaoripon!

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-bikol-pandarahas-at-panunupil-ng-militar-at-pulis-sa-kabikulan-higit-na-masahol-sa-covid-19/

CPP/NDF-CNL: No to shutdown on workers’ lives — CNL-Panay and Guimaras

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 9, 2020): No to shutdown on workers’ lives — CNL-Panay and Guimaras

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 09, 2020

The second great commandment says; “LOVE THY NEIGHBOR” which includes loves the workers, love the toiling masses. Christians for National Liberation (CNL) – Panay and Guimaras decried and denounced the fascist of THE killing of our democracy and press freedom in the country.

CNL strongly condemns the cease and desist order of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) against the ABS-CBN. This attacked and violated the civil rights of almost 11,000 workers. It trampled democracy and press freedom as the masses are now denied access to free entertainment and news especially in these trying times. This also resulted to power grabbing and indiscriminate repression.

Rodrigo Duterte begins with impunity on a massive scale of extra judicial killings with the recent killing ‘Jory Porquia’ Bayan Muna coordinator in Iloilo City. Thousands of alleged drug users and pushers were dead and this is a clear violation of civil liberties. The grab for absolute power with mopping up operations in a political landscape devoid of any significant organized opposition and the shutting down of the giant television ABS-CBN have been perpetuated by this regime under the mantle of community quarantine.

The NTC and congress that are being slaved by the Duterte dictatorship has been playing tactics that delayed the renewal of the franchise of ABS-CBN. This is clear diversionary tactics of the Duterte regime in its utter failure to address the pandemic covid19 that is escalating in the country. This is a play of power – a violation of constitutional guarantee of press freedom.

Closing down a major media outlet that has provided news, entertainment, and comfort for millions of Filipinos especially in the rural areas and in the countryside for 65 years seems like a priority of Deterge
Dictatorship rather than effectively confronting the pandemic. We are asking the urgency of mass testing but this regime answered back through repression, harassment, intimidation, killings using police and military personnel like martial law.

ABS-CBN has been serving the Filipino people for how many decades already. This government can never silence the power of the people and the church people who remain watchful being the voice of God.

The masses are rising up using various platforms in fighting back. The downfall of Rodrigo Duterte’ authoritarian regime is happening soon.

PRESERVE IN ATTAINING HEIGHTS OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION WITH SOCIALIST PERSPECTIVE!

INTENSIFY THE PARTICIPATION OF THE SECTOR IN THE PEOPLE’S ARMED REVOLUTIONARY STRUGGLE!

CHURCH PEOPLE UNITE,SHUTDOWN DUTERTE!

DEFEND PRESS FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY!

https://cpp.ph/statement/no-to-shutdown-on-workers-lives-cnl-panay-and-guimaras/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Masaker, hindi engkwentro, ang naganap sa Dolos, Bulan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 9, 2020): Masaker, hindi engkwentro, ang naganap sa Dolos, Bulan

SAMUEL GUERRERO

NPA-SORSOGON

CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 09, 2020

Malaking kasinungalingan ang ipinamamalita ng reaksyunaryong militar na nakapatay sila ng limang mandirigma ng NPA sa isang engkwentro sa Barangay Dolos, Bulan kahapon, Mayo 8. Walang NPA sa lugar, walang naganap na labanan at pawang mga sibilyan ang minasaker doon ng mga tropa ng 31st IB ng Philippine Army at 2nd PMFC ng Philippine National Police.

Ang walang kalaban-labang pinatay ng mga pasista ay sina Jeric Vuno, Jerry Palanca, Robert Villafuerte, Raymundo Tañada at Jaime Tañada, magkakaanak na magsasakang pawang residente ng Dolos. Mag-aalas-5:00 ng umaga nang salakayin ng mga sundalo ang baryo. Pwersahang pinalabas ng bahay ang mga biktima, dinala sa malapit na ilog at doon pinagbabaril.

Hinalughog ng mga pasistang tropa ang mga bahay ng mga biktima. Ang inisyal naming impormasyon ay tinangay ng mga sundalo ang di kukulangin sa P25,000 cash na pag-aari ng pamilya ng mga biktima. Inaalam pa namin ang kabuuang halagang kinulimbat ng mga sundalo.

Matapos ang ginawang kahayupan sa Dolos, tumuloy ang mga pasista sa karatig na Barangay Calpi at doon ay pinasok ang mga bahay nina Alvin Abuyog, Randy Golimlim, at Marissa Estiller. Sinaktan ng mga sundalo ang mga sibilyang sina Jeffrey Godala at Jojo Palanca. Pati ang dalawang menor-de-edad na anak ni Estiller ay hindi nakaligtas sa pananakit ng mga sundalo. Kinumpiskahan pa ng mga cellphone at ibang gadget ang mga residente.

Mariin naming kinukundena ang brutal na masaker sa Dolos. Ganitong kalupitan ang inihahatid ng reaksyunaryong estado sa mamamayan samantalang ang kinakailangan ng mga tao ay ayuda para makaahon sa krisis laluna sa harap ng epidemyang COVID-19. Ang pananakit sa mga sibilyan at ang pagnanakaw ng mga sundalo sa mga ari-ariang pinaghirapan ng mga taumbaryo ay lalo ring nakasusuklam sa panahong ito.

https://cpp.ph/statement/masaker-hindi-engkwentro-ang-naganap-sa-dolos-bulan/

CPP/News: Sorsogon “encounter” a massacre of civilians — NPA-Sorsogon

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 9, 2020): Sorsogon “encounter” a massacre of civilians — NPA-Sorsogon

NEWS STORIES
MAY 09, 2020

The New People’s Army operating in the province of Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command) belied military reports that five rebels were killed in an encounter in Barangay Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon in May 8. “No NPA unit was in the area, no encounter transpired and all victims of the massacre were civilians,” Ka Samuel Guerrero, spokesperson for the NPA in Sorsogon, said in a statement on May 8.

The victims were identified as Jeric Vuno, Jerry Palanca, Raymundo Tañada and Jaime Tañada. All were family members and peasants in the village, added Guerrero. Another victim, Robert Villafuerte, was reported to have a mental health condition.

Investigations by the NPA revealed that soldiers and police encircled the village at around 5:00 a.m. and seized the victims. “They were then brought to the nearby river where they were summarily executed,” the NPA said.

The joint operation was conducted by the 31st IB, PNP 9th Special Action Force Battalion, military and police intelligence units, as well as regional and provincial mobile force units of the PNP. Rebels said the raiding team took away at least P25,000 from community residents.

After the massacre, the soldiers and police proceeded to the adjacent village of Calpi and illegally entered the residences of Alvin Abuyog, Randy Golimlim and Marissa Estiller. Two other residents and Estiller’s minor children were also beaten up. The victims’ cellphones were taken.

On April 19, at least 15 residents of Barangay San Juan Daan of the same town were attacked by the said police and military units. The residents reported cases of grave physical injuries, robbery, illegal search and illegal detention.

https://cpp.ph/statement/sorsogon-encounter-a-massacre-of-civilians-npa-sorsogon/

CPP/News: NPA-Bukidnon fires at oppressive CAA detachment amid focused operations

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 9, 2020): NPA-Bukidnon fires at oppressive CAA detachment amid focused operations

NEWS STORIES
MAY 09, 2020

Red fighters of the New People’s Army based in Bukidnon fired shots at a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) detachment located at Barangay Bulonay, Impasug-ong amid relentless focused combat operations of the AFP. The harassment operation lasted more than 10 minutes in the evening of May 5.

According to NPA-Bukidnon, the CAA detachment and AFP elements have been causing grave hardships on the peasant Lumad masses in Bolunay. Local residents have complained against the AFP and paramilitary troops for arbitrarily imposing a food blockade which limits the amount of supplies which they can purchase making life even more difficult especially under the Covid-19 lockdown.

Since the detachment was erected in July 2018, cases of human rights abuses perpetrated by military and paramilitary forces in the community increased. Among others, community residents are being forced to join the CAFGU in order for their names to be “cleared” from the military’s list of NPA “supporters.”

“The CAFGU detachment also serves as a center for promoting gambling, drinking, and other anti-social activities causing disruption and threats to civilians,” the NPA unit added. It identified Sgt. Dario Nanulan, a cadreman of the 8th IB who currently heads and leads the CAA detachment, as behind these activities.

The NPA operation aims to amplify the demand of the residents for the AFP to dismantle the abusive CAFGU detachment and encourage the paramilitary forces to leave the AFP and earn their living from working the land, as the rest of the community.

The NPA operation was carried out amid the focused operations being conducted by the 8th IB in Bukidnon. Since the first week of April, about 315 soldiers have been carrying out operations in the barangays of Malaybalay City and Impasug-ong.

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-bukidnon-fires-at-oppressive-caa-detachment-amid-focused-operations/

CPP: Silencing the press is a recipe for dictatorial rule — Kabataang Makabayan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 9, 2020): Silencing the press is a recipe for dictatorial rule — Kabataang Makabayan




Duterte is delusional if he thinks the people will not see the situation for what it truly is: a blatant attack on the freedom of the press and a crucial step towards an all-out fascist and dictatorial rule.

The forced shutdown of ABS-CBN’s television broadcast services does not only undermine the rights of media practitioners and journalists in the country, but also puts the Filipino masses at an even more difficult position especially amid the ongoing pandemic. At a time when accurate news and information are a necessity for survival, the Duterte administration decides to silence anyone who dares to air the failure of the administration in handling the pandemic.

All accounts show how Solicitor General Jose Calida strong-armed the NTC to demand the shutdown of ABS-CBN. Meanwhile lawmakers insist that Calida does not have any authority over the matter of ABS-CBN’s franchise. But however which way they try to spin the narrative, it still is nothing more than a sloppy and foolish cover-up. The tyrant in Malacanang has once again deployed his fascist machinery to criminalize dissent.

Using Solicitor General Calida’s vague threats against the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to issue a “cease and desist” order against ABS-CBN, Duterte tries to steer the conversation away from himself and his favorite cronies in the legislative branch. He desperately attempts to hide his true dictatorial nature from the people by letting his dogs bicker at one another.

Following several controversies surrounding abuse of power by men in uniform and illegal detention of workers and youth during the lockdown, Duterte takes it one step further. He stays faithful to one of the undeniable hallmarks of a fascist ruler: keeping critics mum.

Uninterested in what the effects would be for the thousands of families suddenly jobless from the shutdown, and the millions more who now find themselves in the dark as to the current state of the country and the world during the crisis, Duterte prioritizes his own political motivations. He feigns his concern for the masses while ultimately concocting their downfall. He continues to resort to intimidation and lies to get what he wants.

But all crooked roads lead back to Duterte’s tyrannical ambitions.

Three decades ago witnessed the rise and eventual fall of a dictator who used the same tactics as Duterte today. Then, the closure of ABS-CBN was one of the first moves of Marcos’ Martial Law. Duterte must be drowning in desperation to now think that this ploy would work to serve his interests and prolong the life of his already faltering administration. He has been consistently attacking the press including the attempted closure of Rappler, the organized cybersecurity attacks on alternative news media Bulatlat, and the death of 12 journalists and the recorded threats and attacks on 128 others, according to the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility.

He continues to reveal himself to be another dictator. Another fascist tyrant for the people to resist and overthrow.

This scene is not new to the masses and the masses will do what history has proven to be the most effective path towards victory. The revolutionary youth must, now more than ever, vigorously continue the struggle to defend press freedom. The revolutionary youth must act immediately, and in every way possible, to frustrate Duterte’s fascist dictatorship and fight for the people’s democratic rights especially now that Duterte is exploiting the national emergency to lay down his entire fascist machinery in the whole country.

https://cpp.ph/statement/silencing-the-press-is-a-recipe-for-dictatorial-rule-kabataang-makabayan/

WESTMINCOM: Former rebel withdraws support to NPA in ZDS

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 8, 2020): Former rebel withdraws support to NPA in ZDS

A member of the Mindanao Regional Guerilla Unit, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee withdrew his support to the group and yielded to the government forces in the evening of May 6, 2020.

Lemuel Olarte Suhay, a.k.a. Bobong, a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Pili, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur submitted himself to the troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion at 8pm.


Suhay handed over one improvised M14 rifle with fifteen rounds of ammunition, one caliber .45 pistol, one hand grenade, one commercial radio, and five unserviceable cellular phones.

"I commend the efforts of the 53IB for this recent accomplishment," said Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

Said personality is currently undergoing custodial debriefing at 53IB headquarters in Camp Sabido, Guipos, ZDS.

"We hope that more members will do the same.

As I always say, this is the high time for them to again be with their families and loved ones," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas

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WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom thanks DND, DPWH for new hospital facility

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 8, 2020):
WestMinCom thanks DND, DPWH for new hospital facility

The soldiers, airmen, sailors, and the marines, including the civilian human resource of WestMinCom expressed the gratitude to the departments of National Defense and of Public Works and Highways for the new treatment facility inside Camp Navarro.

"The TIKAS program was jointly planned and implemented by the DND, led by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and the DPWH to improve treatment facilities inside military camps and installations," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander Western Mindanao Command.


Through TIKAS program, the WestMinCom started the construction of a world-class treatment facility of Camp Navarro General Hospital on May 7 in Zamboanga City.

"We have our profound gratitude to the Defense leadership for choosing WestMinCom as one of its beneficiaries. This new treatment facility will aid the recuperation of our battle casualties and provide a more conducive and quality healthcare service," added the commander.

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6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada Team Tabak Joint Task Force Basilan HARIBON TEAM Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers" 2MBde Red Shield Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Reliablecmo R Section 6IB Redskin 37IB - Conqueror Battalion 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion 2nd Mechanized Infantry-MAKASAGBattalion OnlyOurBest MbltFive 38th Infantry We Clear Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas




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PH Navy ship that caught fire returns to India, U.S. Navy to help in repairs

From Rappler (May 9, 2020): PH Navy ship that caught fire returns to India, U.S. Navy to help in repairs (By JC Gotinga)

(UPDATED) With the BRP Ramon Alcaraz staying behind in India for repairs, the BRP Davao del Sur will sail to the Philippines without an escort, carrying 20 Filipino repatriates and a cargo of 200,000 face masks



PATROL SHIP. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz and its crew of around 200 sailors from the Philippine Navy before sailing from Manila to Thailand on August 28, 2019, to join the first ever ASEAN-U.S. Maritime Exercise. File photo by JC Gotinga/Rappler

(UPDATED) – The Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz has returned to Cochin, India, after catching fire briefly on Thursday night, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Saturday, May 9.

“Luckily, the damage sustained was a minor one and the ship was able to sail into port under its own power, and unassisted,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

Of the two sailors who suffered second degree burns during the mishap, one is in an Indian medical facility for treatment, and the other is in the vessel’s sickbay, Lorenzana added.

Because the BRP Ramon Alcaraz was acquired from the US, the US Navy’s Naval Systems Command (NAVSEA) will assist in repairing it, the defense chief said.

“We will also use existing diplomatic mechanisms and our defense cooperation agreement with India to facilitate and expedite work on the ship so that it can return to the [Philippines] in the shortest time possible,” he added.

The main engine room of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz caught fire about 5 hours after leaving the Port of Cochin, India, on Thursday evening, May 7. The ship’s response team was able to put out the fire after 10 minutes, the Philippine Navy reported.

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

Naval engineers assessed the ship’s main propulsion system for damage, and whether it could have continued its voyage to the Philippines alongside the larger BRP Davao del Sur, a landing dock ship.

With the damaged patrol ship staying behind for repairs, the BRP Davao del Sur will proceed sailing to the Philippines by itself. Onboard this transport ship are around 20 Filipino repatriates and a cargo of 200,000 face masks.

Faster, more nimble, and better armed, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz was supposed to escort the BRP Davao del Sur as it ferries the Filipinos who were stranded in India because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the 59 boxes containing the face masks. The masks were sourced in India by a Filipino businessman, who is donating a total of 1 million pieces to the government.

Both vessels arrived in India on April 29 from Oman, where they were deployed in January supposedly to help repatriate Filipinos from the Middle East. A US airstrike that killed an Iranian military general in Iraq at the time threatened to plunge the region into increased violence.

Tensions in the Middle East have since cooled and a repatriation was unnecessary.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is one of 3 Hamilton-class cutters acquired from the US Coast Guard. It was commissioned to the Philippine Fleet in 2013.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/260411-philippine-navy-ship-returns-india-us-navy-help-repairs

Parents of minor recruited by militant groups file habeas suit

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (May 9, 2020): Parents of minor recruited by militant groups file habeas suit

THE PARENTS of an 18-year old girl, who was recruited when she was still a minor two years, to campaign for a party-list group and recruit members for a left-leaning organization, filed a suit before the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday.

In an urgent petition for writs of habeas corpus and amparo, Relissa and Francis Lucena, parents of Alicia Jasper 'AJ' C. Lucena, asked the high court to compel the Anakbayan and Kabataan party-list to produce their daughter and place her in their parents' custody and comply with the Bayanihan To Heal as One Act.
Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who represents the Lucena couple in the petition, said it is imperative that her (AJ) person be produced in court and she be returned to her parents.

"Until then, her life, liberty, and security, which was violated when she was a minor, will continuously be violated and abused. Aggravated by the occurrence of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, AJ's life and safety are in great danger. AJ is without any financial resources since she is an out-of-school youth, She has no gainful employment. She has no means of protecting and providing for herself. She needs to stay home, and be with her family." Topacio added.

The Lucena couple is seeking a temporary protection order for the protection of AJ as well as their family members against the groups and prohibiting the latter "from recruiting, influencing, indoctrinating, immersing and threatening the life, liberty and security of Alicia Jasper Lucena".

The suit likewise sought a court order directing and ordering the immediate placement and custody of AJ to the care and custody of the petitioners and her family in compliance with the Bayanihan Act, compelling everyone to stay at home.

"The measure of the state's protection guaranteed by the Constitution over the basic social institution of our nation should not be rendered useless when its members reach the age of majority," the petitioners said.

"How can a family be the foundation of our nation if its members are being encouraged to abandon and neglect their own family? How can a family be strengthened and its solidarity promoted for total development if its members, especially children, are being mentally conditioned to leave their family abode and disregard the sanctity of their own family," they added.

Named respondents in the suit were Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, Anakbayan national spokesperson Alex Danday, Anakbayan members Chary delos Reyes, Bianca Gacos and Ray Joven Ballais Villafuente and lawyer Maria Kristina Conti.

AJ was a student at the Far Eastern University (FEU) when she was recruited by the group, and went missing in July 2019.
She has since been photographed in a number of protest rallies.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

On Aug. 14, 2019, AJ and another missing student, Lory Caalaman, were seen in a press conference held by progressive lawmakers in Congress.

The Anakbayan, in pleadings submitted to prosecutors, justified as "voluntary" AJ's decision to campaign for the group during the elections.

In March, a video footage on the Anakbayan social media page showed AJ participating in a mass demonstration. (By Benjamin Pulta)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/05/parents-of-minor-recruited-by-militant.html