Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

By Retired Analyst

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

CPP/KM-Southeast Asia: Unite and Struggle for a Patriotic, Mass, and Scientific Educational System! Junk the Anti-people “Blended Learning” Program!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 26, 2020): Unite and Struggle for a Patriotic, Mass, and Scientific Educational System! Junk the Anti-people “Blended Learning” Program!

MARIA CHRISTINA GUERRERO
SPOKESPERSON
KM-SOUTHEAST NEGROS
KABATAANG MAKABAYAN
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 26, 2020



When the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting disaster of crisis proportions due to the US-Duterte regime’s neoliberal economic policies, the people’s sufferings and hardships have been made worse, in terms of food consumption, work and livelihood, education, health, and other basic human needs.

For the masses of settlers inhabiting the mountainous communities in the 3rd district of Negros Oriental, who are already economically distressed, the difficulty of availing of education has worsened, due to the present “blended learning” program.

Given the choice between online and modular learning, most students and their parents practically can only opt for the latter, since in the hinterlands internet signal / coverage is not a luxury that they have, aside from the question of purchasing the necessary gadgets, which is somewhat problematic given that they already struggle to put food on the table, can barely afford to purchase dried and salted fish, onions, garlic, salt, cooking oil, milk / coffee, sugar, and other kitchen / cupboard needs.

In the case of modular learning, what is overlooked is the fact that most parents in the settler communities barely finished elementary. Only a fortunate few have even reached, not to mention finished, high-school. In one particular Sitio, only a single individual living there was able to finish high school. As a result, due to the arrangement of parents serving as teachers, most families decided to postpone their children’s education, and wait for the resumption of normal face-to-face schooling.

The present blended learning program is not in correspondence with the reality faced by Filipino parents and their student children, the vast majority of which are based in the countryside.

The current, actual conditions are such that much of the waking time of peasant families is devoted to production, chiefly for their subsistence, food consumption and other material needs; aside from their already heavy workload, the blended learning program makes them carry the additional burden of teaching their children, in the case of modular distance learning, making their lives that much more stressful as it is, given that peasant householders usually dedicate most their time to production, sometimes even missing out on attending to household duties and quality-time with family, due to the sheer busyness with the farm and other sideline occupations.

With regards to online learning, it’s not only the gadgets, internet connection, load / data costs that are the obstacles and problems. The primary issue is that, in the prevailing conditions affecting the majority of peasant families in much of the countryside, households act as a unit in production and collectively, as a family, endure various forms of feudal and semi-feudal exploitation.

Furthermore, blended learning adds another layer of burden on the part of teachers, who are already troubled with the lack of finances, lack of ample training and practice, lack of facilities, and others.

In essence, the blended learning program is anti-people. It does not root itself in the concrete situation faced by parents and students.

Blended learning is not an appropriate solution to the problems faced today in the field of education. Pressingly, the education budget, in terms of wages, training, facilities, along with other basic services need to be pushed and struggled for.

There is no other solution to achieve an educational system that’s truly in the service of the youth other than to struggle for a patriotic, mass, scientific educational system. This can only be actualized through solid unity of the people, perseverance in waging the national democratic revolution through protracted people’s war.

[HILIGAYNON] Maghiusa ug pakigbisogan ang maki-nasudnon, pangmasa ug siyentipiko nga sistema sa edukasyon! Ibasura ang anti-masa nga programang blended learning!

Sa paghapak sa pandemya ug paggrabe sa krisis tungod pagpatuman sa rehimeng US-Duterte sa mga neoliberal nga ekonomikanhong palisiya, mas misamot ang nasinating pag-antus ug kalisod sa katawhan hisgutanan sa pagkaon, panginabuhian, edukasyon, panglawas ug uban pang batakang panginahanglan.

Alang sa mga settler sa mga bukiron nga komunidad sa 3rd District sa Negros Oriental, nga nag antus na daan sa grabe nga ekonomikanhong kalisod, ang problema sa pagtapos og eskwela gipasamot tungod sa blended learning nga programa.

Taliwala sa online ug modular learning, ang praktikal na mapili sa mga ginikanan ug estudyante nga nagpuyo sa bukid kay ang modular. Tungod kay hinay kaayo ug wala-wala ang signal sa internet, ug subay usab sa kakayahan nga mopalit og mga gadget, nga naglisod naman gani pagpalit og sud-an ug uban pang panginahanglan sa kusina sama sa bulad, ginamos, bombay, ahos, mantika, asin, kape, kalamay, ug uban pa.

Kung sa kaso sa modular distance learning, wala ma konsidera ang realidad na mayorya sa mga ginikanan sa mga settler na komunidad wala gani naka tiwas og elementary; ug pipila ra kabuok ang naka abot, ug kaha naka tiwas, og high school. Sa usa ka partikular na Sityo, usa ra kabuok ka residente ang nakatiwas ug high school. Tungod niini na areglo na ang mga ginikanan ang magsilbi isip magtutudlo, daghan sa kanila ang nag desisyon na dili usa ipa eskwela ang ila mga bata, ug mag hulat nalang sa pagkabalik sa normal face-to-face na pageskwela.

Ang gipaduso karon nga programang blended learning dili haum ug wala motakdo sa realidad nga giatubang sa mga ginikanan nga ang mayorya anaa sa kabukiran.

Pagkakaron ang dako nga panahon sa mga pamilyang mag-uuma anaa sa produksyon alang sa pagkaon ug uban pa nilang materyal nga panginahanglan. Kon idugang pa niini ang pagtudlo sa ilang kabataan sa kaso sa modular distance learning, naghatag kini sa dugang palas-onon sa mga ginikanan nga halos wala na gani panahon sa ilang pamilya ug dili na nimo makaplagan sa ilang panimalay kay anaa kanunay sa uma.

Kon sa online learning usab, dili lang ang gadgets, internet connection ang problema ug kalambigit nga hisgutan sa galastuhan alang sa data. Una sa tanan dili kini mosibo sa kahimtang sa mayorya sa pamilya nga anaa sa kabukiran nga nag-akto isip unit sa produksyon ug nagsagubang sa nagkalain-laing pyudal ug alang-alang pyudal nga pagpahimulos.

Naghatag usab kini sa mga dugang andana sa palas-anon sa mga magtutudlo nga kulang sa gikinahanglang abag sa pinansya, igong panahon sa pagbansay, pasilidad ug uban pa.
Sa batakan, ang blended learning usa ka anti-masa nga programa. Wala kini maka-angkla unsa ang konkretong sitwasyon sa mga ginikanan ug kabataan.

Dili solusyon ang blended sa mga problema nga gitaubang karon sa edukasyon. Sa hinanali kinahanglanglang ipaduso ang pagpataas sa badget sa edukasyon alang sa suhulan, pagbansay sa mga magtutudlo, pasilidad kadungan ang uban pang mga batakang serbisyo.

Walay laing kasulbaran aron maangkon ang usa ka mabulukon nga edukasyon alang sa mga kabataan kundili ang pagpakigbisog alang sa usa ka maki-nasudnon, pangmasa ug siyentipiko nga sistema sa edukasyon. Makab-ot kini pinagi sa hugot nga panaghiusa sa tibuok katawhan diha pursigido nga pagpa-asdaang sa Nasudnon-Demokratikong Rebolusyon Pinaagi Sa Malanatong Gubat Sa Katawhan.

https://cpp.ph/statements/unite-and-struggle-for-a-patriotic-mass-and-scientific-educational-system-junk-the-anti-people-blended-learning-program/
Retired Analyst at 9:12 PM No comments:
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CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: On flimsy pretext, army interferes in land row

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 26, 2020): On flimsy pretext, army interferes in land row

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 26, 2020



Using the trite line that “the NPA is behind this”, a platoon of soldiers from 11th IB launched an operation yesterday in the vicinity of a contested landholding situated in Barangay Tayak, Siaton, Negros Oriental and consequently intrude itself into the brewing land struggle in the area.

An incumbent barangay captain and a provincial officer (political appointee) claimed ownership of the land, while about 70 farmers have already cleared and started to cultivate an approximately 100 hectares of rugged and unproductive land to support their families.

Military presence convey a chilling effect and strong message to the farmers: discontinue or something ghastly will happen.

In their radio programs, 11th IB’s propagandist repeatedly accused the farmers as “hard-headed trouble makers organized or supported by the NPA”. Sometimes they went as far as accusing the farmers as NPAs themselves.

“By its own action, 11th is exposing itself as the armed goons of the landlords. No amount of psyop makeover can hide this basic characteristic,” according to RMPC-NPA spokesperson Ka Estrella Banagbanag.

Banagbanag added that the objective of 11th IB is to “illegalize the struggle of the farmers” and, by doing so, giving the military a false excuse to engage in monstrous acts such as murder, threat, intimidation, torture and the like.

“The people in Southeast Negros will hold LTC Ramir Redosendo and other officers accountable should anything happen to the people of Tayak and adjacent areas. They are civilians and should be treated as such pursuance to International Humanitarian Law,” Banagbanag further added. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-flimsy-pretext-army-interferes-in-land-row/
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CPP/News: Sityo sa Agusan, tinupok ng AFP, mga residente di pa rin nakakabalik

Propaganda news article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 26, 2020): Sityo sa Agusan, tinupok ng AFP, mga residente di pa rin nakakabalik

NEWS STORIES
AUGUST 26, 2020



Mula Marso ay hindi pa rin nakababalik sa kanilang komunidad ang mga residente ng Barangay San Vicente, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur matapos sunugin ng mga sundalo at mga elemento ng Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) ang kanilang mga bahay.

Sinunog ng militar ang eskwelahan at 15 bahay sa Sityo Canada ng nasabing barangay noong Marso 18. Anim na residente naman ang dinukot at hanggang ngayo’y di pa rin inililitaw.

Ayon sa mga ulat na ipinaabot ng mga residente sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), tinupok ng apoy ang buong komunidad.

Pinagpuputol din ng mga sundalo at pulis ang mga puno at bungang-kahoy upang makalapag ang kanilang helikopter.

Tanging mga basura ng mga sundalo at pulis ang naiwan, kabilang ang ilang uniporme, at panggamot sa sugatan.

Bago nito, napag-alamang may apat na sibilyan ang pinagbabril ng mga sundalo noong Marso 15. Ayon sa isa sa mga biktimang nakatakas sa pangyayari, napagkamalan umano sila ng mga sundalo bilang mga myembro ng BHB.

Noong Marso 17, isang mis-engkwentro naman ang naganap sa pagitan ng mga tropa ng AFP at PNP malapit sa baryo. Mahigit 10 ang kaswalti sa kanila sa naturang enkwentro.

https://cpp.ph/statements/sityo-sa-agusan-tinupok-ng-afp-mga-residente-di-pa-rin-nakakabalik/
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CPP/NDF-North Central Mindanao: Justice for Randall Echanis, hero of the toiling masses, just peace advocate and revolutionary! – NDF-NCMR

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 26, 2020): Justice for Randall Echanis, hero of the toiling masses, just peace advocate and revolutionary! – NDF-NCMR

CESAR RENERIO | SPOKESPERSON
NDF-NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 26, 2020



The National Democratic Front of the Philippines in the North Central Mindanao Region (NDFP-NCMR) condemns in strongest terms the cold-blooded murder of Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis.

Only Duterte and his fascist regime stands to benefit from Ka Randy’s death. Attempts by fascist forces to pass off his murder as an isolated criminal incident are nothing but a desperate ploy to deflect blame and widespread outrage over his death. No one is fooled by this incredible lie. Ka Randy’s violent tokhang-style death is blood in the hands of President Duterte, butcher, monster and rabid dog killer of the people.

We grieve together with Ka Randy’s family, colleagues and the Filipino people, especially the toiling masses that he served to his very last breath. His passing is a great loss to the struggle for genuine land reform and the people’s quest for a just and lasting peace. In his death, the people lost an untiring just peace advocate and freedom fighter.

NDF-NCMR, all its allied organizations, together with all Red fighters and revolutionary forces in the region, convey our highest tribute and revolutionary honors to Ka Randy, hero of the toiling masses and exemplary revolutionary!

Ka Randy’s sacrifice and struggle have only served to further stoke the people’s burgeoning rage against the fascist Duterte regime. As we join international clamor for justice, we turn our grief into revolutionary fervor and resolve to carry on the struggle for reforms and just and lasting peace.

Ka Randy’s death will not be for naught. His legacy cannot be killed, it will continue to live on.

https://cpp.ph/statements/justice-for-randall-echanis-hero-of-the-toiling-masses-just-peace-advocate-and-revolutionary-ndf-ncmr/
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CPP/NPS-North Central Mindanao: As Duterte’s FMO becomes a scourge, the people should relentlessly fight and struggle

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 26, 2020): As Duterte’s FMO becomes a scourge, the people should relentlessly fight and struggle

MALEM MABINI
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 26, 2020



No money to address the Covid-19 crisis but government continues to waste billions on militarization and bombings.

Amid the Covid-19 crisis, the 4th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines perpetuated and intensified their focused military operations (FMO) in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.

The 4th ID started this series of FMO on July 26 when nine KM250 6×6 truck carrying troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion (IB) entered the vicinity of Brgy. San Vicente, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. On July 28, military fighter jets dropped at least 20 bombs, including artillery shells, in Sitio Magawa, Hagpa, Impasug-ong. Simultaneously, a platoon of the same unit set foot in Brgy. Sinakungan, of the same province.

The 26th IB also mounted their operation in three barrios in Mahayahay and Binicalan in San Luis while other four in Mahagsay, San Vicente and Sinakungan in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Out of terror, residents from Sitio Kalasungay and Lintagoan, San Vicente forcedly evacuated to the community center.

Meanwhile, on August 4, a composite battalion of the 8th and 88th IB, 4th ID’s Division Reconnaissance Company and Scout Ranger was spotted in Sitio Bendum, Brgy. Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. They also occupied other four barrios in Mapulo, Can-ayan and St. Peter.

In Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, a total of six artillery tanks were mounted in Iba and Indalasa while enemy forces occupied six barrios in Zamboanguita, Canangaan and Mandahikan. Soldiers also operated in seven barrios in Calabugao and Bulunay, Impasug-ong.

In Misamis Oriental, an encounter between the NPA and AFP took place in Sitio Mangilit, Brgy. Bal-ason, Gingoog City on August 14.

On August 8, a firefight took place in Sitio Mahagpa, Brgy. Hagpa when the Red fighters spotted the operating enemy forces.

Since August 19, aerial materiels have been hovering in several areas. On August 21, their four military helicopters hovered for a day in Impasug-ong and Esperanza. Another series of aerial activities took place on August 23 and 24.

Moreover, in the guise of providing assistance to the community, the AFP uses the pandemic to manipulate the mobility of the peasant masses in their barrio. The “community service program (CSP)” paves way for the AFP’s militarization in San Vicente, Agusan del Sur; Sitio Mahagwa, Hagpa; Sitio Ulayanon, Calabugao; Sitio Mahayahat, St. Peter and Sityo Bendum, Busdi, Bukidnon. As how it usually goes, residents from said communities are immured by the soldiers and are forced to surrender as members of the NPA.

In Sitio Kumaliwat, Brgy. Paradise, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, soldiers tortured a civilian for a mere allegation that he is member of the NPA. In Sitio Balaudo, St. Peter, Malaybalay, troops of the 8th IB fired at a civilian, who was tilling his farm.

Since May 2020, 24 cases of FMOs in the region, including those Division-led down to the company-led operations, have been recorded. One of which was the operation led by the 4th ID in Cabanglasan, Malaybalay and Impasug-ong, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Sur.

Amid the administration’s failed response to the pandemic, the US-Duterte regime and the lapdog AFP is adding insult to the injury of the peasant masses. Lives and livelihood of lumad and local farmers are constantly disrupted by the AFP camping in the community’s hall and school, harassing civilians and forcing them to surrender. The AFP continues to sow terror which made them a scourge in the aggravating impoverish situation of the Filipino masses. While health and other basic services were ineptly provided to the clamoring people, Duterte instead focuses on his ambition to end the NPA.

At present, the masses fear that their lives will be on the death row, not because of Covid-19, but from hunger and atrocities of state forces. Local peasants today were supposed to tend the crops they planted when the pandemic broke out but they were restricted by the AFP from cultivating their farm.

The more Duterte takes advantage of the pandemic for his counter-insurgency and political repression, the more he will unmask himself as the fascist, tyrannical and corrupt regime who is incompetent in addressing the people’s plight. Duterte is only fanning the flames of the people’s resistance to wage war. If he challenged the people that if “revolution is what you want, do it now,” then it should be a challenge accepted!

https://cpp.ph/statements/as-dutertes-fmo-becomes-a-scourge-the-people-should-relentlessly-fight-and-struggle/
Retired Analyst at 9:01 PM No comments:
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CPP: On the August 24 Jolo blasts

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 25, 2020): On the August 24 Jolo blasts

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
AUGUST 25, 2020



The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) denounces the successive explosions last August 24 in Jolo, Sulu province, which killed at least 15 people and wounded 75, mostly civilians and bystanders. The apparent attack against the AFP killed at least seven soldiers.

1. As a matter of revolutionary principle, the Party does not tolerate armed attacks that cause indiscriminate loss of civilian lives and damage to civilian property. In waging a revolutionary war, the Party-led New People’s Army gives the highest priority to the protection of the rights and welfare of the masses.

The Jolo blasts are a dastardly crime against the masses, especially the Moro people. The Filipino and Moro revolutionary forces and people must vigorously denounce this crime.

2. The Duterte regime and the AFP are quick to point to the Abu Sayyaf as the perpetrators of the twin blasts. Even without sufficient investigation and without offering evidence, military and police officers have repeatedly made public pronouncements issuing speculations that are dubiously passed off as truths, such as the claim that a “female suicide bomber” carried out the attacks and that the perpetrators were supposedly widows of Abu Sayyaf (even if they haven’t even determined how the blasts were actually carried out), that bombs were rigged on a motorcycle (even if the motorcycle appeared intact and only charred, as observed by a local official), and so on.

3. The Abu Sayyaf is an armed group that has been designated as “terrorists” by Philippine jurisprudence under the now defunct Human Security Act. In truth, the Abu Sayyaf is nothing but a criminal bandit group that is engaged in kidnap-for-ransom, beheadings and other nefarious activities that bring about hardships to the ordinary masses.

Like all criminal bandit groups in the Philippines, the Abu Sayyaf is inextricably linked to the AFP and PNP. It is linked as well to US military forces based in Western Mindanao. It is publicly known that military and police officers receive their cuts from the Abu Sayyaf’s kidnapping operations. There are incidents, such as the Lamitan Siege of 2001, where AFP officers colluded with the Abu Sayyaf to allow its members to escape in exchange for a share of the ransom money.

In fact, the Abu Sayyaf was originally founded in the early 1980s by US intelligence operatives who recruited armed Muslims to join US armed intervention in Afghanistan. Its origins are similar to that of the so-called Islamic State (IS) which was established by former members of Al Qaeda in Iraq recruited by US agents to serve their US aggression into Syria.

4. The AFP and PNP compete against each other in protecting the Abu Sayyaf as well as other armed bandits. This often leads to bloody clashes such as the recent liquidation of four military officers in Sulu by PNP personnel last June 29 which the AFP reports were conducting intelligence operations. Recall, as well, that plans of the botched police operation that led to the 2015 Mamasapano massacre was deliberately kept from the military by the PNP leadership for fear that they will be tipped off.

5. In the past, the Abu Sayyaf has also served as a convenient scapegoat for crimes which the AFP and PNP have labelled “terrorist” to justify the resort to draconian measures. These include the Davao bombing of 2016 which preceded the Duterte regime’s declaration of a “state of emergency on account of lawless violence” which clamped down on people’s rights and imposed other restrictions. It is widely believed that many of the “terrorist” bombings are actually perpetrated by military and police operatives, as well as by US military agents.

Abu Sayyaf “terrorism” has been used as pretext for US military presence in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, as part of the “second front” of the “war on terror” in 2002, and, since 2016, under the Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines.

6. The revolutionary and democratic forces denounce the AFP and PNP for their push to impose martial law in Sulu, using the Jolo blasts as pretext. As shown in the past, giving the military and police increased power, especially in the Moro areas, has only aggravated the oppression being experienced by the Moro people.

There is rising fear that the Jolo blasts might actually have been perpetrated by forces aligned with the Duterte regime and the AFP and PNP, to serve as a dress rehearsal for a wider campaign of bombing and violence in order to justify the enactment of Duterte’s Anti-Terror Act and its use to suppress democratic rights, discredit the numerous petitions against the ATA, and possibly lay the ground for possible nationwide declaration of martial law and establishment of a Duterte-led junta.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-august-24-jolo-blasts/
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CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Ipagtanggol ang karapatan ng Pilipinas sa West PH Sea! Singilin si Duterte at mga imperyalista sa pagyurak sa pambansang soberanya!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 25, 2020): Ipagtanggol ang karapatan ng Pilipinas sa West PH Sea! Singilin si Duterte at mga imperyalista sa pagyurak sa pambansang soberanya!

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 25, 2020



Sagad na ang sambayanang Pilipino sa paglapastangan ng China sa pambansang soberanya at sa hayagang paninikluhod ni Duterte sa China. Duwag na isinuko’t ipinaubaya ni Duterte sa China ang soberanyang karapatan ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea. Lampa at maamong tupa si Duterte sa harap ng agresibong pagkontrol ng China sa exclusive economic zone ng Pilipinas sa WPS at pagtataboy sa mga mangingisdang Pilipino na makapangisda sa sariling teritoryo ng bansa.

Walang gulugod si Duterte na igiit ang karapatan ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea at papanagutin ang China sa mga pang-aabuso nito. Hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga ang karangalang ng bansang dinungisan ng China, pandarambong sa likas-yaman ng bansa sa WPS, pagperwisyo sa hanapbuhay ng mga mamamalakayang Pilipino at permanenteng pagkasira ng mga bahura.

Matatandaang nitong Hulyo ay namatay ang 12 mangingisdang Pilipino at 2 pasaherong lulan ng bangkang pangisdang FV Liberty 5 sa tapat ng Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro dahil nasagasaan ng barkong MV Vienna Wood na pag-aari ng isang kumpanyang Tsino. Ngayong buwan lamang nakumpirma ang pagbabayad ng MV Vienna Wood ng danyos perwisyo sa mga pamilya at may-ari ng napinsalang bangka. Samantala, ngayon lamang naghain ng diplomatikong protesta ang Department of Foreign Affairs sa panghaharas ng Chinese Coast Guard noon pang Mayo sa mga nangingisdang Pilipino sa Scarborough Shoal ng Palawan. Pakitang-tao lamang ito ng rehimen para pahupain ang galit ng mamamayan.

Sumusobra na ang China sa serye ng paglapastangan nito sa pambansang soberanya ng Pilipinas. Bago pa man ang rehimeng Duterte, inagaw at kinontrol na ng China ang mga isla sa West Philippine Sea saklaw ng exclusive economic zone ng bansa alinsunod sa UNCLOS. Itinaboy ng Chinese Coast Guard at binomba ng tubig ang mga nangingisdang Pilipino sa lugar. Higit na lumala ito sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte dahil hinayaan niya lang na angkinin ng China ang pinag-aagawang teritoryo. Noong nakaraang taon, minaliit ni Duterte ang pagsagasa ng China sa basnig na F/B Gem-ver at pag-iwan sa mga mangingisdang lulan nito sa gitna ng dagat. Ipinapangalandakan pa ng ilang kumpanyang Tsino na “probinsya” nito ang Pilipinas.

Walang pagpapahalaga sa interes ng bayan si Duterte. Ang itinataguyod nya ay ang interes ng lokal na naghaharing uri at malalaking negosyong dayuhan. Pinaglalawayan nya at ng kanyang mga kroni ang makukurakot mula sa bilyon-bilyong dolyar na pautang at ayudang ekonomiko mula China para suhayan ang kanyang tiranikong rehimen at tuparin ang diktadurang ambisyon sa bansa.

Higit na isinasapanganib ni Duterte ang buhay ng mga Pilipino sa pagsisilbi sa dalawang among imperyalistang US at China na kapwa may interes sa mayamang rekursong langis at natural gas sa WPS. Bago pa man ang panghihimasok ng China, matagal nang namamayagpag ang US sa loob ng Pilipinas at walang pakundangang nanghihimasok sa mga panloob na usapin sa ating bansa. Nagpupostura lamang si Duterte sa kunwa’y pagbasura sa VFA at pagpapalayas sa mga tropang Amerikano sa bansa na mabilis din namang binawi para lamang maihirit ang mas malaking ayudang militar, teknikal at pagsasanay sa mersenaryong AFP at PNP.

Sa harap ng kataksilan sa bayan ng rehimen, ang sambayanan lamang ang tanging makapaggigiit ng pambansang soberanya at kasarinlan ng Pilipinas sa China at US. Lumalakas ang kanilang panawagan para palayasin ang China sa patuloy nitong pananalasa sa West Philippine Sea at ang presensya ng mga tropa ng US sa bansa. Walang karapatan ang China na angkinin ang naturang teritoryo dahil naipanalo na ito ng Pilipinas sa Permanent Arbitral Tribunal ng United Nation Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Gayundin, hindi na dapat patagalin ang mga tropang Amerikano sa Pilipinas na walang ibang ginawa kundi mang-upat ng digmaan sa China at manghimasok sa mga panloob na usapin ng bansa.

Nananawagan ang Melito Glor Command – New People’s Army Southern Tagalog sa mamamayang Pilipino na isulong ang digmang bayan upang makalaya sa kuko ng imperyalismo at mga lokal na naghaharing-uri. Ganap lamang na lalaya ang bayan sa pananagumpay ng rebolusyong Pilipino. Dito maitatayo ang tunay na makabayang gubyernong nangangalaga sa interes at kapakanan ng mamamayan. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/ipagtanggol-ang-karapatan-ng-pilipinas-sa-west-ph-sea-singilin-si-duterte-at-mga-imperyalista-sa-pagyurak-sa-pambansang-soberanya/
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CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Sa harap ng pandemyang Covid-19, pagtuluy-tuloy ng mga operasyong kombat ng SOLCOM laban sa NPA-ST, desperasyon at kahibangan ni Parlade

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 25, 2020): Sa harap ng pandemyang Covid-19, pagtuluy-tuloy ng mga operasyong kombat ng SOLCOM laban sa NPA-ST, desperasyon at kahibangan ni Parlade

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
AUGUST 25, 2020



Pangitang-pangita ang desperasyon ng hepe ng Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) na si Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. sa kanyang huling pahayag na ipagpapatuloy ng SOLCOM ang mga operasyong militar upang matunton ang mga yunit ng NPA sa Timog Katagalugan. Kung anu-ano pang kasinungalingan ang ikinakalat ni Parlade na may mga sakit na COVID-19 na ang Pulang Hukbo. Sa dulo, nanawagan lamang ito ng gasgas nang linya ng pagpapasuko, isang kabulastugan sa pagmamayabang niyang nadisloka at nahiwalay na ang NPA sa malawak na masa ng kanayunan.

Mariin din naming kinukundena ang paulit-ulit na pagmamalaki ng AFP-PNP sa kanilang karumaldumal na pagpatay sa mga kasamang sina Mario “Ka Jethro” Caraig, Dioscoro “Ka Termo” Cello at 2 pang kasama. Taliwas sa inaakala ni Parlade, higit na umaalab ang diwang mapanlaban ng mga yunit ng NPA-ST dahil nagsisilbing inspirasyon sina Ka Jethro at Ka Termo para ipagpatuloy at paigtingin ang armadong pakikibaka sa rehiyon. Hindi rin natitinag ang mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa rehiyon sa mga pakana ng kaaway at tuluy-tuloy na operasyong militar sa kanayunan. Lumang tugtugin na ang mga ipinapalaganap na pekeng balita at pekeng NPA surrenderees sa kampanyang pagpapasuko ng rehimen.

Isang kahungkagan ang alok ni Parlade na mapayapang sumuko ang NPA sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Walang mapayapa at tahimik na buhay ang sambayanang Pilipino sa ilalim ng pasista at tiranikong paghahari ng rehimen na pinalala pa ng militaristang lockdown sa panahon ng COVID-19. Wala sa bokabularyo ng mga hayok-sa-digmaang mga heneral na tulad ni Parlade ang salitang kapayapaan. Patunay ang kanilang pagdiskaril sa nakaraang usapang pangkapayapaan. Kapayapaan ng libingan ang nais na kapayapaan ng mersenaryong AFP-PNP at ng huntang militar na nasa NTF-ELCAC at IATF.

Nagkokoro sina Parlade at Duterte sa kanilang kabaliwan na mag-alok ng pagpapabakuna sa mga NPA para sumuko. Walang sentido-kumon ang dalawa sa pag-aakalang nahawahan na ng COVID-19 ang NPA gayong nagpapatupad ang NPA ng mga kongkretong hakbangin sa pag-iwas sa COVID-19 tulad ng mga kampanyang sanitasyon at quarantine protocol sa mga lugar na may bulnerabilidad sa sakit.

Ang totoo, ang mga mersenaryong tropa na naglulunsad ng FMO at CSPO ang nagdadala ng COVID-19 sa mga liblib na bahagi ng kanayunan dahil pinapasok nila ang mga baryo at hinahalughog ang mga bahay ng masa nang walang suot na face mask at personal protective equipment.

Ang mga sundalo at pulis ang nagdadala ng panganib na makahawa at magkalat ng sakit dahil sa paglalagay sa kanila ng rehimeng US-Duterte bilang nasa unahan ng pagpapatupad ng malupit na militaristang lockdown kung saan malayang nakakapag-iikot sa mga kabayanan na laganap ang COVID-19. Ang mga sundalo at pulis ding ito ang mismong kasama sa mga focused military operations sa kanayunan at nagpapataas ng risgo sa paglaganap ng sakit sa bansa. Hindi lamang buhay ng mamamayan ang inilalagay ni Duterte sa peligro kundi kahit ang mga karaniwang kawal ng AFP-PNP.

Hindi prayoridad ni Duterte ang kalusugan o ang kapayapaan ng bayan. Tanging inuuna nito ang pasismo at panunupil sa kanyang imbing pangarap na malipol ang NPA bago ang 2022. Ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan na pinamumunuan ng CPP-NPA-NDFP ang tunay na maaasahan ng bayan sa pagkakaloob ng serbisyong panlipunan higit ngayong panahon ng pandemya. Matatag na naninindigan ang NPA sa rehiyon na tumugon sa panawagan ng Communist Party of the Philippines na sugpuin ang pandemya kasabay ng pagbigo sa kontra-rebolusyunaryong gera ng rehimeng US-Duterte at berdugong AFP-PNP. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/sa-harap-ng-pandemyang-covid-19-pagtuluy-tuloy-ng-mga-operasyong-kombat-ng-solcom-laban-sa-npa-st-desperasyon-at-kahibangan-ni-parlade/
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Kalinaw News: Information from residents yielded to armed engagement with NPA Terrorist

From Kalinaw News (Aug 26, 2020): Information from residents yielded to armed engagement with NPA Terrorist
Panabo City, Davao del Norte – An armed encounter between elements of 27IB against Communist Terrorist belonging to GF55, SRC5, SMRC occured at around 2:30 PM August 26, 2020. Troops under 1st Lt. John Alvin P. Maunahan Philippine Army, while acting on information provided by concerned residents of Brgy Mapula conducted combat operations at the vicinity of Brgy Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City resulted to armed clash with more or five fully armed men at So. Barko-barko Brgy Mapula.

The armed engagement resulted to one NPA Body Count (BC) identified as Divina Sindol alias “Din-Din”, 24 years old, resident of Sitio Kisapwak, Brgy Diningan, Kitaotao, Province of Bukidnon. Recovered from the dead NPA are one bandolier, two magazines for M16 rifle, one colored green long sleeve with printed “Davao-Bukidnon New People Army Southern Mindanao Region”.
Based on report from concerned residents, undetermined number of NPA terrorists are planning to conduct ambuscade through laying of landmines targetting the Community Development Team (CDT) who are involved in community development in Brgys Mapula, Lumiad, Paquibato Proper and Lumiad. During the encounter, the CTG laid and denotated landmine along side of the main road which is indicative of their persistent violations of the UN Convention on the Prohibition on the Use of Landmine.

Lt. Col. Victorino M. SeƱo Philippine Army, Battalion Commander of 27th Infantry (ACTION) Battalion strongly condemned the NPA Terrorist use of landmine disregarding the safety of the peace loving people of Paquibato District. In like manner, he also thanked the residents of Paquibato for providing timely and reliable information about the terrorists presence that resulted to armed engagement.

This is a clear manifestation that the residents in the area are already tired and fed up with the NPA terrorist deception and atrocities. Saddened by the incident that caused the life @DINDIN, LTC SEƑO appeal to the NPA terrorist to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and live a normal life. “The government is willing to help and assist you to live a peaceful life you are longing for” he 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/information-from-residents-yielded-to-armed-engagement-with-npa-terrorist/
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Kalinaw News: Army and Former Rebels (FR’s) hold 1st Sinagtala Farm “Harvest Festival” in Aurora

From Kalinaw News (Aug 26, 2020): Army and Former Rebels (FR’s) hold 1st Sinagtala Farm “Harvest Festival” in Aurora
BALER, Aurora-The 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and former rebels hold its 1st Sinagtala Farm harvest festival in a 1 hectare land at Barangay Calabuanan in this capital town of Aurora this morning (August 25, 2020) to showcase the vegetable and other crops they raised where the festival was also held.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of 91st IB said among the vegetables and fruits they planted since June 4, 2020 were 5,500 chili, 1,000 eggplant and 150 papaya.
“We harvest over 50 Kilos of chili, we are happy for the opportunity to promote the harvest of our former rebels,” LTC RUBIO said.

He added that the activity symbolizes that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is indeed effective due to strong partnership and close collaboration with the Provincial Government of Aurora (PGA) and other National Government Agencies (NGAs) in support to National Government’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program.

“We are very grateful of the support and services provided by the government both local and national to address the needs and aspirations of our Former Rebels who are beneficiaries of our SINAGTALA Farm,” he said.

Aurora Governor Gerardo A. Noveras personally lauded the 91st IB for their efforts in helping former rebels to become productive members of the society.

Noveras said the provincial government of Aurora wanted that kind of activity wherein the farmers must practice what they learned, not only for a day but for their entire farming career.

“The program is a big success. Helping our farmers from zero income, now they have bountiful harvest. If you give them a fish, your feed them for one day, if you teach them how to catch a fish, you feed them for a life time. Huwag po tayong maging ningas kugon sa pagtatanim, manapay gawin natin ang tama upang tayo ay makatindig sa ating mga sariling mga paa,” Noveras added.

Noveras also advised to embrace the program cascaded by the Army, PNP, Department of Trade and industry, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture, among others.







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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-and-former-rebels-frs-hold-1st-sinagtala-farm-harvest-festival-in-aurora/
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Kalinaw News: 61 Ambala members withdraw support to communist group and pledge alliance to gov’t

From Kalinaw News (Aug 26, 2020): 61 Ambala members withdraw support to communist group and pledge alliance to gov’t

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – The 61 members of the Alyansang Magbubukid ng Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) organizations have withdrawn their support to the Communist Front Organizations and pledged their oath of loyalty to the government held at Brgy Pando Covered Court Concepcion, Tarlac on Saturday August 22, 2020.

AMBALA is a farmer’s group organized by the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL) on July 15, 2011 and its members are from the 11 different barangays of Hacienda Luisita.

Their withdrawal of support was made possible through the joint efforts of PNP Concepcion, 1st Civil Relations Group, CRSAFP, 31st Mechanized Infantry Company, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and 72nd Military Intelligence Company which supported by the Local Government Units of Concepcion, Tarlac.

During the ceremony graced by Mayor Andres David Lacson, the former members of AMBALA vowed to abandon the principles and aspirations of the CPP-NPA-NDF and promised not to support and participate in their unlawful and violent activities.

The ceremony was also highlighted by the second wave of “Mipagmalasakit” program sponsored by Concepcion Municipal Police Station with the Theme: “Institutionalizing the Whole of Nation Approach, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework”. The 61 former AMBALA members are recipient of 25 kilos of rice, 2 kilos of pork meat and food packs which contains noodles and canned goods.

Mrs Anucencion Dela Cruz, former member of AMBALA and Anakpawis said, “Dati rin po akong auditor ng Anakpawis at matagal na akong napapagod dahil walang linaw ang lupang pinaglalaban ko. Dahil sa gutom at pagod ay ako na mismo ang umayaw sapagkat, ayaw ko po na baka pati ang mga anak ko ay umakyat na rin sa bundok. Buti po ngayon ay Malaya na ako.”

Mayor Lacson said, “Ang laban ngayon, ay wala na sa armed struggle, wala na sa kaguluhan at panggugulo, Ang tunay na laban ngayon ay kung paano natin tutulungan ang isa’t-isa. Nakikita natin ang effort ng gobyerno kasama na dito ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan at kung gaano kalaki ang malasakit na ibinibigay nila sa ating pamayanan.” Sa lahat po ng ating mga kababayan, hinihikayat namin kayong makiisa at makipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno”. He also appeals to the public to unite and join with the government’s peace and development initiative and programs. Recently, around 41 members of AMBALA from Brgy Balete withdrew their support to CFOs and to NPA terrorists held at Barangay Balete, Tarlac City on June 6, 2020. This is the second batch of AMBALA members who repudiated the communist terrorist and their legal front organizations.





https://www.kalinawnews.com/61-ambala-members-withdraw-support-to-communist-group-and-pledge-alliance-to-govt/
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Kalinaw News: 5ID binigyang pugay ang mga bayaning sundalo, kapulisan at sibilyan na nagbuwis ng buhay at nasugatan sa dalawang pag-atake ng teroristang ASG sa Sulu

From Kalinaw News (Aug 26, 2020): 5ID binigyang pugay ang mga bayaning sundalo, kapulisan at sibilyan na nagbuwis ng buhay at nasugatan sa dalawang pag-atake ng teroristang ASG sa Sulu
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela – Ang 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army ay nakikidalamhati sa mga pamilya ng mga nasawi sa dalawang pag-atake ng teroristang Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) gamit ang Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) sa Patikul, Sulu noong ika-24 ng Agosto 2020 na kinabibilangan ng pitong (7) kasundaluhan, isa (1) sa kapulisan at anim (6) na inosenteng sibilyan. 13 naman ang mga nasugatang sundalo sa naturang pag-atake.

Naganap ang unang pagsabog sa harapan ng Paradise grocery store sa Brgy Walled City Jolo, Sulu mga bandang 11:55 AM ng tanghali. Ayon sa imbestigasiyon ang pagsabog ay gamit ang isang VBIED. Habang ang pangalawang pagsabog naman ay pinapaniwalaang gawa ng isang babaeng suicide bomber ay naganap sa harapan ng Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) bandang ala-una ng hapon, 100-metro lamang ang layo mula sa unang pinangyarihan.
Ayon sa Joint Task Force Sulu, ang mga biktima ay nagroronda sa nasabing lugar ng sila’y pinasabugan ng mga terorista na ikinasawi ng 14 katao at pagkasugat ng 74 mula sa mga kasapi ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, PNP at mga inosenteng sibilyan.

Karamihan sa mga sundalong biktima ay mula sa 21st Infantry Battalion na dating nasa ilalim ng 5th Infantry (Star) Division, Philippine Army na nadeploy sa Jolo, Sulu at naging organikong kasapi na ng 11th Infantry Division noong Agosto 2019. Sa mga sundalong nasawi, isa (1) ay mula sa Probinsiya ng Cagayan at isa (1) sa Isabela. Ang isang (1) nasawi sa hanay ng kapulisan ay mula naman sa Probinsiya ng Benguet. Labing-isa (11) naman ang nasugatang sundalo na taga rito sa Northern Luzon.

Ipinapaabot ni BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5ID ang kanyang lubos na pakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng nasawi sa pagsabog. “Ang buong 5th Infantry (STAR) Division ay nagdadalamhati sa pangyayaring ito. Napakabigat sa damdamin bilang ama ng Division ang pangyayaring ito sa mga dating kasapi sa 5ID. Kami ay nakikiramay sa mga pamilya ng mga kasundaluhan, kapulisan at mga inosenteng sibilyan na nasawi at sa mga nasaktan at nasugatan sa pag atake ng mga teroristang Abu Sayyaf. Hangad at dalangin naming mabigyan sila ng hustisya sa lalong madaling panahon.”

“Ang pamunuan ng 5ID ay nakahandang bigyan ng pagkilala ang mga nasawi sa kanilang pagdating. Nakahanda din tayong ipaabot ang anumang tulong sa pamilya ng mga biktima upang maibsan ang kanilang pagdadalamhati.” dagdag ni BGen Mina.

[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/5id-binigyang-pugay-ang-mga-bayaning-sundalo-kapulisan-at-sibilyan-na-nagbuwis-ng-buhay-at-nasugatan-sa-dalawang-pag-atake-ng-teroristang-asg-sa-sulu/
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Kalinaw News: 25 former CNT combatants from Agusan del Norte undergo livelihood skills training

From Kalinaw News (Aug 26, 2020): 25 former CNT combatants from Agusan del Norte undergo livelihood skills training
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Twenty-five former combatants of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) are now undergoing a 20-day technical-vocational and livelihood skills training that started on Monday, August 24 at the headquarters of 23rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte (TESDA-ADN) spearheads the training with the support of the 23rd IB and the Agusan del Norte Provincial Social Welfare and Development in the province (PSWDO). The twenty-day ( 20) day training that will end on September 18 includes Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Organic Vegetables and Concoctions Production and Computer Literacy training for the former rebels and their dependents.

The activity is part of the total benefits of the Former Rebels (FRs) under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government that will prepare them for their reintegration into the mainstream society. The training will also ensure that the FRs become productive members of their communities through the new skills and additional knowledge they will acquire. It will also help them start their new lives as they go back to their families.

TESDA-ADN Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva expressed gladness over the willingness of the FRs to undergo the technical-vocational skills training.

“I am thankful that the FRs have decided to go back to the folds of the government. Our province in Agusan del Norte is currently facing four great problems which are the poverty incident, socioeconomic condition, unemployment, and the Peace and Order problem. We believe that one of the solutions of those problems is by providing you with skills training through different programs offered by TESDA. We strongly believe that by letting you learn new skills, you can use it in applying for a job and gain your own salary to buy your basic needs, support your children’s education and your family’s medical needs. We hope that you will focus and be attentive in this training because this will help you find a good job for a brighter future.”

During the opening of the training, Jerry Laureto, the Provincial Administrator of Agusan del Norte emphasized the seriousness of the government in helping the FRs renew their lives.

“Our government is serious in helping you to become a productive citizen in your community. I hope that this training and the other upcoming trainings will help you become financially capable and be a productive thinker to improve not only the status of your families but also your communities and our government as a whole. Our government is serious in its quest in ending insurgency. It focuses on providing you with different opportunities, so take advantage of that situation. May this training transform you to be a better individual to set as a good example for the remaining members of the armed group so that they will also heed to the call of the government,” Laureto said.

The PSWDO, through Provincial Director Silver Joy Tejano, also encouraged the FRs to finish the training as it will help them grow as they go back to their communities.

“The ECLIP is a government program that includes giving of financial support and pours developmental programs for sustainable livelihood you can use when you go back to the mainstream society. The Provincial Local Government of Agusan del Norte finds ways to develop you in order for you to be confident in yourselves when you return to your respective communities. TESDA will provide you with skills training and scholarships with certificate of completion that you can use when applying for a decent job,” Tejano said.

For his part, 23rd IB Acting Commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C Paulo expressed gratitude to the different government agencies who provided the needs of the FRs, especially in the advancement of their skills and knowledge on technical and vocational education.

“We are thankful for the TESDA and other line government agencies for their never-ending support to the FRs and for always giving encouragement for them to strive harder for a progressive living. These skills trainings will help our FRs acquire the necessary competencies which will be their weapon anywhere they go that can also help elevate your lives,” Paulo said.

He added that among the tasks of the government in accepting the former members of the CNT is their transformation from being combatants to productive members of the communities where they will reintegrate.

“Years of enduring the hardships in the mountains and witnessing the terroristic activities of the CNTs greatly affected the perspectives of our FRs. The false ideologies inculcated to them also changed their viewpoints on our government and society as a whole. This training will help them overcome the incorrect points of view the CNT leaders indoctrinated and dinned into their minds,” Paulo said.

[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/25-former-cnt-combatants-from-agusan-del-norte-undergo-livelihood-skills-training/
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Lorenzana says no to Sulu-wide martial law

From Rappler (Aug 26, 2020): Lorenzana says no to Sulu-wide martial law (By RAMBO TALABONG)



This spoils the chances of any recommendation for a Sulu-wide martial law to President Rodrigo Duterte as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana administratively oversees the military

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana does not support the proposed declaration of martial law over Sulu after the Jolo twin bombings that killed 15 and injured at least 75.

In a text message to Rappler on Wednesday, August 26, Lorenzana said there was "no need" for the extreme measure to prevent more acts of terrorism.

"No need. We have the anti-terror law and Proclamation 55 dated 4 September 2016 putting the whole of Mindanao under state of lawlessness. This proclamation has not been lifted yet," Lorenzana said.

Why does this matter?

Lorenzana was reacting to the proposal of both the military and the police to place Sulu under military rule.

With his statement, Lorenzana agreed with the critics of the proposal, like Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Panfilo Lacson, who both said martial law was unnecessary given the recently enacted anti-terror law.

Lorenzana's statement spoils the chances of any recommendation reaching President Rodrigo Duterte as he administratively oversees the military.

What's in place?

The controversial anti-terror law allows for the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days without arrest warrants. That length of detention, state security forces previously argued, would be enough to build a case against suspected terrorists to seal convictions and deter terrorism.

President Duterte's Proclamation No. 55, meanwhile, was issued in September 2016 after the Davao City night market bombing that killed 14 and injured at least 70. It declared a "state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao."

The proclamation commands "the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to undertake such measures as may be permitted by the Constitution and existing laws to suppress any and all forms of lawless violence in Mindanao and to prevent such lawless violence from spreading and escalating elsewhere in the Philippines with due regard to the fundamental civil and political rights of our citizens."

https://rappler.com/nation/lorenzana-says-no-sulu-wide-martial-law
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Did terrorists influence killing of 4 intel soldiers in Jolo? Hontiveros calls for probe

From Rappler (Aug 26, 2020): Did terrorists influence killing of 4 intel soldiers in Jolo? Hontiveros calls for probe (By JC GOTINGA)



'Deretsahang tanong: Did terrorist elements somehow influence, directly or indirectly, the killing of these soldiers?' asks Senator Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, August 26, called for a full investigation of the deadly twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, earlier this week, and its possible connection to the killing of 4 intelligence soldiers by police in late June.

The opposition senator said a comprehensive probe “with no cover-ups” is necessary to get to “the full truth, no matter how ugly or inconvenient” about what led to the suicide attacks that killed at least 14 people and wounded at least 75 others on Monday, August 24.

She also urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to relieve the entire police force in Jolo, as reports from the military raise the possibility that cops killed the 4 intelligence soldiers on June 29 to sabotage their mission to capture the two would-be suicide bombers.

“Deretsahang tanong (Direct question): Did terrorist elements somehow influence, directly or indirectly, the killing of these soldiers?” Hontiveros said in a privilege speech before the Senate plenary.

The investigation, the senator said, should answer 3 questions:

What motivated the killing of the soldiers on June 29?
Why was evidence from the crime scene haphazardly handled, and could this have led to military intelligence reaching the enemy?
Should accountability for all these go higher than the Jolo local police?

Targets got away

Earlier on Wednesday, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said the two female suicide bombers in the Jolo blasts were the surveillance targets of the intelligence mission of Army soldiers Marvin Indammog, Irwin Managuelod, Jaime Velasco, and Abdal Asula – all slain.

Hontiveros said she received information that the 4 soldiers were already “closing in” on both targets during their signals intelligence (SIGINT) operation on June 29, when they were waylaid by 9 policemen and later on shot dead in broad daylight in downtown Jolo.

At the time, the Army said the loss of the soldiers was a setback in counterterrorism in Sulu, and that the women planning a suicide bomb attack got away because of it.

The bombers knew they were being trailed

Hontiveros disputed the PNP’s claim that the cops were after Asula, whom they alleged was involved in illegal drugs. If so, why was there no record of an anti-drug operation in Jolo at the time, and no coordination between the police and the local unit of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency?

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Task Force Sulu had informed the local and provincial police about the 4 soldiers’ counterterrorism operation, and even sought their help in hunting down the targets.

During his confirmation hearing at the Senate on Monday, Sulu task force chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr, now military commander in Western Mindanao, said it was possible the cops who killed the soldiers were somehow linked to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. Sulu is a small province, and it is common to have terrorists and lawmen belonging to the same clan.

The suicide bombers, alias Nanah and alias Inda Nay, were working for the Abu Sayyaf, which has links to the Islamic State (ISIS) terror network, the military said. Nanah was the widow of Filipino suicide bomber Norman Lasuca, and Inda Nay, the widow of Abu Sayyaf fighter Abu Talha.

“What lends this theory support is information I have received that on June 29, the soldiers found out that the bombers knew that they were being trailed by the AFP,” Hontiveros said.

'Last seen'

Messaging apps on Indammog’s mobile phone registered “last seen” time stamps past the hour when he was killed – leading Hontiveros to ask why the phone was not immediately handed over to the military.

“Kung ang tanong lang pagkatapos ng June 29 ay ‘ano ang tinatago ng kapulisan at bakit parang may cover-up,’ ngayon, pagkatapos ng pagbomba sa Jolo, ang tanong na ay ‘mayroon bang military intelligence na napunta na sa kamay ng kalaban?’” Hontiveros said.

(If the question after June 29 was only, “what are the police hiding and why does there seem to be a cover up,” now, after the bombing of Jolo, the question is “is there military intelligence that has ended up in the hands of the enemy?”)

The senator also questioned the PNP’s refusal to preventively suspend the 9 cops involved in the killing of the soldiers. PNP chief General Archie Gamboa said it is beyond his authority, and a suspension could only be meted out when guilt is proven.

Hontiveros is concerned that the 9 suspects may still have access to police intelligence unless they are suspended. “In light of the statements of Lieutenant General Vinluan, I am deeply concerned over the risks to our national security,” she said.

Seeking “more decisiveness” from the PNP’s leaders, the senator urged them to relieve the entire Jolo police force, in order to “eliminate doubts about terrorist infiltration, reassure Filipinos, and give the investigation a free hand.”

https://rappler.com/nation/hontiveros-calls-probe-terrorists-influence-killing-soldiers
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Mundi Sawadjaan behind Jolo twin bombings, military says

From Rappler (Aug 26, 2020): Mundi Sawadjaan behind Jolo twin bombings, military says (By RAMBO TALABONG)



Mundi Sawadjaan is a known unit sub-leader and bombmaker of the Abu Sayyaf Group

Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) unit sub-leader and bombmaker Mudzrimar "Mundi" Sawadjaan is behind the twin suicide bombings in Jolo, Sulu that killed at least 15 and injured at least 75.

"Iyong mastermind same pa rin siya, si Mundi Sawadjaan (The mastermind is the same, it's Mundi Sawadjaan),” AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr said in an interview with DZMM.

He was referring to the March 24 twin blasts and also the January 2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings that killed 20 and injured at least 100.

Who is Mundi?

Mundi Sawadjaan is a known bombmaker of the ASG. He is the nephew of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the leader of the ASG faction that associates itself with the Islamic State (ISIS).
After the blasts on Monday, SITE Intelligence, a US-based group that monitors online communications among Muslim militant groups, reported that the IS East Asia province had issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attacks.

The military is still tracking both Mundi and Hatib Hajan in Mindanao.

https://rappler.com/nation/military-report-person-behind-jolo-bombings
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CAFGU member killed

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 26, 2020): CAFGU member killed

A member of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was declared dead on arrival at the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, after he was stabbed by his colleague inside their detachment Monday night in Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental.

The victim was identified by the Manapla police as CAFGU member Joseph Claro of Hacienda Anicia, Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla.

Manapla police investigation revealed that a heated argument ensued between Claro, 41, and the suspect identified as CAFGU member Noel Garcia, 31, while on duty at the Ining detachment in the barangay.

Garcia, of Hacienda Minoro, Brgy. 14, Victorias City, stabbed Claro in the right side of his abdomen with a bladed weapon and fled immediately.

Claro, who was initially treated for his stab wound at the Dr. Ramon Gustilo Hospital in Manapla, was later transferred to the TLJPH in Silay City, the police said.

Capt. Jaynick Bermudez, Manapla police chief, said yesterday that they arrested Garcia at his residence in Victorias City during their pursuit operation with no resistance on the part of the suspect.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/26/topstory9.htm
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No Muslim extremist threat in Visayas

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 26, 2020): No Muslim extremist threat in Visayas

There is no threat from Muslim extremists monitored in Western and Central Visayas, Army spokesman Maj. Cenon Pancito III said last night.

Pancito, however, said that they are not taking chances as they continuously monitor any threat that may undermine the peace and order situation in the two Visayas regions.

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has infantry units deployed in Negros, Panay, and Bohol.

The twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu on Monday had killed at least 14 people and wounded 77 others.

Pancito said that they will continue to process any information to be on top of the security situation in the two Visayas regions, as he renewed their call to everyone to report any information that may be of help to law enforcement agencies to promptly address any threat.

The Police Regional Office 6 also issued a statement last night encouraging everyone to be more vigilant.

Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO 6 spokesperson, said that the whole Region is under Terrorism Threat Level 1, which means that they have not monitored threats in the region.

Malong said that the aim of the terrorist group is to sow fear among people by destroying innocent lives and properties and gain attention of the international media.

The more we are afraid, the more they will prevail, she stressed, adding that there is a need for all residents of Western Visayas to unite in preventing terrorist attacks.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who is a Negrense, yesterday said he is contemplating to recommend that Sulu be placed under Martial Law following the twin bombings.

Two of the police officers injured in the twin bombings used to be assigned in Western Visayas.

Sobejana clarified that his recommendation for Sulu to be placed under Martial Law still has to pass through the military's chain-of-command and forwarded to President Rodrigo Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/26/topstory8.htm
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Alert level 3 for Davao City as culture of security is pushed

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 26, 2020): Alert level 3 for Davao City as culture of security is pushed (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)



MAYOR Sara Duterte has urged DavaoeƱos to remain vigilant and be an active partner of the city’s culture of security campaign in light of the bombing incident in Jolo, Sulu.

The mayor said that Davao City is no stranger to any acts of terrorism and so people should always play their role outlined in the culture of security program—volunteer, report, remind and participate.

Angel Sumagaysay, the head of the Public Security and Safety Command Center (PSSCC), said Davao City is on alert status level 3, based on the recommendation of the Davao City Anti-Terror Council.

“We have coordinated with the different security clusters to strengthen our security measures,” Sumagaysay said on Monday.

Sumagaysay added that the barangay captains were already instructed to utilize their village security forces and other multipliers to safeguard their areas of responsibility. They were told to immediately report suspicious persons to the Davao City Police Office and Task Force Davao.

The Central 911 Call Center was also instructed to promptly answer any calls that may be vital to local security and relay the information to the city’s security units. Sumagaysay urged the public to cooperate with all checkpoint protocols and to expect stricter checks, which may delay their travels.

No direct threat

Meanwhile, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said that there is no intelligence report of any direct threat from fundamentalist groups.

However, Lt. Gen Jose Faustino Jr., EastMinCom chief, still directed all unit commanders to ramp up their security operations to prevent the possible spillover of the incident. The command is also working closely with its adjacent military units and law enforcement agencies, especially with the PNP, to ensure the maximum safety of the public.

“We also urge the public to be vigilant and to immediately report to the authorities any suspicious individuals or activities in their area,” Faustino said. “It is in this moment that all of us need to be security-conscious and that we need to uphold even more our culture of security.”

“Rest assured that the safety of everyone is our primary concern,” he added.To report suspicious persons and activities in their community, DavaoeƱos can call the Task Force Davao hotline numbers Globe: 0917 131 4333, Smart: 0999 227 1111, and Tel. No: (082) 224 0911.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/08/26/alert-level-3-for-davao-city-as-culture-of-security-is-pushed/
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NPA at 16, surrendered at 21

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): NPA at 16, surrendered at 21 (By Michael Uy)



DAVAO DE ORO, Aug. 26 (PIA) - - Ang ako lang pangandoy sa una nga makahuman ko sa akong pag eskwela ug makatarbaho para makatabang sa akong pamilya. Pero wala nako natuman na kay nalinla man ko sa kalihukan. (My dreams then is to finish my schooling, and get a job to help my family. But I did not achieved that because I was deceived by the movement)

His dreams then were simple but all have gone to waste as he was deceived to join the New People’s Army in 2015.

Alias Ading was 16 when he was convinced to participate in the rallies within the region, and eventually, join the communist armed movement. He was in his second year in high school at that time.

“Second year high school ko, naka undang ko tungod kay nalinya man ko nila, nisampa ko sa rebolusyonaryong kalihukan,” he said. (Second year in high school was when I stopped (going to school) because I joined them – the revolutionary movement.)

Ading recalled that at a young age, the communist group taught him the doctrines of the movement, including branding President Rodrigo Duterte as a fascist.

He was also trained to go to and survive in a war; then he was assigned for an operation.

“Paghuman sa operasyon mga unom ka bulan, nananghid ko na mouli sa among balay kay motiwas ko og eskwela. Apan dili na daw ko pwede moulli kay tungod patyon daw ko sa mga sundalo,” he said. (After the operation of six months, I asked permission to go home and continue my studies. But I was told that I cannot go home because I will be killed by the military.)

Because of that propaganda, he was forced to continue with the NPA; and in 2018, he was designated as the vice commander of the Guerilla Force 25, North Front.

He stayed for five years in the movement, until he found out that the promises of the NPA to him and his families were not realized.

“Pasaligan ko nila na tabangan akong pamilya na padalhan og kwarta bulan-bulan pero wala nila gituman,” he said. (They promised that they will help my family through sending money to them monthly; but they never fulfilled.)

After grueling years of being with the NPA, Ading decided that he had enough of the lies of the NPA, and wished to live a decent, and peaceful life.

Aside from the unfulfilled promises, Ading emphasized that the reasons he surrendered were “walay tarong nga kaon sa kalihukan ug giminingaw nako sa akong pamilya." (there is no proper eating habits in the movement and I missed my family.)

On August 22, he surrendered to the 25th Infantry Battalion carrying with him an M16 rifle, an M653 rifle, and six magazines with 58 ammunitions.

Lieutenant Colonel Asnawi Muti, battalion commander, warmly welcomed the young vice commander and belied some of the statements of the NPA like torturing or killing their rebel-comrades when they surrender.

Muti, however, slammed the communist movement for brainwashing and recruiting minors to be deployed to war, which he said, is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“They take away these children from their parents to make them revolutionary fighters and build their hatred against the government,” he said.

Ading also revealed that the NPA is in recruiting the youth nowadays because “lagtik pa og hunahuna ug ligon pa ang kalawasan.” (they still have a sharp mind, and a strong body.)

As of now, Ading will be enrolled to the programs under the Oplan Pagbabago Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) including the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (PIA11, Michael Uy)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051364
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TESDA's training of trainers kicks-off

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): TESDA's training of trainers kicks-off (By Christine Lyn G. Viajante)

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ILIGAN CITY, Aug. 25 (PIA)--The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) jumpstarts its 'Training of Trainers' program here, Monday, through its Regional Training Center (RTC) to address the need for trainers in far-flung areas in the province of Lanao del Norte and Iligan City.

TESDA aims to provide skills training more conveniently for indigenous people, former rebels, and the less fortunate living in remote areas through the troops from the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

This partnership has been sealed by a memorandum of agreement signed by TESDA Secretary Isidro S. Lapena and the Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana last May 15, 2020.

Mario S. Labisig, officer-in-charge center administrator of TESDA-RTC Iligan, said this is just one of three stages before the police and military troops will be officially deployed as trainers.

"After the completion of their National Certificate II (NCII) training, they will get their Trainer's Methodology Certificate Level 1 (TMC), then the National TVET Trainer's Certificate (NTTC), pwede an agad silang i-tap ng TESDA to become trainers," Labisig elaborated.

Labisig said all the phases of the training can be completed in more or less 70 days. He also called for the core beneficiaries to approach TESDA according to their needs.

"Sana makipag-cooperate sila sa TESDA para mabigyan namin sila ng naaayon na training para sa pangkabuhayan nila, he added. [We hope that they (the beneficiaries) will cooperate with TESDA for us to give the appropriate training that they need for their livelihood.]


Officer-in-charge center administrator of TESDA-RTC Iligan Mario S. Labisi expresses gratitude for the training participants commitment to TESDA's program. (GCR/PIA-ICIC)

The Iligan City Police Office (ICPO) and the 554th Engineer Battalion also take part in the training. Both teams will undergo electrical installation, photovoltaic system installation and plumbing. While women from the 55th Engineer Brigade will be trained in driving.

The 42nd Mechanized Infantry "Dahunog" Company will enhance their skills in organic agriculture production based on the community assessment they conducted weeks before TESDA launched the program.

1Lt Wynchelle Oamil, Dahunog company commander, expressed their willingness to extend their responsibilities in serving the country, especially if it is in a way of alleviating the lives of the people living in the outskirts of the province.

"We are willing to help them to develop and then siyempre, not only for peace but then sabi nga namin, i-aahon din namin sila sa kahirapan sa abot ng makakaya lang din ng tropa namin," Oamil stressed. [We are willing to help them to develop (economically), not only for peace but like what we always say, we will help them in making their lives more comfortable as far as our troops could do.]

She also said this program aims to train more trainers so that more people will also be trained in return.

"Gusto namin matuto ng organic farming, kasi gusto namin i-share sa mga tao dito sa nasasakupan namin. May mga areas kasi dito na malalayo na nagfa-farming din sila, but then hindi pa sapat yung kaalaman nila sa pagsasaka, kaya andito kami," Oamil added.

[We wanted to learn about organic farming and share this knowledge with the people in our area of responsibility. They are also farming, but their knowledge is not substantial enough, that's why we're here.] (CLGV/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051312
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Former rebels encourage youths not to be victims of false ideology

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): Former rebels encourage youths not to be victims of false ideology (By Myra Cel L. Espinosa)

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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 26 (PIA) – The 76 Former Rebels (FRs) listed from January to August who surrendered to the government this year are now reunited with their families through the assistance from the different government agencies.

Former rebel leader alyas Peewee, a member for 20 years of the communist rebel group shared the struggles which they experienced including hunger and weariness in the upland. As such, he is discouraging individuals especially the youth in joining the communist groups and not become victims of the false ideology as what they have experienced for so many years.

He also shared that after he surrendered, he personally experienced the services that the government provides to the FRs and to their families. “Makaingon gyud ko na sayop ang gituuhan ug gihuna huna sa mga naa sa bundok na once na naa ka diri pasakitan ka kay ako mismo karon saksi na ko ana na nakita nako karon na wala ko nila unsaa,” he added.

[I can say that the belief of people in the upland are wrong that when you surrender to the government, they will torture you. But I witnessed personally and I experienced that they did not hurt us.]

The government especially the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict continue the program that encourages rebels to come down from the uplands and be one with the government once again. There is a better future waiting for them which the different government agencies prepared in order for them to sustain their livelihood.

Dir. Ariel Perlado, the Regional Director of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said that the government will not stop even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, “we want to showcase to the general public and to all the people who joined the communist groups, that this is what the government can offer to them when they surrender,” he said. (RVC/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051298
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Sogod upland barangay gets water system during PTF-ELCAC caravans, pulong-pulong sorties

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): Sogod upland barangay gets water system during PTF-ELCAC caravans, pulong-pulong sorties (By Erna S. Gorne)

MAASIN CITY, August 25 (PIA) -- Barangay Milagroso, an upland barangay in Sogod, Southern Leyte will soon have their water system installed as an offshoot of the Lokal Serbisyo Caravan and Grand Pulong-pulong held in Brgy. Milagroso Elementary School on August 12, 2020.

Barangay residents expressed their need for water system to be installed at their highly-elevated area, as observed during the conduct of series of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) caravans and pulong-pulongs.

The residents did not prefer swine production and hog fattening, among others, due to lack of water supply, it was learned.

With the presence of Sogod Vice Mayor Jose Ramil Golo, who also represented the Sogod MTF-ELCAC team, assured the barangay residents to bring the matter with Mayor Imelda Tan to highly consider the water supply problem in Brgy. Milagroso.

Seeing the need for water system in the implementation of potential livelihood projects in the area, Vice Mayor Golo assured the far-flung barangay residents to respond to their plight together with the municipal council.

Among other government agencies, the Department of Labor and Employment also committed to bring in livelihood projects such as dressmaking for the women’s group while TESDA is set to provide skills trainings as well.

Through the guidance of Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob of the 14IB, 8ID, the PTF-ELCAC members willingly converged in three other hinterland barangays, namely Kauswagan, Benit and Kahupi-an, all of Sogod for the series of caravans and pulong-pulongs held from August 11-13, 2020. (ldl/esg/PIA Southern Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051265
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Child warriors, comrades undergo psychosocial rehab

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): Child warriors, comrades undergo psychosocial rehab (By PA 2ID PDAO)


Seven former rebels, including two child warriors who recently surrendered to government forces undergo a two-day Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program facilitated by a social worker from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 4A held in Rizal Province recently. (Photo: PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Aug 26 (PIA) – Seven former rebels, including two child warriors that recently surrendered to government forces, successfully completed on Friday the two-day Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program held in Rizal Province.

Lt Col Rimrad Feraer, Commanding Officer of the 80th Infantry Battalion who spearheaded the event, said the former rebels belong to the Dumagat Remontado tribe in the Sierra Madre.

He added the undertaking was “a result of our consultation with the IP tribal leaders who pointed out that most of the Dumagat former rebels are suffering from psychological trauma resulting from being forced, coerced and threatened at gun point by the NPA terrorists to support the underground movement.”

In his report, Lt Col Feraer said the highlight of the program was the psychosocial debriefing facilitated by a qualified and competent social worker from the Department of Social and Welfare Development Region 4A Field Office.

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said “the government is aware and sensitive to the fact that beyond the financial grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, it is imperative that we extend professional help to our former rebels, particularly the minors, so they may be able to once again lead normal lives.”

According to the military, the endeavour which is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a whole of nation approach in solving insurgency, is the first in Southern Tagalog and a product of collaboration and cooperation between the AFP, DILG, DSWD, TESDA and NCIP and support from the private sector particularly from the DV Boer International Farm Inc.

BGen Rillera ended his statement by reaffirming his commitment to his previous proclamation that his “soldiers will do everything within our means to protect our indigenous people’s innocence and peaceful nature from being exploited by the NPA terrorists whose desperation for relevance has turned them into a mere ragtag band of miscreants who have no place in Philippine society.”

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division covering Southern Tagalog, took cognizance of Regional Task Force ELCAC 4A’s innovation and going the extra mile to help the former rebels who decided to turn their backs from armed struggle.

“This significant activity is a manifestation of the Filipino people’s genuine yearning for peace and collective desire to help our fellow men who went astray or fell victim to deception and exploitation of the NPA terrorists”, added Maj Gen Burgos.

He once again condemned “the NPA’s rampant violation of internationally recognised conventions particularly those calling for the respect of the Indigenous People’s rights and those prohibiting the recruitment of minors” describing these as “deplorable acts within the terrorist organization which no word can ever justify."

The military said four out of the seven former rebels have already received Php65,000.00 representing the immediate and livelihood cash assistance under E-CLIP. The enrolment of the three other FRs to the program are currently on process and their benefits are expected to be released anytime next month.

To date, the 2ID has recorded a total of 132 Dumagats who were liberated from the clutches of NPA terrorism since January 2020. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID PDAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051301
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Tagalog News: 176 kasundaluhan, kapulisan nagtapos sa Scout Ranger Course

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): Tagalog News: 176 kasundaluhan, kapulisan nagtapos sa Scout Ranger Course (By Shane F. Velasco)

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan, Agosto 26 (PIA) -- May 176 kasundaluhan at kapulisan ang nagtapos kamakailan sa Scout Ranger Course sa Kampo Tecson.

Bahagi ng Class 210-2019 ang 25 officers at 139 enlisted personnel mula sa Philippine Army, 1 officer at 3 non-commissioned officers mula sa Philippine Navy at 2 commissioned officers at 6 na non-commissioned officers mula sa Philippine National Police.
  

May 176 kasundaluhan at kapulisan ang nagtapos kamakailan sa Scout Ranger Course sa Kampo Tecson. 23 kasundaluhan at kapulisan din ang nagtapos ng Scout Sniper Course Class. (First Scout Ranger Regiment)

Samantala, 23 ang bahagi ng Scout Sniper Course Class 27-2019. Ito ay kinabibilangan ng 4 na officers at 17 non-commissioned officers ng Philippine Army at 2 non-commissioned officers ng Philippine Navy.

Sa kanyang talumpati sa Joint Closing Ceremony ng Scout Ranger Course Class 210-2019 at Scout Sniper Course Class 27-2019 sinabi ni Armed Forces of the Philippines Peace and Development Office Head Brigadier General Francisco Ariel Felicidario III sa mga nagsitapos na tiyakin nilang isabuhay ang naging pagsasanay bilang pinakamagaling na mandirigma at pinakamatatapang na mga sundalo ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. (CLJD/SFV-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051385
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NPA’s remnants in Ilocos urged to surrender for lasting peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26, 2020): NPA’s remnants in Ilocos urged to surrender for lasting peace (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Aug. 24 (PIA) - - A high-ranking army official in the Ilocos region urged the surrender of the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) bandits to the government for the sake of lasting peace.

Brigadier General Audrey L. Pasia, the commander of the army’s 702nd Brigade, called on all the remaining NPAs in the region to give peace a chance and to avoid the loss of more Filipino lives due to the continuing armed conflict.

“We are urging the remnants of the NPA in Ilocos to give peace a chance and for them to live a normal and peaceful life with their beloved families. You are still very young and you should not allow the communist ideology to waste your precious lives,” he said.

After the successful combat operations in Ilocos Sur, Pasia said the group of Ronnie Garvida AKA Nero, and the reported leader of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya - Southern Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) was already reduced to only six members.

Of the six remnants of KLG-SIS, only three are "original" from their group. They are Ronnie Garvida AKA Nero from Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte; Ernesto B Lucaben Jr. AKA Ashley from Sitio Lingawa, Pidpid, Sta Cruz, Ilocos Sur; and a certain AKA Kiko/Lai, the party boyfriend of AKA Maymay who is not an Ilokano.

The three others are recruits and are not Ilokanos, yet sowing terror in Ilocos Sur. These new NPA recruits are identified only as AKA Tom/Dodoy; AKA Solo/Sally; and AKA Dadi/Sapi.

It was reported that AKA Dadi/Sapi was wounded during the encounter in Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur on August 14, 2020.

“They are running, tired and hungry. We call on them to surrender particularly AKA Dapi/Sapi so that we can bring him to the hospital and have his gunshot wounds treated properly,” said Pasia.

Meanwhile, Pasia said his troops thanked and welcomed with open arms the seven NPA supporters and Milisyang Bayan members, who surrendered to the army’s 81st Infantry Battalion last week with their firearms and Improvised Explosive Device (EID) allegedly issued to them by AKA Guyo, AKA Nero, AKA Junel and AKA Dindo.

“They are the living witnesses of the sincerity, professionalism, discipline, and kindness of our soldiers. They were not harmed contrary to the CTG propaganda that the government forces will kill or harm them once they will surrender, said Pasia.

“We call on the other NPA supporters, MBs and unwilling victims, who are being manipulated to cooperate with the NPAs out of fear, to surrender. It’s now the best time to surrender, turn in your firearms, and avail of the government programs to live peacefully with no more fear and apprehension,” he added.

“Let’s help each other to maintain peace and order in our community,” he said.

Pasia also urged the remaining NPA’s group in Ilocos Sur led by couple Avelino Cruz AKA Junel from Lubong, Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur and Alpha Sungay AKA Meal from Barangay Duplas, Sudipen, La Union who is currently acting as KLG SIS secretary; and Jerry Loreto AKA Dindo from Sallapadan, Abra.

“We are asking all of you to surrender now before it becomes too late, and too costly for the Filipinos. No one will win in this battle, we will be all losers to the detriment of our beloved country. If you truly love this country, you must surrender now and give peace a chance!” said Pasia. (JCR/FGL, PIA1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051080
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Bomber slain, bombing plot foiled in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26, 2020): Bomber slain, bombing plot foiled in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



SLAIN BOMB SUSPECT. Police and military agents look at the body of one of two suspected bombers who was slain during a shootout along the highway in Barangay Pagagawan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao early Wednesday (Aug. 26, 2020). The slain suspect’s cohort escaped on their motorbike. (Photo courtesy of Brigada News FM Cotabato)

Army operatives neutralized early Wednesday a suspected bomber and deactivated a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) along the national highway in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao.

Elements of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB), acting on intelligence
information that an IED would be transported from Pikit to Kabacan, both in North Cotabato, set up checkpoints along the road starting at 1 a.m.

In a report to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), Lt. Col. Michael Maquelan, 90IB commander, said at 3 a.m., two men riding a motorbike were flagged down at an Army checkpoint in Datu Montawal but they ignored law enforcers and sped away.


“The Army chased the two men but they traded shots with our troops,” Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, 6ID spokesperson, said in a radio interview.

One of the two men fell in the exchange of gunfire while his cohort, the one driving the motorbike, escaped under cover of darkness.

The slain man had a bag that contained a powerful improvised bomb. Also recovered from him was a .45-caliber pistol.
Atilano said the slain bomber was later identified only as alias “Abu Master” who belonged to the Bungos faction of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

He said the suspected bombers might have planned to bring the IED to Kabacan or Kidapawan City and other populated areas in North Cotabato.

The disarmed explosive was made out of a rifle grenade explosive with a blasting mechanism loaded with cut nails and metal sheets that served as shrapnel.

Bomb experts said the IED was to be set off using a mobile phone.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113398
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OPAPP, NoCot LGU open water project in conflict-affected village

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26, 2020): OPAPP, NoCot LGU open water project in conflict-affected village (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



WATER PROJECT. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (left, with scissor) and Mayor Florenito Gonzaga (right) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the PHP5-million water system in Barangay Mahongkog, Magpet, North Cotabato, on Tuesday (Aug. 25, 2020). The project is expected to benefit some 1,000 households in Mahongkog and its neighboring villages of Balite and Temporal in the municipality. (Photo courtesy of Magpet LGU)

MAGPET, North Cotabato –The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in partnership with the local government unit here, inaugurated a PHP5-million water system project on Tuesday in Barangay Mahongkog that would benefit some 1,000 households.

OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Mayor Florenito Gonzaga led the ribbon cutting and ceremonial turnover of the project.

Municipal administrator Jupiter Rubino said the project included the establishment of a water reservoir and pipes from the water source in Sitio Tagaytay of the village.

“The new village water system would be managed by the Magpet Water Works and Services, an LGU-run water utility,” Rubino said.

OPAPP has allotted some PHP3.5 million for the project under Executive Order No. 70 or ”The Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC)”, while the LGU has appropriated PHP1.5 million as a counterpart.

“The household service pipes of the project have been completed last year, under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) of the Department of Interior and Local Government,” Rubino said.

He added the water project will also benefit the villages of Balite and Temporan.

In his message, Galvez vowed to fund the concreting of the estimated two-kilometer road connecting Balite and Mahongkog next year.

Meanwhile, Gonzaga hopes the new water system would convince communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to return to the folds of the law and fully support the government’s efforts to uplift the lives of the people in the countryside.

Barangay Mahongkog has been identified as a flashpoint for NPA activities, where clashes sporadically occurred between government forces and the rebels for the past several years.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113394
Retired Analyst at 7:05 PM No comments:
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Retired Analyst
OVERVIEW: Retired soldier/civilian analyst - Vietnam veteran- Southeast Asia specialist - Spent some time in Vietnam, Europe, the Middle East, Korea, and the Philippines - Now old and long-retired - Enjoying the good life - Blog helps to keep me mentally active
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