Stop exploitation

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 15, 2020): Stop exploitation (BY RHODA GRACE SARON) ON

Ata-Manobos file multiple cases vs. NPA, Haran

A GROUP of Ata-Manabos filed a complaint before the Davao City Prosecution Office against the leadership of UCCP-Haran and the New People’s Army for alleged exploitation and recruitment of their tribal members.

The group filed criminal cases for violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208), and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse), Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and RA 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity).

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, legal cooperation cluster spokesperson under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said that at the center of the cases would be the children who are the most vulnerable to the propaganda and promises of the NPA.

“We also filed cases of child abuse because when these children were recruited, they were minors and were incapable of giving consent,” Bosantog said. As for the violation of the International Humanitarian Laws, he said it was very clear that the children were later forced to become combatants for the NPA.

The complaint was based on the case build-up conducted by the Police Regional Office XI, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group XI, Eastern Mindanao Command, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The Ata-Manobos came from Davao del Norte and Davao Occidental.

“When they are made to stay in Haran a religious institution they were taught to make bombs, to ambush our soldiers, they were made to dismantle firearms and they were indoctrinated all against their will,” he said.

In several interviews, UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis had always denied accusations that they are holding the Lumads staying in the area as hostages. He said that they are always free to leave. But at the same time, they can’t turn their backs on the IPs seeking shelter as they escaped the militarization in their communities.

The Pasaka Lumad Confederation, one of the organizers of Haran, also said in a Facebook post in May 2020, that the Lumad families can always go home but they opted to stay out of fear.

“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”

Trafficking

But Bosantog said they have evidence that the IPs were transported to different parts of the country where they were forced to join rallies in exchange for food. He added they were brought to Manila through Bayan Muna cars.

“One of the cases is forced labor. They made slaves out of our IPs. Second is trafficking in person, they trafficked our IP communities from their ancestral lands to areas like Surigao, Bicol, Manila, Davao City, and they made them perform acts against their will,” he said.

The NTF-ELCAC had crossed swords with leftist party-list groups like Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, ACT-Teachers, which the government has accused of serving the interests of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The leftist lawmakers succeeded in scuttling the House committee hearing on the budget for the Presidential Communications Operations Office after slamming one of its officers, Usec. Lorraine Badoy, for red-tagging them.

For his part, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said that Badoy was only trying to create noise to keep their attention away from what he termed “generals’ pork” in the proposed P16.44 budget of the NTF-ELCAC.

“Hers is a farcical dare and a classic fascist trick of placing the burden instead to us whom she publicly accused of being terrorists to prove our innocence,” he said, as he challenged the official to put her accusations under oath.

Bosantog was present during a press conference at Bagani Hall, Regional Police Office XI with, Usec. Lorraine Badoy, the NTF ELCAC Spokesperson, Brig Gen. Filmore Escobal Regional Director, Regional Police Office XI, Let Gen Jose Faustino Jr. Eastern Mindanao Commander, Maj Gen. Reuben Basiao, commander of 10th Infantry Division And Atty. Nicole Batingana, regional legal officer of the NCIP XI.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/09/15/stop-exploitation/

20 former NPAs reap in the ‘Arm-to-Farm Program’ in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 15, 2020): 20 former NPAs reap in the ‘Arm-to-Farm Program’ in Bukidnon (By Yvette Natalie Tan)

Living a peaceful and productive life now, former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels reap substantial amount of vegetable root crop (camote) under the “Arm-to-Farm Program” (AFP) of the Army’s 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (8th IB) in Bukidnon province.

The plantation is situated just adjacent to the location of the 8th IB headquarters at Impasug-ong Magbuliga Development Complex, Barangay Poblacion, in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon province, which is currently owned by the local government unit (LGU) of Impasug-ong.

These former rebels (FRs) considered the time of harvesting the products as a way of bonding with their respective families.

Their effort in planting and taking care of the root crop greatly paid off as they harvested and substantially gained from the sales thereof.

Joyous “Ka Helen”, a former NPA rebel, shared her story while harvesting the vegetable crops with her family last week (Sept. 7).

“I am thankful to the 8IB especially to the LGU of Impasugong for accepting me and for helping me start a new life,” 8th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer 2nd Lt. Camille M. Bumatay, quoting the statement in vernacular of “Ka Helen”.

“My life is very different when I was still in the NPA where life was so difficult, and now I am delighted to start anew along with my family and I am hopeful that this program would last because it greatly helped us former rebels,” she added.

The commanding officer of the 8th IB Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc, Jr. assured of the unit’s continued support to the former NPAs.

“It is a vivid example of how this unit works to seek and bring efforts in providing interventions to the former rebels as they temporarily live inside the camp and prepare themselves in reintegrating into mainstream society,” he said.

“This unit together with other government agencies will continue to provide interventions to those who are willing to return to the folds of the law,” stressed the 8th IB commander.

The AFP project was crafted by the 8th IB in coordination with the LGU Impasugong to provide agriculture-based livelihood opportunities for former rebels while they temporarily live inside the military camp.

The remaining .7 hectare of the donated farmland are planted with Adlai crops that will soon be harvested in December 2020.

Further, the LGU of Impasug-ong lend another 3 hectares of land which are currently planted with corn seeds from the Department of Agriculture and are expected to be harvested also in December, this year, 2nd Lt. Bumatay also said, in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Monday afternoon.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/15/20-former-npas-reap-in-the-arm-to-farm-program-in-bukidnon/

Dumagat leaders deny blaming Army for hunger in their Bulacan community

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 15, 2020): Dumagat leaders deny blaming Army for hunger in their Bulacan community By: Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Tonette Orejas

The Army’s 48th IB holds a meeting with the Dumagat in Bulacan during a food pack distribution. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Representatives of the indigenous people’s group Dumagat in legislative councils in Bulacan province have denied reports that military activities have caused hunger among tribes people there.

In a Sept. 7 report to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Central Luzon, the NCIP office in Bulacan said Amelia Panerio, Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in Norzagaray, Bulacan confirmed that the 48th Infantry Battalion “never hindered the livelihood of the community.”

This despite the government soldiers securing the Angat watershed area through a base in a place called “Survey,” which is being claimed by tribal folk as part of the Kabayunan ancestral domain.

Liberato Sembrano, IPMR of Doña Remedios Trinidad, said it was Bro. Martin Francisco who was “hungry” because “he stopped getting funds.”

Francisco, founding chair of the Sagip Sierra Madre Environment Society, earlier wrote a letter to Malacanang asking for support for the Dumagat whom he said had their lives disrupted by the presence of soldiers who were in pursuit of communist New People’s Army guerrillas.

In the same letter, Francisco also asked the national government to give priority to the Dumagat in the issuance of national IDs to avoid suspicion by troopers that the IP group was supporting NPA.

Sembrano said a resolution by tribal councils condemning Francisco has been approved.

Col. Felix Valdez, commander of the Army’s 48th Infantry Battalion, said his unit was in the two towns to secure the Umiray-Angat Tunnel, which conveys water to the Angat Dam for Metro Manila, and to prevent NPA recruitment.

“We do not disrupt. On top of our critical infrastructure security operations, we also protect the people,” Valdez said.

He added: “The military is not the cause of hunger. In fact, we are helping ease hunger through training and livelihood support.”

Valdez said the 48th IB has also conducted six major outreach activities, including the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran in Sitio Ipo Dam at the village of San Mateo, Norzagaray.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1335720/dumagat-leaders-deny-blaming-army-for-hunger-in-their-bulacan-community

Army commander condemns NPA use of kids as human shields

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Army commander condemns NPA use of kids as human shields (By Sarwell Meniano)



SEIZED. A firearm, documents, food supplies, and personal belongings were recovered by the Philippine Army in a clash with the communist terrorist group in Kananga, Leyte on Sunday night (Sept. 13, 2020). A soldier was killed and three members of the NPA, including a young recruit, were captured in the clash. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade on Tuesday condemned the New People's Army (NPA) for using children as human shields as its members were fleeing from government troops during a clash in Leyte on Sunday night.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the act of treachery by left-leaning party-list organizations who continue to assist and condone the terroristic acts of the New People’s Army and the utter disregard on the welfare of children,” Brig. Gen. Zosimo Oliveros said.

A soldier was killed and three NPA members were captured in the clash between government troops and armed rebels in Kananga town.
The Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion confirmed on Tuesday that during the 10-minute gun battle in upland Rizal village, Kananga town, Private 1st Class Nicxon Tomenio was killed.

Meanwhile, soldiers arrested two male fighters and a 14-year-old female new NPA recruit who were left behind by their comrades. They are part of the group of 10 NPA members led by Juanito Selleza that engaged soldiers in a firefight.

No confirmed casualties on the enemy side was reported, but soldiers saw bloodstains along the rebels' escape route.

Seized from the captured NPA members was a caliber .45 pistol with magazine and live ammunition, contraceptives for women, identification cards of Anakpawis Party-list, a personal identification card of Tabang Sinirangan, food supplies, subversive documents, mobile phones, and other personal belongings.

“The NPA terrorists were seen speaking to a group of people and children and as the government troops were closing in. The terrorists opened fire, prompting the former to seek cover and maneuver. The soldiers did not immediately return fire since the NPA used children as human shields,” the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade said in its report.

After an exchange of gunfire ensued, the rebels fled to the mountainous portion of the village, leaving behind the three fighters.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115451

Soldier killed, 3 NPAs captured in Leyte town clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 15, 2020): Soldier killed, 3 NPAs captured in Leyte town clash (By Marie Tonette Marticio)

Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a 14-year-old girl, were captured by the troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion (93IB), while a soldier was killed in an encounter recently at Sitio Bonote, Barangay Rizal, Kananga, Leyte.

Three alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including a 14-year-old girl, were captured by the troops from the 93rd Infantry Battalion (93IB), while a soldier was killed in an encounter recently at Sitio Bonote, Barangay Rizal, Kananga, Leyte. (Photo by the 802nd IB / MANILA BULLETIN)

Reports disclosed that a 10-minute firefight ensued between a team of the Bravo Company of the 93IB, composed of an officer and 12 enlisted personnel led by Second Lt. Aldren Altameran, and more or less 10 NPAs believed to be remnants of the Front Committee-41, Sub-Regional Command (SRC) LEVOX.

The NPA group was reportedly led by Juanito Selleza, alias Tibor/Larry/Jay, and now under Island Committee Leyte conducting recovery works at around 6:50 p.m. of September 13.

The troops were acting on a tip that the alleged Communist rebels were seen speaking to a group of people, including children.

“As the government troops were closing in, the terrorists opened fire, prompting the former to seek cover and maneuver as they could not immediately return fire for fear that the children will be caught in the crossfire,” Maj. Bartolome Sayson, 802nd Infantry Brigade Civil-Military Operations Officer, said in a statement.

Three armed rebels, including the teenaged gril, were captured, and they yielded a caliber .45 pistol with magazine and ammunition, oral contraceptives, party-list ID cards, and other subversive documents.

One of them was identified as Romeo De Paz, a resident of Brgy. Kagbana, Burauen, Leyte. He had three standing warrants for rape in Burauen that was issued in April with no bail recommended.

Meanwhile, a casualty on the government side identified as Corporal Nicxon Tomenio was reported.

Kananga Mayor Matt Torres strongly condemned the incident. He assured that his administration will make sure that all Kanangahanos, particularly the youth, will not fall prey to the “terroristic acts of NPA.”

“Our youth should, at all times, be protected from any abuses. The recruitment by this terrorist group of our youth should never be tolerated and must be put to a stop,” Torres emphasized.

“Now, our forces from the Philippine Army have intensified their operations against NPA and have been monitoring their movements and that of the left-leaning groups that have supported the terroristic acts of NPA in the entire municipality because this shall not happen anymore,” he said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/15/soldier-killed-3-npas-captured-in-leyte-town-clash/

Dr. Joseph Scalice responds to Jose Maria Sison’s Stalinist lies and slanders

Posted to the World Socialist Web Site (Sep 14, 2020: Dr. Joseph Scalice responds to Jose Maria Sison’s Stalinist lies and slanders

Jose Maria Sison (known as Joma Sison), the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, gave a lengthy interview posted on Anakbayan-Europa’s Facebook page on September 10, entitled “On Trotskyites and other slanderers.” The interview is the third given by Sison in response to a devastating critique of the pro-capitalist politics of the CPP by Professor Joseph Scalice.

Dr. Scalice’s lecture, “First as Tragedy, Second as Farce: Marcos, Duterte and the Communist Parties of the Philippines,” has been viewed thousands of times since it was delivered at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore on August 26. He comprehensively exposed the Philippine Stalinists’ support for the fascistic president Rodrigo Duterte, and their earlier backing for bourgeois politicians including the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

A screenshot from Sison's interview with Anakbayan-Europa attacking Scalice

Sison and his supporters have responded with furious attacks on Dr. Scalice, including threats and libelous accusations that he is an agent of US imperialism and is assisting Duterte’s death squads. We urge readers to send us letters defending Dr. Scalice and his rights to academic freedom and free speech.

Below we repost Dr. Scalice’s response to Sison, originally posted on Facebook on September 10:

Joma Sison, the head of the Stalinist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has issued another lengthy statement attacking me, this time in the form of an interview with Anakbayan. Reading through the lies he spins is soul-numbing work. He has so little concern for the truth that at times he argues his way into a rhetorical corner of murderous incoherence.

Sison is doubling down on his Stalinism. He hails “Stalin’s great achievements,” and Anakbayan prints this statement without any attempt to distance itself from such an assertion. Recall that to associate this youth organization, Anakbayan—which is publishing a statement promoting Joseph Stalin—with the political line of the CPP, is “red-tagging.”

Sison asks his audience, “What kind of a historian is Scalice who denies the great historic achievements of Stalin and Mao?” I think the answer is: not an apologist for some of the most monstrous figures of the 20th century.

An image shared by Sison to slander Scalice and Trotskyists as supporters of Duterte

Sison is now attempting to hide the support he gave to one mass murderer, Duterte, yet he is shamelessly lauding another, Stalin, to the skies. Anyone who thinks that you can defend human rights by working in organizations founded on this political line is delusional.

I intend to write a detailed response to certain claims. It will take some work. It is always harder to tell the truth than it is to lie. You have to check your facts and provide evidence.

Sison seems to believe that Filipino youth and workers are ignorant dupes who will never check his falsehoods, who cannot tell the difference between a serious scholar conducting an evidence based examination of events and an increasingly unhinged political leader who is lying through his teeth.

Sison and his cohort are promoting the interview with this image of Trotsky and me in a pastiche with Rodrigo Duterte who is posing with his fascistic raised fist salute. Sison is again claiming that I am a secret agent of the death squads. I would remind everyone that it was Sison—not I—who publicly posed with this fascist salute in 2016.

An image championing "unity" between Duterte and Sison, shared multiple times by Sison

I would ask my readers that if you choose to share this post, that you take the time to share my words and not just this horrible doctored image.

Sison asserts that “only a Troskyite and fake historian can deny” that the CPP always opposed Duterte. This is a staggering lie. I am including a link to the transcript of my lecture, which meticulously details the support that the Communist Party and the national democratic movement gave to Duterte. I will place a link to Sison’s slanderous interview with Anakbayan in the comments.

Sison’s fundamental argument is: Stalin was right; I am always right; we never supported Duterte. He is not looking to win new forces to the party. No one will be won over by this sort of rhetoric. Sison is looking to provide some sort of ideological excuse to those already in the mass movement to prevent them from leaving out of disgust at the repeated betrayals that have been carried out by their leadership.

As vicious as his rhetoric is, Sison is not on the offensive. These are the arguments of a desperate, cornered man, lashing out in every direction, defending a legacy of mass murder and betrayal with manifestly diminished coherence.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/09/14/siso-s14.html

2 NPA squads on-the-run after encounter with military in Mountain Province

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 15, 2020): 2 NPA squads on-the-run after encounter with military in Mountain Province (By JJ Landingin)

Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members operating in the tri-boundary of Ilocos, Benguet, and Mountain Province are reportedly on-the-run after engaging troops from the 54th Infantry Battalion (54th IB), losing the sympathy of local villagers in Sabangan town, Mountain Province.

At least two squads composed of 15 rebels reportedly withdrew from Sabangan in haste after encountering soldiers from the 54th IB for just five minutes in Barangay Naggulunan, Hungduan.

Maj. Noriel Tayaban, speaking on behalf of the 5th ID, said soldiers had a series of dialogues in Barangays Busa, Namatec and Napua in Sabangan town, Mt. Province, convincing villagers to join the government’s fight against the Communist insurgents.

And when soldiers patrolled in the area, they encountered the rebels, later on identified as belonging to the “Kilusang Larangang Gerilya Marco”, exiting Mt. Province towards Ifugao, opened fire.

Tayaban claimed Mt. Province officials have declared Communist rebels as “persona non grata”.

Brig. Gen. Laurence Mina, commanding general of the 5th ID, expressed optimism that with Mt. Province and Ifugao provincial officials’ support and cooperation with government security forces, the “Communist movement in the highland region will continue to dwindle and die”.

Three days ago, top ranking Communist movement leader Jacinto Faroden, allegedly the first deputy secretary of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, who has the nom de guerre as “Ka Digbay”, turned himself in to soldiers and policemen after a series of negotiations for over a year in Bontoc, Mt. Province capital.

Faroden was also the commanding officer of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) BAMPIS (Benguet, Abra-Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur) quad boundary, who carried a P5.8-million reward for various crimes committed in Mt. Province and other provinces in the Cordillera.

Negotiations for his surrender started as early as March in 2019 by military and police forces stationed in the Cordillera.

Mina claimed that the surrender of Faroden “will surely affect the ICRC leadership specially its members in Ilocos and Cordillera Regions.”

Mina thanked Faroden for his decision to surrender, and said: “His brave act of a top ICRC leader is a welcome development and an encouragement to the remaining NPAs to lay down their arm and live in genuine peace. If a top cadre like Ka Digbay gave up with the organization that he thought could bring social justice and equality for all then why others could not? And so, I enjoin the deceived NPAs to follow the move of Ka Digbay and choose to live in the right path.”

Only last June, AnnieTauli, alleged secretary of the ICRC, also surrendered to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon in Baguio City.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/15/2-npa-squads-on-the-run-after-encounter-with-military-in-mountain-province/

NPA attack leaves tribal leader dead in Davao Oro

From The Manila Times (Sep 15, 2020): NPA attack leaves tribal leader dead in Davao Oro (By Ruth Palo)

Local bagani (tribal defenders) of Barangay Sto. Niño in Laak town, Davao de Oro were attacked recently by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), killing one tribal leader and wounding another. 

The bagani, who were armed with homemade shotguns that they use for traditional boar and fowl hunting, were able to exchange fire with the NPA rebels. 

The Philippine Army’s 60th Iinfantry Battalion spokesman, 1st Lt. Amadeuz Celestial, identified the tribal leader as Bensar Alcano. 

Another bagani sustained a gunshot wound and was brought to the hospital for treatment. 

Early this year, around 1,000 former members and supporters of the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines publicly withdrew their llegiance to the rebels and declared them and their legal front organizations as persona non grata.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/15/news/regions/npa-attack-leaves-tribal-leader-dead-in-davao-oro/768037/

Suspected female rebel slain in Occidental Mindoro clash, 9 alleged NPA surrender

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 14, 2020): Suspected female rebel slain in Occidental Mindoro clash, 9 alleged NPA surrender – Solcom (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

At least nine alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered in different parts of Southern Tagalog, while a still unidentified “amazona” (female rebel) was killed in a clash with government forces Monday.

Army Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Cana, public information officer of the military’s Southern Luzon Command based in Camp Nakar, said in a press statement that five of the former rebels turned themselves in Kalayaan, Laguna, and General Nakar, Quezon.

The rebel returnees reportedly turned over three firearms of unspecified caliber.

Cana also disclosed that four other former Red-fighters surrendered in Barangay Monteclaro in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Cana said combined police and Army soldiers also encountered NPA rebels in Magsaysay town in Occidental Mindoro around 6:30 a.m., where a still-unidentified woman rebel was killed.

No casualty among members of the government forces was reported.

The nine rebel returnees were all alleged members of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). The rebels’ identities were being withheld for security reasons.

“The recent surrender attests to our earlier prediction that STRPC is virtually on the verge of collapsing and slowly but surely crumbling bits by bits as local governments are facilitating more government services to NPA-infested areas and more and more areas are declaring these NPA as persona non grata,” Cana said.

Cana claimed that since 2018, a total of 661 communist guerrillas from Southern Tagalog have returned to the folds of the law as facilitated by the multi-government agency Task Force Balik-Loob.

The rebel returnees are offered livelihood financing, scholarships, housing, and free legal assistance by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

“This NTF ELCAC is working hard to meet the deadline imposed by President Duterte to end this local armed conflict before he steps down,” Cana stressed.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1335166/suspected-female-rebel-slain-in-occidental-mindoro-clash-9-alleged-npa-surrender-solcom

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Stop exploitation of AFP captive Anne Jiesel Castil in military’s psywar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 13, 2020): Stop exploitation of AFP captive Anne Jiesel Castil in military’s psywar

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 13, 2020

Last September 11, 2020, the 303rd IBPA recently posted on their Facebook page a video entitled “Save Batang Negros.” It featured Anne Jiesel Castil, a 20-year who has been held captive by the military for over a year. She was illegally arrested by armed state agents on May 24, 2019 in Siaton, Negros Oriental, along with two other guests of the 3rd District Negros Oriental Farmers Alliance. Castil hails from a lower middle peasant class origin.

In the video, Castil was made to introduce herself as former member of KM before proceeding to recite the usual reactionary black propaganda which depict the youth as “targets of deception” of the CPP-NPA-NDF and then proceeds to echo the AFP’s typical red-tagging tirade against legal progressive organizations.

Her AFP-provided script then proceeds to making absurd allegations of widespread corruption, and unequal treatment of women within the NPA. She then relates stories fed to her by her military captors about a female NPA commander eating dried squid while the rest of fighters were rationed dried fish; about wounded female Red fighters not being given prompt medical attention; and other ridiculous stories.

We in NPA-Southeast Negros denounce the 303rd IBPA for manipulating a young and vulnerable Castil. She is being used as an instrument in their psychological warfare and so-called civil-military operations under their deceptive Retooled Community Support Programs.

Castil is being used in vain by the military in their desperate effort to stop the revolutionary transformation of the youth and spread baseless fear among their parents.

Earlier this year, Castil was also manipulated by the 15th IBPA into red-tagging dozens of ordinary farmers in the hinterlands of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental. She was used to make the AFP’s fabricated lists of alleged NPA members and supporters in the mountainous communities of Southeast Negros appear credible.

Having been stripped of legal protection, Castil is a victim of the military’s psychological abuse. Under pain of punishment, she is made to cooperate and bow to the enemy’s wishes. The RTF-ELCAC in Negros Island is the brains behind this grave abuse of human rights. They must be denounced and held accountable for their exploitation of Anne Jiesel Castil.

We demand that she be immediately released from the AFP’s captivity.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/stop-exploitation-of-afp-captive-anne-jiesel-castil-in-militarys-psywar/

CPP/CIO: Duterte’s war is getting dirtier and bloodier

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2020): Duterte’s war is getting dirtier and bloodier

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

The Duterte fascist regime’s counterrevolutionary war is becoming dirtier and bloodier. Last September 12, at least five armed state agents invaded the home and killed 78-year old Rolando Patifio Leyson Sr. in Barangay San Pedro, Sison, Surigao del Norte. The local radio station reported Duterte’s armed thugs fired at least 25 rounds at Leyson using M-16 rifles and short firearms.

Leyson Sr. is the father of Rolando Leyson Jr., who is a publicly known figure of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Norte.

The murder of Leyson Sr. is the latest dastardly crime perpetrated by the state terrorist regime. It was carried out in line with the dirty schemes of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The intent of Leyson Sr.’s murder is clearly to punish his son who has chosen the path of revolutionary armed resistance. It also serves as a fascist ultimatum to terrorize other NPA fighters and commanders, their families and the people.

The murder of Leyson Sr., a civilian whose only relation to the armed movement is having a Red fighter son, is a gross violation of international rules of war and of universally accepted norms of a civilized conflict. We call on the Filipino people and international humanitarian and human rights agencies to expose and condemn this treacherous crime.

The Duterte regime and its NTF-ELCAC have resorted to such cowardly criminal acts in their desperation to achieve their self-imposed deadline of crushing the NPA before the end of its term. With less than two years left, it is clear that the Duterte regime’s counterrevolutionary war is bound to fail.

The fascist regime’s counterrevolutionary war has gotten dirtier over the course of Duterte’s 4-year rule. Failing to defeat the NPA in the battlefield, its military and police forces have been targeting civilians, who have been maliciously Red-tagged as members, supporters or sympathizers of the NPA. They are targets of military and police psywar and suppression activities.

Leyson Sr’s murder comes at the heels of successive state killings over the past few months, including the recent killing of Anakpawis Chair Randall Echanis, Negros human rights worker Zara Alvarez, Kadamay Secretary-General Carlito Badion, Iloilo City Bayan Muna coordinator Jovy Porquia and scores of activists especially in the rural areas. All have invariably been red-tagged and linked by the AFP to the revolutionary underground.

Duterte’s dirty war must be put to and end. State killings must be put to an end. Its campaign of murder must be put to an end. The Filipino people must rise and put an end to Duterte’s reign of fascist terrorism, corruption and national treachery.

https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-war-is-getting-dirtier-and-bloodier/

CPP/News: Capitalists, Duterte intensify exploitation of workers under pandemic conditions

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 15, 2020): Capitalists, Duterte intensify exploitation of workers under pandemic conditions

NEWS STORIES
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

When the Duterte regime allowed selected industries to operate under the pandemic in May, it did so without requiring capitalists to test workers and ensure their health and safety in the workplace. Since then, its has only released two non-compulsory orders where companies were merely “encouraged” to respect basic workers rights and welfare. No sanctions were set for non-compliance. The regime’s sole commitment was to “inspect” workplaces to monitor adherence to minimum health requirements. It has dismally failed at this task.

Without enough state subsidy amid the regime’s ill-conceived military lockdown, workers grew desperate for work to stave off hunger and poverty. Unemployment shot up to unprecedented levels as the economy collapsed. Capitalists were all too ready to take advantage of workers’ desperation in order to squeeze them for more profits by foregoing safety standards, slashing wages and withholding necessary benefits. In refusing to heed workers’ and unions demands for safe workplaces, the regime colludes with private companies not only to deny workers necessary health protection but also their right to just compensation for working under conditions that are inherently unsafe in the face of the raging pandemic.
Unsafe labor zones

In August, recorded infections rose sharply in Calabarzon’s (Region IV-A) export processing zones, where workers are highly concentrated in assembly lines. In Laguna Technopark alone, 30 out of 140 companies reported Covid-19 outbreaks at the end of July. These include large factories owned by Gardenia, Ftech, Alaska, Coca-cola, IMASEN, Technol Eight, Optodev, Interphil, Edward Keller, Toshiba and Nexperia. A factory in Biñan (NIDEC) reported 290 infections during a requisite swab testing. Regional health officials attributed the spread to private companies’ refusal to implement appropriate health measures. Officials said that common sources of infections included transport arrangements, dorms and dining areas but infections could also have spread from production lines. Contrary to government guidelines for social distancing, most factories are already operating at 80% to 100% capacity since restrictions were lifted according to workers’ safety watchdogs.

Majority of Filipino workers are non-unionized and contractuals in these zones. Most tend to dismiss their symptoms, if they had any, for fear of losing their jobs. But worse is the companies’ willful disregard for their health and welfare in the rush to earn greater profits.

In a live online conference hosted by labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno in late August, workers in various industries in Calabarzon and the National Capital Region expressed their disgust over capitalists’ haphazard implementation of health protocols in the workplace.

Workers in pharmaceutical company Interphil, for example, exposed that its management continued to require some workers to work even after being exposed to an infected co-worker. In July, the company refused to shut down operations to disinfect the premises even after two workers tested positive. When the infection spread, the company sent infected workers home without pay. The company did not provide proper quarantine facilities so workers had no choice but to go back to their rented, crowded boarding houses and homes, exposing their families and other workers to infection. There was no contact tracing, no follow-up health checks from the company. In most cases, the local government only sent the barangay midwife to monitor their temperature.

In a Ginebra factory owned by San Miguel Corporation, no mass testing was conducted, contrary to Ramon Ang’s public pronouncements that all SMC employees will undergo swab testing. Workers who experienced symptoms continued to work in highly dense assembly lines and congregate in tightly-packed common areas. In Nexperia, only symptomatic workers were given swab tests despite rising positive cases inside the labor zone. Nexperia’s health plan (paid by the workers themselves) did not extend testing to workers’ families.

Meanwhile, a worker in a call center in Metro Manila divulged that there have been companies which willfully withheld information from health authorities to avoid being shutdown. These companies colluded with testing centers to conceal the extent of Covid-19 infections. Infected workers were only sent home and made to fend for themselves. Some workers would keep mum on their condition for fear of losing their jobs. They were left with no choice but to continue working in compact air-conditioned offices even if they could already sense that they were infected.

Worse, many companies have used the pandemic to terminate workers or shortchange contractuals. In June, around 300 workers from Jollibee food commissary Zenith Foods Corporation were arbitrarily fired and promptly replaced. In Southern Tagalog, arbitrary layoffs have also been reported in the factories and warehouses of Lazada, Nippon Paint, SKMTI, TS Tech, Logistics, Conception and Unimagina.
State collusion

The Department of Employment and Labor (DOLE) admitted last September 9 that it has inspected only 40,943 establishments out of more than a million registered businesses. Almost a fourth (9,943) of these companies did not comply to requisite health measures such as wearing of face masks and shields in the workplace, providing hand washing and other sanitation facilities, and regular temperature and health checks. The said companies also failed to report cases of infections and undertake necessary health evaluations.

Again and again, the Duterte regime refused toheed the demand for government toundertake mass testing among workers and the people. In one of DOLE’s orders, it only stated that private companies “may test” their workforce every three months, or as they see fit. Most workers had to pay for the tests themselves, which costs from P4,000 to P8,000 per test. State health insurance, through the corruption-ridden Philhealth, only covers P900 per test.

The regime also refused to require private companies to provide adequate isolation facilities and health care for workers who tested positive and their close contacts inside labor zones. It did not build enough facilities to absorb the infected outside the zones either. Instead, it ordered local government units to convert classrooms into temporary isolation units and overburdened the already weak barangay health systems.

Almost all companies refused to extend assistance to workers’ families or give them a “quarantine pay” for the requisite 14 days. Instead of compelling these companies, the regime toothlessly “suggested” that workers be given paid and extended sick leave and supplemental allowance. In fact, even before the pandemic, many companies refused to pay the appropriate hazard and overtime pay. The system of “no work-no pay” is ruthlessly enforced. Regular workers are forced to use up their regular sick and/or vacation leave. Contractuals, who have no such benefits in the first place, are simply let go.

The regime banned public transportation, yet did not provide affordable transportation for workers. It again shifted the responsibility to private companies, which in turn, hired other private companies and let the workers pay for the expensive service. Workers in Laguna complained of shelling out as much as P60/day, from their meager P373 daily wage, for shuttle services.

Worse, the regime urged the slashing of wages through a department order that would allow companies to “negotiate” wage cuts. Many of those who have work-from-home arrangements have already accepted cuts up to 50% of their basic pay to hang on to their jobs.
What needs to be done

Since May, unions and workers’ organizations have been calling for mass testing to ensure workers’ safety and health in workplaces. They called for more vigilance in tracking the infected and prompt tracing of their close contacts.

They repeatedly called for stricter monitoring of health protocols inside factories and work areas. Regular disinfections should be conducted and entire facilities put under a quick lockdown should a worker test positive. Companies should regularly provide workers with face masks, face shields, alcohol and vitamins to boost their immunity systems. They should have proper anti-Covid-19 facilities installed, such as sanitation booths in entrances and exits.

Beyond factories, workers called for testing in their communities and cities to track and confine the spread of the virus nationwide. Testing only workers or those “authorized outside residence” is self-defeating as they come into contact with family members and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and very young children.

Workers called for more isolation facilities and basic health care for the infected and possible cases, inside and outside labor zones, and if possible, inside the property of the company.

In addition to health measures, workers demanded economic guarantees that are equally important in managing the pandemic. They demanded that the government compel private companies, especially the biggest in the country, to give them paid quarantine leave, separate from their sick and/or vacation benefits. They demanded that they be given just hazard pay amid the risks they are willing to take to keep the factories and production lines running. The “no work-no pay” system should be suspended and workers should be paid in the event that production facilities are required to go under a 24-lockdown. Companies should pay for door-to-door shuttle services so workers can avoid contact with a wider body of people, and vice versa.

Moreover, workers demanded that the state provide workers with economic security, including sufficient financial aid should they fall sick at work. Kilusang Mayo Uno has put forward the demand of P10,000 a month to tide an unemployed worker. The group also called for the regime to prop up small businesses so that they can continue to operate and pay their workers.

Beyond these measures, workers’ safety organizations called for workers to organize themselves for their own health and safety and compel companies to modify their practices. They can then work with their respective managements to keep track of safety protocols and ensure a healthy, and thus productive, workforce.

In the midst of the pandemic, labor centers urged workers to assert their union rights, alongside the more basic right to self-organize. Most of these health and economic guarantees are best fought through unions and collective bargaining especially in the face of the Duterte regime’s pro-capitalist policies. The workers’ union in Gardenia, for example, was able to compel its management to compensate quarantined workers. Another union (Daiwa) was able to secure workers 50% of their basic pay when their factory was shutdown during the first total lockdown.

A worker from a multinational pharmaceutical company remarked that while the pandemic devastated the entire economy, it also highlighted the workers’ place in society. Labor is crucial in stimulating the economy, he said, all while keeping society and all its functions afloat.

https://cpp.ph/statements/capitalists-duterte-intensify-exploitation-of-workers-under-pandemic-conditions/

Kalinaw News: AFP chief hosts meeting with vice president Robredo, assures support to humanitarian programs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): AFP chief hosts meeting with vice president Robredo, assures support to humanitarian programs

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hosted a meeting with Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo on Tuesday, September 15 at the AFP General Headquarters Building.

The Vice President was received by AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay in a customary arrival honors held at the GHQ canopy area. She congratulated the former for being appointed as the top military officer of the armed forces. They last met during the wake of the Four PA officers killed in Jolo, Sulu while Lt. Gen. Gapay was still the Commanding General of the Philippine Army.
The meeting took place at the Office of the Chief of Staff which was also attended by the VP’s staff and Chiefs of the AFP Joint and Personal Staffs.

During the meeting, Vice President Robredo expressed her gratitude to the whole military organization for its support to the many projects under her office. This includes the Oasis Project wherein military engineers assist in the construction of temporary shelters to provide comfortable sleeping accommodations to medical workers in the frontline against the COVID19 pandemic. She also commended the AFP in its efforts to fight the pandemic and noted how the organization has cared for its personnel which allowed it to continue in supporting government efforts.

The AFP is also supportive of the OVP’s livelihood programs for less fortunate youths in far-flung areas and barangays. The Vice President emphasized the importance of good governance and education for them to have a better future, and contribute to deradicalize youths, especially in Mindanao.

The second highest official of the land also noted the AFP’s efforts to protect and preserve the country’s maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea. She also highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of the soldiers’ families in keeping the home front while their loved ones are called to serve in faraway assignments.

In closing, the VP articulated her admiration to soldiers who underwent rigid trainings to become public servants and assured her office’s continued support to the whole AFP organization. She also mentioned the contribution of female soldiers especially the lady generals who currently hold key positions within the organization.

Lt. Gen. Gapay presented a token to VP Robredo to mark her visit.

“The AFP is honored to have Vice President Leni Robredo who took time out of her busy schedule to visit the military’s general headquarters and convey her message of support to our entire endeavour. As the mandated protectors of the people and state, the AFP will continue to support the Office of the Vice President as well as all humanitarian assistance programs anchored on maintaining peace and development in the country,” Lt. Gen. Gapay 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/afp-chief-hosts-meeting-with-vice-president-robredo-assures-support-to-humanitarian-programs/

Kalinaw News: 321 NPA supporters and members affirm allegiance to the government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): 321 NPA supporters and members affirm allegiance to the government

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – Three hundred twenty-one (321) former mass supporters and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) withdrew their support to the terrorist group as they affirmed their allegiance to the government during the Peace Rally and Mass Withdrawal Ceremony at Esperanza National High School Gymnasium, Poblacion, Esperanza, ADS, September 15, 2020.

The former mass supporters and members composed of twenty-nine (29) regular members, eighty (80) MB members, twelve (12) supporters, one hundred fifty-one (151) mass organization members, twenty-three (23) contacts, and twenty-six (26) courier with a total of three hundred twenty-one (321) CPP-NPA-NDF lie-low members, mass organization members and supporters of Guerilla Front (GF) 88, GF89 and GF4B of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC), all are residents of Esperanza, ADS, voluntarily withdrew their support to the CPP-NPA-NDF and subsequently denounced the atrocities and exploitation of the terrorist group in their community.
“Daku akong pagmahay sa akong pag-uban sa walhong grupo, ug karon gusto na kong mupahulay ug magpuyo nga malinawon uban ang akong pamilya”, AKA Rey said, a former UGMO member.

The mass withdrawal was made possible by the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict “MTF-ELCAC” headed by Hon. Leonida M. Manpatilan, Municipal Mayor of Esperanza through the effort of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion in conducting its Community Support Program (CSP) in conflict-affected areas (ConAAs) in the said municipality which aims to help the community identify their common issues and to bring to the attention of the local government unit (LGU) for appropriate actions.

Hon. Leonida P. Manpatilan, Municipal Mayor of Esperanza said, “The presence of these terrorists is a threat to our security as they instill fear to people in the communities and kill civilians who contradict their propaganda. But today, I am happy to commend all of you for coming back to the fold of law without fear and hesitation.”, she said.

The LGU-Esperanza also granted financial assistance to former NPA members during the said activity. “We are now peace partners and rest assured that the LGU-Esperanza will help you in providing what you need to start a new life.”, Hon. Manpatilan added.

The national government expedites the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 “Institutionalizing the Whole of the Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” asserting that all government agencies shall prioritize the delivery of basic services and social development in conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communities purposely to elevate poverty situation which has become the root cause of enemy recruitment and manipulation of the CTGs.

Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr., Provincial Governor of ADS, commended the LGU-Esperanza and the 26IB for their converged and collaborative efforts with the PTF-ELCAC in ending insurgency towards a more peaceful and more developed ADS. “The Philippines has only one flag, the burning of the communist flag signifies your submission to the government. We only have one government, we only have one flag, we only have one Philippines, and we have that democracy. With that, I commend the partnership of LGU-Esperanza and the 26IB for their persistence in our quest for peace and development in our province.”, he said.

Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, applauded LGU-Esperanza for its untiring support to the unit’s Civil Military Operations (CMO) activities. Likewise, he gratefully welcomed the 321 former mass supporters and members in their fearless decision to go back to the mainstream society. “We sympathize with the NPA supporters who have already realized the deception of this terrorist group, that is why our doors remain open in accepting them back to the fold of the law.”, he said.

“We are very grateful that due to our continuous effort in reaching out to our fellow citizens who support the NPA, they are now able to realize the futility of their armed struggle and geared with the support of our local government. We are encouraging all other supporters and members of NPA to surrender now because you deserve a better life.”, Lt. Col. Goce 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/321-npa-supporters-and-members-affirm-allegiance-to-the-government/

Kalinaw News: 3 CPP-NPA members voluntarily surrender to government troops in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): 3 CPP-NPA members voluntarily surrender to government troops in Aurora

BALER, Aurora-The 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army reported that three members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) surrendered voluntarily to the joint operating troops of the Philippine Army, Aurora Police Provincial Office and other intelligence operatives in this capital town of Aurora.

Lieutenant Colonel REANDREW P RUBIO , commanding officer of Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion said that the three active members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) were identified as Alias Ka FPJ/Bekit-Squad Leader of Platoon 4A4 Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) CESAR, 32; Alias Ka Lara/Renren, 18, member of Platoon 4A4, KLG Cesar; and, Ka JM, 31, member of Platoon 4A4, KLG Cesar.
He said that the Delta Company of 91st IB led by Captain Bethoven B. Cabanlit and other friendly forces in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP facilitated the voluntary surrender of the three.

“The intensive joint military and police operations in the area prompted the three (3) members of Platoon 4A4, KLG CESAR, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) to return to the folds of the law. It has also in relation with the effective implementation of localized peace engagement and peace, law enforcement and development support operations being conducted by the AFP, PNP, NICA, NBI, PCG and other law enforcement agencies,” LTC RUBIO added.

As of press time, the three CPP-NPA personalities are now undergoing initial interview and documentation at the Headquarters of 91st IB in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora.

He added that they voluntarily surrendered due to unfulfilled promises for their better future, non-stop running to the government troops, they could no longer stand the extreme fatigue, hunger and hardships that they experienced in the mountains.

“They are already tired of fighting for an ideology full of lies,” LTC RUBIO furthered.

He also urged the remaining CPP NPA members to lay down their arms and live a normal life with their families while they still have chance.

“Those who will surrender will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the latest program of the government that provides shelter, employment, and livelihood for the rebel returnees,” LTC RUBIO ended.







[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/3-cpp-npa-members-voluntarily-surrender-to-government-troops-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: Army conducts 5-day community support program refresher training

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): Army conducts 5-day community support program refresher training

BALER, Aurora-A five-day Community Support Program (CSP) Refresher Training Class 02-20 kick-off here on Monday (September 14, 2020) as part of the government’s continuing effort to be more responsive to the fullest level to the needs of the community.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC), Commanding Officer of Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion said that a total of sixty four (64) participants composed of 91IB, PNP Aurora and Nueva Ecija participated in the refresher training being held at the 91st Headquarter’s Bayanihan Hall, Barangay Calabuanan in this capital town of Aurora.
He said that the conduct of CSP Refresher Training aims to capacitate the troops and for them to acquire basic knowledge and skills that would be necessary during their immersion phase.

“This is still part of the parameters and procedures in the clearing focus areas within our Area of Operations and in line with our efforts in dismantling Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Sierra Madre (SM),” LTC RUBIO added.

He furthered that participants will serve as the CSP operators in anticipation of their immersion in the community to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) after the training.

San Luis town Mayor Ariel A. de Jesus who graced the occasion lauded the efforts of 91st IB saying that despite the Covid-19 pandemic the Philippine Army troopers are on their side in ensuring security to the populace including the governments programs, projects, and activities that are geared towards institutionalizing sustainable peace and developments in the community.

“Ang pagkakaroon ninyo ng refresher training na ito ay isang napapanahong gawain dahil na rin sa mga restrictions ngayong pandemya ay maraming mga pagkakataon an gating nakita sa balita na dahil sa kagipitan ay nagging aktibo at marahas ang approach ng mga samahang kontra gobyerno upang makakuha ng supply ng pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan. Mayroon tayong mga kasamahan na pumanaw at nasaktan at nais kong magpabatid ng pakikiramay at simpatiya sa inyo. Sa kahit anu pa mang programa ng ating gobyerno ay nariyan ang pagkupkop sa mga tao. Kahit ano paman ang naging alitan natin laban sa mga kontra sa pamahalaan ay patuloy na hinihikayat natin silang bumalik sa ating mga bisig,” de Jesus said.

The mayor also cited an NPA surrenderee who needs medical attention and was brought to Cabanatuan City with the help of 91st IB.

“The municipal government of San Luis gave financial assistance so that this surenderer will have a peaceful life and will avail other programs from the government,” de Jesus said, explaining that the refreshers training will intensify the enforcement of peace and order situation and smooth implementation of government projects for the sustainable development of every community.

“Nais kong ipabatid ang pasasalamat sa ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan dahil sa pamamagitan nila ay unti-unting naisasakatuparan ang ating mithiin ng kapayapaan para sa bayan at kaunlaran ng ating mga mamamayan. Asahan ninyong laging bukas ang bahay pamahalaan ng San Luis upang tayo ay magkatulungan sa mga hakbanging kinakailangan upang maging ligtas ang pamayanan. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat at saludo sa inyo na ating mga buhay na bayani,” de Jesus ended.

Present during the opening ceremony were Vice Mayor Tristan Pimentel, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) chief Gabriel Llave and other staff of LGU San Luis.









[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-conducts-5-day-community-support-program-refresher-training/

Kalinaw News: IPLS para sa mga katutubong Agta ng San Mariano, Isabela, inilunsad

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): IPLS para sa mga katutubong Agta ng San Mariano, Isabela, inilunsad

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Sinimulan na ang tatlong araw na Indigenous People Leadership Summit (IPLS) na may temang “Ating mga Katutubo: Kultura ay ating Linangin at Pagyamanin” na pinangunahan ng 95th Infantry (SALAKNIB) Battalion, 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, katuwang ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan sa siyudad ng Ilagan, Isabela noong ika-13 Setyembre 2020.

Layunin ng naturang aktibidad na linangin ang mga kakayahan ng mga katutubong agta para sa kanilang pangkabuhayan at bigyan sila ng kaalaman ukol sa mga serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Executive Order #70 o National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
Ayon kay Dir Demetrio Anduyan Jr., Provincial Director ng Technical Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Isabela, ang naturang leadership summit ay isang napakahalagang pagsasanay upang mapabuti ang pamumuno sa kanya kanyang nasasakupan. Aniya, maraming mga gumugulo sa kaisipan ng mga katutubong agta dahil sa mga mapaglinlang na mga pamamamaraan ng NPA. Kanyang ipinagdiinan na ang tunay na gobyerno ang nagbibigay ng mga oportunidad sa mga nagbabalik loob sa pamahalaan upang magbagong buhay. “Bitawan na ang mga armas at hawakan na ang mga kagamitan ng TESDA dahil ito ang makapagbibigay sa inyo ng kabuhayan,” ang naging pahayag ni Anduyan.

Siniguro naman ni Col Boligo Aggabao, Ret. PA, Municipal Administrator ng Local Government Unit ng San Mariano, Isabela, ang tulong at suporta ng kanilang lokal na pamahalaan sa mga katutubong agta at mananatiling bukas ang kanilang opisina para sa kanila.

Dahil dito, lubos naman ang naging pasasalamat ni Ginang Marites Andana, Federation President ng Agta Community sa bayan ng San Mariano dahil sa ginagawang pagsisikap ng 95IB upang matulungan sila sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay. “Sila ang nagpaparamdam sa amin ng pagmamalasakit upang makamit ang mga pagbabagong ninanais naming mangyari sa aming buhay. Kaya asahan din ng mga kasundaluhan natin ang aming suporta upang labanan ang panlilinlang na ginagawa ng mga NPA sa mga katulad naming Agta.”

Hinikayat naman ni Lt Col Gladiuz Calilan, Battalion Commander ng 95IB ang mga katutubong agta na huwag matakot at mahiyang lumapit sa kanila dahil pantay-pantay lamang ang estado ng bawat isa, sundalo man o kabilang sa IP Community.

Sa naging pahayag naman ni Col Danilo D Benavidez, Brigade Commander ng 502nd Infantry Brigade, sinabi niyang sa pamamagitan ng leadership summit, maaari ng maging tulay ang mga naturang kalahok sa pagsulong ng kapayapaan sa kanilang mga lugar dahil na rin sa kanilang ipinagkaloob na tiwala sa hanay ng kasundaluhan. “Kailangan nating magtulungan upang makamit ang kapayapaan sa ating lugar. At mula sa ating mga lugar, maaari nating maipakalat sa buong probinsya ng Isabela ang inaasam nating kapayapaan sa piling ng tunay na pamahalaan na nangangalaga ng karapatan ng bawat isa sa atin anuman ang ating katayuan o katungkulan sa buhay.”

Sa mensahe naman ni BGen Laurence E Mina, Commander, 5ID, hindi tatalikuran ng gobyerno ang kahit sinumang lumalapit at humihingi ng tulong. Aniya, nakahanda ang hanay ng kasundaluhan katuwang ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan upang magbigay ng serbisyo sa mamamayan. “Ang Indigenous People Leadership Summit ay magandang programa upang bigyan halaga ang kultura at tradisyon ng mga katutubo at ang malaking bahaging ginagampanan nila sa lipunan. Ito ay pagkilala hindi lang sa mga katutubo, kundi sa pangkalahatang lahing Pilipino.”

Nasa tatlumpu’t isang mga katutubong agta ang kalahok sa naturang aktibidad na pawang mga dating rebeldeng nagsipag balik loob sa pamahalaan.







[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/ipls-para-sa-mga-katutubong-agta-ng-san-mariano-isabela-inilunsad/

Kalinaw News: Eastmincom’s crackdown on CTG yields more surrenders in August

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): Eastmincom’s crackdown on CTG yields more surrenders in August

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Series of surrenders were recorded by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) over the month of August as the crackdown on Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Mindanao continues to break down its remaining strongholds.

Members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and Militia ng Bayan (MB), which totaled 297 individuals, were cut anew from the dwindling CTG as they deserted the terror group following the intensified Focused Military Operations (FMOs) conducted by Eastmincom’s units in their respective areas of responsibility.
Eleven (11) Communist NPA Terrorists and four (4) Militia ng Bayan members led by a certain alias Joe who belong to a Communist Terrorist Group operating in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon surrendered to the 88th Infantry Battalion on August 14, 2020, under the Joint Task Force Diamond in Maramag town.

The surrenderees revealed that they were involved in the recent skirmishes against government forces in Cabanglasan for the past weeks that resulted in a series of losses and debacles to their group.

Alias Joe also told the 88th Infantry Battalion during an interview that hunger and fear for their lives were just among the few reasons that pushed them to surrender after seeing many of their colleagues died during the series of encounters.

The surrenderees also yielded fifteen (15) various firearms composed of one (1) M16A1, two (2) Garand Rifles, four (4) Carbine M1 Rifles, six (6) Homemade Shotguns, one (1) Homemade Revolver, and one (1) Caliber 45 pistol.

The Community Support Program (CSP) efforts of the 36th Infantry Battalion and Former Rebels (FRs) in Brgy. Buntalid and Brgy. Tigabong in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur also led to the surrender of seventeen (17) Communist NPA Terrorist members and mass supporters on August 19, 2020 in Brgy. San Juan, Madrid.

The Communist NPA Terrorist deserters composed of four (4) regulars and thirteen (13) Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members divulged that they decided to surrender because of the difficulties that they have experienced in the hands of the Communist Terrorist Group. The CTG’s failed promises and ideologies further drove the FRs to abandon the armed struggle after seeing the sincere gesture of the government in addressing the issues and delivering public services to the communities, especially the marginalized sector, through the Community Support Program (CSP).

An exodus of surrender was likewise recorded in August in the area of the 402nd Infantry Brigade after 174 Communist NPA Terrorists, Militia ng Bayan members, and mass supporters yielded to government troops in two separate events on August 20, 2020, as a result of the collaboration between 402nd Brigade’s CSP Team and the PNP’s Community Action Team (ComACT).

In Agusan del Sur, seven (7) Communist NPA Terrorists and 17 Militia ng Bayan members pledged new allegiance to the government through the 26th Infantry Battalion during a ceremony in Brgy. Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. The surrenderees also brought along with them 23 assorted firearms.

Twenty-four (24) MB members and 126 mass supporters also simultaneously yielded to the 23rd Infantry Battalion through a ceremonial mass surrender at Sitio Macopa, Brgy. Poblacion, Agusan del Norte. The surrenderees voluntarily endorsed to authorities their 15 assorted firearms and several explosive materials and ammunitions.

A CNT couple identified as alias Milan and alias Cris, together with alias JR, another NPA member, also returned to the folds of the law over the previous month out of fear for the future of their family while being with the Communist Terrorist Group.

During their surrender to the 29th Infantry Battalion on August 14, 2020, in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, the former rebels yielded one (1) Caliber 5.56mm Bushmaster rifle with one plastic and four short loaded magazines, one (1) AK47 rifle with four loaded magazines, and one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

A high-ranking CNT identified as Alias Ading, who had served the CTG for five (5) years, also surrendered to the 25th Infantry Battalion on Saturday, August 22, 2020, in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

Alias Ading revealed that he was deceived to join the CTG since he was only 16 years old which is a clear violation of the provision of the International Humanitarian Law which prohibits any armed group from recruiting a minor.

The 21-year old surrenderee also brought along with him one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 rifle, and six (6) magazines with fifty-eight (58) ammunitions which he yielded to the troops.

Four (4) CNTs operating in Davao Oriental have also responded to the call of the government to abandon the armed struggle and its useless cause when they surrendered to the 701st Infantry Brigade on August 18, 2020. They also handed-over to the unit one (1) Cal .60 LMG with one hundred fifty (150) rounds of 7.62mm (linked) ammunitions during their surrender.

On August 15, 2020, three (3) Militia ng Bayan members of a CTG operating in the area of Kibawe, Bukidnon likewise surrendered through the effort of CSP operators of the 16th Infantry Battalion. The surrenderees brought along with them one (1) Springfield US 1917 Model and two (2) homemade shotguns with magazine and live ammunitions.

The series of surrenders in Eastern Mindanao generally resulted in the recovery of 29 high-powered and 51 low-powered firearms, and three (3) IEDs.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, pointed out that the series of surrender is a result of the former rebels’ loss of trust on the Communist Terrorist Group.

“This phenomenon proves that the CNT members are finally losing their trust on the Communist Terrorist Group in Eastern Mindanao as its pseudo-government proved to be a failure, particularly in delivering its promises both to its members and influenced communities while using them as a sacrificial lamb for their atrocities,” he said.

The Commander also called on the remaining CTG in Eastern Mindanao to surrender and avail the assistance being offered by the government through the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help them build a new and normal life with their families.

“To those who have already seen the hard reality in the terrorist group, this is the time for you to surrender. Heed the call of the government and abandon the armed struggle. You can assure that the government will support you in building a new life with your families,” Lt. Gen. Faustino 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/eastmincoms-crackdown-on-ctg-yields-more-surrenders-in-august/

Kalinaw News: Five former NPAs yield firearms after localized peace talk

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): Five former NPAs yield firearms after localized peace talk

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Five NPA terrorists voluntarily surrendered to the government forces after a localized peace negotiation in Kalayaan, Laguna on Sunday.

The negotiation took place in Kalayaan town’s Brgy San Antonio wherein the former rebels turned over three firearms to the combined government security forces.

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Northern Quezon, said in his report that the former rebels belongs to the NPA’s Sub Regional Military Area or SRMA 4A and 4C which operates in the boundaries of Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, and Quezon.

BGen Rillera assured that “all NPA terrorists who chose to abandon armed struggle will be treated by our soldiers humanely and with dignity which is contrary to what the underground movement has been indoctrinating to their members, however, those who will insist to stay on the path of terrorism must be ready to suffer tragic ends which peace spoilers are destined to meet.”

The former rebels will undergo debriefing and profiling as part of the enrollment process to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP wherein a former rebel could receive up to Php 700,000 worth of grants and reintegration packages after turning their backs from the armed struggle and rejoin the mainstream society.

BGen Rillera ended his statement by expressing his confidence that “the NPA’s manpower and firearms as well as mass base support in this part of the country is now fast-eroding and losing traction due to demoralization from our relentless intelligence-driven combat operations complemented by unrelenting push for localized peace talks thereby slowly but surely dismantling the remaining communist machinery in the region.”

The names of the surrenders are being withheld as part of the security protocol being implemented to prevent possible retaliatory actions that may be launched by their former comrades against them for turning their backs to the underground movement.

Major General Greg T Almerol, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division lauded the former rebels “for responding and joining the government in its quest towards peace, prosperity, and development in this part of the country.”

He also congratulated Southern Tagalog Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or RTF-ELCAC at all levels for the “unconditional support and unwavering trust to the government forces on the ground in attaining our common aspirations to bring the much coveted peace and progress to the people whom we have sworn to protect from the harms of terrorism.”

“I am optimistic that 2ID, together with the different agencies and LGUs in the region will be able to deal the enemies-of-the-state the decisive blows, while assuring our constituents of our firm resolve to win the peace will never waver despite continuously addressing an urgent task in containing the spread of corona virus,” said MGen Almerol.

MGen Almerol ended his statement by lauding the former rebels “for choosing their families over the terrorists, for choosing peace over conflict and for choosing to be part of solution that our country is facing” while reaffirming his soldier’s commitment in fulfilling its mandate “as advocates of peace, servants of the people and defenders of Southern Tagalog.”

Since the implementation of E-CLIP, the 2nd Infantry Division has already facilitated the surrender of 666 former rebels across Southern Tagalog.

[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/five-former-npas-yield-firearms-after-localized-peace-talk/

Kalinaw News: Tulong pangkabuhayan ipinagkaloob sa mga dating rebeldeng nagbalik loob sa pamahalaan sa Isabela

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): Tulong pangkabuhayan ipinagkaloob sa mga dating rebeldeng nagbalik loob sa pamahalaan sa Isabela

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Ipinagkaloob sa mga dating rebeldeng NPA ang tulong mula sa pamahalaan para sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay sa tulong ng 95th Infantry (SALAKNIB) Battalion at ng 502nd Infantry (LIBERATOR) Brigade na ginanap sa Happy Farm Ville, CMFDC, Upi, Gamu, Isabela ngayong araw ika-14 ng Setyembre 2020.

Ipinamahagi ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Isabela ang mga pangkabuhayan para sa higit 40 dating rebeldeng nagbalik loob ng Sari-Sari Store Package na kung saan sumailalim ang mga benepesyaryo sa serye ng pagsasanay sa programang Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa ng nasabing ahensya.
Ayon kay Dir Winston Singun, Provincial Director ng DTI Isabela, mayroon pang mga aasahang tulong mula sa kanilang ahensya ang kanilang ipagkakaloob sa mga sumuko sa gobyerno. Aniya, hindi nagtatapos sa kanilang mga nauna ng naipamahaging mga tulong ang pag agapay ng DTI sa pagbabagong buhay ng mga nagbalik loob sa pamahalaan. Batid umano ng kanilang ahensya na hindi lamang ang kasundaluhan ang may tungkulin na tumulong sa mga nalinlang na NPA kundi, trabaho ito ng lahat.

Sa naging mensahe naman ni LtCol Gladiuz C Calilan, Battalion Commander ng 95IB, ang mga natanggap ng mga FRs ay pamamaraan ng pasasalamat ng gobyerno sa kanilang pagwaksi sa armadong pakikibaka.

Ipinaabot naman ni Col Danilo D Benavides, ang pinuno ng 502nd Infantry Brigade ang kanyang pasasalamat sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sa patuloy na pag-alalay sa mga nagbabalik loob sa pamahalaan. “Nakapagsimula na tayo ng ating paunang hakbang para sa inyong pagbabagong buhay. Ang mga ipinagkaloob na ito ng DTI ay gamitin ninyo sa inyong muling pag-uumpisa ng matuwid na pamumuhay.”

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ni BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander, 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, sa tuluy-tuloy na pagtulong ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan upang maiparating ang serbisyo sa bawat mamamayan. “Ang pamamahagi ng mga proyektong pangkabuhayan sa mga dating rebelde ay pagpapatunay lamang na nakahanda ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan na tulungan kayo sa inyong pagbangon bilang parte ng komunidad.”





[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/tulong-pangkabuhayan-ipinagkaloob-sa-mga-dating-rebeldeng-nagbalik-loob-sa-pamahalaan-sa-isabela/

Kalinaw News: 14 Former Rebel received cash assistance from PLGU of Davao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 15, 2020): 14 Former Rebel received cash assistance from PLGU of Davao del Sur

Digos City, Davao del Sur – a total of 14 former rebels received financial assistance from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program Assistance (E-CLIP) today at 2:00 O’clock in the afternoon at Provincial Coliseum, Brgy Matti, Digos City. Each of the former rebels received Cash Assistance amounting to Php10, 000.00.

The cash assistance were formally handed over by Vice Governor Marc Cagas IV of Davao del Sur, Mrs. Mika Tan Magtulis, OIC PD, DILG, Mrs. Geraldine S. Lano, PD, PSWDO, Mrs. Lenevic M. Poresores, E-CLIP Focal Person of PSWDO Davao del Sur, LTC GEOFFREY M CARANDANG INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 39th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army and PLTCOL ROWEN R PORNOBE, Chief, POMU, DSPPO.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa gobyerno sa tabang na gihatag sa amoa, dako ug tabang ang among nadawat na kwarta para sa amoang kinabuhi, nanghangyo ako sa akoang kauban na naa pa diha sa sulod na mosurrender namo kay naa diri ang tinood na gobyerno” @ Apple said who is one of the recepients.

“This is a solid evidence that the Local Government of Davao Del Sur is sincere in ending the Local Communist Armed Conflict. We also commend these Former Rebels who are courageous enough to leave the Communist Terrorist Organization despite the standing threat to silence them. We are grateful to the people of Davao Del Sur who untiringly provide relevant information on the disposition of the Communist Terrorist Group. We also encourage them to deliver information regarding the benefits of E-CLIP to the group, for the people are the most efficient medium of transmitting this information”, 39IB Commander, Ltc Carandang said.

The recipients were further subjected to detailed profiling in order to process additional assistance for their family especially to their children.

[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/14-former-rebel-received-cash-assistance-from-plgu-of-davao-del-sur/

Philippines to step up Sabah claim by reviving North Borneo Bureau

From Rappler (Sep 15, 2020): Philippines to step up Sabah claim by reviving North Borneo Bureau (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

'The rest of the world has forgotten our Sabah claim, casually designating it as another country’s territory when we have not forgotten it,' says Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced it will once again reactivate its North Borneo Bureau, marking a concrete step in the country's efforts to tackle its touchy Sabah claim.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr gave the update during the DFA's budget hearing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 15, saying the country's "honor is involved here."

"While we fiercely guard our waters, we are not forgetting our terrestrial domain. In pursuit of securing what is ours, I have decided to reactivate the North Borneo Bureau after realizing that the rest of the world has forgotten our Sabah claim, casually designating it as another country's territory when we have not forgotten it," Locsin said.

The foreign affairs chief added the Philippines' claim to Sabah was one of several international disagreements "we can afford to conduct in our best interest without any risk of loss of any kind for our country."

Sabah, known for its resource-rich lands, is a territory occupied by Malaysia but claimed by the Philippines as part of Mindanao.

Why does this matter?

Locsin's announcement further steps up the Philippines' Sabah claim after it had mostly been contained to exchanges of statements from diplomats and politicians in the two countries.

Although the Philippines has never relinquished its claim of sovereignty over Sabah, it has for the most part kept that claim dormant to maintain harmonious ties with Malaysia.

This may no longer be the case, Locsin said, as he told lawmakers "we will address this with the utmost vigor."


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Locsin turned up the notch further when asked about "stateless persons" supposedly sent to the country by Malaysia through its porous borders with the southern Philippines. Locsin said that though the Philippines must proceed "carefully," he did not view people coming in as "stateless."

"They must be Filipino because Sabah is ours! That's all there is to it. If Malaysia doesn't like it, that's too goddamned bad for them. This question of ASEAN amity – that won't get in the way of my assertion of what is ours," he said.

With a revived North Borneo bureau, Locsin said the Philippines will "make sure no one is allowed to question that claim without a challenge from us."

Sleeping giant

The Sabah issue recently featured in headlines in late July, after a tweet from the US embassy saying America donated hygiene kits to Filipinos from "Sabah, Malaysia" triggered a firestorm of tweets from Locsin. Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had tweeted in response, and the two countries eventually summoned one another's diplomats.

"That was it. I blew my top and I told the embassy take it down…. Because that has been happening to us – that claim has always been there. We should never have allowed it to go dormant," Locsin said on Tuesday.

While the Philippines is leaning towards reviving the claim, analysts earlier said silence on the issue when possible is "pragmatic." After all, Malaysia is 1 of the 5 countries with the most Filipinos overseas, a leading source of tourists, and a close partner in fighting piracy and terrorism.

https://rappler.com/nation/philippines-step-up-sabah-claim-revive-north-borneo-bureau