This docu on Kumander Dante and post-EDSA NPAs took 32 years to have a Philippine screening

 Posted to ABS-CBN/ANCX (Sep 18, 2020): This docu on Kumander Dante and post-EDSA NPAs took 32 years to have a Philippine screening

The film will take audiences back to the social and political unrest after the EDSA People Power.

It also features a young lieutenant by the name of Bato dela Rosa, and music from Hotdog, David Byrne, the Bee Gees and Joey Ayala.ANCX Staff

The Los Angeles Times describes it as “disturbing, comprehensive, illuminating…. [with] a raw immediacy that is engaging, fair-minded.”

Hollywood Reporter says the film runs along "at a refreshingly fast gait and sparkles with deadpan wit and shrewd observations". The magazine also does not fail to note the "further wallop of panache and comic editorial counterpoint" given by the film’s "eclectic and zippy music"—which includes selections from David Byrne and The Talking Heads, the Bee Gees, and Filipino composer-performer Joey Ayala.

Documentary filmmaker Nettie Wild in the Philippines in 1987.

We are talking about "A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution," a film that aims to take audiences back to the political and social unrest after the People Power revolution, fresh from the overthrow of Marcos and the victory of Cory Aquino. It is part of the opening program of Daang Dokyu, the Philippines’ first documentary festival of its kind.

The documentary was made by acclaimed Canadian documentary filmmaker Nettie Wild. It waited three decades to finally have its Philippine debut. 

Wild dedicates the film to "the Filipinos who offered friendship to me, an outsider."

"It is only now that the film will face its most important audience - the Filipinos," says Wild. "It’s time for 'A Rustling of Leaves' to come home. It’s only a pandemic that stops me from being on a plane to be in the Philippines for this first official screening." Wild offers the online screenings to the Filipinos she met while making the film, "the Filipinos who offered friendship to me, an outsider."

The documentary was filmed in 1987. It follows the lives of Kumander Dante, founder of the guerilla New People’s Army, and Father Navarro, rebel priest and guerrilla fighter. Also featured in the film are former radical priest Ed dela Torre and the young lieutenant, now senator, Ronald dela Rosa. 

Image from "A Rustling of Leaves" which won the People's Choice Award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1989.

The film won the People’s Choice Award at the 1989 Berlin International Film Festival, the Prix du Public award on the 50th anniversary of the National Film Board of Canada, the Grand Prize at the Houston Film Festival, and Best Cinematography at the Society of Canadian Cinematographers.

Jewel Maranan, festival director of Daang Dokyu, says "A Rustling of Leaves" is a pioneering effort, having come before foreign film productions started looking into the political situation in the Philippines. “In my opinion, no sharper and more in-depth analysis of our nation's conflicts and contradictions has been made in film," Maranan says. "We are screening it now at Daang Dokyu, 32 years late, but it remains very relevant today. It is an important film for people seeking to understand the roots of conflicts in the country and for those concerned about the peace process.”

The film will have an introduction from the filmmaker during the online screening, as well as a question and answer with Prof. Roland Tolentino, member of the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

The online screenings are set from September 19 to 21.

Other featured documentaries in the program are Kiri Dalena’s "Alunsina" (2020), ABS-CBN’s documentary "Marcos: A Malignant Spirit" (1986), Lito Tiongson’s "Mendiola Massacre" (1987), and Ramona Diaz’ "Imelda" (2003).

"A Rustling of Leaves: Inside the Philippine Revolution" will have a re-run from October 9 to 15 as part of Daang Dokyu’s festival proper.

More information on Daang Dokyu, the film festival that showcases a selection from the largest collection of Philippine documentaries from the past one hundred years, is available at daandokyu.ph.

Streaming of "A Rustling of Leaves" starts September 19, 9AM at daangdokyu.com/watchnow.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/movies/09/18/20/this-docu-on-kumander-dante-and-post-edsa-npas-took-30-years-to-have-a-philippine-screening

Suspected NPA ‘spy’ nabbed in Bohol

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 18, 2020): Suspected NPA ‘spy’ nabbed in Bohol (By Martin Sadongdong)

A suspected spy for the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in a joint military and police operation in Bohol on Thursday.

First Lieutenant Elma Grace Remonde, civil military operations (CMO) officer of the Bohol-based 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB), identified the suspect as 43-year-old Junifie Dagale with aliases “Chang,” “Tanya,” “Habagat” and “Inang.”

Dagale is allegedly a member of the Intelligence Unit of Regional Operational Command under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) operating in Davao region.

She was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by Judge Virginia Tehano-Ang, of Tagum, Davao del Norte Regional Trial Court.

The warrant of arrest was served while Dagale was inside the house of her husband’s relative in Barangay Aguining, Carlos P. Garcia town at 8:30 a.m.

“Ka Chang/Tanya/Habagat/Inang is an expert in the deception and exploitation of mass and youths with the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines – NPA – National Democratic Front) fraud ideologies,” Remonde said.

“As a member of the Intelligence Unit, her recruited youths became members of ‘Asdang Kultura,’ a pseudo-cultural theater group composed of children and teenage youths (who) were harnessed for gathering information and monitoring of the presence of government troops during assaults,” she added.

Remonde said Dagale has been monitored by the authorities after she became the leader of the Guerilla Front 33 of the SMRC. The guerilla front operates in Davao region.

Remonde said Dagale is involved “in major acts of terrorism,” citing the rebel leader’s alleged participation in raids, arson, kidnapping and ambush using improvised explosive device (IEDs).

The most recent of these attacks include the burning of Lapanday Corporation Plastic Plant in Buhangin District and Lorenzo Farm in Calinan District both in Davao City in April 2017, according to Remonde.

The incident resulted in the death of a fish vendor during the explosion of an IED, the military officer noted.

Dagale’s team was also tagged in the burning of Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City.

When Dagale became a member of the intelligence unit of SMRC in Davao region, she allegedly got involved in NPA raids in Linda Patrol Base, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro in 2008; Napungas Patrol Base in Asuncion, Davao del Norte in 2010; and the Earth Savers Security Agency in Libertad, Butuan City in 2012.

Dagale was also linked in the abduction of a provincial jail warden in Panabo City, Davao del Norte in 2013; and in the planned ambush of government troops and members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Kapalong, Davao del Norte in 2014 that caused the death of an army officer.

Remonde added that Dagale’s group conducted two more raids in 2015 targeting a mining compound in Monkayo, Davao de Oro and the Mati Police station.

“The successful apprehension of Junifie Dagale simply means that the Province of Bohol is not a safe haven for NPA members who want to hide and flee from their outrages,” Remonde said

“Boholanos are far more vigilant in sending reports whenever they see new faces around their community,” she said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/18/suspected-npa-spy-nabbed-in-bohol/

Top CPP official nabbed in Bohol town

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 18, 2020): Top CPP official nabbed in Bohol town (By: Leo Udtohan)

An alleged high-ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was arrested in a joint operation of the police and military in the municipality of President Carlos P. Garcia (PCPG) on Thursday.

Junifie Veloso Dagale, 43, was the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Virginia Tehano-Ang of the Regional Trial Court Branch 1 in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

She will be facing murder charges, a non-bailable offense.

1Lt. Elma Grace Remonde, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 47th Infantry (Katapatan) Battalion, Dagale is a member of the Intelligence Unit of Regional Operational Command under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee operating in Davao Region.

Dagale was an activist before she reportedly became a leader of the Guerilla Front 33.

An investigation showed that she was involved in terroristic acts such as raids, arson, kidnapping, and ambush of both government forces and civilians using Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

Remonde said the arrest of Dagale in Bohol meant that the province is not a safe haven for NPA members who want to hide and flee from their outrages.

“Boholanos are far more vigilant in sending reports whenever they see new faces around their community,” she said.

Dagale is currently detained at the PCPG police station.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1337084/top-cpp-official-nabbed-in-cebu-town

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

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 17, 2020): 20 former NPAs reap in the ‘Arm-to-Farm Program’ in Bukidnon (By Mike Crismundo

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/2020/09/17/20-former-npas-reap-in-the-arm-to-farm-program-in-bukidnon-2/

321 former members, supporters withdraw support for NPA in Agusan del Sur

 From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 18, 2020): 321 former members, supporters withdraw support for NPA in Agusan del Sur (By Mike Crismundo)

BUTUAN CITY – Three hundred twenty-one former mass supporters and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) withdrew their support to the terrorist group, and pledged to support the government’s peace and development program.

Members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) burn the communist flag and take their oath of allegiance to the Republic as a sign of their withdrawal to the communist movement during the peace rally and mass withdrawal ceremony held at Esperanza National High School Gymnasium, Barangay Poblacion, Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province. (Photo courtesy of 4th ID-PAO, 26th IB-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

As a sign of their withdrawal to the dwindling communist movement, they burned the Communist flag, and affirmed their allegiance to the government during a peace rally and mass withdrawal ceremony held at Esperanza National High School Gymnasium, Poblacion, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

“They denounced the Communist movement, burned the Communist flag (NPA), and chanted slogans for peace, development and progress in their respective communities,” Public Affairs Office (PAO) Chief of the Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID) Maj. Rodulfo S. Cordero, Jr. told The Manila Bulletin on Friday.

Those who turned their backs to the Communist movement were 29 former regular members, 80 Milisya ng Bayan (MB) members, 12 supporters, 151 mass organization members, 23 contacts, and 26 couriers.

They were former mass organization members and supporters of Guerilla Front (GF) 88, GF89 and GF4-B of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

“They voluntarily withdrew their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF), and subsequently denounced the atrocities and exploitation of the terrorist group in their respective communities,” Cordero said.

The mass withdrawal was made possible through the efforts of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), headed by Esperanza town Mayor Leonida Manpatilan, and through the efforts of the 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB) in conducting its Community Support Program (CSP) in conflict-affected areas.

“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,” Manpatilan said.

“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,” she added.

The Esperanza municipal government also granted financial assistance to former NPA members during the activity.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/18/321-former-members-supporters-withdraw-support-for-npa-in-agusan-del-sur/

Soldiers seize firearms in NegOcc clash with NPA

 From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 18, 2020): Soldiers seize firearms in NegOcc clash with NPA (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

Soldiers from the 94th and the 11th Infantry Battalions based in Negros Oriental have seized firearms following an encounter with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, the Philippine Army said on Friday.

The government troops were on joint combat clearing operations when the encounter erupted with at least 12 suspected NPA members in the village of Amian in Barangay Tan-awan of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental around 3:20 p.m. Thursday, a statement from the Army said.

The 25-minute gun battle resulted in the seizure of one M16 rifle, one .45-caliber pistol, one magnum .357 pistol, four rifle grenades, one hand grenade, 15 assorted magazines with ammunition, five backpacks, three bandoliers, three cell phones, a solar panel, medicines and medical equipment/ paraphernalia, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

No one was hurt among the soldiers.

According to 94th IB Commander Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, “persistent reports from the locals reaching the Battalion reveal that a group of (NPA members) were conducting recruitment activities in the mountainous area of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental and the adjacent municipality of Ayungon, Negros Oriental, hence, a combat clearing operation was conducted.”

302nd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan lauded the accomplishment of the troops. He attributed the positive result to the timely information from the locals and the decisive and effective leadership of the ground commanders.

"The 302 Brigade and its subordinate units will conduct relentless combat operations against the CNTs in Central and Southern Negros in order for peace and development to prosper," Baluyan was quoted as saying.

"I encourage the CNTs (CPP-NPA Terrorists) to surrender and return to the mainstream society rather than risking facing the consequences of an encounter with the full might of the military," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115940

CPP/Daba-Daba: Kwentong integrasyon ng isang expat: Sa gitna ng putik at mga unos

Daba-Daba propaganda cultural feature posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 17, 2020): Kwentong integrasyon ng isang expat: Sa gitna ng putik at mga unos

| CULTURAL | FEATURES
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Kwento ng unang integrasyon sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan ng isang Pilipinong expat(1)
ni Kasamang Jane

Sa pag-akyat ko sa maputik na daan, lumuwag ang aking pagkapit sa mga bato. Nadulas ako at nasugatan ang putikan ko nang tuhod. “Bakit nandito ako?” “Ano ang ginagawa ng isang dayong taga-lunsod sa gitna ng kagubatan patungo sa isang larangang gerilya?” Lubhang malayo ito sa aking kumportableng burges na pamumuhay kagaya ng iba pang Pilipinong lumaki sa ibang bansa. Hindi kami lumaki sa putikan at tag-ulan, hindi nakauunawa ng kahirapan ng mga magsasaka, ng mga manggagawa sa mga pabrika, nahihiwalay sa katutubong wika’t mga tradisyon–labis na malayo sa rebolusyon.

Ngunit kaming may 10 milyong Pilipinong nasa labas ng bansa ay bahagi rin ng pambansa-demokratikong kilusan. May papel din kami sa pakikibaka para ipagtagumpay ang kalayaan para sa Pilipinas at ng mga manggagawa sa buong mundo.

Naramdaman ko ang kahirapan sa aking paglakad sa maputik na daan. Ilang beses akong nadulas at bumagsak. Sa labas ng bansa, marami sa amin ang may pakiramdam na parang hindi sapat ang aming pakikibaka o parang wala kaming maitulong dahil masyadong malayo kami sa rebolusyon. Isa pa’y ang impluwensya ng kaburgisan. May ilang mga kasama ko doon na nanghina at naguluhan dahil hindi nila mailugar ang kanilang sarili bilang Pilipino at sa kalagayan ng Pilipinas.

Ito ang dahilan kung bakit determinado akong makipagsalamuha sa New People’s Army (NPA) para lubos kong maunawaan ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka. Paano natin maipalaganap ang kawastuhan ng rebolusyong Pilipino kung hindi natin ito personal na mararanasan? Sabi nga ng aking kakilalang si Kasamang Paul, “Paano mo mauunawaan ang isang bagay kung hindi mo ito sinusubukan?”

Sa loob lamang ng ilang araw, mabilis kong nalaman kung paano tinutulungan ng NPA ang mamamayan para sa kanilang mga karapatan sa lupa… Marami akong natutunang mga isyu tulad ng Rice Tariffication Law na lumikha ng grabeng pagbaba ng presyo ng palay na naging sanhi ng kapahamakan ng mga magsasaka, at lalong nagbaon sa kanila sa utang.

Kung tutuusin, sadyang mahirap ang buhay ng NPA, sa pisikal man o emosyunal. Ngunit, nakita ko na palaging handa ang mga Kasama na tumulong kung kailangan mo ito. Sa kabundukan, magagawa natin ang isang lipunang gusto natin–walang pagsasamantala at patas ang pagtrato sa isa’t isa. Sa iskwad na nasamahan ko, mayroon kaming mga talakayan, tumutulong sa mga responsibilidad, at sinisegurong inaalagaan ang lahat na mga kasapi.

Habang pinagkakaitan ng rehimeng US-Duterte ang walang-perang mga magsasaka ng serbisyo sa kalusugan, nagbibigay naman ang NPA ng mga gamot, nanggagamot sa pamamagitan ng akupangtura, nagbibigay ng dental care, at nagtsetsek-ap sa nangangailangan ng atensyong medikal. Habang ipinasasara ng gubyernong Duterte ang mga paaralan ng mga katutubong Lumad, ang NPA nama’y nagbibigay ng libreng programa sa literasiya, nagtuturo ng syensya para malutas ang problema ng mga magsasaka at tinuturuan ang mamamayan ng kanilang likas na karapatan.

Sabi ng tiranong gubyerno ni Duterte, kaya niyang gapiin ang NPA sa loob ng tatlong buwan. Pero katulad sa ibang nagdaang presidente, hindi niya ito magagapi. Matapos kong makita na malakas, prinsipyado at lubos na sinusuportahan ng mamamayan ang NPA, naging mas resolbado akong magpatuloy sa pakikibaka. Ang mga kasama, bata man o may edad na, mga nanay at tatay, ay dedikado sa kanilang pagsisilbi sa sambayanan.

Sa pagtapos ng aking integrasyon sa NPA, at sa pagbalik ko sa aking pinanggalingang bansa, masaya akong isasalaysay ang kawastuhan at pangangailangan ng digmang bayan sa iba pang Pilipino sa labas ng bansa. Palalakasin ko ang pangangalap ng suporta para sa armadong rebolusyon at kumbinsihin ang iba pang Pilipino na makisalamuha sa hanay ng NPA.

Makakamit lamang ang kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng pakikibaka. Katulad ng putik na kumakapit sa aking bota, maaanod din ang lumang lipunan ng rumaragasang tubig. Sana ang maulang panahon ay magdadala ng bagong buhay at bagong mga rebolusyonaryo.

(1) Expat – indibidwal na katutubo ng isang bansa na namumuhay sa ibang bansa

[Salin mula sa Daba-Daba (Agosto 2020), rebolusyonaryong pahayagang masa sa Panay.]

https://cpp.ph/2020/09/17/kwentong-integrasyon-ng-isang-expat-sa-gitna-ng-putik-at-mga-unos/

CPP/News: NDFP to engage with VP Robredo for peace talks resumption

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 18, 2020): NDFP to engage with VP Robredo for peace talks resumption

NEWS STORIES
SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) yesterday expressed intent to engage in discussions with Vice Pres. Leni Robredo regarding the issues in its peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

In an interview with Ang Bayan, recently appointed NDFP negotiating panel interim chairperson Julie de Lima said that “the NDFP, including its panel, should hold discussions with opposition parties, in particular, the Liberal Party,” and “engage the constitutional successor to press for the resumption of the peace negotiation as a rallying point in the effort to oust Duterte.”

“Prospects for resuming the peace negotiations after Duterte, whether he is ousted or he finishes his term, are possible and desirable,” said de Lima. She urged all democratic forces to build the broadest united front and encourage the strengthening of the peace advocacy among various sectors and classes of the people.

She pointed out that in a post-Duterte scenario, “negotiations can immediately resume to tackle the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER).” The CASER, de Lima said, “has relevant provisions on confronting the issue of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“The draft agreement has a whole article consisting of seven sections which are devoted to the discussion of the people’s right to health. This includes the establishment of a universal public health system that provides free, comprehensive and quality health services for all,” de Lima added.

De Lima said that the pandemic as a form of disaster is also well covered in CASER. It provides immediate and adequate financial, material, moral and psychosocial support, ensuring disaster preparedness and respons, and holding criminally and civilly liable corrupt and grossly negligent officials.

The NDFP and GRP “can elaborate on the issue based on a summing up of experience and learning lessons from both sides as well as from the positive and negative practices of foreign countries and international agencies in responding and confronting this particular pandemic as well as other pandemics.”

https://cpp.ph/2020/09/18/ndfp-to-engage-with-vp-robredo-for-peace-talks-resumption/

CPP/NDF-Visayas: Army puts more barrios under RCSP, hamletting in Western Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 18, 2020): Army puts more barrios under RCSP, hamletting in Western Samar

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT

SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today denounced the Philippine Army for putting more barrios in Western Samar under hamletting and combat-intelligence-psywar operations veiled as Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), which add undue hardship upon the people who face worsening health and economic prospects amidst the pandemic.

The NDF-EV cited reports from the New People’s Army-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command or AOC) saying that troops under the 87th Infantry Battalion and 14th IB have also put Sitios Galutan and San Pedro in Brgy. Hagbay, and Brgy. Cataydungan in San Jose de Buan under RCSP operations, on top of the 33 barrios where soldiers have been encamped since the last week of May. Soldiers play counterrevolutionary recordings on loudspeaker all day, calling for the civilians to surrender as NPA fighters and supporters and causing a ruckus in the communities. At the same time, 50-80 troopers conduct combat operations into hinterlands near the barrios.

The NPA-AOC also reported that at least eight barangays already under RCSP operations are now subjected to hamletting by soldiers. These include Barangays Gusa, Aguingayan, San Nicolas, Can-aponte, Hagbay, and Sitio Fernandez in San Jose de Buan, and barangays Beri and Canvais in Motiong. Soldiers allow only two to three individuals to leave the barrio at a time and only if the former are duly informed.

NDF-EV spokesperson Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas said that these movement restrictions are a death knell to the peasant masses who, as it is, are struggling to make their living as the Duterte regime’s anti-pandemic measures remain bungling and keep the people in dire straits. He recalled the peasants in Sitio Salvacion, Brgy. San Nicolas whom soldiers prevented from tending to their farms unless they surrendered.

“The Army is basically showing their heartlessness to the people by pushing them to the throes of hunger and desperation. They are cornering the peasant masses into choosing between starving and surrendering. This is their strategy against the NPA — target the defenseless civilians instead, threaten them and force their cooperation,” Fr. Salas said.

He called upon the people of Western Samar to unite and fight these attacks by the fascist Army troops. “They must remain brave and united in the face of these intensifying attacks. They must make louder their call to stop the militarization of their communities, to insist on their right to free movement and livelihood as guaranteed by the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, and to urge human rights and cause-oriented groups to investigate and expose the military’s abuses.

“They must join the mounting nationwide calls of discontent and anger towards the tyrannical, corrupt, traitorous and murderous Duterte regime that are also clamoring for its ouster.”#

https://cpp.ph/statements/army-puts-more-barrios-under-rcsp-hamletting-in-western-samar/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: AFP kills civilian with mental health problem in Dolores, Eastern Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 18, 2020): AFP kills civilian with mental health problem in Dolores, Eastern Samar

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today reported that Philippine Army troops shot dead an onlooking civilian with a mental health problem, and not a fighter of the New People’s Army, in an encounter in Dolores, Eastern Samar last August.

Citing reports from the NPA-Eastern Samar (Sergio Lobina Command or SLC), the NDF-EV accused elements of the 78th Infantry Battalion, Charlie Company led by 2nd Lt. Christopher Noynoy Tenteo of killing and planting evidence against a civilian in Sitio Kabugawan, Barangay Aroganga last August 16.

The victim, who happened to be near the clash between the soldiers and the NPA, threw a coconut toward a soldier who mistook this for a grenade and shot him dead on the spot. The victim’s family is outraged especially since the victim was recently discharged from a mental health facility in Metro Manila.

The NDF-EV sympathizes with the victim’s family and shares their outrage at this latest crime by the fascist AFP troops. Such is the fear of these murderous troops against the NPA that in their trigger-happy panic they include non-combatants among their firing targets.

The NDF-EV calls on the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights groups to investigate this violation of the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. They must hold accountable 2nd Lt. Tenteo as well as commanders Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior of the 78th IB, Brig. Gen. Camilo Ligayo of the 801st Infantry Brigade, and Maj. Gen. Pio Dinoso of the 8th Infantry Division for this senseless killing, and for simply framing their victim as an NPA fighter to cover up their crime. We call for their immediate relief and due punishment in the appropriate courts.

The NDF-EV urges the New People’s Army to carry out its task of defending the people and to punish the worst human rights violators and criminals among the US-Duterte regime’s fascist troops. They must serve notice that these violators’ crimes will not go unpunished.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/afp-kills-civilian-with-mental-health-problem-in-dolores-eastern-samar/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Desperado nga Kampanya Kontra Insurhensya sang 62nd IBPA Nagtuga sang Terorismo sa Central Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 18, 2020): Desperado nga Kampanya Kontra Insurhensya sang 62nd IBPA Nagtuga sang Terorismo sa Central Negros

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS

LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Ginakondena sang LPC-NPA ang sunod-sunod nga pagpang-atake sa mga mangunguma sang mga tropa sang 62nd IBPA sa Central Negros. Ini nga dagway sang mga kalakasan batok sa pumuluyo isa ka akto sang terorismo ukon isa ka teroristang pagpang-atake sa mga komunidad sang mga mangunguma. Nakapakita man ini sang wala pagresto sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag wala pagkilala sang AFP sa laye sang gyera nga nakabase sa CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law) kag IHL (International Humanitarian Law).

Setyembre 17, 2020 alas 9:00 sang aga sa Sitio Owayan Brgy. Budlasan, Samtang nagalunsad sang combat operation ang 24 ka elemento sang 62nd IBPA ang ila gin-istraping ang ila nasugata nga mangunguma nga si Ernie Jacolbe nga residente sa amo nga lugar nga ang tuyo sini amo ang pagkuha sang iya karabaw. Ginsundan ini sa Sitio Natuling sa amo man nga baryo, gindakop sang amo man gihapon nga tropa si Gilbert Reyes nga naglagas sa iya nga karabaw ng nakabuhi tungod sa kahadlok sa mga lupok. Gindala sya sa ila nga balay kag didto ginkastigo, gintamnan sang mga matag-as nga armas kag gindala sa plasa apang nag abot ang mga utod kag nagpangayo sang bulig sa mga baryo opisyal kag Mayor sang Syudad sang Canlaon, sa dira pa kag ginbuhian sya sa takna nga alas kwatro sang hapon nga madamu na sang lastro ang lawas.

Gin pahug man si Romeo Reyes nga utod ni Gilbert nga isa ka Brgy. Tanod sa amo nga baryo nga kon indi na nila makita si Gilbert sa ila pagbalik siya ang balikan kag patyon. Sa amo man nga sitio, sa amo nga adlaw ginpangsaka man sang amo nga mga tropa militar ang mga pamalay sang pumuluyo kag ginpang ukay ang mga kagamitan, ginpang lapak-lapak nga naka combat shoes ang ila mga bayo kag mga gamit kag ginpangkawat ang ila mga kagamitan.

Sa amo man nga adlaw sa Sitio Bungaw Brgy. Trinidad, ginstraping man sang mga militar sa idalum sang 62nd IBPA ang mga katapu sang Sanga sang Kabataang Makabayan nga nagatungod sang hilikuton masa nga nagpahuway sa amo nga payag. Pagkatapos sang pagpinalupok sang mga militar ginsulod sila sa amo nga payag kag ginpanggapos apan nakahimo ang mga ini nga nakapalagyo. Pagkatapos sang natabu, gilayon nga nagpalapta sang mga binutig nga istorya ang 62nd IBPA nga ang natabu isa ka engkwentro kag nakakuha sila sang matag-as nga mga riple sang armas nga ang matuod wala sang amo nga mga armas ang mga pamatan-on kag ang nagpinalupok amo lamang ang mga katapo sang militar.

Ang ini nga naagum sang pumuluyo nga kapintas sa kamot sang mga pasistang militar magatudlo sa pumuluyo nga magbato kag maghanda sa ila sa pagpangapin sa ila tawhanon nga kinamatarung. Magaseguro man ini sa pagpartisipar sang pumuluyo sa rebolusyonaryo nga paghimakas kag pagdamu sang mga pumuluyo nga magresobar sang ila kaugalingon sa pagintra sa NPA. Wala man sang lain nga makita nga padulongan ang mga muklat kag maalam nga pamatan-on para tungdan ang ila makasaysayanon nga papel nga mangin paglaum sang punsod kundi ang pag alagad sa sahing pigos kag ginahimuslan kag pagbangon sang pungsod nga ginababoy sang US-China Duterte nga rehimen paagi sa pag-intra sa NPA.

Ang terorismo sang estado batok sa pumuluyo nagapaathag kag nagaedukar lamang sa publiko sang pagkamakatarungon sang rebolusyonaryong paghimakas. Ini man nagapataas sang kamuklatan sang pumuluyo para maghulag kag mag organisa para sa matuod-tuod nga pagbag-o sang sosyedad nga may hustisya sosyal. Ini man nagapakilala sa pumuluyo kon sin-o ang matuod nga terorista nga amo ang nagalunsad sang mga pagpang-atake, kapintas kag madamu sang utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo.

Ang LPC-NPA nagakilala nga ang desperado nga kampanya sang US-China nga rehimeng Duterte sa kontra insurhensya magatuga sang higante nga kusog sang pumuluyo nga magpanukot sang ila mga krimen dira sa pumuluyo.

Ipakig-away ang tawhanon nga kinamatarung!

Sukton ang kriminal nga US-China nga Rehimeng Duterte upod sa iya pasistang tropa!

https://cpp.ph/statements/desperado-nga-kampanya-kontra-insurhensya-sang-62nd-ibpa-nagtuga-sang-terorismo-sa-central-negros/

Kalinaw News: Death of Female NPA Exposes CPP-Makabayan Bloc Links after Mindoro Clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Death of Female NPA Exposes CPP-Makabayan Bloc Links after Mindoro Clash

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Combined forces of soldiers and police have recovered incriminating evidence on the Makabayan Bloc’s underground connection to CPP-NPA after an encounter in Brgy Gapasan, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro that resulted to the death of a female NPA terrorist on Monday.

This came after soldiers of 4IB recovered one 9mm pistol, three IEDs, one rifle grenade and subversive documents of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Bayan, and Anakbayan whose pamphlets are with the NPA’s.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Arbolado, Commanding Officer of 4IB said the war
materials that his soldiers recovered from the NPAs “supported the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or NTF ELCAC’s claims on the controversial issue against the Makabayan Bloc’s underground connection to the terrorist organizations.”

Ltc. Arbolado added that the NPA terrorists that the troops encountered belong to Platoon Serna of the NPA Sub Regional Military Area 4D’s MAV which terrorizes the hinterland communities of the province.

“We acted upon a concerned citizen’s tip about the presence of an armed group who were coercing the people to support and provide shelter to the insurgents whom we previously engaged with.”

The identity of the dead NPA terrorist is still for validation and it will be released once confirmed by the former rebels and the intelligence community.

Colonel Jose Augusto Villareal, Commander of 203rd Brigade that has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro, said there were no casualties recorded on the government side.

“No words will ever be enough to express our disgust over the Makabayan Bloc’s unacceptable act in conniving with the NPA terrorists which blatantly pushes our countrymen off a cliff of tragic deaths here in Mindoro and other parts of our country,” added Villareal.

“We will ensure the dead NPA rebel’s remains will only be handed over to those legally authorized to claim their bodies so that they will be given the last respects that every human being deserves instead of being desecrated.”

It can be recalled that there have been numerous instances in the past when the bodies of NPAs who died in encounters were retrieved by posers pretending to be families and were paraded and used as a propaganda tool to advance their so-called “ideology” under the guise of being “martyrs of the revolution.”

Major General Greg T Almerol, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, strongly condemned the Makabayan Bloc’s alliance in aiding the NPA terrorists to further their atrocities in this part of the country.

With optimism, he added that the “AFP-PNP, as well as the local government unit’s close collaboration, coordination, and partnership, will be the game-changer in our quest for lasting peace, prosperity and development which every Filipino citizen truly deserves.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the residents who alerted the government troops of the rebels’ whereabouts which helped the security forces to achieve this tactical victory, while assuring them that the government will continue to actively seek peace while protecting every citizen to ensure a bright and safe future for the country.

“We do not rejoice in killing our fellow Filipinos, however, we have a solemn duty to protect the greater number of peace-loving citizens of our country.”

Recently, the military is very vocal in their call for the remaining NPA terrorists to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, avail the benefits from E-CLIP and join the government’s solution to the problems that our country is facing because nobody ever escapes the arms of the law.

All available military assets as well as AFP-PNP checkpoints are on high alert in support of the ongoing pursuit operations against the fleeing NPA terrorists.

[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/death-of-female-npa-exposes-cpp-makabayan-bloc-links-after-mindoro-clash/

Kalinaw News: Surigao Sur IP leaders: We Won the Fight for Quality IP Education

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Surigao Sur IP leaders: We Won the Fight for Quality IP Education

Lianga, Surigao Del Sur (ADS) – “We won the fight to have quality Education,” Hawudon Jumar S. Bucales, Lianga Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga Tribal Chieftain, said during the Inauguration Ceremony of two DepEd IP Schools of Living Traditions on September 16 to the IP communities and the local government units in Sitio Simowao in Lianga and Sitio Lucnodon in Marihatag to replace non-DepEd accredited and communist NPA terrorist (CNT)-linked Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS).

Bayan Muna representatives Eufemia Cullamat, a native of Lianga and the Makabayan bloc have been continuously opposing the establishment of DepEd accredited IP schools accusing the government, particularly the NTF-ELCAC of depriving the IPs’ of education because of its closure order to TRIFPSS and ALCADEV and discredits the military’s Community Support Program in the IP communities during the budget hearing in Congress.

Yet, Surigao Sur IP leaders have been vocal in their support to the NTF-ELCAC and have lambasted Cullamat and her cohorts and identified them as cuddlers of NPAs.

“When the government addresses the root causes of insurgency and confronts the NPAs through combat operations, they oppose, but when it comes to NPAs’ killings of innocent IP leaders and members, they are quiet. Cullamat and Makabayan bloc simply cover up the NPAs and discredits the government forces that are enforcing the laws against NPAs,” Datu Rico Maca, IPMR of San Miguel Surigao Del Sur said.

Surigao Sur IP leaders have sought the help of the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) to abolish the said schools and replace them with DepEd IP schools citing that TRIFPSS and ALCADEV breeds NPA terrorists and cadres who have destroyed their culture.

Lieutenant Colonel Joey B Baybayan INF PA, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion Commander said, “The best weapon we can use to counter terrorism is to teach the children the genuine essence of peace. These DepEd IP schools will not only provide quality education but also the right values that can preserve and even develop the culture and tradition of our indigenous peoples.”

Surigao Sur Province, DepEd CARAGA, RTF-ELCAC member agencies particularly the Regional Peace and Order Committee (RPOC) and Regional Development Council (RDC) stood by the guiding principle that the ‘State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.’

This is why they worked hard to establish the schools so that the IP
communities in the conflict-affected areas may have access to quality education.

“For the information of all, the request for the closure of CNT-linked TRIFPSS and ALCADEV emanated from the resolutions of the legitimate IP leaders, local government units and even the former rebels who were products of these schools. The focus of our community support program in the communities is to identify the primary and secondary issues of the IPs so that the government will know how to help them. Quality IP education is what the IP wants and we raised it to the RTF-ELCAC to address it, “Brigadier General Allan D Hambala AFP, 401st Brigade Commander, said.

Former Rebels and IP leaders’ testimonies, and recovered documents from combat encounters against NPAs which served as substantial evidences unearthed the symbiotic relationship of ALCADEV, TRIFPSS and the NPA terrorist movement in Surigao Sur.

Surigao Del Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, DEPED CARAGA Regional Director Francis Bringas, RDC-SDC chairman and Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis, 4th Infantry Division Commander Major General Andres C. Centino AFP, Surigao Provincial IPMR, Datu Jimmy Guinsod, Lianga Mayor Novelita M Sarmen and Marihatag Mayor Marc Justine Pelenio with RTF-ELCAC member agencies were present in the ceremonial turn-over of DepEd IP schools.

The RTF-ELCAC’s thrust is to address the root causes of insurgency and NPA terrorism to put an end to the protracted war waged by the Communist NPA Terrorists that have been draining the country’s resources and have wasted many Filipinos’ lives for over 5 decades.

[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/surigao-sur-ip-leaders-we-won-the-fight-for-quality-ip-education/

Kalinaw News: Tired high-ranking CNT member in AgNor abandons movement

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Tired high-ranking CNT member in AgNor abandons movement

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – After years of serving the group which he thought would give him and his family a better life, a high-ranking member of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) finally made up his mind and called off his association with the communist movement and returned to the folds of the law.

Alias DANSOY/KEVIN, 40, the Political Instructor (PI) of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) CAOCAO, Guerilla Front (GF) 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the CNT surrendered to the troopers of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion in the afternoon of September 17, 2020, at the battalion’s headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. He also handed over to the Army during his surrender three high-powered firearms and assorted ammunition. Alias DANSOY/KEVIN is a resident of Km. 14, Sitio Hinandayan, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB personally welcomed Alias DANSOY/KEVIN and received the high-powered firearms and ammunition he surrendered, to include one (1) M16 Rifle with an attached grenade launcher, 40mm M203, one (1) M4 Rifle and one (1) Carbine Rifle which is all serviceable.

During the interview, Alias DANSOY/KEVIN said he was recruited and joined the CNT movement because of their propaganda and promises. He was made to believe by the CNT leaders that abundant life will be given to him and his family. After five (5) long years with the movement, he realized that the promises made to him were false and deceptive. During his stay in the CNT movement, he also made some realizations, the biggest of which is the fact that the armed revolution the communist movement espouses is not designed to liberate the people, especially the poor, but to terrorize and press them more to hunger and poverty. He also measured, after years of fighting the government, that the CNT movement will not win as hatred and detestation of the people, especially those who fell in their terroristic activities, are now growing.

DANSOY/KEVIN also testified that infighting among the CNT leaders and within the members also start to divide the movement. With the pandemic that made the government impose quarantine protocols coupled with the surrender of mass supporters, hardships also struck the movement due to the scarcity of food and other basic needs.

“Human sa lima (5) ka tuig nako nga pag lihok sa walhong grupo, nakadisisyon ko nga mobalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno tungod kay wala nako kasabot sa paamagi sa sulod sa kalihukan. Wala na mi nagkasinabot, nag sige na me ug bangi tungod kay nag isig pataasay na ang matag usa sa tahas. Grabe ang krisis nga among natagamtaman sa sulod, pirme nalang mi mapasmo, usahay maayo nalang ug maka kaon me ug kan-on kausa sa matag adlaw ug sili lang ug asin ang among isud-an,” DANSOY/KEVIN said.

He added, “Usa usab sa rason nga mibiya ko sa kalihukan tungod kay gimingaw nako sa akong pamilya ug mga anak. Miabot ang panahon nga mikontak ang akong asawa sa ako ug mihangyo nga pahawaon na ko sa kalihukan tungod kay wala nay nag atiman sa among mga anak labi na niining panahon sa pandemya. Nangita dayon kog higayon nga makaikyas ko dala ang tag-as nga armas. Tungod kay gigukod man ko sa akong mga kauban, ako lang sang gitago ang mga armas sa kalasangan aron ba;likan lang dayon kauban ang kasundaluhan.”

Lt. Col. Paulo assured the former Political Instructor of GF-4A that the government will provide help to his family through the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“The surrender of this high-ranking CNT member is a manifestation that their weakened group is slowly attenuating. Aside from that, they can no longer move from place to place because our troops are visible anywhere. We have deployed our joint Community Support Program Teams of the army and Community Action Teams of the PNP in vulnerable areas and we are also relentlessly conducting our focused military operations to clear the areas that were commonly known as CNT lairs. Clearly, these CNTs have nowhere to hide now, and they will surely suffer from great hunger due to less access to food supplies. As you can see, Alias DANSOY also starved even though he was ranked higher than his comrades, and his family whom he left behind also suffered because the CNT does not regularly provide food to them,” Paulo said.

He also reiterated his call to the remaining CNT members to lay down their arms and go back to their family and to the government.

“Real victory will only be felt once you leave the armed group. They will never help nor value you. Our government is waiting for your return and is always willing to help you to change your lives in order for you and your family to have a brighter future,” 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/tired-high-ranking-cnt-member-in-agnor-abandons-movement/

Kalinaw News: Army-LGU collaboration continues in the fight against insurgency

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Army-LGU collaboration continues in the fight against insurgency

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – The Municipality of San Luis, Agusan del Sur, and the Army’s 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion continues its collaboration in fighting insurgency during the conduct of Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) Meeting at the municipal conference room, Thursday morning, September 17, 2020.

To ensure the alignment of efforts between the military and LGU for the past months in ending the local communist armed conflict, both have shared and discussed the actions conducted to fulfill the said endeavor.

According to Mr. Charles V. Lim, the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) has focused on giving basic services on Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated barangays in order to counter the issues and propagandas that are being used and uttered by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in organizing and recruiting the locals to utilize them on CNT activities.

“During our immersion, besides on giving basic services to the locals, we also assisted the barangay councils on drafting the Barangay Development Plan of every affected barangay, and we prioritized on depicting their primary concerns on the said plan for endorsement to the national government and fund allotment next year,” Mr. Lim said.

Likewise, Hon Phoebe L. Corvera, municipal mayor, once again embark on her commitment to support the military especially on providing the essential needs and morale to the troops of 26IB.

“As per EO70, we will be your partner on your intensified effort to defeat the communist insurgency in the area. For that, we will also exert more effort in order to address the root cause of insurgency in our municipality in order to pave the way for development especially on far-flung areas,” Mayor Corvera said.

Relatively, in a statement, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, appreciated the untiring support of LGU San Luis to the unit. He also emphasized the importance of unity among the line agencies in fighting the communist insurgents in the area.

“Insurgency is not a mere responsibility of the military. We cannot address the needed programs and projects of the populace in which if not given attention, it will be used by the CNT to undermine the government to the people,” he stated.

“With your help, we will continue to put pressure on the CNT because this will entice more surrenders and finally defeat the insurgency problem in our area,” 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/army-lgu-collaboration-continues-in-the-fight-against-insurgency/

Kalinaw News: Apat na PO nabenepisyuhan sa kagamitan na ibinahagi ng Ronda Probinsya Program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Apat na PO nabenepisyuhan sa kagamitan na ibinahagi ng Ronda Probinsya Program

Malapatan, Sarangani Province – Apat (4) na Peoples Organization ang nabenepisyuhan sa mga kagamitan na ibinahagi ng Ronda Probinsya alang sa Kalinaw Program ni Congressman Rogelio Pacquiao sa Gymnasium ng Brgy Upper Suyan ng nasabing bayan kahapon, Setyembre 16, 2020.

Kasabay ng paglunsad ng Project TALA (TESDA Alay ay Liwanag at Asenso), nagkaroon ng simpleng “turn-over ceremony” ang opisina ni Congressman Rogelio Pacquiao na nirepresentahan ni Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos, ang kanyang Chief of Staff, ng kagamitan sa 4 na asosasyon ng Brgy Upper Suyan.

Ang 4 na asosasyon ay Sasato Farmers Association, Mahayag Sasato Organization, Matlusi Farmers Organization at Upper Kiogam Farmers Association na matatagpuan lahat sa baranggay.

Sila ay nakatanggap ng gamit pangsaka gaya ng pala, piko, lagaraw, guna, bara, tie wire, knapsack sprayer, martilyo, mga klase ng punla, at mga pako. Namigay din sila ng kagamitan para sa paggawa ng palikuran gaya ng inidoro, timba, tabo at semento hindi lamang para sa mga asosasyon pati na rin sa buong komunidad.

Sa mensahe na nais iparating ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G. Valdez, Kumander ng 73IB, ang kanyang buong pusong pasasalamat kay Cong. Pacquiao.

“Dahil sa programa, kakaibang kasiyahan ang makikita sa mukha ng mga miyembro lalo na ang mga dating kasapi ng New Peoples Army (NPA) na kasama sa aktibidades. Maggagamit nila ito sa pagpapalago ng kanilang nasimulang mga tanim,” kanyang dagdag.

Para sa inpormasyon ng nakakarami, ang Ronda Probinsya Program ay magbibigay ng kagamitan na nagkakahalaga ng PhP 20,000.00 sa lahat ng mga asosasyon maging sa mga patrol bases ng probinsya. Nakapagbigay na sila sa 7 asosasyon at magbibigay pa sila sa iba pang mga asosasyon sa susunod na mga linggo.

[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/apat-na-po-nabenepisyuhan-sa-kagamitan-na-ibinahagi-ng-ronda-probinsya-program/

Kalinaw News: Head of Agnor’s Milisya ng Bayan yields to Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Head of Agnor’s Milisya ng Bayan yields to Army

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The head of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and Milisya ng Bayan (MB) in Agusan del Norte surrendered to the troops of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion on September 16, 2020, at around 09:50 in the evening.

The MB head identified as “RICO”, 28, was operating in Barangay Durian, Las Nieves town under the Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA). Alias Rico voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commander of 23rd IB at the battalion headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

He also turned over to the 23rd IB one (1) Honda XRM 125 Motorcycle, one (1) ACER Laptop, one (1) Baofeng Radio, two (2) assorted Andriod phones, seven (7) assorted keypad phones, two (2) gun tuckers and assorted receipts. He also revealed that the Honda motorcycle is owned by Khim Agad Mapoy @PATRICK, the Secretary of GF4A, NCMRC.

During the interview, “Rico” said that being an MB of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT), he was tasked to keep the gears, equipment, firearms and personal belongings of the CNT members inside his residence. He added that keeping such belongings had risked and put into danger the lives of his family members. He admitted of living in fear as he is already known in their community as a supporter and the keeper of CNT belongings.

It can be recalled that the residents and the members of the council in Barangay Durian already declared the CPP-NPA-NDF and all its allied organizations as persona non grata last November 6, 2019. The declaration showed the will of the people to get rid of the presence of the CNTs in their community. On December 4, 2019, a young NPA combatant died during an encounter between the 23rd IB troopers and the CNTs in Sitio San Jose, Durian. Series of peace consultations and dialogues were also facilitated in the said barangay where the residents and the council requested the Army for the establishment of a patrol base in their community to neutralize the CNT members. Through the joint efforts of the 23rd IB and the members of the barangay council, “Rico” finally realized that he was not on the right path and voluntarily surrendered to the Army. “Rico” also admitted that he is already tired of giving support to the CNTs and he also wanted to clear his name.

“Nibalik ko sa sabakan sa balaod kay gusto nako hinluan akong pangalan kay gibantog na gyud ko sa among lugar nga usa ka full time NPA, pero ang tinuod, usa lang ko ka MB busa wala ko mahadlok nga mo dangop sa kasundaluhan. Gawas pa ana, gikapoy na ko sulod sa halos tulo (3) ka tuig nga nagpaulipon nako sa walhong grupo. Ako ang ilang sugoon sa pagpalusot sa ilang bugas ug mga supplies ug mangitag ka plastaran nila nga kampo, Ang nakapait pa kay sa sinako nga bugas nga akong ihatod sa kampo, maayo nalang ug mahatagan ko ug lima (5) ka salmon. Ila pang ibilin ug itago ang ilang mga gamit s among balay ug mahadlok ko nga masakpan sa otoridad,” “Rico” said.

Lt. Col. Paulo was grateful for “Rico’s” realization which led to his decision to return to the folds of the law.

“I am glad that the SPL/CO MB in Barangay Durian now returned to the folds of the law and I am grateful for his decision to surrender because through this, the CNT activities will also be neutralized in their community,” Paulo said.

He emphasized that the surrender of “Rico” indicates that the government is winning the war without the use of arms and violence.

“We don’t want the residents of Barangay Durian to once again experience armed conflict because it only brought senseless deaths, miseries and destroyed the future of the people. Hence, we will ensure his personal safety and well-being as he returns to the folds of the law,” Paulo said.

The 23rd IB commander is also seeing the decline of the atrocities of the CNTs in the area, such as extortion and recruitment because of the loss of their trusted MB leader.

[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/head-of-agnors-milisya-ng-bayan-yields-to-army/

Kalinaw News: Apat na dating miyembro ng NPA, nakatanggap ng pangkabuhayan mula sa pamahalaan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Apat na dating miyembro ng NPA, nakatanggap ng pangkabuhayan mula sa pamahalaan

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Ipinagkaloob sa mga dating miyembro ng rebeldeng New People’s Army (NPA) ang tulong mula sa pamahalaan para sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay sa pamamagitan ng 50th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa Barangay Dupag, Tabuk City, Kalinga noong ika-14 ng Setyembre 2020.

Mula sa programang “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa o (PBG)”
ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) –Kalinga Provincial Office ay naipaabot sa apat na nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan ang Sari-Sari Store package bilang panimula nilang pangkabuhayan. Maliban dito, nakatanggap din sila ng mga gamit pangsaka at mga Food Processing Equipment.

Sa mensahe ni Aurora Amilig, Tabuk City Information Officer, pinapurihan
niya ang programa ng DTI at ang pagsisikap ng mga kasundaluhan upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga sumukong rebelde na magbagong buhay.

Pinasalamatan naman ni Captain Rigor N Pamittan, Civil-Military Operations
Officer ng 50IB ang DTI sa kanilang patuloy na pagsuporta sa pamamagitan ng mga programang pangkabuhayan para sa mga sumukong rebelde. Aniya, sa
pamamagitan ng Whole of the Nation Approach, nakaalalay at laging handang
tumugon ang 50IB at mga ahensya ng pamahalaan para sa alalayan ang mga
sumukong NPA sa kanilang maayos na pagbabalik sa komunidad.

By 2028, a world-class Army that is a source of national pride. Honor. Patriotism. Duty.

Sa mensahe naman ni BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5ID, PA,
hindi magsasawa ang pamahalaan na tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga nagbalik-loob at magbabalik-loob pang mga miyembro ng rebeldeng NPA. “Tunay ang pagnanais ng pamahalaan na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga sumukong rebelde upang makapagsimula silang mamuhay ng marangal. Patunay dito ang pagtutulungan ng lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan upang maipaabot ang mga programa at serbisyo hindi lang sa mga dating rebelde, kundi pati na ang buong pamayanan.”

[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/apat-na-dating-miyembro-ng-npa-nakatanggap-ng-pangkabuhayan-mula-sa-pamahalaan/

Kalinaw News: SAKM-LPE Cluster of EO 70 conducts community consultation in Aurora province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): SAKM-LPE Cluster of EO 70 conducts community consultation in Aurora province

BALER, Aurora-The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) conducts Security Awareness and Knowledge Management and Local Peace Engagement (SAKM-LPE) Cluster. The activity is a community consultation meeting to address the concerns of the returnees for peace and development.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC), Commanding Officer of 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army said that the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 3, Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), 91st IB, former rebels, former mass base supporters and other concerned agencies gathered on Tuesday (September 16, 2020) at Dr. Juan C. Angara Sports Complex commonly known as Baler Sports Complex in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora to orient and increase awareness on Executive Order number 70 of President Duterte to address the root causes of insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats for inclusive development.

He added that the activity was in line with the implementation of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to educate the people on the evils of communism and the knowing the enemy.

“Our activity signifies convergence of efforts among government agencies both local and national in addressing the root causes of insurgency and aware of the mandates of the participating agencies,” he said.

LTC RUBIO furthered that 76 participants who belongs before to the Komiteng Larangang Guerrila (KLG) Sierra Madre and mass base returnees attended in the activity.

The group took pledged of allegiance to the Philippine Flag and also pledge support to Under Secretary Lorraine T. Badoy and to NTF-ELCAC.

They also pledged to reject any form of intrusions by the communist rebels to their communities in this province.

The said participants are former communist rebels and supporters of the CPP/NPA/NDF who ablaze flags of the New People’s Army after they reaffirmed their support for the government on Tuesday.

“Our activity is remarkable and timely in view of our intensified campaign against the NPA that continues to weaken through the loss of support from communities. It made possible without the convergence efforts and support of the barangay, municipal and provincial task force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), local officials, the Indigenous People (IP) communities and peace partner stakeholders.

APPO Provincial Director Colonel Raul Siriban said that in the past decades the Philippine government considered insurgency as exclusively a military law enforcement concerns as it continuously wrought havoc on Philippine Society while affecting millions of Filipinos.

“The CPP and its armed wing, the NPA has exploited the popular grievances of economic in equality, land disputes, monopolistic industries, corrupt leadership and an elite class more concerned with its own self-interests than with public good. With the clear and present danger posed by extremists and terrorists, the active engagement of the government’s fight against communist insurgency of the agencies involved and the full support of the community is indispensable to counter communist insurgency. Even though efforts to combat insurgency have been initiated by the government, the community plays significant role to abate the aggressive force of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). It is fundamental to conduct programs and activities that will establish public trust and rapport to the community in order to save them from being exploited and deceived by the CTG,” Siriban said.

He added that the consultative meeting among line agencies and Local Task Force ELCAC is essential to address the root causes of terrorism and insurgency in the province.

Col. Siriban also urged those who returned to the folds of the law to raise their issues and concerns so that it would be address accordingly.

Governor Gerardo A. Noveras said that the provincial government of Aurora recognized the efforts of the PNP, military and other concerned agencies in pursuit to the peace and stability of this province.

He also said that they recognized the surrenderers who pledged loyalty to the government emphasizing the neutralization of NPA leaders, members and supporters.

“We should avoid lack of communication. Kumbaga sa mag-asawa kailangang nag-uusap upang mabigyan ng solusyon ang problema. We should pave the way for them to provide interventions in order to address issues commonly exploited by the communist rebels especially in areas considered as geographical isolated, disadvantaged and conflict-affected areas (GIDCAs),” Noveras said.

He furthered that the government agencies are committed to relentlessly pursue the remaining communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) who opted not to lay down their arms, the government will not stop to achieve lasting peace.

“Our community has a role and that is to support our government. We assure you that our government particularly our army, PNP and other security forces are here and ready to assist former rebels and their families to transition in becoming productive members of the society. Let us be united to achieve lasting peace in every community,” Noveras said.

703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade Deputy Commander Colonel Joseph Norwin Pasamonte said that all stakeholders in Central Luzon has different roles in the government’s efforts to reintegrate the former members of the NPA into the society and help achieve just and lasting peace in every community.

“We give importance to our surrenderers. Our government agencies are here for you and widely open for those who wanted peace. We encourage those remaining CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and help the government in building peace and instability to the community,” Pasamonte said.

Chief Regional Intelligence Division (CRID) of Police Regional Office (PRO) Chief 3 Lt. Col. Fitz Macariola manifested full support in the RTF-ELCAC community consultation in this province.

He said the solidarity and cooperation among the different sectors of society and government concerned agencies are here for them and their mission will continue in serving and protecting the people.

“Peace can never be achieved without the help and support of everyone,” Macariola said.

AFP Retired Brigadier General Abraham Claro Casis, representing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) congratulated the success of the event though the efforts of all concerned agencies.

“September is a “Peace Month”, let us celebrate, peace for all. Let us bring the government closer to the people. Let us condemn the atrocities and lies of the CPP-NPA,” Casis said.

After the program, the RTF-ELCAC conducted general orientation on CTG problem, briefing on the localized peace engagement, and community consultation and problem solving session.

A consultative meeting of SAKM-LPE and provincial/municipal task forces conducted.

Among the major issues and concerns discussed during the open forum are land problem-ownership, issues among indigenous people, problem on health, poverty among the depressed areas, scholarship programs, lack of funds to support additional programs, jobless among others.

The concerned agencies gave initial solutions and advices to the participants to help them to solve their problems.

The consultative meeting was attended by the local government units of Casiguran-Dilasag-San Luis-Baler; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Philippine National Police (PNP); Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Philippine Information Agency (PIA); National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA); Department of Health (DOH); Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); National Irrigation Administration (NIA); Department of Justice (DOJ); Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and Department of Agriculture (DA).

https://www.kalinawnews.com/sakm-lpe-cluster-of-eo-70-conducts-community-consultation-in-aurora-province/

Kalinaw News: Suspected High Ranking CPP-NPA Member Nabbed in Bohol

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): Suspected High Ranking CPP-NPA Member Nabbed in Bohol

CARMEN, Bohol – A joint operation of the AFP and PNP resulted to the apprehension of a suspected high ranking official of the New Peoples Army (NPA) at Carlos P Garcia, Bohol on September 17, 2020.

Junifie Dagale aka Chang/Tanya/Habagat/Inang, 43 years old, was arrested by virtue of the Warrant of Arrest with case number 20502 for the crime of Murder issued by Judge Virginia D Tehano-Ang of Branch 1, RTC 11, Tagum City, Davao del Norte. Currently, she’s a member of the Intelligence Unit of Regional Operational Command under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee operating in Davao Region.

The joint forces cornered the subject in her residence, allegedly house of her husband’s relative, Brgy Aguining in Carlos P Garcia town when authorities served the warrant at 8:30 a.m. on Sep 17. 

Dagale became an activist turned into a leader of the Guerilla Front 33 operating in Davao Region. She’s involved in major acts of terrorism such as raids, arson, kidnapping and ambush using Improvised Explosive Device (IED) targeting lives of both government forces and civilians. As a member of intelligence unit she’s involved during treacherous raids in Linda Patrol Base, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro in 2008, Napungas Patrol Base in Asuncion, Davao del Norte in 2010, and the Earth Savers Security Agency in Libertad, Butuan City in 2012.

In 2013, the subject was also involved in the abduction of Compostela Provincial Jail Warden in Panabo City, Davao del Norte; likewise involved in the planned ambush of government troops and members of the DSWD in 2014 at Kapalong, Davao del Norte that caused the death of an army officer.

Two more raids were executed in 2015 targeting the Mining Compound in Monkayo, Davao de Oro and Mati Police station.

The recent attacks implicating Dagale were on April 2017 when Lapanday Corporation Plastic Plant in Buhangin District and Lorenzo Farm in Calinan District both in Davao City were burned. The incident resulted to the death of a fish vendor during the explosion of an IED; detonated by the Communist Terrorists to the responding troops of TF Davao. Likewise, burning of Macondray Plastic Plant in Panabo City in which the damage in corresponding three (3) attacks caused a significant number of unemployed individuals.

Ka Chang/Tanya/HAbagat/Inang is an expert in the deception and exploitation of mass and youths with the CPP-NPA-NDF fraud ideologies. As a member of the Intelligence Unit, her recruited youths became members of “Asdang Kultura”, a pseudo-cultural theater group composed of children and teenage youths, and were harnessed for gathering information and monitoring of the presence of government troops during assaults.

The successful apprehension of Junifie Dagale simply means that the Province of Bohol is not a safe haven for NPA members who want to hide and flee from their outrages. Boholanos are far more vigilant in sending reports whenever they see new faces around their community.

[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/suspected-high-ranking-cpp-npa-member-nabbed-in-bohol/

Kalinaw News: 28 Army Reservists train in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 18, 2020): 28 Army Reservists train in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – September 17- A total of 28 enthusiastic and committed reservists from different barangays of Impasugong, Bukidnon underwent training at the Headquarters, 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8IB), Impasugong, Bukidnon on September 13, 2020.

Said reservists are under the Alfa Company, 1003rd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn), 1003rd Community Defense Center (CDC), 10th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG), Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM).

The training activity intends to develop their competencies for future operation base expansion as force multiplier in times of insurgency, emergencies, and calamities.

MAJ MARK LESTER M CABUNOC, Director 1003rd CDC expressed his deep appreciation for the series of activities prepared by the 8IB.

He said, “Kini na aktibidad ang gusto namo na mahitabo aron makakaya ang among RRIBn nga mahimong masaligan nga kaabag sa pag palig-on sa nasod ug aron mahimo namo ang among mga buluhaton sa panahon sa mga emerhensya nga makatabang sa pag serbisyo panahon sa pandimya ug kalamidad.”

(This activity is what we really want to happen to capacitate our RRIBn to be a reliable partner in nation-building and to perform our tasks in times of emergency to conduct auxiliaries services during pandemic and calamities)

“Among unit sobra nga nagpasalamat sa kaimportante niining Reserve Force,” said LTC EDGARDO V TALAROC JR, Commanding Officer of 8IB.

(Our unit greatly appreciated the importance of the Reserve Force.)

He further added, “Dili lang kay ka-usa kini nga aktibidad. Taas kini nga pasalig, mao nga damha ninyo nga daghan pa ang mga aktibidadis o mga pagbansay nga moabot.”

(This is not just a one-time activity. It is a long term commitment, so expect more activities or trainings to come.)

COL MICHELE B ANAYRON JR, Assistant Division Commander (ADC) for Retirees and Reservists Affairs (RRA), 4th Infantry Division (4ID) is looking forward to some future exciting activities.

He said, “Daghan pang plano nga mga maanindot ug mapuslanon nga aktibidadis ug pagbansay sama sa Heliborne Training Operation ug Field Training Exercise (FTX) para masinati nila og unsa gayud ang kasinatian sa mga kasundalohan sa combat operation.”

(More plans for exciting and beneficial activities and trainings like Heliborne Training Operation and FTX for them to experience what it is like to be a soldier in the field of combat operation)

Fundamentals of marksmanship and record firing, weapons training, signal operation, and lecture on knowing the enemy and information gathering were also lightheartedly conducted with strict observance of COVID-19 protocols.

[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/28-army-reservists-train-in-bukidnon/

OSG's new role: Lawyers for anti-communist task force, even for Esperon

From Rappler (Sep 18, 2020): OSG's new role: Lawyers for anti-communist task force, even for Esperon (By LIAN BUAN)

Is General Esperon's perjury case against activists considered a case for the government that needs state lawyers from OSG?

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has added a new item to its expanding list of roles – lawyering for the presidential anti-communist task force, even for what seems like a private case for National Security Adviser (NSA) General Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

These details were revealed by ACT-Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro on Friday, September 18, during House deliberations on the 2021 budget of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and all its attached agencies, including the OSG.

Castro said it seemed that OSG lawyered for Esperon when the NSA filed perjury cases against activists.

"Ano po ang role ng OSG dito kasi nakita ko dun sa kaso, OSG ang parang lawyer. So ito po ba ay papel din ng OSG sa isang private na case ay naglo-lawyer ang OSG?" Castro asked. (What is the role of the OSG here because I saw in the case, it seemed OSG was the lawyer. So is it also the OSG's role to lawyer in a private case?)

Esperon's perjury case was a countersuit because the activists sought protective writs against the military and other government officials, including him, before the Supreme Court.

Esperon's suit against all activists was initially dismissed, save for one nun, on account of a revoked registration of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, but Esperon appealed before a different prosecutor and eventually got the indictment he wanted. All activists have been ordered arrested for that case, and all have posted bail.

Not denying the fact, Solicitor General Jose Calida simply said: "Our mandate under the law is to defend the government, the republic, this is our job."

Government or private case?

Castro said she was "not satisfied" with Calida's answer and turned to Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra for an opinion: Is General Esperon's perjury case against activists considered a case for the government that needs state lawyers from OSG?

Guevarra admitted he has not studied the case enough to make a categorical answer on the nature of Esperon's case.

But the justice secretary said, "if it's a private matter for damages or something like that, it is my opinion that the OSG, even though the party concerned is a government official, will not have a proper role to perform, because that is a purely private matter involving a government official."

The OSG's expanding role has been questioned a lot of times, most recently when it represented the police in the inciting to sedition complaint filed against members of the opposition over the Bikoy Ang Narcolist videos.

NTF-ELCAC

The main conflict is this: the OSG is the government's statutory counsel. It would lawyer for people who face the DOJ prosecution, and if the indictment is appealed at the Court of Appeals, it has to lawyer for the DOJ, too.

But where others see conflict, the DOJ and OSG see division of labor.

Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay confirmed on Friday that the OSG has been assisting the Duterte-created National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

"As a general rule, that would have been the role of the DOJ but considering that many of these complaints in connection with the task force find their way with the DOJ and with our prosecution service, we had an agreement with the NTF-ELCAC that the matter of legal cooperation cluster should be handled by the OSG," said Sugay.

"I understand also that it is in this capacity that the (OSG) assisted (Esperon) with regard to the filing of the perjury cases, which was resolved by our city prosecutor in Quezon City; it is in connection with the work of the NTF-ELCAC," said Sugay.

Calida was not able to give any clarification on the OSG's work with NTF-ELCAC because of technical difficulties on Zoom.

What the laws say

The primary mandate of the OSG is to "represent the Government in the Supreme Court (SC) and the Court of Appeals (CA) in all criminal proceedings; represent the Government and its officers in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and all other courts or tribunals in all civil actions and special proceedings in which the Government or any officer thereof in his official capacity is a party," according to its own law.

But the OSG has cited Section 35 (11) of Executive Order (EO) No. 292 which empowers the OSG to "act and represent the Republic and/or the people before any court, tribunal, body or commission in any matter, action or proceeding which, in his opinion, affects the welfare of the people as the ends of justice may require."

Former solicitor general Florin Hilbay earlier said that the wisdom of the OSG law was to give the office utmost freedom to act on cases on appeal, which is its primary mandate. Hilbay said this should prohibit them from participating in cases at the complaint and investigative levels.

"Kung nakikialam na sila sa imbestigasyon pa lang, wala na 'yung kalayaan na 'yun, masisira ang intensyon ng batas (If they are already interfering at the investigation level, they lose that freedom; they will go against the intent of the law)," Hilbay said.

Just recently, OSG requested the Supreme Court for the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of Associate Justice Marvic Leonen for the purpose of building up a quo warranto petition, but the en banc unanimously rejected his request.

OSG's approved budget for 2021 is P1.116 billion, but the DOJ is asking it be given P1.289 billion – higher than its current 2020 budget of P1.062 billion.

https://rappler.com/nation/office-solicitor-general-new-role-lawyers-for-anti-communist-task-force-esperon

Best time to surrender is now, Army tells rebels in Panay

Posted to the Panay News (Sep 18, 2020): Best time to surrender is now, Army tells rebels in Panay (By Ruby Silubrico)

“May the rebels take a hint from recent successive encounters. We will be relentless. There will be no letup,” says Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

ILOILO City – “The best time to surrender is now. The coming days may not be favorable.”

This was the Philippine Army’s unsolicited advice to the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island.

“Their space is continuously dwindling. The masses themselves are denying the rebels with space,” said Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

This third quarter of the year saw a series of clashes between government troops and rebels in parts of Panay Island.

There will be more encounters if the rebels won’t surrender, warned Pancito.

“If they refuse to surrender, the Army will pursue them. May the rebels take a hint from recent successive encounters. We will be relentless. There will be no letup,” he stressed.

The 3ID has determined that only two NPA groups remain active in Panay Island – the Central and Southern front committees with less than 100 members.

With helpful communities giving information, government troops won’t have a hard time pursuing the rebels, said Pancito.

Between August and September alone, the 3ID recorded four encounters with Panay rebels. The most recent was in Sitio Bidang, Barangay Siya, Tapaz, Capiz – on Sept. 13 around 9:40 a.m. Soldiers recovered a .38 revolver; a homemade 12-gauge shotgun; a machete with NPA logo; a black shirt with NPA logo; three empty shells of a rifle.

On Aug. 26, there were two clashes between the Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) and rebels in Barangay Panuran, Janiuay Iloilo. These resulted to the surrender of two female insurgents abandoned by their comrades.

The other counter took place in Barangay Atimonan, Janiuay on Aug. 8.

The 3ID commander, Major General Eric Vinoya, praised his troops for keeping the residents of Panay Island secure.

“We are tracking the rebels with precision because of the people’s support. We thank them for supporting the anti-insurgency campaign of the government. We will be relentless in our effort to pursue these terrorists until they are incapable of sowing fear and terror,” Vinoya said.

http://www.panaynews.net/best-time-to-surrender-is-now-army-tells-rebels-in-panay/