Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 11/25/20

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

CPP: Ang Kalihukan Special Issue | October 2020

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2020): Ang Kalihukan Special Issue | October 2020

Download the issue here
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https://cpp.ph/2020/11/25/ang-kalihukan-special-issue-october-2020/

CPP/NPA-Quezon/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Katarungan para kay Armando Buisan!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2020): Katarungan para kay Armando Buisan!

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON

APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

MELITO GLOR COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

Kinukundena ng Apolonio Mendoza Command-New People’s Army (AMC-NPA) ang ginawang pagpaslang ng dalawang lalaking naka-face mask, na pinaghihinalaang mga elemento ng 85th IBPA, kay Armando Buisan, dating kagawad sa Brgy. Magsaysay, General Luna bandang 6:30 ng hapon, Nobyembre 14.

Kilalang Kagawad Mando sa kanilang lugar, at kasalukuyang magsasaka at mag-uuling, siya ay namatay matapos barilin sa dibdib na tumagos hanggang likod.

Si Kagawad Mando ay isa sa mga biktima ng terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa pamamagitan ng JCP-Kapanatagan at Anti-Terror Law na ipinapatupad sa lalawigan. Matatandaan na sa bahay niya nadakip si Alexa Pacalda na isang human rights worker. Matapos ang nasabing pangyayari ay hindi na tinigilan at sapilitang pinasuko ng 85th IBPA si Kagawad Mando at nagtangka pang gamitin laban kay Pacalda at sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Hindi kasalanan sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pagsuko lalo na at pinilit lamang si Kagawad Mando na sumuko. Matapos niyang sumuko, walang siyang naging masamang rekord sa rebolusyunaryong kilusan at hindi siya kailanman naging instrumento ng AFP laban sa mamamayan.

Ayon sa salaysay ng pamilya, ilang beses silang binalik-balikan ng mga sundalo habang nakaburol ang kanilang padre pamilya. Ininteroga, tinakot at pinipilit ng mga sundalo na ang may kagagawan ng nasabing pamamaslang ay ang mga NPA. Pinadidiinan din ng mga sundalo na namatay si Kagawad Mando sa isang engkwentro sa Macalelon at binanggit pa na “kung tinanggap sana ni Buisan ang pera, hindi sana ito mangyayari”.

Kaugnay nito, inakusahan din si Kagawad Mando na nagbibigay pa rin ng tulong sa NPA dahil naging matigas ang ulo nito.

Mananagot ang 85th IBPA sa ginawang pagpatay kay Armando Buisan. Hindi titigil ang buong rebolusyonaryong mamamayan hangga’t hindi nakakamit ng pamilya at sambayanan ang hustisya.

Nananawagan kami sa lahat ng mamamayan sa lalawigan ng Quezon na kailangang papanagutin at pagbayarin nang malaki ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa utang nitong dugo sa sambayanang Pilipino.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/katarungan-para-kay-armando-buisan/

CPP/NPA-Quezon/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Ang larawan ng terorismo ng AFP-PNP sa panahon ng kalamidad

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2020): Ang larawan ng terorismo ng AFP-PNP sa panahon ng kalamidad

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON

APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

MELITO GLOR COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

Sa nakaraang halos isang buwan, kasabay ng mapaminsalang bagyo sa lalawigan ng Quezon, ay ang mga engkwentro sa pagitan ng New People’s Army at Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Matapos manalasa ng bagyong Quinta, isang engkwentro ang nangyari sa Barangay Lavidez, General Luna noong hapon ng Oktubre 29. Dalawa pang labanan ang naganap sa Barangay Lahing at Barangay San Nicholas, Macalelon pagkatapos namang manalasa ng bagyong Ulysses noong umaga ng Nobyembre 12 at hapon ng Nobyembre 15.

Sa pananalasa ng Bagyong Rolly, Siony at Tonyo, nagkakailan pang pag-atake ng mga sundalo ang iniwasan ng NPA para magsaalang-alang sa kalagayan ng mga barangay na nasalanta ng bagyo.

Sa mga naturang labanan, walang tinamong pinsala sa panig ng pulang hukbo, taliwas ito sa balita na inilabas ng AFP na may 12 kaswalti ang NPA kabilang ang mga babaeng gerilya sa isang labanan sa Macalelon.

Sa kabilang banda, maraming mapagkakatiwalaang ulat mula sa mga residente ng barangay ang nagsabing may namatay bukod pa ang sugatan sa panig ng reaksyunaryong hukbo ng 59IB at 85IB sa naturang tatlong labanan.

Napabalita rin na buo-buong barangay ng Lavidez sa General Luna at barangay P.Herrera, Lahing, Malabahay, San Vicente at San Nicholas sa Macalelon ang pinalikas ang sibilyang mamamayan at ngayon ay okupado ng sundalo ang nasabing mga lugar. Kabi-kabila ang pagpapakalat ng balita na sosonahin para bombahin ang mga nasabing barangay.

Resulta nito, hindi nakakapunta sa kanilang sakahan ang mga residente, nagpapatupad ang AFP-PNP katulong ang LGU ng mahigpit na checkpoint, blokeyo sa pagkain at iba pang mapanggipit na hakbang sa mga bayan ng Macalelon, General Luna, Lopez at Catanauan.

Maging ang relief and rehabilitation operation ng mga humanitarian groups na nagmula sa simbahan at pribadong institusyon ay hindi pinapahintulutan ng lokal na pamahalaan kasabwat ang mga sundalo at pulis dahil lamang sa paghihinalang may kaugnayan ito sa mga progresibong samahan.

Noong Nobyembre 14, naging biktima ng pagpaslang si Mando Buisan na dating kagawad ng Barangay Magsaysay, General Luna. Si Buisan ay sapilitang pinasuko ng 85IB noong nakaraang taon matapos maaresto sa kanyang bahay si Alex Pacalda.

Katawa-tawang ibinibintang ngayon ng AFP sa NPA ang pagpaslang kay Buisan, gayong may malinaw silang babala sa asawa ng biktima na “Aminin mo nang NPA ang pumatay sa asawa mo. Wala yang pakinabang sa amin. Kung tinanggap niya ang pera na ibinibigay namin hindi iyan mangyayari sa kanya.”

Para sa kaalaman ng publiko, walang anumang pagkakasala si Mando Buisan sa CPP-NPA, kahit pa totoong pumaloob siya sa programang pagpapasuko ng AFP-PNP. Walang dahilan ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan para patayin ang dating mabuting kagawad ng barangay.

Bukod rito, ilang residente ang iligal nang inaresto ng sundalo, tinakot, sinaktan at sapilitang pinapaamin na may kaugnayan sila sa CPP-NPA. Kabilang sa kanila ang isang myembro ng kooperatiba sa Barangay Recto ng General Luna, Ruel Paminian ng Barangay San Nicholas, at si Dante Lorella ng Barangay P. Herrera ng Macalelon.

Noong umaga ng Nobyembre 15, sa Barangay Olongtao Ilaya, Macalelon, walang-habas na pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo ang dalawang pinaghinalaan nilang NPA na muntik-muntikan nang ikadamay ng mga residenteng sibilyan at kanilang kabahayan.

Sa kalagayang ito, lubhang nababahala ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa naging epekto sa mamamayan ng pinabangis na focused military operations sa lalawigan dahil sa pagkukumahog ng AFP na kamtin ang utos ng rehimeng US-Duterte na durugin ang CPP-NPA bago matapos ang 2020.

Nadudurog ang aming puso para sa magsasaka ng Quezon dahil sa patuloy na pagkakait ng mga sundalo sa batayang karapatan nila para sa pagkain at kabuhayan. Sinalanta na nga ng magkakasunod na bagyo ang mamamayan ng lalawigan, walang kahihiyan ang Southern Luzon Command ng AFP na unahin ang gyera laban sa NPA sa halip na seryosong gawin ang tungkulin ng mga armadong organisasyon sa panahon ng kalamidad at krisis — maghatid ng tulong at pansamantalang ihinto ang operasyong kombat.

Malayo pa sa pagkalutas ang pandemyang Covid-19, at sa gitna ng kalunos-lunos na kalagayan ng mamamayan pagkatapos ng pananalanta ng mga bagyo ay walang pagsasaalang-alang na naglulunsad ng gyera ang sundalo ni Duterte — ito ang tunay na larawan ng terorismo.

Nananawagan kami sa buong rebolusyunaryong kilusan sa lalawigan na gawin ang ubos-kayang mga paraan upang salagin, labanan at biguin ang pinakahuling pagtatangka na rehimeng US-Duterte na durugin ang rebolusyunaryong base ng CPP-NPA.

Kailangang patuloy na magtiwala sa masang api sa mga pulang purok. Kailanman ay hindi mananagumpay ang pamamaraang pananakot at paghahasik ng teror ng halimaw na sundalo at pulis ni Duterte. Kailanman ay hindi maaagaw ang puso at isipan ng maralitang anakpawis na para sa kanilang pulang hukbo.

Pagkatapos ng mga nagdaang unos, ito ang panahon ng sama-samang pagbangon ng mamamayan para biguin ang JCP-Kapanatagan ng AFP-PNP at pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/ang-larawan-ng-terorismo-ng-afp-pnp-sa-panahon-ng-kalamidad/

CPP/NPA-Masbate/NPA-Bicol: Hungkag at walang katuturan ang isinagawang “Light a Candle Rally” na pinangunahan ng 2nd IBPA at PNP PPO Masbate

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2020): Hungkag at walang katuturan ang isinagawang “Light a Candle Rally” na pinangunahan ng 2nd IBPA at PNP PPO Masbate

LUZ DEL MAR

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-MASBATE

JOSE RAPSING COMMAND

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

Nagmimistulang maamong mga tupa at makadiyos ang pagpopostura ng 2nd IBPA at PNP PPO Masbate matapos pangunahan nila ang “Light a Candle Rally” noong Oktubre 29, 2020 sa tapat ng kapitolyo. Layunin ng nasabing aktibidad na ipakita sa mga tao sa sentrong lungsod ng Masbate kung gaano ang pagpapahalaga nila sa buhay ng mamamayan sukdulan man nilang tabunan ng sangkaterbang pagbabalatkayo ang totoo nilang ginagawa.

Samantala, sa mga kanayunan ng probinsya ng Masbate ay kinasusuklaman ng mga tao ang mga sundalo at pulis na siyang pangunahing naghahasik ng krimen na siyang sumisira sa buhay, kabuhayan at kapayapaan ng mga tao at lugar. Sa mga lugar at komunidad na pinaglulunsaran ng Focused Military Operations(FMO) at Retooled Community Support Program(RCSP) ay dumarami ang biktima ng pagpatay, pagnanakaw at pagsira ng mga produkto at ari-arian ng tao, sapilitang pagpapasuko at pambubogbog sa mga pinaghihinalaang kasapi ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Ngunit di pwedeng itago ang tunay na estatiska ng mga krimen na kinasasangkutan ng 2nd IBPA, PNP PPO Masbate at iba pa nilang mga armadong yunit. Ilan sa mga ito ay:

Hunyo 17, 2020 – Pagpatay kay Rogen Orcales Languido at mag –amang sina Danyy Boy Tibay Pepito, Sr. at Jessie Boy Amador Pepito sa Brgy. Mahayahay, Placer;
Hulyo 5, 2020 – Pagpatay sa tatlong katao sa Brgy. Bacacay, Mobo na sina Rolly Dela Cruz, Marlon Rojas at Edgar Minggoy;
Hulyo 24, 2020 – Pagpatay kay Jolito Tibor Bolandrina at Nolito Maquilan sa bayan ng Placer at Cawayan;
Sept. 26, 2020 – Pagpatay kina Jeffrey Regala, Joey Asne at Judy Barruga sa bayan ng Mandaon;

\Nito lamang nakalipas na Nobyembre 14, 2020 ay pinatay ng mga sundalo ng 2nd IBPA sa pangunguna ni 2nd Lt. Maydem Jomadil si Ronnie H. Villamor, 50 anyos at residente ng Brgy. Nursery, Masbate City. Si G. Villamor na isang pastor at mamamahayag ng Doskantos Balita ay pinatay ng mga sundalo sa Brgy. Matanglad, Milagros dahil sa paratang na kasapi ito ng NPA.

Ayon sa yunit ng BHB na nakakasaklaw sa lugar ay di nila kasapi si G. Villamor at walang naganap na labanan sa pagitan nila nung Nobyembre 14. Dagdag pa nila, nasa lugar si G. Villamor upang magmasid sa gagawing land suvey sa lupa ng pamilya Dimen na inaagaw ni Randy Favis. Minsan ding nagtrabaho si Ronnie Villamor kay Randy Favis, ayon pa sa mga kasama.

Sina P/Col. Julius D. Guadamor PNP-RMFB5 GD, P/Col. Joriz A. Cantoria PNP-PPO Dir, at Lt.Col. Siegfred Felpe F. Awichen 2nd IBPA Batcom ang mga pangunahing arkitekto at tagapagpatupad ng M.O. 32 at E.O. 70 na siyang pinanggagalingan ng mga pagpatay at pagsira sa kabuhayan ng mga tao. Nakakalungkot lang isipin na naaatim nina Guadamor at Cantoria na parehong Masbatenyo na maging kasangkapan sa mga pagpatay sa kapwa nila Masbatenyo.

Nakikipagtagisan sina Guadamor, Cantoria at Awichen sa kapwa nila mga opisyal sa AFP at PNP sa paramihang pinapatay na mga sibilyan para makaparte sa bilyun-bilyong pondo na inilaan sa NTF-ELCAC.

Batid ng taumbayan kung gaano ka kurapto ang mga opisyal ng AFP at PNP, na sangkot din sa iba pang mga iligal na gawain tulad ng droga, holdapan, kidnapping, at iba pang mga krimen. Araw-araw ay halos laman sa mga pahayagan ang pagiging kriminal at gangsteristang katangian ng mersenaryong armadong grupo ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno. Sabi nga ng mga matitinong sundalo at pulis na wala nang makatatalo pa sa AFP at PNP sa pagiging isang ligal na organisadong grupong kriminal na pinamumunuan ng isa ding mamamatay at uhaw sa dugo na si Duterte.

Ang bilyun-bilyong perang inilalaan sa NTF-ELCAC ay pagpapaterhin lang ng mga opisyal para sa kanilang sariling bulsa. Katiting lang ang napupunta sa mga pekeng surrenderres at ang mga baril na isinisuko kuno ay mga renisiklong baril na galing mismo sa mga arsenal ng AFP at PNP.

Nananawagan ang Jose Rapsing Command-BHB Masbate sa mga kasapi ng medya na maging mapanuri kayo sa nangyayari sa inyong paligid lalung-lalo na ang mga patayan na kagagawan ng 2nd IBPA at PNP PPO Masbate. Magsilbing aral sana sa inyo ang nangyari sa inyong kasamahan na kahit ang hanay niyo ay hindi ligtas sa kamay ng mga berdugo. Magiging masaya ang taumbayan kung kayo ay titindig para sa kanila at tutulong sa pagsisiwalat ng mga masasamang ginagawa ng mga sundalo at pulis sa mamamayan.

Tanging sa sama-samang paglaban ng mamamayan katuwang ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan na ginagabayan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas mapapawi ang pagsasamantala ng tao sa kapwa tao.

Hustisya para sa mga biktima ng EJK!
Inutang na dugo ng 2nd IBPA at PNP PPO Masbate, Pagbayarin!
Mamamayang Masbatenyo, Sampa na sa BHB!
Digmang Bayan, sagot sa EO 70 at MO 32!

https://cpp.ph/statements/hungkag-at-walang-katuturan-ang-isinagawang-light-a-candle-rally-na-pinangunahan-ng-2nd-ibpa-at-pnp-ppo-masbate/

CPP/News: KASAMA-CPDF binigyang-pugay si Wilfredo “Ka Hoben” Aloba, isang mahusay na guro ng masang anakpawis

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 24, 2020): KASAMA-CPDF binigyang-pugay si Wilfredo “Ka Hoben” Aloba, isang mahusay na guro ng masang anakpawis

Matagumpay at ligtas na nailunsad ang parangal para kay Wilfredo “Ka Hoben” Aloba sa isang lugar sa Kordilyera nitong Nobyembre 2020 sa pangunguna ng Kalipunan ng Samahan ng mga Mala-Manggagawa-Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (KASAMA-CPDF).

Si Ka Hoben ang isa sa mga nagpunla ng binhi sa kilusan ng maralitang tagalunsod na kalauna’y umunlad tungo sa kilusang mala-manggagawa sa Kordilyera. Ang kanyang tiyaga, talas at husay sa pagbibigay ng pag-aaral ay nagsibing susi sa tuloy-tuloy na konsolidasyon at paglawak ng kilusang maralitang lunsod. Halos limang dekada niyang ginugol ang kanyang buhay para sa pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon. Si Ka Hoben ay namatay sa karamdaman noong Nobyembre 9, 2019.

“Ang pagtitipon ay naglalayong gunitain ang buhay at mga kontribusyon ni Ka Hoben at bigyan ito ng pagkilala at pagpupugay.” ayon kay Ka Ezer, Tagapangulo ng KASAMA-CPDF. Dagdag pa niya, ”Napapanahon ang pagtitipon upang magbigay inspirasyon at lakas sa bawat isa sa harap ng matindi at mahirap na kalagayang kinakaharap ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan at ng masang anakpawis.”

Ibinahagi ni Ka Siony, malapit na kaibigan at matagal na kasamahan ni Ka Hoben na mahusay at matatag na ginampanan ni Ka Hoben ang kanyang mga rebolusyonaryong gawain sa harap ng mahirap na kalagayan. Aniya, “Tampok na kalakasan ni Hoben ang pagbibigay ng pag-aaral at ang mahusay na pakikitungo sa mga kasama, sa kanyang mga pinamumununan, at higit sa lahat sa masang anakpawis na kanyang pinaglingkuran.” Dagdag pa, “Ang kanyang pagsisilbi sa masang anakpawis at pambansang minorya sa rehiyon, kapwa sa kalunsuran at kanayunan, ay tunay na kahanga-hanga at dapat magsilbing hamon at insipirasyon sa bawat isa.”

“Ipinamalas ni Ka Hoben hanggang sa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay ang katangian ng isang mahusay na komunista.” ani ni Ka Tera, dating kasamahan ni Ka Hoben.

Ibinahagi rin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan, pagsisikap, at hamon na kinakaharap ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan at ng masang anakpawis. Ayon kay Ka Namnama, “Para sa ating nabubuhay pa, walang ibang daan kung hindi ipagpatuloy ang laban na sinimulan at niyakap ni Ka Hoben at ng iba pang nauna sa atin. Sa kasalukuyan, tumitindi ang panunupil ng pasistang estado, ang kawalan ng medikal na solusyon sa pagharap sa pandemya, ang kapabayaan ng gubyerno sa mga biktima ng kalamidad, at ang pagyurak sa kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan. Ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan ng masang anakpawis sa rehiyon ay nasa higit na pagsisikap upang pangingibabawan ang mahirap na kalagayan at mga kahinaan sa nakaraan upang patuloy na magkamit ng mga tagumpay at maisulong ang digmang bayan sa mas mataas na antas.”

Dinaluhan ang pagtitipon ng mga kaibigan, mga dating kasamahan, at mga kasapi ng KASAMA-CPDF. Nakadalo rin ang mga kabataa’t estudyanteng kasapi ng Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO. Mahigpit namang isinaalang-alang ang mga protokol sa seguridad at kalusugan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng dumalo sa aktibidad.

Ang pagtitipon ay nagtapos ng may mataas na kapasyahan at optimismo upang patuloy na lumahok at sumuporta sa pambansang demokratikong rebolusyon sa iba’t ibang pamamaraan.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/kasama-cpdf-binigyang-pugay-si-wilfredo-ka-hoben-aloba-isang-mahusay-na-guro-ng-masang-anakpawis/

CPP/IB: On the red-tagging senate hearing

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 23, 2020): On the red-tagging senate hearing

INFORMATION BUREAU

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
NOVEMBER 25, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today lambasted the Duterte regime and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for using the senate hearing on red-tagging as a platform to justify and escalate its anti-communist witchunting and crackdown against political parties under the Makabayan bloc and other democratic mass organizations. The second hearing was held yesterday after progressive lawmakers opted to skip the first hearing on November 3 and requested for a separate hearing without the presence of the military.

In a Twitter post CPP information officer Marco L. Valbuena commented: “This is not a hearing on red-tagging. This is a red-tagging hearing.” He said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) merely used the hearings to intimidate and threaten activists whom they baselessly accuse as recruiters of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Intolerant of dissent, the regime only aims to silence first the Left, then all the rest left standing.” Valbuena stressed that this is perilous as a wide array of forces are in danger of being lumped as “terrorists” under Duterte’s terror law.a

He said “Duterte’s thick-skulled military officials will have none of ‘Hindi ako NPA’ (I am not an NPA) denials.” He explained that Duterte’s fascist security officials are beyond convincing that the legal democratic movement and activists can have ideals shared by the CPP without them being branded as “fronts.”

He also criticized AFP “intelligence” for failing to understand that the CPP can share the same ideals and aspirations with so many different forces in the Philippines. “The AFP/DND fascists cannot accept the fact that many non-communist Filipinos, some senators included, agree with the CPP on lots of points, including defense of human rights, wage increases, land reform, ending China occupation of Philippine territories, abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement and other unequal treaties with US, among many others.”

“The CPP is not the sole purveyor of these issues, and belittling human rights, people’s organizations and even religious institutions as mere “fronts” is denying their historical role in fighting for social justice and democracy within the stifling confines of the reactionary law,” Valbuena added.

Valbuena emphasized that the CPP is a revolutionary organization which struggles for national freedom and democracy as immediate aims, and socialism and communism as future goals. He noted that the CPP opposes and condemns terrorism, especially state terrorism perpetrated by the Duterte fascist regime.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-red-tagging-senate-hearing/

CPP/CIIO: Objection to US bomb and missile donation to Duterte terror regime

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Nov 25, 2020): Objection to US bomb and missile donation to Duterte terror regime

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
NOVEMBER 25, 2020

We vehemently object to the Trump government’s “donation” of $18 million worth of bombs and missiles that will exarcerbate the Duterte regime’s dirty war against the people. The war matériel was received by the AFP last Monday.

We demand the incoming Biden regime to take action against continuing US military support for Duterte’s state terrorist regime and his reign of human rights abuses.

We call for an end to the US “enduring commitment” and “critical alliance” with the Duterte regime, an international pariah in terms of human rights.

We demand an end to US support for “counterterrorism” which only embolden Duterte’s military and police officers in their dirty war of suppression.

With US support, the AFP has conducted relentless aerial bombing and artillery shelling campaigns not only against the military-linked Abu Sayyaf criminal bandits, but moreso against the revolutionary forces of the New People’s Army.

For close to two years now, the AFP has conducted aerial bombing and strafing campaigns against suspected NPA guerrilla camps. These invariably cause physical and environmental damage, endanger lives and bring about sufferings to nearby peasant and minority communities.

In fulfilling Duterte’s order to “flatten the hills,” the AFP wants to repeat the total destruction of Marawi in the futile attempt to crush the NPA and suppress the people’s armed and non-armed resistance.

This year, we have recorded at least five incidents of aerial bombardment in Bukidnon, three in Surigao del Sur, two in Davao del Norte and at least one each in Compostela Valley, Misamis Oriental, Northern Samar, Sarangani, Zambales and Zamboanga del Norte.

Aerial bombardment against moving guerrilla targets violate the international principle of proportionality and always potentially bring losses to civilian lives and property. There are several incidents that bombs have exploded near peasant and minority communities, caused damaged to farms, felled forest trees, destroyed homes and sources of livelihood, and killed farm animals and pets.

To the broad masses of the Filipino people, US-supplied bombs bring nothing but fear and sufferings. In several instances, residents of entire communities have been forced to leave their homes in search of safe haven.

We call on the American people, whose money is being used to fund the AFP’s bombing, shelling and strafing drives against the Filipino people, to support the call for an end to the US government’s military support to the Duterte terror regime.

We urge the international human rights and humanitarian community, all pro-people forces as well as the media to focus and investigate the ill-effects brought about by the AFP’s aerial bombardment and strafing campaigns and its violation of international humanitarian law.

https://cpp.ph/statements/objection-to-us-bomb-and-missile-donation-to-duterte-terror-regime/

Kalinaw News: Local Terrorist Group supporters surrender, yields firearm in Lanao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2020): Local Terrorist Group supporters surrender, yields firearm in Lanao del Sur

Madalum, Lanao del Sur – Two supporters of Local Terrorist Group remnants voluntarily surrendered to Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion in Brgy Liangan 1, Madalum, Lanao del Sur 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

“The surrenders were identified as Agar Sarif and Mansa Sarif both resident of Brgy. Gurain, Madalum, Lanao del Sur who yielded to our Community Support Program (CSP) Team”, said Lt. Col. Franco Raphael Alano, 55th Infantry Battalion Commander.

“The negotiations was made possible by Prof. Cosain Umpa, the Municipal Consultant of Madalum, and representative of the Madalum LCE”, added Lt.Col. Alano

The duo turned over two high powered firearms; one M1 Garrand Rifle and one Stagarms M4 Rifle.

Custodial debriefing is still on-going as of this posting.

According to Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander, who has operational jurisdiction of Lanao del Sur “We continuously encourage local terrorist groups and their supporters to surrender and submit themselves to the folds of the law”.

He added that, despite the pandemic, relentless operations in the provinces is continued in order to preempt any terrorist activities and recruitment of teenagers as their fighters.

Maj. Gen. Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces), commended the efforts of the troops for the successful surrender of the Local Terrorist Group supporters.

“Your 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, remains steadfast in its commitment to attain just and lasting peace in our area of operation thru our campaign against local terrorist groups, lawless armed groups and loose firearms,” said Maj.Gen. Ponio.

“Likewise, we thank the local stakeholders for their continued trust and support to our troops in contributing peace and development in the whole province of Lanao del Sur,” Maj.Gen. Ponio 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/local-terrorist-group-supporters-surrender-yields-firearm-in-lanao-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: Commander Special Operations Command Pacific pays a visit to JTF Central and 6ID Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2020): Commander Special Operations Command Pacific pays a visit to JTF Central and 6ID Commander

Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao- The Commander of Special Operations Command Pacific, Brigadier General Joshua M Rudd US Army visited 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, that started with his customary courtesy call to Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy PA, Commander of 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division and Joint Task Force Central last November 20, 2020 at the BGen Divinagracia Hall in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The Command also rendered a full military honors to Brigadier General Rudd upon his arrival with Col. Jose Ambrosio Rustia, Chief Division Governance and Strategy Management Office as Military Host.

Brigadier General Rudd was welcomed by Col. Jovencio Gonzales, Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs together with Col. Michael Santos, Chief of Staff and Col. Edgar Catu, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 and other personnel from SOTF 511.2 – Team Central.

The visit of Brigadier General Rudd aims to strengthen the partnership of the US counterparts with the “Kampilan” troopers in the campaign against terrorism in this part of the country.

[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/commander-special-operations-command-pacific-pays-a-visit-to-jtf-central-and-6id-commander/

Kalinaw News: Gigaquit welcomes 9 NPA surrenders and 22 Milisyang Bayan in Lahi-Sico2x-Camam-onan Complex

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2020): Gigaquit welcomes 9 NPA surrenders and 22 Milisyang Bayan in Lahi-Sico2x-Camam-onan Complex

Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte – Nine regular New People’s Army together with Twenty Two Milisya ng Bayan members voluntarily surrender without firearms to the Community Support Program Team of 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion, Philippine Army in Brgy Camam-onan, Gigaquit town on November 22, Sunday. Lahi, Sico-sico and Camam-onan (LASICAM) complex can be considered as one of the bastion of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area.

The surrenderees are members of Sandatahang Pampropaganda sa Platun (SPP) 16C, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NEMRC) under Pablo Lugatiman AKA JACOB operating in LASICAM Complex.

A formal surrender ceremony was held during the Grand Pulong-Pulong (GPP) officiated by Hon. Chandru T. Bonite, Municipal Mayor of Gigaquit with the presence of around two Hundred (200) individuals of the Mamanwa tribe from the hinter areas of Barangays Lahi, Sico-sico and Camam-onan.

Mayor Bonite welcomed the surrenderees and promised that LGU Gigaquit will provide support to them and to take every effort in seeking further assistance from other Government agencies for support that could be provided to the surrenderors and their families.

“Isip injo Mayor, Nalipay ko kay inyo gidawat ang programa sa atong gobyerno alang sa kalinaw. Manghinaut ko nga sugod karon, magtinabangay ta aron makab-ot nato ang atong gipangandoy nga kalinaw ug kalamboan dire sa LASICAM” Being your Mayor, I am very glad that you truly accepted the program of the government towards attaining a lasting peace. Henceforth, let us help each other to achieve lasting peace and progress here in LASICAM. In his closing statement, Mayor Bonite expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Army especially to 30IB for always being present in the municipality ensuring the safety and security of his constituents and as a great partner in progress and development in the area.

According to Aka Jonas, one of the surrenderees who was recruited way back in 2016 expressed his disappointments and frustrations to the leadership of NPA organization. “Puro kabakakan, igo ra me sologoon sa suyod wla jud kaugmaon, nag ingon sila nga naay suporta nga ila ihatag sa amo pamilya pero suyod sa tuyo (3) ka tuig nako sa organisasyun, bisan sentimo wayay nadawat among pamilya.. “Nothing but all lies, we were used just like slaves inside, no future, they said they will support our family but for the past three (3) years in the organization, not even a single cent was given to our family” He added that he was thankful for the soldiers of 30IB. “Magpasalamat me sa 30IB sa ilang pagkamaayo, sila ang nitabang aron kmi makamata sa kamatuoran. Thanks to 30IB, we owe our new lives to them, for their kindness, they helped us realized the truth.

Lt Col Ryan Charles G. Callanta, Commanding Officer of 30IB said, “We will ensure that these surrenderees had made the right decision, that they will avail the E-CLIP benefits not only to help them start their new and peaceful lives but to show them how serious the government in its quest for “Peaceful reconciliation”. This is a fruit of a collective effort among and between partner government agencies and Civil society organizations in the area. This is a strong manifestation that the Executive Order number 70 thru the Local TF ELCAC is effectively functioning in this part of the country. I also commend the efforts of our soldiers doing the Community Support Program for a job well done. Thus, we are expecting an avalanche of surrenderees in the coming days or weeks, and we will peacefully welcome them. He concluded.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/gigaquit-welcomes-9-npa-surrenders-and-22-milisyang-bayan-in-lahi-sico2x-camam-onan-complex/

Kalinaw News: Advocacy rally ginanap sa Pandi, Bulacan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2020): Advocacy rally ginanap sa Pandi, Bulacan

Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan –Nagsagawa ng advocacy rally ang mga kasapi ng Pagkakaisang Mamamayan Tungo sa Kaayusan o PMTK sa BJMP/BFP Housing, Barangay Cacarong Matanda, Pandi, Bulacan ika-24 ng Nobyembre 2020.

Matatandaan na ang PMTK ay mga dating miyembro ng Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap o KADAMAY kung saan kumalas sila matapos malaman na may ibang agenda ito na siyang konektado sa mga makakaliwang grupo. Ito’y matapos sila sumailalim sa mga pag-aaral at pagtuturo na ayon sa kanila ay laban sa pamahalaan at gobyerno.

Humigit kumulang 100 kasapi na binubuo ng mga lider ng PMTK ang sumali sa advocacy rally bilang suporta sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) at sa Hands off our children. Ito’y suporta na rin sa hanay nila Ka Eric sa ginagawang Senate hearing hinggil sa red-tagging issue.

Ang rally ay nagpapahayag din ng kanilang pag kundina sa CPP-NPA-NDF, pagpapahayag ng hindi pagsuporta sa Makabayan Bloc, at sa pagpapahayag na ang red-tagging ay mismong terminong nanggaling sa pinuno ng CPP-NPA-NDF na si Joma Sison.

“Dapat po iyan (Makabayan Bloc) ay mapawalang bisa at dapat po iyan ay tutulan dahil po ang mga kabataan ang una nilang nilalapitan at pinupuntahan para maparami ang miyembro nila. Huwag po tayong magpalinlang at magpadala sa kanilang matamis na salita.Narito na po tayo sa gobyerno, huwag na po natin silang hayaan magtayo ng organisasyong lalaban sa atin.”, sambit ni Georgina Tolston dating KADAMAY member.

Dagdag ni Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez, Commanding Officer 48IB, “Nais namin na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman ang taong-bayan upang mamulat ang lahat sa katotohanan. Makakamit natin ang tunay na kapayapaan na kaakibat ang kaligtasan kung tayong lahat ay magtulungan masugpo at matapos ang insurhensiya sa ating bansa. “

Kalinaw News: 100 IB holds Serbisyo Caravan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 25, 2020): 100 IB holds Serbisyo Caravan

On 23 November 2020 – Bgy Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu. KALASAG troopers promote goodwill to the
less fortunate people of Bgy Timbangan this province together with Local Government Unit, Local
Government Agency. This humble endeavor is a Civil Military activity by the unit in connection with its
1 st Founding anniversary aims to bring harmonious relationship among the people of Indanan and
gain popular support.

This Serbisyo Caravan is a multiagency convergence effort to deliver basic services among our
environs. The participating stakeholders include the MSWD Indanan, RHU Indanan, KABALIKAT
CIVICOM Sulu, PAFCPIC Zamboanga PSO, Indanan Municipal Police Station, and LGU of Indanan.
A total of more or less 1000 families received free services such as feeding program, immunization
and family planning program. Food packs were also provided to pregnant mother and senior citizen
and those parents who are in the list of identified beneficiaries were given a sack of rice.

At the same day, it is highlighted by the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Understanding in
relation to Adopt a School Program by the unit. It was officially signed by LTC ALEX H GAGULA INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the unit and Tony A Asanji, Principal I of Indanan National High School. The sacred document is a product of agreement by both parties wherein our soldiers are
mandated to participate in nation building by providing human resource assistance and other
undertaking stated in the paper. Likewise, the unit donates and hand-over around 100 pieces of
school supplies and slippers intended for the identified pupils that has no capacity to provide by its
own 300 pieces of set of notepad and pencil were distributed to the elementary pupils as part of the
adopt-a-school program of this unit.

“The success of the unit relies upon the support of the community for the period of One (1) year this
indicator will serve as our guiding light to perform well our job to serve our country men. Your Army is
ready to serve you anytime, anywhere that is our commitment in the love of the service. Rest assured
that whatever written in the contract will be executed, as you can see, our signature was already
fixed and recognized.”

Kalinaw News: Snowballing of success continue as six ASG members surrender to troops of JTF-SULU

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 24, 2020): Snowballing of success continue as six ASG members surrender to troops of JTF-SULU

November 23, 2020, Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – The 45th Infantry Battalion presents six (6) Abu Sayyaf Group rebel returnees under senior leader Radullan Sahiron to JTF – Sulu Commander.

Today, November 23, 2020, LTC Ruben Guinolbay, Commanding Officer of 45th Infantry Battalion presented six (6) Abu Sayyaf Group rebel returnees under ASG sub-leader Radullan Sahiron to MGen William N Gonzales, the Commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu. BGen Ignatius N Patrimonio, Commander of 1102nd Infantry Brigade was also present in the event. Later that day, the rebel returnees were also presented to Hon. Kabir Hayudini, Municipal Mayor of Patikul, Sulu.

The six (6) ASG members were identified as Sudduri G Atam @ Apo Adam, Amjad T Idjas @ Amjad, Kamlon N Kahal @ Kams, Mahmot O Asanulla @ Mong, Kimar Habari ABDAH @ Ambot and Jahawi Laham Dadjong @Laham. They brought with them their firearms, one (1) M16A1 Rifle, one (1) M1 Springfield Rifle and one (1) M2 Carbine Rifle.

The Joint Civil Military and Intelligence Operations of the 45IB with the Patikul Municipal Police Station led by PCPT Carbungco effectively convinced these rebel returnees to surrender and return to the folds of law. LTC Guibolbay stated that, “Ipagpapatuloy namin ang mga programang ito para mahikayat pa ang ibang mga myembro ng ASG na bumaba na sa bundok at magbalik-loob sa gobyerno.”

JTFS Commander, MGen Gonzales also lauded the continuous effort of the 45IB and the Patikul MPS in achieving peace and development in the area. “I see the surrender of the ASG members will continue lalo na ngayon na nakikita ang mgapagbabago tungo sa progresibong mga adhikain, the next thing that we will focus on is the development programs here in the Municipality of Patikul, and in the whole Province of Sulu.”

https://www.kalinawnews.com/snowballing-of-success-continue-as-six-asg-members-surrender-to-troops-of-jtf-sulu/

Kalinaw News: 5ID Commander gets another star

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 24, 2020): 5ID Commander gets another star

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – The Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army got another star for his dedication to service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the Commission on Appointments’ confirmation of nomination to the next higher rank of MGen Laurence E Mina PA effective September 30, 2020.

The Startroopers tendered Arrival Honors just today for MGen Mina since he first attended to the needs of the people in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Region who were struck by typhoon Ulysses.

The promoted Commander thanked the men and women of 5ID, and the people behind his success, for their endless support that gave him determination and inspiration in fulfilling his oath. “Rest assured that the additional star on my shoulder will serve as an inspiration to do more and to fight harder. The Star Division and the Startroopers will shine endlessly in any endeavor as we perform our duties and responsibilities for the people of Regions 02 and Cordillera.”

MGen Mina is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. After his graduation from PMA, he was deployed in Region 2 where he almost paid the ultimate sacrifice in an encounter against the CPP-NPA terrorists in Barangay Dicamay 1, Jones, Isabela. He was severely wounded in that encounter that the locals thought he died. The residents even named the encounter site as Mina Hill.

He was assigned as platoon leader in 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army which he eventually commanded as the Battalion Commander. During his stint, the 17IB was awarded as the best Battalion of 5ID in year 2014. He composed the “Do or Die” Battalion Hymn.

After his term as Battalion Commander, he was designated as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (G3) in Headquarters 5ID. He was later assigned to offices in higher headquarters. He was later tapped to be the Chief of Staff of 5ID from February 16 to November 19, 2018.

On November 19, 2018 to July 14, 2020 he served as the Brigade Commander of 502nd Infantry Brigade based in Echague, Isabela where he led the dismantling of two major Guerilla Fronts of the Communist Terrorist Groups particularly the Southern Front Committee and Central Front Committee both of Komiteng Rehiyon – Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).

On July 14, 2020, he took command of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army wherein he maintains an aggressive stance against insurgency as reflected by the continuous accomplishments of the Division, from the discoveries of arms cache to the successive surrender of members of New People’s Army and its sympathizers. The withdrawal of support of the residents in the insurgency-influenced communities is just one of the manifestations that the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in the area is continuously gaining success.

Kalinaw News: City gov’t of Butuan, Army conduct leadership training for youth leaders

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 24, 2020): City gov’t of Butuan, Army conduct leadership training for youth leaders

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – A total of eighty-four (84) youth leaders from different far-flung sitios of Barangay Tungao in Butuan City joined the three-day Youth Leadership Summit held at Tungao Central Elementary School from November 20 to 22, 2020.

With the theme “Youth Advocates in Peaceful Change Beyond Pandemic”, the three-day activity was facilitated by the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion and the City Government of Butuan.

The opening day on November 20, 2020 was graced by Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the commanding officer of 23rd IB, together with City Councilor Atty. Ernest John C. Sanchez, who represented Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, and Barangay Kagawad Rolando E Bantola.

In his message to the youth participants, Mayor Lagnada expressed his gratitude to the troopers of 23rd IB for sharing their tactical expertise that will help shift the perspective of the youth leaders in the area.

The mayor added that the city government has been collaborating with various government and non-government groups which focus on developing the youth, teaching them technologies and approaches that targets to spur a revolution of empowerment.

“This COVID pandemic had made us realize the importance of having a resilient character that no amount of resources could protect us from any calamities and what defines us is our capacity to adapt and the will to overcome and that can only be achieved by having a learned populace. Today we stand proud for all the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) effort in upholding peace and development through a meaningful and lasting means-educating and training the youth, especially in this new normal,” Mayor Lagnada said.

He added that the youths in Barangay Tungao are equally relevant with the rest of the young generations from the other eight-six (86) barangays of Butuan City, and considered as the force multiplier in the government’s thrust for change.

The mayor emphasized that provisions of training, seminar and community development interventions are the ways the city government of Butuan equips the youths of Barangay Tungao for their envisioned future.

“Aim high and focus on your studies and goals in life for you to become good and productive leaders in your community. I hope that after this summit, you will be the kind of leader who thinks about what will be your next step to change your community for the better. Value all the lectures of the resource person so that you will not be deceived by the New People’s Army (NPA),” Mayor Lagnada said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Paulo thanked the support of the city government for the activity and recognized the presence of the youth leaders in the area.

“You are here with a bigger purpose as part of the peace and development campaign of the government,” Paulo said.

He added that the youth need to learn more, especially in the field of leadership, to help them face the different challenges in life.

“You are the hope and future of our nation. Start learning for the betterment of your community and for you to have better lives,” Paulo said.

He also encouraged the young participants to help the government end the local communist conflict in their barangay.

“Support the different efforts of the government agencies and your local leaders in winning a lasting peace for your barangay to achieve sustainable development,” 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/city-govt-of-butuan-army-conduct-leadership-training-for-youth-leaders/

Kalinaw News: 501st Brigade, 5ID locate war materials in Gattaran, Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 24, 2020): 501st Brigade, 5ID locate war materials in Gattaran, Cagayan

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Valiant Startroopers of 501st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army discovered an arms cache at Sitio Rissik, Barangay Mabuno, Gattaran, Cagayan on November 23, 2020.

Concerned residents tipped off the whereabouts of the war materials to the joint operating troops of 501 Brigade composed of 77th and 17th Infantry Battalions. Upon validation of the information, the said troops proceeded in the area and discovered the arms cache containing one M16 rifle, five units of shotgun, two hand grenades, one rifle grenade, four ammunitions of mortar, 10 rounds ammunition of caliber 45, 107 ammunitions of M16 rifle, two blasting caps, three improvised explosive devices, two handheld radios, 85 pieces of propaganda leaflets, five dental/tooth extraction tools, four pieces syringe, 14 liters ammonium nitrate, two dextrose, two disposable gas sterile, one pair of rainboots, and three packs of pad.

MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5ID said that the cooperation of the populace in the community in revealing the locations of the NPA’s war material is a manifestation of their aspiration to end the deception and abuse of the insurgents.

MGen Mina further lauded the troops for the successful operation conducted leading to the discovery of the war materials.

[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/501st-brigade-5id-locate-war-materials-in-gattaran-cagayan-2/

AFP names Enriquez new WesCom commander

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 25, 2020): AFP names Enriquez new WesCom commander

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has named Rear Adm. Ramil Roberto Enriquez the new commander of the Western Command (WesCom), said Capt. Jonathan Zata, chief of public affairs office.

Enriquez replaced Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, now the AFP vice chief of staff. Enriquez’ appointment is effective on Nov. 24.

“Admiral Enriquez is a well-seasoned naval officer, having commanded several types of commissioned vessels,” Zata said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1364546/afp-names-enriquez-new-wescom-commander

US-to-Philippines arms transfers include recon drone, 100 precision-guided missiles

From the Stars & Stripes (Nov 25, 2020): US-to-Philippines arms transfers include recon drone, 100 precision-guided missiles (By By SETH ROBSON)

National security adviser Robert O'Brien, center, checks out a TOW-2A missile system in Manila, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020.

A catalog’s worth of armaments worth nearly $33 million, including 100 wire-guided missiles, 12 thermal imaging systems, two dozen 500-pound bombs and a reconnaissance drone, were delivered to the Philippines by U.S. officials this week, according to the State Department.

A $14.79 million ScanEagle drone was transferred to the Philippine navy on Wednesday to increase its maritime surveillance and border security capabilities, according to a statement posted by the U.S. Embassy in Manila that day.

The drone will operate out of Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, the statement said.

The base is near Subic Bay, a former U.S. Navy base on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon that’s a regular port of call for U.S. warships.

“This new asset will complement the same kind being operated by the 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing at the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, which is very close to the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea that need our consistent attention,” Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff Vice Admiral Erick Kagaoan said of the drone, according to the embassy statement.

The drone handover followed a transfer of missiles and bombs on Monday.

“I am pleased to transfer (a) package of precision-guided missiles, munitions, including 100 TOW-2A missiles, 12 ITAS, and 24 MK-82s to the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” national security adviser Robert O'Brien said during a visit to the Philippines, according to a transcript of his remarks provided by the State Department.

President Donald Trump had pledged to provide $18 million worth of missiles during a phone conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in April.

“This assistance will support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ efforts to defeat [the Islamic State – East Asia] in the Southern Philippines,” the State Department said in a statement Monday.

TOW — tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided — antitank missiles fired from an Apache attack helicopter were used by U.S. forces in Iraq during the July 23, 2003, assault that killed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s sons Uday and Qusay in the city of Mosul.

The ITAS — Improved Target Acquisition System — which also saw action in Iraq, is an antitank thermal imaging system allows gunners to see differences in temperatures between men, machinery and the environment.

The MK-82 is a 500-pound unguided bomb that can be dropped by a variety of aircraft. A B-1 Lancer bomber, for example, can carry up to 84 of them, according to an Oct. 28, 2015, Washington Post report.

“This transfer underscores our strong and enduring commitment to our critical alliance,” O’Brien said, noting the allies’ battle against Islamic extremists and concerns over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The arms transfer signals continuity in the U.S.-Philippines defense relationship despite the ups and downs of recent years, Ian Chong, an associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore, told Stars and Stripes in an email Wednesday.

“The same can be said of the military assistance,” he said.

China has used “gray zone” tactics — actions short of armed conflict such as occupying disputed territory and harassing fishermen — to advance its claims to virtually all the South China Sea over neighboring countries, including the Philippines.

The new weapons’ impact in the South China Sea would depend on the scenario and the political will in Manila, Chong said, but added: “Using such capabilities against gray zone activities risk unwanted and difficult to control escalation.”

Much will come down to the appetite for risk in Manila at moments of crisis, he said.

Critics in the United States have objected to arms sales to the Philippines, where thousands of extrajudicial killings have occurred during Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.

The extrajudicial killings mean the U.S. shouldn’t provide arms to the Philippines, William Hartung, director of the Arms and Security Project at the Center for International Policy, wrote in a 28 May opinion article for The Hill.

“People are being gunned down in the streets without benefit of a trial or formal charges,” he wrote.

However, people concerned about human rights abuses shouldn’t worry about the latest transfers, Ralph Cossa, president emeritus of the Pacific Forum think tank on Hawaii said in an email the same day, noting the difference between small arms used in the drug war and the recently transferred bombs and missiles.

The Philippines remains a U.S. ally, at least on paper, so arms transfers are not unusual or inappropriate, he said.

Since 2015, the United States has delivered more than $650 million worth of planes, ships, armored vehicles, small arms, and other military equipment to the Philippines, while training side-by-side with our Filipino allies, the embassy said in its statement.

https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/us-to-philippines-arms-transfers-include-recon-drone-100-precision-guided-missiles-1.653290

USAID gives $3.5 M emergency aid to PH post-typhoon recovery efforts

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 25, 2020): USAID gives $3.5 M emergency aid to PH post-typhoon recovery efforts (By Roy Mabasa)

White House National Security Adviser (NSA) Robert C. O’Brien has announced that the United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing approximately $3.5 million in additional emergency assistance to support the Government of the Republic of the Philippines as it continues to respond to the after-effects of Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni).

An aerial view shows destroyed and flooded houses after super Typhoon Goni hit the town of Malinao, Albay province, south of Manila on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Charism SAYAT / AFP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the USAID said the latest assistance is in line with the reiteration made by O’Brien that the United States stands with the Filipino people during this difficult time.

O’Brien was in Manila on Monday for the formal turnover of defense weapon systems to the Philippine government.

According to USAID, the new funding is on top of the $200,000 it earlier provided shortly after Typhoon Rolly made landfall in Bicol on November 1, 2020.

This assistance brings the total humanitarian funding pledged by the US Government to support the response to the storm in the Philippines to approximately $3.7 million.

The additional funding seeks to finance humanitarian partners on the ground to provide emergency shelter, safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation, and other immediate assistance to help affected families meet their urgent needs.

USAID’s disaster-preparedness partners on the ground continue to support the national government’s response to Typhoon Rolly such as the World Food Programme (WFP) that is providing logistical support by transporting relief supplies to affected areas.

With funding from USAID, the International Organization for Migration has been distributing emergency-shelter materials, training local staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who are managing emergency evacuation centers, and providing family-size modular tents to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the centers.

USAID further said that its Manila-based disaster experts and the USAID Regional Mission in Bangkok are coordinating the US response to the active typhoon season in the Pacific.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/25/usaid-gives-3-5-m-emergency-aid-to-ph-post-typhoon-recovery-efforts/

802nd IB refutes abduction claim by NDF-EV

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 25, 2020): 802nd IB refutes abduction claim by NDF-EV (By Marie Tonette Marticio)

The 802nd Infantry Brigade (IB) has refuted the claim of the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) that the brigade forcibly took seven minors in Carigara, Leyte last week.

Capt. Kaharudin Cadil, Civil Military Operations Officer of the 802nd Brigade, said they expected the NDF-EV to defend Edencio and Nora Dionaldo in whose house at Sitio Utap, Barangay Canlampay the military found firearms, ammunition, explosives, communist terrorist propaganda and other war materials.

“The NDF-EV’s statement is aimed to deviate the issue and cover the real activities their NPA cohorts are doing in the area. The NDF-EV also wants to discredit the efforts of the government forces and the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in driving the CPP-NPA armed terrorists away from the peace-loving people of Carigara so that socio-economic and development programs could be implemented,” Cadil said.

Edencio, using the alias Bernie Bates, has been in hiding from the law due to his two murder cases pending before the courts in Carigara and in nearby Jaro town.

The Army Brigade also claims that the Dionaldo couple is no ordinary mass member as the discovery of contrabands and papers from their house/meeting area on November 13 forced the entire Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to come to their defense by way of publishing the NDF-EV’s public statement in the Philippine Revolution Web Central (PWRC) – CPP’s official website on November 19.

The NDF-EV insisted that the raid was illegal as the soldiers were pursuing a unit of the NPA and alleged that they arbitrarily raided the home on mere suspicion that Edencio was a member of the NPA. They also claimed that they illegally arrested Nora and her 21-year old son Ernie, and arbitrarily detained and interrogated overnight at least 11 men who happened to be near their home.

The NDF-EV also called for the release of Nora and Ernie and the immediate relief of the soldiers together with their commanders in the 93rd Infantry Battalion, 802nd Infantry Brigade, and 8th Infantry Division for alleged human rights violations.

It called the raid “as an attack by the AFP against children in Eastern Visayas for its anti-communist witch hunt.”

“The NDF-EV calls upon human rights defenders to look into the cases of these minors, provide them legal assistance, and bring them back to their families.”

The 802nd IB defended its action by saying that it was primarily for their protection and safety that the troops held the men overnight at Barangay Hiluctogan as military operation was in progress.

“The soldiers indeed quizzed the men the following morning as they gave faulty alibis but they were neither coerced nor intimidated into admitting something or implicating anybody. Instead, the soldiers fed them before they were properly turned over to the Carigara Local Government Unit through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) in good physical condition,” Cadil said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/25/802nd-ib-refutes-abduction-claim-by-ndf-ev/

CPP, NPA and NDF are not enemies — Zarate and Casino

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 25, 2020): CPP, NPA and NDF are not enemies — Zarate and Casino (By Mario Casayuran)

Bayan Muna Party List Representative Carlos Zarate and former Party List Congressman Teodoro Casino maintained that they do not consider the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) as “enemies.”

Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate (Bayan Muna Party list Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

They made this assertion when asked by Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, chairman of the Senate national defense and security committee, if they are ready to denounce and consider as enemies members of militant groups who have joined the NPA.

Lacson and former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr., current national security adviser, pointed that Zarate and Casino are part of the government and are being paid by government.

The NPA is fighting the government and has been killing soldiers, policemen and their comrades who wanted to leave the communist movement, Lacson pointed out.

Casino said that like members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), he could not consider members of the CPP, NDF and NPA as enemies as they are revolutionary groups and that government must always be open to dialogues.

Zarate, for his part, said the door to dialogues would close when government considers the communist as enemies.

National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director General Alex Monteagudo that the NPA is considered a terrorist organization and refusal not to condemn it could be considered as consenting to it and allowing it to continue recruiting into its ranks, usually students.

Casino said militant groups are not recruiting the young to join the NPA but it is natural that the NPA targets the young and students to join its group.

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said General Antonio Parlade was right in warning against those wanting to join militant groups.

Parlade was accused of red-tagging when he called the attention of entertainment celebrities against espousing the advocacies of militant groups.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/24/cpp-npa-and-ndf-are-not-enemies-zarate-and-casino/

Suspects elude arrest in CIDG raid on Maute hideout

From Rappler (Nov 25, 2020): Suspects elude arrest in CIDG raid on Maute hideout (By BOBBY LAGSA)

Lieutenant Colonel Cholijun Caduyac says the two individuals who had eluded authorities during the implementation of search warrants were Abdul Rahman Ampang, alias 'Hodifa,' and Abdul Jalil Saruang

Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 10 raided 3 houses in Villa Candida subdivision in Barangay Bulua which are believed to be hideouts for members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI), a local terrorist cell with links to ISIS.

Confiscated during the raid were two pieces of detonating cord, two safety fuses, an electric blasting cap, about a kilo of ammonium nitrate, and various bags which were said to be components for making an improvised explosive device (IEDs). Caliber .45 and .380 pistols with live ammunition, as well as a grenade, were also confiscated during the raid. A flag of ISIS was also found at one of the houses.

Lieutenant Colonel Cholijun Caduyac, CIDG-10 regional chief, said the raid was the result of surveillance conducted by CIDG members monitoring the movement and presence of the Dawlah Islamiyah group, the former name of the Maute Group founded by Omar and Abdullah Maute.

Caduyac identified two individuals who had eluded authorities during the implementation of search warrants. These were Abdul Rahman Ampang, alias “Hodifa,” and Abdul Jalil Saruang.

“The owner of the house is their aunt,” Caduyac explained.

Caduyac said it couldn’t be discounted the suspects may be on a bombing mission and this city could be their comfort zone.

“They can blend with the community, and we know for a fact that in Villa Candida, many of our brother Maranao lives there,” Caduyac said.

“During our surveillance, we found out that they really have activities for their group,” Caduyac added.

Caduyac said the suspects could be remnants of the Maute group. The group led the Marawi Siege from May 23 to November 16, 2017, with the siege laying waste to half of Marawi City and displacing close to 200,000 residents of the city and nearby municipalities of Lanao del Sur.

Caduyac said that Ampang is a member of the core group Dawlah Islamiya-Lanao (DI-Lanao) and are allegedly on bombing missions or possibly preparing to target mostly military or PNP camps or offices, including other vital government installations.

“They (DI) possessed high powered firearms and were in control of IED components and explosives.” Caduyac said.

Three persons were taken by the CIDG-10 for questioning but were released afterwards since they were not on the target list.

Dawlah Islamiya operates between the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte. Philippine Army 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander Brigadier General Facundo Palafox IV said DI remains a security threat in both provinces.

“We are doing sustained military operations against the remnants of this local terrorist group and there will be no let-up against them,” Palafox said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/cidg-raids-maute-hideout-cagayan-de-oro

3 Abu Sayyaf bombers fall in Zambo offshore encounter

From PTV News (Nov 25, 2020): 3 Abu Sayyaf bombers fall in Zambo offshore encounter

PNP-PIO PR

Police intercepted a pumpboat speeding towards Zamboanga City at daybreak this morning with an Abu Sayyaf team on board believed to be on a bombing mission, resulting in the death of three extremist militants.

PNP Chief, Police General Debold M Sinas informed DILG Secretary Eduardo M Año of the result of the intelligence operation and maritime interdiction off Brgy Taluksangay in Zamboanga City at 6:45 AM today against Radi Nalul Tahirin, Hasan Alimin and Abdilla Aspalin, all Daulah Islamiya/ASG members.

Sinas told Año, the operation was initiated by the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)-9 of PNP Intelligence Group ) with elements of 5th Special Action Battalion (5SAB) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of PNP-Special Action Force (SAF); Regional Maritime Unit (RMU)-9; Regional Intelligence Division, CIDG-9 and Zamboanga City Police Office.

A brief firefight ensued when the suspects opened fire at the approaching PNP troops.

The wounded suspects were immediately evacuated to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, while the body of another suspect fell in the water and is still the subject of a search.

Troops recovered from the pumpboat two caliber .45 pistols and a cache of explosives.

https://ptvnews.ph/3-abu-sayyaf-bombers-fall-in-zambo-offshore-encounter/

Three ‘Abu Sayyaf bombers’ killed in encounter off Zamboanga City

From CNN Philippines (Nov 25, 2020): Three ‘Abu Sayyaf bombers’ killed in encounter off Zamboanga City

Police killed three suspected Abu Sayyaf bombers on board a pump boat in waters off Zamboanga City Wednesday morning.

The militants were “believed to be on a bombing mission” when authorities spotted them “speeding towards Zamboanga City” at daybreak, the Philippine National Police said in a statement.

The suspects opened fire at the police, the PNP said, resulting in a fire fight off Barangay Taluksungay. Two caliber .45 pistols and a cache of explosives were recovered from their pump boat, the PNP said.

Police identified the alleged bandits as Radi Nalul Tahirin, Hasan Alimin, and Abdilla Aspalin. Two were rushed to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival, while authorities are still searching for the third one who fell in the water.

The PNP said national police chief, General Debold Sinas informed Interior Secretary Eduardo Año about the operation. The Department of Interior and Local Government has supervision over the police.

Authorities are still going after Abu Sayyaf bomb expert Mundi Sawadjaan, the alleged mastermind in the twin blasts that left 14 dead and dozens wounded in Jolo, Sulu in August. His cousin, identified as Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Arsibar Sawadjaan was killed in a clash the following month while his supposed aide was arrested in Zamboanga City.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/11/25/suspected-abu-sayyaf-bombers-killed-zamboanga-city-.html

3 Sayyaf bombers killed in Zamboanga clash

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 25, 2020): 3 Sayyaf bombers killed in Zamboanga clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed in a sea clash Wednesday morning with police forces off Zamboanga City in southern Philippines, officials said later in the day.

Officials said police commandos intercepted the trio travelling on a speedboat near the Muslim village of Taluksangay. The terrorists opened fire with commandos, sparking a firefight that eventually killed all of them.

The terrorists were believed on a bombing mission here. This was also reported by Philippine police chief Debold Sinas who identified the terrorists as Radi Tahirin, Hasan Alimin and Abdilla Aspalin.

He said several police units were involved in the operation and security forces also recovered two .45-caliber pistols and a cache of explosives.

Mayor Beng Climaco on Wednesday also warned the public anew, including foreigners and their Filipina spouses, to stay vigilant against of threats of kidnapping and terrorism, saying criminal elements may strike anywhere or at any time.

“We would also like to warn the public, especially the families or the spouses married to foreigners, to please exercise precautions. We are issuing this warning due to threats of kidnapping, especially to the foreigners residing in Zamboanga, and (for them) to coordinate with your barangay officials and the local security forces - the police and military because we do not want to have any incident of kidnapping in Zamboanga,” she said.

She said just recently, security forces were alerted to an abandoned cardboard box outside the Metropolitan Cathedral after a civilian informed authorities about the suspicious baggage. But no bombs were found in the box. “Please, we have to be alert and watchful against terrorism, bombings and kidnappings,” Climaco said.

The mayor also met with former Zamboanga City police director Maj. Gen. Chiquito Malayo, now chief of the Directorate of Integrated Police Operations for Zamboanga Peninsula, and other senior police officials. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/11/3-sayyaf-bombers-killed-in-zamboanga.html

One skill of CPP-NPA-NDF is to consistently tell lies, says ex NPA member

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2020): One skill of CPP-NPA-NDF is to consistently tell lies, says ex NPA member (By PIA Cotabato City)

Former member of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) disclosed on Tuesday, during the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation hearing on red-tagging that one skill of the CPP-NPA-NDF is to consistently tell lies.

“Kapag nasa loob ka sa CPP-NPA-NDF, bawal ka sa sigarilyo, pambabae, droga, pero dapat maging master ka sa isang bisyo, sa pagsisinungaling (If you are inside the CPP-NPA-NDF, you are not allowed to smoke, womanize and do drugs but you should be a master in telling lies),” said former NPA cadre Jeffrey "Ka Eric Almendras" Celiz.

Celiz also said that he is not surprised hearing the lies of his former comrades who were present during the senate hearing because they were trained inside the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“Kaya hindi po ako nagulat o nasindak na ang dating mga kasama namin na naririto ngayon ay magaling sa pagdadala ng alibi, pagsisinungaling, at pagkukunwari kasi ‘yun ang training sa loob (So I was not surprised or shocked that our former comrades who are here today are good at carrying alibi, lying, and pretending because that is the training inside),” he added.

Celiz also emphasized that one will only have the truth if he or she will leave the life that lives in deceitful persuasion.

“Hindi mo kailangang maging CPP-NPA-NDF para mahalin at paglingkuran ang ating pinakamamahal na bayang Pilipinas, much more you don’t need to become an activist in the framework of CPP-NPA-NDF. (You do not have to be a CPP-NPA-NDF to love and serve our dearest country, much more you don’t need to become an activist in the framework of CPP-NPA-NDF),” the former NPA member noted.

Celiz, along with other former rebels and members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, was presented by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to testify on the CPP-NPA-NDF’s misleading process of recruitment and mobilization.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is hopeful that the CPP-NPA-NDF could no longer deceive the public and cover up their malicious intent following the outcome of Tuesday's hearing.

“It is now clear how the CPP-NPA-NDF conspire to continue their unlawful acts and terrorist ways as exposed by the resource persons today. The organization’s exploitation of issues and idealism affecting the vulnerable sectors has to stop now,” said AFP chief of staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay, who virtually attended the hearing. (LTBolongon-PIA Cotabato City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060052

Security forces in CV remain vigilant vs terrorism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2020): Security forces in CV remain vigilant vs terrorism (By Fayette C. Riñen)

CEBU, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- Security forces in the region remain vigilant, as Central Visayas is a valuable target to terrorist groups whether for recruitment or attacks.

Both the police and military organizations continue to implement security measures to prevent any possible terror strikes.

This was learned during the presentation on the Regional Security Situation of Central Visayas by the National Intelligence and Coordinating Agency (NICA-7).

Although there are no monitored radical Islamic organizations operating in the region, terrorism continues to be a major security concern in Central Visayas, according to the same NICA-7 presentation.

Radicalism, however, is not espoused in Madrasahs in the region as the Muslim communities continue to be cooperative.

In Central Visayas, armed conflict is concentrated in Negros Oriental, but Cebu remains as the hub for recruitment and mass mobilizations of the communist terrorist groups (CTG), the NICA-7 highlighted.

But with the ongoing counterinsurgency operations and pouring of government programs, especially in affected areas in Negro Oriental, the CTG have diffused its forces to neighboring areas like Bohol.

According to NICA-7, the CTG wants to recover their mass base in Bohol, but added that the CTG forces in Bohol will be more cautious of their movements to avoid frontal engagements.

The CTG is also constrained amid the string of arrests and neutralizations of their leaders and the cases filed against them, while government development efforts particularly in affected areas continue to contribute further public awareness about the CTG and its devious schemes.

In order to disrupt and paralyze CTG activities and drain their financial resources, the NICA-7 recommended that intensified legal action be taken against CTG leaders and front organizations, in as much as the efforts of the Regional Task Force 7 on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF7-ELCAC) be consistent and even intensified.

Amid the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CTG turned to social media platforms to gain leverage on propaganda.

But the RTF7-ELCAC effort continues to affect them, the NICA-7 reported.

Overall assessment given by NICA-7 stated that Central Visayas remains free from the threat of terrorism, which can be attributed to the continued sharing of information among intelligence units and the vigilance of the public sector. (fcr/PIA7)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060053

AFP holds joint inter-operability & cohesiveness exercise

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 24, 2020): AFP holds joint inter-operability & cohesiveness exercise (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially opened the Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGIT-PA” on Monday, Nov. 23, to further enhance the Joint Force inter-operability and cohesiveness of the AFP across defense mission areas.

The AJEX DAGIT-PA, which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is a unilateral exercise that will be held from 23 Nov. to 04 Dec. 2020 in the areas of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), and the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The AFP-wide/AFP-only exercise integrates Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army and Special Operations Forces to level up our operational effectiveness in sea, air, and land,” said Major General Edgard Arevalo, Commander of AFPETDC and this year’s Exercise Director.

The opening ceremony was virtually attended by AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan who served as keynote speaker, with key officers and personnel participating on-site.

It seeks to address current defense and security issues, and harness the capabilities of the Major Services in a joint setting.

More than 1,100 active and reserve soldiers will participate in drills that will focus on Territorial Defense, Internal Security Operations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE), and Cyber Defense operations.

Major exercises to be held are the Amphibious Operations and Island Defense exercises in San Antonio, Zambales; Combined Arms Live Fire Exercises in Capas, Tarlac; Cyber Defense Exercises in Camp Aguinaldo; and Staff Exercises in NOLCOM Headquarters.

The Philippine Army will be utilizing its armored vehicles and combat engineering equipment while the Philippine Navy will deploy BRP Jose Rizal FF-150 vessel, other patrol ship, landing dock, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Also participating are the Philippine Air Force’ FA-50 aircraft and the Philippine Marines’ Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

“Our objective is to enhance personnel capacity and capabilities of the joint forces that will enable them to be readily deployable in contingencies concerning maritime security, territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and natural disasters and calamities,” Arevalo said.

The AFP meanwhile assured that all face-to-face activities during AJEX DAGIT-PA will be carried out with strict adherence to health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on COVID-19. All participants were also cleared of the virus by authorized medical professionals prior to the start of all activities.

All medical interventions and health protocols in order to mitigate the impact of the virus will be implemented during the conduct of the exercise.

Medical services will also be provided to all personnel of the different component forces.

Those who will manifest COVID-19 symptoms will be immediately pulled-out from the exercise to be evacuated to the nearest military treatment facility for evaluation. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1059884

CPP-NPA-NDF’s deception stops now, says AFP chief

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25, 2020): CPP-NPA-NDF’s deception stops now, says AFP chief (By Nonette N. Castillo)

CALOOCAN CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gilbert I. Gapay is pleased with the result of Senate Hearing on the issue of Red-Tagging held on Tuesday, Nov. 24 and said the Communist Party of the Philippines can no longer deceive the public and cover up their “malicious intent.”

“It is now clear how the CPP-NPA-NDF conspire to continue their unlawful acts and terrorist ways as exposed by the resource persons today. The organization’s exploitation of issues and idealism affecting the vulnerable sectors has to stop now,” said Gapay who virtually attended the hearing.

The AFP chief said the public hearing was a great avenue for the military as most of the AFP’s efforts focus on the preventive side.

“We are satisfied with how things turned out for us during these hearings. These sessions have allowed the truth to unfold. And for the AFP, one of the best ways to counter terrorism is to stop lies from propagating,” Gapay said.

By virtue of Senate Resolution No. 559 the defense sector was directed by the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation to shed light on the issue of “red-tagging” and “red-baiting.”

AFP representatives physically present in the public hearing were The Deputy Chief of Staff AFP Vice Admiral Erick Kagaoan representing the CSAFP, AFP Spokesperson Major General Edgard Arevalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7 Major General Benedict Arevalo, CRSAFP Commander Major General Ernesto C Torres, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3 Major General Edgardo Y De Leon. Senator Panfilo Lacson who initiated the hearing also led the inquiry of resource persons.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said the CPP-NPA-NDF wanted to trick the public into believing that they are a good organization.

“It has succeeded in no small measure in concealing its conspiracy and has its cadres or personalities supporting it masquerading to be patriots, freedom fighters, human right advocates, and so on,” he stated.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), for its part, presented former rebels and previous members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who testified on the CPP-NPA-NDF’s misleading process of recruitment and mobilization.

Ka Amihan, whose real name is Joy James Saguino, was recruited in UP Visayas, Iloilo initially as a member of League of Filipino students.

The former rebel also served as secretary of Guerilla Front 20 under Sub-regional Committee 1 of Southern Mindanao Region.

“There is no red-tagging. Mr. Jeffrey Celiz (Ka Eric) was right about the connection of the so-called legal democratic organization and the CPP,” Ka Amihan testified before the Senate.

Rey Christian Sabado, another former student recruit, backed Saguino’s statement.

Sabado was a student leader at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines before joining the CPP-NPA-NDF in 2015 following several orientation and recruitment attempts.

According to him, the CPP-NPA-NDF through Kabataan Partylist and other fronts tried to work on his release after he was arrested by government forces in Las Navas, Northern Samar in 2019 while carrying illegal firearms.

“Huwag na po nating hayaan na yung susunod na maging biktima nitong mga nagkukunwaring progresibong organisasyon ay sila pa po mismo yung sisira sa pangarap ng ating mga anak,” Sabado said to warn the youth against CPP-NPA-NDF’s modus of targeting the sector.

The military during focused military operations has encountered individuals that are affiliated with front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Ivy Lyn Corpin aka Red/Elis claimed that she joined the organization in 2016 and worked to campaign for Vilma Valencia who was a Gabriela organizer before joining the CPP-NPA-NDF. She has name-dropped other members of legal organizations who are also part of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Gapay hence reiterated the military’s duty to protect the people from the deceitful and violent ways of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“CPP-NPA-NDF’s orchestrated attempts at public deception have been unmasked. As we continue to battle against these terrorists during armed conflicts, it is just as vital for us to prevent individuals, especially vulnerable sectors from being misled by the CPP-NPA-NDF’s trickery,” Gapay added. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060015