Thursday, March 25, 2021

2 rebels nabbed; two bodies found in NegOr clash site

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2021): 2 rebels nabbed; two bodies found in NegOr clash site (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



SEIZED WEAPONS. Police and military personnel view the firearms, ammunition, and other items seized in a three-hour gunfight between the 62nd Infantry Battalion and suspected New People's Army rebels in Sitio Agi, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday (March 23, 2021). Ten suspected NPA members died in the clash while two others, including a minor, were arrested. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

Government troops have recovered two more bodies and arrested a minor and another male, both suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) following an encounter in Sitio Agit, Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The discovery brought to 10 the total number of bodies retrieved by the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army following the three-hour clash Tuesday afternoon, said Capt. Kelvin Bayaban, the battalion's information officer/spokesperson, in an interview on Thursday.

The two bodies were recovered during the clearing operations at the vicinity of the encounter site in Sitio Agit on Wednesday, he said.

Initially, eight bodies were retrieved after the gun battle, along with a cache of high-powered firearms, improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and suspected subversive documents.

Meanwhile, one of the two suspected NPA members was identified as a 17-year-old-boy from Barangay Budlasan in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. The other was not identified due to security reasons.


Police Senior Master Sgt. Anito T. Labrador, operations non-commissioned officer of the Guihulngan City Police Station, in a separate interview, said only one of the two captured suspected NPA members was turned over to them.

The boy, he said, had a slight injury and being a minor is now in the custody of the city’s Social Welfare and Development Office.

All of the slain suspected NPA members remain unidentified and unclaimed as of today (Thursday), Labrador said.

They will be buried after a few days if none are claimed by their respective next of kin, he added.

In a related development, several families have fled their homes following Tuesday’s clash as government troops continue with their relentless operations to pursue the suspected NPA rebels.

An initial report relayed to the Army said the families have sought refuge at the Trinidad Elementary School (10); Panagtugas Elementary School (33); a church in Budlasan (10); Sitio Tuko (five); and Sitio Kasingan (two).

The evacuees were already given food packs by the city through its Social Welfare Office, Labrador said.

Government troops continue with their combat operations in the area as they anticipate a mass gathering of the NPA as it celebrates its anniversary on March 29.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134857

AFP to deploy more Navy ships for WPS patrols

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2021): AFP to deploy more Navy ships for WPS patrols (By Priam Nepomuceno)


File photo

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, has ordered the deployment of additional Philippine Navy ships to bolster the conduct of maritime sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement Thursday, AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said this additional naval presence in the area aims to reassure the Filipino people that the military remains committed to protecting and defending them from harassment.

"By the increased naval presence in the area, we seek to reassure our people of the AFP’s strong and unwavering commitment to protect and defend them from harassment and ensure that they can enjoy their rights over the country’s rich fishing ground which is the source of their livelihood," he said.

Due to the vastness of the country's maritime domains, Arevalo said the AFP's Western Command is the government’s “eyes and ears” by providing vital information on what is happening in that part of the Philippines.

"The importance of the data obtained from our littoral monitoring stations, from our Marines manning the islands, islets, and features they occupy, and those from regular aerial and maritime sovereignty that are contained in our reports to the NTF WPS (National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea) cannot be overemphasized," he added.

Aside from these measures, the AFP likewise resorts to non-traditional means to manage the issues arising in the WPS.

"AFP representatives engaged on March 24, 2021 their Chinese counterpart in a meeting to discuss the situation obtaining in the WPS as reported. We conveyed the Defense Secretary’s (Delfin Lorenzana) demand for the vessels to leave Julian Felipe Reef where 183 vessels were sighted per AFP’s recent aerial patrol," Arevalo said.

In the meeting, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) representatives reiterated their government’s assurance that those ships were not manned by militia and that those were constrained to seek shelter in the area when inclement weather hampered their fishing activity.

"He also committed to making himself available to discuss and explain any future issues involving the PLA," Arevalo said.

Earlier, the NTF WPS expressed concern about a Philippine Coast Guard report that around 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were sighted in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

“The NTF WPS notes this circumstance as a concern due to the possible overfishing and destruction of the marine environment, as well as risks to the safety of navigation,” the NTF WPS said.

The reef is a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1134832

CPP/Ang Bayan: Biden set to intensify US-China military rivalry

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): Biden set to intensify US-China military rivalry



The newly installed Biden administration wasted no time in consolidating US military power in the Asia-Pacific region. It has taken successive measures to intensify its military rivalry with China.

Last March 11, the first Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or “Quad” with heads of Australia, Japan, India and US was held to push forwards the US’ vaccine diplomacy in the region. The meeting ended with the agreement to give India $1 billion to manufacture and sell vaccines in Asia by the end of 2022. This is to counter China’s vaccine diplomacy which covered the Philippines, Indonesia and other countries close to India. This is also an attempt to counter criticisms of the the US hoarding milions of vaccine doses in the midst of widespread shortage.

The Quad is seen as a US military alliance similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Since it was established by the Obama administration in 2004, it has strived to strengthen links with India against China.

To cover India, its nearby countries and seas, the US expanded the US Pacific Area Command’s area of operations last 2018. It established the Indo-Pacific Area Command to dominate both the Indian Ocean and Pacific (which covers 51% of the world) and encircle China from both seas. The Indo-Pacom aimed to launch more frequent patrols in conjunction with China near islands the latter claimed in the South China Sea. It also aimed to dump and sell weapons and hold bigger and more frequent military exercises.

From 2018, US power projection became more frequent in the South China Sea. It launched five sea operations and eight in 2019 in the name of “freedom of navigation.” Under the pandemic, it undertook nine such operations and 13 transits across the Taiwan Strait. It flew fighter planes using fake or private identification. Most of its ships and planes passed by, if not stationed, in Philippine seas.

These operations are set to intensify under the Biden administration. Last March 2, the Indo-Pacom asked the US Congress for a $27 billion budget in the next five years in what is now called the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a comprehensive military plan to counter China. This was previously called the Pacific Defense Initiative and was given a budget of $6 billion in 2020 and initially provided $4.68 billion for 2021.

Indo-Pacom military officials insist that defense from sea and air is no longer enough. They seek to establish a wider network of ground-based missiles and weapons in what it calls the “first island chain.” This pertains to Taiwan, Okinawa (Japan) and the western side of the Philippines.

In particular, the Indo-Pacom asked for $408 million for ground-based weapons and missiles for 2021 and an additional $2.9 billion for the next five years. It aims to create an anti-China missile network with the minimum reach of 500 kilometers. The US claims that China has 1,250 such missiles that can reach the first island chain while the US has none due to previous prohibition of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The US did not reenact the treaty when it lapsed in 2019 and manufacturing of missiles with the reach of 500 to 5,500 kilometers is now in full swing in the country.

Aside from Japan and Korea where the US have military bases, it has traditionally stockpiled wea­pons and missiles in the Philippines. Its locations include its previous base in Subic, Zambales, bases it has constructed in Pawalan and other AFP military camps which fall under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/biden-set-to-intensify-us-china-military-rivalry/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Groups condemn “Bloody Sunday”

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): Groups condemn “Bloody Sunday”



The “Bloody Sunday” last March 7, in which nine activists were killed and six others were arrested in four provinces across Southern Tagalog, was met with widespread condemnation by individuals, organizations and even agencies of the reactionary government.

On top of the five victims initially reported in Ang Bayan last March 7, four others were were killed by state agents under COPLAN ASVAL. They were identified as Dumagat siblings Puroy and Randy dela Cruz who were killed at Sitio Mina, Barangay Sta. Inez, Tanay, Rizal; and Abner and Edward Mendoza, members of San Isidro Kasiglahan, Kapatiran at Damayan para sa Kabuhayan, Katarungan at Kapayapaan at Sitio Macaingalan, Barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal.

The killings were called a “massacre” perpetrated by a “murderous regime” by Vice Pres. Leni Robredo. The United Nations, other international human rights groups, academics, the religious and the Commission on Human Rights also expressed their alarm over the killings.

On March 10, the relatives of two of the victims were harassed and threatened with arrest by the police when they claimed the cadavers of their family members. They only managed to retrieve the bodies with the help of their supporters.

Bayan-Laguna spokesperson Elizabeth Camoral, one of the arrested was already released last March 15, while the 5 other activists remain detained.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/groups-condemn-bloody-sunday/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Police and military hit list exposed

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): Police and military hit list exposed



The Duterte regime’s order to list down the the names of progressive teachers, government employees and lawyers was exposed as a scheme for the systematic “red-tagging” and “neutralization.” Last March 10, a memorandum issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government was publicized ordering all government agencies to list down the names of teachers and employees affiliated to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Courage and submit these to the police and military.

Earlier, the Calbayog City intelligence chief PLt. Fernando Calabria, Jr. was exposed for having asked the local court to list down the names of lawyers providing legal support to those accused of having links with the armed movement. The list included a column for the “mode of neutralization” for the lawyers.

At least 61 lawyers have already been killed under the Duterte regime.

Arrest. Renalyn Tejero, a paralegal of Karapatan-Caraga, was arrested by the police last March 21 in Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan De Oro City. She was a former student of Alcadev. Her whereabouts are yet to be known.

Last March 17, the police arrested Rosanilla Consad, secretary general of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers-Caraga and assistant principal of the San Vicente National High School in Barangay Humabon, Butuan City. Prior to the arrest, she was red-tagged and subjected to surveillance. She was released after posting bail on March 20.

In Iloilo, the military arrested Julie Lago, member of the Katilingban sang mga Mangunguma nga Imol sa Janiuay at her house in MaƱacabac, Janiuay on March 16. She was accused of being an NPA member. As in other cases, the soldiers planted weapons and “subversive” documents inside her house to justify the arrest.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/police-and-military-hit-list-exposed/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces brutally murder Party leader and wife

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): State forces brutally murder Party leader and wife


Couple Antonio Cabanatan, 74, and Florenda Yap, 65 were abducted, detained and held incommunicado for months, and tortured before being killed through guillotine by state forces. Their lifeless bodies were found inside a house in Barangay Botong, Oton, Iloilo on December 26, 2020. They have already retired from revolutionary work several years ago due to their physical condition and old age.

The Party paid tribute to Cabanatan, also known as Kasamang Manlimbasog (Strive), for his lifelong and stellar service to the revolution. He continuously served the revolution from being a student activist in 1967 until his death. He played a key role in expanding the national democratic propaganda movement in Cebu, Negros Orien­tal, Bohol, Leyte, Samar up to Northern Mindanao..

He effectively led the revolution in Visayas and Mindanao and took on heavy responsibilities.

The full tribute of the Central Committee can be read in the March 17 special issue of Ang Bayan.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/state-forces-brutally-murder-party-leader-and-wife/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protests

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): Protests



Women’s day. More than a thousand individuals marched to Mendiola, Manila to commemorate the International Working Women’s Day last March 8. Organizations led by Gabriela demanded the immediate distribution of aid, and the people’s right to livelihood, wages and employment. Similar protest actions were launched in Baguio City, Bulacan, Naga City, at Iloilo City.

One year under lockdown. Around 150 members of national democratic organizations protested in front of the office of the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City on March 17 the first anniversary of the lockdown imposed by Rodrigo Duterte in Luzon. They demanded the regime to ensure the supply of safe and free vaccines, distribution of a ₱10,000-aid and an end to the militaristic lockdown. Similar protests were mounted in various parts of Metro Manila, Laguna, Baguio City and Central Luzon. Members of Kadamay, Anakbayan and Piston also protested in Quezon City on March 15.

Defend Southern Tagalog. Mass organizations protested in Calamba, Laguna last March 16 to condemn the the killings in Southern Tagalog in what was called the “Bloody Sunday,” and demand the release of those arrested. Protests were also mounted by activists in US, France and Australia.

Protest against privatization of market in Cebu. Three hundred vendors and their supporters protested in front of the office of the mayor of Cebu City last March 17 to oppose the privatization of a local market. This was their third week of protest. The local government targets to award the privatization concession to Megawide Construction Corporation.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/protests-4/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Red fighters’ common objective

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): Red fighters’ common objective



Red fighters may come from various walks of life but they are linked by a common aspiration for revolutionary change. In the New People’s Army (NPA), oppressed classes and sectors unite to serve the masses, consolidate their strength and change the society.

Ka Kiko, 19, now bears the onus of his elderly parents. Due to landlessness, he was left with no other option but to work for a landlord. He works day and night only to sell his corn harvest for a paltry sum. “Buyers always initially refuse to buy my corn saying that it has high moisture content. In the end, they still buy it but at an extremely low price.”

He was recruited to the Kabataang Makabayan where he learned how it is possible to change this system and forge a better future. Later on, he decided to join the people’s army.

Ka Yoyo was just 14 years old when he first experienced the cruelty of the military. Once, he and his uncle were fetching water when they were mauled by soldiers who accused them of being members of the people’s army.

“I really admire Red fighters. Whenever they meet the masses, Red fighters always ensure the residents’ wellbeing and ask them about about the prices of corn and fertilizer. Soldiers on the other hand, when meeting the masses, would always ask “where is the NPA?.” Ka Yoyo joined the NPA when he reached the proper age.

To convince Ka Yoyo to go back home, the military harassed his parents. They also offered him a new house and a carabao. Ka Yoyo stood firm and refused the offer, prompting the soldiers to evict his family from the barrio. This has furthered his anger against the enemy.

It’s been seven years since he was beaten by the soldiers. He believes that this will not happen again as he is now with the people’s army which is defending the oppressed masses and will defeat the enemy.

Ka Laura and Ka Eunice also aspire to change the system where employers exploit the intellect and skills of professionals like them. As a journalist in a big newspaper company, Ka Laura suffered from low wages and benefits. Through her work, she came to discover about the rottenness of politicians who exploit small journalists like her to prettify their notorious reputation as officials.

Ka Laura resigned after realizing that she could no longer serve a hypocritical institution and decided to join an organization for social action which advocates for children’s rights. From then on, Ka Laura began to as a full-time activist. She had the opportunity to integrate with different people, until one time when she integrated in a peasant community where she first interacted with Red fighters. Later on, she decided to become a full-time member of the people’s Army.

Ka Laura continues to write, not for big companies, but for the revolution.

Ka Eunice, on her part, came to realize the importance of the role of intellectuals in the revolution. In her six months in the people’s army, she was able to hold literacy classes and teach both Red fighters and masses. Prior to joining the people’s army, she worked as a teacher for six years. She has a bachelor’s degree in AB English. In the Red army, she continues to serve as a teacher for comrades and masses.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/red-fighters-common-objective/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA seizes 17 firearms in Camarines

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2021): NPA seizes 17 firearms in Camarines


The New People’s Army (NPA) was able to seize 17 firearms, including 10 high-powered rifles, in three successive military actions in Bicol in the past weeks.

On March 19, the NPA-Camarines Norte attacked the outpost of the Philippine National Police (PNP) 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company at Purok 6, Barangay Dumagmang, Labo, Camarines Norte. Red fighters were able to confiscate a baby M60 machine gun, an R4 carbine, six Galil rifles, and six Glock pistols.

Five were killed during the offensive, including PCpl. Roger Estoy, while two others were wounded. The tactical offensive was the NPA’s response to the spate of killings and attacks perpetrated by the police and military against the residents of Camarines Norte.

In Camarines Sur, the NPA ambushed operating elements of the PNP Special Action Force and military in Barangay Tigman, Sipocot on March 4. Two enemy troops were killed and two others were wounded.

On February 1, the NPA was able to confiscate the weapons of the Villafuerte family’s goons in Barangay Villazar, Sipocot in the same province. Seized during the offensive were an M16 rifle, two carbines and ammunition. Residents have long been complaining against the threats and harassment perpetrated by the despotic family. They are among the most despotic landlords and local officials in the barangay.

Oza­miz City. The NPA-Misamis Occidental ambushed the troops of the 10th IB in Barangay Guimad last March 6. Eight soldiers were killed and another was killed. They were attacked while conducting combat operations in the area. The Air Force bombed the place after the encounter resulting in the destruction of the environment and farmlands. Quezon. A unit of the NPA-Quezon ambushed operating troops of the 201st IBde at Sitio Colong, Barangay San Francisco B, Lopez on March 5. Three soldiers were killed and another was wounded.

Occidental Mindoro. A unit of the NPA-Mindoro sniped at operating troops of the 4th IB in Barangay Manoot, Rizal on March 3. The said soldiers have been scouring the area and nearby barangays for more a week.

Western Samar. A unit of the BHB-Western Samar foiled the attack mounted by more than 100 troops of the 46th IB in Barangay Canlobo, Pinabacdao on February 8. Two soldiers were reportedly killed. After the encounter, the military dropped eight bombs and shelled the area four times. They also strafed the area for 45 minutes.

Panay. The NPA-Panay launched six offensives against the military and police units responsible for the massacre and arrest of Tumandoks in the past months. Two enemy troopers were killed and five others were wounded.

On March 11, the NPA fired at a unit of the 12th IB conducting Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) operations in Barangay Panuran, Lambunao. Red fighters also fired at responding military troops in Barangay Agcarope, Janiuay. On the next day, the NPA blasted a police vehicle in Barangay Pughanan, Lambunao. Two police personnel were wounded.

On March 3, the NPA blasted another police vehicle in Barangay Canawili, Janiuay.

In Southern Iloilo, the NPA fired at the soldiers of the 79th IB in Barangay Iglilico, San Joaquin on February 18. Two soldiers were reportedly killed and three others were wounded.

In Capiz, the NPA fired at elements of the 12th IB conducting ng RCSP operations in Barangay Buri, Tapaz on February 26.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/21/npa-seizes-17-firearms-in-camarines/

CPP/News: NPA-West Camarines Sur seizes despotic landlord’s arms cacheP/News:

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 23, 2021): NPA-West Camarines Sur seizes despotic landlord’s arms cache

NEWS STORIES
MARCH 23, 2021



The New People’s Army-West Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command) reported the confiscation of firearms from a local despotic landlord in Barangay Villazar, Sipocot, Camarines Sur on February 1. Red fighters seized a baby M16 armalite rifle, 2 carbines and a store of ammunition for M16, Garand and M203 from the Villafuerte family compound.

“Residents have long complained of the Villafuerte’s abuses and rights violations in the barangay,” said Ka Michael Robredo, spokesperson of the NPA unit. The family is a known despotic landlord and political dynasty in the barangay.

According to complaints submitted to the NPA unit, the Villafuertes used the confiscated firearms to threaten and harass residents who disobeyed and complained of their abuses.

They have reportedly ordered the demolition of a group of houses of residents “who did not vote for them.” The family also took away parcels of land including logging areas. Residents have also reported the family’s extortion from market vendors and small businesses in the village.

“Only the firearms were confiscated, no personal belongings were seized by the NPA. No one was harmed in the process,” said Robredo. The conduct of the NPA is in stark contrast to the Philippine National Police’s tokhang operations.

“The confiscation serves as a warning to the family to stop their abuses against the village residents,” added Robredo.

Meanwhile, on March 4, a unit of the NPA-West Camarines Sur ambushed joint operating forces of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force and the Philippine Army in Barangay Tigman of the same town.

The operating state troopers were conducting a strike operation against the NPA, but Red fighters were able to quickly position against them.

The NPA unit fired upon the police and soldiers at a 15-meter range from their position. In shock, enemy troopers were not able to return fire and scampered for cover. Two were killed while two others were wounded on government forces.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/23/npa-west-camarines-sur-seizes-despotic-landlords-arms-cache/

CPP/Cagayan Valley Regional Committee: Pinakamataas na pagpupugay kay Kasamang Rosalino “Ka Yuni” Canubas

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 23, 2021): Pinakamataas na pagpupugay kay Kasamang Rosalino “Ka Yuni” Canubas

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CAGAYAN VALLEY REGIONAL COMMITTEE
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 23, 2021



Ipinaaabot ng Komiteng Tagapagpaganap ng Komiteng Rehiyon sa Cagayan Valley (KTKR-CV) ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at ng Pangrehiyong Kumand sa Operasyon (ROC) ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay kay Kasamang Rosalino Canubas sa kanyang pagpanaw. Nasawi siya sa isang labanan sa Barangay San Mariano Sur, San Guillermo, Isabela noong umaga ng Marso 15, 2021 habang nagsisikap na makapaglunsad ng taktikal na opensiba laban sa kaaway.

Isa siyang malaking kawalan sa armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon at buong bansa. Ang lahat ng baril ay nakatanghal at ang lahat ng kamao ay nakataas sa Pulang pagsaludo at pagbibigay-pugay ng lahat ng mga pwersa at mamamayan sa Cagayan Valley sa kanyang maningning na buhay at kabayanihan.

Ipinaaabot din namin ang aming pakikidalamhati sa kanyang pamilya, mga kamag-anak, kaibigan at kasama. Katulad ninyo, di masukat ang aming pagluluksa sa pagbubuwis ng buhay ng mahal naming Kumander at isa sa mga pangunahing lider ng Partido at buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa hilagang–silangang Luzon.

Nagbuwis siya ng buhay sa edad na mahigit 42. Sa buong panahon ng kanyang pagiging Pulang opisyal ng BHB at kadre ng Partido, nakilala siya ng mga kasama at masa sa iba’t ibang pangalan sa pakikibaka, na ang mga pinakahuli ay bilang si Ka Henry, Ka Dondi, at mula nang kumilos siya sa Cagayan Valley ay bilang si Ka Yuni.

Isang Mabuting Anak ng Bayan

Ipinanganak si Ka Yuni noong Agosto 7,1978 sa Davao City, lalawigan ng Davao Del Sur. May asawa at dalawang anak, at bunso siya sa walong magkakapatid. Nagmula siya sa pamilya ng mga settler na galing sa Cebu at nanirahan na sa Davao. Ang kanyang mga magulang ay nakapag-ipon ng pera, nakabili ng lupang tinamnan ng niyog, kape at prutas hanggang naging mayamang magsasaka. Ang mga magulang at ibang mga kapatid ay naging mga rebolusyonaryong aktibista rin.

Nasa ikatlong taon siya sa hayskul nang mahirang bilang presidente ng Student Body Organization. Nag-aral sa kolehiyo sa Holy Cross College Of Calinan at naging aktibo sa Lectors ng kanilang simbahan. Nagtapos siya ng Bachelor of Arts, Major in History, pero hindi na nagtrabaho dahil sumapi na siya sa BHB.

Bago nito, ang nais sana niya ay pumasok sa seminaryo sa paniniwalang makakatulong siya sa kapwa-tao kapag naging pari. Pero ikinagulat niya nang tumutol dito ang kanyang ama. Napagtanto na lamang niya nang tumagal na ang pangarap pala sa kanya ng magulang ay maglingkod sa sambayanan bilang isang hukbong bayan. Ang tatay din niya ang nag-ayos para makilala niya ang mga kasamang kabilang sa isang yunit ng Hukbong kumikilos sa kanilang lugar.

Sa kanilang baryo ay naging myembro siya ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid at gumampan bilang kagawad ng istap sa edukasyon nito. Naging team leader din siya ng Kabataang Makabayan, pero hindi na gaanong nakagampan dahil noong Enero 2001 ay nagpultaym na siya bilang isang Pulang mandirigma.

Mula Timog Mindanao tungong Hilagang Luzon

Naging kandidatong kasapi siya ng Partido noong Agosto 16,2001, at naging ganap na kasapi naman noong Agosto 2,2002. Mula 2002 hanggang 2005, naging team leader ng Tax Implementing Group sa ilalim ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Southern Mindanao Region (KR-SMR), at naging mabunga ang resulta ng kanilang gawain. Pinakahuling ginampanan niya bilang kagawad ng KR-SMR ang pagiging pampulitikang opisyal ng lakas-kompanyang SDG ng rehiyon.

Nang mangailangan ng reinforcement sa West Mindanao Region (WMR) dulot ng sunud-sunod na pagkahuli ng pamunuan ng rehiyon doon, naglipat mula sa SMR ng mga bagong tatayong mamumuno. Isa si Ka Yuni sa mga piniling mailipat upang maging kumander dahil maaasahan siya sa gawaing pang-hukbo.

Mula Nobyembre 2010 hanggang Marso 2015 ay gumampan siya bilang Unang Pangalawang Kalihim ng KR-WMR, Kumander ng ROC at Platoon Leader ng RSDG. Gumampan siya ng susing papel sa pangingibabaw ng konserbatismong militar at pagsigla ng mga taktikal na opensiba sa WMR. Sa pamumuno niya, napagdugtung-dugtong bilang baseng gerilya ang mga lugar ng mga katutubong dating mailap sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Mula sa umiiral na apat na platun ng BHB sa WMR nang siya’y malipat doon, napalaki nila ito sa walong platun sa panahong inilipat na siya sa hilagang Luzon.

Sabi ni Ka Yuni: “Sa aking pagkilos doon sa WMR, doon ko naranasan ang sakripisyo, gutom, maraming kolum ng kaaway; pero naintindihan ko naman ang mga kahirapang ito, nakakatulong sa konsolidasyon sa sarili para mas pahusayin pa ang pagpapel sa pagtatayo ng base, pagkakasa ng rebolusyong agraryo at armadong pakikibaka; pursigido rin ako sa pagtupad ng mga atas na galing sa higher organ sa usaping militar.”

Sa buong panahong pagkilos ni Ka Yuni sa dalawang rehiyon sa Mindanao, gawaing militar ang pinakamatingkad niyang kalakasan. Sa SMR, ang ilang tampok na matagumpay na aksyong militar na isa siya sa mga namuno ay ang reyd sa Dapecol, sa Davo del Norte; reyd sa San Isidro PNP Station sa Davao Oriental; Reyd sa Provincial Jail ng Davao Oriental, reyd sa Banay-Banay PNP Station, at reyd sa Temporary Patrol base ng 28th IB sa Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental.

Nang mailipat siya sa WMR, pangunahing kumilos ang pinamumunuan niyang yunit sa militarisado at nirerekober na erya. Nakaranas sila roon ng marami-raming depensibang labanan, bagama’t sa mga labanang iyon, karamihan ay naagaw nila ang inisyatiba at nakapagkontra-opensiba laban sa kaaway. Ang ilan sa mga tampok na taktikal na opensiba nila ay ang reyd ng PNP station sa Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur at reyd sa PNP station sa Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental.

Noong 2016, ilang kadre ang inilipat mula Mindanao patungong Hilagang Luzon na ayon sa Komite Sentral ng Partido ay mga kabilang sa mga salik sa pagsulong ng digmang bayan sa Mindanao, at pagtugon na rin ng mga sulong na rehiyon at teritoryo sa panawagang mag-ambag sa pagpapalakas sa mga nahuhuling rehiyon. Kabilang si Ka Yuni sa mga kadreng ito. Mula Mayo hanggang Setyembre 2016, naitalaga siya bilang Kumander ng ROC at RSDG at nasa kalihiman ng dating Komiteng Rehiyon sa Dulong Hilagang Luzon; at muling nailagay sa gayunding mga katungkulan nang maitayo muli ang Komiteng Rehiyon sa Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) noong Oktubre 2016.

Nahalal siya bilang regular na kagawad ng Komite Sentral sa makasaysayang Ikalawang Kongreso ng Partido. Mula Enero 2017 hanggang 2019, gumampan siya bilang ikalawang pangalawang kalihim ng KR-CV, at mula Enero 2020 hanggang sa kanyang pagmamartir nitong 2021 ay bilang unang pangalawang kalihim nito. Kumander din siya ng ROC at RSDG sa Cagayan Valley sa parehong mga panahon.

Sa rehiyon, ang mga tampok na taktikal na opensibang pinamunuan niya ay ang reyd sa municipal police station sa Maddela, Quirino noong Abril 29 na kinasamsaman ng limang M16 at walong pistol at kinasawian ng isang kaaway; at ang tambang sa isang platun ng 52nd Division Reconnaisance Company sa Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya noong Setyembre 1, 2017 na kinasamsaman ng isang K3 machine-gun at tatlong R4 rifle at kinasawian ng anim na kaaway.

Huwarang Lider ng Partido at Kumander ng Hukbo

Sa relatibong maikling panahong pagkilos ni Ka Yuni sa Cagayan Valley, marami at malalaki ang kanyang mga naiambag sa pagsusulong ng mga rebolusyonaryong gawain. Mayaman at maningning ang mga aral sa kanyang buhay at pakikibaka na mananatili sa alaala at laging pahahalagahan ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa at masa.

Ehemplo siya ng mahigpit na pagtupad sa panawagan ng Partido ng pagtungo sa mga lugar na mas mahirap ang kalagayan at mahigpit ang pangangailangan. Una niyang ipinamalas ito sa kanyang paglipat mula SMR tungong WMR, at sa muling paglipat mula Mindanao tungong Hilagang Luzon. Determinado at mapagpunyagi siya sa pag-abot sa mga target kahit sa napakahihirap na kalagayan, katulad ng namalas sa kanyang pamumuno sa mga gawaing pagrekober sa mga eryang matatagal nang naiwanan, sa mga lalawigan ng Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya at bahagi ng Aurora at sa mga dugtungan ng mga larangang gerilya at lalawigan. Kahit kabagu-bago sa isang erya, mabilis siyang nakakapaghanda at nakakapaglunsad ng matatagumpay na aksyong militar at nakakapagpundar-muli ng baseng masa.

Mabubunga ang kanyang mga gawain dahil sa kapangahasan at malakas na kagustuhang isulong nang mas mabilis ang mga gawain, anuman ang makaharap na sagabal at maranasang hirap. Hindi nasisiphayo sa mga kabiguan at pag-atras at sa halip ay laging nagpupursigeng makapangibabaw at bumwelo-muli. Hands-on sa pagpapatupad ng mga tungkulin, sa gawaing militar man o sa iba pa. Dahil dito, nabibigyang inspirasyon, lumalakas din ang loob at umuunlad ang kakayahan ng mga pinamumunuan.

Habang kilala siyang matapang at mahusay na kumander, kinagigiliwan din siyang lider na palangiti, malumanay magsalita at aktibo sa paggawa at pagbigkas ng tula, pagkanta at pag-arte. Madali siyang makagaanan ng loob at ituring ng mga kasama at masa bilang datihan nang kakilala at kasama dahil, bukod sa iba pang mga positibo niyang katangian, nagsisikap siyang ilapit ang sarili sa kanila, anuman ang kanilang pinagmulang uri at lugar at anuman ang angking katangian at kakayahan. Madali siyang napamahal sa mga kasama at masa saanman siya umikot at lumubog.

Masigasig siya sa pag-aaral at matiyaga sa pagtuturo, sa usaping teoretikal man o praktikal. Sumisigla siya lalo kapag nakaupo sa mga pag-aaral at aktibo sa paglahok sa mga talakayan. Mahigpit ang tangan sa mga programa at naitakdang mga tungkulin. Walang sinasayang na oras at itinutulak ang pagpapabilis sa mga gawain, nang may pagsasaalang-alang sa aktwal na kakayahan at kalagayan.

Matalas ang kanyang pakiramdam sa mga bara at balakid sa pagpapatupad at maagap sa pagharap sa mga problema. Matiyaga siya sa pagsisiyat at pag-alam sa kalagayan kapwa sa aspetong militar at panlipunan. Lumalahok sa gawaing produksyon ng masa at nagsasagawa ng mga case study kaugnay ng produksyon sa isang partikular na lugar.

Mapagpakumbaba at walang makitang anumang kayabangan, laging bukas matuto at bukas sa mga ideya ng iba. Katulad ng iba pang mga kasama ay may mga kahinaan at pagkakamali rin si Ka Yuni, pero ang pinakamahalaga ay ang kanyang pagiging kritikal-sa-sarili; hindi na niya hinihintay na punahin pa siya, bagkus kusang nagpupuna sa sarili at nagpapakita ng pagwawasto.

Malaking karangalan ng Partido at rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa rehiyon na sa Cagayan Valley inihandog ni Ka Yuni ang huling ginintuang limang taon ng kanyang buhay at pakikibaka. Ang salaysay ng kanyang buhay at mga mahuhusay niyang katangian ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon at tanglaw sa amin upang higit pang magpunyaging pangibabawan ang mga kahirapan at balakid at matatag na sumulong mula sa mga tagumpay tungo sa mas malalaki pang tagumpay.

Ibaling ang pighati sa rebolusyonaryong katapangan! Ipaghiganti ang pagkamatay ni Kasamang Yuni at iba pang mga bayani at martir ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!

Mabuhay ang mga ginintuang alaala at aral mula sa buhay at pakikibaka ni Kasamang Yuni!

Pangibabawan ang mga kahirapan at pursigidong isulong ang digmang bayan tungo sa mas mataas na antas!

Mabuhay ang Rebolusyong Pilipino!

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/statements/pinakamataas-na-pagpupugay-kay-kasamang-rosalino-ka-yuni-canubas/

CPP/News: Armas-Southern Tagalog publishes Dagitab 2018

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2021): Armas-Southern Tagalog publishes Dagitab 2018

NEWS STORIES
MARCH 24, 2021



Artisa at Manunulat ng Sambayanan (Armas)-Southern Tagalog published this week the 2018 edition of Dagitab, the regional literary and art folio. The publication’s theme is: “Ang Dakilang Pamana ng mga Tagumpay ng Rebolusyonaryong Kilusan ng Timog Katagalugan.”

The cover page of the 271-paged folio is a collage of six panels which reflects the contents of its six chapters. Each chapter covers a particular period of the revolutionary movement in Southern Tagalog.

Dagitab aims to “illustrate the great and glorious struggles of all oppressed and exploited classes.”

Dagitab 2018 is published to compile and document, in the form of creative art and literature, the revolutionary history of Southern Tagalog in conjunction with the Communist Party of the Philippines’ celebration of its 50 years of leading the Philippine revolution.

In a message, National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP)-Southern Tagalog spokesperson, Patnubay de Guia said Dagitab 2018 aims to relive and remember the sacrifices of the people’s martyrs and heroes of the revolution in the region.

“Through Dagitab, we continue to give life and honor to the rich contributions of our martyrs,” de Guia added. “They have (contributed) to the advancement of proletarian culture which insipires us.”

De Guia challenged the revolutionary forces and masses of the region: “Continue to create poems, songs, plays, essays and short stories based on our own concrete experiences, reflecting the genuine situation and stellar struggle of the people of Southern Tagalog.”

If done, according to de Guia, this is equivallent to invigorating propaganda and cultural work in the region. “Enrich Dagitab—the cultural journal of Armas-Southern Tagalog! Advance propaganda and cultural work in new higher levels!

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/03/24/armas-southern-tagalog-publishes-dagitab-2018/

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: TF-ELCAC continues to attack people’s rights amidst the pandemic

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 24, 2021): NDF-Ilocos: TF-ELCAC continues to attack people’s rights amidst the pandemic

ROSA GUIDON
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-ILOCOS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 24, 2021


NDF-Ilocos: TF-ELCAC continues to attack people’s rights amidst the pandemic
Duterte rewards fascist troops with bigger budget instead of prioritizing people’s welfare

Despite his own corruption, political dynasty ambitions and cronyism mimicking that of Ferdinand Marcos, Rodrigo Duterte this week had the temerity to once again raise a stink about how he would deal with crooked officials. Yet, he does not seem to take issue with funds for counterinsurgency holding priority over public health and economic assistance, especially with a pandemic in place. Instead, he allows the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) to use an indecently liberal budget to reign with impunity.

The National Democratic Front – Ilocos holds that unstinting funds for the TF-ELCAC has become a reward system that further motivates police and Army forces to harass, intimidate and attack the people of Ilocandia. Late last year, the local TF-ELCAC in Duterte’s much-touted Davao was already allotted Php1.58 billion for “purging” the region of Communism. With an amount that is almost 10 percent of the total Php16.4 billion Barangay Development Program budget, it is not surprising that other regional units are hell-bent on drawing the same picture by employing every dirty trick in the book.

Thus, everyone, from individual Red fighters and their civilian families, to members of legal democratic organizations, to common peasants and fisher folk, becomes an open target. The Php20 million allotted to the military for every barangay that they have “cleared” is more than enough reason to blindly commit to flagrant large-scale violation of human rights.

In the municipality of Quirino in Ilocos Sur, for instance, the 69th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) twice summoned residents to a livelihood seminar that turned out to be a surrender program. In January this year, 87 individuals were forced to sign a certificate of withdrawal, presumably from the NEW PEOPLE’S ARMY (NPA), and to participate in an oath of allegiance. Even recently arrived overseas Filipino workers were not spared. Also, around October last year, 70 to 80 surrendered “members” went through the same gimmick. This month, in Santa Cruz, the 69th IBPA absurdly “appealed” to members of the NPA or any mass organization to surrender because they have already identified said members.

Perhaps to support the illusion of future batches of Red fighters “surrendering” to the Army, individuals claiming to be members of the NPA have suddenly surfaced. Ironically, these amateurs can be found in areas where units of the Army already abound. Other gimmicks include the establishment of TF-ELCAC within barangay-level and the usual dogged pattern of surveillance and harassment (Red-tagging in social media posts and through tarpaulins/streamers) that intimidates individuals into “clearing” their names.

And in the tradition of graft and corruption, the barangays that the Army reported as “purged” (Baluarte in Salcedo and Nagbettedan in Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur) cannot even be considered NPA areas at all. Meanwhile in Bagulin in La Union, Barangay Cardiz scored double the allotted TF-ELCAC budget by simply listing itself twice.

The regime is deliberately blind to the fact that there is a fatal fast-spreading virus. Instead, it uses same to further militarize the region and the entire country by establishing checkpoints, limiting mobility and profiling of individuals. But the people of Ilocandia are taking action accordingly. The plummeting of their livelihoods due to the present pandemic, the deaths and sacrifices it cost them and the regime’s own ineptitude are enough to push more progressive individuals and groups in forming a broader unity for Duterte’s conclusive downfall. Political struggle at all fronts is necessary to overthrow the most vicious and most useless of presidents that ever occupied the MalacaƱang, most important of which is the People’s Democratic Revolution. It can only stand to benefit from this economic indifference and political repression with numerous peasants, fisher folk and workers taking up arms to advance the struggle. Duterte is digging his own grave and the revolutionary Filipinos will only be too glad and willing to push him towards it. ###

Expose TF-ELCAC’s crimes against the people!
Assert for redirection of funds towards people’s welfare!
Expose and oppose the Duterte regime’s corruption!
Support and advance the national democratic revolution!

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndf-ilocos-tf-elcac-continues-to-attack-peoples-rights-amidst-the-pandemic/