Bulatlat: NDFP: Military blurs distinction between banned and allowable landmines

 Posted to the pro-CPP/NDF/NPA online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Jun 14, 2021): NDFP: Military blurs distinction between banned and allowable landmines (Raymund Villanueva)

The NDFP bewailed that their enemies are using the deaths of the Absalons to blur distinctions between banned and allowable landmines.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) cautioned against claims the New People’s Army (NPA) uses landmines that are banned by the Ottawa Convention as claimed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, the NDFP National Executive Committee belied claims by various military spokespersons that the NPA uses landmines that are banned by the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines.

The NDFP said that the Ottawa Convention only bans the use of anti-personnel mines that are detonated by proximity to or contact of a person.

In its definition of landmines, the Ottawa Convention states that anti-personnel mines are those designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person and that will incapacitate, injure or kill one or more persons.

“Mines designed to be detonated by the presence, proximity or contact of a vehicle as opposed to a person, that are equipped with anti-handling devices, are not considered anti-personnel mines as a result of being so equipped,” the Convention read.

The NDFP pointed out that the Ottawa Convention neither prohibits the use of command-detonated anti-personnel mines nor both target-detonated and command-detonated anti-tank/vehicle mines.

The group said the NPA only uses command-detonated landmines that require a person to be present, observing the landmine emplacement and manually detonating it, usually electrically, upon the approach of a moving target close to the emplacement.

Command-detonated landmines are different from the indiscriminate type of landmines that are triggered by weight, pressure, or tripping of a wire.

“It is the position of the NDFP that the use of land mines and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) – particularly and most especially those that are command-detonated anti-personnel and anti-vehicle types or contact-detonated anti-vehicle types—are legitimate tools of warfare,” it said.

The AFP generically describes the explosion reported to have killed footballer Keith Absolon and cousin Nolven last June 6 in Masbate City as “anti-personnel mines.”

The NDFP bewailed that their enemies are using the deaths of the Absalons to blur distinctions between banned and allowable landmines.

“There are the tendentious, misinformed and even maliciously distorted claims of the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) and other entities on the issue of the legitimacy and acceptability of the use of certain types of landmines in warfare in the context of the present armed conflict and in accordance with an accurate reading of international humanitarian law and instruments on the matter,” the NDFP said.

The NPA’s landmines are known to target military and police vehicles bearing government forces.

“This present incident and many others in the past are unfortunately being manipulated to blur the distinction between the allowable command-detonated anti-personnel mines, target/contact-detonated as well as command-detonated anti-tank/vehicle mines, on the one hand, and the generally disfavored target/contact-detonated anti-personnel mines, on the other hand,” it said.

It earlier cautioned the public from immediate condemnation of the NPA pending the result of a thoroughgoing investigation the Communist Party of the Philippines promised to conduct on the incident.

“There should be no rush to judgment, presumption or insinuation to the effect that the entire revolutionary movement and entire revolutionary forces are guilty of a criminal offense, negligence or error for which certain individuals may be liable on the basis of a full and complete investigation,” the NDFP said.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2021/06/14/ndfp-military-blurs-distinction-between-banned-and-allowable-landmines/

Former NPA sympathizers denounce rebel group

From the Palawan News (Jun 11, 2021): Former NPA sympathizers denounce rebel group (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

The presentation of the 10 CPP-NPA supporters and sympathizers on June 11 at the headquarters of the 3rd Marine Brigade in Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City.

The Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF ELCAC) on Monday presented to the media 10 individuals who it said were former rebel sympathizers who have returned to the fold of the law.

3rd Marine Brigade commander Col. Jimmy Larida said the withdrawal of support to the CPP-NPA of the 10 sympathizers is a welcome development brought about by their series of successful combat and non-combat operations.

He attributed it to the joint efforts of the PLEDS Cluster composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

“The increasing number of sympathizers withdrawing their support to the CTGs continues after the series of successful combat and non-combat operations conducted by the joints efforts of PLEDS Cluster. They have realized now that the government is serious in ending local communism and that CTGs have been fighting without cause and only bringing distress to their families and communities,” Col. Larida said.

Ka Reymart, said to be a youth organizer for the rebels, said the quality of their lives even deteriorated when they sympathized with the CPP-NPA in the province.

“Mahirap talaga ang buhay kaya nag-isip na din kami na huwag na sumuporta sa kanila. Nalaman namin yong tungkol sa balik-loob program kaya andito kami at binawi na ang paniniwala sa kanila (CPP-NPA),” he said.

Among those who attended the presentation were P/Col. Frederick Obar, provincial director of the Palawan Police Provincial Office, and P/Col. Sergio Vivar, director of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO).

https://palawan-news.com/former-npa-sympathizers-denounce-rebel-group/

139 guns recovered from NPA destroyed

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 14, 2021): 139 guns recovered from NPA destroyed (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military destroyed 139 firearms recovered from the New People’s Army (NPA) during a demilitarization ceremony inside 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Davao de Oro Friday.

Major Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Off13ice chief, said these firearms were turned over to the 11th Forward Service Support Unit (FSSU) by different military units that seized them during operations.

Major General Ernesto Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, said the firearms had stories.

“On the part of the Communist Terrorist Groups, these are instruments for doing bad things, for the conduct of their atrocities that hurt civilians and security forces alike,” Torres said.

He added: “On the other hand, these firearms are stories of sufferings, commitment, courage and patriotism of each soldier who toiled to conduct operations day and night just to be able to put a stop to the terrorists in using this different types of firearms to sow fear among the Filipino people.”

He said the unit will continue to work to end the influence of the movement on the people.

“In our fight in finally ending this almost 53 years of insurgency and local communist armed conflict, we must effectively communicate to the general public the deceptive and violent machinations of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” he added.

Of those firearms, 113 were considered high-powered, while the rest were low-powered.

Aside from Torres, also attending the ceremony were Police REgional Office Director Filmore Escobal and Mawab Municipal Mayor Ruperto S. Gonzaga III.

 
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/06/14/139-guns-recovered-from-npa-destroyed/

Sayyaf sub-leader, 3 others killed in Sulu (WARNING: Contains graphic image)

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 13, 2021): Sayyaf sub-leader, 3 others killed in Sulu (WARNING: Contains graphic image)

Security forces killed a notorious Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, including three of his followers, one of them a would-be suicide bomber, in a firefight before dawn Sunday in downtown Jolo in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said.

Military photos show Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Injam Yadah and the long-haired would-be suicide bomber Al-al Sawadjaan.

Officials said security forces tracked down an Abu Sayyaf hideout in the village of Alat where the terrorist Injam Yadah and his followers had been hiding. The terrorists opened fire after sensing the presence of soldiers and policemen who surrounded the hideout.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, reading from a report by Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the anti-terror Joint Task Force Sulu, said all four terrorists were killed, among them Al-Al Sawadjaan, the youngest brother of Abu Sayyaf bomber Mundi Sawadjaan who volunteered to kill himself in future suicide attack.

“Based on the report from the ground, combined elements of the military and police conducted a law enforcement operation to serve a warrant of arrest against Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Injam Yadah in Barangay Alat, Jolo, Sulu around 2 a.m. Sunday. And sensing the presence of the operating troops, the target and three of his cohorts opened fire thereby prompting the government forces to retaliate. The exchange of fires resulted in the instantaneous death of Yadah and three others,” Vinluan said.

Vinluan also identified third terrorist only as Rauf, believed to be an alias. The name of the fourth gunman remains unidentified. Yadah’s wife was also captured. He said security forces recovered weapons and improvised explosives from the hideout.

Army officials described Yadah a cold-blooded murderer and on top of the military’s order of battle for his involvement in the ransom kidnappings of foreigners and Filipinos, and for mercilessly beheading his victims, including soldiers.

“We have long been on the hunt for Yadah. He had a reputation of being extremely violent; beheading captured innocent civilians and members of security forces alike. Finally, his hideous acts will now come to a full stop,” Gonzales said.

In another report, Lt. Col. Wilfredo Borgonia, commander of the 35th Infantry Battalion, said Yadah was also involved in the 2018 kidnapping of the ex-wife and daughter of former Talipao town mayor Tambrin Tulawie, including Indonesian fishermen.

Borgonia also confirmed reports that the young Sawadajaan was a “volunteer suicide bomber” and also a bomb maker.

Security forces in Sulu were ordered to intensify the hunt for the elder Sawadjaan following the death of his brother.

“All the forces under Joint Task Force Sulu are doubling their efforts to apprehend Mundi Sawadjaan. His brothers are now dead and we are optimistic that he will also be neutralized soon. When that day comes, we can say that we have achieved total peace in the province. The local government and people here are one with us in this endeavor,” Gonzales said. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/06/sayyaf-sub-leader-3-others-killed-in.html

Former rebels’ support for gov’t peace, dev’t programs lauded

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2021): Former rebels’ support for gov’t peace, dev’t programs lauded (By Jason De Asis)

‘SAMBAYANAN’ LAUNCHING. Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry Battalion delivers his message during the launching of the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN) in Aurora province on Saturday (June 12, 2021). SAMBAYANAN is an organization composed of former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who abandoned their allegiance to the underground communist movement. (PNA photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – A top military official has lauded the Sentrong Alyansa ng Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN) for its support to the government's peace and development programs.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, said the support of SAMBAYANAN is vital in the government’s efforts to end the insurgency.

“Insurgency problem is not only for the military but for everyone. That’s why I am extremely elated by your initiative and responsibility to eradicate this decades-long formidable threat to our country’s security and development,” Rubio said during the formal launching of the SAMBAYANAN-Aurora chapter here on Saturday.

SAMBAYANAN is an organization composed of former key members of the New People’s Army (NPAs) who abandoned their allegiance to the underground communist movement.

During its launching, some 52 individuals composed of former rebels and exploited local populace in the province attended.

Col. Julio Lizardo, provincial director of the Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), said the Philippine National Police (PNP) supports SAMBAYANAN in its aim to back the vision, mission, and goal of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in implementing an efficient mechanism and structure for the whole-of-nation approach.

“Nagpapasalamat ako na ang mga piring na tinanggal ng dating miyembro ay ginamit upang mabuo ang SAMBAYANAN. Sa pagkakataong ito, iisa tayo sa pambansang paglaban upang wakasan ang communist insurgency sa bansa. Sama-sama nating buuin ang nawasak na pundasyon ng lipunan --ang pamilya, kabataan at pananampalataya (I am thankful that the blindfold removed by the former members were used to form SAMBAYANAN. This time, we are united in the national struggle to end the communist insurgency in the country. Together, let us rebuild the shattered foundation of society -- the family, youth and faith),” Lizardo said.

The event was highlighted with the dialogue and election of officers of the SAMBAYANAN-Aurora chapter, an overview/film showing of SAMBAYANAN Gitnang Luzon, and BARANGAYAnihan activity where the APPO offered food packs to the participants.

Likewise, the Department of Trade and Industry awarded livelihood assistance to seven former rebels in the same event.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143560

NPA, politics eyed in Bukidnon town councilor’s slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2021): NPA, politics eyed in Bukidnon town councilor’s slay (By Franck Dick Rosete)

SEARCH FOR JUSTICE. Susan Gayunan, town councilor of Talakag, Bukidnon, was gunned down Saturday afternoon (June 12, 2021). Authorities have launched a manhunt for the two motorcycle-riding assailants. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

Investigators are looking into the possible involvement of the New People’s Army or personal conflict into the killing of a municipal councilor in Talakag, Bukidnon.

Maj. Dennis Rowell Flores, Talakag police chief, in an interview on Sunday said operations are ongoing against the still unidentified killers of Talakag councilor Susan Gayunan, 64.

She died from gunshot wounds to the head after two motorcycle-riding assailants fired at her in Purok 2, San Antonio village on Saturday afternoon.

The police are still establishing possible motives but job-related reasons are among them.

"According to some it could be related to her job, in politics, or it could be the NPA (New People's Army) or she has a personal conflict. We have actually a lot of angles to look at," Flores said.

Flores said they coordinated with adjacent police stations and quarantine control points to monitor the given description of the suspect, including the motorcycle.

Dona Mae Timtim and Luther Joey Bustillo, Gayunan’s niece and nephew respectively, who were with the victim during the incident were also hurt.

Timtim sustained gunshot wounds while Bustillo was hurt when he tried to grab the gun from the suspect.

Flores said they recovered five empty cartridge cases, one unfired cartridge, and one magazine loaded with six bullets, believed to be from a .45 caliber firearm.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143570

Abu Sayyaf leader, 3 members killed in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): Abu Sayyaf leader, 3 members killed in Sulu clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader, who is known to behead hostages, and three of his followers were killed in a clash during a law enforcement operation in the province of Sulu, the military announced on Monday.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, said the clash took place around 2 a.m. Sunday in Barangay Alat in Jolo, Sulu.

Gonzales, who is also Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, identified the slain ASG leader as Injam Yadah.

Yadah played a key role in the kidnapping of five Indonesian fishermen in Malaysian waters on January 16, 2020.

The ASG killed one of the five Indonesian fishermen last year in the hinterlands of Sulu while the troops separately rescued the other four in March this year in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Gonzales said one of Yadah’s slain followers was Al-al Sawadjaan, the youngest brother of infamous ASG bomber Mundi Sawadjaan, a certain Abu Rauf while the other one is yet to be identified.

He said the clash ensued as the group of Yadah opened fire at government troops, prompting them to retaliate while they were about to serve a warrant of arrest against the Abu Sayyaf leader.

Troops recovered at the clash site an M653 Carbine rifle, caliber .45 pistol, bomb-making components, and 15 mobile phones.

Lt. Col. Wilfredo Borgonia, 35th Infantry Battalion commander, said Yadah was also involved in the kidnap of Dr. Daniel Moreno on Feb. 4, 2020 in Jolo; kidnapping of Filipino-American Rex Triplitt on Sept. 16, 2020, in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte; and, the kidnapping of two members of the Tulawie family in June 2018 in Talipao, Sulu.

“We've long been on the hunt for Yadah, he has a reputation of being extremely violent--beheading captured innocent civilians and security forces alike. Finally, his hideous acts will now come to a full stop,” Gonzales said.

He said Sawadjaan is known to have some knowledge in bomb-making and has already pledged as a suicide bomber.

“All of our forces under JTF-Sulu are doubling our efforts to also catch Mundi Sawadjaan. His brothers are now dead and we are optimistic that he will also be neutralized. When that day comes, we can say that we have achieved total peace in the province. The local government and people here are alongside us in this endeavor,” Gonzales added.

Since January, a total of 121 ASG bandits were neutralized in Sulu -- 86 of whom surrendered, 18 were killed and 17 were apprehended.

“Congratulations to the troops of Joint Task Force Sulu and our partners for this successful operation. Joint Task Force Sulu continuously implements its all-out campaign to eliminate the remaining ASG personalities in the province,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143591

Jungle Fighter’s new chief is Medal of Valor awardee

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2021): Jungle Fighter’s new chief is Medal of Valor awardee (By Ben Cal)

Maj. Gen. Bartolome O. Bacarro (Photo from SCOUT Ranger FB page)

Maj. Gen. Bartolome O. Bacarro, new commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, is known for his bravery in combat when he led his men in repulsing 150 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels that attacked Maconacon town in Isabela in January 1991.

The firefight lasted for 10 hours, forcing the communist rebels to retreat after suffering 16 casualties.

Bacarro, who was then a young second lieutenant, was leading a team of soldiers and some members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) when rebels attacked the municipality of Maconacon early evening of January 26, 1991.

Although outnumbered, Bacarro was unfazed as he and his men engaged the rebels in a close quarter firefight.

At the height of the fierce gun battle, Bacarro was hit in his left thigh, but despite his wound, he scaled a nine-foot wall to rescue CAFGU troopers who were pinned down inside a compound.

Racing against time, Bacarro commandeered a truck parked inside the compound, and at full speed rammed the wall, allowing the CAFGUs to escape.

The rebels fled in haste taking with them wounded comrades.

Bacarro was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest decoration the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can give to a soldier for gallantry in combat beyond the call of duty,

Former President Corazon C. Aquino handed the medal to Bacarro at Camp Aguinaldo on July 1, 1986.

“For acts of conspicuous courage, gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty during a ten-hour encounter with about 150 fully armed communist terrorists that attacked the town of Maconacon, Isabela on 26 to 27 January 1991, while serving as Commanding Officer, 6th CAFGU Active Auxiliary Company, 21st Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army,” stated in the award.

“In spite of the overwhelming number of the armed insurgents and aware of the lack of air and artillery fire support and without any possible troop reinforcement due to time, location and weather constraints, then SECOND LIEUTENANT BACARRO courageously closed-in and engaged the enemy in a fierce firefight. Despite being wounded, he executed a systematic attack through proper maneuvers and strict adherence to fire discipline by firing only at sure enemy targets to conserve their ammunition and spare the civilians from being caught in the crossfire. He successful [sic] led his team in inflicting maximum casualty on the enemy. His display of unflinching and indomitable courage inspired and motivated his men to fight courageously,” it added.

Last April 19, Bacarro was installed the commanding general of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division in a change of command ceremony at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.

He replaced Maj. Gen. Greg T. Almerol who was named commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143260

Probe by Reds won't compensate for death of Absalon cousins

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 12, 2021): Probe by Reds won't compensate for death of Absalon cousins (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (right) and Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu (PNA File photos)

No statement or "internal investigation" by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) will ever compensate for the two lives lost in the communist terrorists' unprovoked anti-personnel mine (APM) attack in Masbate City last June 6, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

"No statement or 'internal investigation' shall compensate or bring true justice for the lives of two exceptional young men, whose bright futures were gone in an instant as “collateral damage” to their senseless war," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana was referring to the CPP-NPA's effort to appease public opinion against the APM attack that killed Far Eastern University football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven.

The incident also wounded Kieth's 16-year old nephew Chrisbin Daniel.

"Rest assured that we will not let this incident be taken in vain. I’ll make sure that justice will be served," the DND chief added even as he condemns the CPP-NPA for causing these unnecessary deaths by APMs.

Planted APMs

Lorenzana dismissed CPP-NPA claims that the incident was a "tactical error" as these explosives were planted there to inflict pain and damage.

"The CPP-NPA’s persistent use of landmines is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, undeniable proof of their utter disregard for the safety of innocent civilians," he added.

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

Meanwhile, DND Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu said the tragic deaths of the Absalon cousins are emblematic of the crimes against the Filipino people committed by the communist terrorist group (CTG).

"Thousands have died in the hands of the CTG – our youth, our farmers, our security forces, our local executives, and our indigenous peoples. Thousands more are deceived by these remorseless terrorists, who are bent on undermining the Republic, pitting Filipinos against fellow Filipinos. Even worse, the CTG has no qualms about harming innocent civilians, women, and children. Their lies and violence know no bounds," he said.

Mapagu is the head of Task Force Balik-Loob and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), and Amnesty Program (EAP) Cluster under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

Leadership liability

"No less than the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) must be held accountable for these deplorable crimes that violate the International Humanitarian Law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The lip service in the form of an apology by the CPP-NPA in the wake of the deaths of the Absalon cousins cannot and will not change anything," he added.

He said the CTG's false ideology continues to damage and hamper the nation's road to peace and progress.

"We take this opportunity now to urge the Filipino people including the active members and the supporters of the CPP-NPA-NDF to forsake this treacherous and criminal terrorist group. It is only when we, the Filipino people, all unite can we finally end the scourge of the CTG," he added.The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143523

Absalon cousins died from gunshot, blast injuries: autopsy report

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2021): Absalon cousins died from gunshot, blast injuries: autopsy report (By Gigie Arcilla)

Undated photo of Kieth Absalon (Contributed photo)

Less than a week after the New People's Army (NPA)-planted anti-personnel mine (APM) blast on June 6, the Masbate City Health Office released the results of an autopsy conducted on the two fatalities.

In a Facebook post of 101.5 Brigada New FM Sorsogon at 6:41 of June 11, the autopsy result showed that 21-year old Kieth Absalon bore a gunshot wound to his right eye. His cousin Noven Absalon, 40, had a gunshot wound to the right shoulder and another to the left thigh.

The report added that the victims died from hemorrhagic shock secondary to the gunshot wounds and blast injuries due to the landmine explosion, clarifying initial claims that the fatalities succumbed to gunshot wounds.

An APM blast, planted by New People’s Army rebels in Purok 4 Barangay Unas, Masbate City on June 6, left Kieth, a football player of the Far Eastern University, and Noven dead, and 16-year Crisbin Absalon wounded.

The victims were reportedly cycling with their family and relatives to Barangay B. Titong in the town proper when an APM exploded.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, NPA on June 8 owned up to the attack, apologized for what it said as “errors in military action mounted by an NPA unit”. They offered any form of indemnification to the victims’ family.

The Absalon family, however, rejected any apology or indemnification from the CPP-NPA over the senseless killings.

Kieth’s mother, Vilma, said the apology does not give justice to her slain family members.

“Attaining justice does not start with saying sorry. Honestly, I want them gone. I want them to disappear and stop their destructive activities,” she was earlier quoted in an Inquirer report.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said the public can never trust the investigation allegedly being carried out by the NPA Bicol Regional Party Committee, Masbate Provincial Party Committee and its higher commands because communists do not adhere to established rules of procedure and have their own brand of revolutionary justice.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on June 11 said no 'internal investigation' shall compensate or bring true justice for the lives of two exceptional young men, whose bright futures were gone in an instant as “collateral damage” to the CPP-NPA’s senseless war.

"Rest assured that we will not let this incident be taken in vain. I’ll make sure that justice will be served," Lorenzana said, adding that the CPP-NPA’s persistent use of landmines is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), an undeniable proof of their utter disregard for the safety of innocent civilians.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar lambasted the communist terrorists’ audacity in refusing to surrender the perpetrators of the mine blast, saying this only proves their crooked and evil ideology.

“How dare they criticize the government and still use this instrument to deceive the people but they condone their own people who kill innocent civilians? This is proof of what kind of ideology these groups have,” Eleazar said, in response to the CPP-NPA’s statement for ignoring calls to surrender

In vowing to bring the perpetrators of the incident to justice, Eleazar said only the culprits' arrest and conviction in court can make up for the death of the two innocent men.

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

The use of APMs is a violation of the IHL and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143552

PNP braces for NPA’s extortion activities as elections near

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2021): PNP braces for NPA’s extortion activities as elections near (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar directed the police to work closely with the military in preventing communist terrorists from collecting “permit-to-campaign” fees from politicians with less than a year left before the 2022 national and local elections.

This, after the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said it will coordinate with the PNP and local government units to stop the illegal activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA).

“I am directing all police offices and units to be extra vigilant in your respective areas of responsibility and strictly monitor the extortion activities of these communist rebels in demanding money from candidates in exchange for so-called ‘permits to campaign’ for the coming elections,” Eleazar said in a statement on Saturday.

Eleazar also warned politicians planning to run for posts in the 2022 elections against giving “permit-to-campaign” fees to the CPP-NPA as they will be complicit in the communist rebels’ illegal activities.

“Magsilbing babala din po sana ito sa mga kakandidato sa halalan na kung ito’y gagawin ninyo, kayo din po ay magkakaroon ng pananagutan sa batas dahil katumbas ito ng pagbibigay ng financial support sa CPP-NPA (It should also serve as a warning to election candidates that if you do this you will also be held accountable by law because it is equivalent to providing financial support to the CPP-NPA),” he said.

He said the money collected by the communist rebels will definitely be used in the purchase of more firearms and other logistics to sustain the CPP-NPA’s senseless and pointless “armed struggle.”

Eleazar added that giving in to the communist rebels’ demand for money would only embolden them to continue their extortion activities.

He urged particularly politicians to immediately report or coordinate with them if they are victimized by the CPP-NPA.

“Together with the AFP, we will intensify our security measures against communist rebels so that we can prevent this illegal activity,” he said.

He pointed out that this type of extortion activity by the CPP-NPA just shows that they are just common thugs and no longer adhere to any principle.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143508

PAF conducts 'solidarity maritime patrol' over PH Rise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 13, 2021): PAF conducts 'solidarity maritime patrol' over PH Rise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MARITIME PATROL. An EADS CASA C-295 medium transport and a South Korean-made FA-50PH fighter of the Philippine Air Force conduct solidarity maritime patrol over the Philippine Rise on Saturday (June 12, 2021). The activity was part of the country’s commemoration of the 123rd Independence Day and 5th anniversary of the renaming of the erstwhile Benham Rise. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) conducted a "solidarity maritime patrol" over the Philippine Rise on Saturday.

PAF spokesperson Lt. Col. Maynard Mariano on Sunday said the activity was part of the country's commemoration of the 123rd Independence Day and 5th anniversary of the renaming of the Philippine Rise.

The commemoration aimed to promote marine conservation and to assert the country’s sovereign rights on the feature, formerly known as the Benham Rise, located approximately 250 kilometers east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela.

An EADS CASA C-295 medium transport and two South Korean-made FA-50PH fighter jets took part in the activity which was organized by the PAF and its Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon.

Aboard the transport aircraft was National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, also National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) chair and Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos along with other ranking officials.

Esperon was the guest-of-honor during Independence Day ceremonies at Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga.

"The PAF C-295 aircraft was the primary aircraft for Secretary Esperon, Lt. Gen, Arnulfo Burgos and members of the NTF WPS during the conduct of the solidarity maritime patrol," Mariano said.

He added that the event was highlighted by the escort mission by two FA-50PH fighter jets led by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Allen T. Paredes over sovereignty buoys or markers in the Philippine Rise.

"Escort mission such as in maritime patrols builds confidence and assures the Filipino people that the PAF will always be there to keep our airspace inviolable and safe for all of us," Mariano said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143573