PRWC is under cyber attack

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 14, 2021): PRWC is under cyber attack

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JUNE 14, 2021

The Philippine Revolution Web Central (https://cpp.ph), the website of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been the target of relentless cyber attacks for close to two weeks now. We denounce this attempt to stifle the Party’s voice and take away the platform of the revolutionary forces to stand for the Filipino people’s national and democratic rights and aspirations.

The Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have been mounted at such scale in an attempt to breach the server’s firewall. According to firewall logs, at least 15 million attacks a day have been coordinated to flood and clog the websites which are hosted on moderately-capable servers.

The website of the CPP serves as an internet portal for the public distribution of news, information and views of the CPP and the entire Philippine revolutionary movement on issues concerning the Filipino people and those of the oppressed and exploited peoples around the world.

We can only assume that the attacks are being financed by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in a vain attempt to silence the CPP and stop it from exposing the corruption, puppetry and terrorism of the Duterte regime. The NTF-ELCAC has long denounced the PRWC for serving as an amplifier of the revolutionary cause.

We estimate that a few million pesos of public funds are being wasted by the NTF-ELCAC to launch these cyber attacks against the PRWC. Internet security organizations estimate that for hire cyber criminal groups can be paid a minimum of $25 per hour to mount DDoS attacks against their targets.

As we try to find ways to surmount these attacks, we urge the public to bear with the difficulties of accessing the website. For the latest information from the CPP, please follow the Twitter account of the PRWC (@prwc_info) and the CPP Chief Information Officer (@marco_cpp). You can also visit our backup site at https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com.

We also welcome efforts to help in propagating news and information from the PRWC by posting these on your own websites or sharing via social media. Those who wish to extend other forms of assistance can contact us via email.

https://cpp.ph/statements/prwc-is-under-cyber-attack/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Tanging ang rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang makapagbibigay ng tunay na katarungan para sa sambayanan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 14, 2021): Tanging ang rebolusyonaryong hustisya ang makapagbibigay ng tunay na katarungan para sa sambayanan

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JUNE 14, 2021

Malaking kalokohan ang pagngawa ng PNP, AFP at NTF-ELCAC para sa katarungan gayong tigmak ng dugo ng mga sibilyan ang kanilang mga kamay. Walang inaasahang katarungan ang mamamayan mula sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno at mersenaryong hukbo nito laluna’t malinaw naman sa sambayanan ang rekord ng pasistang estado sa pambabalasubas at pambabaluktot sa katwiran sukat ang paggamit ng batas laban sa mamamayan. Nito lamang Hunyo 8, walang awang minasaker ng mga elemento ng 2nd IBPA at PNP Masbate ang mga magsasakang sina Ramon ‘Boy’ Valenzuela Brioso, 58 taong gulang, residente ng So. Mabuaya, Matiporon, Milagros, Ailyn ‘Eket’ Bulalacao Gracio, 38 taong gulang, residente ng So. Bantolinao, Brgy. Amutag, Aroroy at Antonio ‘Tony’ Polegrantes, 50 taong gulang, mula sa Brgy. Hermosa, Cawayan. Si Brioso ay chief cowboy sa 7R Ranch habang si Polegrantes naman ay chief tanod ng kanilang barangay. Dinukot ang tatlo madaling araw ng Hunyo 7 at pinalabas na napaslang na mga kasapi ng NPA sa isang pekeng engkwentro sa So. Porang, Brgy. Anas, Masbate City kinabukasan.

Ganito rin ang estilong ginawa ng militar at pulis kay Gerardo Abla, residente ng Brgy. Tongo, Siruma, Camarines Sur na dinukot mula sa kanilang tahanan noong Mayo 10 at pinalabas na napaslang na NPA sa isang pekeng labanan sa Brgy. Malabog, Caramoan, Camarines Sur apat na araw makalipas ang pagdukot sa kanya. Noong 2020 hanggang unang kwarto ng 2021, apat na kaso ng masaker at apat na kaso ng pamamaslang ang pinalabas na engkwentro ng kaaway. Umabot sa 16 magsasaka ang pinatay at pinaradang mga NPA sa mga pekeng labanan ng militar at pulis.

Alam ng sambayanang hindi mapagkakatiwalaang magtaguyod ng kapakanan ng nakararami ang estadong nagbubuo, nagpopondo, nagsasanay at nag-aalaga ng mga mamamatay-taong militar, pulis at mga grupong paramilitar. Nitong Hunyo 11 lamang, pinawalang-sala ang mga pulis na sangkot sa masaker ng siyam na Tumandok at magsasaka sa Tapaz, Capiz noong Disyembre 2020 sa kabila ng mabibigat na ebidensyang nagpapatunay na may kinalaman sila sa krimen. Hindi rin malimot ng masa ang paggamit ng gubyerno sa maanomalyang Good Conduct Time Allowance noong 2019 para palayain kapalit ng kurakot ang humigit-kumulang 1,400 kriminal, kabilang ang malalaking druglord, rapist at mamamatay-tao. Samantala patuloy na inaaresto at binubulok sa kulungan, kung hindi man pinapaslang dahil ‘nanlaban’, ang mga sibilyan, magsasaka, manggagawa, tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang-tao, makabayan at progresibong indibidwal.
Higit na superyor ang rebolusyonaryong hustisya kaysa sa sistema ng hudikatura ng reaksyunaryong gubyernong batbat ng anomalya, korupsyon at makasariling mga interes. Ang hustisyang itinataguyod ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay may layuning pairalin ang pagkakapantay-pantay sa katayuan at karapatang pang-ekonomiya at pampulitika. Sumusunod ito sa malinaw na makauring mga pamantayan at obhetibong pagsusuri at pagpapasya. Naninindigan ito para sa katotohanan at sa pantay na paggagawad ng hustisya. Ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersang nasa ilalim ng mahigpit na pamumuno ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP) ay buung-buong tumatalima sa lahat ng patakaran at disiplinang ipinapatupad ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Kung ang NTF-ELCAC at mersenaryong hukbo ay sinserong nananawagan ng katarungan, ano’t hindi nila atupagin ang imbestigasyon ng patung-patong na pang-aabusong militar at paglabag sa karapatang tao ng kanilang mga sariling yunit at elemento laluna ang panibagong kaso ng masaker sa Masbate? Ano na ang nangyari sa imbestigasyon sa lampas 27,000 napaslang sa ilalim ng Oplan Tokhang? May napanagot na ba sa alinman sa napakahaba nang listahan ng mga brutal na operasyong pulis at militar na nagdulot sa walang lubay na pamamaslang at masaker?

Kung tunay na sila ay para sa kaunlaran at kapayapaan, ano’t hindi nila mapanagot ang lahat ng mga burukrata kapitalista, sa pangunguna ni Duterte, sa walang lubay nitong paggamit ng kanyang kapangyarihan upang igupo ang malawak na masa sa kahirapan at kagutuman habang tinitiyak naman ang pansariling ganansya.

Mabuti pang tigilan na nila ang pang-iintriga at paninira sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at bigyang-pansin ang mahahalagang usapin ng pambansang soberanya at seguridad gaya ng banta ng mga dayuhang kapangyarihan sa West Philippine Sea at iba pang soberanong teritoryo ng bansa.

Nagpapasalamat ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Bikol sa patuloy na suporta at tiwala ng masa. Makakaasa silang patuloy na panghahawakan at higit pang hihigpitan ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang mulat na disiplinang bakal at rebolusyonaryong hustisya sa layuning higit pang mapahusay ang paglilingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino.

https://cpp.ph/statements/tanging-ang-rebolusyonaryong-hustisya-ang-makapagbibigay-ng-tunay-na-katarungan-para-sa-sambayanan/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Sariling CMO units ng 9th IDPA, umaming panloloko at karahasan lamang ang makukuha ng masa mula sa AFP-PNP-CAFGU

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 14, 2021): Sariling CMO units ng 9th IDPA, umaming panloloko at karahasan lamang ang makukuha ng masa mula sa AFP-PNP-CAFGU

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JUNE 14, 2021

Bagsak na bagsak na ang morale ng mga elemento ng militar at pulis sa rehiyon. Hindi na nila masikmura ang brutalidad at pagkahumaling sa karahasan ng institusyon ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU na kanilang kinapapalooban. Hindi na nila kayang magbingi-bingihan sa mga gawa-gawang kwento ng labanan at panloloko sa masa ng NTF-ELCAC at mga lokal na katumbas nito. Hindi mapatahimik ang kanilang mga kalooban sa harap ng sunud-sunod na madudugong operasyon ng kanilang mga kabaro laban sa sibilyang populasyon. Nitong Hunyo 8, walang kakurap-kurap na minasaker ng mga elemento ng 2nd IBPA at PNP Masbate ang mga sibilyang sina Ramon ‘Boy’ Valenzuela Brioso, 58 taong gulang, residente ng So. Mabuaya, Matiporon, Milagros, Ailyn ‘Eket’ Bulalacao Gracio, 38 taong gulang, residente ng So. Bantolinao, Brgy. Amutag, Aroroy at Antonio ‘Tony’ Polegrantes, 50 taong gulang, mula sa Brgy. Hermosa, Cawayan. Si Brioso ay chief cowboy sa 7R Ranch habang si Polegrantes naman ay chief tanod ng kanilang barangay. Mula ang tatlo sa magkakaibang bayan. Sinadya sila sa kani-kanilang tahanan at dinukot madaling araw ng Hunyo 7. Matapos nito, pinalabas na napaslang na mga kasapi ng NPA sa isang pekeng engkwentro sa So. Porang, Brgy. Anas, Masbate City nang sumunod na araw.

Sa mga ulat ng masang ipinarating sa tanggapan ng NDF-Bikol, mismong mga kasapi ng Civil Military Operations (CMO) unit ng 9th IDPA na nagsasagawa ng Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ang nagsasabi sa kanilang huwag maniniwala sa sinasabi ng mga upisyal-militar. Ang ground force ng militar mismo ang nangungumbinsi sa mamamayan na huwag pumayag sa mga sapilitang pagpapapirma sa mga blangkong papel, pagkuha ng mga litrato at interogasyon. Ayon sa kanila, naghahabol lamang ng quota ang kanilang mga superior sa dami ng pekeng mapapasuko at mapapatay. Kalimitan, iniimbento at pinalolobo na lamang nila ang bilang ng mga napasuko upang makubra ang pondong nakalaan sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP). Dagdag pa nila, kasinungalingan lang ang ipinapangakong kabuhayan ng NTF-ELCAC dahil kung may kakayahan talaga ang gubyernong ibigay ang pangangailangan ng masang anakpawis disinsana ay dati nang maunlad ang bansa. Nagmamalasakit lamang umano sila sa kanilang mga kapwa-maralita dahil ang lahat ng nasa listahan ng pekeng pinasurender ay target na ng madudugong atakeng militar.

Tiyak na maghahabol na naman ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU, NTF-ELCAC at mga lokal na sangay nitong baguhin ang kwento at siraan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ngunit alam ng masa at kahit nga ng kanilang mismong tropa ang katotohanan. Kahit anong gawin nila, sadyang kabiguan ang tanging kahahantungan ng kanilang hungkag na kontrarebolusyonaryong gera. Hindi maipagkakaila ng taumbayan, sibilyan man o mula sa hanay ng militar at pulis, ang pagiging makatwiran ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan at ang pagiging tapat ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa interes ng nakararami. Palaki nang palaki ang mga bitak at paksyon sa loob ng militar at pulis dahil marami sa kanila ang hindi na maatim ipagtanggol ang mersenaryong institusyong walang ibang alam gawin kundi ang maghasik ng teror at magpadanak ng dugo.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa mga kasapi ng mersenaryong hukbo na nais nang tumiwalag sa kanilang hanay na dumulog sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at tuluyan nang iwanan ang kanilang trabaho bilang mamamatay-tao ng naghaharing-uri. Nais ding ipaabot ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pagsaludo sa mga elemento ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU na naglalakas-loob na isiwalat ang katotohanan sa kabila ng kaalamang tatargetin sila ng atake ng militar at pulis. Labis na ikalulugod ng sambayanang Pilipino kung higit pang darami ang bilang ng mga naliliwanagang elemento ng mersenaryong hukbong papanig sa hanay ng masang bumabalikwas. Marapat lamang na magbuklod ang lahat ng uring inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan laban sa mga pwersa ng reaksyong ilang daantaon nang nagpapahirap at nambubusabos sa kanila.

https://cpp.ph/statements/sariling-cmo-units-ng-9th-idpa-umaming-panloloko-at-karahasan-lamang-ang-makukuha-ng-masa-mula-sa-afp-pnp-cafgu/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces kill 2 NDFP consultants

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 7, 2021): State forces kill 2 NDFP consultants

Two consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and five other civilians were killed by armed state agents in the past two weeks. In the same period, five others were arrested and three were abducted, including a child.

Killing. State agents simultaneously killed Fr. Rustico Tan and Reynaldo Bocala, peace consultants of the NDF in the Visayas, on May 28 at their homes in Cebu and Iloilo.

Police elements gunned down Bocala, 75, of the NDF-Panay, and his companion Willy Arguelles Epago in Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo. The police made it appear that they were killed after “fighting back.”

On the same day, state agents gunned down Tan, 80, who was sleeping at his house in Pilar, Camotes Island. He served as peace negotiator of the NDF-Cebu in 1987.

Meanwhile, three activists were massacred and another was abucted by the 202nd IBde and Special Action Forces during a raid in Barangay Macabiling, Sta. Rosa, Laguna on May 21. Christoper Boton, Cristina Estocado and Rommel Riza were killed while Kemuel Ian Cometa was abducted. Cometa was a graduate of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and coordinator of the Kabataan Partylist in Laguna. He is yet to be surfaced by the military.

In Negros Occidental, soldiers of the 94th IB killed Padoz Lozano in Barangay Mahalang, Himamaylan City on May 13. The soldiers also raided three houses of the Hilado family at Sitio Alulong, Barangay Buenavista.

On March 31, state agents gunned down two abaca farmers identified as “Greg” and “Uno” in San Miguel, Catanduanes. The victims were siblings and both residents of Barangay Progreso in the said town.

Arrest. Elements of the 94th IB arrested Robnie Ariola, Junjun Casilo and Jonalyn Agaton, residents of Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, after staging a fake encounter with the New People’s Army in the area on May 26. The soldiers also burned down the house of resident Gerard Ariola.

In Bicol, the police illegally arrested Elwin Mangampo, chairperson of fisherfolk organization Lambat Bicol, on May 30 inside his house at Purok 2, Barangay 1, Pio Duran, Albay. The soldiers searched his house and planted grenades and firearms as evidence. Mangampo has long been subjected to red-tagging by the military.

State forces also arrested farmer Rolando Obal in Barangay Macalamlam, Rosario, Batangas on May 26. He was slapped with trumped-up charges of murder and illegal possession of explosives. The military and police made it appear that the victim was involved in an encounter between the military and the NPA on the same day. Soldiers also arrested farmer Gilbert Orr who is yet to be surfaced.

Abduction. In Occidental Mindoro, 10 soldiers of the 203rd IBde abducted MJ, four-year old child of political prisoner Emilia Marquez, last May 12 at Sitio Ambuyan, Pitogo, Rizal.

This has long been a practice of the military to coerce detainees to “cooperate.”

Harassment. Soldiers of the 72nd IB forced the residents of Sagundanon, Kitaotao, Bukidnon last June 6 to demolish the community’s Lumad school. The soldiers threatened to arrest those who refused to obey.

https://cpp.ph/2021/06/07/state-forces-kill-2-ndfp-consultants/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protests

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 7, 2021): Protests

DUTERTE WAKASAN NA. “Du­terte Wakasan Na,” a formation set to unite all forces aiming to end the Du­terte regime and its destructive and failed policies was launched online last June 3. The coordinators criticized the planned tandem of father-daughter Rodrigo and Sara Duterte for the 2022 presidential elections.

This formation was the offshoot of the “Save the Nation! Duterte Resign!” petition initiated by health wor­kers.

PROTEST AGAINST BACIWA-PRIME­WATER. Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) workers protested last May 3 in front of the house of its director Mona Dia Hardin in Bacolod City to oppose the illegal dismissal of 60 workers and the selling of BACIWA to Villar’s Primewater.

PROTESTA DE MAYO. Wearing traditional Flores de Mayo costumes, teachers picketed in front of the Department of Edu­cation head­quar­ters last May 28 to demand the re­lease of the budget their internet allo­wance, just wages and other benefits.

MOBILIZATION FOR AID. Successive protests were launched by democratic organization during the last week of May to demand a ₱10,000-aid for all, ₱100-wage sub­sidy and ₱15,000-production sub­sidy. This was prior to Congress’ approval of the Bayanihan 3, which allots a measly ₱2,000-aid for all and ₱30-billion to ₱45-billion funds for workers, farmers and repatriated Filipino workers. A ₱54.6-billion pension fund for retired military officials was inser­ted into the bill. While voting for the bill, the Makabayan bloc called on the people to call for more significant aid.

https://cpp.ph/2021/06/07/protests-6/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Residents evict occupying soldiers

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 7, 2021): Residents evict occupying soldiers

The National Democratic Front-Southern Tagalog (NDF-ST) lauded in its statement last June 2 the bravery and unity manifested by the people of Quezon as they were able to successfully evict four military encampments from their villages. Through their united conviction manifested through petitions and other actions, residents of barangays Sta. Elena and Cawayan in Lopez, and Vista Hermosa and P. Herrera in Macalelon were able expel the soldiers who occupied their communities.

Residents of Barangay Sta. Elena complained about the vandalism by soldiers in their barangay hall. Soldiers do not dispose of their garbage properly and litter everywhere, then order residents to clean for them. In defiance, residents united to bar the entry of the fascists to their barangay.

In Barangay Cawayan, soldiers were forced to leave as residents opposed the presence of the military camp near their community.

Residents of Vista Hermosa were also able to evict occupying soldiers who are responsible for causing trouble and hardships in their community. On January 31, a resident’s horse died due a strafing incident by drunk elements of the CAFGU and military. This was one of the reasons why residents petitioned at Sangguniang Barangay to demand their eviction. On May 17, the military camp was relocated to the neighboring barangay of P. Herrera, but was met by complaints from the residents.

The barriofolk evicted the soldiers amid focused military operations by the 59th IB and 85th IB in 34 barangays of Lopez, Macalelon and Gumaca for more than a month now. Nearly two company-sized troops of the military, police and CAFGU mount these operations in the said barangays. They serve as security forces of two destructive dam projects in Barangay Vista Hermosa.

These mass actions prove that the military’s weapons and threats is not a hinder to the people’s unity. The bravery and conviction of the residents of Quezon to fight for their welfare must serve as an inspiration and be replicated by all of the people in Southern Tagalog who are oppressed by soldiers who are occupying their villages, the NDF-ST said.

https://cpp.ph/2021/06/07/residents-evict-occupying-soldiers/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Imperialist campaign of counter-terrorism

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 7, 2021): Imperialist campaign of counter-terrorism

The oral arguments at the Supreme Court on the Anti-Terror Law (ATL) ended last May 17. This came after four months of debates since lawyers of petitioners filed their cases against the oppressive law.

The anti-democratic nature of the ATL was further manifested when the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) accused 29 individuals of being “terrorists,” including known peace consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines who were tagged as leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Last December 2020, the ATC also listed the CPP and the New People’s Army as “terrorist organizations.”

From the very beginning, the regime’s lawyers are insisting that the enactment of the ATL and the listing of so-called terrorists are in accordance with international laws and resolutions issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Unlike other international laws, the policy of “international counter-terrorism” peddled by the UNSC was not a result of any international treaty or agreement. This was imposed across the globe in compliance with the dictates of imperialist countries comprising the UNSC. In fact, there is no international consensus on the legal definition of terrorism.

The UN is dominated by the Security Council which is comprised by five permanent member-countries which are all imperialists—-US, United Kingdom, France, Russia and China—and ten temporary member-countries. The US uses and controls the UN through the Security Council to impose sanctions and exact punishment, and justify its illegal and unilateral actions against organizations, individuals and even states which it accuses of being “terrorist” or “supporting terrorism.”

The policy of “international counter-terrorism” was first imposed through the issuance of UNSC Resolution 1373 in 2001 two weeks after the attacks in New York City on September 11, 2001 (more known as 9/11) which the group Al Qaeda claimed to have perpetrated. It obliged all states to comply with all international conventions on “counter-terrorism” of the UNSC, including countries which have not ratified these. This has served as the framework of other various countries in implementing their respective laws on “anti-terrorism” and issuing “terror lists.”

Even before this, the US government under Pres. William Clinton in 1995 has already issued a Specially Designated Terrorist List which included names of individuals accused of being terrorists. This was issued during the “peace process” between Israel and Palestine.

Pres. George W. Bush Jr. placed the “war on terror” at the center of the priorities of the US government through the enactment of the so-called USA PATRIOT Act (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act). It was ratified following the 9/11 attack in 2001 and played a vital role in domestic and foreign policy making. The law gave the US government the power to tag anyone as a terrorist in an arbitrary manner and without due process. Individuals who are tagged as domestic or foreign “terrorists” or “supporters of terrorism.” are subjected to surveillance and arrest, This was used by the US to justify its attacks and invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.

In 2002, the US heightened the punishment against alleged terrorists from economic sanctions to criminal prosecution. It implemented the “Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) List” or list of organizations accused as terrorists by the US State Department which remains in place until today.

Bush constructed the notorious US detention facility in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba in January 2002. At least 780 individuals from various countries accused of terrorism have been detained here. Majority of them were detained without trial or any criminal cases being filed against them. Only five of them were convicted by the court. All detainees are repeatedly tortured and abused in the name of “enhanced interrogation.” At least nine have died in the facility. (Latest reports indicate that at least 40 individuals remain detained in Guantánamo Bay following the transfer of other prisoners to other facilities due to protests calling for the closure of the detention camp.)

Later on, the scope of the “war on terror” was further broadened, and all of the enemies of the US were branded as “terrorists.” This included even foreign movements and states which resist US hegemony. Bush began peddling the “Axis of Evil” in 2002 which refers to foreign governments allegedly “supporting terrorism.”

Countries initially covered by the term were Iran, former Ba’athist Iraq, and North Korea. John Bolton who then served as undersecretary of the US State Department later identified Cuba, Libya, and Syria as part of this. In 2018, he also called Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua as the “triangle of terror.” These countries were accused of “supporting” terrorism and have the potential or capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction.

The US first included the CPP and NPA as part of its FTO List on August 9, 2002, along with the Abu Sayyaf group. It also listed CPP founding chairperson Jose Maria Sison as an “individual supporting terrorism.”

In compliance with the dictates of the US, the Philippines under the Arroyo regime enacted the Human Security Act in 2007, which was later on enhanced by Duterte regime as the ATL. The CPP and NPA were also listed as “terrorists” by the European Union (2001) and New Zealand (2010). Contrary to repeated claims by the regime, both are not included in the FTO lists of Canada, the United Kingdom and United Nations. The European Union also delisted Sison in 2009.

https://cpp.ph/2021/06/07/imperialist-campaign-of-counter-terrorism/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 9 NPA offensives in 9 days

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 7, 2021): 9 NPA offensives in 9 days

Various units of the New People’s Army (NPA) mounted nine tactical offensives in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar at Samar within nine days. Sixteen enemy troopers were killed while 18 others were wounded.

In Davao Oriental, the NPA ambushed a military vehicle traversing the road at Sitio Tagawisan, Badas, Mati City, in the morning of May 30. Witnesses reported that two elements of 66th IB aboard the vehicle were slain. The offensive was launched just a kilometer away from a checkpoint of the PNP Task Force Mati.

In Quezon, the NPA ambushed troops of the 85th IB in Barangay Batbat Sur, Buenavista on June 6. A soldier was killed and two others were wounded.

In Occidental Mindoro, the NPA-Mindoro ambushed joint operatives of the 203rd IBde and police aboard a military vehicle at Sitio Banban, Nicolas, Magsaysay on May 28. The said unit was on its way to a counterinsurgency program in an adjacent barangay, along with several local government officials. Three were reportedly killed and 10 were seriously injured.

The NPA-Mindoro belied accusations by the 203rd IBde that the ambush targeted Gov. Ed Gadiano. It stated that Red fighters ensured the safe passage of vehicles with civilians before carrying out the offensive.

Two successive ambushes were mounted by the NPA-West Camarines Sur against troops of the 9th IB in Barangay Cambalidio, Libmanan in the morning of May 30. Four soldiers were reportedly wounded.

Meanwhile, six soldiers were killed in successive attacks mounted by the NPA-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command). Two were killed during simultaneous harassment operations in the barangays of San Nicolas and Can-aponte, San Jose de Buan on May 31. Three Red fighters were wounded and immediately given attention by medics.

Four operating soldiers of the 43rd IB were killed and three others were wounded during an NPA harassment operation along the boundary of the barangays Dawo and Bayo in Oquendo District, Calbayog City on May 24.

On the same day, the NPA-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command) fired at operating troops of the 20th IB in Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas. Four soldiers were killied during the incident.

[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/2021/06/07/9-npa-offensives-in-9-days/

Task force eyes global pressure for Dutch to deport Joma

From the Manila Times (Jun 15, 2021): Task force eyes global pressure for Dutch to deport Joma (By Christian Crow Maghanoy)

Jose Maria “Joma” Sison

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) will seek global pressure to push the Dutch government to deport Jose Maria "Joma" Sison to the Philippines to make him pay for the crimes committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, particularly violations of the International Humanitarian Law.

Undersecretary Severo "Nonoy" Catura, task force spokesperson on the peace process, human rights and international engagements, said the government will bring the matter to the United Nations, which is slated to meet this week.

The move comes a week after the killing of Keith Absalon and his cousin who died when NPA rebels exploded an anti-personnel mine in Masbate.

The task force said the NPA violated the Anti-Personnel Mine (APM) Treaty Convention signed in 1997 that bans the use of such weapons "especially by terrorist groups."

"All European nations, including the Netherlands, have ratified and acceded to this (banning of APM)," Catura said in a briefing on Monday. He pointed out Sison is in the Netherlands supposedly for humanitarian reasons, but he is responsible for ordering the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to carry out attacks using APMs against government troops and civilians.

Catura said the death of Absalon and his cousin might serve as the key for global pressure to bring back Sison to the country to answer for his heinous crimes.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, NTF-Elcac spokesperson for Social Media Affairs and Sectoral Concerns, called on the removal of the Makabayan bloc to end its misrepresentation in the House of Representatives for being the "mouthpiece of Sison."

Members of the bloc are representatives of Bayan Muna, Kabataan Partylist, Act Teachers Partylist and Gabriela.

"They continue their classic lies by pretending to condemn what had happened to push the government to negot iate for another round of peace talks," Badoy said.

"They ought to resign, and Joma ought to be brought home to answer for their crimes," she added.

"For as long as the Makabayan bloc and the CPP-NPA-NDF are still in Congress, and for as long as Joma Sison is being harbored by the Netherlands, they are harboring the head of a terrorist organization," Badoy said.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., commander of the South Luzon Command said the dwindling numbers of terrorist rebels was the main reason why APMs are being used "to show they (NPA) still exist."

"We have a total of 170 terrorist rebels who surrendered in the area, in fact last Friday (June 11) there were 47," Parlade said.

"Ka Sasay whom we had arrested is a member of Gabriela," he added.

Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, director of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict, said "it's time to have a national campaign against the use of APM by the terrorist group as not only uniformed personnel have died and lost parts of their bodies but a number of civilians were also amputated because of these land mines."

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., also vice chairman of NTF-Elcac, said communist rebels must be prosecuted and penalized for committing an international crime.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/15/news/national/task-force-eyes-global-pressure-for-dutch-to-deport-joma/1803212

Police-Army tie up vs ‘NPA moves’ in 2022 elections

From Panay News (Jun 15, 2021): Police-Army tie up vs ‘NPA moves’ in 2022 elections (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is strengthening its ties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to stop the extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) related to the upcoming 2022 national elections.

PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong said the CPP-NPA extorts money from politicians through “permit to campaign” fees in areas the rebels claim to be their strongholds.

“So far, no extortion activities have been monitored. The filing of certificates of candidacy and the campaign period have not started yet. But the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the AFP are ready to act,” Malong said.

She issued this public appeal: “The only way we could stop this extortion activities of the CPP-NPA is to report these to the PNP or the AFP.”

Extortion persists, said Malong, “because people are allowing the CPP-NPA to get their hard-earned money.”

Recently, PNP chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar ordered the police to work closely with the military in preventing communist-terrorists from extorting “permit-to-campaign” fees from politicians come election season.

“I am directing all police offices and units to be extra vigilant,” Eleazar said.

He also warned politicians not to give money to the NPA as “passes” during the campaign period or they would be charged criminally.

https://www.panaynews.net/police-army-tie-up-vs-npa-moves-in-2022-elections/

Buldon Mayor And Peacemaker Fights Threat Of Extremism With Words, Not Guns

From Page One (Jun 14, 2021): Buldon Mayor And Peacemaker Fights Threat Of Extremism With Words, Not Guns (By Manolo Serapio Jr.)



Twice a month, Alim Esmail Malic and his group would go around the barangays in Buldon, Maguindanao telling people about the evils of terrorism as the municipality’s fight to counter violent extremism continues in the middle of a pandemic.

The local government of Buldon has teamed up with Ulama, or Muslim scholars, like the group of Malic, in its campaign against terrorism. Together, they have kept the town free of terrorist activities and, with the help of education, have kept the youth away from joining groups that advocate radical extremism.

Maguindanao has been at the center of offensives by terrorist groups. On Saturday, more than 100 gunmen belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, who are linked to Islamic State militants, occupied the public market in the town of Datu Paglas for six hours, before fleeing shortly after the military launched an assault. No one was hurt in the clash but it was another reminder of the ever-present threat of terrorism in the area.

“We’re doing everything we can to fight any threat of terrorism in our town including holding Islamic symposium and going around the barangays to warn the youth and our citizens that terrorism will do no good,” said Malic.

These gatherings are done safely with participants wearing masks and are socially distanced even though Buldon is among the few places in the Philippines where there is no local transmission of Covid-19.

Malic is a consultant for Islamic Affairs in the local government headed by Mayor Abolais Manalao, the legendary peacemaker in the municipality.

When he was first elected mayor in 1998, Manalao, clutching a Petromax lamp, stood between two warring families whose violent dispute extended into the night. It was the first rido, or family feud, that he settled successfully and his lamp has since come in handy to settle rido in the dark.

Rido was so rampant in the 1970s through 1990s in Buldon as guns abounded in the community, leading to senseless deaths and trapping people in their homes or undisclosed places for fear of being killed by their enemies.

Manalao formed an alternative dispute resolution team comprised of ustadz, or respected Muslim scholars and experts, to help end family disputes. He followed it with a program that forced citizens to return their guns in exchange for cash or cattle.

Since 2018, there has been no recorded case of rido in Buldon, a small municipality in the southern Mindanao island with a population of just over 35,000 people.

“Our campaign against terrorism should not stop,” said the 53-year old Manalao, who earned the alias “Panday”, the fictional hero made popular in films by the late actor Fernando Poe Jr. Panday translates to healer in the local Maguindanaoan language Iranun, referencing Manalao’s work in mending clan wars in Buldon.

‘Peace hinges on education’

At a town hall meeting in October organized by the Buldon local government in partnership with Synergeia Foundation and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, Manalao stressed the crucial role of education in preventing violent extremism and promoting peace in the municipality.

At the meeting attended by 161 participants including members of the Local School Board, School Governing Councils, Philippine National Police, Ulama League, Sangguniang Bayan and madrasah presidents, the mayor countered the misconception that madrasah, or Islamic schools, are involved in teaching terrorism and violent extremism.

He said madrasah, like a secular school, is a safe learning space for children that helps nurture their moral values and holistic development.



Synergeis works with GCERF in municipalities like Buldon to break the ascent of violent extremism. Other areas covered by the program include the municipalities of Piagapo and Kapatagan in Lanao del Sur and Jolo in Sulu.

“Our future hinges on education, peace hinges on education,” Manalao said. “Children who do not receive quality education end up jobless and those without jobs are often lured into terrorism.”

Preventing violent extremism should start at home, he said, with the parents educating their children on why they should shun terrorism which is forbidden in Islam.

Before the pandemic hit, the local government has been implementing an ordinance requiring those aged 13-17 years old to be in school during the day.

Now that schools have been shut for more than a year due to the health crisis, barangay officials rove around villages, making sure non-residents are barred from entering, said Rufo Capada, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Buldon.

Peacemaker

Capada is the chairman of Barangay Dinganen, the only non-Muslim barangay in Buldon, and also heads the School Governing Council. Dinganen Central Elementary School is considered the best performing school in the municipality with the support of the SGC.

Capada, a Catholic, initiated the creation of an ordinance strengthening collection of real property tax in a bid to boost the Special Education Fund. It required residents to present proof that they have paid their taxes before they do any transactions with the barangay. That led to an increase in the education fund and the move was later replicated in the remaining 14 barangays.

SGCs have been instrumental in helping keep the peace in the municipality by ensuring that children are engaged in school work and other activities.



At a recent meeting among members of the SGC, there was a consensus to seek a resumption of face-to-face classes in the next school year, said Capada.

“We’re finding out that it’s not the children who are answering the modules, but it’s mostly their parents or their neighbors so they’re not really learning,” he said.

“Since we have zero Covid cases, I hope we could recommend to the Department of Education to resume face-to-face classes here.”

Manalao agrees, saying remote learning is tough for students, prompting some teachers to tutor children once a week.

“We have parents who did not go to school so how could they be teachers to their children? So the quality of education suffers,” he said.

As the peace continues in Buldon, Manalao also finds time growing crops and flowers in a sprawling 32-hectare farm that he plans to make into an agriculture learning center. He calls it Ang Probinsyano Farm and Resort, named after a long-running television series where the lead character is an invincible police officer fighting for the oppressed.

“The community appreciates my character who helps the entire town,” he said. “But I’m the mayor who goes around without an escort and who hates guns. And I make sure my community sees that.”

http://pageone.ph/buldon-mayor-and-peacemaker-fights-threat-of-extremism-with-words-not-guns/

Kalinaw News: Former NPA, Supporter surrender to government troops

From Kalinaw News (Jun 13. 2021): Former NPA, Supporter surrender to government troops

BALER, Aurora-A former member of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) and its supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from Sitio Dimaguipo, Brgy Cozo, Casiguran, Aurora surrendered to authorities on Saturday, June 12, 2021.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division Philippine Army said that in line with the implementation of the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict (MTF-ELCAC) joint elements of Bravo Company, 91IB, 7ID led by 1st Lieutenant Bobby A. Ferrer, Commanding Officer (lead unit) and Casiguran Municipal Police Station led by Police Staff Sergeant Roderick Gayeta facilitated the voluntary surrender of a former member of Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda SYP and a former CPP-NPA terrorist (CNT) sympathizer without firearms at the said place.

Ltc Rubio identified the surrenderers as alias Manoy, a former member of Sentro de Gabridad, Platoon Norte, of Aurora Provincial Committee, 34; and alias Bebang, a former CNT Supporter, 33, married; both resident of Casiguran, Aurora.

As of press time, the Bravo Company Intelligence Operatives and Casiguran PNP are conducting joint Custodial Debriefing to the surrenderer.

Accordingly, they realized the meaningless revolution that pushed them to return to the government.

“Thank you for your decision to return peacefully to our government. Rest assured that we will help you to change your lives peacefully,” Ltc Rubio said.

He added the new surrenderers will undergo reintegration procedures and will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Under the E-CLIP, the former rebels would receive cash, livelihood, housing, and medical and educational assistance. They will also be paid for the firearms that they brought with them.

[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/former-npa-supporter-surrender-to-government-troops/

Kalinaw News: Legal fight against CPP-NPA emphasized by RTF-ELCAC

From Kalinaw News (Jun 14. 2021): Legal fight against CPP-NPA emphasized by RTF-ELCAC

RTF-ELCAC 6 Steps Up Legal Fight Against CPP-NPA

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC 6) is stepping up its legal battle against the CPP-NPA in Western Visayas.

In a conference held at Headquarters, Police Regional Office 6 on June 11, 2021, the Joint Focused Legal Action Team (JFLAT) of the RTF-ELCAC 6 emphasized that legal battle with the end state of proscribing the CPP-NPA and their allied groups as terrorists will degrade their capabilities to conduct terroristic activities in the region.

JFLAT is a legal action team formed by the Legal Cooperation and Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster of the RTF-ELCAC 6 that aims to add teeth to the government’s campaign against the communist-terrorist group.

JFLAT believes that strengthening their legal move will give life to Anti-Terror Law and help the government win the war on terrorism with minimal loss of life.

In his message, Major General Eric Vinoya, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division and Co-Chairman of PLEDS cluster encouraged all the members of JFLAT to always remain a step ahead of the enemies through legal actions.

“Let us continue to surprise the CPP-NPA and its allied organizations with our legal efforts. Let us keep them guessing and when we hit them hard with the long arm of the law, let us ensure that they would not even know what struck them,” MGen Vinoya stressed.

Also, present during the conference were Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, Regional Director, Police Regional Office 6; Prosecutor II Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Chairperson, LCC/JFLAT 6 and Spokesperson of RTF-ELCAC 6 and other members of the legal tea.

[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/legal-fight-against-cpp-npa-emphasized-by-rtf-elcac/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief meets with U.S. 7th Fleet Commander

From Kalinaw News (Jun 14. 2021): AFP Chief meets with U.S. 7th Fleet Commander

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) met with the Commander of the United States Seventh Fleet on Friday, June 11.

General Cirilito Sobejana hosted the meeting with Admiral William Merz and his team at the Chief of Staff’s office in General Headquarters Building, Camp Aguinaldo where they discussed the robust partnership between the AFP and U.S. Armed Forces.

In their meeting, the AFP Chief took the opportunity to express the organization’s gratitude to the United States for providing assistance to the national vaccination program.

“The AFP is grateful to the United States’ commitment in working closely with the Philippine government throughout the pandemic to protect public health. The arrival of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines greatly augments the government’s efforts to ensure our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” General Sobejana said.

The Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) initiated by the U.S. Army in 2009 has been extending opportunities to the medical laboratory technologists at V. Luna Medical Center on biosafety, biosecurity, respiratory sample processing and storage, and COVID-19 testing techniques.

The Admiral for his part was thankful for the growing partnership between the U.S. Armed Forces and the AFP. He cited the annual Balikatan Exercises as a clear manifestation of both countries’ long-standing military alliance.

Admiral Merz assumed command of the U.S. 7th Fleet in September 2019 and embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

He previously led the Naval Mine & Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC) and Task Force 77 in San Diego, Task Force 54 in Bahrain, and Submarine Group Seven and Task Force 74 in Japan.

“The AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces’ cooperation and partnership will continue to thrive while we mutually find ways to step up our initiatives in addressing current security concerns. We shall keep developing visionary bilateral action plans in addressing potential future security concerns to maintain regional peace,” General Sobejana said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-chief-meets-with-u-s-7th-fleet-commander/

21 miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa militar

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 14, 2021): 21 miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa militar

DALAWANGPU'T ISANG miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) na nag-ooperate sa probinsya ng Sultan Kudarat ang nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan nitong Martes.

Ito ay matapos silang sumuko sa 603rd Infantry Brigade sa bayan ng Lebak sa nasabing probinsya.

Itinurn-over din ng mga sumukong rebelde, sa pangunguna ni Ariel Odas Apang alyas “Ka Tats” ng Dragon Fruit Platoon East Daguma Front, ang 21 assorted firearms kasama ang ilang explosives at iba pang war material.

Sinabi ni 603rd IB Commander Colonel Eduardo Gubat na ang pagsuko ng mga rebeldeng NPA ay resulta ng pagsisikap ng tropa at sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Lebak at ng komunidad.

Pinuri naman ni 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division (6ID) at Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy ang 603rd IB sa matagumpay na pagsuko ng mga NPA member.

Hinikayat naman ni Uy ang iba pang mga miyembro ng NPA na nasa bundok pa rin na lisanin na ang armadong pakikibaka.

Samantala, ang mga sumukong NPA ay pansamantalang naninirahan sa halfway houses ng probinsya ng Sultan Kudarat habang pinoproseso ang tulong para sa kanila sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) ng pamahalaan. (LTBolongon-PIA Cotabato City)/.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/06/21-miyembro-ng-npa-sumuko-sa-militar.html

Army mobile food pantry benefits 300 poor families in S. Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): Army mobile food pantry benefits 300 poor families in S. Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

FOOD AID. Indigents of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat avail of food supplies from the 7th Infantry Battalion-initiated community pantry on Sunday (June 13, 2021). Some 300 poor families from flood-stricken Barangay Sampao of the town benefited from the activity. (Photo courtesy of 7IB)

Soldiers of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) have vowed to continue helping indigents in Sultan Kudarat province through their mobile community pantry.

“We will not get tired of helping you,” said Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, in a statement on Monday.

On Sunday, the 7IB served some 300 indigent families of Barangay Sampao in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, through a community pantry they partnered with both the provincial and town governments, and the local private sector.

“We hope that this humble activity will remind us all that we should work as one, share as one, and heal as one,” Valencia said.

He said the activity was initiated to assure the poor of food on the table following the flooding that hit the low-lying village recently.

“The activity is also our way of saying thank you for the community that has been supporting us as we commemorated the 123rd Araw ng Kalayaan recently,” he added.

Valencia said the food supplies, both vegetables, and canned goods, were mostly donations from their partners, which were happily received by the beneficiaries.

Anita Diguan, one of the beneficiaries, told reporters in a radio interview Monday that she was elated and amazed how the soldiers came to their "rescue" amid their difficult situation.

“Keep up the good work our infantrymen and infantrywomen, your generosity and goodness will return a hundredfold,” she said in the vernacular. “Many of us are happy, we have this pantry near us.”

Isulan Mayor Marites Pallasigue also vowed to provide more food supplies to the town’s indigents amid the pandemic.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143636

PH Navy rescues 19 from distressed vessel off Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): PH Navy rescues 19 from distressed vessel off Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

RESCUED. Personnel of the Naval Task Group (NTG)-Sulu rescue 19 passengers from a wooden-hulled vessel in distress northeast of Bitinan Island, Banguingui, Sulu on Monday (June 14, 2021). The vessel, M/L Sea Glory was traveling to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi from Zamboanga City when its engine conked out amid big waves. (Photo courtesy of NTG-Sulu)

The Naval Task Group (NTG)-Sulu has rescued 19 people from a distressed wooden-hulled vessel off the waters of Banguingui, Sulu, Navy officials announced Monday.

Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, said they were rescued around 12:15 a.m. Monday aboard the ill-fated vessel, M/L Sea Glory skippered by Mohammad Ali Assiong, 58.

Assiong disclosed that the engine conked out since the vessel’s hull was filled with seawater as M/L Sea Glory was battered by big waves while they were cruising northeast off Bitinan Island in Banguingui, Sulu.

“The entry of seawater also compromised the integrity of the hull of the vessel, thus, posing danger to the passengers,” Assiong was quoted by the NFWM as saying.

Adaci said the incident happened while M/L Sea Glory was traveling from this city en route to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

Aside from Assiong, rescued by troops aboard a multi-purpose attack craft-BA-487 (MPAC BA-487) deployed by the NTG-Sulu are Arnin Jairul, 26; Habibjain Manayo, 26; Fatima Santos Ong, 61; Abdulmalik Maulurana, 30; Alsana Maulurana, 41; Eddie John Shun, 25; Moh. Elis Utoeglis, 55; Elibel Utoeglis, 30; Ahmed Deedat Isnani, 33; Asri Imbang, 22; Subtal Alih, 24; Akrim Abdulhakim, 46; Suhaili Darkin, 26; Ronnellio Moh. Hassan, 33; Jalil Dandahani, 22; Hadja Diantoy Assiong, 56; Adelie Mohammadbakie, 38; and Mohammad Said Bennaser, 26.

The rescued individuals were taken to the 4th Marine Brigade (MBde) headquarters in Luuk, Sulu, and were given medical attention and hot meals.

Assiong informed the NTG-Sulu that five other passengers were rescued by a fishing boat after they jumped overboard before the arrival of the Navy troops.

Adaci said they are now locating the whereabouts of the five passengers.

Col. Hernani Songano, NTG-Sulu, and 4MBde commander, said the rescued individuals are temporarily sheltered at the staff house of Luuk municipal government while coordination is being done for their safe return to South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi.

Songano has commended the officers and men of MPAC-BA-487 for the successful operation and encouraged the troops to sustain their readiness to respond to emergencies at sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143646

PNP on alert vs. ASG retaliatory attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): PNP on alert vs. ASG retaliatory attacks (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday has ordered concerned police offices and units to be on alert against retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), following the death of a leader and three members in an encounter with government troops in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday.

“I am tasking the local police to go on full alert dahil ine-expect din po natin na posibleng gumanti ang mga natitirang miyembro lalo’t kapatid ni (ASG bomber) Mundi Sawadjaan ang isa sa mga napatay sa engkwentro (because we expect that their remaining members might retaliate because one of those who were killed in the encounter is the brother of ASG bomber Mundi Sawadjaan),” said PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, in a statement.

Among those killed were Al-Al Sawadjaan, ASG sub-leader Injam Yadah, a certain Abu Raup, and a still unidentified ASG member.

“Sinisiguro ko po sa publiko na hindi po namin hahayaang makapaghasik ng kaguluhan ang grupong ito (I assure the public that we will not allow this group to bring chaos),” he added.

State security forces were about to serve a warrant of arrest against Yadah when the Abu Sayyaf terrorists fired at them, prompting the police and the military to retaliate.

Yadah was involved in kidnapping incidents while Sawadjaan had knowledge of bomb-making. His brother, Mundi, was the alleged mastermind of the twin blasts in Jolo last year.

Eleazar assured that the police and military will further intensify joint operations to capture Mundi and the remaining bandits.

“We are doubling our efforts to capture Mundi and his men. We will intensify our coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as our intelligence-gathering efforts to combat this group and stop their attacks on innocent civilians,” said Eleazar.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report to authorities if they have information that can help locate the bandits.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143598

AFP starts inoculation in Camp Aguinaldo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): AFP starts inoculation in Camp Aguinaldo (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

TROOPS TURN. Five hundred soldiers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City receive Sinovac shots on Monday (June 14, 2021). Uniformed personnel are included in the government's A4 priority group. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

Now that the government has expanded the Covid-19 vaccination program, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inoculated 500 of its soldiers on Monday.

National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon visited the AFP General Headquarters (GHQ) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to witness the vaccination of military troops.

The country's testing czar cited the need to vaccinate the country's uniformed personnel as they play critical roles amid the public health crisis.

He said they not only maintain the country's security but also assist in the government's Covid-19 pandemic response.

"Napaka-importante talaga na mabakunahan ang mga tropa natin, lahat ng uniformed personnel. Kailangan na talagang mabakunahan na natin kasi sila 'yung exposed na exposed (It is important for our troops, all our uniformed personnel, to get vaccinated as they are ones who are mostly exposed to the virus)," Dizon said in an interview.

Soldiers also man quarantine checkpoints and quarantine facilities and assist in vaccine arrival and deployment.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), 9,000 in the AFP are not yet vaccinated but Dizon is confident they can be inoculated within two weeks.

The inoculation of all personnel at the AFP GCQ is expected to be done by Tuesday, he added.

"I think we will be done by tomorrow and later on we will go to other camps and make sure within 10 to 14 days all our troops are already vaccinated," he said.

Vaccination at the Philippine National Police (PNP) will begin Tuesday in nearby Camp Crame.

Maj. Edna Claire Capacillo, Philippine Air Force (PNA photo by Lade Kabagani)

More supplies

With the volumes of vaccines coming in, Dizon said the government can now vaccinate more and achieve mass population protection soon.

"We have to really focus, not only on the prevention, detection, isolation, and treatment, but we need to have a continuous vaccination," he said.

The government is boosting its vaccination program in areas that are experiencing a surge in cases.

"We will maximize our resources and we will not stop until this problem ends," Dizon said.

Maj. Edna Claire Capacillo, 42, said she decided to get vaccinated not only to protect herself but also her family, her co-workers, and those she socializes with.

"Ini-encourage ko 'yung iba na hindi pa nakapagpa-vaccine na i-grab na natin 'yung opportunity para sa proteksyon ng lahat (I encourage those who are not yet vaccinated to grab this opportunity for the protection of all)," Capacillo said.

Lt. Commander Chris Brian Ascaño, Philippine Navy (PNA photo by Lade Kabagani)

Lt. Commander Chris Brian Ascaño, 40, said people need to protect themselves against the virus and help the spread of the infection.

Ascaño said they are vulnerable to virus exposure since they are required to be physically present at work.

"We have to travel from our place to work. Then there's a possibility for us to get the virus during our travel so I got the vaccine to protect myself," he said.

He urged his fellow soldiers to get vaccinated.

"Sana kayo ay magpabakuna na para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kasama at ng ating mga kababayan (I hope you get vaccinated to protect our comrades and our countrymen)," he said.

Lt. Col. Don Ravago, Philippine Army (PNA photo by Lade Kabagani)

Lt. Colonel Don Ravago said he did not feel anything after his first shot of the Sinovac vaccine.

He lauded the government's vaccination program and for making sure that those who are working in the frontlines are protected.

"Malaking bagay 'yung vaccine na binibigay sa ating kasundaluhan 'pagkat bilang front-liner, ito 'yung first-hand protection para makapagsilbi ng mas maganda sa ating taong bayan (The vaccine given to the military is a huge help because as front-liners, this is the first-hand protection to better serve our people)," Ravago said.

Apart from the AFP and PNP, the government will also inoculate uniformed personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143659

VFA abrogation suspended anew: Locsin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2021): VFA abrogation suspended anew: Locsin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has suspended the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States for another six months, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced Monday.

The Filipino top diplomat said the chief executive relayed the decision to him and Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C. Jose Manuel Romualdez on June 14.

"The President conveyed to us his decision to extend the suspension of the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement by another six months while he studies and both sides further address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the agreement," he said in a video message.

Asked about the specific concerns mentioned by the chief executive, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the agency is still "waiting for guidance from the Palace on the specific areas the President would like to look more closely into".

The VFA lays out the terms and conditions on the entry and visit of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities to the Philippines. In February 2020, President Duterte notified Washington that Manila is formally terminating the pact.

This is the third time that Duterte extended the suspension, the first of which was in June 2020 and the second in November 2020.

Ambassador Romualdez earlier shared that there had been an "improvement" in the VFA negotiations where specific proposals to clarify and strengthen its implementation were made.

He did not provide specific details on the proposed provisions but said it was then submitted to the Office of the President for approval.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143710