CPP/News: Three AFP troops dead, six wounded in NPA offensive in Eastern Samar

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 12, 2021): Three AFP troops dead, six wounded in NPA offensive in Eastern Samar

NEWS STORIES
JULY 12, 2021

At least three government troops were dead and six were left wounded after Red fighters of the New People’s Army-Eastern Samar (Sergio Lobina Command or NPA-SLC) fired upon a CAFGU detachment of the 52nd Infantry Battalion in Jipapad yesterday (July 7) early morning.

According to initial reports, Red fighters used three command-detonated explosives (CDX) to fire upon the detachment under construction in Sitio Casapa, Barangay 4 Poblacion of the said town. The Efren Martires Command (NPA-EMC), regional command of the NPA in Eastern Visayas, is still gathering information regarding the military action.

Four days earlier (July 3), the NPA-SLC confiscated an R-4 rifle from troops of the 52nd IB in an ambush in Sitio Casapa, Brgy. Denigpian, Dolores in the same province.

The consecutive tactical offensives were the response of the NPA-SLC to the people’s demand for justice for the wanton abuses of the fascist troops of the Duterte regime.

Jipapad and Dolores are part of the five towns in the northern part of Eastern Samar subjected to relentless combat-psywar-intelligence operations by AFP troops under the guise of Retooled Community Support Program operations since May.

Soldiers have been forcing residents to surrender as NPA members and supporters. Relentless military operations have also disturbed the peasant masses’ livelihood in the farmlands.

Last April, soldiers from the 52nd IB along with the 14th IB and CAFGU elements conducted test fire operations in farmlands in Dolores. They indiscriminately strafed and fired grenade launchers for five hours in the middle of the harvest season.

Meanwhile, the NPA-EMC dismissed allegations by the 801st Infantry Brigade-Philippine Army that the NPA-SLC violated international humanitarian law in the use of CDX, reiterating that the CAFGU detachment was a clear and legitimate military target and that the CDX was fired upon command. #

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/12/three-afp-troops-dead-six-wounded-in-npa-offensive-in-eastern-samar/

CPP/News: NPA-Bicol questions PH Navy capacity to defend PH Rise

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 16, 2021): NPA-Bicol questions PH Navy capacity to defend PH Rise

NEWS STORIES
JULY 16, 2021

The New People’s Army (NPA)-Bicol questioned the capacity of the Philippine Navy in defending the country’s sovereign rights and territories as it plans to build another naval base in Bagamanoc, Catanduanes to supposedly defend the Philippine Rise.

Ka Raymundo Buenfuerza, NPA-Bicol’s spokesperson, pointed out that even with a naval base in Casiguran, Aurora, two Chinese vessels were able to enter our maritime territory and illegally mine iron ore near Paracale, Camarines Norte last May.

According to Buenfuerza, Philippine authorities neglected the residents’ reports on the incident. Furthermore, Buenfuerza said that the plan will be useless as Duterte remains a puppet to China.

In June, the Philippine Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol) along with Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade inspected the Panay Island in Bagamanoc as the possible location for the naval base construction. The Philippine Rise is located 12 hours off the island-province.

On Wednesday, the NPA unit in Catanduanes urged fellow Catanduanons to stand against the proposed navy base in Panay Island.

“The proposed construction of a naval base in Bagamanoc will only cause widespread displacement of livelihood and fisherfolk communities on top of intensified military operations,” lamented NPA-Catanduanes spokesperson Ka Teresa Matanggol.

National Democratic Front-Bicol spokesperson Ma. Roja Banua further said the proposed naval base and stationing of military troops will only result in unprecedented rights violations and illegal activities in Catanduanes.

During the first half of 2021, the NDF-Bicol has monitored two cases of extradjudicial killings in the provine. “Like all other military bases and structures, this will cause no more than immeasurable suffering and burden to Catanduanons and Bicolanos alike,” said Banua.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/16/npa-bicol-questions-ph-navy-capacity-to-defend-ph-rise/

CPP/NDF-CPDF-KM-DATAKO: Pagpupugay sa mga Bagong Iskolar ng Bayan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 16, 2021): Pagpupugay sa mga Bagong Iskolar ng Bayan

ELVIRA DAYAWEN

SPOKESPERSON

BALANGAY KA ELVIRA

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN – DEMOKRATIKO A TIGNAYAN KADAGITI AGTUTUBO ITI KORDILYERA (KM-DATAKO)

CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 16, 2021

Pinagpupugayan ng Kabataang Makabayan DATAKO balangay ng Elvira ang mga bagong Iskolar ng Bayan! Ang inyong pagtahak ng landas sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ay ang paglaan ng inyong angking tapang at talino upang paglingkuran ang mamamayang Pilipino.

Simula pagkabata, ipinataw na sa mga kabataan ang landas na para sa makasariling interes ng naghaharing uri sa Pilipinas. Kinakailangang tapusin ang pag-aaral at maging bahagi sa lakas-paggawa ng ating bansa. Isang makitid na landas na nagreresulta sa kapaguran at pang-aabuso ng oras, rekurso, at kabuhayan ng mga estudyante at magulang. Ang mga mag-aaral ay pinapapili ng mga kursong ipinagkaloob na naglilingkod, sumusuhay at tumutugon sa isang malakolonyal at malapyudal na ekonomya at pulitika. Itinuturing na mga produkto ang mga estudyante na ikinakalakal sa ibang bansa para paglingkuran ang mga imperyalistang bansa katulad ng US at China.

Ang bagong mga Iskolar ng Bayan ngayong taon ay ang pang-apat mula sa mga nagtapos sa bogus na K-12 program — isang programang isinuka ng mamamayan simula pa lamang ng pagpapanukala nito. Ipinakilala ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ang panibagong porma ng admissions sa UP na nagpatunay sa burgis at kontra-mamamayang katangian ng edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng University of the Philippines College Admissions (UPCA), na sa naunang porma pa lamang ng UP College Admissions Test (UPCAT) ay may layuning limitahan ang mga estudyanteng maaaring makapasok sa unibersidad at magkamit ng libre at dekalidad na edukasyon.

Bukod pa rito, ninanakawan tayo ng pagkakataon upang makatuntong sa mga paaralan at makapiling ang bagong lupon ng mga estudyante. Sa kalagitnaan ng pandemya, hindi lamang kalusugan at kabuhayan ang napabayaan ng pabaya, pahirap, at pasistang rehimeng Duterte, pati na rin ang edukasyon. Patuloy na pinatatagal ang pagbubukas ng mga eskwelahan at pag-iinstusyonalisa ng remote learning kaysa paghahanda para sa ligtas na balik-eskwela. Lalo nitong inilantad ang bulok na sistema ng edukasyon sa ilalim ng neoliberal nitong oryentasyon.

Itinututok ng reaksyonaryong estado ang sisi sa mga paaralan upang palabnawin ang dahilan ng giyera-sibil sa ating bansa. Ipinangalandakan ng pamahalaan na ang UP at iba pang mga pamantasan ang dahilan kung bakit may mga kabataan na pinipiling tahakin ang armadong pakikibaka. Patuloy tayong naninindigan na ang dahilan ng matagalang digmang bayan ay ang kahirapan, krisis, at pighating nararanasan ng mga mamamayan sa ating bansa. Ang sektor ng kabataan-estudyante ay mananatiling balon na pinagkukunan ng mga pulang mandirigma hangga’t nananatili ang sistemang mapang-api sa mala-kolonyal at mala-pyudal na lipunan.

Sa kabila ng ganitong krisis, pinatunayan ng kasaysayan na maaring tahakin ng mga kabataan ang kontra-agos na daan laban sa kolonyal, komersyal, at pyudal na katangian ng edukasyon sa bansa. Kabilang sa sektor ng kabataan sina Andres Bonifacio, Lorena Barros, Lean Alejandro, at Amado Guerrero nang kanilang pagpasyahan na makiisa at maglunsad ng rebolusyon upang labanan ang sistemang naghahari sa Pilipinas. Buhay na buhay ang paglaban at rebolusyon sa kasagsagan ng kasaysayan. Hindi pa tapos ang laban ng mamamayan sa pagwasksi sa tanikala ng ating bayan. Makakamit lamang ang tunay na kalayaan at reporma sa edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.

Hindi maikakakila na maraming mga Iskolar ng Bayan ang nagpasya na tanganan ang landas ng armadong pakikibaka dulot ng lumalalang krisis ng lipunan. Kontra ito sa propaganda ng estado na minamaliit ang personal na kapasyahan at katalinuhan ng mamamayan. Muling patunay na hindi hungkag at inutil ang mamamayan sa kanyang kasalukuyang kalagayan. Maraming haharaping mga palihan at debate ang mga estudyante patungkol sa tunay na depinisyon ng pagiging “Iskolar ng Bayan.” Sa gitna ng tumitinding krisis at pasismo, hinahamon ang bawat Iskolar ng Bayan na maagang ikitil sa isipan na ang pinakamahusay na paraan upang paglingkuran ang sambayanan ay ang pagtungo sa kanayunan at pagsapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Tanging sa militanteng pagkilos lamang ng kabataan niya makakamit ang kanyang tunay na husay!

ISKOLAR NG BAYAN, PAG-ARALAN ANG LIPUNAN! PAGLINGKURAN ANG SAMBAYANAN! SUMAPI SA BAGONG HUKBONG BAYAN!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpupugay-sa-mga-bagong-iskolar-ng-bayan/

Kin of slain farmers: They are not NPAs

Posted to the online publication the Davao Today (Jul 16, 2021): Kin of slain farmers: They are not NPAs

Families of the two farmers who were shot dead decried over the allegations that their slain relatives were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who died in an encounter according to the military.

Human rights group Karapatan in Caraga region identified the slain farmers as Sagloy Destajo and Richard Lampad while Benjie Destajo got wounded and Julieto Madelo was arrested in barangays Cambuayan and Pautao at past 3:00 in the afternoon on July 12 in the municipality of Bacuag in Surigao del Norte.

In its initial report, Karapatan-Caraga disclosed that the four persons involved were unarmed and were hired to dry copra for Ediltrudes Dalagan-Redondo.

“My brother was just trying to earn a living for his family,” Caumbayan Barangay Captain and sister of Sagloy Destajo, Juvelyn Agad said.

Barangay Pautao officials issued certification to the victims citing them as “civilians of good standing in the community and were not linked to the NPAs.”

However, the 30th Infantry Battallion on its Facebook page claimed its troops encountered NPA fighters allegedly led by Alberto Castaneda of Front 16, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

KARAPATAN-Caraga said that the recent killings have added up to the latest incident of massacre of the three Lumads on June 14, this year, in Lianga town in Surigao del Sur that was allegedly committed by the military.

The rights group added that there are seven battalions under three brigades assigned in the five provinces of Caraga.

It also cited the case of an alleged indiscriminate firing involving 25 farmers including children who were tending the farm when the incident occurred also on June 14 in Barangay Mabuhay in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The military, Karapatan-Caraga said, took custody of a 15 year-old girl who scampered to safety, but the military accused her as an NPA fighter.

Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (KMP) and peasant rights watchdog Tanggol Magsasaka have documented 333 farmers killed since 2016 and at least 25 massacre incidents.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/72380kin-of-slain-farmers-they-are-not-npas/

Longest serving AFP spokesperson Arevalo retires

From Palawan News (Jul 16, 2021): Longest serving AFP spokesperson Arevalo retires (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

Maj. Gen. Edgard A. Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Maj. Gen. Edgard A. Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and concurrently chief of Education, Training, and Doctrine Command, has said goodbye to the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) in a ceremony headed by commandant Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan.

Maj. Gen. Edgard A. Arevalo, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Arevalo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Bigkis Lahi“ Class of 1990, attended his farewell ceremony on July 14. He is due to retire from military service on July 18, a post by the PMC said.

“The farewell ceremony was a fitting tribute to MGen Arevalo’s sterling career in the military. A Marine, a lawyer, and a multi-awarded officer, he has served the AFP well with steadfast commitment and a high level of professionalism. The entire Philippine Marine Corps is grateful for his service,” it added.

https://palawan-news.com/longest-serving-afp-spokesperson-arevalo-retires/

Commandos kill 4 Sayyafs in Lamitan City

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 16, 2021): Commandos kill 4 Sayyafs in Lamitan City

Police commandos killed four Abu Sayyaf terrorists and captured another following a firefight in Lamitan City in the southern province of Basilan, officials said Friday.

Police photos show the 5 Abu Sayyaf terrorists 'neutralized' in Lamitan City.

Officials said the slain terrorists were under sub-leader Radzmil Jannatul who attacked members of the Special Action Force trying to serve warrants for their arrest at dawn Thursday in the village of Balobo.

The commandos surrounded the Abu Sayyaf hideout, but the terrorists sensed the arrival of the police forces and opened fire, sparking an intense gun battle and killing the four pro-ISIS followers - Baradi Ganie, Remie Ganie, Dawam Morales and Mando Morales.

A fifth gunman, Dawan Murales, was captured by the commandos. All the slain terrorists and Murales are facing a string of criminal charges in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Commandos recovered a sub-machine gun, a shotgun, a rifle and pistols from the slain terrorists. There were no reports of police casualties. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/07/commandos-kill-4-sayyafs-in-lamitan-city.html

Cops repel NPA attack on Sarangani detachment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): Cops repel NPA attack on Sarangani detachment (By Richelyn Gubalani)

HARASSMENT. The community police assistance center in Barangay Suli, Kiamba town in Sarangani province that was attacked by suspected New People’s Army rebels on Thursday night. No casualties were reported in the incident, which police officials said was meant to harass their personnel and sow fear among local residents. (Photo courtesy of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office)

Police personnel repelled an attack by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on a police detachment in Kiamba town, Sarangani province on Thursday night.

Col. Michael Lebanan, Sarangani police director, said on Friday an undetermined number of suspects opened fire at a community police assistance center (CPAC) in Barangay Suli, Kiamba around 8:20 p.m. Thursday using handguns and automatic rifles.

But he said the police team assigned at the detachment was able to retaliate and eventually forced the attackers to withdraw from the area.

No casualties were reported in the attack, which he believed was meant to harass their personnel and sow fear among the residents.

“It’s an act of cowardice and weakness. They took advantage of the night to create confusion and disorder to make it appear that they are still there,” Lebanan said in a phone interview.

As the suspected rebels were leaving the site, he said their personnel heard an explosion possibly fired from a rifle grenade near a sub-station of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, which is around 500 meters from the CPAC.

The police official said there was no reported casualty or any damage to the facility as a result of the blast.

Responding elements from the Kiamba municipal police station, 2nd provincial police mobile force company, and the Charlie company of the Army 38th Infantry Battalion found at the site multiple spent shells from caliber .45 handgun, 7.62mm rifle, and M16 Armalite rifle.

He said a team from the Sarangani police’s explosive ordnance disposal unit was dispatched to the site early Friday to conduct a post-blast investigation.

“The joint clearing and hot pursuit operations are ongoing in the area along with troops from the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines),” Lebanan said.

He said investigators have already identified some of the “communist terrorist” perpetrators and appropriate charges will be filed against them.

Lebanan said Kiamba and the neighboring towns are on high alert and assured that the situation in the area remains under control.

The hinterlands of Kiamba are previously part of the claimed operational area of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73-Far South Mindanao Region.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147249

Ex-BIFFs get livelihood package from gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): Ex-BIFFs get livelihood package from gov’t (By Edwin Fernandez)

FROM ARMS TO FARMS. Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu (4th from right) poses with military, police, and local officials during the turnover of firearms from 17 BIFF members who surrendered and received a livelihood package (inset) from the government on Tuesday (July 13, 2021). The assistance consists of two large farm tractors and several hand tractors. (Photos courtesy of the Maguindanao PIO)

BULUAN, Maguindanao – A total of 17 former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have received their provisional livelihood assistance, as promised by Maguindanao’s provincial government.

Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu said Friday the dispersal of the livelihood package was made possible through the provincial government's advocacy "Anak Na May Ginintuang Layunin - Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) Program".

The turnover ceremony was held at the Provincial Capitol grounds here Tuesday.

Fourteen of the beneficiaries were from the BIFF-Bungos faction, while three were from the BIFF-Karialan faction.

“They embraced peace because the government offered them an option,” Mangudadatu said. “They made the right choice in returning to the fold of the law.”

With the help of Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama, the provincial government provided the former BIFF men with farm machinery, consisting of two large-capacity tractors and several hand tractors.

In a separate interview, Brig. Gen. Jose Narciso, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) assistant commander, also lauded the former rebels for their right and smart decision “for the sake of their families.”

“The Philippine Army and the Maguindanao provincial government are here to help you live normal lives. We will continue to help you but you must help yourself first. Make your new journey productive,” Narciso said addressing the former extremists.

The 17 BIFF members were part of the more than 100 extremists who have surrendered to different units of 6ID in the past 12 months.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147251

2 Abu Sayyaf 'arms suppliers' nabbed in Zambo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): 2 Abu Sayyaf 'arms suppliers' nabbed in Zambo (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police officers have seized five high-powered firearms and millions of pesos worth of smuggled cigarettes as they arrested two alleged arms suppliers of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a raid in this city, police officials announced Friday.

Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the suspects as Asidol Susukan Ahalul and Julhari Sahara alias "Brando".

Ylagan said Ahalul and Sahara were arrested as the policemen led by Col. Rexmel Reyes, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, armed with a search warrant, swooped down on the rented house of the suspects around 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Sta. Barbara, here

He said the search warrant served against the two suspects is for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The two suspects yielded five M4 Carbine rifles.

However, he said the members of the raiding team have also confiscated several boxes of assorted smuggled cigarettes, estimated worth millions of pesos, that were discovered in the compound of the suspects’ rented house.

Reyes said the arrested suspects and confiscated firearms and smuggled cigarettes were brought to ZCPO for proper disposition and subsequent filing of a criminal case against them.

Reyes added that the application of a search warrant was made possible through case build-up against the arrested suspects, who were monitored providing armaments and logistical supports to the ASG in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

Meanwhile, four members of the ASG were killed while another was arrested in a separate operation in Lamitan City, Basilan on Thursday.

PNP Special Action Force (SAF) commander, Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad, said members of 84th Special Action Company of the Rapid Deployment Battalion, PNP Drug Enforcement Unit, and local police were about to serve arrest warrants against Baradi Ganie, Remie Ganie, Dawam Morales, Mando Morales, and Jack Akalul in Barangay Balobo, when the suspects opened fire at them.

Dawam was arrested while the four other suspects were killed in the encounter.

The suspects are wanted for murder, kidnapping, and car theft and are all believed to be under the command of ASG sub-leader Radzmil Jannatul.

Authorities recovered one KG9 9-mm submachine pistol, one .45 caliber pistol, a shotgun; one .30 caliber, and numerous fired cartridges of different calibers at the encounter site.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147253

27 ex-rebels get veggie seeds, farm tools in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): 27 ex-rebels get veggie seeds, farm tools in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT. At least 27 former members of the communist terrorist group received assorted vegetable seeds and farm tools in Barangay Cozo, Casiguran, Aurora on Thursday (July 15, 2021). The distribution of aid is part of the efforts of the government to provide the former rebels source of livelihood and become productive members of society. (Photo by the Army's 91st IB)

At least 27 former members of the communist terrorist group on Thursday received assorted vegetable seeds and farm tools from the national government as their source of livelihood.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said in an interview on Friday the distribution of the livelihood support was held in Barangay Cozo, Casiguran.

“The move aims to capacitate and support the former rebels in going back to mainstream society and becoming productive citizens,” Rubio said.

The activity is likewise part of the “Plant, Plant, Plant” campaign of the government through the Department of Agriculture (DA) in line with the whole-of-nation approach to increase food sufficiency level, he added.

“We encourage others to ensure sustained food production and availability, to encourage home-based gardening and even in their farms to produce fresh and healthy food in their backyard among others,” Rubio said.

He cited the need to ensure food productivity, availability, and sufficiency amid the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“We are on the move to establish community gardens in the surrenderers’ respective places with vacant areas so they can plant, propagate, and produce the vegetables needed,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147260

Remote Samar villagers benefit from gov’t caravan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): Remote Samar villagers benefit from gov’t caravan (By Roel Amazona)

SERVICE CARAVAN. Mothers in a remote village in Basey, Samar avail of the health services during a caravan on Thursday (July 15, 2021). More than 500 residents from three remote communities previously influenced by the New People’s Army have benefited from the government services during the retooled community support program caravan. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

More than 500 residents from three remote communities previously influenced by the New People’s Army (NPA) have benefited from government services provided during the retooled community support program (RCSP) caravan in Basey, Samar on Thursday.

At least 307 families from Mabini village got PHP3,000 cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including food packs, while 10 selected families received food packs from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Government officials held the caravan in the sub-village of Burabod, accessible through a two-kilometer upland hike from the center of Mabini village, which is 20 kilometers away from the town center of Basey.

Joining the caravan are officials from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, DSWD, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education Skills Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, OCD, and the local government unit of Basey.

Adelaida Rapales, 55, one of the recipients of financial assistance from the DSWD, thanked the government for holding the service caravan in their area.

“I will use (the cash aid) to buy food and support the studies of my three children who are in senior high school and elementary,” she added.

Aside from the distribution of cash assistance, residents from the three sub-village in Mabini and Manlilinao also benefited from the medical services. The OCD also distributed 310 hygiene kits.

“I am thankful because we no longer need to go to the town center to have my child checked by doctors,” said Perly Gadaingan, 33, while carrying her baby suffering from flu for the past days.

Basey Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada said the caravan is a manifestation of the national government's care for the people.

“No matter how far your place is, our government is here to help you whenever you need assistance, to provide social and health services that you need,” Ponferrada said.

Basey is one of the towns in Eastern Visayas identified as a priority for the RCSP.

The RCSP teams seek to identify issues and concerns in remote communities threatened by the NPA.

These issues will be raised to the concerned government agencies and LGUs for them to be addressed accordingly.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147236

Ilocos Region soon to be declared insurgency-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): Ilocos Region soon to be declared insurgency-free (By Hilda Austria)

DISMANTLED. New People's Army (NPA) terrorist camp in Barangay Lawang Langka in Mangatarem town in Pangasinan seized by the Army on Nov. 24, 2020. There were no more sightings of the communist-terrorist group in the region this year according to the army. (PNA File Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippine’s 702nd Infantry Brigade said it is expecting the declaration of Ilocos Region as insurgency-free by the end of the year following the dismantling of the Komiteng Larangan Guerilla-South Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS) and decimation of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) armed group in the region.

“What is left of the communist-terrorist group in the region were the organized underground movements and we are focusing our efforts on redirecting, reorienting, and de-radicalizing the mindset of these groups,” Brig. Gen. Krishnamurti Mortela, Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, said in an interview on Friday.

He said the army, other national government agencies, and local government units (LGUs) are now focusing on sustaining peace and development in the region as there were no more sightings of NPA personalities since the start of this year.

“Records show that since the start of 2021, there are no more sightings and presence of armed NPAs in Ilocos Region, while in the remaining parts of the brigade’s area of responsibility activities are only confined in the boundaries of Abra and Mt. Province,” he added.

From January 2021 to the present, the Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Agriculture have committed around PHP10.4 million worth of livelihood projects and training for the former rebels and redirected people’s organizations in Ilocos Sur and Abra.

“With (a) few more months before the end of 2021, more livelihood projects are expected to be poured into the last remaining towns where NPA influence in the brigade’s area of responsibility is still present. With effective coordination done by the Brigade and its line unit, LGUs, and non-government associations (NGAs) are currently pouring their resources to create livelihood and implement projects designed to address the issues being used by NPA to recruit people in their influenced barangays,” Mortela said.

He said the last frontiers where NPA influence exists are in the towns of Malibcong, Lacub, Tineg, and Tubo in Abra; the town of Quirino in Ilocos Sur, and the towns of Besao and Tadian of Mt. Province.

Mortela credited the successes of the unit to the help of LGUs, NGAs, and the effective leadership of the former Commander of the unit, Brig. Gen. Audrey Pasia, as it was during his tenure when most of these accomplishments were achieved.

The non-stop combat operations led to the recovery of 48 high-powered firearms, recovery of five NPA bodies, surrender of seven regular NPA members, and 28 Milisyang Bayan (armed personalities under NPAs in the barangays), and the withdrawal of support of 452 underground mass organization (UGMO) members from the communist-terrorist group, he said.

“Apart from those, the dismantling of KLG-SIS also resulted in the successful exposure and withdrawal of support of the ranking leaders of the NPA operating in White Areas,” he said.

From January 2016 to July 15 this year, there were a total of 74 NPA members and 94 Milisyang Bayan members who surrendered.

They received immediate cash assistance with a total of PHP1.7 million, livelihood assistance worth PHP4.5 million, and firearms remuneration worth PHP1.2 million.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147279

Reds destroy 6 heavy equipment in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): Reds destroy 6 heavy equipment in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Claver, Surigao del Norte

Around 20 fully armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels torched and destroyed six units of heavy equipment owned by the contractors of Platinum Group Mining Corporation (PGMC) Thursday afternoon in Sitio Kinalablaban, Barangay Cagdianao in Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) director, Col. Noel Espinoza, in a statement Friday, said the perpetrators were led by a certain “Jacob” of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16C, Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA.

The heavy equipment units destroyed include four backhoes owned by Cagdianao Construct Development Corporation and two other backhoes owned by Queens Contractor.

The local police station in Claver is still determining the total cost of the damage as of press time.

“The SDNPPO strongly condemns the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) for the burning of heavy equipment,” Espinosa said.

He added that intelligence units from Claver town were already directed to conduct intensified information gathering in the area.

Nearby municipal police stations, including in Siargao Island, as well as mining plants in the area, were also alerted for possible diversionary attack from the NPA rebels, he said.

“The CTG's activity is a proof of their motive to pursue their lawless purpose, contrary to their claim of protecting the people,” Espinosa said.

He added that SDNPPO is also conducting an in-depth investigation for the possible identification of the perpetrators for prosecution.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147300

2 ranking CPP-NPA leaders in Caraga fall

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): 2 ranking CPP-NPA leaders in Caraga fall (By Alexander Lopez)

ARRESTED. Joint Army and police operatives arrest in a law enforcement operation in Quezon City on Friday (July 16, 2021) two top CPP-NPA leaders in Caraga, identified as Julieta Gomez, alias Tina (in photo), secretary of the Regional Urban Committee of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee; and Niezel Velasco, regional liaison of NEMRC. The two were arrested under arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder issued by local courts in Caraga. (Photo courtesy of 4ID Information Office)

The 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army announced the capture of two top-ranking leaders of the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the Caraga region in a joint law enforcement operation conducted in Quezon City at dawn Friday.

In a statement, the 4ID identified the two CPP-NPA leaders as Julieta Gomez, alias Tina, 39, secretary of the Regional Urban Committee of NEMRC and deputy secretary of RWAC-NEMRC, and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Mahayahay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur; and Niezel Velasco, alias Mary Jane Velasco, 39, the regional liaison of NEMRC and a resident of Purok Tulay, Barangay San Agustin Sur, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

“The two top leaders of the CPP-NPA in Caraga region were arrested during the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) operation and service of arrest warrants in Kaingin 1, Barangay Paso, Quezon City,” the 4ID said.

The two CPP-NPA leaders, it added, are facing one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder charges with arrest warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 27 in Tandag City, RTC Branch 28 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, and RTC Branch 34 in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

The 4ID added that Gomez is also a member of the Regional Tax Mapping Implementing Group of the CPP-NPA in Caraga.

Confiscated from the two were four M4 5.56 Rifles, one 9MM Parabellum pistol with SN OSL123156, one 9MM magazine with 14 live ammunition, 10 pieces of rifle barrels, eight subversive documents composed of books and a booklet, one NPA flag, 1,000 live ammunition for caliber 7.62, one traveling bag, one hand grenade smoke riot, one M26 hand grenade, one hand grenade PRB 423, and two cell phones.

In the same statement, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of 4ID, said the fall of the two top-ranking CPP-NPA leaders in Caraga was the result of the convergence of efforts of the AFP, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies.

"The AFP-PNP troops tirelessly tracked down these CPP-NPA leaders. With the help of information from civilian residents, we were able to neutralize and finally bring them to justice to face their crimes for pestering communities and sabotaging the peace and development that the Caraganons were longing for,” Brawner said.

He also underscored the abuse and inequality among the CPP-NPA rank and file as the arrested leaders were comfortably hiding in a cozy place in Quezon City while their ordinary members are experiencing hunger in the mountains and remote places.

"I enjoin everyone to condemn the barbaric killings perpetrated by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and for instilling fear towards our people. While we offer better opportunities for those who will voluntarily return to live in peace, we shall run after the murderers who have no regard for the lives and welfare of our people,” Brawner said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147326

NPA rebel killed as soldiers attack Daraga hideout

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): NPA rebel killed as soldiers attack Daraga hideout (By Connie Calipay)

SEIZED. Some of the items found in a New People’s Army hideout in Barangay Canarom in Daraga, Albay after a military operation on Friday (July 16, 2021). One rebel was killed. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

A New People's Army (NPA) member was killed while high-powered firearms and anti-personnel mines were seized when government forces engaged the rebels in a firefight in Daraga, Albay on Friday.

Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) Public Affairs Office chief, said the encounter stemmed from the report of a concerned citizen who spotted an undetermined number of terrorists trying to recruit new members, including minors, in Barangay Canarom.

Combined elements from the 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB), 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company under the operational control of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 2nd Albay Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Albay Police Provincial Office of the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) immediately conducted security operations and encountered at least 10 communist terrorist group (CTG) rebels, the report said.

After the gunfight, government troops overran the enemies' hideout, causing the rebels to scamper to different directions and leave their dead colleague behind.

Seized from the encounter site were two M16 rifles, three anti-personnel mines, two Molotov bombs, M16 magazines and ammunitions, 14-meter wire, bandolier, two laptops, five mobile phones, personal belongings, and terroristic propaganda materials.

Lt. Col. Eric Culvera, commander of the 31IB, ordered his troops to continue scouring the area as rebels may have forcibly took shelter in civilians’ residences.

“To the people of Daraga, your soldiers are there to ensure your safety. We will not allow these terrorists to bother you," Culvera said in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Regional Director of PRO5, assured the police is one with the Army in its all-out war against CTGs and will actively promote the efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for a peaceful and progressive Bicol.

One CTG rebel also died in an encounter in Barangay Toytoy, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur on February 1 while three were killed in Barangay Anas, Masbate City on June 8.

There have also been 505 ex-rebels who surrendered in Masbate from June 18 to 28.

The 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/1147333

AFP personnel told to sign up for nat'l ID

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): AFP personnel told to sign up for nat'l ID (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday urged all of its members to register for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) in line with ongoing efforts to track terrorists and unscrupulous individuals.

"The Philippine ID will not only provide us with a valid proof of identification, but it will also help government forces in the effort to hunt down terrorists, criminals, and unscrupulous individuals who hide behind false identities,” AFP vice chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria said in a statement.

The PhilSys registration for the AFP, Department of National Defense (DND), and other bureaus is scheduled from July 12 to August 10, with the target registrants of 15,000.

The PSA allocated 15 PhilSys registration kits that can accommodate 600 to 750 individuals per day.

Among those who registered for their Philippine ID were DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Office of Civil Defense administrator, Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad.

“The AFP supports the implementation of PhilSys as it shares mutual concerns and interest for public welfare. This endeavor to ease our people’s access to government services will significantly help us in our fight to address the root cause of armed conflict and radicalization,” Gloria said.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in August 2018, Republic Act 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, aims to establish a single national ID for all Filipinos and resident aliens.

The national ID shall be a valid proof of identity that shall be a means of simplifying public and private transactions, enrollment in schools, and the opening of bank accounts.

It also seeks to boost efficiency, especially in dealing with government services where people will only need to present one ID during transactions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147241

Joint Task Force Sulu honors PH Red Cross

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): Joint Task Force Sulu honors PH Red Cross

AWARDEE. A representative of the Philippine Red Cross Sulu Chapter (3rd from left) receives a Plaque of Appreciation from the Joint Task Force Sulu last July 15. The award is for the humanitarian group's unwavering support to the families of soldiers and civilians who died and were injured in the C-130 crash on July 4. (Photo courtesy of PRC)

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Sulu Chapter was awarded a Plaque of Appreciation by the Joint Task Force Sulu, Western Mindanao Command after the humanitarian organization’s unwavering support to generously extend its assistance to the families of the Joint Task Force Sulu troopers and civilians who fell as casualties of the C-130 crash last July 4.

The award was given last July 15 at the Joint Task Force Sulu Headquarters and was signed by Army Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the Task Force.

PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon immediately deployed the men and women of the PRC Sulu Chapter to conduct home visitation to provide cash assistance and psychosocial support to the survivors and bereaved families of the C-130 crash.

PRC also sent a response team to the scene, dispatching an ambulance with three emergency medical service (EMS) personnel.

The PRC Sulu Chapter also alerted its volunteers around the area and provided five cadaver bags to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for proper management of the fatalities.

“I would like to commend the PRC Sulu chapter for the swift response to the C-130 crash. Your actions truly abide by what PRC does to be Always First, Always Ready, and Always there in every situation,” Gordon said in a media release on Friday.

PRC has 104 chapters nationwide ready to respond to every situation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147283

All talk, no action, anti-Red groups say of CHR

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 16, 2021): All talk, no action, anti-Red groups say of CHR (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

ANTI-REDS. League of Parents of the Philippines and Liga Independencia Pilipinas lead a picket rally in front of the CHR building in Quezon City on Friday (July 16, 2021). The groups pressed the Commission on Human Rights to probe the violations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front. (Contributed photo)

Anti-communist groups on Friday said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) must bring up the violence perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the international level.

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), Citizens Crime Watch, and parents of students who were recruited by militant groups staged a picket rally in front of the CHR building in Quezon City to urge the agency to "act on the communists’ use of anti-personnel mines (APMs), which is clearly a violation of the international humanitarian law".

The placard-bearing rallyists burned effigies of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

LIPI secretary general Jose Antonio Goitia read the official statement of the groups, saying it is never enough to simply condemn wrongdoings by CTGs.

"The Filipino people are sick and tired of the atrocities and killings perpetrated by the CTGs of the CPP-NPA-NDF. Even the CHR remains passive in their wrongdoings. It was a product of strong pressure from the various sectors for the CHR to make necessary condemnation against the communists. But the action is incomplete in nature," the statement read.

Citing the Ottawa Treaty of the 1997 APM Ban Convention, LPP chair Remy Rosadio said condemning the communists alone would not bring justice.

Rosadio pointed out the CPP-NPA-NDF must be held liable for attacking civilians and its allied organizations must be punished for recruiting minors and turning them into combatants.

"It hurts me much as a parent, seeing the innocence of these recruited children were taken away from them, and they were lured to believe wrong ideologies. They were brought to the mountains to die for nothing. We must not wait any longer because the more we wait for actions, it will give them time to recruit more of our Filipino children. So why not act now?" she said in an interview.

Countries voluntarily came together in 1997 in Canada and negotiated the Ottawa Treaty, an international agreement comprehensively banning the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of APM, and requiring their destruction.

The treaty marked the first time that countries, through international humanitarian law, agreed to ban completely a weapon already in widespread use.

The CHR should push for necessary steps that would put an end to the CTGs' atrocities other than releasing a regular condemnation statement, according to Rosadio.

"We are asking the CHR to conduct an investigation on the use of APMs of the CTGs as terroristic weapons," she added.

The groups likewise told the CHR to come up with a resolution to officially declare the CPP-NPA-NDF as the enemy of the human rights body.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147342