Civilians denounce BIFF, violent extremism in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2021): Civilians denounce BIFF, violent extremism in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

DENOUNCING TERROR GROUPS. Residents of conflict-affected Barangay Pagatin in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao set ablaze on Tuesday (July 20, 2021) an Islamic State flag being used by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in its violent extremism activities. The villagers (inset) also pledged to shun any support that would be asked from them by the BIFF and similar terrorist groups in ceremonies held at the headquarters of the Army's 6IB in the province. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

The military in Maguindanao said Wednesday residents of a conflict-affected village in the province have denounced the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the path of violent extremism bred by the terror group.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the people of Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo have withdrawn any support to the violent extremists, through simple ceremonies held at the 6IB headquarters in adjacent Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang town on Tuesday.

Backed by barangay officials, civilians voluntarily took their oath of allegiance to the government.

The signing of a “fatwa”, a local edict that states they will denounce and no longer support all forms of violent extremism, followed the event.

Banaag said the activity was a result of the Community Support Program - Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCVE) conducted by the Bravo Company of the 6IB that aims to clear the barangay from the influence of the BIFF and other violent extremist groups.

The event, he said, also aimed to make the residents resilient from the recruitment of violent extremists to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and development in the community.

“Don't get lured in by these groups. If you need a living, you can find it everywhere. You just have to figure out how to create something out of it and remain a productive citizen of the municipality of Datu Salibo,” Banaag told reporters here.

In a separate interview, Teng Abdul, a resident of the village, pledged to report to authorities any sightings of the BIFF and similar groups in their area in the future.

“Di dapat suportahan ang BIFF. Nanggugulo lang sila (The BIFF should not be supported. They are just troublemakers),” he said.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and head of the Joint Task Force Central, lauded the community for their support to the government’s anti-terrorism campaign.

“You are the end beneficiaries of this endeavor,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147718

‘Whole of Nation’ approach nets 18,433 rebels: PH Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21, 2021): ‘Whole of Nation’ approach nets 18,433 rebels: PH Army

CASH AID. A total of 82 former rebels are shown receiving P20,000 each as additional aid from the government at the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol covered court on July 7, 2021. A total of 18,433 former rebels from Communist Terror Groups (CTG), including 92 "child soldiers", have surrendered nationwide and are now enjoying normal life through the “whole of nation” integration program implemented by the Duterte administration beginning 2016. (Photo courtesy of Davao Oriental PIO)

A total of 18,433 former rebels belonging to communist terror groups (CTG) nationwide, including 92 "child soldiers", have returned to the fold of the law and are now enjoying normal life through the “whole of nation” integration program implemented by the Duterte administration since 2016.

At the weekly virtual press conference of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday, Maj. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres, commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) in Southern Mindanao, said there is a "continuous trend" of rebels abandoning the communist movement as government efforts have effectively unmasked the pointless revolution being waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Torres said from 2016, the government forces were able to trim down the number of communist guerrilla fronts from 23 to six. These surrenderers include several top ranking CPP-NPA-NDF officials such as Renante Mantos a,k.a. 'Nante' and 'Roy', head of one guerrilla front in Davao del Norte, and Eddie Genelsa a.k.a. 'Lando', 'Pahak', 'Brad', and 'Jumbo', commanding officer of a guerrilla front and was even an NDF peace panel member in the Norway peace negotiation in 2016.

He said the government forces have also closed down 82 schools established by the CPP-NPA-NDF that "deceptively recruit young indigenous peoples (IPs)" in Mindanao.

"They (schools) were already replaced by 35 DepEd accredited schools," Torres said, adding that they have also recorded 92 "child soldiers" who surrendered and are now enjoying government assistance for them to be productive members of the society.

Torres also revealed the number of surrenderers also significantly reduced the CPP-NPA-NDF "extortion income” from PHP7 million to PHP1.2 million.

Earlier, 402 barangays in the region have already declared the CTGs as 'persona-non-grata' in their communities. These successes have effectively lessened the number of encounters to only nine compared to past years' almost daily encounters.

He said the continuing surrender of rebels was due to government efforts "to bring and give a chance to former rebels to earn for themselves", which is part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s “whole of nation” approach in dealing with the communist insurgency.

Torres said the military role is to bridge former rebels to organizations supported by the local chief executives and other government agencies, with the goal of “strengthening agri-based, tourism-based and handcraft” livelihood projects.

E-CLIP effective measure

Task Force Balik-Loob (TFBL) and Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, on the other hand, said the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) created by Administrative Order No. 10 "to assist former rebels to get back in mainstream society after deciding to abandon their pointless organization," is an effective measure contributing to the massive surrender of CPP-NPA-NDF fighters, including the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits and other terror groups.

"Two hundred thirty-nine former rebels were even given housing assistance, 9,188 were beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development assistance, 1,845 given livelihood assistance by the Department of Trade and Industry, 9,103 were under TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, 21,549 were already trained through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority including the former rebels dependents were given skills training," Mapagu said.

Mapagu said E-CLIP is giving opportunity to former rebels to start a new life.

“Assistance is not a reward but rather as the country's human capital, an opportunity that former rebels should develop for a better future," he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147652

AMLC’s September report to FATF to focus on rules for delisting and unfreezing of assets, funds

From the Business World (Jul 21, 2021): AMLC’s September report to FATF to focus on rules for delisting and unfreezing of assets, funds

THE ANTI-MONEY Laundering Council (AMLC) is looking to craft rules that will specify the process for delisting and unfreezing funds or assets ahead of its first progress report to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in September after its inclusion in its “gray list.”

“The Philippines will be reporting on the Immediate Outcome 11 Action Plan on the issuance of the step-by-step guidance on delisting and unfreezing in relation to proliferation financing,” AMLC Executive Director Mel Georgie B. Racela said in a text message.

The FATF requires its gray-listed jurisdictions to submit progress reports to prove they are taking concrete steps to implement tighter anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) measures.

In January, the AMLC published updated implementing rules and regulations (IRR) following the passage of Republic Act 11521, which strengthened the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) of 2001 based on the recommenda-tions of the global “dirty money” watchdog.

Republic Act 11521, which addressed the gaps in the country’s AML rules, was enacted Jan. 29, only days ahead of the Feb. 1 deadline set by the FATF for the country to show tangible progress in imposing tighter AML/CTF measures.

The revised IRR of the AMLA included provisions for the lifting of freeze orders in cases of mistaken identity. Delisting upon the request of a foreign or international jurisdiction could also result in the lifting of a freeze order.

Asked whether there has already been a case for delisting or unfreezing that AMLC had to attend to, Mr. Racela said: “None yet, but it was one of our action plans and one of the quick wins we can take out from the 18 action plans.”

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor and AMLC Chairman Benjamin E. Diokno has said they hope the country can be removed from the FATF’s gray list by January 2023.

The FATF has not imposed counteract measures on the jurisdictions under increased monitoring, but has encouraged other countries to take into account their findings for their risk analyses. Any counteract measures may cause tighter customer due diligence and could affect the ease of flow of funds to the Philippines.

FREEZE ORDERS ISSUED

Meanwhile, the AMLC issued freeze orders for properties and funds that have links to the National Democratic Front (NDF) after it was designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council, it said in an advisory posted in its website on Monday night.

The AMLC has likewise issued a freeze order for properties and funds connected to local terrorist groups that have links to Islamic extremist movements. These include those of particular persons identified to have links to the Abu Sayyaf Group, Maute Group, Daulah Islamiyah, Hassan Group, Turaifie Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and Maguid Group.

The issuance of these orders followed the designation of these groups as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council’s Resolution 21 dated June 23, the AMLC said.

Covered institutions and concerned government agencies are expected to submit a written return to AMLC with details regarding deals or transactions found to have “reasonable ground” for having links with the NDF and these local terrorist groups.

Covered persons are likewise required to submit a suspicious transaction report which details previous transactions with these designated groups within five days from the freeze orders’ effectivity. — L.W.T. Noble

https://www.bworldonline.com/amlcs-september-report-to-fatf-to-focus-on-rules-for-delisting-and-unfreezing-of-assets-funds/

MILF: MILF Political committee outside BARMM core territory holds Peace Forum

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jul 21, 2021): MILF Political committee outside BARMM core territory holds Peace Forum (Nash Acan)

21JULY

In Photo-Participants listen to one of the speaker during peace forum in Magatos, Kabacan, North Cotabato

HITS: 69Kabacan, North Cotabato (July 17, 2021)- In a peace forum organized and attended by members of the political committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held at Magatos, Kabacan, Cotabato on July 17, the Bangsamoro people outside the core territory of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regioln in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), specifically North Cotabato, have convened to express their concerns after the signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and establishment of the BARMM. Participants were Municipal chairmen of the Political and Information Committees , BIAF, SWC and other line agencies of the MILF. For the BARMM government, the administrator of the Special Geographic Area Mohammad Killie Antao along with the Kabacan cluster coordinator Jabib Guiabar and Staff of Member of the Parliament Mohagher Iqbal headed by the Wahab Guialal were in attendance.

In his opening message, Abdulsamad Katugan asked why are they not included in the BARMM areas, and why are they not included in the development gained from a struggle which they were part of for decades with many lives sacrificed? Though, he urged his fellow Bangsamoro to remain supporting the MILF, otherwise they will be disunited.

Meanwhile, Engr. Abdulbasit Bago, from the office of the Vice Chair for Political Affairs of the MILF said that we have to bear in mind that the BARMM government is not solely for the MILF as spelled out in the BOL. Thus, the moral governance that the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim is espousing may take time to be in place. Besides, he said that the BARMM is just an autonomy we got thru negotiation and therefore every move is thru negotiation too. Zero poverty, zero corruption and zero criminalities are the main endpoint of the Moral Governance. When in placed, that is the time the areas outside the BARMM could eventually benefit.

In his message, Antao talked some about throwback and updates on the BOL in north Cotabato. He also said that the result of the recent census indicates that some barangays may be clustered to form into municipalities thru legislation. Those Bangsamoro outside the core territories could surely benefit from the spillover of the development taking place in the BARMM.

Also, Guiabar, voiced out some sentiments of the Bangsamoro outside the core territories that they don’t feel the presence of the Bangsamoro government; and queried on the status of the Motion for reconsideration of the barangays in North Cotabato who petitioned for inclusion in the BARMM?

Further, he quoted the late chairman of the MILF Salamat Hashim who said that should autonomy be achieved, it will function well in its 10th year. Thus, he urged everyone to not judge hastily the BARMM for it’s still in its 2nd year. We did not complain to our previous government for so long a time but why this infant government is now subject to criticism, he said. He ended his message by urging the participants to put into writing everything in their minds and convey or submit them to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

For his part, Dats Magon, one of the representatives of MP Iqbal, applauded the program for it serves as a venue for leveling off of issues reverberating the Bangsamoro outside the BARMM. He discussed the stride that the MILF is pushing now. These are; the MILF as the social movement; the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) as the political party and the BARMM as the service provider.

The MILF leadership, he said, is doing everything to fully implement the peaces accord entered with the Philippine government. He continued saying that the extension of the BTA is necessary to fully fulfill the contents of the peace process.

In a phone interview, Ali Eman, the acting director of the information committee for North Cotabato, said that they may conduct another focused group discussion on the concerns raised in the program to exhaustively discuss it and properly forward it to the higher authorities of the MILF or BARMM for action.

In closing of the program, the vice chair of the Political Committee (North Cotabato), Mr. Nasser Mustapha read the manifesto of the group. He said the document will be sent to the concerned ministries and to the BARMM chief minister Ebrahim.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2351/milf-political-committee-outside-barmm-core-territory-holds-peace-forum

CPP/Regional Publication: Dangadang | July 2021

Regional propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Dangadang | July 2021

PUBLICATIONS

DANGADANG
JULY 20, 2021


Download here
Pilipino: PDF
Iloco: PDF

Ang Dangadang ay rebolusyonaryong dyaryo sa Hilagang-Kanlurang Luzon sa patnubay ng PARTIDO KOMUNISTA ng PILIPINAS. Inihahayag dito ang mga balita sa mga aksyon ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at pakikibaka ng mamamayan gayundin ang pagsusuri sa mga isyung kinakaharap ng mamamayan.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/20/dangadang-july-2021/

CPP/Regional Publication: Ramut | July 2021

Regional propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Ramut | July 2021

PUBLICATIONS

RAMUT
JULY 20, 2021

Download here
Iloco: PDF

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/20/ramut-july-2021/

CPP/NDF-National Council: NDFP National Council Responds to ATC Resolution No. 21

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): NDFP National Council Responds to ATC Resolution No. 21

NATIONAL COUNCIL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 21, 2021

We hereby assert that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines is the revolutionary united front of patriotic and democratic forces of the Filipino people fighting for their national and social liberation against foreign domination and the local exploiting classes of big compradors, landlords and bureaucrat capitalists.

We have represented all the aforesaid forces, the organs of the people’s government and the broad masses of the people in peace negotiations with the reactionary Government of the Philippines (GRP) with the mediation and facilitation by foreign governments.

The NDFP is dedicated to arousing, organizing and mobilizing the people for full national independence and genuine democracy. We are a co-belligerent force in the civil war with the GRP and we have the status of belligerency in accordance with international law. The NDFP and the GRP are co-signers of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. It is completely mendacious and malicious of the GRP to malign the NDFP as a “terrorist” organization.

We hereby condemn the act of the Anti-Terrorism Council in issuing its Resolution No. 21 designating the NDFP as a “terrorist” organization and to signal the escalation of acts of state terrorism against the allied organizations in the NDFP and their respective officers and members.

Going by its arbitrary rule of guilt by association, without any fair judicial process within its own legal system to determine culpability, the ATC considers as communist and terrorist all the noncommunist organizations within the NDFP, including the Christians for National Liberation and the Catholic and Philippine Independent Church priests, Protestant pastors, nuns, deacons and other religious people.

We expect that the terrorist attacks by the Duterte fascist gang will escalate and will also target legal social activists, human rights defenders, critics and oppositionists who will be arbitrarily tagged as NDFP members and associates.

We have already seen how the armed minions of Duterte have murdered so many NDFP consultants, such as Randy Malayao, Randall Echanis, couple Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay, couple Antonio Cabanatan and Florenda Yap, Reynaldo Bocala and Rustico Tan.

They have manufactured trumped up charges and planted firearms and explosives to arrest and imprison the following NDFP consultants: Vicente Ladlad, Adelberto Silva, Rey Casambre, Renante Gamara, Ferdinand Castillo, among others.

The ATC Resolution is in line with Duterte’s policy and campaign of all-out war to enable his fascist scheme against the people and amplifies previous issuances, such as Proclamation No. 370, Proclamation No. 374, Executive Order No. 70 and the so-called Anti-Terror Law of 2020.

The Duterte regime and the ATC are maliciously trying to prejudice and preempt the petitions filed before the GRP Supreme Court. These petitions are already scheduled for decision in the months to come. The Court has to decide the issues on the violation of constitutional and democratic principles and rights.

Duterte is hell-bent on preventing negotiations for the duration of the final months of his term of office and possibly for as long as his daughter and he can stay in power after rigging the 2021 elections and using martial law to counter the anticipated people’s uprising.

The broad masses of the people have no choice but to intensify all forms of revolutionary struggle, especially armed struggle, in order to defend national sovereignty, their democratic rights and well-being against the Duterte regime of treason, tyranny, mass murder, plunder and mass deception.

The NDFP has continued to keep in place its Negotiating Panel with the hope that the Duterte regime would eventually be ousted from power and that a post-Duterte administration is willing to resume the peace negotiations for a just and lasting peace.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ndfp-national-council-responds-to-atc-resolution-no-21/

CPP: Pagpupugay kay Nanay Mameng, tinig ng maralitang Pilipino

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 20, 2021): Pagpupugay kay Nanay Mameng, tinig ng maralitang Pilipino

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
JULY 20, 2021

Taos-pusong nakikiramay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas sa mga anak at kamag-anak, mga kasama at kaibigan ni Nanay Mameng (Carmen Deunida), tanyag na lider-maralita na nagbigay-mukha at tinig sa hinaing at mga pakikibaka ng masang anakpawis. Pumanaw kahapon si Nanay Mameng sa edad na 93. Nakikiisa kami sa milyun-milyong maralitang Pilipino sa pagbibigay-pugay sa isa sa pinakamamahal nilang pinuno.

Nakilala si Nanay Mameng sa kanyang makukulay at maaanghang na talumpati sa mga rali sa lansangan, laluna mula sa panahon ng pag-aalsa sa EDSA noong 2001 laban sa rehimeng Estrada, at sa iba’t ibang mga pakikibaka sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo at Aquino, at maging hanggang sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte. Tuwing nakatuntong siya sa entablado at hawak ang mikropono, matamang nakikinig ang mga raliyista sa mga salitang nagbibigay sa kanila ng inspirasyon at katatagan ng loob na lumaban.

Animo’y mga balaraw na hinahagis sa mga naghaharing uri ang matatalim na salitang binibitiwan ni Nanay Mameng. Payat at maliit man ang pangangatawan, kinatatakutang higante kung ituring ng mga kurakot, ng malalaking kapitalista, panginoong maylupa, at lahat ng mga mapagsamantala at mapang-api.

Pinatunayan ni Nanay Mameng na bakal ang kanyang paninindigan para sa uring proletaryado at masang Pilipino. Hindi siya kailanman nabusalan. Ibinasura niya ang pagtatangkang suhulan siya ng ₱1 milyon at ng pangakong bibigyan ng trabaho ang kanyang mga anak at apo, para lamang tumigil siya sa pagsali at pagtatalumpati sa mga rali. Kahit sa kanyang katandaan, tuwid pa rin ang tindig para sa pambansang demokrasya.

Ang buhay ni Nanay Mameng ay kwento ng pakikibaka laban sa karalitaan at salaysay ng pakikibaka ng sambayanan. Marapat lamang na itinanghal ang kanyang talambuhay sa mga pelikula, dula at palabas sa telebisyon upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa bagong salinlahi ng mga uring api at pinagsasamantalahan na ipagpatuloy ang pakikibaka para sa pambansa at panlipunang paglaya.

Hindi kailanman magmamaliw ang tinig ni Nanay Mameng. Habampanahon itong aalingawngaw sa bawat hinaing at mga pagsigaw ng masang anakpawis.

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpupugay-kay-nanay-mameng-tinig-ng-maralitang-pilipino/

CPP/NDF-De Lima: Needless Nail on the Coffin of the GRP NDFP Peace Negotiations

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 20, 2021): A Needless Nail on the Coffin of the GRP NDFP Peace Negotiations

JULIET DE LIMA

INTERIM CHAIRPERSON

NEGOTIATING PANEL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 20, 2021

By ATC Resolution No. 21 designating the NDFP as a terrorist organization, is an antipeace act. The Duterte regime is once again demonstrating its penchant for state terrorism and its abject stupidity and delusion that it can stop the people’s desire for a just and lasting peace by ending his reign of terror.

Consequent to Proclamations 360 and 374, and Executive Order No. 70 and the AntiTerror Act of 2020, ATC Resolution No. 21 seeks further to ensure that no peace negotiations would take place for the duration of the Duterte presidency and to give Duterte all the advantages of staying in power with his daughter Sarah as his stooge.

Duterte pretended to be for peace negotiations for a short while in 2016 and early 2017 while he was maliciously on the way of carrying an all-out war and sabotaging the peace negotiations.

ATC Resolution No. 21 is calculated to arrest and kill those tagged as beng associated with the NDFP and also targets all dissenters whom the regime accuse as belonging to the NDFP.

It is a big waste for Duterte to throw away all that have been achieved in the prolonged and arduous peace negotiations, which has run on and off through the administrations of President Fidel Ramos, Joseph, Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino, Jr.

These negotiatiopns have forged the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and have done substantial work on the most important parts of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economomic Reforms, i.e., Agraian Reform and Rural Development and National Industrialization and Economic Development.

But I am optimistic that the people will prevail and will eventually put Duterte out of power as they did with Marcos and that they would put to power a president who would be willing to resume the peace negotiations for a just and lasting peace.

As I write this statement I am also finalizing my speech for a webinar in Australia on The Quest for Just Peace in the Philippines in the Midst of Raging Civil War where I shall be discussing the NDFP Draft Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms. The NDFP version of CASER is a clear and shining proof against the allegations of the real terrorists, Duterte and his ilk.

People’s interest and support for the Filipino people’s achievement of a just and lasting peace is so high that there is hardly a week that we in the negotiating panel do not receive invitations to speak on the subject. This has kept us busier than when there were ongoing peace negotiations.

https://cpp.ph/statements/a-needless-nail-on-the-coffin-of-the-grp-ndfp-peace-negotiations/

CPP/NDF-Sison: On the ATC Resolution designating the NDF as terrorist

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 20, 2021): On the ATC Resolution designating the NDF as terrorist

JOSE MARIA SISON

CHIEF POLITICAL CONSULTANT

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 20, 2021

The ATC Resolution No. 21 designating the NDFP as a terrorist organization is clearly intended to achieve the following:

1. to close further every possibility of resuming the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations at least for the duration that Duterte is in power,

2. to harass, silence, arrest or even kill the NDFP consultants and resource persons and others involved in the peace negotiations and target even the broad range of peace advocates, critics and oppositionists,

3. to allow Duterte to control and rig the 2022 elections, stay in power together with Sara and prevent his arrest for crimes against humanity on the prospective warrant that may be issued by the International Criminal Court,

4. to pave a wider path for the Duterte regime to declare martial law and impose a fascist dictatorship on the people either before the anticipated 2022 elections or after this is rigged in order to preempt the 1986 type of people’s uprising.

The diabolical purpose of the Duterte regime in designating the NDFP as terrorist cannot be understated because this has been preceded by the murder of NDFP consultants committed so flagrantly by Duterte death squads.

The NDFP consultants who have been murdered by this evil regime include : Randy Malayao, Randall Echanis, the Topacio couple, the Cabanatan couple, Reynaldo Bocala and Rustico Tan.

Others have been arrested and imprisoned on trumped up charges by planting firearms and explosives. The victims include Adelberto Silva, Rey Casambre, Vicente Ladlad, Reynante Gamara, Ferdinand Castillo and others.

The tyrant Duterte is clearly on the path of undertaking a series of foul actions to defeat extrajudicially the petitions before the Supreme Court against the unconstitutional and antidemocratic provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The designation itself is at war with basic principles of international humanitarian law on the legitimate status, rights and character of national liberation movements.

The holding and rigging of the 2022 elections do not necessarily prevent the Dutertes from the use of martial law to preempt the highly probable people’s uprising similar to that which overthrew Marcos in 1986.

In any case, the armed revolution will benefit greatly from the people’s opprobrium of the fraudulent elections and the rapidly worsening socio-economic crisis and pandemic. Duterte will be swallowed by his own crimes. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-atc-resolution-designating-the-ndf-as-terrorist/

CPP/CIO: On Duterte’s “terrorist designation” of NDFP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 19, 2021):  On Duterte’s “terrorist designation” of NDFP

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 19, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) enjoins all patriotic and democratic forces and advocates of justice and peace both here and abroad to unite and firmly denounce the US-Duterte regime and its “Anti-Terrorism Council” (ATC) for its “terrorist designation” of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in its Resolution No. 21 issued last June 23.

1. The ATC designation of the NDFP was done with the manifest aim of further shutting all doors to peace negotiations as a means of resolving the roots of the civil war in the country. It is a devious attempt to overturn all past achievements attained through peace negotiations, including signed agreements covering human rights and international humanitarian law.

The ATC designation is a virtual slap on the face of the Royal Norweigian Government which has long provided its good offices as Third Party Facilitator in support of peace negotiations between the NDFP and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

The ATC is clearly acting as a stooge of Duterte’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which has grown its power through the elevation of the counterinsurgency war as the central policy of the regime.

The ATC resolution further boosts the power and prerogative of the military and police generals in determining the future direction of the Philippines.

2. The ATC designation of the NDFP clearly is part of the schemes of Duterte to cling to power beyond 2022 by all means. It comes months after the ATC made the same designation against the CPP and the New People’s Army (NPA), and against 19 individuals, many of whom are peace consultants of the NDFP.

It further lays down the groundwork for a general crackdown against the patriotic, progressive and democratic forces who are vigorously fighting the Duterte’s terrorist regime and resisting his schemes to perpetuate himself in power.

In the face of the unabated red-baiting against the legal democratic forces by the ATC officers themselves, it has now become only a matter of time that the ATC will designate social activists, peace advocates as well as the political opposition, as “terrorists” or complicit with terrorism. This will provide the legal cover for the military and police to further intensify its mass murder, mass arrests and imprisonment against all political dissenters, as they have been doing during the past few years under Duterte.

3. Designating the NDFP or other patriotic and democratic forces as “terrorists” aims to draw away attention from the regime’s crimes against humanity and its policy of attacking civilians in the course of waging its dirty counterinsurgency war. Being the number one terrorist in the Philippines, the tyrant Duterte has zero moral authority to denigrate the people’s national democratic cause.

4. The ATC “terrorist designation” of the NDFP, as well as its previous resolutions against the CPP/NPA and against peace consultants and other individuals, are all done without basis and with a clear aim of misrepresenting and vilifying the deep aspirations of the people to end injustice and attain national and social liberation. It shows how the term “terrorism” is unjustly being used as a catchall legal net against political dissent and just revolutionary resistance.

The ATC only proves further why the “Anti-Terrorism Law” is an undemocratic and draconian law that is being used as tool of oppression against the people.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-dutertes-terrorist-designation-of-ndfp/

Kalinaw News: Over 200 loose firearms yielded to gov’t forces in Basilan

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 20, 2021): Over 200 loose firearms yielded to gov’t forces in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 19, 2021

Local chief executives of Basilan yielded more than two hundred loose firearms to the military in support of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Program implementation in the province.

“Through the combined efforts of the Joint Normalization Committee, Joint Task Force Basilan, and Provincial Government of Basilan, the SALW program was successfully implemented and subsequently earned overwhelming support from the local government units and populace which yielded to the surrender of a total of 204 high-powered and low-powered firearms during the local chief executives’ respective signing of Memorandum of Understanding,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command.

On the morning of July 19, 2021, the city and barangay officials of Lamitan City led by Mayor Rose Furigay and Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay pledged support to the SALW program through the signing of MOU at the City Gymnasium in Barangay Maganda of the said city.

This momentous event was facilitated by Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, Joint Task Force Basilan Commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Basilan Provincial Police Office Director Police Col. Rodrigo Maramo, and 68th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Napoleon Pabon, Jr.

“We will continue to implement this initiative to assist the local government units in keeping the peace and order here in Basilan amid the health crisis we are still experiencing right now,” said Brig. Gen. Gobway.

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of a total of 54 loose firearms by Lt. Col. Pabon together with Mayor and Vice Mayor Furigay.

Firearms presented include 16 12-gauge shotguns, three M1 Carbine, one M16 rifle, four Garand rifles, three M203 Grenade Launchers, one M19 Grenade Launcher, one M79 Grenade Launcher, two cal. 22 revolvers, four KG9 pistols, sixteen cal. 38 revolvers, and three cal. 45 pistols. Said firearms were voluntarily surrendered by civilians from the different barangays of Lamitan City.

Among the 204 firearms gains from the SALW program, 54 were surrendered by the civilians from Lamitan City, 34 from the municipality of Sumisip, 23 from Hadji Mohammad Ajul, 19 from Maluso, 15 from Ungkaya Pukan, 12 from Tuburan, 11 from Hadji Muhtamad, nine from Akbar, nine from Al-Barka, seven from Tipo-Tipo, seven from Tabuan-Lasa, and four from Lantawan.

“The Western Mindanao Command gives its full support to the programs and projects of our fellow peace advocates like the Joint Normalization Committee especially now that we are seeing its efficiency,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“In the long run, we expect to achieve more as we receive more support from the different organizations and the people of Mindanao,” the commander added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/over-200-loose-firearms-yielded-to-govt-forces-in-basilan/

Kalinaw News: 5 Abu Sayyaf Group members yield in Basilan

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 20, 2021): 5 Abu Sayyaf Group members yield in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 20, 2021

Five Abu Sayyaf Group members under the late Isnilon Hapilon surrendered to the military in Lamitan City, Basilan on July 19, 2021, the WestMinCom Commander said.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command said the militants turned themselves in at the 68th Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Campo Uno of the same city at about 11:30 a.m. Monday.

According to Lt. Col. Napoleon Pabon, Jr., Acting Battalion Commander of 68IB, the five were identified as a.k.a. Nori, 32 years old, and a resident of Barangay Lower Sinangkapan, Tuburan town; a.k.a. Ansar, 44, from Barangay Upper Sinangkapan, Akbar town; a.k.a. Dam, 44, also from Upper Sinangkapan; a.k.a. Miyo, 42, from Sitio Upper Bato-Bato, Akbar; and a.k.a. Sharim, 30, from Barangay Kulay Bato, Lamitan City.

Subject personalities and their surrendered firearms which include four M1 Garand rifles and one KG9 semi-automatic pistol along with one magazine and five cartridge 9mm ammunition, were subsequently presented to Joint Task Force Basilan Commander, Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway during his visit to the 68IB on the same day.

Brig. Gen. Gobway said JTF Basilan together with the provincial and local government officials of Basilan will assist the former violent extremists in their reintegration into mainstream society.

Since January 2021, JTF Basilan has welcomed a total of 21 ASG personalities who chose to abandon their armed struggle. Of the 21, 18 were regular members and 3 were supporters of the group.

“We are optimistic that those bandits who are still hiding will soon come out and avail of the programs and projects that the government offers,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

[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/5-abu-sayyaf-group-members-yield-in-basilan/

Kalinaw News: Patuloy ang dagsa ng sumusukong CTG members sa Masbate; karamihan ay mga kabataan

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 19, 2021): Patuloy ang dagsa ng sumusukong CTG members sa Masbate; karamihan ay mga kabataan

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Kabuuang labinsiyam na “children involved in armed conflict” (CIAC) ang boluntaryong sumuko sa mga otoridad sa Barangay Balete, Aroroy, Masbate nitong Sabado, Hulyo 17.

Kabilang sa mga sumuko ang isang 12-anyos, dalawang 13-anyos, anim na 14-anyos, apat na 15-anyos, dalawang 16-anyos, tatlong 17-anyos at isang 19-anyos.

Ayon sa isa sa mga sumuko, Marso 2020 nang imbitahan silang sumama sa isang excursion ngunit laking gulat aniya nila na dodoktrinahan pala sila ng mga miyembro ng CTG.

“Pagkatapos po ng isang buwan, binigyan na nila ako ng “Ang Bayan” newsletter tapos ibigay ko raw po sa mga kasama ko pero hindi ko naman po binigay sa kanila. Tinago ko po,” kwento ng 16-anyos na surrenderer.

“Sila ay nilinlang ng mga miyembro ng CTG at sapilitang nirecruit. Malinaw itong paglabag sa batas at paglapastangan sa karapatan ng mga kabataan,” ani Lt. Col. Siegfried Awichen, Battalion Commander ng 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB).

Sa ilalim ng RA 9851 o ang Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagrecruit ng mga menor de edad upang isali sa anumang uri ng armadong grupo.

Mariin din itong ipinagbabawal sa RA 11188 o ang Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act kung saan nakasaad din na ang mga tinatawag na children involved in armed conflict (CIAC) ay ang sinumang menor de edad na sapilitang isinali sa isang armadong grupo.

Bunsod nito, tahasang kinondena ni Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander ng 903rd Infantry Brigade ang CTG sa patuloy na panlilinlang sa mga kabataan.

“Walang matinong tao o grupo ang magrerecruit ng mga kabataan para isali sa armadong tunggalian. Si Keith Absalon, gaya ng marami pang kabataan, ay walang awa nilang pinatay, ngayon naman ay isa na namang katotohanan ang lumantad sa kanilang walang pakundangang pagyurak sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan sa Masbate. Tapos sasabihin ng CTG na kakampi sila ng mamamayan pero hindi nila pinahahalagahan ang buhay ng mga kabataang ito. Bata pa, gusto na nilang sirain ang kinabukasan at gawing miyembro ng walang katuturang teroristang grupo,” ani Col. Almase.

Samantala, tiniyak naman ng Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) sa pamumuno ni PBGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO ang agarang pagproseso ng patong-patong na kaso laban sa mga miyembro ng CTG na responsable sa pagrecruit ng nasabing mga menor de edad.

“Hindi tayo papayag na hindi mahuli, makulong at maparusahan ang mga communist terrorist na nanlinlang sa mga batang ito. Kailangan nilang makulong para wala ng iba pang mga kabataang mabiktima ng kanilang modus,” ani PBGen. Estomo.

Ayon naman kay MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander ng Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, ang patuloy na pagsuko ng mga miyembro ng CTG lalo na ng 19 na kabataan ay bunga ng pakikipagtulungan ng mga Masbateño sa otoridad lalo na ng mga magulang na nagmamalasakit sa kanilang mga anak.

“Hindi na bulag ang mga kabataan sa totoong kulay ng CTG. Isa pa, ang mga kabataang Bicolano ay matatalino at batid nilang may mahalaga at malaking papel silang gagampanan sa lipunan. Alam nilang ang mga kabataan ay dapat na nag-aaral at nagsisikap para sa kanilang mga pangarap at hindi namumundok para humawak ng armas at labanan ang pamahalaan. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga magulang ng mga kabataang ito na hindi hinayaang tuluyang malihis ng landas ang kanilang mga anak. Patuloy po tayong magtulungan para puksain ang CTG at wakasan ang insurhensya sa Bicol,” ani MGen. Robinson.

Maliban sa nasabing mga kabataan, pito pang mga miyembro rin ng CTG, kabilang ang isang regular NPA member, ang sumuko sa Barangay Concepcion sa parehong bayan.

Isinuko rin ng mga ito ang pitong mabababang kalibre ng baril.

Magugunitang mula nang paslangin ng CTG ang FEU football player na si Kieth Absalon at pinsan nitong si Nolven, walang humpay ang pagsuko ng mga miyembro at tagasuporta ng CTG sa Masbate kabilang na ang pinakamalaking bilang ng surrenderer noong Hunyo 18-28 na pumalo sa 505.

Kompyansa ang JTF Bicolandia na marami pa ang magbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan kasabay ng mas pinaigting na kampanya ng gobyerno para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran katuwang ang Army, PNP at ang mga Bicolano.

 

[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/mga-sumusukong-ctg-members-sa-masbate-patuloy-ang-pagbuhos-26-na-panibagong-surrenderers-karamihan-menor-de-edad-jtf-bicolandia-tahasang-kinondena-ang-ctg-2/

Kalinaw News: 2 CTG Members Killed, 12 High-powered Firearms Seized in Relentless Pursuit of Army and PNP Against the Terrorist Group

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 19, 2021): 2 CTG Members Killed, 12 High-powered Firearms Seized in Relentless Pursuit of Army and PNP Against the Terrorist Group

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The persistence of the Army in Bicol to subdue and eventually eliminate the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) resulted in another successful military engagement.

At around 10:45 in the morning, Monday, July 19, elements of the 83rd Infantry Battalion (83IB) supported by the PNP encountered at least 20 CTG members in Barangay Bongalon, Sagñay, Camarines Sur.

Intense firefight between the two forces broke out and lasted for 30 minutes before the enemies left in haste.

Two communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) were killed while 12 high-powered firearms comprised of eight M16, two M14 and 2 M653 rifles, ammunition, magazines and personal belongings were seized from the encounter site.

According to Lt. Col. Clark Dalumbar, Battalion Commander of 83IB, troops received a report from some concerned citizens about CNTs trying to recruit new members which prompted them to scour the area.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga residente ng Sagñay na nagparating ng impormasyong ito lalo na sa mga magulang. Dahil dito, napigilan natin ang CTG na makapanlinlang na naman ng mga inosenteng sibilyan at ng mga kabataan. Nawa po ay patuloy kayong makipagtulungan sa amin para supilin ang terorismo ng CTG,” Lt. Col. Dalumbar said.

Col. Jaime Abawag Jr, Brigade Commander of 902nd Infantry Brigade, warned the CTG that with the relentless joint operations of the Army and PNP, they are left with no other choice but to surrender.

“Ayaw naman namin na may namamatay sa mga labanan pero kapag hindi kayo nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan, kamatayan ang naghihintay sa inyo. Paliit na ng paliit ang inyong mundo dahil isinusumbong na kayo ng mga tao sa otoridad. Kung ayaw ninyong masayang ang inyong buhay, bumaba kayo sa bundok dahil bukas ang pinto ng gobyerno para tulungan kayong magbagong-buhay,” Col. Abawag said.

Meanwhile, PBGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) stressed that the interoperability of the Army and police plays a significant role in sustaining the gains against the CTG.

“Ang hanay ng kapulisan ay mananatiling katuwang ng kasundaluhan sa pagtunton sa kinaroroonan ng mga teroristang ito habang pinuprotektahan ang publiko sa kanilang mga desperadong hakbang,” PBGen. Estomo said.

Furthermore, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia lauded the troops for landing another big blow on the CTG’s already waning capability both in firepower and manpower.

It can be recalled that last February 1, the 83IB also launched a successful operation against the CTG in Barangay Toytoy, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur where four CTG members were killed while ten high-powered firearms were seized.

“Paubos na ang mga miyembro nila at paubos na rin ang kanilang mga armas. Maliban sa mga nasasamsam natin sa ganitong mga operasyon, napakarami na rin nating nakukuhang mga arms cache at marami ring isinusuko ang mga nagbabalik-loob na mga dati nilang miyembro. The CTG is now crumbling into tiny pieces and this terrorist group will soon perish. Pero kilala natin sila, tiyak na gagawa at gagawa sila ng mga desperate attacks and retaliations just like what they did in Masbate. Sapilitan nilang nirecruit ang mga menor de edad para lamang may mga maidagdag sila sa kanilang hanay. They recklessly violated the law and the rights of the children. Kaya mas paiigtingin natin ang seguridad na inilalatag natin dito sa Bicol para hindi na uli sila makapaminsala ng inosenteng buhay,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that 19 young CTG members, 18 of them all minors, yielded to the combined troops of Army and PNP on July 17 who were forcibly recruited by CNTs last March 2020.

[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/2-ctg-members-killed-12-high-powered-firearms-seized-in-relentless-pursuit-of-army-and-pnp-against-the-terrorist-group/

Kalinaw News: Army Denies NPA Threat to Disrupt the Bike for Peace and Justice Drive in Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 19, 2021): Army Denies NPA Threat to Disrupt the Bike for Peace and Justice Drive in Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte – On Saturday, July 17, 2021, the Bike for Peace and Justice for Keith Absalon was held in Kitcharao, Agusan Del Norte. This activity coincided with the commemoration of the 40th day of the Absalon cousins’ death, who were killed when a landmine exploded while they were biking in Brgy. Anas, Masbate City. The event also condemned human rights abuses of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and called for justice for all the victims, as well as just and lasting peace.

The 29th Infantry “Matatag Fighters” Battalion (29IB) was called on to assist in the event as a security patrol. Before the activity, the unit received several reports from concerned civilians regarding the presence of armed men in the vicinity of Brgy. Mahayhay, which happened to be part of the route for the biking event. Based on the initial assessment, the armed men planned to sabotage the event to prevent residents from participating. This was immediately acted upon by the unit that planned out the deployment of the troops.

True enough, when residents and government officials were preparing for the event. Around 5:42 in the morning, while troops of 29IB were on security patrols, encountered more or less seven (7) CNTs believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP)16A, Guerilla Front (GF)16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under Samuel Batican alias @Popo at Purok 6 of said barangay. The firefight lasted for about twenty-five (25) minutes before the enemies fled southward direction, leaving some of their personal belongings. The troops immediately pursued and a gun battle ensued which lasted for about ten (10) minutes. The CNT members then withdrew southwest after realizing they are at a disadvantage.

Then at around 7:18 in the morning, another element of security patrol encountered an undetermined number of armed men, believed to be the same terrorist group, in which intermittent exchange of fires occurred which lasted for thirty (30) minutes. And as a result, the fleeing enemies withdrew towards the nearby residential area, and intentionally fired upon some houses of the civilians which have caused residents to panic and sought refuge at the barangay center. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or casualties from civilians. Mahayhay barangay officials immediately proceeded to the houses of their constituents to ensure that no NPAs were hiding in the residences.

Hon. Mario Magsanay, Punong Barangay of Mahayahay said, “Hinaot pa unta nga inyo kaming matabangan, ug matabangan sad ninyo ang inyong kaugalingon aron walay mga panghitabo nga sama niini. Palihog lang dili ta magduha-duha sa pagtabang sa mga Army ug pulis aron ma-maintain atong kalinaw diri sa atong barangay ug aduna man gani mga kaigsoonan nato nga samaran ihatag diri aron kini matambalan ug matabangan. Ang atong gobyerno naga-awhag sa tanan lumulopyo sa Brgy. Mahayahay ug duna man kaigsoonan nato nga naa sa pikas masamdan man o dili kinahanglan nga itugyan kini sa atong gobyerno aron sila matabangan.”(We hope that you would help us and yourselves so there wouldn’t be an incident like this anymore. Please do not hesitate in helping Army and Police so that we can maintain peace here in our barangay. If there are some of our wounded brothers, please turn them over so that we can aid them. Our government is urging us, residents of Brgy. Mahayahay, to turn over our brothers or sisters, wounded or not so that we could help them.)

According to Lt Col Aristotle Antonio, Commanding Officer of 29IB, “The CNTs have continuously tried to make atrocities in many areas nationwide and inflict fear to many. Their terroristic acts only proves their real evil intentions, to “terrorize”. We believe that we can prevent and stop enemies’ wicked intentions and actions if we just continue to work together. This peace and security concern is not just ours alone, we are in this together. And we can help our fellowmen who have lost their way, to find it back again, only if we don’t tolerate them.”

“Likewise, we extend our gratitude to the concerned civilians who have trusted us enough to report information about the enemies. The simple information you gave us means a lot, not only for our benefit but for the improvement of the peace situation in the area,” Antonio added.
Despite the incident, the Bike for Peace and Justice Drive proceeded successfully as planned. This is to show that the CNT’s plans were already foiled and that the peace-loving people of Kitcharao, as well as the rest of Agusan del Norte, can unite in ending the local communist armed conflict through peaceful means such as the activity.

[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/army-denies-npa-threat-to-disrupt-the-bike-for-peace-and-justice-drive-in-kitcharao-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Former NPA women undergo skills training

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 19, 2021): Former NPA women undergo skills training

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – The 58th Infantry ‘Dimalulupig’ Battalion (58IB) in partnership with the Women’s Association of Gingoog City conducted a Rug Making Trainer for the former rebel ladies at the headquarters of 58IB in Sitio Migbanday, Brgy Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, last July 16, 2021.

While some of our former rebels are still waiting for benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, the 58IB is working with NGAs, NGOs, and civilian partners to provide a variety of livelihood options to them. Mushroom production, Hollow block making, FR store, and now rug production by the FR ladies are among these projects.

The Gingoog Women, under City Vice-Mayor, Hon. Peter Unabia’s office, personally went to the headquarters of 58IB to impart their knowledge and expertise in the rug making business with 15 former rebel female attendees. They also handed them starter kits to encourage them and help them improve their situation.

“Rugs are essentially needed in every home,” says one of the trainers, “and so might be an essentially good source of income that can also serve as a hobby for the FR ladies.”

One participant expressed her gratitude on the conduct of the said training. “Ako nagpasalamat sa pag conduct niining rug making training na nadugangan ang akong pahibalo unsaon paghimo sa trapo ug mapuslan nako na makuhaan namo ni sa among panginabuhi na mabaligya sad namo niini, magamit namo sa pang adlaw-adlaw na panginabuhian namo. Ako nagpasalamat sa nag conduct niini ug sa mga nagsponsor ug sa mga nag train sa amoa. Salamat kaayo sa 58ib, salamat na gihatagan mig ing-ani na training.” (I am grateful to those who led this rug-making workshop since it has expanded my understanding of how to make rags, and I am confident that this will help us supplement our income by allowing us to sell them and utilize them in our everyday lives. I appreciate those who organized and sponsored it, as well as those who trained us. Thank you so much, 58IB, for making this training possible).

“The former rebels who have decided to surrender are secured to obtain financial help under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” according to Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB. But, while their benefits are being processed, we want the former rebels to have a basic understanding of how to use the support that was offered to them, as well as introduce them to alternative sources of income. The government is serious about ending local armed conflict in the country, which is why I am encouraging NPA rebels to return to the folds of the law and take advantage of E-CLIP benefits, which include skills training, basic services, and other assistance in reintegrating into society.

Lieutenant Colonel Canatoy also praised the collaboration of government entities that are assisting former rebels in gaining the required skills to become productive citizens and effectively utilize the funds supplied by the government.

[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-women-undergo-skills-training/

Kalinaw News: Sustained Government efforts forced BIFF Members to Surrender

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 19, 2021): Sustained Government efforts forced BIFF Members to Surrender



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Three (3) members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to 57th Infantry ‘Masikap’ Battalion (57IB) in Sitio Iking, Barangay Romongaob, South Upi, Maguindanao on Friday (July 16, 2021).

According to Colonel Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander, those who surrendered to 57IB under Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pondanera belongs to BIFF-Bungos Faction.

Colonel Gubat said, “It is certain that the government’s peace program is effective in influencing them to denounce their affiliation with the terror group”.

Along with their surrender, the former extremists also brought along one (1) M1 Garand rifle, one (1) Carbine rifle and one (1) Caliber .45 pistol with magazines and ammunition.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Central and 6ID Commander expressed his gratitude to the local government as effective partners in attaining peace and development in South and Central Mindanao.

“Our efforts in attaining peace in this part of the country is fruitful as evidenced by the significant increase of terrorist group members who surrendered to the government”, Major General Uy emphasized.

For this year, a total of 71 former BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya members denounced their allegiance with the said groups and instead choose to live a peaceful life with the community and with their families.

The influx of surrenderees came along after Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu has declared the BIFF and DI extremists as persona-non-grata in the Province of Maguindanao. The effort was further strengthened with the assistance under the AGILA-HAVEN (Anak na may GInintuang LAyunin upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon) Program for those who wish to surrender.

The Provincial Government of Maguindanao has actively supported numbers of former extremists in their desire to live a peaceful life by providing livelihood assistance through the AGILA-HAVEN Program of the province. While the JTF Central relentlessly hunted down extremists who refuse to return to the folds of the law.

[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/sustained-government-efforts-forced-biff-members-to-surrender/

Kalinaw News: 3 terror group members neutralized, war materials seized in Maguindanao

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 18, 2021): 3 terror group members neutralized, war materials seized in Maguindanao



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 18, 2021

A member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG) was killed while two others were apprehended in a military operation conducted in Maguindanao on July 17, 2021.

“Based on the report from the ground, troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion conducted a hasty raid in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao at about 8:00 in the morning on Saturday targeting the group led by a certain Tong Bomber,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command.

According to 33rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, the troops acted on reports from the community of the presence of the DI-HG in the area.

“While troops were approaching the reported location of the terrorists, they were fired upon by an undetermined number of Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group members which forced the soldiers to retaliate,” said Lt. Col. Cadiente.

The encounter resulted in the death of a.k.a. Tong Bomber, and the apprehension of two of his comrades identified as Nondo Sangalan and Tong Sangalan.

While scouring the area, troops recovered one M14 rifle, 33 7.62mm ball ammunition, three M14 magazines, three improvised explosive devices, three handheld commercial radios, two handheld chargers, one backpack, two sling bags, one handcuff, three cellular phones, and two sim cards.

“This accomplishment displays the importance of the community’s participation in defeating the threat groups here in Maguindanao,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, Commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

“The strong collaboration between the military and the local government added by the support from the populace will definitely keep the communities safe, peaceful, and progressive,” he added.

The remains of the neutralized terrorist was immediately turned over to the barangay officials of Nabundas while the apprehended personalities were placed under the custody of SSM Municipal Police Station for the filing of appropriate charges. The recovered items were brought to the 33IB headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao for safekeeping.

Mej. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central commended the troops for their prompt response that prevented the terror group to conduct atrocities in the area.

“Your actions have saved countless lives that could have been victims of the terrorists,” the commander said.

One soldier was wounded during the encounter. He is now being treated at the hospital in Sultan Kudarat.

“Team WestMinCom remains steadfast in eliminating all the threats in the communities. Our soldiers are out there risking their lives to hunt and pound the remaining terrorists,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

“Let us continue to pray for the protection of our soldiers and everybody’s safety,” the commander further stated.

Since January 2021, Joint Task Force Central has neutralized a total of 150 local terrorists, 131 of whom are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and 19 are members of the Daulah Islamiyah.

[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/3-terror-group-members-neutralized-war-materials-seized-in-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: ELCAC Infra Projects to Pave Way in Ending Insurgency

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 18, 2021): ELCAC Infra Projects to Pave Way in Ending Insurgency



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City – “The road to peace is the road itself”. The infrastructure projects of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) under the Local Government Support Fund – Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) will pave the way in ending insurgency in Caraga region.

Various stakeholders including the local populace were present during the Caraga’s RTF ELCAC Groundbreaking Ceremonies of the two (2) road projects in Brgy Villa Ondayon, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur and Sitio Simowao (KM9), Brgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on July 15 and 16, respectively.

A kilometer of local access road from Purok 4 to Sitio Ibo-ibo, Brgy Villa Ondayon in Bayugan City, ADS will be upgraded while a 1.2 kilometer Farm-to-Market Road from Sitio Simowao (KM9) to Purok 7 of Brgy Diatagon in the Municipality of Lianga, SDS will be constructed. Each project will be worth 20M pesos.

Brgy Captains Hon. Mercidita Maluenda and Hon. Renegio B. Pareja of Brgy Villa Ondayon and Brgy Diatagon, respectively, thanked their provincial government, ELCAC Officials, and the 65th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army for recommending the projects in their barangays that were once influenced by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

Said Brgy Officials claimed that together with their constituents, they were restrained by the CTG to give their consent and approval for any government projects out of fear. With the Army’s persistence to drive away the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT), the road projects they longed for will be finally realized and relief overwhelmed them as it will greatly benefit their communities as their farm products will now be easily transported.

For her part, Director Lilibeth T. Famacion, the Chairperson of RTF ELCAC Technical Working Group and Regional Director of DILG Caraga, disclosed that 191 recipient barangays with 357 priority projects that were cleared from CTG influence in Caraga region are provided with 20M pesos each for a total of 3.82 Billion pesos allocated as fund support to the various infrastructure projects and social services. “Bayugan City has 9 recipient Brgys out of the 45 recipient barangays in Agusan del Sur with 78 total priority projects worth 900M pesos while in Surigao del Sur, there are 46 recipient barangays with 60 priority infrastructure projects worth P900M pesos as part of sustaining the initiative towards peace and development in the barangays”, she added.

Meanwhile, Governors Pimentel and Cane Jr. are one in saying that the BDP under the NTF ELCAC budget will address the commonly exploited issues utilized by the CTG to recruit the local populace. They said that the local government units, national and local government agencies and other stakeholders must be committed and must intensify its support on this endeavor to sustain the program.

On the other hand, Brigadier General Hambala, 401st Infantry Brigade Commander, revealed that barangays Villa Ondayon and Diatagon are former strongholds of the CTG wherein influence of their Sectoral Front Organizations are extensive. “We were able to make the people understand that the Army together with other partner agencies are in their communities to promote their welfare and help them improve their lives. We believe that the bottom line of this problem is governance. Who will govern best could win the support of the people. Hence, the continuous progress of the communities brought by the implementation of ELCAC projects will naturally prevent the people from joining the CTG”.

In his statement, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that the whole Diamond troopers will continue to support the RTF ELCAC in order to improve the well-being of the people and protect them from the CNTs.

“We thank our partner agencies in Caraga region for their active involvement in ending the communist armed conflict in this part of the country. We shall continue to clear remaining barangays from CTG influence thru our CSP so that the peace and development projects under the RTF ELCAC’s LGSF-SBDP program will be delivered to the conflict affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to pave the way in ending insurgency”, MGen Brawner Jr said.

Brawner Jr added that the Whole of Nation Approach (WNA) is working in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region. The WNA he said is not just about burden sharing, it’s about understanding that peace and order is a shared responsibility.

In attendance during the separate ground breaking ceremonies were Provincial Governors and Implementing Unit Heads of SBDP Projects of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, Hon. Santiago B. Cane Jr. and Hon. Alexander T. Pimentel, respectively; Municipal and City Mayors, Hon. Kirk A. Asis of Bayugan and Hon. Novelita M Sarmen of Lianga; Assistant Director Rene V. Valera, Concurrent Director EO70 Project Management Office; and Brigadier General Allan D Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander together with the Officials of PLGU Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur and the DILG Provincial and Regional Offices facilitating the events.

The Barangay Development Program is the government’s priority program to usher development and deliver basic services in conflict affected barangays that lagged due to the terror caused by the CNTs

[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/elcac-infra-projects-to-pave-way-in-ending-insurgency/

US Defense secretary to visit Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam

Posted to Rappler (Jul 20, 2021): US Defense secretary to visit Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will reportedly start his visit to Southeast Asia on July 23, according to the US embassy in Hanoi

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Southeast Asia later this month, the Pentagon said, a trip that will include stops in the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, according to the US embassy in Hanoi.

"Secretary Austin's visit will demonstrate the importance the Biden-Harris Administration places on Southeast Asia and on ASEAN as an essential part of the Indo-Pacific's architecture," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc.

The US embassy in Hanoi said on Tuesday that Austin's trip would start on July 23.

"This trip will underscore the enduring US commitment to the region, and our interest in upholding the rules-based international order in the region and promoting ASEAN centrality," the embassy said in a Facebook post.

The United States under President Joe Biden is looking to reinforce the need for a US role in a region where China has sizeable influence as the dominant trade partner, but testy relationships as a result of its military activities in the South China Sea.

Austin has been to preserve decades-old military ties with the Philippines, a defense treaty partner, after repeated threats to downgrade the alliance by its largely pro-China President Rodrigo Duterte, whose term ends next year.

https://www.rappler.com/world/us-canada/united-states-defense-secretary-visit-philippines-singapore-vietnam

Arrests and planting of evidence against two Caraga activists slammed

Posted to the online publication the Davao Today (Jul 19, 2021): Arrests and planting of evidence against two Caraga activists slammed

Human rights groups condemn the arrest and planting of evidence on two community activists of Caraga based in Quezon City last July 16.

Arrested are Julieta Gomez, an officer of the Lumad group Kahugpongan sa mga Lumadnong Organisasyon sa Caraga (KASALO Caraga) and Niezel Velasco, former project coordinator of the relief organization Bread for Emergency Assistance and Development (BREAD).

Gomez and Velasco were arrested in Barangay Pansol, Quezon City by a joint operation of the police and Philippine Army. They were served warrants of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Philippine National Police Chief General Guillermo Elazar in a press conference presented what he said are evidence taken from Gomez and Velasco, which include firearms, bullets, a flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines and subversive documents. The Philippine Army 4th Infantry Division Commander released a statement claiming the two as “high ranking officers” of the “white area committee in NEMR (NorthEast Mindanao Region).

Karapatan Caraga demanded their release and the dropping of charges as it said the evidence was preposterous.

“Such claims are preposterous and at the height of implausibility as who in their right mind would attempt to purchase and transport such, at a time when checkpoints and lockdowns are in effect, let alone store such munitions in the house where you were staying? And why would they bring a CPP flag and education materials? It is best for PNP Chief Eleazar to look into the arresting officers – CIDG and the AFP, for planting of evidence,” their statement said.

Karapatan identified Julieta Gomez as a Manobo hailing from San Luis, Agusan del Sur who was a teacher for the Sildap-Sidlakan Lumad School in her province. She later served as a community organizer for KASALO.

In 2010, she was elected secretary general of the group, and joined a campaign of Lumad communities in Surigao del Norte demanding for a 1% royalty from mining profits taken from their ancestral land.

Gomez participated in the Manilakbayan caravan in 2015 to call out justice for the Lianga Massacre. Velasco served as project coordinator of BREAD for a decade from 2007 until 2017. Her group led the implementation of a marine sanctuary protection and livelihood projects for fisherfolks in Siargao Islands in coordination with the local government unit of General Luna from 2007 to 2014.

She also took part in relief missions and projects in communities in Caraga region that were hit by floods brought about by Typhoons Sendong in 2011 and Pablo in 2012 and other typhoons that often hit the region from 2014 to 2018.

Both Gomez and Velasco became Provincial Focal Person (PFPS) of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, Local Affairs Coordinating and Monitoring Services (NAPC-LACMS), Gomez for Agusan del Sur and Velasco for Surigao del Norte, from July 2017 to June 2018.

Gomez and Velasco were among local activists included in red-tagging propaganda spread in the regions recently, where they are tagged as members of the CPP-New People’s Army and National Democratic Front.

In recent years, activist leaders in Caraga were arrested and accused as ranking members of communist rebels. One of the cases against a public school principal was recently dismissed.

An elderly farmer leader from Surigao del Sur was shot dead last year in the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Karapatan Caraga condemned how activists are being charged with cases in different courts in Caraga, and calls this act “attempts to silence activists in Caraga and in the country.”

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/arrests-and-planting-of-evidence-against-two-caraga-activists-slammed/

NDFP on terrorist designation: “diabolical”, more attacks on peace advocates and opposition

Posted to the online publication the Davao Today (Jul 20, 2021): NDFP on terrorist designation: “diabolical”, more attacks on peace advocates and opposition

The government’s Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has designated the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as a “terrorist organization/ association” in its Resolution number 21 signed on June 23 but announced early this week.

The NDFP has been engaged in peace talks with the Philippine government since 1992 to “address the roots of the armed conflict” waged by Maoist revolutionaries for five decades.

The designation as a “terrorist organization” drives what the NDFP says is the “final nail to the coffin” of the GRP-NDF peace talks that started in a positive tone in Duterte’s administration.

The resolution of the ATC designated the NDFP as “an integral and inseparable part of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA).”

The council has earlier designated the CPP as a terrorist organization in its Resolution No. 12 in 2020, and thereby categorizes the NDFP as “organized, controlled, acting on behalf of or at the direction of, and operated by the (CPP).”

The resolution was signed by the council chairperson, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and vice-chairperson, National Security Adviser retired General Hermogenes Esperon.

Talking peace before

The NDFP on its website said it has “15 other revolutionary allied organizations” with bases in 70 provinces in the country.

Within the first two years of the Duterte administration, President Rodrigo Duterte, who called himself a “leftist president”, revived peace talks with the NDFP and released its detained consultants.

Both NDFP and government panels then met in three countries in Europe drafting a program for socio-economic reforms. The president also hosted a meeting with the two panels in Malacanang in September 2016, a historic event, where the NDFP expressed hope the talks will not be postponed.

But Duterte called off the peace negotiations on November 23, 2017 through Proclamation 360, and later designated the CPP and NPA as “terrorist” organizations on December 5, 2017 via Proclamation 374.

“Diabolical purpose”

The NDFP sees ATC Resolution 21 as an “unpeace act” that “throw(s) away all that have been achieved in the prolonged and arduous peace negotiations”.

Julieta de Lima, interim chairperson of the NDFP negotiating panel, said the designation aims “to ensure that no peace negotiations would take place for the duration of the Duterte presidency and to give Duterte all the advantages of staying in power with his daughter Sara as his stooge.”

Jose Maria Sison, founder of the CPP and current NDFP chief political consultant, also warned that the move has a “diabolical purpose…. to harass, silence, arrest or even kill the NDFP consultants and resource persons and others involved in the peace negotiations and target even the broad range of peace advocates, critics and oppositionists.”

Sison noted that peace consultants have been murdered in recent years especially during the pandemic, including Randy Malayao, Randall Echanis, the Topacio couple, the Cabanatan couple, Reynaldo Bocala and Rustico Tan.

Other consultants such as Adelberto Silva, Rey Casambre, Vicente Ladlad, Renante Gamara and Ferdinand Castillo were arrested and faced trumped up charges.

Sison also warned this might pave a path for Duterte to rig the 2022 election and to declare Martial Law to preempt political unrest.

The CPP in a statement said the designation seeks “to draw away attention from the regime’s crimes against humanity and its policy of attacking civilians in the course of waging its dirty counterinsurgency war.”

President Duterte is facing a probe by the International Criminal Court on his drug war that has led to thousands of extrajudicial killings.

“Being the number one terrorist in the Philippines, the tyrant Duterte has zero moral authority to denigrate the people’s national democratic cause,” the CPP statement said.

De Lima expressed optimistic possibility that Duterte may not stay in power and peace talks may resume in a new administration.

“But I am optimistic that the people will prevail and will eventually put Duterte out of power as they did with Marcos and that they would put to power a president who would be willing to resume the peace negotiations for a just and lasting peace,” she said.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/ndfp-on-terrorist-designation-diabolical-more-attacks-on-peace-advocates-and-opposition/