Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 07/22/21

Thursday, July 22, 2021

CPP/Ang Bayan: Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the once great Communist Party of China

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the once great Communist Party of China

This month of July, the international proletariat commemorates the 100th year of the once great and correct Communist Party of China (CPC). While the CPC remains in power, it is now controlled and led by the state monopoly capitalists and big bourgeoisie in China.

In a statement last July 1, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared that it is just to mark and celebrate the 55-year golden history of CPC leadership of the national democratic and socialist revolution in China (1921-1976); and expose and repudiate its history of treachery to the proletariat and the restoration of the capitalist system and exploitation since 1976.

According to the CPP, under Mao Zedong’s leadership, the CPC treaded the correct path in its first 55 years from which lessons and inspiration should be drawn. The CPP pointed out how the CPC led the national democratic revolution and ended the semicolonial and semifeudal system. The CPP recalled the steps China took from completing land reform and advancing socialism across the entire society.

The CPP pointed the importance of the CPC leading the cultural revolution to make democracy bloom and teach the masses how to wield and use political power to pursue progress in China and raise the quality of life of the Chinese masses.

At the same time, the Party denounced the past 45 years reign of the modern revisionists in the CPC who betrayed socialism and brought China back to the capitalist road. The CPC leadership was seized in 1976 by the modern revisionists led by Deng Xiapoing who overturned the victories of socialism. Today, the CPC is no longer a party of the proletariat, rather of the state monopoly bourgeoisie who use state power to aggrandize wealth from exploiting the masses of workers.

The CPP pointed out to how the CPC turned its back against the toiling masses. In agriculture, it dismantled the communes and collectives and made farmers with small parcels of land to fend for themselves resulting in widespread poverty and hunger. In industry, they took away the power of workers and restored wage slavery. Foreign capitalists were attracted with dirt-cheap wages of millions of workers to expand capitalism in China and allow the big bureaucrat capitalists to accumulate superprofits. China is now a powerful imperialist country that exploits and oppresses peoples in different parts of the world.

The oppressed workers and peasants in China must again wage revolution. The situation is extremely favorable to bring together the proletarian revolutionaries and reestablish a genuine communist party who can lead a resurgence of socialist revolution in China.

(Read the CPP’s complete statement: On the centennial of the once great Communist Party of China)

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/commemorating-the-100th-anniversary-of-the-once-great-communist-party-of-china/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 30th IB kills 2 copra farmers in Surigao del Norte

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): 30th IB kills 2 copra farmers in Surigao del Norte

Elements of the 30th IB indiscriminately fired at four copra farmers who were working at Sitio Pan-ukan, Barangay Cambuayon, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte at around 3 p.m. on July 12. Farmers Sagloy Destajo and Richard Lampad were killed on the spot, while Benjie Destajo was critically injured. The victims are residents of Barangay Pautao. The soldiers also arrested and detained Julieto Madelo, a resident of Cambuayon.

Meanwhile, joint elements of the PNP-NCR and 4th ID arrested Julieta Tawidi Gomez and Niezel Velasco based on trumped-up murder and attempted murder charges on July 16 in Barangay Pansol, Quezon City. Various firearms and explosives were planted in their house.

Gomez is a Manobo from San Luis, Agusan del Sur and a council member of the Kahugpungan sa mga Lumadnong Organisasyon in Caraga. Velasco is a coordinator of the Bread for Emergency and Development, a organization which actively extends relief and help to victims of calamities in Caraga.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/30th-ib-kills-2-copra-farmers-in-surigao-del-norte/

CPP/Ang Bayan: ₱9.4-billion anomalous AFP and PNP contracts

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): ₱9.4-billion anomalous AFP and PNP contracts

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) questioned the anomalous contracts and projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) amounting to ₱9.4 billion which they have failed to implement last year.

A report by the Commission on Audit (COA) exposed the AFP and PNP for failing to deliver on time 41 projects worth ₱6.8 billion, while nine other military projects worth ₱940.5 million were suspended. The PNP Special Action Force also failed to deliver projects worth ₱1.7 billion.

Bayan Muna also criticized the regime for claiming that it has no funds to aid the people amid the pandemic when huge amounts of unused funds remain in the hands of the AFP and PNP.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/%e2%82%b19-4-billion-anomalous-afp-and-pnp-contracts/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-Eastern Samar seizes 3 firearms

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): NPA-Eastern Samar seizes 3 firearms

The New People’s Army (NPA)-Eastern Samar was able to seize an R4 rifle during an ambush against operating troops of the 52nd IB at Sitio Casapa, Denigpian, Dolores, Eastern Samar on July 3.

Four days later, an NPA unit blasted a detachment at Sitio Casapa, Barangay 4 Poblacion, Jipapad. Five were killed including the detachment commanding officer, while four others were wounded. A Gloc pistol and .45 caliber pistol were seized from them.

In Northern Samar, an NPA unit mounted two sniping operations against the 20th IB last July 8 in barangays San Jose and Epaw in Las Navas.

Four were killed while 17 others were wounded among 9th ID troopers during an ambush mounted by the NPA-Masbate in the morning of July 10. The 24 troopers were on their way to Sitio Balunos, Barangay Rizal, Dimasalang when they were attacked. The ambushed troops were deployed to reinforce around 1,000 soldiers deployed across Masbate in the past two months.

The 3rd Marine Battalion Landing Team covered up the actual number of their casualties after being ambushed by a unit of the NPA-Palawan last July 13. A platoon of soldiers were walking at Sitio Kayasan, Nicanor Zabala, Roxas, Palawan when they were attacked.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/npa-eastern-samar-seizes-3-firearms/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Soldiers and employees as trolls

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Soldiers and employees as trolls

To create an illusion of support for the Duterte regime, government and military officials use their personnel for trolling on social media to peddle lies and deception. This was further proved recently in an exposé about the practice in the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the PCOO this July for employing 375 contractual personnel who worked as “specialists” for social media and other forms of propaganda. The PCOO spent a total of ₱70.6 million or ₱15,689 per employee for their salaries. They are believed to be part of troll farms operated by the regime.

The COA report revealed that these personnel had almost similar job descriptions and accomplishment reports during the past year which are believed to be bogus.

Meanwhile, there was also a Facebook report about troops of the airforce being compelled to use their personal social media accounts to support the regime’s propaganda.

The report alleged that soldiers are forced to share all statements and news issued by the PAF and then record whether they have posted these using Google forms. There is an official assigned to ensure the compliance of the soldiers. Those who fail to comply are either fined or given disciplinary action. The report exposed that all PAF officials are required to log their names and serial numbers in an online form, as well as screenshots, to prove that they “liked” the statements their officers.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/soldiers-and-employees-as-trolls/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Tribute and farewell to 3 people’s heroes

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Tribute and farewell to 3 people’s heroes

The Filipino people paid tribute to three heroes who passed away recently for devoting their life to the people and their excellence in their fields of struggle. The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) extended its sympathies and condolences over the demise of journalist Jaime Espina (Nonoy), cartoonist Leonilo Doloricon (Neil), and mass-leader Carmen Deunida (Nanay Mameng).

Espina passed away last July 7 due to liver cancer. The CPP paid tribute to his invaluable contributions to struggles for press freedom. As a son of Negros, he never kept silent and supported the the struggles of sacadas in sugarcane plantations across the island.

He became chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and actively fought against media repression and state attacks, and for the rights of media workers.

Doloricon passed away on July 15 at the age of 63 due to complications caused by Covid-19. He was among the most prominent cartoonist and painters in the country for producing masterpieces which depict true social conditions. He is considered as one of the pillars of social realism in the Philippines.

Among his most popular artworks are drawings which he contributed to the “Philippine Society and Revolution: Isinalarawan.”

Ka Mameng died at the age of 93 on July 19. She was known for being a fierce leader and founder of urban poor organization Kadamay. Since the Marcos regime, she was an effective leader of the urban poor’s mass struggles. She served as a key mass leader in the campaign leading to the ouster of former president Estrada.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/tribute-and-farewell-to-3-peoples-heroes/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Voracious generals

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

Military and police grip over society was further tightened when Rodrigo Duterte formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Through this agency, retired and active military officers imposed their control even up to the barangay level. This is in line with the “whole-of-nation” approach of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which aims to subsume the civilian bureaucracy under the counterinsurgency framework of the military.

Military and police rule is very evident in the manner of regime’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Duterte’s generals in the NTF-ELCAC merely donned another shirt and composed the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). Instead of appointing doctors and scientists, Duterte named his generals to manage the public health crisis, using shock and awe tactics to fight the pandemic. Similar to suppression of communities branded as territories of the New People’s Army and armed Moros, the movement of the entire population was placed under severe restrictions by the IATF generals.

Despite the ubiquity of checkpoints, and soldiers and policemen brandishing their weapons and displaying their tanks, the virus continues to spread and the Philippines continues to lag behind other countries in terms of Covid-19 response.

Public funds

People are made to carry the burden of satiating Duterte minions. Amid the pandemic, huge funds needed to address the medical needs of the people were instead squandered to feed the monsters.

The AFP and PNP budget ballooned by 27.7% from ₱289 billion in 2017 to almost ₱400 billion this year. During the same period, the health budget decreased by 10.7%. In the national budget for the current year, ₱33 billion was allocated for the procurement of additional weapons and military equipment in the name of AFP “modernization.” Duterte is also seeking for more US military aid and weapons in exchange for renegotiating the Visiting Forces Agreement.

Also due to the increase in uniformed personnel and higher salaries, spending for military pension is also set to increase. This is because, unlike other government employees, soldiers, police and other uniformed personnel do not contribute to their pension fund. Pensions for uniformed retirees come from taxpayers’ money. Their pensions are increased when their salaries are increased during their time of active service.

According to the Government Service Insurance System, its funds will be depleted in 20 years because of the burden of shouldering ₱859 billion pension for uniformed forces annually. Even after negotiations, the AFP and PNP refused to support the law that will mandate them to contribute to their pension. Under the Bayanihan 3, the AFP and PNP even inserted ₱54.6 billion to fund their pensions. This was the second biggest item in the proposed budget.

(This is the last of a two-part article.)

FIRST PART: Satiating the avarice of the dictator’s monsters

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/voracious-generals/

CPP/Ang Bayan: CPP slams “terrorist-tag” on NDFP

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): CPP slams “terrorist-tag” on NDFP

The Communist Party of the Philippines criticized the Anti-Terrorism Council for designating the National Democratic Front of the Philippines as a “terrorist” organization. This declaration was made public on July 19 although it was signed on June 23.

Consequently, the regime ordered the Anti-Money Laundering Council to begin freezing the accounts of individuals, organizations and institutions accused of links to the NDFP. This can possibly affect everyone who extended their support to the NDFP negotiating panel.

It is evident that the designation is a scheme to mount a widespread witchhunt against patriotic, progressive and democratic forces who are fighting Duterte’s attempt to remain in power beyond 2022.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/21/cpp-slams-terrorist-tag-on-ndfp/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Duterte’s anti-people legislative agenda

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Duterte’s anti-people legislative agenda

During the past five years, Rodrigo Duterte along with his minions in Congress pushed for the enactment of several anti-people, anti-democratic and neoliberal laws. By railroading these laws, Duterte was able to bankrupt the economy and bury the people in hardships.

Economic liberalization

In a speech last June 16, Duterte urged Congress to prioritize the passage of four neoliberal laws which seek to allow 100% foreign ownership in economic sectors that are reserved for Filipinos, and to lighten the tax burden of capitalists.

He said he wants the Public Services Act (PSA), Foreign Investment Act (FIA), Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), as well as the third and fourth package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) on his desk for signature “at the earliest possible time.” These measures will liberalize ownership of public lands, natural resources, institutions in the education sector, transportation, mass media, retail trade and investment.

The two CTRP packages, on the other hand, aim to reduce taxes shouldered by capitalists under the pretext of simplifying real estate taxes and capital income, and streamlining investment taxes.

Duterte is expected to once again push these measures in his State of the Nation Address this coming July 26, as well as the passage of amendments to economic provisions of the constitution through the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 2. The FIA and RTLA already hurdled Congress on third reading, while the PSA and RBH No. 2 on second reading.

Earlier in 2018, Duterte enacted the Rice Liberalization Act which paved the way for the influx of imported rice in the local market which ultimately resulted in huge income losses among local rice farmers. In 2020 alone, rice farmers lost about ₱90 billion in income. Anakpawis Partylist reported that a decline in production were recorded in at least 27 provinces due to government neglect and liberalization of the sector. This was while rice prices in the local market increased by up to 31% during the said period.

Oppressive tax increases

The most burdensome policy implemented by Duterte is his tax reform program now directly being shouldered by the people. Since the beginning of his term, he enacted the TRAIN Law which levied additional taxes on consumer goods and petroleum products which resulted in increases in the prices of basic commodities.

At the onset of the pandemic, he levied a 10% increase on oil imports, as well as taxes on small online entrepreneurs. The regime now targets to impose taxes taxes on online services and other food products.

While burdening ordinary people with additional taxes, he cut the income tax of big corporations from 30% to 25% through the second TRAIN law dubbed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or Create Law which was enacted in 2020. The government is expected to lose approximately ₱251 billion in tax revenues during first two years of the law, at a time when the government is in dire need of it. The law also gives corporations several tax incentives.

Anti-democratic policies

Duterte is also notorious for enacting laws to suppress his political rivals along with their businesses. Amid the pandemic in July 2020, Duterte railroaded the Anti-Terrorism Law which violates universal human rights. This primarily targets the regime’s critics.

In May 2020, Duterte pushed his supermajority in Congress to block the application for franchise renewal of ABS-CBN. The network has earned Duterte’s ire which it accused of not airing his presidential campaign ads in 2016. In 2018, Duterte’s also moved to block budget allocations to opposition lawmakers.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/22/dutertes-anti-people-legislative-agenda/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Aksyon-Militar Ginlunsar sang LPC-NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2021): Aksyon-Militar Ginlunsar sang LPC-NPA

JB REGALADO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-CENTRAL NEGROS (LEONARDO PANALIGAN COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULY 22, 2021

Natigayon ang madinalag-on nga aksyon-militar pinaagi sa mga isganan nga pulang hangaway sang Leonardo Panaligan Command – New People’s Army (LPC – NPA). Ini ang sabat sang NPA sa grabe nga pagpanghalit sang mga tropa militar sa idalum sang 62nd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army (IBPA), Philippine National Police kag mga malain nga elemento nga naka-epekto sa panginabuhian sang mga pumuluyo sa sentral nga bahin sang Negros.

Hulyo 21, 2021, alas 10: 00 sang aga ginharass sang mga pulang hangaway ang Sandayao CAA Detatchment nga napahamtang sa Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Sa diin, supog ang mga elemento sang CAFGU kag mga regular nga katapo sang 62nd IB sa pagpangharas sa mga sibilyan tubtob sa pilit nga pagpasurender, pagpamahug, kag pagpamatay sa mga ginasuspekan nga tigsuporta kag ginadudahan nga mga katapo sang NPA.

Subongman ang pagsilot-patay kay Erning Gabatan nga isa ka malain nga elemento sang So. Binil-ewan, Brgy. Calupaan sang Guihulngan, sadtong Hulyo 10, alas 4:00 sang hapon. Si Gabatan ang ginpamatbatan sang silot nga kamatayon bangud sa kaso nga iyang ginapangatubang sa korte sang pumuluyo nga pagsunog sa eskwelahan nga elementarya sa Binil-ewan, pagsunog sa balay tubtob naugdaw o arson, pagpanulis, Double Murder, pagpangharas, pagpanghalit sa mga kasapatan sang iya mga kaingod balay.

Sa pihak nga bahin, mabaskog man nga ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang pagpangharas sa mga sibilyan sang mga teroristang katapo sang 62nd IB kag 16th Scout Ranger Company nga nag-operate sa sakop sang Brgy. Banwage, Guihulngan sadtong alas 11 sa ika-15 sang Hulyo. Gin-istraping kag ginhaboyan sang granada kag naglupok ini sa puluy-an ni Alo Lojanio nga residente sang So. Kapudlusan sang amo nga barangay.

Sa lima ka tuig nga pagpangko sa poder sang Rehimeng US- Duterte, nangin “inutil” ini sa pagsabat sa nagalala nga krisis sang kapigaduhon sang malapad nga pumuluyo sa pungsod Pilipinas. Imbes, tiraniya ang ginpalapnag sini sa bilog katawhan pinaagi sang paglunsar sang todo-gyera batok sa Droga, gyera kontra-terorismo, kag gyera kontra- COVID 19 nga nagresulta lamang sang dalagkong korapsyon sa pundo reaksyunaryong ahensya sang gubyerno kag mga politico, ekstra-hudisyal nga pagpamatay ilabi na sa mga sibilyan, “red-tagging”, kag narcolisting para pahipuson ang mga kasumpong sini kag mga kritiko.

Gane, sa palaabuton kag katapusan nga SONA (State of the Nation Address) ni Duterte dapat sug-alawon sang pag-isa sang pumuluyo tanda sang malaparan nga pagpamatok bangud pipila na ka SONA ang nag-agi puro lamang pagpanginto, pagpatalang, kag kabutigan ang lauman nga nalab-ot sang iya administrasyon.

Ang pag-angkon sa matuod nga kalinong kag kauswagan pinaagi lamang sa paglunsar sang makatarunganon sang gyera nga amo ang pagtib-ong sang armado nga paghimakas

https://cpp.ph/statements/aksyon-militar-ginlunsar-sang-lpc-npa/

CPP/NPS-Sorsogon: Operasyon ng NPA ang naganap sa Sta. Teresita, Bulan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2021): Operasyon ng NPA ang naganap sa Sta. Teresita, Bulan

SAMUEL GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SORSOGON (CELSO MINGUEZ COMMAND)

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULY 22, 2021

Matagumpay ang operasyong isnayp na inilunsad ng NPA kahapon, Hulyo 21, sa checkpoint ng 2nd Police Provincial Mobile Force Company sa Brgy. Sta. Teresita, Bulan. Tinamaan sa hita ang kinilalang si P/Corporal Aaron Cascabel.

Ang naturang operasyon ay bahagi ng pagsisikap ng NPA-Sorsogon na parusahan ang mga armadong pwersa ng teroristang rehimeng US-Duterte na walang humpay na pumapaslang at nanggigipit sa mamamayan ng Sorsogon.

Maaasahan sa mga susunod na araw ang iba pang armadong aksyon ng Pulang hukbo laban sa mga pasistang tropa na naghahasik ng lagim sa probinsya.

https://cpp.ph/statements/operasyon-ng-npa-ang-naganap-sa-sta-teresita-bulan/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: NPA, 15th IB in five back-to-back clashes

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2021): NPA, 15th IB in five back-to-back clashes

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JULY 22, 2021

Armando Sumayang Jr. Command of the New People’s Army (ASJC-NPA) Southwest Negros Front spokesperson Ka Andrea Guerrero confirmed that a unit under the ASJC was in five back-to-back encounters against elements of the 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 302nd Infantry Brigade last July 20, 2021.

It was reported to media last Tuesday by P/Maj. Junji Liba, Candoni Police Chief, that the armed skirmishes started at 5:30 in the morning.

According to Guerrero, the two earlier gunfights occurred in Sitio Guinobatan, the third in Sitio Moromanila both of Barangay Caningay in Candoni, the fourth in Sitio Lunoy and the last at Sitio Catmon, Barangay Agboy around 10:30 A.M. still in the same municipality of Negros Occidental.

“The NPA unit involved reported that five 15th IB soldiers were killed during the first two firefights,” Guerrero said, “and it was confirmed by reliable sources that five bodies were fetched by a Philippine Army vehicle.”

But she added that residents claim of witnessing more casualties from the military troops.

Meanwhile, Ka Juanito Magbanua, Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army Negros Island (AGC-NPA) spokesperson, warned the Philippine Army not to cause harm to civilians.

He noted that after suffering defeat the military usually vents their frustration on farmers living in the areas where they are holding combat operations.

He further called on the military rank-and-file not to follow the orders of their officials who are sacrificing them for promotion and corruption purposes.

LPC-NPA harass CAA detachment

A day after the Candoni clashes, the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) Central Negros Front harassed a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) detachment in Barangay Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental at 10:00 in the morning.

From a statement of Ka JB Regalado, LPC-NPA spokesperson, elements of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and regular soldiers of the 62nd IB based in the said detachment are notorious for harassing civilians up to forcing them to surrender as NPA members, and threatening the lives and actually killing those they suspect as supporters and members of the NPA.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-15th-ib-in-five-back-to-back-clashes/

CPP/IB: CPP: Dismissal of trumped-up charges, an indictment vs AFP/PNP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2021): CPP: Dismissal of trumped-up charges, an indictment vs AFP/PNP

INFORMATION BUREAU

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 22, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said the dismissal and quashing of three separate cases against national minorities is an indictment of the dirty tactics applied by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) against civilians, especially against minority peoples, in the conduct of the regime’s counterinsurgency operations.

CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena said the dismissal of these cases show “that the charges against innocent civilians which led to their killings, arrests and persecution are baseless and cannot stand even before the reactionary courts.”

“This shows how dissenters and people opposed to the regime’s anti-people programs are falsely accused of being members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and subjected to killings and arrests in the regime’s desperate war to silence the people,” said Valbuena.

A Capiz court resolution dated June 15 made public last July 13, voided five search warrants issued by Manila RTC Branch 4 Judge Jose Lorenzo dela Rosa, which were used by the military and police in conducting the simultaneous raids in Calinog and Capiz provinces last December 30, 2020 which resulted in the killing of 9 and arrest of 16 Tumandok leaders and activists opposed to the Jalaur Dam project.

Lawyer Angelo Karlo “AK” Guillen, who represented the Tumandoks, confirmed that three of those arrested, Caro Catamin, Aguirre Catamin, and Rollen Catamin were freed on July 8. While the two others were earlier released on bail.

A week later, a court in Tagum City, Davao del Norte cleared and dismissed the murder charges against known Igorot leader Windel Bolinget, and five others. They were baselessly accused of involvement in a supposed ambush operation of the New People’s Army in Kapalong, Davao del Norte last March 2018.

Bolinget is the chairperson of the Cordillera People’s Alliance and was threatened with a shoot-to-kill order if he resisted arrest. He was also included by Department of Justice (DOJ) among the 656 people that the Duterte government had wanted to declare as terrorists through a proscription case filed in February 2018.

Meanwhile, the two Aetas from Zambales charged with violation of the Anti-Terorrism Law were freed after the cases were dismissed for lack of evidence.

Valbuena congratulated the lawyers of the victims for successfully defending their clients before the courts. He pointed out, however, that “all the military and police personnel and their superior officers behind the killings, unjust arrest and torture of innocent civilians must be held accountable for their crimes and wrongdoing.”

Valbuena said the NPA will continue to do everything to exact justice for the victims by identifying and meting out just punishment against the perpetrators of the killings of innocent civilians.

“These court victories are important and must be celebrated,” Valbuena pointed out. “However, these comprise a very small part of the Duterte regime’s overall campaign of suppression and dirty counterinsurgency war.”

“Under the direction of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the AFP and PNP relentlessly red-tag, harass and force civilians to submit themselves to the military and police,” he added.

Valbuena also called for the immediate release of 713 political prisoners, 487 of whom were arrested over the past five years under the Duterte regime.

https://cpp.ph/statements/cpp-dismissal-of-trumped-up-charges-an-indictment-vs-afp-pnp/

CPP/IB: Duterte’s theatrics can’t cover-up his treachery—CPP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2021): Duterte’s theatrics can’t cover-up his treachery—CPP

INFORMATION BUREAU

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 22, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday dismissed the hype of a Chinese naval ship moving out of Philippine waters after being called out by a Philippine Coast Guard ship last July 13. In a recorded message, Duterte pointed out to the event to make it appear that China is being friendly and respecting the country’s territorial waters.

CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena said Duterte was “making a big drama” of the incident. It is likely a “script” that Duterte and China came up with “to obscure a bit Duterte’s image of a Chinese stooge.”

The Coast Guard reported that its vessel BRP Cabra drove away Chinese warship 189 from an area some 147 nautical miles off El Nido, Palawan.

Valbuena said playing-up the incident “intends to downplay international news reports of Filipino fishermen from Masinloc being prevented from fishing in the Scarborough Shoals (Bajo de Masinloc).”

Fishermen from Masinloc, Zambales told the BBC News that they are being driven out of their traditional fishing grounds in the Scarborough Shoals. As a result, their catch decreased by 70% because the government refuses to stand up to Chinese incursions. Last week, Malacañang dismissed the news reports and downplayed the Masinloc fishermen’s claims.

Valbuena added that by playing up the incident, Duterte aims to cover up the fact that at least 200 Chinese sea vessels continue to swarm Philippine exclusive waters. “What is driving away one naval ship, when hundreds of militia vessels and commercial fishing boats remain in the Philippine EEZ?”

Earlier this month, US-based geospatial firm Simularity also reported that Chinese ships are dumping human waste on Philippine reefs causing environmental harm.

“What does the work of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy amount to when Duterte continues to bow to China, which refuses to respect the internationally recognized Philippine territorial waters under the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS),” Valbuena said.

Last week, China renounced as a piece of “waste paper” the 2016 decision of the International Arbitral Tribunal (IAT) which set dismissed China’s 9-dash claims and recognized the marine features and islands within the Philippine EEZ and extended continental shelf. The IAT also recognized the Scarborough Shoals as a shared resource and traditional fishing grounds which no country can claim exclusive rights over.

In the past five years, the erosion of the country’s national sovereignty is unprecedented. Under Duterte, China has been allowed to encroach on the Philippines’ territorial waters, build artificial islands to establish and expand its military facilities and claim the surrounding waters and its resources.

https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-theatrics-cant-cover-up-his-treachery-cpp/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Magkakasunod na kasinungalingan ng 9th IDPA at RTF-ELCAC sa Camarines Sur at Masbate

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 21, 2021): Magkakasunod na kasinungalingan ng 9th IDPA at RTF-ELCAC sa Camarines Sur at Masbate

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 21, 2021

Iwinawasiwas ng 9th IDPA at Regional Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) sa mga balita ng Bombo Radyo ang kainutilan ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa pagharap sa armadong pag-aaklas ng mamamayan. Nitong mga nagdaang araw, walang pag-aatubiling ilinabas ng 9th IDPA ang mga pekeng balita ng engkwentro sa Bongalon, Sagñay, Camarines Sur at pagsurender ng 18 kabataang menor de edad mula sa ilang baranggay ng Aroroy, Masbate.

Muli, mga sibilyang magsasaka ang kanilang mga naging biktima may maipaghambog lamang sa madlang bayan. Walang naganap na labanan sa pagitan ng BHB-Camarines Sur at anumang pwersa ng mersenaryong hukbo. Recycled na mga armas na nailibot na sa buong rehiyon para sa kanilang mga photo operations ang ibinabandera ng 83rd IBPA. Tulad ng kanilang ginawa sa Anas, Masbate, props sa entablado ang pagturing nila sa dalawang sibilyang kanilang pinaslang para makumpleto ang nilulubid nilang kwento ng ekwentro sa Sangay. Kasuklam-suklam na maging mga bata at kabataan ay hindi ligtas sa kampanyang saywar ng RTF-ELCAC sa rehiyon. Malinaw at mahigpit na ipinatutupad ng BHB-Bikol ang patakaran sa pagrerekluta ng 18 taon pataas ng mga mandirigma para sa Pulang Hukbo. Ang mga batang ihinarap ng 22nd IB sa Aroroy ay hindi mga kasapi ng Jose Rapsing Command-BHB Masbate at pawang mga sibilyang kabataang sapilitang ipinaloob sa programa ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Habang papalapit ang pagtatapos ng termino ni Duterte at ang kanyang State of the Nation Address (SONA), pinabangis ang pananagasa ng pasismong terorismo sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Habang nagsisimulang magbangayan at maghanayan ang mga pulitiko sa kanilang paghahanda para sa eleksyong 2022, gumegewang ang super majority ng pangkating Duterte. Ilinalagay nito sa alanganing pusisyon ng juntang militar sa bansa. Hindi bibitiw sa poder ang lasing sa kapangyarihang berdugong pangkatin na kinakalinga at ipinagtatanggol ni Duterte. Isasakripisyo nila ang buhay at kagalingan ng daang milyong Pilipino para mangunyapit sa poder.

Batid ng mamamayang Pilipino at Bikolano na hindi na sasapat ang kanilang pagkamuhi sa pang-aabuso at kabangisan ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Ang liwanag at pag-asang ihinahatid ng pagrerebolusyon ang nagpapatatag sa mamamayang panghawakan ang armadong pakikibaka para ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili at pandayin ang isang bukas na masang inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan ang magtatakda ng kasaysayan.

Hinahamon ng NDF-Bikol ang mga kagawad sa midya, laluna na ang Bombo Radyo, na bigyang daluyan ang perspektiba ng mamamayang Bikolanong anakpawis na nakararanas ng pinakamatinding bigwas ng pasistang terorismo ng estado. Nananawagan din ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng Bikolanong manindigan laban sa paglaganap ng kabangisan sa rehiyon, tipunin ang kanilang lakas at ituon ang bigwas nito sa kanilang pangunahing kaaway-ang RTF-ELCAC at rehimeng US-Duterte.

Nasa satuyang kamot an pag-abot kan liwanag asin katrangkiluhan!
Magkasararo, labanan an panwawaras kan kadikluman kan RTF-ELCAC!

https://cpp.ph/statements/magkakasunod-na-kasinungalingan-ng-9th-idpa-at-rtf-elcac-sa-camarines-sur-at-masbate/

4 Mindoro farmers arrested for alleged violation of anti-terror law

From Rappler (Jul 22, 2021): 4 Mindoro farmers arrested for alleged violation of anti-terror law (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

Karapatan reports the arrests days after the court victory of two Aetas against the anti-terror law in Zambales

Days after the court victory of Aetas in Zambales over the anti-terror law, a rights group reported on Thursday, July 22, that four farmers were arrested by the military in Occidental Mindoro for alleged violation of the controversial law.

According to the Facebook post of the 76th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, it arrested on July 19, Miguel Manguera, Fe Mariñas, Allen Mariñas, and Sherlito Casidsid for allegedly helping the members of the New People’s Army. The four farmers were arrested in Sitio Buscad, Barangay Tuban in Sablayan town.

76th Infantry Victrix Battalion

Kulong ang apat na sibilyang nagkupkop sa mga komunista-terroristang grupo sa Sitio Buscad, Brgy Tuban, Sablayan

Four civilians who collided with communist-terrorist groups in Sitio Buscad, Brgy Tuban, Sablayan are jailed

MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro - Four residents of Sitio Buscad, Brgy Tuban, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro were imprisoned after it was confirmed that the communist-terrorist groups led by Antonio Baculo alias Floro were in their shelter before the incident took place on 5 of July current year.

It will be remembered that there was an encounter between the armed groups and the combined forces of the police and the army after the information from a ′′ concerned citizen ′′ was confirmed in Sitio Buscad, Brgy Tuban, Sablayan with NPA presence in their place on 5 in July that resulted in the exchange of pistol and death of their fellow Amasona Queenie Loricel Daraman, 21 years old, student from Dasmariňas, Cavite.

The arrested Miguel Domingo Manguera and Fe Serna Mariňas were identified in the case of violating RA 10591, RA 9516 and ANTI-TERROR LAW (Section 12 and 14) after a homemade shotgun was captured in inside their house and a (1) Anti-Personnel Mine attached to the fence of their residence protection allegedly to the armies that left them. Sherlito Casidsid and Allen Delafuente are also included in the arrest and case of violating PD 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) and ANTI-TERROR LAW (Section 12 & 14). These cases were filed in the Regional Trial Court, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro with criminal case number R-6545 and R-10960 on July 7 current year.

According to Lieutenant Col. Welcome R Hindang Jr. leader of the 76th Infantry Battalion, the enforcement of the Anti-Terror Law is choosing no state in life. ′′ Supporting NPAs does nothing good, it only brings fear and chaos to your places and you will be held accountable to the law whoever proves. May this event be an example so that the support mass will be completely cut off and the armed movement will feel that they have no space in the province ′′

With the arrival of one hundred (100) soldiers as an additional force in responding to our President's call to end the insurmency, condemning our citizens and economy, the tasks like the focused military operation against CPP-NPA will be intensified even more of Community Support Program (CSP) partner with various Municipal and Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict

The call for the remaining members of CPP-NPA continues to return to the government and take advantage of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) program.

Those arrested in MPS Sablayan are currently in jail while their case is already served at the Provincial Prosecutors Office, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#AntiTerrorLaw

In a Facebook post, rights group Karapatan Timog Katagalugan said the arrested farmers were innocent. The rights group added that the arrest was the first anti-terror law case filed in Southern Luzon.

Manguera and Fe Mariñas were facing complaints of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and the anti-terror law, after the authorities allegedly recovered a shotgun and an anti-personnel mine in their house.

Meanwhile, Casidsid and Allen Mariñas were arrested for obstruction of justice and anti-terror law, according to the military. The cases were filed at the San Jose, Occidental Mindoro Regional Trial Court (RTC) with criminal case numbers R-6545 and R-10960 on July 7.

On July 21, the Olongapo RTC junked the first known anti-terror law case against Aetas Japer Gurung and Junior Ramos and said that it was a case of mistaken identities.

Gesmundo: SC ruling on anti-terror law petitions 'hopefully within 2021'

The Supreme Court, which facilitated all 37 petitions against the anti-terror law, said it has yet to release its decision on the constitutionality of the said contested law. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said the SC hopes to release a resolution within the year.

Meanwhile, the petitioners against the controversial law urged the Supreme Court to speed up its decision “before tragic consequences befall them.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindoro-farmers-arrested-alleged-violation-anti-terror-law

Church leaders to gov’t: Withdraw designation of NDFP as terrorist group

From MindaNews (Jul 22, 2021): Church leaders to gov’t: Withdraw designation of NDFP as terrorist group

National Democratic Front of the Philippines senior adviser Luis Jalandoni speaks in a press conference during the 48th founding anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines in the hinterland village of Lumiad in Paquibato District in Davao City on Monday, December 26, 2016. Beside Jalandoni is NDF consultant Porferio Tuna. Mindanews Photo

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) on Wednesday called on the government to rescind the designation of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as a terrorist organization.

In a statement signed by Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma and other church leaders, PEPP said the designation by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) of the NDFP as a terrorist group “closes the door to what is truly called for: a peaceful resolution of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and NDFP conflict.”

“Sadly, with this action the ATC buried 29 years of laborious and painstaking agreements and gradual steps toward peace. The government seems to be ignoring that peace is a sacred right of all people and guaranteed as a fundamental duty of the state,” the statement said.

PEPP said the designation proves that the Anti-terrorism Law “is a huge hurdle to the promise of peace for everyone as it is being used as a weapon in a total war against so-called terrorists.”

The group cited that the case against two Aetas who were charged as terrorists but which was recently dismissed by the court “shows that the terror law can be used to fabricate charges and arbitrarily designate persons and groups.”

It added the designation shows that the government “does not fully recognize that violence will not resolve the conflict, that the most judicious way to address its roots–poverty, landlessness, inequitable access to resources– is to resume the formal peace talks.

It warned the designation and the reliance on “the use of violent means” will only increase the likelihood of more violations in human rights and international and humanitarian law.”

PEPP further warned that the move by the ATC might lead to the designation of groups calling for the resumption of the formal peace talks as terrorists, too.

“It is not far-fetched since they unjustifiably froze the accounts and properties of church ministries like that of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) and the Haran Center of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Davao City, allegedly for supporting terrorist activities.

“This also comes after the ATC designated 19 individuals, including peace consultants, as terrorists a few months ago. The list includes peace consultants Rey Claro Casambre of the Philippine Peace Center and Vicente Ladlad. Their assets were simultaneously frozen by the Anti-Money-Laundering Council (AMLC).

“Mr. Ladlad’s bank account contains the funds awarded by the Human Rights Claims Board while Mr. Casambre’s were savings from his allowances as an NGO worker, various honoraria and gifts from family members. It is not enough that they, and other peace consultants, are languishing in jail right now after trusting the government that they were supposed to be covered by their mutual agreement, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), but their savings cannot be accessed by their families as well,” PEPP said.

“We continue to appeal to both parties to return to the negotiating table. We also call on our people to pray and work for peace and support prospective candidates in the coming elections who are committed to genuine peace,” the statement concluded.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/07/church-leaders-to-govt-withdraw-designation-of-ndfp-as-terrorist-group/

Minor yields war materiel in Maguindanao checkpoint

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): Minor yields war materiel in Maguindanao checkpoint (By Noel Punzalan)

INTERCEPTED. The cache of firearms and other war materiel seized from a boy at a checkpoint in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao on July 19, 2021. The firearms were discovered loaded at the two-wheeled farm trailer pulled by a hand tractor driven by the minor in Barangay Nabundas. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A 13-year-old boy yielded high-powered firearms and other war materials at a military checkpoint in Barangay Nabundas of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in this province, the Army here reported Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the incident occurred Monday but was only relayed to them late Wednesday night.

He said a report from Lt. Colonel Cresencio Sanchez Jr., commanding officer of the1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion (1MIB), said the boy was driving a hand farm tractor with a two-trailer at the back when intercepted at the road in Nabundas village.

“The boy apparently appeared to be jittery, prompting military personnel manning the checkpoint to look into his trailer filled with sacks of palay covered with a tarpaulin," he said.

Found in the boy’s trailer where a cache of firearms and other war materiel that included two M16 rifles, 38 pieces of M16 rifle barrels, six M14 rifle backplates, two M16 butt plates, other parts for M14 and M16 rifles, one unit melding machine, and three pieces of metal clamps.

Uy said the apprehended minor was turned over to village officials who accompanied the boy to the local police station for investigation.

Uy believes that a lawless group has been using the boy to transport their firearms in anticipation that their “transporter” could easily pass through checkpoints considering his young age.

He commended troopers of the 1MIB for the successful checkpoint operation even as he reminded the soldiers to sustain the government campaign against the proliferation of loose firearms.

“Syndicates behind such activity who use minors to smuggle unlicensed firearms must be held accountable,” Uy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147841

NoCot village officials surrender arms to PH Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): NoCot village officials surrender arms to PH Army (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDERED FIREARMS. Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong (right), Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, and Lt. Colonel Rommel Mundala, 90th Infantry Battalion commander (left), inspects the high-powered firearms turned over by five barangay officials of Pikit, North Cotabato on Wednesday (July 21, 2021). Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan (2nd left, back) and another village official look on. (Photo courtesy of 602Bde)

The military’s disarmament drive in the province continues to gain momentum as five local officials here turned over on Wednesday afternoon high-powered war materiel, including a homemade sniper rifle.

Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan led the five village chairpersons in turning over the unlicensed firearms collected from unauthorized persons to Brig. General Roberto Capulong, the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (Bde) commander, during surrender rites at the Pikit town hall.

The surrendered firearms included one M14, one M79 grenade launcher, one rocket-propelled grenade launcher, one .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, and one 60mm mortar tube.

“The absence of loose firearms in our municipality is tantamount to a lesser crime occurrence in the town of Pikit,” Sultan told reporters in an interview here Thursday.

In a separate interview, Capulong said the act demonstrated by the village officials is a clear manifestation of the support of the communities to the military’s disarmament campaign.

“We at the 602Bde only serves as a bridge leading to peace and development in the province,” Capulong said.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) has expressed elation on the gesture of the Pikit local officials.

“This is an effort that we, in the military can’t do alone. We need the initiative of the people and our government counterparts to voluntarily surrender their loose firearms,” he said.

The 6ID covers the province of Maguindanao, and also portions of North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Lanao del Sur provinces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147842

Persona non grata declaration shields IPs from NPA: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): Persona non grata declaration shields IPs from NPA: Army (By Alexander Lopez)

NO TO NPA. Leaders of the Mamanwa tribe from Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte convened last July 16 in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, and declared the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata in their ancestral lands and communities. The Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion welcomed the declaration, saying the move would shield the IP communities from the threats of the NPA rebels. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

The recent move by Mamanwa tribe leaders in Agusan del Norte and parts of Surigao del Norte declaring the communist New People’s Army (NPA) persona non grata would protect the ancestral lands and communities of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the area, the military said Thursday.

“You can protect yourselves as you are protecting your communities. We can join together in protecting the IP communities in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte areas,” Maj. Roger Gervasa, the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion executive officer, said in a statement.

The unit was among the witnesses when leaders of the Mamanwa tribe gathered last July 16 in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte for a convention and the declaration of the NPA rebels as "unacceptable and unwelcome individuals" in their ancestral lands and communities.

Among the options that the IP leaders can take in protecting their communities is for their members to join the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliaries (CAA), the statement read.

“We have quota for our CAAs. In this way, you can protect yourselves aside from rejecting the NPA and pushing them out of your area by not supporting them,” Gervasa said.

Marlon Bosantog, the regional director of the National Commission on Indigenous People in the Caraga Region, welcomed the declaration made by the tribe.

“The tribe, unified in one voice and organization, can say no to insurgency and prevent the NPA rebels from entering their communities,” Bosantog said.

He also urged the Mamanwa leaders to help the government defeat the insurgency in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte areas.

“Development projects of local government units and line agencies for your communities are hampered by NPA rebels. The solution to end the insurgency is in the hands of the elders of ancestral domains,” Bosantog said.

Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Maria Angelica Amante-Matba said the NPA exploits the tribes' disagreements and disputes.

She added that it is only through unity that the Mamanwa leaders can counter the NPA threats to their communities.

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/1147865

Return of Balangiga bells sparks growth in Eastern Samar town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): Return of Balangiga bells sparks growth in Eastern Samar town (By Sarwell Meniano)

TOURIST ATTRACTION. The three returned bells are displayed outside the church in Balangiga, Eastern Samar. More than two years after the return of Balangiga bells, the town continues to reap the benefits from this historic event, said Fe Campanero, Balangiga tourism officer on Thursday. (July 22, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Emy Calagos)

TACLOBAN CITY – More than two years after the return of Balangiga Bells, the town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar continues to reap the benefits from this historic event.

Tourism-related businesses have popped up, accommodation facilities have been improved while roads leading to upland eco-tourism sites have been paved since 2019, Fe Campanero, Balangiga tourism officer, said in a phone interview Thursday.

“Since the return of bells, our visitor arrivals went up, especially before the pandemic. From just 2,000 visitors in the entire 2017, the number has increased to 100,000 from December 2018 to June 2019 alone,” Campanero told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Since last year, the town has been welcoming up to 300 visitors weekly.

The official said that visitors from different parts of Eastern Samar and Eastern Visayas were eager to see the bells taken by American soldiers in 1901 and kept for 117 years until it was returned to the town in December 2018.

There were several attempts to negotiate for the return of the three looted bells with two displayed at a museum in Fort Russell, Wyoming, USA, and another at a museum in South Korea.

During his State of the Nation Address on July 24, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte demanded the return of the bells as it serves as "reminders of the gallantry and heroism of our forebears who resisted the American colonizers."

"Give us back those Balangiga bells. They are ours. They belong to the Philippines. They are part of our national heritage," Duterte said.

The US government finally agreed to return the bells in August 2018 when US Defense Secretary James Mattis signed an official document agreeing to deliver back the wartime artifacts. The bells arrived in Manila on Dec. 11 that same year.

Duterte witnessed on Dec. 15, 2018 the turnover of the Transfer Certificate of the Balangiga Bells from US Deputy Chief of Mission John Law to Philippine Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. The certificate was then handed over to the local government of Balangiga.

In his speech during the handover, the President said that the return of the bells was made possible due to "several efforts made by both Americans and the Philippines."

For locals, the bells’ return has created a lot of economic opportunities in Balangiga, a fourth-class town in Eastern Samar and home to 14,341 people.

“The return of these bells has sparked development in our town. Owners of our lodging house have invested in improving their facilities, a souvenir shop was set up, and locals have invested in opening coffee shops. It also encouraged investors to open motorcycle shops and a home appliance center in our town,” Campanero added.

In the past, residents have to take a 97-kilometer trip to Tacloban City or a 115-kilometer ride to Borongan City to buy a motorcycle or an appliance.

Between 2018 to 2019, the Department of Agriculture also poured funds to build farm-to-market roads leading to the villages of Sta. Rosa, Cag-olango, Guinmaayohan. These areas are also identified for eco-tourism activities.

In 2018, the tourism department also conducted community guiding training for the Balangiga historical tour stakeholders.

“Aside from these economic gains, the return of bells has also helped locals learn and love local history as well as appreciate our country’s ties with the US government,” Campanero added.

Balangiga town is known for the Balangiga Encounter that happened on Sept. 28, 1901, when residents, led by Valeriano Abanador, initiated an attack against US soldiers.

The villagers killed 54 American soldiers using bolos. It was the biggest defeat of the foreign troops during the Philippine-American war.

In retaliation, the US soldiers attacked the town, killing anyone who could carry firearms, and took the Balangiga bells.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147915

New Army brigade chief in Caraga to boost ties with stakeholders

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): New Army brigade chief in Caraga to boost ties with stakeholders (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW BRIGADE COMMANDER. Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right), commander of 4th Infantry Division, presides over the turnover of command from outgoing 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine (center), to the new commander, Col. Adonis Ariel Orio (left) in Camp Bancasi, Butuan City on July 20, 2021. Orio vowed to further strengthen the partnership of the brigade with other stakeholders to effectively implement the peace and development programs and services of the government to the brigade’s areas of responsibility. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

The newly-installed commander of the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) in Caraga region vowed to further strengthen the brigade’s partnership with local government units (LGUs), line agencies, and other stakeholders to effectively end the local communist armed conflict in its areas of operation (AORs).

Col. Adonis Ariel Orio replaced Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine.

The turnover of command on July 20 was led by Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division.

"It is my hope that 402Bde can still obtain the warm support of the LGUs and stakeholders in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region,” Orio said in his assumption message, quoted in a press statement issued by the 402Bde on July 22.

“I count on your help in implementing Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach towards the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to the regions," he said.

The 402Bde covers the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Butuan City in Caraga, and the province of Misamis Oriental in Region 10 (Northern Mindanao).

He expressed confidence that the 402Bde would chart more significant gains, especially in the delivery of peace and development programs, and services to the people in its areas.

Orio, a native of Cagayan de Oro City and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, will serve as the 34th commander of the 402Bde.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147867

Fate of VFA solely up to PRRD: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): Fate of VFA solely up to PRRD: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (PPD photo)

Only President Rodrigo R. Duterte can decide on the extension or the termination of the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

"Yun VFA, sabi ko kanina, hindi naman namin binabago eh. Meron lang tayong dagdag na dokumento to implement the provisions. Ako naman ay nagtitiwala, I am confident na this will be signed under President Duterte (We did not really change the VFA, we merely added some documents on how to implement the provisions. But I believe, I am confident that this (VFA) will be signed under President Duterte)," Lorenzana said during the pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) virtual presser with the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster, when asked about the status of the pact.

Lorenzana, however, said since the suspension of the pact's abrogation is effective until December this year, he added that they have to wait on the President's decision regarding the matter.

He added that the VFA along with the Mutual Defense Treaty and the West Philippine Sea will be part of the agenda during his meeting with American counterpart Lloyd Austin, who is expected to visit the country by next week.

The VFA lays out the terms and conditions on the entry and visit of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities to the Philippines.

Last June, Duterte extended the suspension of the abrogation of the VFA for another six months.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147845

Terror tag exposes NDF 'wolf in sheep's clothing' nature: DILG

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): Terror tag exposes NDF 'wolf in sheep's clothing' nature: DILG (By Priam Nepomuceno)\

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (File photo)

The designation of the National Democratic Front (NDF) as a terrorist organization exposed its nature as a "wolf in sheep's clothing" as it pushes for peace talks while colluding with communist terrorists in pursuing an armed struggle, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Thursday.

In a statement, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said this will put an end to the false narrative of state enemies that the NDF is a separate entity from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) that can represent and influence them to take the path to peace.

"Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, the NDF has long been posturing as a legal, above-ground organization that had engaged with the government during peace talks while discreetly colluding with the CPP-NPA and other underground mass organizations to sabotage the peace talks from within, plotting to overthrow the Philippine government, and supporting the CPP-NPA’s failed “people’s democratic revolution,” he added.

Año said the ATC's designation of the NDF as a terrorist organization shed light on its true nature.

"The designation exposes the NDF for what it actually is – an integral part and minion of the CPP -- which has been working under its command and leadership to ultimately seize power from the government, through armed struggle and other means, in order to overthrow the government and establish a communist and repressive state in our country," he said.

In Resolution No. 21 dated June 23, the ATC found compelling and sufficient evidence to designate NDF as a terrorist organization for violating the provisions of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) of 2020, specifically: conspiracy to commit terrorism, recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization, and providing material support to terrorists.

“Article IX of the 2016 CPP Constitution shows the command, lead and guidance of the CPP over the NPA, while Article X shows that the NDF (a.k.a. NDF of the Philippines) is the core and the most consolidated group that provides support to the armed and organizational expansion of the CPP-NPA,” the resolution read.

It also said the “direct and indispensable role of the NDF in armed operations“ has been repeatedly confirmed by CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, including the latest when he identified the CPP-NPA as allied organizations of the NDF in his message for the NDF’s 48th anniversary in April.

Sison and his wife, Juliet, the interim chairperson of the NDF negotiating panel, were also previously designated as terrorists.

Año, meanwhile, added that the Anti-Money Laundering Council's (AMLC) move to freeze the NDF's assets will greatly cut their means of obtaining support.

"They (NDF) will now be deprived of financial and logistical support and resources that they can use to finance terrorism, recruit and consolidate their ranks, and launch attacks against the government. Support and financial assistance from institutions and even foreign governments whom they have been duping for many years will also be severed as said groups may now be prosecuted under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 for supporting a terrorist organization,” he said.

In Resolution No. TF-42 dated July 19 signed by executive director Mel George Racela, the AMLC said the freeze order covers property or funds that are owned or controlled by NDF, which is also known as the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP); property or funds that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly by the terrorist group; property or funds derived or generated from NDF funds; and property or funds of persons and entities acting in behalf of the NDF.

Año also called the designation is a significant victory for the national government, local government units (LGUs), civil society, private sector, and other stakeholders who compose the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) and work together in efforts to end communist insurgency in the country.

"As a key member of the NTF ELCAC, the DILG commits to continue to play an active role in this effort with the support of our attached agencies, LGUs, and the entire Filipino people," he added.

Ops vs. Reds-linked individuals legitimate

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar clarified that operations against individuals, including NDF consultants and personalities with links to the CPP-NPA are legitimate and have a basis.

He made the assurance dismissing the NDF’s warning that attacks against their members and government dissenters would continue following the group's designation as a terrorist organization by the ATC.

“I would like to point out that our operations are not against activists or critics of the administration, but against persons who have committed crimes and those responsible for atrocities as part of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Eleazar said in a statement.

He added that the PNP's targets are personalities who have standing warrants before the courts and those suspected to have committed criminal acts based on validated information and collected evidence.

Eleazar dismissed allegations by the NDF that previous arrests of its consultants and other personalities linked to the CPP-NPA were based on fabricated charges.

“The previous arrests made against a number of NDF consultants were legitimate because of the charges filed against them in various courts. They were released from detention for the peace talks but once negotiations failed, the NDF consultants went into hiding and refused to face the charges filed against them,” he said.

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/1147856

Save youth, gov’t coffer from CTG-linked orgs: groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2021): Save youth, gov’t coffer from CTG-linked orgs: groups (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

NO TO REDS’ PARTY-LISTS. No inclement weather can stop members of the League of Parents of the Philippines and Liga Independencia Pilipinas from denouncing party-list organizations that are identified with communist terrorist groups during a rally in front of the Commission on Elections office in Manila on Thursday (July 22, 2021). They want the poll body to delist the Kabataan and Gabriela party-lists from the May 2022 elections. (Contributed photo)

The cancellation of party-list organizations that are identified with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) will not only save the youth from being recruited into the armed struggle but will also save government funds.

This, according to members of the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) and Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) during a rally in front of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday.

The groups called on the poll body to bar the Kabataan and Gabriela party-lists from joining the May 2022 elections, saying it is about time that it corrects its past mistake by delisting them.

They insisted both are legal fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDF and deceptively lure minors to fight the government.

Kabataan is represented by Sarah Elago while Gabriela has Rep. Arlene Brosas.

In an interview, LLP chair Remy Rosadio said the two party-lists have been violating the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution by advocating citizens to overthrow the government and becoming allies of the CPP, which controls the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

Rosadio said Kabataan and Gabriela have done nothing but to urge youth to overthrow the government, instead of getting them involved in addressing various societal problems.

"Tulungan niyo po kami para mapuksa ang matagal nang panlilinlang ng mga organisasyon na ito para hindi po masayang ang buwis natin. Ang pondong binibigay sa kanila 'di natin alam kung saan napupunta. Nandyan ang pork barrel pero nasaan ang mga programa (Help us to eliminate the long-term deceptions made by these organization so we our taxes won't go to waste. We don't even know how they utilize the government funds. The pork barrel is there but where are the programs)?" Rosadio said, as she urged the Comelec to hasten the decision on the disqualification case against the two party-lists.

She said Comelec should consider that allowing the organizations to prolong their terms in Congress endangers the youth.

"The interest of our children and succeeding generations is at stake. You are duly mandated by the people and the Constitution to perform what is morally correct and legally right. Act according to your conscience and strong political conviction. Be steadfast and resolute in carrying out and performing your task," she said during the rally.

Rosadio insisted the party-lists are being used by CTGs "to penetrate the system with their wrong ideologies" and push their communist agendas.

"The two party-lists have grossly violated the provisions of the 1987 Constitution by advocating violence, the overthrow of the existing government, mockery of existing structures of it, and allegiance and playing stooge to terrorist organization of the CPP-NPA-NDF," she said.

LIPI spokesperson Nolan Tiongco said their group is determined to continue the protests against organizations that are linked with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"Malinaw na malinaw na ginagamit nila ang kabataan para isulong ang komunistang pakikibaka. Kaya nananawagan kami sa Comelec na i-disqualify na ang Kabataan party-list at huwag hayaan na makatakbo sa susunod na eleksyon bilang resulta ng on-campus recruitment ng ating mga kabataan at udyukin na maging mandirigma para sa New People's Army (It is clear to us that they are using our youth to promote communist revolution. We urge the Comelec to disqualify and bar the Kabataan party-list from running in the elections as a result of its on-campus recruitment of students luring them to become combatants for the New People's Army)," 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/1147873