Westmincom commander pays farewell visit to JTF-Tawi-Tawi

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 20, 2021): Westmincom commander pays farewell visit to JTF-Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA. Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), commends the troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Tawi-Tawi for their accomplishments in the anti-terrorism campaign during his farewell visit Wednesday, August 18. A photo handout shows Vinluan, who is retiring next week, share light moments with Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali as he also pays an exit visit to the governor. (SunStar Zamboanga)

LIEUTENANT General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), has commended the troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Tawi-Tawi for their accomplishments in the anti-terrorism campaign.

Vinluan made the commendation during his talk to the troops when he paid a farewell visit Wednesday, August 18, to the JTF-Tawi-Tawi and 2nd Marine Brigade a week prior to his retirement from the military service.

The most notable accomplishments of the JTF-Tawi-Tawi was the rescue of Malaysian hostages following a clash that resulted in the death of Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf leader Majan Sahidjuan alias Apo Mike in March this year in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

"Let us sustain the momentum, remain steadfast in accomplishing our mission, and continue to establish a good relationship with our partners, stakeholders, and the communities so as to win their popular support to all our endeavors, for it is better to win peace without a single bloodshed," Vinluan told the troops.

On his arrival Wednesday, August 18, Vinluan was welcomed with Foyer Honors rendered by the Marine troops led Colonel Romeo Racadio, JTF Tawi-Tawi commander, at Toong Hall of the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters, Sanga-Sanga village, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Vinluan also paid an exit call to Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali at the Provincial Capitol.

Vinluan expressed his gratitude to Sali for his unwavering support to the Westmincom's thrust.

Likewise, Sali thanked Vinluan for all the assistance extended by the command to the province of Tawi-Tawi particularly in ensuring the safety and security of the people.

Also present during the short meeting were the local chief executives of all the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi.

They also expressed their appreciation to Vinluan, who is set to retire next week

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1904708/Zamboanga/Local-News/Westmincom-commander-pays-farewell-visit-to-JTF-Tawi-Tawi

Two ASG members shot dead in planned kidnapping for ransom

Posted to the Borneo Bulletin (Aug 21, 2021): Two ASG members shot dead in planned kidnapping for ransom

SANDAKAN (BERNAMA) – The two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members shot dead at an oil palm plantation in Pulau Timbang yesterday had planned to kidnap oil palm plantation owners for ransom, according to Sabah Police Commissioner Hazani Ghazali.

He said the group’s kidnapping for ransom plan (KFR) was revealed by an ASG sub-leader Sansibar Bencio, who was arrested at Taman Sri Arjuna, Beaufort in May, during an investigation.

“Today’s operation was launched after Bencio revealed that he had instructed the two members to kidnap two oil palm plantation owners residing in Sandakan and Sukau (Kinabatangan) for ransom.

“This was to fund the ASG eastern Sulu base at the Bud Bawis Complex in Panamao, Sulu, in Southern Philippines,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Hazani said the militants, identified as Rakim Landasan and Alnasir Landasan, in their 30s, were shot dead at about 5am during a shoot-out with security forces at the plantation.

A pistol and a machete were found on the dead terrorists, he said.

Hazani said the operation followed the raid on the plantation two days ago, which saw the arrest of 11 men, seven of whom were ASG members.

He said the operation was made possible with assistance from the police force, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), among others.

Without revealing further details, he said the police have obtained information on where the remnants of the ASG might be hiding in the state and would be tracking them down soon.

“I want to stress that Sabah is not a safe haven for the ASG. I want to get rid of that perception. We (police) will not stop at tracking them down,” he said.

Hazani also warned employers, including oil palm plantation owners and construction managers, to ensure their workers had valid documentation to avoid the employment of terrorists.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/two-asg-members-shot-dead-in-planned-kidnapping-for-ransom/

Two suspected Abu Sayyaf militants shot dead in Sandakan

Posted to The Star (Aug 20, 2021): Two suspected Abu Sayyaf militants shot dead in Sandakan (By STEPHANIE LEE)

KOTA KINABALU: Two suspected Abu Sayyaf members were shot dead after they slipped into Sabah's Sandakan district, believed to be in preparation to kidnap estate owners in the area.

The duo, however, have yet to be identified following the 5am shootout with police on Friday (Aug 20) at the Bornhill Palm Oil Estate at Pulau Timbang.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said prior to the incident, security forces nabbed seven Abu Sayyaf members during a special operation between 2am and 4am on Wednesday (Aug 18) to track remaining militants at the area.

"The earlier operation saw security forces arrest 25 suspected undocumented migrants, comprising 11 Filipinos and 14 Indonesians," he said.

Comm Hazani said a further probe revealed that seven out of the 11 Filipinos were Abu Sayyaf members, while eight Indonesians were later released after their employers produced their work passes to the authorities.

They also found that there were other Abu Sayyaf members who managed to flee the first round of arrests, prompting a manhunt for them Thursday (Aug 19).

He said during the manhunt, their troops heard noises at an abandoned estate and gave a warning for those in hiding to surrender.

"However, gunshots were fired in response and that is why our men had to retaliate," Hazani said.

He said the shootout lasted for about three minutes. They later found two unidentified men had been shot dead.

"None of our men was injured," he said, adding that the suspects were in the area to plan for the abduction of two estate owners in Sandakan and Sukau areas.

Comm Hazani said they are believed to be seeking ransom to fund militant activities for eastern Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf members at Bud Bawis, Panamao.

He said the special operation was conducted as a follow-up from a previous operation at a mangrove area near Taman Sri Arjuna in Beaufort district on May 8, where eight suspected Abu Sayyaf members were nabbed.

Five others were shot dead in another crackdown at the same area on May 17.

He said police believe there are other escaped militants in the area and a manhunt for them is ongoing.

He also revealed that information about militants hiding in Sandakan and other parts of Sabah came from one of the suspects nabbed in the earlier raids in Beaufort.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/20/cops-shoot-two-men-believed-to-be-abu-sayyaf-in-sandakan

Kalinaw News: 48th Infantry Battalion Facilitated the Conduct of Terrorist Financing Awareness with Small Scale Miners of Mabini and Pantukan Davao de Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 20, 2021): 48th Infantry Battalion Facilitated the Conduct of Terrorist Financing Awareness with Small Scale Miners of Mabini and Pantukan Davao de Oro (By Eunica Estrobello)



Pantukan Davao de Oro – The 48th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt Col Enrique Rafael facilitate the conduct of a dialogue with the Small Scale Miners of Mabini and Pantukan Davao de Oro with NICA Region XI and 1001st Brigade at a Function Room in Brgy Kingking, Pantukan Davao de Oro on 11 August 2021.

The activity aims to provide information awareness to the miners of Pantukan on the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, EO Nr 70, or the NTF ELCAC. The attendees were briefed on the salient points of the provisions under The Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 which highlights the crimes that may be committed by those who are supporting and financing CPP/NPA/NDF which are declared terrorists

Speakers from NICA Region XI, RD Evarly Tajanlangit and NICA ORD Region XI, DRD Hernie Mabalo were the ones who presented and elaborated the salient points of the said provisions. Mr Elie Sanchez, President of Small Scale Miners in Pantukan shared his experience on how he was extorted by the CPP/NPA/NDF.

DRD Mabalo added that any person, groups, or organization financing directly or indirectly to the CPP/NPA/NDF shall be dealt with in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

“We ask your group not to give in to the demands of the NPAs and report those who are providing any form of support, may it be materiel or financial support. Let us work together to stop terrorism and to end local armed conflict for the betterment of the people of Davao de Oro.” Lt Col Rafael, said.

The initiative was one of the thrusts of the Guardian Battalion in order to enlist the support of the miners n ending local armed conflict in the municipalities of Mabini and Pantukan Davao de Oro.

[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/48th-infantry-battalion-facilitated-the-conduct-of-terrorist-financing-awareness-with-small-scale-miners-of-mabini-and-pantukan-davao-de-oro/

China uses flares to ward off PH planes patrolling West PH Sea – AFP

From Rappler (Aug 20, 2021): China uses flares to ward off PH planes patrolling West PH Sea – AFP (JAIRO BOLLEDO)

China also challenges Philippine assets in the area by using radio communication, says a military officer from the AFP Western Command

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) raised another cause of concern in the the West Philippine Sea, reporting that China now uses flares to ward off Philippine military assets patrolling the area.

In 2021 alone, the AFP Western Command (Westcom), which oversees the West Philippine Sea, recorded a total of five incidents where China fired pyrotechnic signals at Philippine military planes conducting routine patrols.

The data was shared by Lieutenant Colonel Bill Pasia of the Westcom during a webinar on Friday, August 20.

According to Pasia, the flares were fired from Chinese outposts built in these reefs:

(Once) Chigua (McKennan), June 16
(Twice) Calderon (Cuarteron), June 22
(Once) Burgos (Gaven), June 22
(Once) Mabini (Johnson), June 22

The military officer said that the main challenge now for the military was China’s increasing assertiveness. Pasia added that the growing number of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters was also one of the military’s concerns as of today.

“The issues encountered in the Westcom’s AOR (area of responsibility) has shifted from China’s expansion activities and fortification of footholds to addressing the challenges brought about by the proliferation of Chinese militia vessels in the Kalayaan Island Group, which are occasionally complemented by Chinese Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army navy vessels,” read Pasia’s presentation.

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At least 3 Chinese vessels spotted in West PH Sea in August – US expert

In 2021 alone, Philippine authorities recorded hundreds of Chinese vessels lingering in different parts of the West Philippine Sea. Last week, at least three Chinese vessels were spotted in Philippine waters by a United States-based expert.

The lingering ships have become a cause of concern because maritime experts noted that one of China’s strategies in occupying features was through swarming a certain feature with hundreds of its vessels. 

(READ: China claims territories without fighting, thanks to its maritime militia)

Additional concerns

Aside from firing of flares, Pasia said China has been strategically placing its outposts in Spratlys to form a strong position in the waters.

At present, China has built outposts in Panganiban (Mischief), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), and Zamora (Subi) – these reefs are all located within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Pasia warned about these outposts because it “can create a strategic dominating triangle independent of each other in terms of future military activities.”

Aside from flares and outposts, the military officer said that China has been using radio communication to challenge Philippine assets in the West Philippine Sea.

“As part of China’s assertiveness, while we are patrolling the West Philippine Sea, our ISR ( intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance) team has been consistently receiving radio challenges from Chinese navy or reefs during routine flight patrols,” Pasia said.

As of August 2021, there have been 218 radio challenges issued by China against Philippine military assets in the area, according to Pasia.

The radio challenges were recorded in the following areas:

Ayungin - 21 times
Burgos - 32 times
Calderon - 4 times
Julian Felipe - 16 times
Kagitingan - 29 times
Mabini - 4 times
Mckennan - 23 times
Pag-asa - 14 times
Panata - 4 times
Panganiban - 34 times
Roxas - 4 times
Sincowe East - 5 times
Zamora - 28 times

https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-says-china-uses-flares-philippine-planes-patrolling-west-sea

2 rebels, soldier killed in Silay clash

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 20, 2021): 2 rebels, soldier killed in Silay clash (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A checkpoint was established by the police in Brgy. Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, following an encounter between suspected NPA rebels and 79IB soldiers in Brgy. Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, yesterday* PNP photo

Two suspected New People’s Army rebels and an Army soldier died in an encounter at Hacienda Remunda in Brgy. Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, 79th Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations officer, said the 79IB soldiers had responded to reports of hacienda residents about the reported extortion and recruitment activities of communist rebels in their community that led to the clash.

Camua said the gunbattle lasted for about 35 minutes, then some 10 rebels scampered to various directions and left their slain comrade, whose identity has not been established, as of this time.

He said an M16 Armalite rifle, a backpack and a poncho were also recovered by 79IB soldiers at the encounter site during the clearing operations.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that follow-up operations of the 79IB also led to the discovery of the cadaver of a suspected NPA amazon, believed to be in her late 20s, about 500 meters away from the encounter site.

Pasaporte said they are still validating reports that the slain amazon served as political officer of the NPA. Her identity has not been established yet.

The 79th IB, in a Facebook post last night, said it “honors the bravery and heroism of Private First Class Christopher Alada, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the people of Hacienda Raymunda, Brgy. Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, against the CPP-NPA terrorists”.

The Masaligan troopers expressed their condolences to the bereaved family of Alada. “We honor his sacrifice, bravery, and heroism”.

Camua said the soldier was declared dead on arrival at a private hospital in Bacolod City.

The Silay City police, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and PNP Special Action Force are augmenting the 79IB in the conduct of checkpoints and clearing operations.

The rebels encountered by the 79IB are believed to be remnants of the Northern Negros Front that was declared dismantled by the AFP Central Command early this year, and are now recruiting new members.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/2-rebels-soldier-killed-in-silay-clash/

Army's 102Bde lays hero CAA to rest

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20, 2021): Army's 102Bde lays hero CAA to rest (By 102IB, Philippine Army)

IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, Aug. 19 (PIA) - The Army's 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade laid hero CAFGU Active Auxiliary to rest in Sitio Mati, Barangay Titik, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, Tuesday, August 18, 2021.

CAA Amir Singcuan, 26 years old was wounded in an encounter against the Guerilla Front - BBC in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte last August 10.

He is considered a hero by his community for his meritorious and dedicated service as one of their protectors against the Communist Terrorist Group.

Singcuan has been part of numerous firefight against the CTG and has also been wounded in 2020. Despite that, he continued to join our regular forces in several operations.

"We are saddened by the sudden demise of CAA Singcuan who has demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication to his duty," said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade.

The dependents of CAA Singcuan will receive scholarship grants from the AFP Education Benefits System Office, a total of PhP500,000 cash benefits and house and lot.

"We honor his ultimate sacrifice for the peace in Zamboanga Peninsula and we will ensure that his death will not be in vain," Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

During his interment, the combined troops of 97IB and 42IB engaged the same group, GF-BBC, in a 30-minute firefight at Brgy Bagumbayan, Sergio Osmena Sr, Zamboanga del Norte. (EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from 102nd Infantry Brigade )

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/20/armys-102bde-lays-hero-caa-to-rest

Collapse of NPA in Caraga due to surrenders: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): Collapse of NPA in Caraga due to surrenders: PNP (By Alexander Lopez)

As more members of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) in Caraga return to the fold of the law, the rebel stronghold in the region begins to collapse, a ranking police official said Friday.

“The NPA in Caraga is now collapsing and are looming their total destruction, as more of their members realize the deceptions and manipulative schemes of their leaders who recruited them and used them to further their personal agenda,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the director of Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13).

Records from the police regional office showed that from January until July this year, a total of 624 NPA fighters and supporters have surrendered to the different units and police stations in the region.

In the same period, 201 NPA insurgents and supporters also surrendered to PRO-13.

A total of 243 high-powered firearms were also seized and surrendered during the period.

Last Wednesday, members of the Milisya ng Bayan under the Guerrilla Front 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, with aliases Jay-ar, 23; Bodoy, 31; and Richard, 33, in Agusan del Norte, surrendered to authorities.

“The surrender of the three former rebels is due to the relentless anti-insurgency drive of the government with the goal of achieving peaceful and more prosperous communities in the region,” Caramat said.

He said the three wanted to end their violent lives and go back to their families and communities.

“The lies, hardship, and hunger inflicted on these former rebels were the reasons they shunned the NPA movement,” he said.

He urged the remaining insurgents in the region to abandon their false beliefs and doctrines and to return to the fold of the law.

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/1151067

2 pregnant NPA rebels, 7 others yield in MisOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): 2 pregnant NPA rebels, 7 others yield in MisOr (By Nef Luczon)

NEW CHAPTER. Seven-month-old pregnant Marga Lenyel, 23, listens to a speech by Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy (far left), Commander of the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion, Thursday (Aug. 19, 2021) during the ceremonial turnover of firearms and distribution of assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Lenyel was one of the nine former communist rebels who surrendered to the military in Claveria town, Misamis Oriental. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

Some two pregnant communist rebels, along with seven others, surrendered to the military and received assistance on Aug. 19.

Marga Lenyel, seven-month-old pregnant, and Angie Pinaapol, five-month-old pregnant, both aged 23, surrendered to the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) in Claveria town, Bukidnon.

Lenyel said her previous experiences when she was a combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) were "vastly different" from what she is experiencing now that she has returned to the fold of the law.

"We were not taken care of, especially pregnant women (fighters). We traversed the jungles in darkness at night because there were no lights. Even when you asked permission to visit your family, they (higher-ranking NPA officers) will not allow you to do so, that is why some (other fighters) who escaped without informing them," she said in vernacular.

She added that even a simple visit to her first-born child who was then three weeks old was prohibited by her former superiors, and when she was given the opportunity to do so, she has to return immediately. She was able to meet her son when he turned two years old.

During a simple turnover at the headquarters, Lenyel and the eight other former rebels were given livelihood assistance and other government services under the "Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)."

The former rebels also surrendered their firearms and ammunition.

Since all of them were residents of Malitbog town, in Bukidnon province, the local government unit (LGU) provided food packs, PHP5,000 cash aid each, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, among others.

They received PHP10,000 cash aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 10 office.

Col. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of 402nd Infantry Brigade, assured that the two pregnant women will be taken care of with their medical especially when they give birth.

He said the surrenderers were real people, debunking the claims of critics about fabricated or "recycled" surrenders, as they have a stringent process of identification and profiling.

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.

Village for ex-rebels

Meanwhile, Malitbog Mayor Osmundo Dela Rosa said the LGU has always been supportive of former rebels surrendering to the government even before.

He even has planned that about 15 to 20 hectares, out of the 50-hectare total land area of the municipality will be converted into a village for them, where they can live, farm, and with facilities like schools, markets, and government offices.

He said he brought up this plan to Region 10's Peace and Order Council since he became mayor in 2007.

He hoped that with the establishment of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict through Executive Order No. 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, the plan will materialize.

“As a public servant, the Whole-of-Nation Approach plays a crucial role in ending Communist Armed Conflict. This approach, rather than a solely military solution, was thought to be very significant and effective in countering terrorism and violent extremism. This isn't only about putting an end to the insurgency. More crucially, it aspires to achieve inclusive and long-term peace in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities through increased development and other peace-building initiatives," he said.

Noting the overwhelming support of national line agencies and the turnout of a greater number of surrenderers, 58IB's Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy said the military is winning in the insurgency.

"We are winning in our effort to end the local communist armed conflict in Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, and Impasug-ong (all towns in Bukidnon). And we have to let the public know that we are winning," he said.

Maj. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, told former rebels that staying in the armed group would cause more harm than good, and there would be no point in continuing their fight.

“Those who recognize this finally decide to return to the folds of the law and live tranquil lives. Hunger, physical and emotional exhaustion, inequities within ranks, false promises, no future, deprived communication with families, family break-ups, and unfair treatment are just a few of the reasons why more and more NPA fighters are doing this," he said.

He said the steady decline of NPA forces demonstrates the effectiveness of the government's and troops' numerous peace initiatives and efforts to end the insurgency.

"And, as many of our rebel returnees have confirmed, they all receive decent treatment and assistance from the government, not only through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program but also from other local governments and non-governmental organizations," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151033

Eastern Samar villagers urged to help dismantle NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): Eastern Samar villagers urged to help dismantle NPA (By Roel Amazona)

FIGHTING INSURGENTS. Dolores, Eastern Samar Mayor Shonny Niño Carpeso in this undated photo. The local government of Dolores on Thursday (Aug. 19, 2021) urged residents to help end the insurgency following the recent encounter in their town that killed 19 rebels. (Photo courtesy of Sirak Dolores)

The local government of Dolores in Eastern Samar has called on residents to help put an end to the insurgency problem after the recent fierce encounter in their town with 19 New People's Army (NPA) rebels killed.

Mayor Shonny Niño Carpeso said in a statement on Thursday the locals play a very important role in driving out the communist terrorist group from their villages.

“The successful operation of the military is of big help to our town, making our people more alert and conscious on (the) movement of these communist groups and ensure (the) safety of communities,” Carpeso said.

On August 16, government troops launched an intense attack targeting the NPA's lair in a forested area of Osmeña village in Dolores.

The operation destroyed the rebel lair believed to be a bomb-making area of the terrorist group.

The day-long armed confrontation led to the death of 19 NPA fighters and the recovery of several firearms and ammunition.

“These illegal acts of (the) NPA should be stopped to attain peace and order that we have been aiming for our town and for our country,” Carpeso added.

Dolores, which is located 184 km. northeast of Tacloban, the regional capital, is a third-class town in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. It has a population of 44,626 people.

Earlier, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone lauded the military and villagers of Dolores who provided information about the presence of rebel groups near a community.

“Had it not (been) for the close cooperation between the military and the local population, the campaign against the communists would not have been successful. I hope that this kind of close collaboration will continue so that we can attain peace and development in our province and country,” Evardone said in a statement.

The death of 19 armed rebels and recovery of several firearms in Dolores is a “big blow” to the NPA in Eastern Samar, according to the Philippine Army.

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, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151061

Soldier, 2 NPA rebels die in NegOcc clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): Soldier, 2 NPA rebels die in NegOcc clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

DEAD REBEL. The body one of the two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of Silay City, Negros Occidental on Friday (Aug. 20, 2021). A soldier also died during the 10-minute encounter with remnants of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

A soldier of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and two guerrillas of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) died during a clash in Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental on Friday morning.

The report on the fatalities was confirmed by the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) but did not yet name the soldier who was killed in action while the identities of the two communist-terrorists are still undetermined as of press time.

Maj. Cenon Pancito III, 3ID public affairs chief, said the troops engaged about 10 rebels around 6 a.m. in the vicinity of the Hacienda Remunda for about 10 minutes.

“The troops responded to the information provided by residents about the presence of armed men, who were also conducting extortion activities,” he added.

The soldier’s body was brought to this city for funeral arrangements and will be identified after his family has been informed of his death.

On the other hand, the corpses of the two NPA rebels – a male and a female – were endorsed by the troops to the police investigators, Pancito said.

During the scouring operation, the 79IB soldiers also found an M16 rifle along with mobile phones, a backpack, hammocks, and ponchos.

Pancito said although the NPA’s Northern Negros Front has been declared dismantled, its remnants still exist in the area.

The number of their fighters has significantly decreased, but the remaining members have been directed by their national leaders to consolidate their forces to regroup, he added.

“These remnants are being addressed by troops of 79IB so we can put an end to the communist-terrorist in the northern part of Negros Island,” Pancito said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151153

PH Navy shows comms, other capabilities in SEACAT

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): PH Navy shows comms, other capabilities in SEACAT (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office

The Philippine Navy (PN) has successfully demonstrated communications, detection and interoperability capabilities during this year's Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT).

"The exercise scenarios for the PN happened on August 15 and 17, 2021 beginning in the northern seas of Palawan going down along the east coast of Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea," Naval Forces West (NFW) public affairs office chief, Lt. Mark Louwie Ramos said in a statement Thursday night.

Participating PN units included the brand-new missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the patrol craft BRP Nestor Reinoso (PC-380), an AW-109 helicopter, and an Islander aircraft -- all of which are assigned to the NFW.

The scenarios exercised the PN’s air, surface, and ground communication capabilities; established new concepts and framework in a combined/inter-agency C4ISR.

C4ISR stands for Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Also tested were enhanced maritime domain awareness through the integration of PN and Philippine Coast Guard's capabilities on surface tracking, aerial surveillance, coastal radar, and automatic identification system to detect and intercept vessels of interest; and developed interoperability with foreign surveillance aircraft such as the P-8 Poseidon of the US Navy.

"The Philippine Navy achieved its mission to test and enhance its capability and related doctrines on maritime information exchange and convey our commitment to maintaining good rapport and cooperation among regional navies," Ramos said.

The SEACAT, which started last Aug. 10 in Singapore, will formally end on Friday. It was launched by the US Navy and 20 other partner nations, including the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151071

Masbate cops ordered to focus ops vs. Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): Masbate cops ordered to focus ops vs. Reds (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Friday ordered the Police Regional Office in the Bicol Region (PRO 5) to focus on the presence of the communist terrorist New People's Army (NPA) in Masbate, following the recent series of attacks against civilians in the province.

"It is not enough to condemn their acts because harsh words and shame do not have an effect on these groups. I am directing PRO 5 chief, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo to give special attention to the communist terrorists operating in Masbate," Eleazar said in a statement.

Reports said Valiente Mangubat, chairperson of Barangay Villa Inocencio in the town of Placer, and his four companions survived an attack by the NPA terrorists on August 17.

The attack came only a few days after communist terrorists abducted and killed three street vendors in the town of Palanas on Aug 14.

"These acts are unacceptable and we need to put an end to these acts of violence against our fellow Filipinos in Masbate," he added.

On June 6 college football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven also died in an anti-personnel mine attack perpetrated by the communist rebels in Masbate City.

Part of Eleazar’s order is to strengthen the police-community relations in Masbate in order to deny the communist terrorist of its mass support base and eventually clear the entire province of its influence.

Eleazar added that he also placed the entire police forces in Eastern Visayas under high alert after successful military operations killed at least 19 communist rebels in Eastern Samar on Aug. 16.

A separate firefight in Northern Samar also resulted in the death of a policeman and a communist rebel.

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, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151086

Army chief visits 10ID units in remote locations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): Army chief visits 10ID units in remote locations (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army Public Affairs Office

Philippine Army (PA) commander Maj. Gen. Andres Centino visited units of the 10th Infantry Division assigned to remote positions last August 16 and 17 as part of his efforts to raise troop morale.

“The Army is not limited in the confines of its headquarters. The Army is out there in the field. They are in the forward operating bases and patrol bases in the far-flung and conflict-affected areas,” Centino said in a statement Friday.

Since assuming command of the PA, Centino has been visiting troops in remote locations to boost the morale of soldiers, deliver support and reiterate the Army’s thrusts to maximize current operational success.

Centino visited the Gatongon Patrol Base, 89th Infantry Battalion in Davao City; Patong CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA), 67th Infantry Battalion in Davao Oriental; Sambulongan CAA Detachment, 56th Infantry Battalion in Davao del Norte; White Kulaman Patrol Base, 72nd Infantry Battalion in Bukidnon; Advance Command Post of 1002nd Infantry Brigade on North Cotabato; and 701st Brigade in Davao Oriental.

He also reminded the troops to be ahead of the game, learn how to anticipate, act decisively, adjust quickly and maintain focus while keeping in mind that the Army headquarters has their full support.

The 10th Infantry Division has been ensuring peace and progress in the whole Davao Region and various parts of Soccsksargen and Caraga by helping the government in addressing terrorism, insurgency, calamities, and the current pandemic.

“As the country currently faces hurdles in our pursuit of lasting peace and progress, I urge you to sustain excellence amidst these challenges,” Centino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151098

All 50 troops who perished in Sulu C-130 crash identified: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): All 50 troops who perished in Sulu C-130 crash identified: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it has finally identified all of the 50 military personnel who perished in the July 4 crash of the Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft in Patikul, Sulu.

"The AFP in cooperation with the PNP-SOCO (Philippine National Police-Scene of the Crime Operations) have identified all 50 cadavers of military personnel who perished in the ill-fated C-130 crash in Sulu as of August 20," said AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, in a statement.

Among those recently identified were Cpl. Dexter E. Estrada, Cpl. Reynel A. Matundin, Cpl. Gulam H. Ismael, Pfc. Bengie S. Malanog, Pvt. Ian R. Azuelo, Pvt. Erwin M. Canton, Pvt. Mansueto B. Lingatong III, Pvt. Mar Jhun T. Capagngan, and Pvt. Michael C. Dalore from the Philippine Army; and Airman 2nd Class Glen Mar G. Biscocho from the Philippine Air Force.

"The AFP has already transported the remains of the personnel to their hometowns so they can be reunited with their families," Zata said.

He added that the AFP condoles with the families of deceased comrades in this time of grief.

"Rest assured that they will be provided with the necessary support and assistance as well as the benefits due to the soldiers who died in line-of-duty," Zata said.

Aside from the 50 soldiers, three civilians on the ground also died, while 46 military personnel and four civilians were wounded in the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151114

DILG slams Reds' continued use of landmines in E. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 20, 2021): DILG slams Reds' continued use of landmines in E. Samar

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (Presidential photo)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday condemned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for continued manufacture of anti-personnel mines (APM) after government troops raided a bomb-making terrorist camp in an upland village in Dolores, Eastern Samar on Monday.

“Kahit na mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ng batas at ng International Humanitarian Law (IHL), patuloy pa rin ang mga communist terrorist groups (CTGs) sa paggawa ng mga bomba na kikitil sa buhay ng mga tao. Wala talaga silang konsiyensya at walang pakialam kung sino ang mapinsala, sundalo, pulis man o sibilyan, basta makapaghasik ng lagim at maagaw ang kapangyarihan mula sa gobyerno (Despite the prohibition under the law and the IHL, the CTGs continue to manufacturing bombs that kill people. They really have no conscience and they don't care if these cause damage to anyone -- whether a soldier, police officer or civilian -- as long as they continue to sow terror and manage to grab power from the government,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año in a news release.

Año said the CPP-NPA seems to have a short memory and have conveniently forgotten the murder of Far Eastern University player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven who died while biking after the communist terrorists in Masbate detonated an APM in June of this year.

“Tila nakalimutan na agad ng CPP-NPA kung paano nagalit ang publiko sa pagkamatay ng mga Absalon dahil sa kahayupan nila. Kunwari ay humingi pa sila ng tawad sa mga namatayan pero ang totoo ay wala silang budhi dahil tuloy pa rin ang paggawa at paggamit nila ng APM (It seems the CPP-NPA have forgotten about the public outrage caused by the death of the Absalons, which is an effect of their cruelty. They even asked forgiveness from the bereaved family but the truth is they are heartless because they continue to make and use APM),” he said.

The use of landmines is a violation of the Ottawa Convention or the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty signed by 133 states and adapted by 164 state parties, including the Philippines. It prohibits the production, stockpiling, transfer, and use of anti-personnel mines (APMs) which cause serious destruction and indiscriminately harm civilians, including children. The use of landmines is also a violation of Republic Act 9851 which penalizes crimes against the International Humanitarian Law.

Based on reports from the Philippine National Police Regional Office 8 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Año said the Joint Task Force Storm of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) based in Catbalogan City launched ground, air, and sea raids in Barangay Osmeña after getting a tip from locals on an explosives manufacturing site and NPA camp in the area.

He said 19 NPA members died in the day-long encounter while there were no casualties from government forces. Twenty-nine high-powered firearms were also seized from the CTGs during the raid.

“The DILG congratulates the 8th Infantry Division for its successful operation against Communist Terrorists. This operation is a big blow to the terrorism-capacity of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Samar,” he said.

According to the AFP, at least 29 villages in Eastern Samar are still NPA strongholds while at least 45 new villages in the province have already been cleared of communist terrorists.

“The CPP-NPA is fighting a losing battle. Habang may panahon pa ay sumuko na kayo at magbagong-buhay dahil kailan man ay hindi nagwawagi ang karahasan at kasamaan (Surrender now while it is early and start a new life because violence and evil will never win),” Año said.

The DILG chief urged the NPA to grab the chance to reform and lead new lives through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a complete package of assistance to former rebels (FRs).

So far, a total of 6,418 former rebels (FRs) and rebel sympathizers have laid down their arms and availed of E-CLIP. Of this number, 6,164 FRs have each received P15,000 immediate assistance; 3,744 were given P50,000 livelihood assistance; 1,430 have availed of firearms remuneration, and 5,198 have each been granted with P21,000 reintegration through the DILG’s E-CLIP.

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/1151130

CPP/News: 20th IB death squad kills village captain in Las Navas

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2021): 20th IB death squad kills village captain in Las Navas

NEWS STORIES
AUGUST 20, 2021

A village captain in Las Navas, Northern Samar was killed by the death squad of the 20th Infantry Battalion, the National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today reported.

Citing a police spot report, the NDF-EV said that unidentified persons shot and killed Nilo Ogatcho, village chief of Barangay Victory on Thursday, August 19. The victim’s daughter reported the incident to the municipal police.

The NDF-EV condemned the brutal murder, saying that Ogatcho’s killing was the 20th IB’s retaliation against civilians after one of their troops was killed in a tactical offensive by the New People’s Army in the same barangay.

Private First Class John Vincent Bocaboc of the 20th IB was killed in an NPA punitive operation after he mauled a barangay council member in Barangay Macarthur, Las Navas.

Instead of being punished by his military superiors, the soldier was merely transferred to a neighboring barangay.

“The NPA took it upon itself to punish the fascist troops of the AFP. Now, the soldiers have retaliated against ordinary civilians,” the NDF-EV said.

Barangay officials in Las Navas have repeatedly been harassed by military officials in the 20th IB, the NDF-EV added. “Civilian officials are held accountable by the military for their armed encounters with the NPA. They are threatened with the Anti-Terror Law and are forced to participate in their military operations.”#

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/20/20th-ib-death-squad-kills-village-captain-in-las-navas/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: Condemn AFP’s overkill airstrike in Eastern Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2021): Condemn AFP’s overkill airstrike in Eastern Samar

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 20, 2021

The National Democratic Front- Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) today strongly condemns the 13-hour airstrike and combat operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Dolores, Eastern Samar last August 16.

The AFP’s overkill bombing spree is the latest of at least two bombings it conducted in Dolores this year. The AFP previously conducted a 5-hour test fire operation near a dam on farmlands in Sitio Canrumbay, Brgy. Jicontol, during the April harvest season. Helicopters also dropped six bombs on farmlands and destroyed a house in Brgy. Boco in Can-avid, Eastern Samar to stage a fake encounter against the NPA last April.

In its desperation to defeat the NPA in Eastern Visayas, the AFP plays straight out of the US counter-insurgency playbook to implement a scorched earth policy. The 8th Infantry Division-led operation mobilized at least three helicopters, a fighter jet and a drone of the Philippine Air Force, as well as ground troops from the 52nd IB and the 78th IB against a platoon of Red fighters, according to initial reports. The AFP inadvertently admits that despite its fancy war toys, bigger budget and fascist terrorism, it takes everything it has so that it can strike “big blows” against the NPA.

In the midst of the worst public health crisis, unprecedented hunger and poverty, the AFP continues its wanton and indiscriminate bombing of civilian communities, shelling farmlands and destroying their livelihood, harassing the peasant masses and threatening them to surrender. The fascist terrorist US-Duterte regime continues to fund its all-out war against the revolutionary movement, taking no prisoners and blindly targeting anyone in its way, even as the government’s pandemic response remains underfunded, corruption-ridden, and criminally negligent to the people.

The fascist terrorists in the AFP including 8th ID commander Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III are fools to believe that theirs is a strong army. They think that by driving fear into the hearts of the people, their terrorist attacks can end the armed conflict in Eastern Visayas.

But the AFP is innately weak and is fighting a losing war. The AFP is a mercenary army fighting for the cause of fascists, tyrants, warmongers, corrupt politicians and traitorous bureaucrats, to further exploit and oppress the downtrodden Filipino masses. They are only fanning the hatred of millions of who shall rise to fight their fascist terror.

The AFP can never completely defeat the NPA because the NPA continues to be deeply rooted among the masses in Eastern Visayas and is fighting a just war for the people’s democracy and liberation. The AFP’s vicious attacks can at worst cause temporary setbacks to the NPA and the people’s war. They have only drenched the land with the blood of their victims and have made fertile the ground from where legions of revolutionaries shall come forth and continue to wage armed revolution against the fascist regime. With the people seething with rage and thristy for justice, the NPA can only grow stronger.

The NDF-EV enjoins the people to condemn the AFP and the US-Duterte regime’s all-out war against the people. They must overcome all obstacle to resist the regime’s state terror and hold it accountable for its crimes against the people. Duterte and the AFP’s brutal terrorism has left the people no other recourse but to arouse, organize, and mobilize thousands upon thousands to determinedly wage armed revolution and end Duterte’s fascist regime once and for all.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/condemn-afps-overkill-airstrike-in-eastern-samar/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: Disaster survivors in Biliran forced to surrender by 802nd IBde

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2021): Disaster survivors in Biliran forced to surrender by 802nd IBde

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 20, 2021

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today sounded alarm over the surrender campaign led by the 802nd Infantry Brigade against members of a disaster survivors group in Biliran last week.

“The Duterte regime continues its Red-tagging against people’s organizations and progressive party-lists as part of its crackdown against its opponents. The NDF-EV condemns the 802nd IBde, the PNP and the Duterte regime for coercing innocent civilians to surrender,” the NDF-EV said.

The Army brigade recently announced that it is conducting a surrender campaign together with the Philippine National Police under the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) against the Biliran chapter of People Surge, a group of disaster survivors. Previously, the AFP-PNP also illegally arrested and detained the group’s spokesperson in February 2020.

The NDF-EV said that the Duterte regime’s crackdown on people’s organizations underscores its criminal negligence and gross incompetence towards victims of calamities.

The NDF-EV added, “Under the Duterte regime, there is no end to the plight of disaster survivors. In Leyte, fisherfolk communities along the coasts of Tacloban City, Palo and Tanauan have been forced to leave their homes and livelihood to give way to the Tide Embankment Project, one of Duterte’s flagship Build, Build, Build projects, and for the San Jose Airport extension project.

“In Samar and Northern Samar, victims of typhoon Bising were hoodwinked into attending ‘surrender ceremonies’ veiled as relief operations by local government units and the AFP-PNP. They were made to sign papers declaring them as ‘former rebels,’ had their photos taken and then paraded on social media. This is Yolanda twice over.”

The NDF-EV called on the disaster survivors to resist the Duterte regime’s state terror and continue fighting for their rights. “They must congregate in numbers to overcome state repression, and exert all efforts to expose Duterte’s negligence, corruption and fascism.”#

https://cpp.ph/statements/disaster-survivors-in-biliran-forced-to-surrender-by-802nd-ibde/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Day-long aerial strikes and military attacks in Samar, vile face of state terrorism

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2021): Day-long aerial strikes and military attacks in Samar, vile face of state terrorism

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 20, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

At a time when the Filipino people has to beg for ayuda and dies of hunger with their eyes open, it is extremely unacceptable for the military to launch a day-long aerial bombing operations as well as land and sea military onslaught, in Dolores, Eastern Samar. That these murderous military even had the gall to pronounce their incessant and overkill destruction of lives and livelihoods of the Samarenyo masses as a victorious operation is a huge slap in the public’s face. This operation does not differ from the devastation and harm that came to the lives and communities of the masses in Caramoan when forces of the 83rd IBPA, PAF TOG 5 and Joint Task Force Bicolandia shelled and strafed Sityo Gogon, Brgy. Lidong, Caramoan last August 13, 2019. More than 230 families from Caramoan and Garchitorena were forced to evacuate their homes and lost their livelihood.

It is the public’s hard-earned money that the mercenary army wastes away in their destructive wars who victimize no one but the masses who are already downtrodden by crises. In an hour of flight of an average attack helicopter such as an MG-520, the military throws P53,714 away. This is aside from the cost of bullets and bomb warheads, logistical needs and combat pay of the operating troops. In an hour of JTFB’s bombing operations in Lidong, Caramoan, more than P1.5 million was spent. How much more was exhausted in the more than 12-hour aerial attack in Samar? Hundreds of families and frontliners could have benefitted from this much wasted funds.

More than anything else, these attacks that pose utmost harm to the civilian population and countless communities are vile faces of state terrorism. Large-scale military operations on land, air and sea such as these spare no one. There already is an endless list of cases where civilians were affected and harmed by excessive bombing and aerial strafing – from aerial bombings in Ilocos Norte, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Eastern Visayas up to Mindanao.

It is the butcher Duterte’s mark to burn the house down just to kill a mouse. This is the reflection of his desperation to persist until the end, even in the midst of interminable crisis, in his already failed and wasteful counterrevolutionary war. It is certain that because of the ever strengthening and broadening mass struggle and revolutionary movement, Duterte faction’s attacks will also escalate. The masses must prepare for far more worse and destructive attacks and the concurrent worsening of societal conditions. Decisively brave and defeat Duterte’s war against the people. Even the most vicious of bombs and any terror attack of the state will never be able to break the people’s steadfast and decisive struggle for genuine development, societal justice and peace.

https://cpp.ph/statements/day-long-aerial-strikes-and-military-attacks-in-samar-vile-face-of-state-terrorism/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: The people should not beg for ayuda! Overthrow the puppet and torturous US-Duterte regime!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 20, 2021): The people should not beg for ayuda! Overthrow the puppet and torturous US-Duterte regime!

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 20, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

Duterte transformed the country into a society of beggars. Even before the pandemic, the national economy has been plummeting down, local production has been on its knees, livelihoods have been decimated and the masses have been wallowing in total starvation – all due to his perduring adherence to the semicolonial and semifeudal system. His outright puppetry and resistance against a self-reliant economy worsened the masses’ rueful state of dependence on aid and loans.

But Duterte purloined even these from the masses. Despite his gigantic and nonstop loan binges, which the public is expected to pay, the people still need to beg for their government’s petty support. He forces them to plead for aid that is rightfully theirs. Considering that the immensity of destruction that Covid-19 has brought to the country have been directly because of his criminal negligence, militarism and worthlessness.

As the masses flounder in poverty, Duterte and his stooges have the gall to defend the relentless funding of their total war against the people. Instead of heeding the public demand to realign the funds of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to worthier projects and dissolve this senseless fascist machinery, the regime plays the people as fools with their persistent declarations of contrived and misleading data.

According to DILG Sec. Hermogenes Esperon, the amount of funds allocated for the pandemic aid and other solutions under the two Bayanihan Acts and the 2021 budget have already been sizable and adequate. What Esperon conveniently failed to mention is that these were full of inserted funds for fascism and neoliberalism. Also, even this insufficient aid have not been distributed entirely. With the combination of excruciatingly slow execution and open corruption, these laws have just gone and expired with just 69% of its target beneficiaries receiving the intended aid.

It is rightful for the people to wake the ineffectual US-Duterte regime up and demand sufficient and just aid. He has already squandered and wasted not just the public’s money but the Filipino society’s future. But more than this, the Filipino people must unite to end neoliberalism and fight for genuine development of the national economy. Covid-19 is not the first nor will be the last hurdle of the Filipino society. To cease dependence on fleeting dole-outs, it is just to struggle for the strengthening of the economy’s real foundations such as agriculture and national industrialization.

The people can never rely on any reactionary administration to break free from its ruling classes masters’ oppressive design. Only the revolutionary movement upholds the class interest of the people. To end the vagrancy of the Filipino society and to ensure its capacity to stand on its own, now and in the future, the masses must join the people’s democratic revolution and struggle for its victory.

https://cpp.ph/statements/the-people-should-not-beg-for-ayuda-overthrow-the-puppet-and-torturous-us-duterte-regime/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Victim of military persecution paraded as “NPA surrenderer”

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 19, 2021): Victim of military persecution paraded as “NPA surrenderer”

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS (RACHELLE MAE PALANG COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 19, 2021

Recently, the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) in a statement alleged about the “voluntary surrender” of four “ranking New People’s Army members” in Negros Oriental. Among them is a certain “Bong” whom it described as remaining squad leader of Southeast Negros Front.

Upon verification, the Rachelle Mae Palang Command (RMPC) have learned that Bong is not an NPA member, more so a squad leader, but an ordinary farmer residing in Sitio Avocado, Barangay Talalac, Sta. Catalina.

Due to his active involvement for years in the legal peasant movement and human right advocacies against military abuses and militarization, he was red-tagged and included in the military’s liquidation list. He was often depicted in printed propaganda materials propagated by the military, as well as in their pulong-pulong, as an NPA cadre and local Party head. He survived several attempts on his life and tokhang-style raids of his residence. Several trumped-up criminal charges were also filed against him by state agents.

Bong went into hiding in 2017 after the cold-blooded assassination of human rights leader Elisa Badayos. He often accompanied Badayos in meetings, fact-finding missions and other activities to pursue his human rights advocacies.

To frame up a civilian in order to project a “winning image” of a losing “counter-insurgency” campaign is the height of brutality and brazen impunity.

RMPC withheld the name and legal identity of Bong to protect his family.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/victim-of-military-persecution-paraded-as-npa-surrenderer/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Pampulitikang tokhang sa pay-out ng 4Ps sa Mindoro, panibagong krimen ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 19, 2021): Pampulitikang tokhang sa pay-out ng 4Ps sa Mindoro, panibagong krimen ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA

MADAAY GASIC

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-MINDORO (LUCIO DE GUZMAN COMMAND)

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND) NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 19, 2021

Mariing kinukondena ng LDGC-NPA-Mindoro at ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isla ang dalawang insidente ng pampulitikang tokhang sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps at GIDA na naganap sa panahon ng pay-out ng nasabing mga programa.

Pinaslang si Salvador “Badoy” Dela Cruz noong Hulyo 29, alas-2 ng hapon sa So. Kawit, Brgy. Poblacion, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro ng mga elemento ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA. Lulan ng motor si Dela Cruz at ang isa niya pang kasama galing sa payout ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program o 4Ps nang harangan sila ng mga nakabonet na armadong kalalakihan. Pinababa ang dalawa sa kanilang motor at pinatakbo ang kasama ni Badoy para ‘hindi na madamay’. Ilang segundo lamang ay pinagbabaril ng mga berdugo si Badoy na kaagad niyang ikinamatay.

Si Badoy, taga-So. Pugo, Brgy. Gapasan, ay kilalang lider magsasaka sa nasabing bayan. Madalas siyang dinudulugan ng problema sa lupa ng kapwa niya magsasaka. Kasama siya ng maraming magsasaka sa mga pagkilos para isulong ang kanilang karaingan at interes. Dahil dito tinarget at biktima siya ng paulit-ulit na redtagging ng pasistang sundalo’t pulis. Bago siya paslangin, ilang ulit siyang binantaan ng mga operatiba ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA. Pilit nilang ipinaamin kay Dela Cruz ang pagkakasangkot umano sa ambus na inilunsad ng NPA noong Mayo 28 sa So. Banban, Brgy. Nicolas.

Dahil malinaw kay Badoy na wala siyang nilalabag sa batas ay nanatili siya sa kanyang lugar kahit nagkampo na sa gitna ng kanilang sityo ang mga elemento ng 4th IB mula Hulyo 2021. Noong Hulyo 24, nagpaalam pa siya sa mga sundalo upang sumahod sa 4Ps. Sa araw ng pagsahod, nakita ng kanyang pamilya na sinundan na ang kanyang sinasakyang motor ng mga sundalo.

Kaparehong insidente ang naganap kay Lukmay De Jesus, isang katutubong Buhid mula sa So. Rimas, Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro noong Hulyo 30. Habang pauwi rin mula sa pay-out ng GIDA (Geographically Isolated Depressed Area), hinarang siya ng mga elemento ng 203rd Bde. Dinala siya sa isang di matukoy na safe house at doon iligal na ininteroga. Pilit siyang pinaaamin na tagabili ng suplay ng mga NPA at ipinatutuga ang kanyang mga kasamahan diumano sa ganitong mga gawain. Dahil walang maamin at maituga, binugbog at tinortyur siya ng mga berdugo. Pinakawalan lamang siya dahil hinanap at hinabol siya ng kanyang kapamilya at mga kasityo sa kamay ng mga awtoridad. Matinding sikolohikal na trauma at mga bali sa tadyang ang idinulot sa biktima ng nasabing insidente.

Ang walang patumanggang pamamaslang, pambubugbog, panggigipit at marami pang paglabag sa karapatang-tao ng mga inosenteng sibilyan ang hatid ng pampulitikang Tokhang ng berdugong mga utusan ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa balangkas ng kampanyang kontra-insurhensya sa ilalim ng NTF-ELCAC at JCP Kapanatagan.

Sadya nilang ginagawa ang mga paglabag na ito upang likhain ang klima ng terror sa buong bansa at sindakin ang mamamayan upang supilin ang kanilang pagkilos para sa kanilang karapatan at demokratikong kahilingan. Itinutulak pa ng rehimen ang mga karumal-dumal na pampulitikang Tokhang sa kanyang utos na “patayin ang mga komunista” kagaya ng Bloody Sunday sa CALABARZON at implementasyon ng SEMPO sa Negros, kakumbina ng matinding karahasang militar kagaya ng aerial strafing, pambobomba at sapilitang pagpapalikas sa buu-buong mga komunidad. Bahagi rin nito ang militaristang lockdown na ipinatutupad sa gitna ng pandemyang COVID-19.

Kailangang pagbayarin nang mahal ang 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA sa kanilang mga karumal-dumal na krimen.

Lalong namumulat ang mamamayan sa nararanasan nilang kaapihan at pagsasamantala sa ilaim ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Itinutulak nito ang mamamayan na lumaban at mag-armas. Higit kailanman, kailangan ang mahigpit na pagkakaisa ng mamamayang Mindoreño upang labanan at biguin ang terorismo ng rehimeng Duterte.

Nanawagan ang LDGC sa mga Mindoreño na suportahan ang kanilang Hukbo upang maparusahan ang lahat ng may utang na dugo sa mga Mindoreño. Paiigtingin natin ang armadong pakikibaka upang maibagsak ang paghahari ng pasista, tiwali at makadayuhang rehimeng Duterte. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pampulitikang-tokhang-sa-pay-out-ng-4ps-sa-mindoro-panibagong-krimen-ng-203rd-brigade-at-pnp-mimaropa/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: 11th IB frame up civilian farmer to project “winning image”

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 19, 2021): 11th IB frame up civilian farmer to project “winning image”

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS (RACHELLE MAE PALANG COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 19, 2021

Alias “Bong” is not a New People’s Army (NPA) member, more so a squad leader, but an ordinary farmer residing in Sitio Avocado, Barangay Talalac, Sta. Catalina.

This was verified by the Rachelle Mae Palang Command of the NPA’s Southeast Negros Front according to its spokesperson, Estrella Banagbanag.

Recently, the 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) in a statement alleged that four “ranking NPA members” in Negros Oriental voluntarily surrendered and among them is a certain “Bong” whom it described as remaining squad leader of Southeast Negros Front.

“To frame up a civilian in order to project a “winning image” of a losing “counter-insurgency” campaign is the height of brutality and brazen impunity,” Banagbanag said.

She stated that due to Bong’s active involvement for years in the legal peasant movement and human right advocacies against military abuses and militarization, he was red-tagged and included in the military’s liquidation list.

He was often depicted in printed propaganda materials propagated by the military, as well as in their pulong-pulong, as an NPA cadre and local Party head and survived several attempts on his life and tokhang-style raids of his residence, she added.

Several trumped-up criminal charges were also filed against him by state agents, she said.

According to RMPC-NPA, Bong went into hiding in 2017 after the cold-blooded assassination of human rights leader Elisa Badayos whom he often accompanied during meetings, fact-finding missions and other activities to pursue his human rights advocacies.

The RMPC-NPA insisted on withholding the name and legal identity of Bong to protect his family. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/11th-ib-frame-up-civilian-farmer-to-project-winning-image/