Charges filed vs Joma, 3 NPA commanders for recruitment, abuse of minor

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 24, 2021): Charges filed vs Joma, 3 NPA commanders for recruitment, abuse of minor (By Aaron Recuenco)

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed criminal charges against Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison and three ranking officials of the New People’s Army (NPA) for allegedly recruiting a minor who was allegedly sexually abused later.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said Sison and Redsa Balatan tagged as the recruiter of the minor, were charged with violations of the provisions of the Republic Act 10364, or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 and RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act before the Department of Justice.

Ferro said that two counts of rape were also slapped against Rey dela Peña, an NPA commander; and another four counts of rape against Joel Caliwliw, another NPA commander.

Currently, Sison is at the Netherlands, while Balatan, Dela Peña, and Caliwliw are detained at Nueva Ecija Provincial Jail, Caalibangbangan, Cabanatuan City; at Bambang Police Station, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; and at BJMP Provincial Jail, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, respectively.

The cases stemmed from the complaint of a former NPA fighter who said she was recruited to join the CPP-NPA when she was 14 years old which were backed by two former communist rebels.

“She revealed that she was recruited at the age of 14 as a member of Anakbayan, a CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) front organization involved in above ground works. She had received Radicalization Courses from Radicalization Centers,” said Ferro, quoting the affidavit of the alleged victim.

“She then became a CTG Urban Operator, then eventually joined the Communist Terrorism (Red Area Operation) at the CARABALLO Guerrilla Front covering the areas on Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan,” he added.

Ferro said the victim became a full-pledge member of the group at the age of 18.

But while an active member of the NPA, the victim said that she was raped twice by her commander, dela Peña, in 2016 and in 2017.

In 2018, the victim said that she was raped four times by another Caliwliw. She added that she was also sexually molested by an NPA squad leader identified as Alvin Soria, alias Ka Bunso.

“When she tried to call the attention of CTG higher-ups, she was dismayed because instead of getting the justice she deserved, she was mocked, maligned as somebody who has Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a ‘sex addict’ and she was likewise branded as mentally deranged,” said Ferro.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/24/charges-filed-vs-joma-3-npa-commanders-for-recruitment-abuse-of-minor/

Palace wants P28 billion NTF-ELCAC budget

From the Philippine Star (Aug 25, 2021): Palace wants P28 billion NTF-ELCAC budget (By Helen Flores)

File photo shows presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. The STAR / Joven Cagande

Malacañang defended yesterday the P28-billion proposed budget for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for next year, saying it would be spent for the poorest communities where rebel recruitment is high.

The Duterte administration is seeking a budget of P28.1 billion for the NTF-ELCAC in 2022, up from P19 billion this year.

“Even if there is a pandemic, we still know that hunger is the cause of insurgency. These projects will provide employment to those who are struggling in life and the reason why they become rebels,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said at a press briefing.

“Most of the barangays where the New People’s Army (NPA) recruits members are in fifth and sixth class municipalities,” he said in justifying the administration’s move to subsidize local projects such as those under the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP).

Roque also denied allegations by the Makabayan bloc that there was an illegal fund transfer from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the NTF-ELCAC.

“There is no truth to that because the funding is given directly to the communities,” the Palace spokesman said.

Roque said while the budget comes from the NTF-ELCAC’s program, the projects are being carried out by the local government units or the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He also assured the public that the funds transferred to communities would not be used for the 2022 general elections.

“We already have constitutional guarantees. We have a ban on public works projects during the election period,” Roque said.

Under the proposed 2022 national budget, the NTF-ELCAC’s BDP will rehabilitate 1,406 barangays in conflict-hit areas in the country.

Senators slam NTF-ELCAC budget

Senators slammed yesterday what they described as Malacañang’s misplaced priorities in increasing the budget of the NTF-ELCAC.

Sen. Nancy Binay said the NTF-ELCAC’s allocation increased by P11 billion, but the budget for the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), the country’s primary infectious disease research and laboratory facility, was slashed by P170 million.

“What’s happening? Our enemy is COVID. Is the ELCAC more important than RITM? It does not make sense. Government seems to be removed from the realities on the ground,” Binay said.

Given the limited fiscal resources, Binay said it is wrong to prioritize P28 billion on a misplaced agenda over a crucial public health agenda that has a direct impact on the health of 100 million Filipinos.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon vowed to root out what he said were the wasteful and unnecessary government spending in the proposed P5.024-trillion 2022 national budget to ease the impact of the mounting national debt and expanding budget deficit.

Drilon said it would be up to Congress, where the power of the purse lies, to trim the unnecessary spending in the budget, such as the P28.1-billion anti-insurgency fund lodged under the NTF-ELCAC.

He also cited the government’s confidential and intelligence funds worth billions of pesos as among the items that can be reduced to save money.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/08/25/2122457/palace-wants-p28-billion-ntf-elcac-budget

Anti-communist campaign gets new name in Cordillera

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 25, 2021): Anti-communist campaign gets new name in Cordillera (By: Vincent Cabreza)

‘Tokhang’ vs suspected communist supporters dropped but latest gov’t strategy uses similar drug war tactic
 


STUDENTS’ VOICE: In this file photo, student activists in Baguio City join a street protest to raise different issues, such as tuition increase, human rights violation and Chinese incursion in Philippine waters. (Photo by EV ESPIRITU / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet, Philippines — A controversial plan to implement the government’s anti-drug tactic “tokhang” (contraction of Visayan terms for “knock and plead”) on activists, journalists, and government employees in the Cordillera has been replaced with a similar anti-communist strategy called “dumanun makitungtung” (Ilocano for “visit and discuss”).

Resolution No. 6 issued by the Cordillera Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) in July no longer targets journalists and state workers suspected of having links with communist groups.

Instead, the RLECC, an intelligence-sharing body, will send out teams from the police, civic and religious groups, and village councils to homes of suspected supporters of “communist front organizations,” and talk them out of backing the communist ideology.

Rejected

The local chief of police is required to vet a list of suspected communists in a community, and all visits must be conducted “with utmost courtesy and respect for human rights,” the RLECC document says.

Should they succeed, the subject of the visit must be accompanied by a relative to the closest police station for “documentation and proper disposition.”

According to the new resolution, the tokhang method, crafted under RLECC Resolution No. 4 and released at the start of the year, has already been discarded.

Resolution No. 4 uses the police’s “Oplan Tokhang” as a blueprint for “visiting or knocking [on the doors of] the residences [of suspected Leftists] to dissuade them from further supporting, or being active members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army (NPA), the National Democratic Front of the Philippines or their front organizations.”

It was rejected and returned to the RLECC in March by the Regional Peace and Order Council led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

Legal, legitimate

The new RLECC resolution was criticized by Tongtongan ti Umili (TTU), a member of the Baguio-based Cordillera People’s Alliance.

According to TTU, the RLECC “erroneously concludes” that all activist organizations recruit members for the NPA, which has waged an armed rebellion for more than 50 years.

“We reiterate, Tongtongan, and its affiliate organizations are legal, legitimate and democratic organizations. We are not terrorist organizations nor recruiters for revolutionary armed groups, as opposed to what state security forces make us out to be,” the group said in a statement.

Tokhang, derived from “toktok” (knock) and “hangyo” (plead), was the house-to-house campaign employed by the police against suspected drug peddlers or users after President Duterte took office in 2016.

The RLECC also issued Resolution No. 1, which compels Cordillera villages to declare membership in the communist underground or Left-leaning organizations as a “community dishonor,” and Resolution No. 2, which requires organizers of protest rallies or food drives to first get the permission of the police and the military.

The constitutionality of these RLECC resolutions was challenged in court on March 8 by Bishop Emeritus Reuel Norman Marigza of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. The case is still being heard at a Baguio Regional Trial Court.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1478238/anti-red-campaign-gets-new-name-in-cordillera

New Westmincom chief assumes post

From the Philippine Star (Aug 25, 2021): New Westmincom chief assumes post (Roel Pareño)

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander, assumed his post as the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) yesterday.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Jose Faustino virtually presided over the change of command ceremony from his isolation room at Camp Aguinaldo. He was supposed to attend the turnover rites in this city, but tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

Ponio replaced Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., who reaches the mandatory age of retirement of 56 today.

Faustino lauded Vinluan for leading military units in the fight against terrorist groups, particularly Abu Sayyaf bandits, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and foreign terrorists in Sulu.

He credited Vinluan for the decline of the strength of these groups as well as the “effective insulation of our community from their influence and intimidation.”

Faustino also commended Vinluan for the heightened security in the territorial waters and protected strategic resources against foreign threats with the deployment of technologically advanced platforms from naval and air force personnel under Westmincom.

The AFP chief vowed to support the leadership of Ponio and directed him to continue a relentless campaign to ensure the security and stability of the region.

Faustino noted that Ponio is no stranger to his new post, having served as former deputy commander of Westmincom prior to his assignment to the 1st Division.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/08/25/2122388/new-westmincom-chief-assumes-post

CPP/Ang Bayan: Soldiers murder Mangyan leader

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2021): Soldiers murder Mangyan leader

Three farmers were killed and seven others arrested by armed state agents in the past few weeks.

In Occidental Mindoro, the 203rd IB killed former indigenous leader Baduy de la Cruz at Sitio Cawit, Barangay Gapasan on July 29. He has long been subjected to surveillance and coerced by the military to “surrender.”

In Northern Samar, the 20th IB murdered Nilo Ogatcho, barangay captain of Victory, Las Navas, on August 19. The local NPA unit in the area said that the killing was an act of retaliation by the military for the death of a soldier during an NPA offensive in the same barangay on July 9.

Elements of the 63rd IB killed Juddy Ragawdaw, former member of a peasant organization, during the first week of June in Barangay Loog, Basey, Western Samar.

Illegal arrest. The 203rd Brigade and police arrested a farmer identified only as “Ernesto Panganiban” in Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro on August 6. He was arrested by soldiers and policemen to get the ₱4.5-billion bounty for the this invented name.

In Sibale, Romblon, four farmers who were seeking shelter to avoid the typhoon last July 2 were illegally arrested by policemen and coerced to surrender as NPA members. The victims, identified as Nolan Ramos, Benny Hilamon, Marlon Angelo Torres and Ma. Teresa Dioquino, were slapped with trumped up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The 62nd IB and 94th IB accosted George Francis and Edwardo Mission, residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on August 3. Francis is yet to be surfaced while Mission was surfaced at the police station in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. On August 3, elements of the 94th IB indiscriminately strafed houses of the Ponsiano and Enriquez families at Sitio Tibak, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan.

In Masbate, barangay councilors Virginia Esperanza Cabiles, Jinky Esperanza Villadolid and Dee Madrilejo were arrested in Barangay Talisay, San Fernando on August 12 after being accused of having links with the revolutionary movement. They managed to escape initially but were later arrested in Masbate City.

[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/2021/08/21/soldiers-murder-mangyan-leader/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Courts and prosecutors junk trumped-up charges against 9 activists

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2021): Courts and prosecutors junk trumped-up charges against 9 activists

Two regional trial courts and prosecutors successively dismissed trumped-up charges slapped against seven activists in Metro Manila, Albay and General Santos City, and two staff of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

On August 4, the Legazpi Regional Trial Court in Albay dismissed the gun running charge against Pastor Danilo Balucio. It voided the search warrant used by the police in raiding his residence and arresting him last May as this was “not based on personally-verified information.”

On August 13, prosecutors also junked the charges of kidnapping and failure to return a minor slapped against youth activists Elaine Edzel Emocling, Christine Joy Dual, Alex Danday and Alfie Omaga. The four were accused of recruiting for the people’s army and kidnapping a student activist named “Trisha.” The prosecutors clarified that participation in protests is not armed struggle.

On August 12, the General Santos City Regional Trial Court junked the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges against couple Edgar and Regina Patulombon who were arrested by the police in 2015 based on planted evidences of firearms and explosives. The charges were dropped because the arresting officers failed to inform the couple of their rights when they were arrested and subjected to investigation.

On August 19, the a court in Quezon City also voided the warrant used by state forces to raid and plant evidences of firearms and explosives in the residence of couple Alexander at Winona Birondo in 2019. Both are staff of the NDFP in the peace negotiations.

[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/2021/08/21/courts-and-prosecutors-junk-trumped-up-charges-against-9-activists/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 8 armed actions in 6 provinces

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2021): 8 armed actions in 6 provinces

Units of the New People’s Army (NPA) mounted eight offensives in Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, Surigao del Sur, Capiz and Agusan del Norte from July 25 to August 14. At least eight soldiers were killed in these actions.

An element of the 62nd IB was slain during a harassment operation of the NPA in Negros Oriental on August 11. A policeman was also wounded during the armed operation in Los Angeles, Butuan City on July 27. Another soldier was killed in Barangay Victory, Las Navas in Northern Samar on July 9.

Oriental Mindoro. Four policemen were killed while two others were wounded after being blasted by the NPA-Mindoro in its camp in Barangay Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro on August 4.

The NPA also blasted a military convoy with six vehicles at Sitio Tambangan, Barangay San Juan, Bulalacao on August 14.

Capiz. The NPA meted out revolutionary justice against Cpl. Frederick Villasis of the 12th IB on August 11 in Barangay Lahug, Tapaz. A Glock pistol was confiscated from him. He was involved in the massacre and mass arrest of Tumandoks on December 30, 2020.

Surigao del Sur. Two elements of the 36th IB were wounded while another was killed during a harassment operation by the NPA-Surigao del Sur along the border of Barangay Bayogo, Madrid on July 25. The NPA also fired at elements of the 75th IB who were scouring Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel on July 29.

[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/2021/08/21/8-armed-actions-in-6-provinces/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ka Parts Bagani, Red fighter and people’s artist

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2021): Ka Parts Bagani, Red fighter and people’s artist

Joint elements of the 5th Special Forces Battalion and the local police summarily executed Jhon Niebres Peñaranda, more known as Parts Bagani, 54, an official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Southern Mindanao Region, and renowned revolutionary artist, in Barangay Cannery Site, Polomolok, South Cotabato on August 16. He was unarmed and incapable of fighting back.

Ka Parts is known in and outside the revolutionary movement as a leading revolutionary painter and illustrator based in the NPA. He came from the petty-bouregois class but offered his entire life and intellect to defend the oppressed masses. While holding an armalite and performing military and mass work, he produced artworks which reflect the aspirations of the people for freedom from oppression, exploitation, hunger and poverty, and for national and social liberation.

While known for his artworks as a revolutionary artist, Ka Parts was primarily a Red fighter and military cadre of the NPA. He has a rich experience in warfare, in its advances and retreats, in leading tactical offensives and studying the art of war. He knitted his brows when making plans to further strengthen the capacity of the NPA and Red fighters in armed struggle.

He was able to maximize his talent in sketching to draw plans for tactical offensives. His contributions in advancing the armed revolution in Southern Mindanao and other parts of Mindanao are exceptional.

[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/2021/08/21/ka-parts-bagani-red-fighter-and-peoples-artist/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Residents foil construction of military camps in Quezon anew

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2021): Residents foil construction of military camps in Quezon anew

Barangay councilors and watchmen of San Francisco-B, Lopez, Quezon led the mass action to stop the planned contruction of a military camp in their community on August 7. Residents collectively evicted the soldiers who were deployed in the area to construct a detachment. Barangay officials said residents immediately complained upon hearing the news of the military’s plan.

This was the fifth time that residents in Quezon succeeded in evicting military camps in their community since May. Prior to this, residents already evicted soldiers from their communities in Sta. Elena and Cawayan in Lopez; and Vista Hermosa and P. Herrera in Macalelon.

[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/2021/08/21/residents-foil-construction-of-military-camps-in-quezon-anew/

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP’s despicable campaign to vilify: NPA’s commitment to women’s rights

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 21, 2021): AFP’s despicable campaign to vilify: NPA’s commitment to women’s rights

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in recent year has campaigned to vilify the New People’s Army (NPA) by peddling despicable lies about “abuses” against women. It based its allegations on “evidences” of birth control pills, condoms and pregnancy test kits confiscated in NPA camps during encounters which they claim as “proof” of “sex slavery.”

This is despite the fact that these are medical supplies for responsible family planning. Contrary to lies peddled by the AFP, the use of these supplies proves the promotion of women’s rights to reproductive health in the revolutionary movement. The lies are not only malicious but proves the reactionary army’s bigotry and contempt of women.

Members of the NPA actively promotes women’s rights and welfare, especially those of women Red fighters. This is stipulated in the Eight Points of Attention of the NPA: “Do not take liberties with women.” This principle is upheld in all guerrilla fronts, especially in relationships and marital affairs. Those who violate this are meted with appropriate disciplinary action.

The revolutionary movement has policies in terms of marriage, as well as annullment and divorce. Part of this is the recognition of women and couple’s rights to reproductive health and family planning in the people’s army. NPA units allots resources to ensure needs for contraception. Discussions on establishing revolutionary families and contraception are actively held in the people’s army.

AFP’s record of abuses against women

The AFP and NPA are direct opposites in terms of upholding women’s rights. Rodrigo Duterte, the AFP commander-in-chief himself, ordered to shoot women Red fighters in the vagina. He is notorious for misogyny, and for inciting soldiers and policemen to commit crimes against women.

AFP abuses against women and minors are widespread. These are usually perpetrated during the conduct of military Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) operations wherein they encamp in communities for long periods of time.

Last year, it was reported that soldiers summoned women residents of Sitio Tapayanon, Barangay Gupitan, Davao del Norte every Saturday to pick who they will rape. This resulted in numerous cases of unplanned pregnancies in the said community which devastate residents’ families.

In 2018, a soldier of the 54th IB raped a 16-year old girl in Tinoc, Ifugao. During the same year, another soldier reportedly sexually harassed another woman in Barangay Lob-ong, Asipulo.

In Ifugao, soldiers are also notorious for having extramarital affairs with women. A soldier also reportedly peed in front of a girl minor, while another shouted, “Virgins here are worth only two hundred pesos!” in a community in Asipulo.

In interview published by Daba-Daba, the revolutionary publication of Panay, parents said, “We are more confident leaving our daughters in an NPA platoon than leaving them in the presence of soldiers.”

https://cpp.ph/2021/08/21/afps-despicable-campaign-to-vilify-npas-commitment-to-womens-rights/

CPP/NDF-MSP-Bicol: Support the health workers’ protests and demands for their right to adequate and substantial wages, compensation and benefits!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): Support the health workers’ protests and demands for their right to adequate and substantial wages, compensation and benefits!

MAKABAYANG SAMAHANG PANGKALUSUGAN-BICOL

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 24, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

The health workers’ daily battle against the Covid-19 pandemic is no easy feat. They gamble their own lives and their families’ safety every single day that they struggle against this crisis that strangles the country today. The Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan (MSP-Bikol) strongly supports the massive protest action and strike that the health workers plan to launch. It is rightful for the US-Duterte regime to provide, and in fact even go beyond, all the rightful demands of frontliners. Promises of benefits written in thin air are never enough. It is unacceptable for the regime to claim that there is not enough funds. The DOH and the whole Duterte government must not be allowed to escape accountability.

How can this not be so when even from the very beginning, Duterte treats the lives and welfare of the Filipino people with not the slightest grain of respect. Even before the pandemic, he has continued and worsened the implementation od neoliberal projects and oppressive labor practices that have pushed the health workers and the whole sector into a depressing state. While the DOH’s budget trails behind all the other agencies’ budgets and has always received insufficient funding, trillions of funds have been pouring interminably for the Build,build,build program and other projects that big capitalists and foreign investors drools after.

Most of all, the tyrant knows nothing else but fascism and terrorism. Hundreds of billions have been wasted away for bullets, bombs and weapons of mass destruction that have wrecked communities while not even a cent went to the pockets of health workers and professionals. The people will not forget how Duterte doubled the police and military wages way before giving spare change for the wage increase of workers from all sectors. The regime prioritizes the modernization of the murdere institutions of AFP and PNP while there is no meaningful program to support research and development. Now, even in the midst of the pandemic, Duterte chose to prioritize the implementation and funding of his futile and massively destructive war against the people.

Even worse, the grave corruption and anomalies within the health sector exhaust the already lacking funds. From the scandal of hundred of billions plundered by the Philhealth to the P67 billion funds that the DOH did not allocate for the frontliners – the whole sector is undeniable riddled with cases of graft and corruption. In the face of it all, Duterte has the nerve t insult the people and announce that even if he is the only remaining person in the world, he will always be by DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III’s side.

MSP-Bikol calls for the Bikolano masses to support the medical frontliners struggle. Strongly condemn, expose and oppose the fascist regime’s attempts to feed their twisted logic that the health workers’ protests and the people’s struggle will only bring about conflict and disunity. The medical frontliners do not shy away from their mandate to provide care and remedy for the people. They are only justly defending their rights that the government takes away from them. It will never be wrong to fight for the people’s democratic rights that have long been usurped. Truly, only the united people’s struggle shall bring meaningful change and shall clear the way for the healthworkers and all the other exploited and oppressed classes to own and realize what is rightfully theirs.

https://cpp.ph/statements/support-the-health-workers-protests-and-demands-for-their-right-to-adequate-and-substantial-wages-compensation-ang-benefits/

CPP/NPA-Bicol ROC: Directive of increased police operations in Masbate, PNP and US-Duterte regime’s admission of failure to defeat the revolutionary movement

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): Directive of increased police operations in Masbate, PNP and US-Duterte regime’s admission of failure to defeat the revolutionary movement

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

SPOKESPERSON

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 24, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

US-Duterte regime’s wrath for Masbate is sky-high. From the start, this province is one of his fascism and terrorism’s prime targets. PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar’s latest order to further augment police operations in the province is just one out of the numerous orders that give legality to attacks and abuses against the Masbate people. They were forced to give out this command even if it means admitting their failure because despite the most vehement of their operations, brashest declarations of fake encounters and disparagement of the revolutionary movement, parade after parade of fake surrenderees – even when they went as far as embroiling children, they are still unsuccessful in preventing the wide spread of the people’s struggle.

One proof of this is that despite the all-out military and police operations, including the assault of more than 1,400 combined elements of the police, military and CAFGU in South Masbate, not one of Jose Rapsing Command BHB-Masbate’s units has incurred any record of a defensive battle this year. The mercenaries know all too well that this is because of the people’s warm embrace of the revolutionary movement and aspirations.

But the PNP is too late. They cannot remove the revolution entrenched in the hearts of the Masbatenyos – from the hearts of all the exploited and oppressed from all corners of the country. The people’s just war has taken root and has been nurtured by generations of the Filipino people. The masses and their Red army’s unity has already overcome multitudes of challenges and obstacles. There have been many PNP chiefs and fascist leaders that came and went who dreamt of breaking this unity but failed. This cannot be shaken down nor stopped by puppet fascists like Duterte and his murderous stooges such as Eleazar.

It is no secret how the revolutionary movement and the NPA maintains its strength and continues to gain in force. They are from the peasantry, workers, youth, women, national minorities, professionals and all the other exploited and oppressed sectors. They are the most loyal and committed sons and daughters of the country who wholeheartedly cherish the common good, genuine liberty, justice and peace. They are the ones who do not and will not tolerate being slaves nor will allow the next generations to experience this bone-crushing destitution. And because they are from the masses, they are for the masses. The welfare and interests of the people are always in the hearts and minds of all Red fighters and commanders. Though they receive no wage, unlike the police and military who are coddled with mountains of funds for fascism and corruption, the kasamas tirelessly serve the masses in any way possible – be it through education, health, attainment of justice, production. How can the police who knows nothing but to kill even during the pandemic ever match this?

In the end, it is every NPA fighter and commander’s pledge to decisively face all attacks by the mercenary army, defend the people from state terrorism and to pave the way for the victory of the people’s democratic revolution and the establishment of a new system that shall truly serve and liberate the people from the olden chains of exploitation and oppression.

https://cpp.ph/statements/directive-of-increased-police-operations-in-masbate-pnp-and-us-duterte-regimes-admission-of-failure-to-defeat-the-revolutionary-movement/

CPP/NPA-Bicol ROC: Slain civilian in San Fernando, Camarines Sur, proof of terrorism brought by PNP Chief Eleazar’s anti-communist order

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): Slain civilian in San Fernando, Camarines Sur, proof of terrorism brought by PNP Chief Eleazar’s anti-communist order

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

SPOKESPERSON

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 24, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

The AFP and PNP’s declaration of a supposed encounter in San Fernando, Camarines Sur in early August is nothing but fake news. The slain victim, Arnel Marco Olitoquit, was a civilian and had not been a member of the NPA. This is proven by the Olitoquit family’s public plea on social media platforms after the victim disappeared last August 7 and was said to be killed during an encounter on August 9.

The killing of Olitoquit is an irrefutable proof of the escalating violence that PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar anti-communist order will bring not only to Masbate, but to the whole Bicol region. Before the said directive, numerous civilians have been killed by the PNP under their Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) campaigns.

Even worse, Eleazar’s orders stand atop various anomalies and corruption cases that shroud the PNP, AFP and the counter-insurgency machinery National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Eleazar commanded the PNP to overrun Masbate with their operations in the midst of the public’s condemnation of his statement that the Commission on Audit should stop publicizing their reports exposing cases of plunder and anomalies in the PNP. The P6.6 million discovered to be anomalously spent by the PNP Region V was most certainly used to fund fake encounters and for the killings of civilians like Olitoquit.

The US-Duterte regime’s ever worsening deception and violence deepen the societal crises. More than combatting militarization in their communities, exposing military and police’s abuses and condemning the intensification of state fascism and terrorism, the people cannot trust any other alternative but to take up arms and join the armed revolution. In advancing the democratic revolution, not only will this rotten system from which the masses’ dismal conditions are borne out of be destroyed, but a new system that shall give birth to genuine freedom and development be truly established.

https://cpp.ph/statements/slain-civilian-in-san-fernando-camarines-sur-proof-of-terrorism-brought-by-pnp-chief-eleazars-anti-communist-order/

CPP/CIO: Red salute to Comrade Sosin, Ka Ella and women revolutionary fighters

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): Red salute to Comrade Sosin, Ka Ella and women revolutionary fighters

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 24, 2021

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) pays it Red salute to comrade Sosin Mihemed (Sosin Bîrhat), commander of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), and three other fighters who were martyred in a drone attack launched by the Turkish Armed Forces on the Til Temir Military Council communications center in Rojava on August 19.

The Party extends its deepest sympathies to the Kurdish people over their loss of Comrade Bîrhat who selflessly offered her life and all her capabilites to the cause of her people’s struggle to build their own democratic country.

We have learned how Comrade Bîrhat played a crucial role in the revolutionary war of defense in Rojava and armed offensives against occupying Islamic State and Turkish forces in Northern and Eastern Syria. As commander of the YPJ, she was also at the forefront of the struggle against misogyny and for women’s rights by organizing women’s self-defense units and promoting the engagement and leadership of women in the field of leadership, politics and military. Indeed, the YPJ is renowned for its revolutionary women fighters.

She is well-loved by her compatriots and comrades for her courage and dedication to advancing the revolutionary resistance against the Turkish state’s campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Kurdish people in Northern and Eastern Syria.

A day after Comrade Bîrhat’s death, revolutionary woman fighter of the NPA Kerima Lorena Tariman (Ka Ella), 42, was captured and killed by the fascist armed forces of the Duterte regime in Silay City, Negros Occidental. Like comrade Bîrhat, Ka Ella offered her life for the liberation of the Filipino people from fascism, oppression and exploitation. She was a mother, a journalist and poet who sacrificed everything she had to serve the people’s national democratic cause.

Together with the oppressed people across the world, we mourn the death of Comrade Bîrhat and Ka Ella. Let us vow to avenge their deaths by dealing heavy blows against the fascist oppressors.

Şehîd namirin! The fallen are immortal! They will forever be treasured by the people whom they have served and be an inspiration to the international proletariat and oppressed peoples in steeling their commitment to the revolutionary cause.

Let the martyrdom of Comrade Sosin and Ka Ella inspire women across the world to take up arms and make use of their weapons to break all political, cultural and social barriers and serve the cause of the oppressed and exploited masses for national and social liberation.

https://cpp.ph/statements/red-salute-to-comrade-sosin-ka-ella-and-women-revolutionary-fighters/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: Open letter of NDFP-EV to the Commission on Human Rights-Region 8 on the AFP airstrike in Dolores

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): Open letter of NDFP-EV to the Commission on Human Rights-Region 8 on the AFP airstrike in Dolores

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 24, 2021

Read in: Waray

Atty. Desiree Pontejos
Commission on Human Rights-Region 8

Atty. Pontejos,

Warm greetings!

We write this letter to urge your office to pursue investigation into the disproportionate use of force by units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its airstrike against a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) last August 16 in Brgy. Osmeña, Dolores, Eastern Samar.

We listened with intent to the interview your office gave which was aired last August 21 over DYVL Aksyon Radyo Balitang Bayan. We believe that in the conduct of the airstrike, elements of the AFP committed gross violations of international humanitarian law, particularly provisions regarding the disproportionate use of force against their opponent forces, as well as those protecting the rights of hors de combat and civilian communities surrounding the site of the attack.

1. The AFP admits that it conducted aerial bombing, indiscriminate strafing and artillery shelling from 4AM until 5PM. Initial reports add that three helicopters and a fighter jet by the Philippine Air Force were also used and troops of the 52nd Infantry Battalion and the 78th IB were also mobilized for ground attacks. We believe that these were superfluous attacks against the estimated target of 50 Red fighters. Even if we assume that the targeted NPA unit was composed entirely of armed and able-bodied combatants (which still needs to be verified by a report from the concerned NPA unit), the AFP still used an exceedingly disproportionate amount of force for their attack.

2. “Smart bombs” which are supplied by the US military to the Philippines and to countries such as Afghanistan, Palestine, Pakistan, Yemen, and Syria have repeatedly been proven to cause widespread civilian deaths. Therefore, even with the most advanced technology available to the AFP (such as the drones they claim to have helped to precisely aim at their target), the “smart bombs” used in Dolores are innately incapable of distinguishing legitimate targets from civilians, hors de combat and prisoners of war. A single one of these is capable of causing severe damage to a wide radius and can thus injure anyone within this radius, armed or not. How could the AFP have known for sure that there were no civilians, hors de combat or prisoners of war within the radius of explosion of their “smart bombs”?

3. There exists cause for investigation into possible civilian harm as a result of the AFP airstrike which the CHR must pursue. A Manila Bulletin report shows a photo of a projectile going through the roof of a house in the nearby civilian community. Fortunately, this did not explode. But the AFP still disowned the projectile and the possible harm it could have caused to the people.

And even if the AFP’s airstrike is proven to not have caused direct harm to civilians, the 13-hour bombing, indiscriminate firing and shelling at a site a mere three kilometers away from the nearest barangay could have caused psychological trauma to the residents.

We hope you consider that as it is, the surrounding civilian communities will find it difficult to personally file cases in your office not only due to restrictions to public transportation due to the pandemic, but more importantly because AFP soldiers controlling the area prevent civilians from moving in the aftermath of the bombing. All the more that the CHR-Region 8 must immediately pursue on-ground investigation into the incident.

Even before the August 16 bombing, the AFP under Rodrigo Duterte has been implementing a “scorched earth policy” in its combat operations against revolutionary forces. In 2021 alone, we have documented at least two cases of indiscriminate attacks (including simultaneous aerial bombing, artillery shelling, and indiscriminate firing) by AFP forces in Dolores, at least three in Eastern Samar, and 15 in the entire region.

We urge your office to immediately look into these cases, as well as the numerous cases of harassment, forced surrenders and human rights abuses conducted by the AFP in the guise of Retooled Community Support Program operations in Dolores since May, as documented in all provinces in Eastern Visayas.

We understand that the Commission on Human Rights has also been subjected to threats and Red-tagging by the AFP. The Duterte regime has been implementing a “whole-of-government” approach to address the armed conflict, where in practice his civil-military junta headed by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) coerces by threat and intimidation independent institutions such as your office to participate in its brutal and anti-peace “counter-insurgency” campaign.

We urge your office to be steadfast to your primary mandate of investigating and defending the people against all forms of human rights violations, especially those committed by state actors in violation of civil and political rights.

We hope for your urgent response.

Signed,
National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas

https://cpp.ph/statements/open-letter-of-ndfp-ev-to-the-commission-on-human-rights-region-8-on-the-afp-airstrike-in-dolores/

CPP/CIO: 79th IB committed a war crime in the killing of Kerima

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): 79th IB committed a war crime in the killing of Kerima

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER 

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 24, 2021

New information gathered by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros tells us that Kerima Lorena Tariman or Ka Ella, a Red fighter of the NPA was captured alive by elements of the 79th IB after an armed encounter in Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

In violation of the Geneva Conventions which stipulates rights for captured and wounded combatants, Ka Ella was not provided immediate medical treatment and was instead finished off or left to bleed to death. When captured, Ka Ella became a prisoner of war and should have been accorded her rights under international laws, including the right to emergency medical care to save her life.

The Party and the NPA condemns the 79th IB and the 3rd ID for violations of the Geneva Conventions. Their conduct is directly the opposite of the humane treatment accorded by the NPA to enemy combatants captured in the course of armed encounters and the medical care given to wounded enemy troops.

Further inquiries must be conducted to determine the culpability of Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 79th IB commander, and his field officers and men for the killing of Kerima.

https://cpp.ph/statements/79th-ib-committed-a-war-crime-in-the-killing-of-kerima/

CPP/NDF-PKM: Duterte regime is the top recruiter of NPA: PKM rejoinder to AFP’s disrespect for the dead, utter violation of IHL

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 24, 2021): Duterte regime is the top recruiter of NPA: PKM rejoinder to AFP’s disrespect for the dead, utter violation of IHL

ANDRES AGTALON

SPOKESPERSON

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID (PKM)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 24, 2021

The Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM-NDFP) scoffed at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its tirade that slain New People’s Army (NPA) fighter Kerima Lorena Tariman was a ‘notorious terrorist’ and ‘extortionist’ and that she lured students to the NPA. Tariman was summarily killed by soldiers of the 79th IBPA in Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City in Negros Occidental last August 20. Tariman was killed along with another NPA fighter Ka Pabling.

Kerima was a long-time activist, cultural worker, and peasant advocate before she decided to take up arms and join the NPA. Her recruiter was the Government of the Philippines, particularly, the Duterte regime, which in 2018, has tossed to the bin all efforts to resolve the root causes of the armed conflict by terminating the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and waging an all-out brutal war against the people.

“Indeed, the mercenary AFP has no respect for the living and the dead. AFP deputy chief of staff for operations Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon and Maj. Cenon Pancito III of the 3rd Infantry Division should just shut their foul mouths if they have nothing worthy to say. Instead of maligning the dead and disrespecting the memory of Tariman, the local AFP and PNP in Negros should just expedite the immediate release of Tariman’s remains to her family.

The NDFP-member organization said the AFP doesn’t even have the basic decency to respect the dead and the grieving family.

“Combatants who are killed in action must be respected, based on International Humanitarian Laws. The Geneva Convention and other statutes guarantee this. Even the AFP’s own Military Instructions (1989) states: “Respect for the dead which includes our own troops, the enemy and particularly innocent civilians must be a paramount concern of all commanders and troops at all levels… All dead bodies … must be handled humanely and treated with care and respect.”

Unfortunately, rude and inhumane as they are, the AFP and PNP have a long record of disrespecting the dead,” Agtalon said as he recounted the incident of desecration of the remains of Jevilyn Campos Cullamat, a medic in the NPA unit in Surigao Del Sur who was killed in an encounter with government troops. The Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion posed for photos with Jevilyn’s body. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/duterte-regime-is-the-top-recruiter-of-npa-pkm-rejoinder-to-afps-disrespect-for-the-dead-utter-violation-of-ihl/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Stop the PNP’s Revitalized Presence in the Barangays Program

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 23, 2021): Stop the PNP’s Revitalized Presence in the Barangays Program

MA. ROJA BANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 23, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

There is no respite for the Bikolano people. After endless military and police operations, such as the bloody, brutal and treacherous SACLEO, RCSP and FMO, battered their communities, here comes the desperate US-Duterte regime with yet another campaign – the Revitalized Police Presence in the Barangays under the PNP Intensified Cleansing Operations. The regime is still not content with the PNP and AFP’s joint interoperability operations under his EO 70-Whole of Nation Approach. He pushes the military’s dominion much further by giving license to even larger police presence in the barangays.

The Bikolanos will face daily violations and curtailment of their rights and civil liberties. Not only the military shall be lurking and openly combing through their communities. Even the police shall occupy their towns. Just as the long standing experience of the Bikolano masses attest to, this shall result to deepened insecurity and threat to their lives, welfare and people’s rights. The police will also surely reinforce and proliferate the usual anti-social activities of illegal groups under the helm of the PNP itself.

The Bikolanos will definitely disavow PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar’s program. They staunchly resist the AFP-PNP-CAFGU’s never-ending and disgusting sowing of terror in their communities. The public has not forgotten the murder of the two activists, Jemar Palero and Marlon Naperi in the hands of PNP-Albay in Ligao City, Albay last July 26. As well as the brutal series of killings and massacres under the PNP’s SACLEO campaign. The victim toll has reached 26 from 2020 until August 2021. This is aside from the number of Tokhang-style killings in the region under the senseless anti-drug campaign that has racked up more than 30,000 victims all over the country.

Together with the NDF-Bicol, the Bicolanos will intensify their fight against all fascist and terrorist schemes of the US-Duterte regime to defeat the mass movement and revolutionary movement. The masses understand that there is no one else who can uphold the rights of the people but themselves and their revolutionary movement. With the continuation of open-faced and worst curtailment of the Bikolano people’s rights, the people’s indomitable spirit only grows and spreads even more wider.

https://cpp.ph/statements/stop-the-pnps-revitalized-presence-in-the-barangays-program/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Ilocos: Sukdulan ang kabulukan at kurapsyon ng rehimeng Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 23, 2021): Sukdulan ang kabulukan at kurapsyon ng rehimeng Duterte

JULIAN SADIRI

SPOKESPERSON

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID-ILOCOS

NDF-ILOCOS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 23, 2021

Ngitngit at galit ang nararamdaman sa kasalukuyan ng mamamayang Pilipino, lalung lalo na ang masang magsasaka, bunga ng matinding iregularidad at kurapsyon na nagaganap sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaaan. Nitong nakalipas na mga buwan, sunod-sunod na inilabas ng Commision on Audit ang mga awdit sa pondo ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pambansang pamahalaan. Nakita ng Komisyon ang iregularidad sa paggamit, paggasta at pangangasiwa sa bilyon-bilyong pondo. Ang mga ahensyang sinita ng Komisyon ay ang DSWD, DOH, TESDA, OWWA at pati mismo ang AFP. Tungkulin ng Komisyon na eksamin, suriin at isaayos ang lahat ng akawnting at paggasta ng pondo at pag-aari ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pag-aawdit. Ilang halimbawa ay ang sa DOH, nakita ang halagang P67 bilyong piso na hindi maayos at malinaw kung saan ginamit at paano ginasta. Ganoon din sa AFP kung saan may mga hindi otorisadong bank account na may halagang P1.8 bilyon at dose-dosenang proyektong hindi tapos na nagkakahalaga ng P6.8 bilyon

Sa gitna ng malawakang kahirapan na nararanasan ng mamamayan na pinatindi pa lalo ng pandemya, tumambad sa atin ang matinding kurapsyon. Ang isiniwalat ng Commission on Audit ay isa pang patunay na bulok at kurap ang kasalukuyang rehimeng Duterte. Bilyon-bilyong piso ang napupunta sa kurapsyon ni Duterte at mga galamay nito sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, habang ang mamamayan ay nagdurusa sa gutom at kawalang katiyakan sa kasalukuyan.

Nitong nakalipas na Hulyo, hinagupit ng magkasunod na bagyong Fabian at habagat ang Hilagang Luzon. Kabilang ang Region 1 sa sinalanta kung saan mahigit na P698 milyong piso ang nasira sa kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Pinasidhi nito ang walang kaparis na paghihirap na nararanasan at ang kawalang hanapbuhay ng malaking bilang ng maralitang magsasaka at maliliit na mangingisda. Subalit, bilyon-biyong piso ang nababalitaan natin araw-araw na winawaldas sa kurapsyon. Ganoon din ang P19 bilyong bilyong pisong gastusing militar na ginagamit para atakihin ang sibilyang mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng NTF-ELCAC.

Sagad sa buto at sukdulan ang kasakiman at pasismo ng rehimeng Duterte at ang administrasyon nito. Sinasamantala pa ang pandemyang ito upang patuloy na makapaghari sa kapangyarihang pampulitika. Ang pagbabakuna at ayuda ay kakaunti at ginagamit pa na panggigipt sa mga kalaban nito sa politika. Talaga ngang lagim ang ating kinasasakdalan sa pamumuno ni Duterte.

Dahil dito nag-uumapaw ang galit ng mamamayan. Galit na kasing-tatayog ng kabundukan ng rehiyong Ilocos. Galit na katulad ng dumadaluyong na alon sa dalampasigan at baybayin ng rehiyon.

Ang Pambasang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid sa probinsya ng Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur at La Union ay nagkakaisa sa panawagang palakasin ang militansya at pakikibaka ng masang magbubukid at mangingisda sa rehiyon at sa buong Pilipinas. Nakamarka sa ating mga palad ang pagod at kasaysayan ng kahirapan at paglaban. Nasa kamay din natin ang pagbubuklod upang hawanin ang maaliwalas at masaganang bukas.

Harapin natin ang ubos-kayang pagpapalawak at pagpapalakas. Tupdin ang mga gawain sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Labanan ang lagim ni Duterte sa pamamagitan ng tuluy-tuloy na pagpapasigla sa rebolusyonaryong kilusang magsasaka at higit pang pagpapalakas sa magiting nating hukbo—ang New Peoples Army. #

WAKASAN ANG PAPET, KURAP AT TIRANIKONG REHIMENG US-DUTERTE!

IBAGSAK ANG PYUDALISMO, BURUKRATA-KAPITALISMO AT IMPERYALISMO!

IPAGTAGUMPAY ANG DEMOKRATIKONG REBOLUSYONG BAYAN!

MABUHAY ANG PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID!

https://cpp.ph/statements/sukdulan-ang-kabulukan-at-kurapsyon-ng-rehimeng-duterte/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: ‘Military killed Ka Ella’

 Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 23, 2021): ‘Military killed Ka Ella’

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 23, 2021

The New People’s Army – Negros Island Apolinario Gatmaitan Command (AGC-NPA) condemned the military for the murder of Kerima Lorena “Ka Ella” Tariman on August 20, 2021.

According to Ka Juanito Magbanua, AGC-NPA spokesperson, they received a picture of Tariman from a trusted source wherein she was still alive and had a gunshot wound on her arm.

“They found her alive but wounded after the encounter. The military finished her off when she could no longer fight back or they left Ka Ella to bleed to death?” said Magbanua.

This shows the barbaric character of the military and for sure they are after the reward the will receive, he added.

He further lambasted Major Pancito, 3ID spokesperson, for dishonoring Ka Ella’s legacy.

“All that comes out of his [Pancito] mouth are lies and intrigues but he cannot deny the correctness of Ka Ella’s principles and the reality of Philippine society’s conditions as reflected in her life,” he added.

Last Friday around 6:00 in the morning, an encounter ensued between Red fighters of the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command – North Negros Front and soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion at Hacienda Raymunda, Barangay Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

The AGC-NPA in an earlier statement expressed its highest tribute to revolutionary martyrs Ka Ella and Ka Pabling.

https://cpp.ph/statements/military-killed-ka-ella/

CPP/NDF-PKM-Bicol: Intensified Police Operations in Masbate, equates to intensified poverty for the Masbateño peasants

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 23, 2021): Intensified Police Operations in Masbate, equates to intensified poverty for the Masbateño peasants

PAMBANSANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA MAGBUBUKID-BICOL

NDF-BICOL

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 23, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

The peasantry demands an end to poverty and not the escalation of police presence and operations. They demand the elimination of avaricious landlords and foreign investors who have been stealing away the natural resources of Masbate. They call for an end to the ceaseless violence and terrorism of the state’s mercenary army. The interests of capitalists, bureaucrats and imperialists mean certain death for the Masbatenyos – death from hunger and death from the barrels of weapons by the murderers who protect this oppressive domination.

The additional police presence in Masbate will only cause the exacerbation of Masbatenyo masses’ destitution. This order has no intention to improve the people’s livelihood nor to end the widespread starvation among the poor. It only follows the US-Duterte regime’s fascist fantasy to crush the CPP-NPA-NDF, as well as the peasant movement in Masbate, to completely erase all hurdles to the implementation and management of neoliberal programs and projects that waste and devastate the livelihood of the masses. Only the big landlords and capitalists who drool over the province’s naural resources will profit from PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar’s directives. Their ears clap in joy because they will gain access to even more armed minions who shall follow all their capricious orders and who shall protect their plunder and thievery.

Since then, Masbate has been neck-deep in poverty despite its rich natural resources. The Masbatenyos have not tasted an ounce of development despite the onslaught of big-ticket businesses and neoliberal projects in the province. Instead, they have floundered in hunger and deprivation even more. The island remains to be one of the poorest provinces in the country and has the highest poverty incidence in the whole region. Around 250,918 hectares in the province is controlled by no less than 200 ranchers and rich farmers. Meanwhile, 20 mining companies covet the 100,155 hectares covering the towns of Mandaon, Milagros, Mobo, Balud, Baleno, Dimasalang, Cawayan, Palanas and Uson. In 2017, Empark Land and Development, Inc. owned by Chinese capitalist Huang Rulun was established. Rulun is a known close associate of Duterte. With this, the P190.19B Masbate International Tourism Enterprise and Special Economic Zone commenced construction. It will cover 1,854 hectares of land in the towns of Dimasalang, Palanas and Uson. Casinos, malls, hotels, resorts and a golf course are already in line for development.

Most of the businesses, ranches and neoliberal projects in the province are under the control of the powerful bureaucrat families. The additional police presence is further guarantee that political dynasties shall win in the upcoming elections and will be able to remain in power. During the 2019 elections, Masbate had the most number of supposed election hotspots and experienced intensified police and military operations which resulted to killings and other human rights abuses.

The peasantry and the people know for certain that Eleazar’s desire to intensify police operations in Masbate can never solve the poor farmers’ demands. This shall only bury the Masbatenyos even deeper in impoverishment and unequivocal suffering caused by the violations of their rights. It is this very same destitution in Masbate that pushed the peasantry to turn to the revolutionary road they themselves cleared and created to achieve genuine justice and genuine solutions for their demands. They choose to take arms and join the just people’s war.

https://cpp.ph/statements/intensified-police-operations-in-masbate-equates-to-intensified-poverty-for-the-masbateno-peasants/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: 3ID spox spew out lies and intrigues

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 23, 2021): 3ID spox spew out lies and intrigues

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 23, 2021

Read in: Hiligaynon

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army in Negros Island, denounced the statement of 3ID spokesperson Major Pancito on the death of Roselyn Jean Pelle Command leader Kerima Lorena “Ka Ella” Tariman last August 20, 2021.

Magbanua also rejected Pancito’s claim that “no less than their own leadership” categorized the North Negros Front as dismantled “for failing to meet party standards.”

“The military’s statement is a lie since no guerrilla front or even a NPA unit in Negros have been destroyed by the enemy,” said Magbanua.

Despite the intensified, focused and massive military operations, the Party leadership continues to strengthen, tactical offensives are being launched, the mass base is widened and deepened through strengthening the clandestine mass organizations of peasants, women and youth, anti-feudal struggles of peasants and farm workers are growing and the united front work among the middle forces and other sectors is broadening, he said.

He called the challenge of Pancito for a bloody face to face battle as sheer arrogance and display of ignorance of the national democratic revolution through armed struggle waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and NPA.

He further criticized the military’s terrorist-labelling of the CPP/NPA as recycled propaganda saying that the real terrorists are the Duterte regime and its mercenary military with its long list of human rights violations, thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings, torture, bombing, hamletting, illegal arrests, ransacking of houses, and threatening of civilians.

In a separate statement Magbanua condemned the Philippine Army for killing Ka Ella after they found her alive and wounded either by finishing her off when she could no longer fight back or by letting her bleed to death.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/3id-spox-spew-out-lies-and-intrigues/

Kalinaw News: Masbateños Rage against CTG; Leads to Continuous Collapse of Communist Insurgency in the Island Province

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 24, 2021): Masbateños Rage against CTG; Leads to Continuous Collapse of Communist Insurgency in the Island Province



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Fed up of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) that infested their barangay and seized farmlands to convert into a hideout, farmers in Aroroy, Masbate sought the help of government troops to quell the terrorists.

In response, combined elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and PNP immediately launched an assault against the enemies whose locations were confirmed through the information provided by concerned citizens.

At least 60 heavily armed Communist-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) led by Arnold Rosero AKA Star of Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya 4 of Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) were encountered by the operating troops.

After a fierce gunfight, communist insurgents scampered towards different directions as government forces advanced and overran their hideout located at the hinterlands of the said barangay which houses 23 huts, a training site complete with obstacle courses and a separate bomb-making area.

Also seized from the hideout were molotov bomb, binocular, food stuff, 30-meter wire, training paraphernalia, terroristic propaganda materials, and personal belongings.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Siegfried Felipe Awichen, this accomplishment has disintegrated the CTG—bringing a major setback in their already waning capability.

Colonel Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, on the other hand, emphasized that the operation only proves how steadfast the security forces are in their resolve to free Masbate from communist insurgency that has plagued the island province for more than five decades now.

“We are warning the communist terrorists who fled from this recent encounter: You better surrender because the operation conducted yesterday is just the beginning of our more intensified offensive against you. We will use all our resources to hunt you down and crush you to pieces,” Colonel Almase said.

Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Jonnel C Estomo, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5), once again assured the Bicolanos of the PNP’s all-out support to the government’s campaign to wipe out the CTG in Bicol.

“Sobra na po ang pagpapahirap ng teroristang grupong ito sa mga Bicolano kaya katuwang ang Army ay patuloy nating tutugisin ang CTG,” Police Brigadier General Estomo said.

Furthermore, Major General Henry A Robinson Jr PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, lauded the government troops for the successful operation and thanked the Masbateños for their cooperation.

“We strongly condemn the CTG for forcibly taking into possession the land owned by the farmers in Aroroy that prevented them from harvesting their crops—their only source of income. Pero nagpapasalamat tayo sa tapang at lakas ng loob ng mga Masbateño na labanan ang teroristang grupong ito. Batid na nila na kapag nagpatalo sila sa takot, hindi matatapos ang kanilang paghihirap na dulot ng insurhensya. Ayaw na rin nilang madagdagan pa ang bilang ng mga inosenteng sibilyan na namamatay sa kamay ng mga walang awang miyembro ng CTG gaya ng mga Absalon at ng tatlong street vendors na walang awang pinaslang kamakailan lamang sa bayan ng Palanas. Hindi natin sasayangin ang suportang ito ng mga mamamayan. We will remain committed to President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust to end this communist insurgency. To the fleeing CTG members, the government is willing to give you a chance to live. Now, this is your ultimatum: surrender or die,” Major General Robinson said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/masbatenos-rage-against-ctg-leads-to-continuous-collapse-of-communist-insurgency-in-the-island-province/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom holds retirement ceremony for retiring commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 24, 2021): WestMinCom holds retirement ceremony for retiring commander



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – August 24, 2021

The Western Mindanao Command held a retirement ceremony in honor of Lieutenant General Corleto Santos Vinluan, Jr., its retiring commander.

Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. relinquished his post after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. He has served as commander of the unit for a year and six days.

During his stint as the commander of the WestMinCom, he was able to send hundreds of internally displaced families back to their respective homes in Sulu. An influx in the capitulations of local and communist terrorist group members was also reported. Overall, the command has reached greater heights in the campaigns against terrorism, violent extremism, and lawlessness in central and western Mindanao under the leadership of Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr.

In his speech, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. expressed his gratitude to all the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources of the command for their contributions to his successful stint as the commander of WestMinCom.

“I wish to commend the hard work and dedication of all the soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines of the Western Mindanao Command. I also offer my successes to my fallen comrades-in-arms,” said Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr.

He also thanked the Commander-in-Chief, his mentors, family, friends, stakeholders, partners, and all those who have been part of his successful journey in the military service.

In the same event, Major General Generoso Ponio took over as the Acting Commander of the WestMinCom while waiting for confirmation of orders of the incoming commander.

Major General Ponio is the current commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force ZamPeLan. He also previously served as the deputy commander for operations of the Western Mindanao Command.

The Acting Commander said, “It is truly an honor of a lifetime to be given this trust and confidence to serve as the General Officer-in-Charge of the Western Mindanao Command.”

“I am blessed because I received a unit from a great man whose wisdom and leadership has steered this command to greater heights,” said Major General Ponio.

Lieutenant General Jose Faustino, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, presided over the ceremony virtually.

In his message, Lieutenant General Faustino, Jr. commended Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. for his incredible leadership to the WestMinCom that reflected on his numerous accomplishments including the neutralization of the hardcore leaders and members of the different threat groups.

“He demonstrated excellence and professionalism at its finest. His accomplishments bespeak of his competence,” said Lieutenant General Faustino, Jr.

All three generals are members of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988.

Meanwhile, during the ceremony, Lieutenant General Vinluan, Jr. was awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor in recognition of his valuable and meritorious service to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the country as a whole.

He was also conferred with the Plaque of Honorable Service in recognition of his 37 years, five months, and 13 days of faithful and honorable service to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The momentous occasion was graced by the presence of former Chief of Staff, Retired General Cirilito Sobejana, the local chief executives of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the officers and personnel of the Western Mindanao Command and its subordinate units.

Other guests attended the occasion virtually.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/westmincom-holds-retirement-ceremony-for-retiring-commander/

Kalinaw News: Matataas na dating lider ng Southern Mindanao Regional Command Committee nagplenum sa loob ng 10ID

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 23, 2021): Matataas na dating lider ng Southern Mindanao Regional Command Committee nagplenum sa loob ng 10ID



MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – Kamakailan lamang nitong Agosto 2021 ay napag-alamang nagplenum o nagpulong ang dating mga matataas na lider ng Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) sa loob ng lugar na nasasakupan ng 10ID.

Ang naturang pagpupulong ay dinaluhan nina:
ARIAN JANE OCHATE RAMOS @MARIKIT, Sec GF55, SRC5, SMRC
NOEL M LEGASPI @JEFFREY, 1st DepSec, FSMR
JOY JAMES ALCOSER SAGUINO @CHE/AMIHAN Deputy Secretary of SRC1, Secretary, WGF 20, Secretary of SCR1 Peasant Bureau
IVAN CONAN S CAEL @MACKOY/RAPRAP/GREG, Sec SRC 3, SMRC
CHRISTIAN BALATERO PASTOR @KHAN, CO, WGF 33, SRC 4, SMRC
Eddie Saramosing GENELSA @Lando Pahak/Brad/Jimbo; Vco, Roc, Smrc/Ndf Consultant
Paulette Malaga Santos-Castillo @ ELLA/YELLLA/BA-I/DONNA ; Regional Coordinator of RMP, Regional Peasant Secretariat, SMRC.
PRIEL BOOC @YANO, Trade Union, South/Courier Organizer
DANIEL LOUIS SANTOS CASTILLO @STEVEN, 2nd Political Instructor/ GP, GF55, SRC5, SMRC
Pedro Baguio ARNADO @BENOY Regional Chairperson, KMP-Southern Mindanao Region/National Treasurer, KMP and Member, KALUMARAN-Mindanao
ROBERTO OLEA ROSETE, JR @ALEX BOBBY/BARLEY ; CO, PBC3; CO, PBB;VCO, ROC; and Head, RPMA, all of SMRC
Kurt Russel O Sosa @UGNAY, Sec WGF3 Dep Sec 1, SRC4, SMRC

Bahagi ng pagpupulong ay ang planong tuluyan ng wakasan ang insurhensiya sa bansa partikular sa ginagalawan ng SMRC, ang timog-silangang Mindanao. Maraming mga patunay ng karanasan ang ibinahagi ng mga dating lider ng SMRC sa pagpupulong. Kaya’t ganun na lamang ang kanilang pag-asang makakabawi sila sa mga taong kanilang naperwisyo at niloko. Ang pinakalayunin ng nasabing pagpupulong ay ang pagsasagawa ng “Total Exposure” laban sa SMRC at sa lahat ng galamay ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Ayon kay @Marikit, “Mas maganda na ngayon ang ginagawa ng gobyerno at natutulungan ang masa dahil ang insurhensiya ay labanan naman talaga ng kung sino ang may hawak sa masa. Dahil dito, nailalantad ang hungkag na layunin ng teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF at mga alyadong grupo nito sapagkat ang kanilang propaganda ay hindi naman talaga nakatuon para paunlarin ang bansa kundi pabagsakin ito gamit ang masa at sistema ng gobyerno.”

Ang pahayag na ito ay pinapangalawahan naman ni @Mackoy na sumasang-ayon sa magiging istratehiya ng kanilang samahan bilang mga former members ng teroristang grupo. Sabi ni Mackoy, “Kailangan nang tuldukan ang mga walang kuwentang armadong pakikibaka sapagkat nagbago na ang pananaw ng taumbayan, mas nakatutok na sila sa pagpapaunlad sa kanilang lugar at sila na rin ang nagrereport sa mga presensya ng mga terorista.”

Ang pagpupulong ay bahagi lamang ng pagpapalakas ng paraan ng pagsugpo sa insurhensiya sa bansa. Katuwang na ngayon ng 10ID ang mga dati nitong kalaban, o kalaban ng bayan, sa paglalantad ng mga katiwalian ng SMRC, kawalan ng liderato at ang internal na hindi pagkakasundo sa paghawak ng pananalapi.

Sa unang pagkakataon, naganap sa isang kampo ng militar ang plenum ng mga rebelde pero sa pagkakataon ding ito, sila ay nag-uusap-usap bilang mga dating miyembro ng kilusan at hangad nila ang kaayusan, kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng mga lugar na dati nilang ginalawan.

Paglilinaw ni ka Noel, na ang pagpupulong nila ay base sa kanilang karanasan na punahin ang sarili. Kaya naman aminado siyang hindi talaga magtatagumpay ang komunismong terorismo sa bansa. Binigyang-diin nito na ang EO 70 ng pamahalaan at ang NTF-ELCAC ay syang dumurog sa mga guerill fronts sa bansa. “Sana isabatas na ang EO 70 upang lalo pang sumigla ang daloy ng mga programang magbibigay-seguridad sa mga mamamayan. Tamang edukasyon at impormasyon ay ilan lang sa mga dapat tutukan ng pamahalaan upang wala ng malinlang ang CPP-NPA-NDF.”

“Ang Executive Order 70 ng Pangulo ay patunay lamang ng pagbabagong-anyo ng ating pamahalaan, ang dating pagkakanya-kanya ngayon ay may iisang direksiyon na at nagtutulungan pa upang buwagin, basagin, at tapusin ang local communist armed conflict,” ang sabi naman ni ka Bobby.

Ang naturang pagpupulong ay ang una sa mga gagawing FR Summit sa loob ng 10ID AOR upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga dating miyembro ng komunistang grupo na magpahayag at bumalangkas ng kapamaraanan tungo sa ikakapayapa at ikauunlad ng bayan.

[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/matataas-na-dating-lider-ng-southern-mindanao-regional-command-nagplenum-sa-loob-ng-10id/

Kalinaw News: Army, LGU engage with Salay youth in a 1-day forum

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 23, 2021): Army, LGU engage with Salay youth in a 1-day forum



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – The Army’s 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion held a one-day youth forum for the youth of Barangay Ili-ilihon, Salay, Misamis Oriental, in collaboration with the Salay Local Government Unit, last August 17, 2021.

This was dubbed as “Panagtapok ug Pakighimamat sa Kabatan-onan sa Barangay Ili-ilihon” and was carried out possibly with the help from Misamis Oriental Chapter of Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY).

Individuals from various Sitios in Barangay Ili-ilihon attended the forum, which aimed to educate participants on the government’s peace-building initiatives and instill important values in them, particularly on how they can contribute as a youth, inspiring them to become responsible citizens and catalysts for peace and growth in their communities.

Among the lectures discussed were RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act) and RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002); as well as Deceptive Recruitment of CPP-NPA-NDF on the Youth Sector. A rebel returnee who was recruited at a young age also spoke about her life before and after joining the NPA. Following the talks, the Salay LGU provided meals, food packs, and other services to the attendees.

Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, expressed his profound gratitude to the Salay LGU, POINTY MisOr, and all participants for devoting their time and resources to the activity’s success. He wishes to maintain this level of cooperation in order to protect our constituents, particularly the youth, who are the most readily mislead and recruited by Communist Terrorist Groups. He then urges the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their weapons, return to the folds of the law, and live a peaceful life with their families, rather than recruiting minors and wasting their time for a losing cause.

Meanwhile, safety protocols were strictly imposed during the conduct of the said activity to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-lgu-engage-with-salay-youth-in-a-1-day-forum-2/