Opinion/Parlade: Que horror! The corps is sick

Opinion piece posted to the Manila Times (Sep 10, 2021): Que horror! The corps is sick (By (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.)

A FEW articles ago I wrote about horror vacui, that fear of emptiness as I face this canvas called retirement after spending 38 years and three months in government service, most of it in the military.

As I look back and reflect though, I realize that there is more to this space than meets the eye. The more I dig deeper into things, the more I get this feeling that I have not really known or understood fully the organization that I have grown with in the last 38 years. Lately, what I discovered was so shocking that I don't know where to start. Indeed, there is much to write if my intention is to roast the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that I am still part of. Yes, as I was sworn in as a reservist immediately upon retirement; I am very much still a member of it.

As I meet other colleagues who have retired before me as well as those who are still in active service, I learn of more serious problems that beset the organization. And then I pause. Should I stop short of washing dirty linen in public? What then can be done to correct these problems? Who shall initiate reforms if we want them? At this critical juncture in this administration, are we ready to even hear about this? From the secretary of National Defense to the lowest mammal in the foxhole?

I remember that there is unfinished business that I need to write about this institution. I get that. But can I handle this, knowing fully well that this organization has been very protective of its own, to the point of virtually being complicit to much wrongdoing? Let me ponder deeply on that but let me share some vignettes that I hope will give a glimpse of how big or small these problems could be.

When I was still a brigade commander, I easily noticed how different junior officers would practically deal with challenges in the pursuit of our tactical mission. On one occasion I was forced by circumstance to take the role of the brigade main effort (ME) with my 27 men in the tactical command post (TCP). This was because the five platoons I sent out, all officer-led, bivouacked to cook their meal less than two clicks (kilometers) from the objective area where a group of 100 or so Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists were last seen. In infantry operations, locating the enemy's position is the most difficult. To waste an opportunity for you to corner and fix the enemy is therefore a staggering 'no' to us. But there they were at 0530 cooking their breakfast, instead of finishing off the mission as directed.

What have these officers become?

Confronted with more than a hundred CPP-NPA terrorists just below where our TCP was located, I was therefore forced to rush and flank them from a vantage position with only a handful of men. I remember throwing my coffee in disgust, reorganizing my men for an offense rather than directing it and designating my signal officer, a captain, to be the lead scout as we occupy our planned position. I also remember my former Southern Luzon Command commander asking me: "What are you doing in the frontline? You are a brigade commander, not a company commander anymore." He then ordered me to conduct a court martial of the officers for acts of cowardice. Easier said than done, I said. But to me, what was clear was that there is certainly some lapses in the kind of training that these young officers went through. I have to go back to where they all started - Fort del Pilar.

To be sure, the Cadet Corps is not the AFP. PMAyers, or graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, are but a representation of the officer corps of the AFP. But it is supposed to be the embodiment of the professional core leadership. PMA prides itself as the premier military institution that hones the character of young boys and girls to become the future leaders of this country. For good measure, it does, and it is. It has produced great leaders, not only in the military but also in the corporate world, the bureaucracy, the legislative as well as the diplomatic arena. It has produced senators, some not as honorable as they should be.

In this instant case I began to question: What happened to those values of courage, integrity and loyalty? Were they aberration or the norm now?

19 DFA execs, 32 military senior officials get CA nod

Did the corrupt system in our society compromise the overall development of these graduates as they tread those dangerous paths in their careers? We've heard of many PMA graduates who were involved in big-time corruption scandals - in big-time rice smuggling, cement smuggling and all kinds of syndicated crimes. They are very few, compared to the many who choose to serve with dignity. Yet it pains us no less.

So many questions beg answers. But this one has to be asked: why are we not even talking about it? Because we call ourselves cavaliers? Touché.

Hold on. That's exactly the problem. We refuse to talk about a lot of these things because we don't want to tarnish the image of our institutions. We don't want to raise these issues because we don't want to open a can of worms. We don't want to smear the names of those who went ahead of us. How long shall we endure all of these internal problems?

Last weekend I had a chance to have a heart-to-heart talk with those in the know about recent developments in the academy. I was saddened to hear about their honest assessment of things, and it scared me.

'Horror vacui'

The Long Gray Line is very sick. And mind you, it's not Covid.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/09/10/opinion/columns/que-horror-the-corps-is-sick/1814135

Opinion/Parlade: UP security bill — 'cui bono?'

Opinion piece posted to the Manila Times (Oct 1, 2021): UP security bill — 'cui bono?' (By (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.)

LIKE a thief in the night, proponents of House Bill 10171 have railroaded the passage of this bill seeking to institutionalize the agreement between the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Department of National Defense (DND), banning security forces from entering UP campuses. On paper it appears to be designed to protect UP and its pursuit of academic freedom; hence, the "UP Security Act" as its title. A cursory look at its provisions though would reveal that there is something sinister in this bill. Indeed, why would the sponsors attempt to pass this law free from scrutiny of the government, especially the sector in charge of security? Unsurprisingly, the bill is sponsored mostly by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) bloc as well as legislators trying to salvage whatever electoral support is left of this now disgraced Kamatayan alliance.

So, why UP? What is UP? And why does it think it is so important and exclusive that it needed a law to protect "their" academic freedom and not Bicol University or Ateneo for instance? Is it because of its claim that it remains the bastion of youth activism? Let's find out.

For sure, only a few will disagree with me when I say UP is the best educational institution in the country. That's the reason I wanted to enter it after high school, having passed the UPCAT for a quota course in engineering. But UP had to settle as my second best, because I found the gates of Fort del Pilar more endearing and open; I opted to be part of the Long Gray Line rather than the Long Tibak Line. I was lucky to understand the big difference early because of a sibling who entered UP PoliSci a year earlier, and discovered his secret passion for Joma Sison, aka Amado Guerrero [Sison went by the nom de guerre of Amado Guerrero, meaning "beloved warrior"]. Baktin — that's how our late WW2 veteran lolo would describe people whose loyalty to the nation is questionable.

Manobo leader's real story

While writing this piece on UP, I saw a Rappler news article on September 28 about BaiBibyaon, a Manobo leader now at UP. Rappler says Bai refused to go home after seven years of being exploited, and after being deceived to join the Lakbay Lumad. Incidentally, I know the real story. Then I realized this is one of those reasons why CPP terrorist organizations, posing as advocacy groups, do not want the security sector inside UP.

According to Rappler, BaiBibyaon, the 80-year-old tribal leader (she is actually 94, according to relatives, hence older by 14 years) would like to continue her crusade and stand for her people, for their ancestral land, and for the next generation of Pantaron. Lawyer Antonio La Viña defended her, saying that the government should not coerce her relatives to fetch her. They would support her though, should she decide to go back home on her own volition.

Great. Of course everything was translated and reported by Rappler, according to the CPP's intended narrative.

So, who is the translator? Certainly, it's not La Vina or Rius Valle, a CPP member and national spokesperson of the SOS network.

The real version of this narrative can only be known by a CPP victim, Rurelyn Bayao, the person designated by BaiBibyaon herself as her translator, and she is telling us a different story. After wasting nine years of her precious life with the CPP, she is back in the fold of the law at 21, realizing that she had been used and exploited by the Save our Schools (SOS), Haran, UP Bakwit, Karapatan, RMP, PasakaddoySalugpunganKalimudan (Pasaka), and Sabokahan where she was a youth coordinator.

Rurelyn was 12 years old when she became a Kabataang Makabayan (KM) and CPP party member in 2012 in Talaingod, Davao del Norte. In 2014 she became part of the 'Taktikang Bakwit,' a CPP ploy executed through Pasaka, to force indigenous people (IP) out of their communities, in the guise that they are in danger from government operations or 'militarization.' The fact is, the CPP forcefully evacuates their organized mass base — and in the case of Talingod, the Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo Munisipal (KRM), or municipal revolutionary committee, the shadow government of the CPP — in order to avoid being unearthed by government troops doing community support program (CSP) and retooled CSP. The latter would later deliver the barangay development programs, destroying the myth that the government is useless.

BaiBibyaon happens to be the chairman of the KRM in Talaingod, hence Rappler's claim that she is a tribal leader. Among lumad, a term concocted by the CPP to generically call all IPs in Mindanao, she is a leader, a radicalized one.

In reality though, she is not. Among the genuine Ata-Manobos, Datu Gibang is their leader. His son, Datu Awing Apoga is the apparent leader. And so with Bae PilarLibayao, who is the IP mandatoryr ep (IPMR) of Talaingod. And they all came to our Laban Kasamaang Bayan Program of SMNI news channel, to explain what's happening with BaiBibyaon, currently the CPP's poster woman in their propaganda.

Bai wants to go home

Once more, let us hear it from Rurelyn, the official translator of BaiBibyaon. Rappler, in summary, this is the official translation of what Bai wanted for herself:

In 2015, Bai and Rurelyn became part of the ManiLakbayan to bring their struggle to Manila. That's how they ended up at UP, with the sponsorship of course of UP officials and the SOS.

According to Rurelyn, BaiBibyaon and herself agreed to go to UP to help their tribe fight for their rights, to protect their culture, their ancestral domain, and win the peace in the Pantarong range. Regardless of Bai and Rurelyn's background in the CPP, we all agree that we should support these noble dreams. Right?

Bai was chosen because she is the chairman of the KRM. While in engagements in Manila, she started speaking about helping educate her tribe, through the Salugpungan, so that one day "they can also learn how to fly planes and be pilots." Apparently this surprised the CPP organizers, the SOS, Karapatan, obviously because it was way off the "party line." They expected her to speak of the "isms" instead, so the CPP cadres were not happy. That's when the party began to suppress and edit what was being said by Bai. Of course, Rurelyn was smart enough to notice everything, so she herself began to question the motive of their presence in the SOS at UP.

Rurelyn and Bai would then be sent to Thailand, South Korea and Hong Kong as representatives of SOS, with the objective of raising funds for the Salugpungan and their Manobo tribe. By helping in "revolutionizing philanthropy," Bai would affix her thumbmark on many donation documents, but these funds went to CPP coffers and SOS organizers instead. None of the funds went to the Manobo cause.

The party also wanted them to speak against illegal mining and logging operations in Pantarong, which allegedly are destroying their land. But none of these are true. Bae Pilar even dared anybody, especially those alleged environmentalist NGOs, to go visit them in Pantarong to see if this was true. And maybe lawyer Antonio La Vina and Rappler's Grace Cantal-Albasin can also go check who has been lying here.

Clearly, this is what BaiBibyaon wants. She wants to go home. Rurelyn, in fact, showed us Bai's bag of clothes which Bai packed herself in preparation for her return.

Clearly, Rius Valle of SOS and those UP officials holding Bai have a serious case of kidnapping here. When Bai cried telling them she wanted to go home, especially when she became ill with Covid-19, they merely laughed at her, ridiculed her. When Rurelyn saw how these CPP cadres were disrespecting her elders, she knew right away the CPP would not respect the rights of IPs.

Clearly, by keeping BaiBibyaon for seven years at UP, away from her community and natural support system, officials of UP, SOS, CHR, Karapatan, Misfi, RMP and Gabriela obstructed the transition and transfer of Ata-Manobo culture, its history, indigenous medicine, health, and all to the younger Manobos. That was not helping preserve IP culture at all.

So, Rurelyn asked us this question: Is UP and SOS for real when they shout at us "Makibaka para sa tribu"?

*cui bono — who benefits?

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/01/opinion/columns/up-security-bill-cui-bono/1816639

Elly Pamatong dies at 78, spokesperson confirms

From the Sun Star-Davao (Sep 30, 2021): Elly Pamatong dies at 78, spokesperson confirms (By CRISTINA E. ALIVIO)

DAVAO. Elly Pamatong. (File photo)

THE founder of paramilitary organization United States Allied Freedom Fighters of the East (Usaffe) and religious group Bulwark of Bathala, lawyer Ragen Elly Velez Lao Pamatong, more commonly known as Elly Pamatong, has died, his "personal spokesperson" confirmed on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

Rameses Javier Casten, also Pamatong's political liaison and "adopted son," said Pamatong succumbed to cardiac arrest, contrary to speculations that he died from coronavirus disease (Covid-19), last July 24. He was 78 years old.

Pamatong died at his residence in Bitas, Arayat, Pampanga and in accordance to his wishes, he was cremated and his remains are in-urned at the chapel of his religious group in Arayat, Pampanga last August 1.

"I am surprised and grateful that our friends from the media have finally found out the loss of Atty. Pamatong, a personality that, as we all know, can draw diverse opinions, but is a significant contributor to the political landscape of Davao City and beyond," Casten said.

Pamatong, a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, ran twice for presidency -- in 2004 and in 2010 elections. However, he was declared a nuisance candidate in both elections. He also ran for governor in Pampanga in 2007 but lost.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1908888/Davao/Local-News/Elly-Pamatong-dies-at-78-spokesperson-confirms

MILF: AMBaG Program downloads PhP100M to 22 partner hospitals within, outside the Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 30, 2021): AMBaG Program downloads PhP100M to 22 partner hospitals within, outside the Bangsamoro (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)



COTABATO CITY – Since 2019, the Ayudang Medikal mula sa Bangsamoro Government (AMBaG) program has downloaded more than 100 million pesos to 22 hospital within and outside the Bangsamoro Region to help poor Bangsamoro families with their hospital bills and improve their access to much-needed medical procedures.

AMBaG is one of the flagship programs of the Office of the Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that provides support to Bangsamoro people inside and outside in need of hospitalization and medical assistance.

“Malayo na ang narating ng AMBaG ngunit malayo pa ang ating inaasam na maaabot nito lalo na sa mga kababayan nating patuloy na nahihirapan sa mga bayarin sa ospital o ano pa mang pangangailangang medikal,” Ebrahim said. [AMBaG has come a long way but we still hope that it will reach out our constituencies, especially those who continue to have difficulty with hospital bills or any other medical needs.]

The program has benefitted a total of 16,532 Indigent Bangsamoro patients.

During the social media and radio program talk show “Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro” of the Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc. with Jordan L. Talusob, AMBaG Program Executive Assistant II, he said that, “Starting from 2019, the AMBaG budget of approximately 100 million pesos was downloaded and divided into 22 partner hospitals inside and outside the BARMM.”

Talusob said that the budget is to subsidize the hospital and medical expenses of Bangsamoro patients which are not covered by PhilHealth and other medical assistance programs.

 
He added that this AMBaG program aims to really bring the government closer to the people as part of advocacy of Moral Governance.

“Nabuo ang AMBaG program una, mula ng maitatag ang BARMM. Marami sa mga ka Bangsamoro ang lumapit sa BARMM, noong nakaupo na ang ating mga leaders, para magpatulong sa pag settle ng kanilang hospital bills. Kaya dahil doon nagkaroon ng directives ang OCM na gumawa ng programa para makagawa ng solution sa pag settle ng kanilang hospital bills,” Talusob related. [The AMBaG program was formed first, since the establishment of BARMM. Many of the Bangsamoro people approached BARMM, our leaders were sitting down, seeking help to settle their hospital bills. So, because of that, OCM had directives to create a program to come up with a solution to settle their hospital bills.]

He said that the program is not only for the Bangsamoro inside BARMM core territory, citing, “AMBaG Program, is always anchored in the principle of inclusivity. Maaring makatanggap ang hindi taga BARMM like sa SPMC sa Davao and General Santos City, sa Zamboanga City and Sibugay.” [AMBaG Program is always anchored in the principle of inclusivity. Non-BARMM residents like SPMC in Davao and General Santos City, Zamboanga City and Sibugay can also receive.]

The qualified beneficiaries who can avail on the AMBaG program according to Talusob include those “Yung miyembro siya ng 4Ps, kung sponsored ang PhilHealth Card o MDR, may Indigent certificate na galing sa Barangay officials or merong summary card na galing sa MSSD BARMM among others kabilang sa indigent patients.” [He is a member of 4Ps, if PhilHealth Card or MDR is sponsored, has Indigent certificate from Barangay officials or a summary card from MSSD BARMM among others are among the indigent patients.]

He also explained the processes and requirements in availing the program as follows: “Una, kailangan lamang ng medical abstract o latest or final bill. Pangalawa, dapat meron siyang certification card para naman makita natin talaga na yung tao na yun ay karapat dapat. Pangatlo, automatic na makakuha yung ating patient ng 10,000 pesos ayon doon sa AMBaG.” [First, only a medical abstract or latest or final bill is needed. Secondly, he must have a certification card so that we can really see that such person is worthy. Third, our patience will automatically get 10,000 pesos according to AMBaG.]

Talusob said that those patients that need more than 10,000 pesos that has been already allocated budget for AMBaG are required to make a letter of request addressed to the Chief Minister, to secure an endorsement letter in the AMBaG partner hospitals’ desk office where he/she was admitted and it will be evaluated by AMBaG Program Management Office for final recommendation.

When asked if they are extending help to outpatients, he said, “Dapat maintindihan na ang AMBaG ay kini-cater lamang ang inpatient. There are special cases na maaring matulungan ng AMBaG. Una ay yung nagda-dialysis. Kapag ang pasyente ay nagda-dialysis kailangan niya ng mas malaking gamutan. Pangalawa, physical therapy at chemotherapy. Maaari siyang makatanggap ng ayudang AMBaG.” [It should be understood that AMBaG only caters the inpatient. There are special cases that AMBaG can help. The first one is those under dialysis. When the patient is on dialysis, he needs a larger treatment. Second, physical therapy and chemotherapy. He can also receive AMBaG assistance.]

Among the 22 AMBaG partner hospitals are the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Basilan General Hospital, Buluan District Hospital, Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital, Datu Blah Sinsuat District Hospital, Dr. Serapio Montañer Al-Haj Memorial Hospital, the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) of Maguindanao, IPHO Sulu, IPHO Tawi-Tawi, and the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2392/ambag-program-downloads-php100m-to-22-partner-hospitals-within--outside-the-bangsamoro-

MILF: Senate ratifies bicam report extending BARMM transition to 2025

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 29, 2021): Senate ratifies bicam report extending BARMM transition to 2025 (By Alexander Iskandar, Luwaran)



Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao- The Senate of the Philippines approved on Tuesday the report submitted by the joint congressional panel, which ironed out conflicting provisions of Senate Bill 2214 and House Bill 10121.

The vote was 21-2, with Senator Panfili Lacson and Ralph Recto rejected the measure.

The measure move the date of the BARMM parliamentary and regional elections from May 2022 to May 2025, to synchronize it with the next midterm elections, said a report by the Philippine Star.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, chair of the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee, said the reconciled version of the Senate and House bills recognized the power of the President to appoint and the right of the people of the Bangsamoro region to have competent and reliable leaders.

In reconciling the conflicting provisions of SB 2214 and HB 10121, the conferees of the bicam panel ensured that the passage of the measure would not curtail the power of the President to appoint as provided under the 1987 Constitution, Tolentino said.

Under the reconciled version, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue as the interim government in the Bangsamoro region, the Philippine Star said in its report.

The President may appoint 80 new interim members of the BTA, who will serve until June 30, 2025 or until their successors are elected.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2391/senate-ratifies-bicam-report-extending-barmm-transition-to-2025

CPP/Publication: Datos | September 2021: Nanlaban, kampanya ng estilong-tokhang na pangmasaker at pamamaslang ng berdugong PNP

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2021): Datos | September 2021: Nanlaban, kampanya ng estilong-tokhang na pangmasaker at pamamaslang ng berdugong PNP

DATOS

PUBLICATIONS

REGIONS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021


Download here
Pilipino: PDF

https://cpp.ph/2021/09/30/datos-september-2021-nanlaban-kampanya-ng-estilong-tokhang-na-pangmasaker-at-pamamaslang-ng-berdugong-pnp/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagbabawal sa mga libro ng NDFP sa mga aklatan, pinalagan

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2021): Pagbabawal sa mga libro ng NDFP sa mga aklatan, pinalagan

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Pinalagan ng mga akademiko at iba pang sektor ang pwersahang pagtatanggal ng mga libro at babasahing akda ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines at ni Prof. Jose Ma. Sison mula sa mga silid-aklatan ng mga pampublikong unibesidad. Isa sa mga pumalag ang chancellor ng University of the Philippines-Visayas sa Iloilo na si Clement Camposano na nagsabing hindi yuyuko ang unibersidad sa mga dikta ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) na ipagbawal sa mga silid-aklatan nito ang lahat ng mga babasahing materyal at mga librong itinuturing na “subersibo.” Saklaw ng kalayaang akademiko ang mga silid-aklatan, aniya.

Ang pahayag ay rekasyon ni Camposano sa pagtanggal ng Aklan State University (ASU) sa mga silid-aklatan nito noong Setyembre 24 ng mga libro ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) at mga sinulat ni Professor Jose Maria Sison.

Sabi pa ng UPV Chancellor, walang matatanggal sa mga silid-aklatan ng unibersidad, ni isang librong Marxista, o anumang kapareho o binabansagang “subersibo.”

“Baka dagdagan ko pa ‘yan eh,” sabi ni Camposano sa kanyang Facebook post nitong Setyembre 28 sa paniniwalang isang malayang merkado ng mga ideya ang isang unibersidad.

Ikatlo na ang Aklan State University na nagtanggal ng mga babasahin at mga libro ng NDFP kasunod sa pagyuko ng Kalinga State University at Isabela State University sa Northern Luzon sa presyur ng NTF-ELCAC nitong maagang bahagi ng Setyembre. Ibinigay sa mga upisyal ng pulis at militar ang mga libro at babasahing materyal para umano mabigyang proteksyon ang mga mag-aaral laban sa impluwensya ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Nitong linggo, isiniwalat sa isang ulat ng Kodao Productions na bukod sa naunang tatlong pamantasan, tinatrabaho na ng mga upisyal ng National Intelligence Coordinating Agency ang ilang mga pamantasan sa Nueva Ecija para itulak ang pagbabawal sa mga katulad na libro.

Mariing tinuligsa ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at ang Philippine National Police sa panggigipit at pamimilit nito sa mga upisyal ng mga paaralan na tanggalin at ipagbawal sa kani-kanilang silid-aklatan ng mga libro at mga babasahing binabansagan nitong mga “subersibo.”

Inilarawan ni Marco L. Valbuena, upisyal sa impormasyon ng Partido na “tahasang pagsensura at panunupil” ang ginawang pagbabawal sa mga libro ng NDFP. “Ipinaaalala nito ang pagsusunong ng mga libro ng mga Nazi sa Germany sa pamumuno ni Adolf Hitler noong dekada 1930 kung saan sinilaban sa publiko ang mga librong binansagang subersibo at taliwas sa Nazismo.”

Ang ganitong pagsusunog ay kadalasang makikita rin ngayon sa mga palabas na inoorganisa ng AFP sa buong bansa.
Karamihan sa mga librong ipinagbawal mula sa mga silid-aklatan ng pampulikong paaralang ito ay pumapatungkol sa negosasyong pangkapayapaan at mga pananaw ng NDFP at ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Naglalaman ito ng mga sa usapin tungkol sa makatarungan at matagalang kapayapaan at tampok na mga isyu sa lipunan, ekonomya, pulitika, kultura, at militar sa bansa.#

Gayundin, tinawag ni Prop. Sison na mga “pasistang walang alam kundi magsunog ng libro” ang mga nasa kapangyarihang nag-utos nito. Dagdag niya, takot ang mga ito sa mga ideya na tumatangkilik sa pagkakamit ng pambansang kalayaan, demokrasyang bayan, pag-unlad sa pamamagitan ng tunay na repormang agraryo at pambansang industriyalisasyon, siyentipiko at maka-masang kultura at nagsasariling patakarang panlabas.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pagbabawal-sa-mga-libro-ng-ndfp-sa-mga-aklatan-pinalagan/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Kasunduan para sa paglalatag ng PAREX, pinatitigil

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2021): Kasunduan para sa paglalatag ng PAREX, pinatitigil

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Umabot na sa mahigit 70 organisasyon at 900 indibidwal ang pumirma sa isang petisyon para ipatigil ang Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) Project, isang 19.37-kilometrong proyektong kalsada na itatayo sa ibabaw ng Pasig River na magdudugtong sa Maynila at Pasig. Ayon sa mga petisyuner, palalalain lamang ng proyektong ito ang malubha nang trapiko sa lugar, at magdudulot ng pinsala sa ekosistema ng Pasig River at maging sa kalusugan ng mga residenteng naninirahan malapit dito.

Inilabas ng grupong AltMobility PH ang naturang petisyon na may kalakip na pananaliksik kaugnay sa epekto ng proyektong kalsada matapos na lagdaan noong Setyembre 21 ng San Miguel Corporation (SMC) at Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) ang kaunduan para sa konstruksyon ng naturang kalsada. Ang SMC ay pagmamay-ari ng burges kumprador na si Ramon Ang.

Anang petisyon, mas palalalain ng PAREX ang trapik sa Kamaynilaan, taliwas sa pangako ni Ang na solusyunan ito. Iginiit nila na ang paggastos ng bilyun-bilyong piso para sa pagpapatayo ng kalsada ay magtutulak sa mamamayan na mas tangkilikin ito at bumili ng sasakyan, alinsunod sa prinsipyo ng “induced demand.” Ipinaliwanag sa petisyon na may mga mauunlad na bansa na mas pinipiling gibain ang dati nang nakatayong mga kalsada “upang mas bigyang halaga ang mobilidad ng tao, pagbuhay sa mga ilog at pangangalaga ng kasaysayan at kapaligiran” kagaya na ng sa San Francisco, Boston, Seoul, Tokyo, Utrecht, at Paris.

Iginiit ng mga petisyuner na kontra-mahirap ang PAREX at lalo lamang nitong patitindihin ang hindi pagkakapantay-pantay sa kalsada. Anila, tanging ang mga may sasakyan lamang ang makikinabang sa proyektong ito. Nilantad nila na ang pangako ng SMC na magpapatayo ng bus rapid transit (BRT) system at mga cycling lanes sa PAREX ay hindi sinusuportahan ng pormal, detalyado, at pampublikong mga dokumento at pag-aaral.

Ipinaliwanag din sa petisyon kung paanong papatayin ng PAREX ang Pasig River. Ayon sa mga petisyuner, isasaisantabi ng proyektong ito ang ilang dekada nang mga pagpupunyagi para muling buhayin ang ilog. Pipigilan ng PAREX ang natural na ambag ng ilog sa pagpapahupa sa baha. Maliban dito ay palalalain din ng PAREX ang polusyon sa hangin, at sisirain ang ekolohiya ng Pasig River, at ilalagay sa kapahamakang dala ng climate change ang Kamaynilaan.

Sa kabuuan, tinatayang 164 bilyong piso ang magiging pang-ekonomiya, pangkalusugan at panlipunang danyos na idudulot ng PAREX: P97 bilyon ay mula sa mababawas na halaga ng mga lupa sa paligid nito; at P67 bilyon naman mula sa mababawas sa life expectancy sanhi ng polusyong hangin, ingay at tubig sa daraanan ng PAREX. Bukod pa rito ang gastos sa pangkasaysayan, pangkalikasan, ekolohiyal, at ang di-direktang epekto sa kalusugan.

Ayon sa petisyon, hindi dumaan sa tamang proseso ang pag-apruba sa naturang proyekto, at kaduda-duda ang umano’y legal na basehan na ginamit para rito. Anito, tanging ang paso na prangkisa ang tumatayong batayan ng SMC at TRB sa mabilisang pag-apruba sa PAREX, na siya ring ginagamit para pigilan ang buo, tama at mas mahabang proseso ng pag-apruba sa naturang proyekto. Nilalabag din ng SMC at TRB ang karapatan ng mamamayan na mapabatiran hinggil sa detalye ng proyekto lalupa’t apektado sila nito. Ayon sa mga petisyuner, umaabot na sa 14 na liham ang kanilang ipinadala sa ahensya upang hingin ang kumpletong detalye tungkol sa PAREX ngunit hanggang ngayon ay wala itong anumang tugon. Walang nailabas na malinaw na detalye tungkol sa buong teknikal na mga rekisito sa pag-apruba ng TRB sa proyekto, kabilang na ang pisikal, ekonomiko, at pangkalikasang epekto ng PAREX. Tumatanggi din ang ahensya na makipagdayalogo sa mga tumututol sa programa.

Isa si Ang sa malalaking burges kumprador na itinuturing ni Rodrigo Duterte bilang “malapit na kaibigan.” Marami sa mga proyektong pang-imprastruktura sa ilalim ng programang Build, Build, Build ng kanyang rehimen ay naigawad sa mga kumpanya ni Ang.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/kasunduan-para-sa-paglalatag-ng-parex-pinatitigil/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Panukala laban sa panggagahasa sa mga bata, malapit na maisabatas

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 30, 2021): Panukala laban sa panggagahasa sa mga bata, malapit na maisabatas

ANG BAYAN | SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Pumasa na noong Setyembre 28 sa pangatlo at panghuling pagbabasa sa Senado ang panukalang nagtataas sa “age of consent” o edad para sa ligal na relasyong sekswal ng mga bata ula sa dating 12-taong gulang tungong 16-taong gulang. Dalawampu’t dalawang senador ang pumabor dito habang isa ang nagpaliban. Ang panukala (Senate Bill No. 2332) ay tinagurian ding “End Child Rape Bill.” Una nang nagpasa ang Mababang Kapunungan ng bersyon nito (House Bill 7836) noong Disyembre 1, 2020.  Ang pagbabago ng age of consent para sa proteksyon ng mga bata ay matagal nang ipinaglaban ng Gabriela at iba pang mga grupong nagtanggol sa mga bata.

Sa magkatambal na mga panukala ng Senado at Kongreso, ituturing nang krimen ang pagkakaroon ng sekwal na aktibidad ng isang nakatatanda, sa sinumang batang lalaki o batang babae na may edad 16 pababa. Ibig sabihin, maaaring kasuhan ang sinumang nakatatanda ng statutory rape (panggagahasa), hindi na lamang acts of lasciviousness o child abuse, tulad sa nangyayari ngayon. Ito ay kahit “may pagsang-ayon” ang bata.

Sa bersyon ng Mababang Kapunungan, itinuturing ding krimen ang tinatawag na “grooming” o ang sikolohikal na manipulasyon ng isang adult sa isang bata para ihanda siya sa isang sekswal na relasyon. Ayon sa Gabriela, isa sa hadlang sa pag-usig sa mga nang-aabuso sa mga bata ay ang kunwa’y “consent” o pagsang-ayon ng bata sa mga sekswal na aktibidad.

Gayundin, nilusaw ng magkatambal na panukala ang tinatawag na “forgiveness clause” o ang lubos na atrasadong probisyon sa Revised Penal Code ng Pilipinas, na itinaguyod ng Anti-Rape Law na ipinasa noong 1997, na nagsasaad na maaaring iligtas sa pagkakasong kriminal ang sinumang nanggahasa kung “patatawarin” siya ng biktima o kung ikasal sila. Ibinasura rin ng mga panukala ang “forgiveness clause” sa pagitan ng mag-asawa na nagliligtas sa krimen ng di konsenswal na sekswal na aktibidad hanggang “pinatatawad” ng biktima ang kanyang “ligal na asawa.” uling-huli man, ituturing nang krimen laban sa mismong indibidwal at hindi krimen laban sa kalinisang-puri (chastity) ang panggagahasa.

Ituturing na ring krimen ang pagpapakasal o co-habitation (pagsasamang mag-asawa nang walang kasal) sa isang bata ng isang nakatatanda. Sinumang sumang-ayon sa kaayusang ito (mga magulang ng bata at kamag-anak) ay maaring ikulong nang hanggang 10 taon. Mawawalan rin sila ng awtoridad bilang mga magulang o guardian (tagapag-alaga). Ayon sa United Nations Population Fund, ika-12 ang Pilipinas sa may pinakamataas na tantos ng child marriages (o kasal ng mga bata) sa buong mundo. Anito, isa sa bawat anim na bata sa bansa ay ikinakasal bago mag-18 anyos.

Sa dalawang panukala, hIndi ituturing na kimen ang sekswal na relasyon sa pagitan ng mga bata o bata at nakatatandang magkalapit ang edad (close-in-age na tinatawag ring Romeo-and-Juliet/swetheart exemption) na konsenswal, di mapang-abuso at di mapagsamantala. Saklaw nito ang mga relasyon ng mga tinedyer, edad 16 hanggang 19-taong gulang lamang.

Naniniwala ang Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) na magkakaroon ng positibong epekto ang pagtataas ng “age of consent” sa pagpapababa ng mga bilang ng maagang pagbubuntis ng mga batang 16-anyos pababa na tinaguriang mga “very young adolescent” o batambatang dalagita o binatilyo. Anito, mabisang mahahadlangan ng panukala ang pang-aabuso sa mga dalagita na maaaring dinadaan sa lakas o maging biktima ng “power play” o paggamit ng kapangyarihan ng nakatatandang kalalakihan. Noong 2019, nagtala ang PopCom ng panganganak ng 10,422 mga batang edad-16 pababa. Ayon sa institusyon, kung maipapasa bilang batas ang panukala, maaring ituring na panggagahasa ang sekswal na aktibidad na nagbunsod ng mga pagbubuntis na ito. Sa 2020, tinataya ng PopCom na aabot sa 178,000 ang mga nabuntis na mga tinedyer dahil sa kawalan nila ng akses sa kontrasepsyon.

Sa isang pag-aaral ng Department of Social Welfare and Development na isinagawa sa pagitan ng 2015 at 2017, napag-alaman na kalakhan ng mga biktima ng panggagahasa ng mga bata ay nasa edad 14 at 18.

Sa isang pambansang sensus naman kaugnay sa karahasan laban sa mga bata na isinagawa noong 2015, nakitang isa sa bawat limang batang edad 13-17 ang dumanas ng sekswal na karahasan. Sa parehong pag-aaral, napag-alaman din na isa sa bawat 25 o 4.8% ng lahat ng mga sinarbey ay dumanas ng pamemwersang sekswal sa kanilang kabataan. Nakita rin sa pag-aaral na mayorya sa mga perpetrator o nagsagawa ng pang-aabuso ay mga kamag-anak ng mga biktima. Mas maraming batang lalaki (22.1%) ang nag-ulat na dumanas sila ng ng sekswal na karahasan kumpara sa batang kababaihan (15.9%).

Pinangangambahang lalupang tumindi ang panggagahasa at sekswal na karahasan laban sa mga bata sa panahon ng pandemya. yon sa Philippine Commission on Women, umabot sa 13,923 ang mga ulat ng karahasan laban sa kababaihan at kabataan mula Marso hanggang Nobyembre 2020. Sangkot ang mga bata sa 4,747 mga kasong ito.

Sa Asia at sa buong mundo, isa ang Pilipinas sa may pinakamababang edad bilang “age of consent,” ayon sa United Nations. Dahil dito, kabilang ang mga batang Pilipino sa pinakabulnerable sa abuso at pagsasamantala sa buong mundo.

[In the face of the rapidly changing political and economic situation in the Philippines, as well as around the world, the newspaper Ang Bayan publishes daily news and analysis on key issues facing the proletariat and the Filipino people, as well as the oppressed people among others. t other corners of the world. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/panukala-laban-sa-panggagahasa-sa-mga-bata-malapit-na-maisabatas/

Kalinaw News: TF-ELCAC General Nakar, Quezon Batting Once More

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2021): TF-ELCAC General Nakar, Quezon Batting Once More



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of General Nakar, Quezon did it again when they were able to facilitate the recovery of NPA war material on the afternoon of September 28, 2021.

Troops of the 1st Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army at 3:00 p.m. that day recovered a New People’s Army ammunition cache at Sitio Madaraki, Barangay Umiray of the said municipality.

The recovery of the said rebel’s cache was a result of an information that was divulged to the Peace Law Enforcement and Development (PLEDS) Cluster jointly manned by 1st IB and the local police directly under the supervision of the MTF-ELCAC GNQ presently chaired by the mayor, Honorable Eliseo R Ruzol Sr.

The inventory of the rebel’s ammunition cache included 15 Anti-Tank Mines; 20 Anti-Personnel Mines, and 340 rounds of Caliber .30 machine gun ammunition. The said munitions are all very powerful and could have had a very debilitating effect on anyone to include and especially the civilians in the area when fabricated into an improvised explosive device or IED.

The use of IEDs is a clear manifestation that the CPP/NPA terrorists continue to violate the International Humanitarian Law by insisting on the use explosives which can result in unnecessary damage to property and loss of lives including innocent civilians. When it explodes, it does not choose its victims, whether uniformed men or barrio folk. Yet despite the call for them to refrain from using such weapons, they continue to manufacture IEDs that wantonly show their violent and inhumane nature.

Mayor Ruzol Sr. further encouraged his constituents to continue supporting the peace efforts of the government saying, “Sa akin pong mga minamahal na kababayan, akin pong nais hilingin ang inyong patuloy na suporta para sa programang pangkapayaan. Suportahan po ninyo ang ating Municipal Task Force-ELCAC para makamit na natin ang kapayapaan dito sa ating 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/tf-elcac-general-nakar-quezon-batting-once-more/

Kalinaw News: NPA Finance Officer and a ranking NPA Couple surrender in Negros Occidental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2021): NPA Finance Officer and a ranking NPA Couple surrender in Negros Occidental



SAGAY CITY, Negros Occidental — Three (3) former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in Northern Negros voluntarily surrendered to Commander, 303RD Infantry Brigade through the joint efforts of the 303RD Brigade Intelligence Task Group, 79IB and MIG7, ISAFP on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

The surrenderees were alias Rocky/Dan/Adam/Harim, Team leader, Finance and Logistic Officer; alias Baliling/Mia/Irish/Dyan/Jelly, Political Guide and member of the Education Staff together with party husband, alias Jamil/Prince/John, Squad Leader, all of Northern Negros Front (Dismantled), Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor, NNF (D), KR-NCBS. They presented themselves to authorities citing among others the hardships in the mountains; loss of confidence to their “cause” and betrayal of their group.

The surrenderees were presented to Major General Benedict A Arevalo, Commander of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army and Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander on 28 September 2021 in a simple ceremony held at Headquarters 303rd Infantry Brigade, Brgy Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

“They affirmed the resentful system and lies of the CTG in propagating false ideologies to the people of Negros and that the hardship within the NPA units are already unbearable specially now that the support from their masses is declining,” said Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, Commanding Officer of 79IB.

“I encouraged the remaining members of the NPA to surrender and lay down their arms; avail of the government programs such as Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and start living a more meaningful life together with their families and loved ones. We thank the Local Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) of Escalante City for its continued support in our endeavors to sustain the peace and development in this part of Negros. This would have not been possible if not for their tireless effort and commitment to finally put an end to the local armed conflict in the area”, Lt.Col Javines added.

The surrenderees are now undergoing custodial debriefing and need assessment for their enrollment to E-CLIP.

[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/npa-finance-officer-and-a-ranking-npa-couple-surrender-in-negros-occidental/

Kalinaw News: Kagitingan Brigade participates in a Youth and Women’s Sector Summit focusing on Awareness against Human Trafficking and Child and Youth Recruitment of the CPP-NPA-Terrorists in Urban Areas

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2021): Kagitingan Brigade participates in a Youth and Women’s Sector Summit focusing on Awareness against Human Trafficking and Child and Youth Recruitment of the CPP-NPA-Terrorists in Urban Areas



Mati City, Davao Oriental – The 701st Infantry “Kagitingan” Brigade Commander, COL OLIVER C MAQUILING INF (GSC) PA attended a “Limitless Youth Summit” dubbed as “Together for Peace”, a collaboration between Global Impact, a non-government organization and the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental which aims to promote awareness against human trafficking and the recruitment done by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) from the youth and women’s sector in the urban area.

The activity was attended by more or less a hundred and fifty youth and women participants whose ages range between fifteen to thirty-five and who come from four barangays within the City of Mati namely Barangay Sainz, Dahican, Central and Matiao.

Aside from the different team building activities and raffle prizes given for the youth and women participants, messages were also imparted from different leaders who attended the summit. Representatives from different national government agencies and local government units were present to include the Vice Governor of Davao Oriental, Honorable Niño Sotero L. Uy Jr., the Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, Mr. Ednar G. Dayanhgirang, the Executive Consultant in the City of Mati, Mr. Allan E. Andrada, Provincial Director of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, PCOL EFREN E ORLINA, the 701st Brigade Commander, LTC JULIUS M MUNAR, the 66th Infantry Battalion Commander and the head of the Global Impact, Pastor Amy Muranko.

The activity was highlighted with a covenant signing of the memorandum of understanding between the Global Impact and Provincial Government of Davao Oriental to support our goal of ensuring a human trafficking and CTG Recruitment Free Province.

[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/kagitingan-brigade-participates-in-a-youth-and-womens-sector-summit-focusing-on-awareness-against-human-trafficking-and-child-and-youth-recruitment-of-the-cpp-npa-terrorists-in-urban-areas/

Kalinaw News: Sulu Vice-governor graces the joint Graduation Ceremony at 11th Division Training School

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 30, 2021): Sulu Vice-governor graces the joint Graduation Ceremony at 11th Division Training School



September 30, 2021, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Last Tuesday, Sulu Vice Governor Hon. Abdusakur “Totoh” Abubakar Tan II attended the Joint closing ceremony of the Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) Class 01-2021 and Army Soldier Combat Skills Enhancement Training Class (ASCSET) 10-2021 as the guest of honor and speaker at 11th Division “Mastal” Training School in Camp Bud Datu, Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

During his speech, Sulu Vice-Governor Hon. Abdusakur “Totoh” Abubakar Tan II said, “Noon, sinasabi nila na pag maraming sundalo magulo ang isang lugar. Ngayon, ako na ang magsasabi, kung meron pa kayong idadagdag, dagdagan niyo pa. Kayo ay partner namin in terms of governance at kailanman di namin makakamit ang katahimikan at kapayapaan ng walang tulong at suporta ng ating mga tropa lalo na dito sa aming lalawigan.”

“Bilang Bise-Gobernador sa lalawigan ng Sulu, on behalf of the people of Sulu, the Tausug people in particular, kami ay lubos ng nagpapasalamat sa ating kasundaluhan na nagtatrabaho at nagbibigay proteksyon sa aming mamamayan dito sa lalawigan ng Sulu. Maraming,maraming salamat po”. Hon Tan added

11th Division Training School, Acting Assistant Commandant, Major Muammar A Sali welcomed the guests, officers and 11th Infantry Division staffs. 11th Infantry Division Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, G8 Ltc Gerald L Monfort declared the termination and completion of both Infantry Orientation Course Class 01-2021 and Army Soldier Combat Skills Enhancement Training Class 10-2021

According to 11th Infantry Division Training School Commandant Col Leomar Jose M Doctolero, Army Soldier Combat Skills Enhancement Training Class 10-2021 is composed of 92 students while Infantry Orientation Course Class 01-2021 is composed of 53 students.

To note, Infantry Orientation Course Class 01-2021 graduated from their Basic Military Training Course Class 655-2020 MAADLA (Mandirigmang Agresibo at Aagapay na Dala ng Disiplinadong Lakas na Aasahan ng Bayan) last July 17, 2021.

For his part, 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales, wholeheartedly extended his gratitude to the dedicated strong and brave soldiers for completing Infantry Orientation Course and Army Soldier Combat Skills Enhancement Training. “At the surface, you might see this as an extension of your calvaries. But really, you should look at this as a privilege. This does not signify the end of your journey, but instead this is just the beginning. Kalakip ng inyong pagtatapos ay ang malaking responsibilidad. Kayo ay kaisa na namin sa pagpapanatili ng tuluyang katahimikan at kapayapaan dito sa Sulu.”

Also present during the ceremony were Provincial Administrator Mr Erwin Tan, Sulu Provincial Board Members Hon. Sulaiman Burahan and Hon. Akmadhan Sitin, Tagbak,Indanan, Sulu, Brgy Captain Abdelnasir M Kadil, 1102nd Infantry Brigade Col Giovanni T Franza, other senior officers, and guests.

[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/sulu-vice-governor-graces-the-joint-graduation-ceremony-at-11th-division-training-school/

Hardship, longingness for family push young NPA parent to surrender

From the Sun Star-Tacloban (Oct 1, 2021): Hardship, longingness for family push young NPA parent to surrender (By RONALD O. REYES)

A 28-YEAR-OLD alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the authorities in Carigara, Leyte, after being separated from her family and endured hardship in the mountains, the regional police command in Eastern Visayas said Thursday, September 30, 2021.

The former rebel was identified as Cindy, with a live-in partner, and former education, medical, finance, liaison, intelligence officer, and vice commanding officer of Platoon Caloy Squad.

According to the authorities, the former rebel “longed to be with her family and three children again.”

“She wishes to send them to school and practically to live a simple and normal life,” the regional police command said in the report.

The surrender was made possible through a series of negotiations that started as early as September 10, 2021, by the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-8, Philippine Army’s 802nd Maneuver Company, Leyte Provincial Intelligence Unit, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Leyte Police Provincial Office.

The former rebel turned in one caliber 9mm pistol with defaced markings and one magazine assembly loaded with eight live ammunition for the same caliber.

Authorities said they had facilitated her application to avail the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1908931/Tacloban/Local-News/Hardship-longingness-for-family-push-young-NPA-parent-to-surrender

'NPA in Northern Luzon on the run'

From the Manila Times (Oct 1, 2021): 'NPA in Northern Luzon on the run' (By Leander C. Domingo)

THE Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) claims the communist movement in Northern Luzon is now on the run as a result of a series of setbacks it suffered from government forces.

Maj. Israel Galorio, Nolcom public information office chief, said the 5th Infantry Division (ID) based at Camp Melchor F. dela Cruz in Gamu town in Isabela province simultaneously overran two communist New People's Army (NPA) lairs in the provinces of Bontoc and Cagayan on Tuesday.

Galorio added that the 5th ID's 77th Infantry Battalion and 86th IB encountered a group of communist rebels under Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) East of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV) in Barangay Dungeg, Santa Teresita town, Cagayan.

On that same day, he said members of the 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company under the operational control of the 54th IB encountered another group of rebels under KLG Ampis at Barangay Mainit in Bontoc town, Mountain Province.

"This encounter resulted in the death of two communist rebels who were later identified as Wilfredo Gaayon alias Jas, leader of Squad Uno of KLG Ampis and Ernesto Lucaben Jr. alias Lando, a member of the said group," Galorio added.


More rebels yield due to exhaustion – Nolcom

He said the soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, an M14 rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, nine anti-personnel mines, five M14 magazine assemblies with 70 rounds of live ammunition, three AK47 magazine assemblies with 20 rounds of live ammunition, two rifle grenades, two hand grenades, three 40 mm live ammunition, two commercial radios and other war materials.

According to Galorio, members of the 501st Infantry Brigade encountered on September 21 some 40 communist rebels under Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan of the KR-CV, prompting the government troops to call for close air support.

He said this also resulted in the death of five communist rebels and the recovery of three M16 rifles; five improvised explosive devices or IEDs; five hand-held radios; four mobile phones; seven 40 mm live ammunition; and other war materials as well as several subversive documents.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, 5th ID commander, expressed his certainty of putting an end to the communist rebellion.

NPA rebels surrender in Isabela

"We've been at odds for more than generations mired in the never-ending cycle of violence caused by these rebels. Nevertheless, it is changing now, we have gained our momentum and we will continue to intensify our efforts in ensuring that the communist rebels in Northern Luzon will be totally eradicated," Mina said.

Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., Nolcom commander, lauded the troops for their unyielding efforts to defeat the communist rebels.

"These recent accomplishments manifested your unceasing desire to defeat the communist rebels while ensuring peace and progress for the community, which has long been denied to the people by these rebels," Burgos said.

He added that the series of debacles suffered by the NPA in Northern Luzon were not just simply losses but critical elements that will eventually cause their organization to crumble.

7 'tired and weary' NPA rebels surrender

"They lost members who are not just ordinary members but personalities holding key leadership positions. These are apart from the continuous influx of surrenders from their ranks and the withdrawal of support from their mass bases," Burgos said.

He added that remnants of the communist rebels in Northern Luzon are exhausted and that the arms of justice will eventually catch up with them.

"[If] you value your life and the future of your family, abandon the armed struggle and avail of the government's local integration program. A new beginning awaits you and your loved ones, grab the opportunity while you still can," Burgos told the rebels.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/01/news/regions/npa-in-northern-luzon-on-the-run/1816730

Lorenzana: Ex-China envoy told me, 'Please do not touch' PH-US military treaty

From Rappler (Sep 30, 2021): Lorenzana: Ex-China envoy told me, 'Please do not touch' PH-US military treaty

SOFIA TOMACRUZ

A review of the treaty would allow it to be more responsive to the current regional security situation, including Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza bared on Thursday, September 30, that China had previously opposed his call for a review of the Philippines and United States’ Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), which sees both sides commit to defend one another in case of an armed attack.

As he reiterated his position on the MDT on Thursday, Lorenzana said China’s position was different than that of the US which “welcomes the idea of revisiting” the key military deal.

“While the US welcomes the idea of revisiting the MDT, an outside party does not. When I first broached the idea of revisiting the MDT, the former Chinese ambassador came to me and said, ‘Please do not touch the MDT. Leave it as it is’,” Lorenzana said during the Stratbase ADR forum on the 70th anniversary of Philippine and US ties.

Lorenzana did not disclose the name of the former Chinese ambassador on Thursday. When he first voiced a possible review of the MDT in 2018, former China ambassador Zhao Jianhua was posted in the Philippines.

The proposed review was meant to make the treaty more responsive to current security concerns in the region that involve Manila and Washington, including Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Lorenza had earlier renewed his call for a review of the MDT during a recent trip to Washington where he said the defense pact “has been beneficial to the Philippines, but not enough to make it stand on its own feet.”

More effective response

On Thursday, the defense chief said that questions over the relevance continued to play in his mind. These, Lorenzana said, included asking, “Is the MDT still relevant after 70 years? Is it time to abrogate it? Is it time to replace it with a new one that is more responsive to the times or revise it?”

Among the areas of concern Lorenzana said the Philippines wanted the MDT to better respond to included threats arising from boundary disputes similar to those in the West Philippine Sea, terrorism, transnational crimes, drugs, climate change, and the exploitation of resources in the region, among others. Most of these threats, he added, were practically non-existent when the MDT was signed in 1951.

Lorenzana said a review of the MDT could also improve how both countries could respond to China’s gray zone tactics which it employed to assert its expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea. Such strategies, he added, showed China was “adept at gaming the system” with its “cabbage” tactics of swarming islands with ships and edge out claimants in its own waters.

“One thing is clear: The Chinese, having embedded themselves with their artificial islands, are not in a hurry for any resolution that is not in its favor,” he said.

"It (China) knew that any aggression it takes will trigger the MDT,” Lorenzana added.

US open to MDT review

Along with Lorenzana, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said the MDT needs to be made more relevant to security concerns faced by both the Philippines and US at present.

“Undoubtedly, the world has markedly changed since 1951. Security threats have since evolved and our new realities need to be considered for the treaty to be effective in ensuring the security of both the Philippines and United States,” he said.

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Romualdez said in-person meetings between Philippine officials, including Lorenzana and US Defense Secretary Llyod Austin have been “very productive and touching on MDT to make it more attuned to the times.”

As the MDT marks its 70th anniversary and as ties between the two nations celebrate its 75th year, Romualdez said the Philippines had multiyear plan on modernizing its military it hoped to be able to discuss with US counterparts.

“It is imperative for anything that old to evolve if it is to keep up with the times…. It is high time that that treaty lives up to its name. We have to mutually be able to defend each other,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/lorenzana-says-ex-china-envoy-told-not-touch-philippines-united-states-military-treaty

DILG, NTF-ELCAC to act on NPA-supporting politicians

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 1, 2021): DILG, NTF-ELCAC to act on NPA-supporting politicians (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The fate of politicians or candidates in the May 2022 elections who will extend support to the New People’s Army now lies with the Department of Interior and Local Government, as well as the National Task Force- Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander disclosed Wednesday.

In a recent dialog between top officials and senior commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and DILG, Arevalo said they were informed by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año that all reports of local chief executives, or candidates, who are supporting the CPP-NPA, for election purposes, will be coursed through DILG and NTF-ELCAC.

This is to avoid the conflict between LCEs and government forces, Arevalo said, as he recalled other law enforcement agencies were the one exposing politicians who support the NPA during the election period, which caused irritants between them.

He reiterated his advice for candidates who may receive extortion letters from the NPA, to link up with them secretly to make arrangements with regards to security issues. Definitely, it’s illegal to give in to the extortion scheme of the local terrorist group, Arevalo stressed.

Let us know the real score or situation, and we will help, he said.

Arevalo said that politicians or LCEs who may extend support to the armed group of political reasons, is expected to be known later, through the help of former rebels, or recovery of documents from encounter sites.

Once proven, they will be held liable for it, under the criminal justice system, he added.

Arevalo, who paid a courtesy call yesterday to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City, also said they will be conducting relentless and aggressive offensive against the NPA remnants in Regions 6 and 7.

Noting that there is now a nationwide trend in the weakening of all NPA guerilla fronts all over the country, including Negros Island, he said that aggressive operations against them will be a big help to reduce their intimidation and related activities during the election.

https://visayandailystar.com/dilg-ntf-elcac-to-act-on-npa-supporting-politicians/

4 rebels slain in Manapla encounter, 3 others surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 1, 2021): 4 rebels slain in Manapla encounter, 3 others surrender (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The encounter site in Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental, being cordoned by the PNP Scene Of the Crime Operatives, pending gathering of more evidences.* 79IB photo

A ranking leader of the New People’s Army and three others yesterday died in an encounter with combined Army and police troopers at Hacienda Builder, Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday identified one of the four slain rebels as Marilyn Badayos, former secretary of the dismantled South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros/ Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

Pasaporte also identified the three other killed rebels as Rudy Carbajosa, alias Brod, Finance and Logistic Officer of dismantled Northern Negros Front Sentro De Grabidad Platoon; Rufino Bocaval, alias Simo, NNF Taxation Finance Committee member; as well as Ronilo Desabille, alias Wowie, Propaganda and Education committee member also of NNF.

Prior to her death, Badayos was arrested twice in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and was granted bail, he added.

The firefight between combined forces of the 79IB, Special Action Force commandos, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 and the armed group of Badayos lasted for almost one hour.

Army soldiers and police troopers recovered a .45 caliber pistol, two fragmentation grenades and a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition, assorted propaganda materials and subversive documents from the encounter site, aside from the cadavers of four rebels.

Nobody among the 79IB was hurt in the gun battle, Pasaporte said.

Badayos has a pending arrest warrant for attempted murder issued by San Carlos Regional Trial Court Judge Amy Alabado Avellano, according to Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 79IB commander.

The death of Badayos also came after the Philippine Army and elite Special Action Force of the PNP, neutralized two other top female cadres of the KR-NCBS, within a span of one month.

Kerima Lorena Tariman, secretary of the newly-dismantled Northern Negros Front, died on August 20 in an encounter with 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Brgy. Kapitan Ramon, Silay City, while Nilda Natan Bertulano, secretary of the South West Front, was captured in a gun battle with SAF commandos on September 14 in Brgy. Tabu, Ilog, all in Negros Occidental.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said that the four slain rebels were the “brains of extortion scheme” in northern Negros, that victimized big companies, construction firms and private individuals.

On September 28, three remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) also surrendered to the 79IB in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

Javines said that the three former rebels also surrendered a 9mm Ingram automatic pistol and .38 caliber revolver with ammunition.

Javines identified the three former rebels through their aliases, for security reasons, as alias Rocky, Finance and Logistic officer of the NNF; alias Baliling, political guide and member of the NNF Educational Staff, and her husband, alias Jamil, also a squad leader of NNF.

https://visayandailystar.com/4-rebels-slain-in-manapla-encounter-3-others-surrender/

Lanao Sur tower blast victims in stable condition

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): Lanao Sur tower blast victims in stable condition (By Nef Luczon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The eight military personnel and two staff of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) wounded in an explosion near transmission towers in Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao del Sur are now in stable condition, the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB).

In a statement released Wednesday evening, Lt. Col. Franco Raphael H. Alano, 55IB commanding officer, said five of the victims were immediately airlifted from the explosion site in Barangay Tangcal on September 28, and were brought to Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC) in Marawi City.

Three others, all military personnel, were transferred to the 1st Infantry Division's Kuta Cesar Sang-an Station Hospital. All have suffered shrapnel wounds.

The remaining two of the wounded Army personnel, meanwhile, were already released from the hospital and have returned to duty.

The incident happened when one of the team members under 2nd Lt. Bryan Paul Calilung tripped over a hidden vine that was connected to the grenade pin planted near the transmission tower while providing security assistance to the NGCP linemen who were conducting routine tower inspection and repair.

According to the NGCP, their linemen, along with the military escorts, were conducting an inspection of the Agus 2-Kibawe 138 Kilo-Volt lines 1 and 2, which tripped on Sept. 22 and 23, respectively, when the explosion occurred.

The NGCP had requested security assistance from 55IB because its staff members are allegedly threatened and intimidated by some locals who were demanding payment for the maintenance activities in the area.

Based on the initial investigation by the military, it appeared that transmission lines and towers were "being sabotaged by the locals," affecting the power distribution in Lanao del Sur and its adjacent areas.

Alano said they will exhaust every means to serve justice.

In an earlier statement, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. expressed his dismay at the cruel act of some groups at the cost of his constituents.

“I am deeply alarmed after hearing what happened to the soldiers and NGCP linemen who were victims of the explosion. I am instructing the LGU (local government unit) and residents of Buadiposo-Buntong to help the authorities in the investigation of this ruthless incident,” Adiong said.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, the 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that NGCP transmission towers are always the subject of numerous attacks.

He also said explosives are usually attached to the tower to topple it down. This time, however, Cuerpo said the blast was meant to injure people.

"The company stresses that any incident meant to interrupt the delivery of power transmission services only serves to increase the burden of the public, which must suffer through power interruptions when lines or towers are affected. Any attempt to hinder line clearing activities is a violation of the provisions under Republic Act 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act and is punishable by up to 12 years imprisonment or fines up to PHP 200,000, or both," the NGCP said in a separate statement.

NGCP appealed anew to the local and national government, local community leaders, and the public, to help identify the perpetrators, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions.

"The public may report suspicious activities in the vicinity of its transmission lines and facilities to the NGCP Tip Hotline at 0917.847.6427 or 0918.847.6427." the NGCP said.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155127

Female NPA officer yields to Leyte cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): Female NPA officer yields to Leyte cops (By Sarwell Meniano)

SURRENDERED. Alias "Claire" hands over a short firearm to Capt. Ricci Nikki Emmanuel Detruz of the Eastern Visayas police regional mobile force company on Wednesday (Sept. 29, 2021) in Carigara, Leyte. She surrendered to policemen after week-long negotiations. (Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police)

A female ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Leyte surrendered on Wednesday as the government heightened its drive against the communist terrorist group, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday.

In Carigara, Leyte, alias "Claire", 28, a native of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, surrendered to operatives of the PNP Regional Mobile Force Company and PNP Regional and Provincial Intelligence Units.

She turned over a caliber .9mm pistol with one magazine assembly loaded with eight ammunition.

Claire was a member of Caloy platoon under the command of NPA’s Eastern Visayas sub-regional front committee and joined the movement in 2011 when she was 18 years old.

She served as education, medical, finance, liaison, intelligence officer, and squad vice commander.

“She surrendered after a series of negotiations that started as early as Sept. 10, 2021 through intensified joint efforts of PNP units. She could no longer bear the hardships she experienced with the rebel group. She also longed to be with her three children and want to send them to school,” the PNP said in its report sent to journalists.

Carigara town has been the center of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in Leyte after the NPA managed to recruit new members by organizing the Municipal Upland Farmers Association in Carigara in 2016.

There are still less than 20 NPA remnants hiding in the town’s thick forest as of mid-2021, according to the military.

The town is about 48 kilometers northwest of this regional capital. It is a second-class town with a population of over 54,000.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1155181

Marines, police seized arms cache in Lanao Sur town

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): Marines, police seized arms cache in Lanao Sur town (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Malabang, Lanao del Sur

The military announced on Thursday it has confiscated 10 assorted firearms and explosives from various armed groups following an operation in Malabang, Lanao del Sur.

The arms cache included a .50-caliber Barrett sniper’s rifle, five M16 assault rifles, an M79 grenade launcher, two .45 caliber pistols, a .38 caliber revolver, a fragmentation grenade, and five 40 millimeter grenade projectiles has been turned over to the Malabang municipal police for safekeeping.

On Thursday morning, Marine Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade based here, told reporters that the firearms and explosives were confiscated in an operation at the border of Barangays Curahab and Bunkhouse, both in Malabang town, situated some 40 kilometers north of this town.

“The operation was jointly conducted by the 5th Marine Battalion Landing Team and the Malabang police office,” Lumawag said.

He said the operation was launched after residents alerted the police and the Marines about the presence of armed men in the peripheries of the area.

“Police and Marine investigators are still trying to determine the owners of the firearms,” Lumawag said.

He said Maranao families locked in “rido” or clan war oftentimes keep firearms for self-defense.

Lumawag said guns and explosives were found at a house abandoned by its owners whose identifies remain unknown as of this posting. “No armed men were seen in the village at the time of the operation,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155196

3 NPA officers surrender to military in northern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): 3 NPA officers surrender to military in northern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

OUT OF THE NPA. The Philippine Army’s Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (left), commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte (right), commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, meet with the three officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army in northern Negros, who voluntarily surrendered at the brigade headquarters in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Sept. 28, 2021. The former rebels yielded two caliber .45 pistols and subversive documents. (Photo courtesy of 79IB)

Three leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) yielded to the military in northern Negros on September 28, the Philippine Army confirmed on Thursday.

Those who voluntarily surrendered were from the NPA’s Northern Negros Front Komiteng Rehiyon - Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor – a male team leader cum finance and logistics officer; a woman who served as a political guide and education staff; and her husband, who was a squad leader.

They were presented on the same day to Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, at the brigade headquarters in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

“This is a clear manifestation of their trust in the local government and the army in Negros, and a result of our continuing campaign to negate the insurgency that has caused the suffering of Negrenses,” Arevalo said.

“We welcome the courageous decision of the three CPP-NPA members who voluntarily surrendered and realized the importance of being with their loved ones,” Pasaporte said.

The three former rebels also yielded two caliber .45 pistols and subversive documents.

A photo of their meeting with the army officials showed the woman carrying her three-month-old daughter, who is the youngest of their three children.

Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion that facilitated the surrender, said the former CPP-NPA members “affirmed the lies of the communist terrorist group in propagating false ideologies to the people of Negros.”

“They also said the hardships within the NPA units are already unbearable, especially that the support from their masses is declining. I encourage the remaining members of the NPA to surrender and lay down their arms to avail of government programs and start living a meaningful life together with their families and loved ones,” he added.

The three are undergoing custodial debriefing and needs assessment for their enrollment to the E-CLIP or Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The E-CLIP entitles a former rebel to receive immediate assistance of PHP15,000; livelihood assistance of PHP50,000; firearms remuneration, PHP12,000 to PHP500,000; half-way house assistance; PhilHealth enrollment and medical assistance; education assistance; housing assistance; legal assistance; and healing and reconciliation initiatives.

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/1155186

4 NPA rebels killed in northern Negros encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): 4 NPA rebels killed in northern Negros encounter (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ENCOUNTER SITE. The site of the clash between government troops and communist rebels in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Thursday (Sept. 30, 2021). The hour-long firefight resulted in the death of four NPA combatants. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Four Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels died during an hour-long skirmish with joint government troops in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Thursday morning.

A report of the northern Negros-based 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) of the Philippine Army identified the fatalities as Marilyn “Monet” Badayos, finance officer of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front (NNF) and former secretary of the South East Front; Ronilo “Wowie” Desabille of the NNF propaganda education committee; and Rody “Brod” Carbajosa, finance logistic officer of NNF Sentro de Grabidad Platoon.

The identity of the fourth fatality is still being determined, it added.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, civil-military operations officer of the 79IB, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) the cadavers have already been brought to the Manapla Funeral Homes in Barangay 1A as of Thursday afternoon.

During the clash in Hacienda Builder that started around 2 a.m., combined Army and police troops engaged about 10 communist rebels considered as remnants of the NNF, which has already been considered dismantled earlier this year.

After the firefight, the rest of the enemy withdrew towards Hacienda Mimi in Barangay Estado, Victorias City, the report said.

“This successful encounter has significantly shaken the weakening organization of the communist-terrorist groups in Negros. It’s sad that more lives were lost fighting for a senseless cause. This could have been prevented if they heeded our call for them to surrender and return to the fold of the law,” Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79IB, said in a statement.

According to the report, the Manapla Municipal Police Station has confirmed that Badayos has a warrant of arrest for three counts of attempted murder issued by Executive Judge Amy Alabado Avellano of the Regional Trial Court in San Carlos City.

While securing the encounter site, the troops recovered a caliber .45 and a caliber .38 pistols, two hand grenades, propaganda materials, extortion letters and receipts, and subversive documents.

The joint enhanced military and police operation was carried out by personnel of the 79IB, Philippine National Police-Special Action Force 64th Special Action Company, 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, 605th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Western Visayas, and Manapla Municipal Police Station.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the Army, in collaboration with the police, thwarted one of the major extortion activities of the CPP-NPA in Negros Island.

“The four who died in an encounter in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla were the ‘brains’ of the extortion scheme. They were responsible for all extortion activities in the area (that targeted) big companies, construction firms and private individuals for years,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the devotion to duty of the military and police troops who immediately responded to the reports of the presence of communists in Barangay San Pablo.

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/1155224

7 demoralized NPA leader, guerrillas yield in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 30, 2021): 7 demoralized NPA leader, guerrillas yield in Bukidnon (By Marita Moaje)

SURRENDERERS. Demoralized members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army surrender to the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Brgy Tongan-Tongan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on September 26, 2021. They said they are already tired of evading government troops. (Photo courtesy of PA 4th ID)

Some seven guerrillas of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) surrendered to the government, claiming they are already tired of evading government troops and deceiving people into joining their futile cause.

In a media statement on Wednesday, Maj. Gen.l Romeo Brawner Jr, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said a CPP-NPA-NDF leader together with six other members surrendered to the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Brgy Tongan-Tongan, Valencia City, Bukidnon on September 26.

Among those who voluntarily surrendered were Dante Pluma Cuyos alias Dr/Pedring/Asul/Riche, who served as the ‘Kalihim sa Seksyon’ (Political Officer) of Platoon Bagsik, Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Four other female CPP-NPA rebels identified as Jalyn Hagayhay Mandikonlay alias Cecil/Sassy, Platoon Medic, Nalyn Gibangon Mansayloan alias Sabel, Maricel Tingcas Gamot alias Maricel, Lina Tawide Tilucan alias Kikay, who serves as a political guide surrendered with Cuyos.

“We welcome Cuyos' return to the peaceful path as he finally realized the senselessness of his more than nine years of armed struggle, seeing his friends and companions die or being captured in the past weeks,” Brawner said.

“We commend their decision and your Army is always ready to help and assist them as we learned that one of the female surrenderers is pregnant, another is suffering from a kidney problem while one is deaf. We shall facilitate their medical treatment at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in 4ID,” he added.

The group also surrendered high-powered firearms that include three Cal. 7.62mm AK47 rifles; one Cal. 5.56mm M4 Bushmaster rifle; one Cal. 7.62mm M14 rifle; and one Cal. 30 Garand rifle.

Meanwhile, a couple also left the CPP-NPA-NDF and recently surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion.

They were identified as Junas Tuminao Lindaban alias Kint, political guide, Squad 1, together with his party wife, Rosalinda Simpan Paunay alias Keratin/Jela, squad medic, both of SDG Dario, GF89, NCMRC.

The couple said they decided to surrender after realizing their evil deeds of deceiving local people into joining the armed struggle.

With more members of CPP-NPA-NDF returning to the fold of the law, Brawner said the end of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Bukidnon province is forthcoming.

“They were demoralized as our troops incessantly conduct focused military operations based on the influx of information received from civilians enabling the troops to track CTG hideouts. They were tired of continuously hiding while having meager food supplies in the mountains,” Brawner said.

He said the CTGs already lost the support of the masses.

Brawner said the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that aims to help former rebels turn to peaceful and meaningful life together with their families played a key role in enticing the CTG members to surrender.

Data from the 4ID showed that since January of this year, a total of 259 CTG members surrendered to the government.

A total of 107 firearms were also recovered during the same period.

Brawner reiterated the government’s sincerity in ending the 50 years insurgency problem in the country, adding that CPP-NPA-NDF members who will decide to finally reject the armed struggle and return to a peaceful path will be given better opportunities under the E-CLIP.

Among the benefits awaiting rebel returnees under the E-CLIP program includes financial assistance package, sustainable livelihood skills training, educational assistance for the FRs and their families, housing assistance, and other aftercare interventions from the different government agencies and local government units.

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/1155119