CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: World Food Day pero maraming walang makain

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 18, 2021): World Food Day pero maraming walang makain

Nagprotesta ang mga magsasaka sa pangunguna ng Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women, Pamalakaya at Bantay Bigas noong Oktubre 16 sa harap ng Mega Q-Mart sa Quezon City bilang paggunita sa World Food Day na kanilang binansagang World Hunger Day (Araw ng Kagutuman). Ang naturang pagkilos ay bahagi ng “World Hunger Day Global Action,” isang pandaigdigang araw ng protesta na pinangunahan ng grupong People’s Coalition for Food Sovereignty (PCFS). Nanawagan sila para sa makatarungan, pantay, malusog at sustenableng sistema ng pagkain at hindi pandaigdigang imperyong ng mga korporasyon sa pagkain.

“World Food Day ngayon pero maraming walang makain, pati na rin ang lumilikha ng pagkain,” ani Cathy Estavillo, pangkalahatang kalihim ng Amihan. Nanawagan sila sa rehimeng Duterte na suportahan ang lokal na produksyon at itigil ang liberalisasyon sa pag-aangkat ng mga produktong pang-agrikultura, pangunahin na ng bigas, isda, gulay, at karneng baboy.

Ayon sa mga nagprotesta, dapat singilin si Duterte sa pagpatupad ng kontra-magsasakang mga patakaran gaya ng Rice Liberalization Law at Executive Order No. 134 (kautusan sa liberalisasyon sa pag-aangkat ng baboy). Pinababa ng mga patakarang ito ang taripa sa pag-aangkat ng naturang mga produkto na nagresulta sa pagbaha ng imported na bigas at karneng baboy sa lokal na mga pamilihan at pagkalugi ng lokal na mga magsasaka at magbababoy.

Inilahad ng Bantay Bigas ang partikular na epekto ng liberalisasyon sa pag-aangkat ng bigas sa kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka ng palay. Ayon sa grupo, bumagsak na ngayon tungong ₱9 kada kilo ang presyo sa pagbili ng palay mula sa mga magsasaka sa Iloilo, habang ₱10 naman sa Occidental Mindoro, at abereyds na ₱14 sa iba pang mga prubinsya. Ito ay habang naglalaro sa ₱38 hanggang ₱44 kada kilo ang tingiang presyo ng bigas sa Metro Manila. Kulang na kulang ang minimum na sahod na kinikita ng kalakhan ng mga manggagawa sa bansa para matiyak na sapat at masustansya ang kanilang nakakain, laluna sa harap ng paulit-ulit na pagpapataw ng rehimen ng mga lockdown na nagreresulta sa paghinto ng pagtatrabaho at pagkawala ng mga kabuhayan.

Hinamon nila ang mga kandidato sa halalan 2022 na gawing bahagi ng kanilang adyenda ay paglalatag ng “konkretong solusyon sa kronikong krisis sa pagkain at sektor ng agrikultura, na dapat ay nakabatay sa prinsipyo ng pang-ekonomyang kasarinlan at pag-asa sa sarili.”

Ayon sa isang pag-aaral noong 2020 ng Foodlink Advocacy Cooperative, tinatayang kinakailangan ng isang lima-kataong pamilyang Pilipino ng ₱14,368 kada buwan para sa sapat at masustansyang pagkain alinsunod sa itinakda ng Pinggang Pinoy. Ang Pinggang Pinoy ay binuo ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute na gabay sa mga pagkaing may sapat na enerhiya at nutrisyon ang katawan sa araw-araw. Tinatayang relatibong mas mataas pa ngayon ang halagang ito dahil sa pagtaas ng tantos ng implasyon mula ikalawang hati ng 2020.

Kulang na kulang ang ₱11,000 kada buwan (₱500 kada araw na minimum) na sinasahod ng kalakhan ng manggagawa sa National Capital Region (NCR) para ipantustos sa kinakailangang badyet para sa pagkain. Lalo pang kulang ang sinasahod ng mga nasa ibang rehiyon gaya ng Bicol Region (₱6,820 kada buwan o ₱310 kada araw na pinakamababa para sa mga manggagawa) at Ilocos Region (₱6,204 kada buwan o ₱282 kada araw na pinakamababa para sa mga manggagawang bukid).

Inilahad sa naturang pag-aaral na tinatayang 5% lamang ng mga pamilya sa NCR ang may sapat na impok para makabili ng sapat at masustansyang pagkain sa loob ng unang tatlong buwan ng lockdown noong nakaraang taon. Noong Abril 2020, iniulat ng rehimen na tinatayang 60% ng mga pamilya sa NCR ang nagbawas ng ginastos sa pagkain dulot ng pagkawala o pansamantalang pagkatigil ng kanilang mga kabuhayan.

Kahit bago pa magpademya, mababa na ang konsumo ng pagkain ng maraming pamilya sa bansa. Noong 2019, tinayang 26% sa pangkabuuang gastos sa pagkain ay mula lamang sa 7.6% pinakamayayamang pamilya o yaong kumikita ng ₱480,000-paitaas.

[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. Here you will find the latest news and articles of Ang Bayan.]

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/world-food-day-pero-maraming-walang-makain/

CPP/NDF-KM: Hinggil sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 18, 2021): Hinggil sa Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan

Maria Laya Guerrero

Spokesperson

Kabataang Makabayan (KM)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

October 18, 2021

Sa gitna ng lumulubhang pampulitika at pang-ekonomyang krisis sa bansa, isang katotohanan ang nananatiling malinaw: ang kagalingan, karapatan, at kinabukasan ng batayang masa ay patuloy na magiging madilim at walang kasiguraduhan hangga’t namamayagpag ang sistemang pumapabor sa naghaharing iilan!

Ngayong Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan, mapulang pagbati at pagpupugay ang inihahandog ng Kabataang Makabayan sa lahat ng kababaihang magsasaka na patuloy na nakikipagsapalaran at nakikibaka para sa kanilang demokratikong interes.

Para sa mga magsasaka sa kanayunan, manggagawa sa mga pabrika’t engklabo, maralita sa kalunsuran, pambansang minoryang ninanakawan ng lupa, at kabataang pinagkakaitan ng edukasyon, walang duda na ang tunay na nagkakaisang lakas ng sambayanan ang kinakailangan para tuluyang bugtuin ang gapos ng pagdurusang kanilang dinaranas.

Kaisa ng malawak na hanay ng masang magsasaka at manggagawa ang Kabataang Makabayan sa pagpupunyagi tungo sa isang lipunan na tunay na mapagpalaya at nagkakaisa! Higit kailanman, malinaw sa lahat ng demokratikong kabataan na ang tunay na pag-unlad ay makakamit lamang sa pamamagitan ng militanteng pagkilos at pakikibaka.

Kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan, ang panawagan ng Kabataang Makabayan: sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Bukas ang mga larangan sa lahat ng handang ialay ang kanilang buong panahon at buhay para sa pakikibaka tungo sa lipunang malaya sa pagsasamantala’t pang-aapi!

Daan-libo pang mga armas ang ating sasamsamin mula sa kamay ng mga kriminal na reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa! Naghihintay ang masa sa kanayunan!

Makibaka para sa pambansang demokrasya!
Isulong ang digmang bayan!
Sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/hinggil-sa-pandaigdigang-araw-ng-kababaihan-sa-kanayunan/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: Pagkakaluklok ni Parlade sa NSC, Panibagong pusisyon ng isang tuta

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 18, 2021): Pagkakaluklok ni Parlade sa NSC, Panibagong pusisyon ng isang tuta

Armando Cienfuego

Spokesperson

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

October 18, 2021

Tiyak na ipagpapatuloy at dadagdagan pa ni Antonio Parlade, Jr. ang kanyang mga karumaldumal na krimen sa bayan bilang bagong talagang deputy director-general ng National Security Council (NSC). Asahang higit pang lalala ang mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatang tao, red-tagging at pagkakalat ng fake news at disimpormasyon.

Kung tutuusin, ang pagkakatalaga kay Parlade sa NSC ay isang gatimpala ng pasistang Duterte sa kanyang pagiging sagadsaring anti-komunista at tagapagpatupad ng kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera ng rehimen. Bahagi ito ng pakanang ibalik si Parlade sa NTF-ELCAC matapos ang sapilitang pagpapabitiw sa kanya bilang tagapagsalita nito dahil labag sa reaksyunaryong konstitusyong humawak ng isang sibilyang pusisyon ang sinumang aktibong kasapi ng militar.

Ang pagkakapwesto ng mga retiradong berdugong heneral tulad nina Lorenzana, Año, Esperon at Parlade sa iba’t ibang pusisyon sa reaksyunaryong gubyerno ay higit na nagkonsolida at nagpadulas sa kampanya kontra-insurhensya sa pamamagitan ng NTF-ELCAC. Ang militarisasyon ng sibilyang gubyerno ay bahagi ng desperaradong hakbang ng rehimeng Duterte sa pangarap nitong lipulin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan bago matapos ang kanyang termino.

Sa pagkakaluklok ni Parlade sa NSC, maluwag niyang magagamit ang Anti-terror Law bilang sandata laban sa nakikibakang mamamayan sa ngalan ng pagsupil sa “terorismo”. Dahil sa walang pakundangang red-tagging ni Parlade, higit na darami ang mga aktibista, mga progresibo, kritiko, oposisyon at mga ordinaryong mamamayan ang mapapabilang sa listahan ng mga “terorista”.

Dapat ilantad at hadlangan ng taumbayan ang pagkakaluklok ni Parlade sa kanyang bagong posisyon sa gubyernong Duterte. Kailangang patuloy na singilin at papanagutin si Parlade sa kanyang mga karumaldumal na krimen sa bayan. Sa Southern Tagalog pa lamang, kinamumuhian siya dahil sa napakarami niyang inutang na dugo at krimen sa mamamayan ng rehiyon. Nararapat na pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa ng buong bayan para usigin ang mersenaryo at pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte. Ngayon ang panahon upang higit na pagtibayin ang hanay upang puspusang labanan ang terorismo ng estado.

Maaasahan ng mamamayan ng Southern Tagalog ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan na papapanagutin nito si Parlade sa mga inutang na dugo sa bayan. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagkakaluklok-ni-parlade-sa-nsc-panibagong-pusisyon-ng-isang-tuta/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: Mga pasista’t pahirap sa masa sa Quezon at Rizal, binigwasan ng NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 18, 2021): Mga pasista’t pahirap sa masa sa Quezon at Rizal, binigwasan ng NPA

Armando Cienfuego

Spokesperson

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

October 18, 2021

Taas kamaong binabati ng Melito Glor Command – NPA Southern Tagalog ang mga Pulang mandirigma at kumander ng mga yunit ng NPA sa Quezon at Rizal na nagsagawa ng matutunog na aksyong militar nitong Setyembre. Alay ito sa mamamayan ng Timog Katagalugan na nagpupunyagi sa pambansa demokratikong pakikibaka sa kabila ng papatinding terorismo ng estado.

Sa Rizal, dalawang opensiba laban sa mga kaaway sa uri at mersenaryong hukbo ang naganap sa huling linggo ng Setyembre. Ipinagbunyi ng mamamayan ang reyd ng Narciso Antazo Aramil Command – NPA Rizal sa kuta ng mga goons ng mangangamkam na PML na si Arturo Robes sa Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez noong Setyembre 27. Winasak rin ng BHB ang mga kagamitang pangdemolis ng bahay at kinumpiska ang mga armas na panakot ng goons sa mga magsasaka.

Tugon ang reyd sa pagbabanta at pagpapalayas ni Robes sa 150 pamilya ng maralitang magsasaka na mapayapang nananahanan sa Bundok Balagbag. Aalisan ng lupa’t kabuhayan ang mga residente para sa proyektong ekoturismo ng ganid na PML.

Noong Setyembre 30, 6:40 ng umaga, inambus ng isa pang yunit ng NAAC ang nag-ooperasyong 80th IBPA sa Sityo Ilas, Brgy. Puray, Rodriguez. Dalawa ang naiulat na patay sa AFP kabilang si Private First Class Warren Fold Montebon.

Samantala, mahusay na nagdepensa ang isang yunit ng Apolonio Mendoza Command-NPA Quezon na inatake ng mga tropa ng 85th IBPA sa ilalim ng 201st Brigade noon ding Setyembre 27, alas-11 ng umaga, sa Sitio Hagakhak, Barangay Malaya, General Luna. Dalawang sundalo ang nasawi sa 10-minutong engkwentro.

Sa pahayag ng AMC, hindi kagyat na pinaputukan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang kaaway dahil tusong pumwesto ang mga sundalo sa direksyong maaaring mahagip ng bala ang mga sibilyan. Saka na lamang gumanti ng putok ang NPA nang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga residente.

Mariing kinundena ng AMC ang pandarahas sa mga residente ng Sitio Hagakhak matapos ang labanan. Dinakip sina Reagan Avila at mag-asawang Leonina Ilag at Poli Naval na pawang nakatira malapit sa pinangyarihan ng engkwentro. Dinala sila sa kampo ng sundalo para imbestigahan.

Ipinakikita ng matatagumpay na bigwas sa mga pasistang kaaway na tapat ang NPA sa panata nitong itaguyod ang interes at karapatan ng masang anakpawis. Sinumang nagnanais na maging tagapagtanggol ng mamamayan ay inaanyayahang sumapi sa NPA at magsulong ng makatarungang digma laban sa pang-aapi’t pagsasamantala.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/mga-pasistat-pahirap-sa-masa-sa-quezon-at-rizal-binigwasan-ng-npa/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Fake News Alert: Sonny Nace

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 18, 2021): Fake News Alert: Sonny Nace

Samuel Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

October 18, 2021

Inaresto nitong Oktubre 6 si Sonny G. Nace, isang ahente ng STL sa Brgy. Tula-Tula Sur, Magallanes, Sorsogon ng mga elemento ng 22nd IBPA, 92nd SAC, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force at Magallanes Municipal Police Station.

Tinaniman siya ng baril, kinasuhan ng gawa-gawang kaso at pinaratangang miyembro ng NPA.

Si Nace ay pang 18 na sibilyang pinaratangan na NPA o MB at pang 9 na sibilyang tinaniman ng baril ng PNP at AFP ngayong taong 2021.

https://cpp.ph/statements/fake-news-alert-sonny-nace/

Kalinaw News: 2 Former CTG Members surrender to authorities in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 18, 2021): 2 Former CTG Members surrender to authorities in Nueva Ecija



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija — Another former members of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerilla – Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrendered voluntarily to the authorities in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on October 16, 2021. Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commanding Officer of 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army identified the two former CTG members as alias “Nica” and alias “Jomar”, both residents of Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

Said surrender was a result of the unit’s continued efforts to encourage the remaining members of the dismantled guerilla group to lay down their arms and be with their families in time for Christmas Day.

“I am urging the remnants of the dismantled KLG-SM to surrender. Our government is ready to help you live a new life with your family,” LTC Rubio said.
During the interview, both have expressed their eagerness to live in peace together with their families.

Meanwhile, the Acting Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Luis Rex D. Bergante PA lauded the courage of the two former rebels for their decision to embrace a new life and encouraged them to also convince their other comrades to do the same for their safety.

“We encourage those who surrender to communicate with their hesitant comrades and convince them to do the same. Also, now that you are being given the chance to live a peaceful life, be an example of a reformed person in your community. Binibigyan kayo ng pagkakataon ng gobyerno upang ituwid ang inyong mga pagkakamali na dulot na rin ng panlilinlang ng kumonistang grupo. May pag-asa pa. Sumuko na kayo at umpisahan na ang pagbabagong buhay,” said BGen Bergante.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-former-ctg-members-surrender-to-authorities-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: 7 more communist terrorists yield in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 18, 2021): 7 more communist terrorists yield in Sultan Kudarat



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

Seven members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) surrendered to the troops of the Joint Task Force Central in Sultan Kudarat on October 17, 2021.

According to Major General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, the CTG personalities known as Oyet, Maymay, Ben, Noel, Nacan, Osing, and Adog submitted themselves to the troops of the 7th Infantry Battalion at the unit’s headquarters at Old Provincial Capitol, Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat at 10 a.m. Sunday. They handed over their firearms to prove their sincere intent to abandon their armed struggle.

Lieutenant Colonel Romel Valencia, Commander of 7IB said the surrendered personalities belonged to the Platoon Myphone, East Daguma Front, Sub-regional Command-Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region. They surrendered two cal. 30 M1 Garand rifles, one cal. 30 M2 Carbine rifle, one 12-gauge Shotgun, and one M79 Grenade Launcher. “The successful surrender of the seven CTG members is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Community Support Program operators of this battalion,” said Lieutenant Colonel Valencia.

During the debriefing, a.k.a. Oyet expressed his condemnation to the communist terrorist group which he described as a ‘Godless’ group. He narrated that since they joined the group, they exhausted their time and strength moving from one place to another to dodge the military operations. “Dako ang pagmahay namo ngano ning apil mi sa teroristang NPA, mayo na lang naa ang 7IB nga wala ngaduha-duha sa pagdawat namo (We regret our decision of joining the NPA terrorist, gladly, the 7IB is here to accept us without second thought),” A.k.a. Oyet stated.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said the strength and capability of the CTG in central Mindanao continue to dwindle as more and more members of the group choose to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. “I commend our troops, our partners, and stakeholders for the significant breakthroughs in our campaign against terrorism and violent extremism,” Major General Uy added.

It can be recalled that on October 13, eight members of the same group surrendered to the 7IB in the municipality of Bagumbayan. Their papers are now being processed for their enrollment in the reintegration program of the government. Since January 2021, a total of 94 members of the CTG have surrendered to the military in central Mindanao. They handed over a total of 73 firearms.

“The military is always willing to welcome former rebels/violent extremists who wish to lay down their arms, go back to the mainstream society, and live a peaceful life with their family,” Major General Rosario, Jr. 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/7-more-communist-terrorists-yield-in-sultan-kudarat/

Kalinaw News: People’s Organization receives farm equipment from DAR in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 18, 2021): People’s Organization receives farm equipment from DAR in Nueva Ecija



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija — The Antipolo Farmers Association received farm tractors and machinery worth 2.6M from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) mechanization program during the turn-over ceremony held last Friday, October 15.

The said POs was organized by the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army in Barangay Antipolo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija in 2019.

The farm equipment and machinery were received by the PO’s representative, Vice Chairman Bartolome Manresa.

During the activity, Manresa expressed his gratitude to the people behind who helped them, saying that the equipment they receive is an advantage in enriching their farms and improving their yields.

“Lubos po ang pasasalamat ng aming grupo sa inyong lahat na tumulong sa amin. The aid that you have given to us will surely speed up our work when we haul our harvest,” Manresa said.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food in her message, said that she supports the rice farmers and her programs aimed to uplift their lives to increase productivity and income.

She also congratulated the farmer-beneficiaries who received the machinery and equipment under the RCEF.

Meanwhile, the Acting Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Luis Rex D. Bergante PA said that the successful turn-over of the farm equipment and machinery to the rice farmers is the fruition of the Army’s efforts in linking the farmer’s group to the proper National Government Agency to address their needs.

“Natutuwa tayo dahil mayroon na namang grupo ng mga magsasaka ang madadagdagan ang ani. We in the Army supports this kind of programs benefiting our rice farmers. Kaya naman we encourage the members to focus on improving their livelihood and dismiss the idea of joining the CTG’s front organizations,” said Brigadier General Bergante.

[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/peoples-organization-receives-farm-equipment-from-dar-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebel Forum in 5ID

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 18, 2021): Former Rebel Forum in 5ID



As a way in helping the government forces to end local communist armed conflict in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Regions, a two-day Former Rebel Forum participated in by the former high-ranking NPAs was conducted in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on October 15-16, 2021.

During the first day of the said activity, the former high-ranking NPAs shared high-value information including the movements and activities of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in the said regions within the Area of Responsibility of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

A press conference was held on the second day of the forum where five of the participating former NPAs shared their experiences inside the terrorist group.

They believe that the public must know the true intent and character of the CNTs. That’s why they bravely face the media entities to tell the truth to protect the general public especially the youth/students from the different schemes of the Communist Terrorist Groups in infiltrating and destroying our society.

The CPP-NPA-NDF’s main goal is to topple the government through protracted people’s war.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebel-forum-in-5id/

Kalinaw News: 32 FRs from Ormoc take oath of allegiance during Serbisyo Caravan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 18, 2021): 32 FRs from Ormoc take oath of allegiance during Serbisyo Caravan



CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City, October 18, 2021 — Thirty-two members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, on lie-low status, from five villages in this city took their oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines before City Mayor Richard I. Gomez, highlighting the Serbisyo Caravan of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8-ELCAC) at the City Hall lobby on Saturday morning.

The former rebels pledged to completely abandon the CPP-NPA-NDF and the violent way of life as they returned to the folds of the law.

During the occasion, 300 members of the Integrated Peace and Development Workers Associations (IPDWAs) from Ormoc City, Kananga, Albuera and Jaro, all of Leyte province, who availed of the Serbisyo Caravan, witnessed the oath taking ceremony.

Leyte Vice Governor Carlo P. Loreto, Kananga Mayor Matt Torres, City Councilor Vincent Rama, Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion of the Office Civil Defense 8 (OCD8), Colonel Noel Vestuir, Deputy commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, PColonel Ramil L. Ramirez, Ormoc City Police Office Director, Deputy Regional Director Joseph Gideon Garcio of NICA8, Provincial Director Rene Dela Cruz of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), City Local Government Operation Officer Redi Briones and other government officials also witnessed the event.

The bulk of those who formally surrendered came from Brgy. Quezon Jr. (19) and Brgy. Lake Danao. Three came from Brgy. Hugpa, and one each from Brgy. San Antonio and Brgy. Can-untog. In term of position, the highest ranking among them were a former district committee member of a CPP-NPA front committee, from Quezon Jr. and the former chairman of the Batakang Organisasyon sa Partido (BOP) in Lake Danao.

The newly surrendered lie-low communist terrorists included 11 former regular fighters, one special operation group element, six yunit milisya (ym) members, one propaganda organizing team (pot) operator, one runner, one para-legal and five underground mass organization followers.

In his message, Colonel Vestuir stressed the significance of the voluntary surrender of the lie-low CPP-NPA personalities who avoided from being reconnected to the communist terrorism movement. He said the series of surrender would snowball into the eventual total collapse of the communist terrorism movement in the island of Leyte.

Colonel Vestuir, representing Brigadier General Zosimo A. Oliveros, 802nd Brigade commander, emphasized that the yielding of the 32 lie-low CPP-NPA-NDF personalities was a product of the sole and painstaking efforts of the Ormoc IPDWA that is composed of local rebel returnees under the leadership of Conrado Labartine.

Various regional and city/municipal government agencies like the OCD, TESDA, City Health Office, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Labor and Employment, Public Employment Service Office, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Department of Agriculture converged for the special Serbisyo Caravan for the former rebels mostly from the 4th legislative district (except Jaro) of Leyte.

The Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN) Eastern Visayas closely worked with the DILG’s Ormoc CLGOO, 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion, 802nd Brigade, the Ormoc City Police Office, PNP, and the Ormoc IPDWA for the hosting of the half-day event showcasing the government services.

[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/32-frs-from-ormoc-take-oath-of-allegiance-during-serbisyo-caravan/

More NPA members abandoning group: military

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 18, 2021): More NPA members abandoning group: military (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 39th Infantry Battalion

THE military reported that more members of the New People’s Army surrendered in the area under the 39th Infantry Battalion as a result of the peace and development campaign of the government.

Lt. Col. Ezra L Balagtey, commander of 39th Infantry Battalion based in Makilala, North Cotabato, said one of those who surrendered was a certain Gawits, 49, of Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur was a vice commander of the Far Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the outlawed movement.

Balagtey said the former rebel decided to surrender because, aside from experiencing hardship, also realized that the government has implemented programs for the development of the communities.

Also surrendering to the office of North Cotabato Second District Rep. Rody Caoagan last October 6 was a couple with the woman in her eighth-month of pregnancy.

“With this we are optimistic that the CTG (communist terrorist group) in the regional boundary will collapse leading to a sustainable and durable peace in the area,” Balagtey said as he attributed this to the continued implementation of interventions to help the former rebels integrate into the society.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/10/18/more-npa-members-abandoning-group-military/

Police hold man accused as Sayyaf negotiator

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 18, 2021): Police hold man accused as Sayyaf negotiator (By Al Jacinto)

Police arrested a 30-year old man who allegedly stood as an Abu Sayyaf ransom negotiator for three kidnapped foreigners, two of them were eventually beheaded by the terrorist group in southern Philippines.



Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, chief of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group, said Adzrimar Sali Ammat, alias Abu Omar, was arrested in Kampo Islam in the village of Lower Calarian in Zamboanga City.

Dimas said Ammat also acted as negotiator for the Abu Sayyaf for the release of three other Filipino hostages in 2015 and 2016. He said a regional trial court in Tawi-Tawi has issued a warrant for Ammat’s arrest in September 2019.

Police linked Ammat to the kidnap-slay of Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall and Norwegian man Kjartan Sekingstad and Filipina Maritess Flor in the island-resort of Samal in Davao del Norte province on September 21, 2015.

Ridsdel, Chief Operating Officer of TVI Resource Development Philippines, Inc., was eventually beheaded on April 25, 2016 in Sulu province after his family failed to pay the P300 million ransom demanded by the Abu Sayyaf. Hall was also decapitated two months later while Sekingstad and Flor were freed unharmed to the Moro National Liberation Front.

Police also released a mug shot of Ammat following his capture.





Photos posted on the Facebook page of Arrested Abu Sayyaf suspect Adzrimar Ammat show his clearances issued by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation.

But Ammat also posted on his Facebook page on October 18 a set of photos of clearances issued by the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. He wrote: “My NBI clearance and National police clearance are true and original 100%. It’s not fake. Date issue on 25 August 2021 in Zamboanga City. A real kidnapper or terrorist cannot escape from NBI and National police clearance.”

However, Ammat did not deny the charges against him.

Last December, two other Abu Sayyaf militants Jehan Aklul and Mohammad Muslimin who were linked to the Samal kidnappings were captured by the police in their hideout not far from the Presidential Palace in San Miguel in Manila. The raiders also seized two hand grenades, a blasting cap and detonating cord from the hideout.

Three other militants Alsadi Hanain, Bennaser Pae and Ugali Alimudin involved in the kidnappings had surrendered to the military last year.

Hanain was also linked to the ransom kidnappings of Italian national Rolando del Torchio on October 7, 2014; European birdwatcher Ewold Horn who was killed in May 2019 during a firefight between militants and soldiers; and Chinese Jin Hua Chen and Yahong Chen. He was also involved in deadly attacks on security forces in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/police-hold-man-accused-as-sayyaf.html

7 commies yield in South

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 18, 2021): 7 commies yield in South

Seven New People’s Army rebels have surrendered to the military in Mindanao where security forces are fighting two fronts - the war on insurgents and winning hearts and minds in the countryside - in an effort to end decades of bloody war in the South that had killed tens of thousands of people.



A photo released by the military's Western Mindanao Command to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner shows the seven New People's Army rebels following their surrender on Sunday, October 17, 2021 in Sultan Kudarat's Isulan town.

Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the rebels surrendered Sunday to the 7th Infantry Battalion in the town of Isulan in Sultan Kudarat province, a stronghold of communist insurgents in the restive region.

Rosario, quoting a report from Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, the battalion commander, said the rebels surrendered three rifles, a shot gun and a grenade launcher.

“The successful surrender of the seven CTG members is a result of the collaborative efforts of the Community Support Program operators of this battalion,” Velencia said in his report.

Last week, eight rebels also surrendered to Valencia’s group, according to Rosario, adding, nearly 100 insurgents have so far surrendered in central Mindanao since early this year with the military collecting 73 assorted weapons.

Rosario also urged other rebels to surrender and take advantage of the government’s amnesty program and start a new life and live peacefully with their families.

“The military is always willing to welcome former rebels and violent extremists who wish to lay down their arms, go back to the mainstream society, and live a peaceful life with their family,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said the strength and capability of the rebels in the region continue to dwindle with the mass surrender of insurgents and lauded troops for their efforts in convincing the communists to return to the fold of the law.

“I commend our troops, our partners, and stakeholders for the significant breakthroughs in our campaign against terrorism and violent extremism,” Uy said.

The rebels have been fighting since the 1970s for the establishment of a communist regime in the country. Peace talks with the previous and current administrations had failed largely due to rebel demands to free all political detainees and co-equal control of the democratic government.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/7-commies-yield-in-south.html

2-pronged strategy leads to NPA rebels' surrender in S. Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): 2-pronged strategy leads to NPA rebels' surrender in S. Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. (Left photo) Kalamansig Mayor Rolando Garcia (in blue shirt) receives a rifle from one of the six New People's Army rebels who voluntarily surrendered with their firearms during ceremonies held at the municipal government center of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday (Oct. 17). (Right photo) Army Lt. Colonel Rommel Valencia (center), commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion, welcomes the seven former communist rebels who also yielded Sunday in Isulan, also in Sultan Kudarat. (Photos courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The military’s two-pronged approach in dealing with communist combatants in the mountains of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat has turned out to be effective, an Army officer here said Monday.

“The two-pronged approach is a continuous military pressure against rebels, and at the same time highlighting the government’s offer for them to rejoin the mainstream society peacefully,” Lt. Col Allen Van L. Estrera, Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) commander, told reporters here in an interview Monday.

On Sunday afternoon, he said the result became evident as six regular members of communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily laid down their arms and turned themselves in to the Kalamansig Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the 37IB during ceremonies held at the town government center.

Estrera said the six rebels also turned in 10 firearms, including one Carbine rifle, two 12-gauge shotguns, three .45 caliber pistols, one 9mm submachine pistol, three .38 caliber revolvers, and assorted ammunition.

They were welcomed by Kalamansig Mayor Rolando Garcia who handed over financial and food assistance to the rebels.

In a phone interview, the mayor said the surrenderers will be enrolled in the government’s Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program for surrendering NPA rebels.

“This is to complete their return to the mainstream society, live normal lives, and be productive citizens in their communities,” Garcia said.

“The presence of Army and police forces in the communities have been helpful not only in maintaining peace and order but also in assisting rebels who wish to return to the fold of the law,” the mayor added.

Col. Eduardo B. Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade commander, has lauded the 37IB and the local government unit for providing the NPAs an avenue to return to their respective families with the government’s intervention.

“I urge other NPAs still up there, come down and enjoy the benefits of peace,” Gubat said.

More rebels yield

Meanwhile, seven more NPA rebels in Sultan Kudarat also decided to return to the fold of the law after being convinced of the government's sincerity in helping them through various government agencies.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrender of the seven brought to some 170 the number of NPA rebels and supporters who yielded to the military in Central Mindanao this year.

“This is a welcome development to all peace-loving communities in the region,” he said.

Uy said the seven NPA members, all coming from the Manobo Dulangan indigenous community, yielded Sunday before Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia, Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion commander, based in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Valencia, in his report, cited that the latest batch of NPA guerrillas opted to lay down their guns and abandon the armed struggle which they now think is a futile cause.

The seven NPAs who operated in the mountains of Isulan and Bagumbayan towns also turned in 10 assorted firearms including an M14 rifle, a homemade sniper rifle, a Carbine rifle, an M79 shoulder-fired grenade launcher, six homemade pistols, and also various ammunition.

“The surrenderers were all members of the weakened Platoon My Phone of East Daguma Front, South Regional Command – Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region,” Valencia said in his report.

He said their surrender was a result of the Community Support Program (CSP) operation implemented by the 7IB with an intensified information education campaign that provided awareness to Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat

“Ka Oyet” of Platoon My Phone, led the surrender and explained why they surrendered.

“Since we joined the movement about 10 years ago, we have no adequate rest because we were always on the run from pursuing government forces,” Ka Oyet said in the vernacular.

Valencia assured the said batch of NPA surrenderers that all benefits due for surrendering rebels will be provided by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

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/1156955

NPA leader, 2 sons yield in NegOr due to 'false promises'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): NPA leader, 2 sons yield in NegOr due to 'false promises' (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

FALSE PROMISES. A suspected high-ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) and his two sons voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army and the police in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Sunday (Oct. 17, 2021). The three said the lack of support from their leaders and false promises by the NPA prompted them to return to the fold of law. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

A ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Oriental and his two sons have voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental over the weekend.

A media release from the Army on Monday said the three, whose real names were withheld for security reasons, were identified as alias Kol/Reynald, team leader of the dismantled South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor, and his two sons, alias Emman, 23, and alias Junie, 20, both members of the Yunit Militia of the NPA.

The three surrendered on Sunday to the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and to the local town police at Sitio Nahayag, Barangay Talalak.

They also turned over an M-14 rifle with a defaced serial number and subversive documents.

The three said they surrendered due to “lack of support from their leaders” and “false promises” made to them, according to the media release.

Lt. Col. Roderick R. Salayo, 11th IB battalion commanding officer, said “we will never be tired of supplementing the needs of the surrenderers to restore their allegiance to the government”.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, thanked the various government agencies of the provincial and municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) for their “relentless efforts” in the fight against the decades-long insurgency.

The former rebels are now in the custody of the military and will be turned over to the police for proper disposition.

They will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to be able to avail of various assistance from the government.

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/1156963

New cop chief assumes post in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): New cop chief assumes post in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

COURTESY CALL. Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo (left) receives newly-assigned provincial police director, Col. Germano Mallari, during a courtesy visit on Monday (Oct. 18, 2021). Mallari is the third provincial director to be assigned to Negros Oriental this year. (Photo from the Facebook page of the Negros Oriental provincial government)

Negros Oriental has a new acting provincial police director in the person of Col. Germano P. Mallari, who is the third to be assigned in the province this year.

Mallari replaced Col. Glenn Mayam, the officer-in-charge (OIC) provincial police director for about four months, said Chief Master Sgt. Edilberto Euraoba III, information officer of the provincial police headquarters here on Monday.

Euraoba said Mallari is serving in an acting capacity, which allows him to order the reshuffling or transfer of police personnel under him, while Mayam as OIC did not carry the same authority.

Mayam had to be replaced because he was holding two positions -- as OIC provincial police director of Negros Oriental and as staff of the Police Region Office 7 in Cebu City.

Mallari paid a courtesy visit to Governor Roel Degamo on Monday. However, the Capitol did not give details of their meeting.

The first provincial police chief to serve in Negros Oriental this year was Col. Bryant Demot, who was replaced in June by Mayam.

Meanwhile, the new Police Regional Office-7 (Central Visayas) director, Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega, is scheduled to visit Negros Oriental this week for the first time since he was installed in the post last month, Euraoba said.

Vega will be visiting the provincial police headquarters and the different police stations in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157028

Army chopper pilots join military free-fall exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): Army chopper pilots join military free-fall exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FREE-FALL EXERCISE. Helicopter pilots of the Philippine Army join a military free-fall exercise with the Special Forces Regiment in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on Oct. 12, 2021. The Army said the exercise is part of efforts to further enhance the efficiency of all Army units in combat and non-combat missions. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Some two Philippine Army (PA) helicopter pilots took part in a military proficiency free-fall exercise with the Special Forces Regiment in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

"Military free-fall is a distinct form of tactical parachuting technique employed by elite Army forces," the PA said in a Facebook post on Sunday night.

It added that the exercise held on October 12 is part of the Special Forces Regiment's fourth quarter military sustainment training.

Also, the PA said its Aviation "Hiraya” Regiment (P), the unit of all its pilots, is still conducting proficiency training for rotary pilots.

Student pilots from the Rotary Wing Transition Course conducted cross-country training flights from the Fort Magsaysay Army Aerodrome in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija to Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

"The training will enhance the flight and navigational skills of Army aviators in preparation for future missions," it added. Currently, the PA operates three rotary assets for training and emergency purposes.

The Aviation Regiment started as the Army Aviation Battalion in April 1978 with the primary mission of providing tactical airlift of combat troops, supplies, and equipment of various Army units.

PA chief, Lt. Gen. Andres C. Centino, earlier underscored the capability development of all Army units to further enhance their efficiency in combat and non-combat missions.

“A modern and capable Army Aviation Regiment is a vital part of our operational capability. Rest assured the Philippine Army is committed to upgrading our forces’ operational capabilities which will enable us to deal with fast-evolving threats and end the decades-long insurgency problem at the soonest time possible,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156940

ASG negotiator in Samal Island kidnapping falls in Zambo

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): ASG negotiator in Samal Island kidnapping falls in Zambo (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Photo courtesy of PNP-AKG

Authorities nabbed a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) who allegedly acted as a negotiator for the release of six kidnapping victims in 2015.

In a statement Monday, Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, director of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), said suspect Adzrimar Sali Ammat, also known as “Abu Omar”, 30, was arrested in Barangay Kampo Islam, Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City at around 4:30 p.m. on October 15.

Dimas said Ammat has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by the Bongao, Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 5 in September 2019.

The suspect is temporarily detained at the AKG Mindanao Field Unit headquarters in Zamboanga City while waiting for a commitment order from the court.

Ammat acted as a negotiator for the release of the victims who were abducted by the ASG at the Holiday Oceanview Resort in Samal Island, Davao Del Norte on Sept. 21, 2015.

Two victims -- Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall -- were beheaded on April 25, 2016 and June 13, 2016, respectively, both in Talipao, Sulu.

Two other victims, Norwegian national Kjartan Sekingstad and Maritess Flor, a Filipino, were released on June 24, 2016.

Two more victims who requested anonymity identified Ammat as their kidnapper. One of them was released in December 2015 while the other was released on June 2, 2016.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156948

Proposed MUP pension reform only for new entrants

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): Proposed MUP pension reform only for new entrants (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

 Officials from the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of Finance (DOF) confirmed that the Duterte administration’s proposed reform of the military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system will only apply to new entrants in the service.

In a statement Monday, DND spokesperson Arsenio R. Andolong stressed that the reform aims to create a more financially sustainable MUP pension system.

"While the versions in Congress and Senate have yet to be finalized, the reform intends to control the looming PHP9.6 trillion worth of unfunded pension liabilities, which may continue to grow if the current scheme prevails," he added.

The DOF has also cited that the MUP pension reform is about saving the pension system and is crucial to the country's post-coronavirus pandemic fiscal and economic recovery.

In a radio program last week, Valery Joy Brion, DOF spokesperson on the MUP pension reform, explained that the Senate's discussions on the proposed reform point to the creation of a dual pension structure.

This will retain the present pension and retirement benefits system of currently active and retired personnel while applying the reform only to those who will enter the service upon effectivity of the law.

Some of the proposed changes include mandatory contributions to fund pensions, discontinuation of automatic indexation, computation of pension benefits at-rank upon retirement, adjustment of pensionable age, creation of a trust fund committee to oversee the MUP pension system, and designation of the Government Service Insurance System as the administrator of the MUP pension system.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156952

AFP lauds CHR Bicol reso showing Reds violated Absalons' rights

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): AFP lauds CHR Bicol reso showing Reds violated Absalons' rights (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday lauded the resolution of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region 5 (Bicol) stating that collegiate football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven suffered human rights violations and abuse during the unprovoked attack by communist terrorists last June.

The CHR Bicol's resolution, dated July 7, stemmed from complaints filed by Nolven's mother, Cristine T. Absalon, and Vilma B. Absalon, mother of Kieth.

The resolution also said the victims' families and heirs must get due compensation.

“Senseless violence that victimizes innocent civilians has no place in a democratic, progressive society such as ours. We in the AFP laud the CHR’s work protecting the likes of Kieth and Nolven and calling out those accountable,” said AFP chief of staff Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. in a statement.

Both Kieth and Nolven were killed while Kieth's nephew, Chrisbin Daniel, was hurt in an anti-personnel mine (APM) attack that transpired in Barangay Anas, Masbate City last June 6.

At least 24 NPA members have been charged with murder and frustrated murder by the Masbate City police before the City Prosecutor’s Office over the incident.

The incident is believed to be perpetrated by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Masbate City.

“With the help of the CHR, our units on the ground are now equipped with the knowledge to advance and protect the principles of human rights. We will continue to be vigilant as we monitor and report on the communist terrorist group’s lack of respect for the rights of innocent civilians,” Faustino said.

According to the CHR Bicol, the blasts and 79 fired cartridges recovered at the scene of the explosions were proof of disproportionate force applied to victims who could not afford to counter the attack.

It added that the acts of the communist terrorists, which resulted in the death of the victims, prove their willful disregard of the victims' right to life and security as embodied under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Section 1 of Article III of the Philippine Constitution, Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity and Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.

AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict director, Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac earlier said “the use, stockpiling, manufacturing and transporting of an improvised explosive device (IED) which is considered as an anti-personnel mine (APM) is prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and penalized under Section 4(c)(25)(iv) of RA 9851.”

“The culprits including their leaders should be prosecuted for these human rights and IHL violations against innocent civilians. They targeted the victims using IED and even fired gunshots deliberately inflicting severe damage and impunity,” he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156954

'Decisive victory' vs. insurgency within reach: PNP exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18, 2021): 'Decisive victory' vs. insurgency within reach: PNP exec (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia (Screengrab from NTF ELCAC virtual presser)

The government continues to win the hearts and minds of Filipinos and is close to attaining "decisive victory" against communist insurgency through good governance and better services, an official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

“Halos abot-kamay na ang ating decisive victory. Marami na ang naniniwala sa programa ng ating pamahalaan. Kaya marami na rin ang sumusuko sa kanila (communist terrorist group). (Decisive victory is almost within our reach. Many people now believe in the effectiveness of our government's projects. This is why many communist terrorist group members have surrendered). After five decades, this is the only administration that is able to provide a holistic solution to insurgency problem," PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, said in a virtual press briefing of the National Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

Sermonia said these programs include the ongoing Barangay Development Program (BDP), the Duterte Legacy Barangay Caravan, and the revitalized "Pulis sa Barangay" where government services are being delivered and sustained even in the farthest barangays that were largely ignored during the past administrations.

The NTF ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP) has successfully rolled out development projects in 822 former village strongholds of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) that have been cleared.

Each of these villages is provided with the BDP’s five core projects, namely farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation, health stations, and livelihood programs, of which more than 2,000 of these projects have been implemented by Executive offices concerned.

To date, Sermonia said people continue to extend support for genuine and lasting peace by providing information about activities of communist terrorists which have resulted in successful military and police operations.

He added that the creation of NTF ELCAC, one of the most important legacies of President Rodrigo Duterte, made it easier for the police to join hands with the Filipino people in “weakening and crippling the lines” of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) through “massive police-community relations.”

“Tuloy-tuloy na ito hanggang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan ang malasakit ng ating Pangulo (This will continue until our kababayans feel the genuine compassion of our President),” he added.

Sermonia, who previously served as the PNP's director for police community relations, said the creation of the Global Coalition of Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups and Force Multipliers also contributed to promoting government programs for different sectors, especially those vulnerable to recruitment by communist front organizations.

"We debunk their narratives through good governance and better government services. Their ideology and violence now seem disruptive. We unmask their cadres and tactics through the mobilization of a coalition against their front organizations," he added.

Launched in June, the global coalition consists of 11 international and local organizations that provide proactive leadership, direction, and guidance to all government and multi-sectoral efforts to build a strong collaborative partnership with the community in support of the ongoing campaign against the communist insurgency, illegal drugs, terrorism, and disaster mitigation.

Sermonia added that through the government's legal offensives, the communist movement's capability to acquire funds has suffered a major blow.

These include the designation of the CPP-NPA as a terrorist organization and the enactment of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 which penalizes terror financing.

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

"We also intensified our legal offensive. In fact, the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), has filed charges against many leaders of communist front organizations. Some of them were even lawmakers," Sermonia said in Filipino.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156984