Eleazar commends Bicol cops for killing 5 NPA rebels; CPP says slain were peasants

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 25, 2021): Eleazar commends Bicol cops for killing 5 NPA rebels; CPP says slain were peasants (By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu)

Photo from the Philippine Army

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has heaped praise on the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) for neutralizing alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including key members, in Madaon town, Masbate.

In a statement on Monday, Eleazar said that local operatives were set to enforce an arrest order for supposed NPA Larangan 1 guerrilla front leader Eddie Rosero, whom PNP says goes by the aliases “Arnold Rosero” and “Ka Star”, in Madaon’s Barangay Bugtong.

PNP said that Rosero had outstanding charges, for five counts of murder and another case for attempted murder.

However, Eleazar said that Rosero directed his companions, believed part of the NPA, to engage the police officers approaching. Rosero and four others died during the encounter.

“I commend our personnel at PRO-5, headed by PBGen Jonnel C Estomo, for their successful operation last Sunday (October 24) that resulted in the neutralization of 5 members of the CPP/NPA/NDF in Masbate,” Eleazar said.

The PNP chief added that the operation is part of the police force’s campaign for peaceful elections, noting that the communist terrorist groups may affect the country’s democratic processes.

“This operation is also part of our elections security preparations in order to deny all armed groups, which includes the CPP/NPA/NDF from undermining our democratic process for the 2022 local and national elections, especially in Masbate, which has a long history of election violence and the presence of the enemy in the province,” Eleazar noted.

But according to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the individuals who died during the police operation are peasants and not NPA members. CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena also said that Rosero is a local resident and not a communist fighter.

CPP oversees the operation of the NPA, which acts as its military arm.

“[CPP] condemns in the strongest terms the [PNP] for the massacre of at least five peasants yesterday early morning in Barangay Bugtong, Mandaon town in Masbate province. Contrary to the PNP’s claims in their press releases, the victims were not members of the [NPA]. The PNP identified one of the victims as Eddie/Arnold Rosero, a local resident,” Valbuena said.

Valbuena also claimed that as per the information handed by NPA’s Regional Operational Command in Bicol, “there was no armed encounter yesterday nor was there an NPA unit in the area”.

“We hold the PNP accountable for this heinous crime. This was committed by the police following direct orders of the police chief to ‘put an end’ to the NPA in Masbate and the Bicol region,” he claimed.

But police officers who led the operation said that they recovered two .45 caliber pistols, three M-16 rifles, one M-14 rifle, and several improvised explosive devices (IED).

Eleazar said that this campaign in Masbate is part of a more significant effort to rid areas of conflict and ensure peaceful 2022 elections.

“Bukod sa Masbate, mahigpit na tinututukan na din ang mga ibang lugar sa ating bansa upang matiyak na payapa, maayos at tapat ang resulta ng eleksyon sa susunod na taon.” (Aside from Masbate, we are also strictly monitoring other areas in the country to ensure peaceful and honest elections next year.)

PNP has been pursuing intense action against NPA forces in Masbate, especially after two civilians — Far Eastern University footballs standout Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon — were killed when an IED planted by communist rebels went off.

READ: CPP, NPA own up to Masbate mine blast; express ‘deep remorse’ for death of civilians

READ: Eleazar tells NPA: If you’re sincere, surrender those responsible for Masbate blast

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1506357/eleazar-commends-bicol-cops-for-killing-5-npa-rebels-cpp-says-those-killed-were-peasants

22 NPA members, sympathizers surrender in Leyte

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 25, 2021): 22 NPA members, sympathizers surrender in Leyte (By: Joey Gabieta)

TACLOBAN CITY––At least 22 former members and sympathizers of the communist rebel group in Leyte surrendered Monday and took their oath of allegiance to the government.

Of the 22 who surrendered, four were regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA). The rest were organizers and sympathizers in the hinterlands of Carigara and nearby municipalities, said Col. Noel Vestuir, the deputy commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City.

The former communist members took their oath of allegiance to the government in a ceremony at the municipal gym.

The event was presided by Mayor Eduardo Ong and witnessed by Army officials led by Brigadier Gen. Zosimo Oliveros, the commanding officer of the 802nd IB.

The former rebels and sympathizers also surrendered firearms that consisted of four caliber-45 pistol, a submachine gun, and a homemade caliber-30 rifle.

Aside from financial assistance from the Carigara government, the surrenderers would also receive help from the national government under its Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, Vestuir said.

The government campaign against the rebels and the assistance provided those who had earlier yielded were their reasons for surrendering, Vestuir said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1506325/22-npa-members-sympathizers-surrender-in-leyte

32 former rebels receive cash aid

From the Manila Times (Oct 26, 2021): 32 former rebels receive cash aid (By Cris Diaz)

Thirty-two former members of the New People's Army in Agusan del Sur received a total of P160,000 as "reintegration cash aid" from the municipal government of La Paz, Agusan del Sur, the military said on Monday.

Lt. Cecille Tappa of the army's 26th Infantry Battalion based in San Luis, Agusan del Sur said that La Paz Mayor Michael Lim distributed P5,000 to each of the 32 former rebels who surrendered to the military.

"The local government of La Paz, together with all local government agencies, is committed to continue supporting the former rebels as mandated by Executive Order 70," Lim said.

The executive order aims to facilitate the delivery of government programs and basic services to the marginalized communities as part of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (Elcac) program.

Elcac aims to attain an inclusive and sustainable peace in the country by addressing the root causes of insurgency as a means to end armed conflict, Lim said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/26/news/regions/32-former-rebels-receive-cash-aid/1819713

Navy war games set in western Mindanao

Posted to Rappler (Oct 25, 2021): Navy war games set in western Mindanao (By FRENCIE CARREON)

The exercises aim to train naval forces and test Naval Forces Western MIndanao's planning and execution of operations

Nearly a thousand Navy officers, sailors, and members of the Navy Seals and Marines would start four days of drills in western Mindanao on Monday afternoon, October 25.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. said the naval exercises would formally commence in Zamboanga City at 4 pm Monday, but the actual drills would take place in Basilan and Sulu provinces until October 29.

The exercises aim to train naval forces and test NFWM's planning and execution of operations.

Adaci said the exercises would also help the Navy assess and determine traditional and non-traditional naval operations that can be retained or improved.

Dubbed as the Pagsisikap Naval Exercises 2021, the drills would involve 945 Navy officers, Navy Seals, personnel, and reservists, and a fleet of nine naval ships in western Mindanao.

The exercises would also include the members of the Marine Amphibious Ready Unit (MARU), aboard the Navy’s biggest ship Landing Dock BRP Tarlac (LD601), a helicopter, and a civilian-owned vessel that would serve as the drill target.

Adaci said they would simulate Marine operations using assault vehicles traveling from the sea to the shorelines, and naval guns and Spike Extended Range (ER) missiles would be used.

Navy Captain Alan Javier, exercises director and commander of the Naval Task Force 62, said the drills would showcase the "Fleet-Marine concept in the planning and execution of naval and amphibious operations in the littoral battlespace," and highlight the integral role of inter-agency collaboration in the conduct of maritime and naval operations.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Chester Ross Cabaltera, NWFM public affairs officer, said this week's exercises would be a continuation of an October 21 mock beach raid from the waters off the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon (NSRE) in Zamboanga City, by the Marines and Navy Seals aboard Landing Dock BRP Tarlac.

"The exercises will test the mettle of the Philippine Navy's warships and crew," Adaci said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/navy-war-games-set-western-mindanao-october-2021

Prenatal care provided to captured 14-year-old pregnant rebel trainee on regular basis

From Palawan News (Oct 25, 2021): Prenatal care provided to captured 14-year-old pregnant rebel trainee on regular basis (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

The New People's Army (NPA) deceived the minors into thinking the training they were attending was only a farmers' meeting, according to Larida. (Photo from MBLT-3)

The pregnant 14-year-old rebel trainee who was among three apprehended in a recent military operation in Roxas is getting prenatal treatment and other welfare help from local authorities to guarantee her healthy pregnancy, a top official of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde) said over the weekend.

Col. Jimmy Larida, commander of the 3MBde, said she and her 16-year-old sibling had already been turned over to their parents and being supported by the Barangay Council for Protection of Children (BCPC). They were apprehended during a focused military operation conducted in Sitio Karatong, Barangay Tinitian, Roxas on October 13.

Larida said they are also working closely with other agencies to provide them with their needs. The Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3), which was instrumental in their arrest, had also been instructed to coordinate closely with these agencies.

Recovered one M14 rifle, 1 improvised shotgun, anti-personnel mine components, cellular phone, assorted ammunitions, and subversive documents with high intelligence value. (Photo from MBLT-3)

“Ang standing guidelines natin doon sa MBLT-3 ay to coordinate closely sa mga agencies that should provide health services sa dalawang minors, lalo na doon sa 14-year-old [na] pregnant para ma-ensure natin na healthy sila pati ang baby sa kanyang sinapupunan,” he said.
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READ RELATED NEWS: Marines apprehend 3 NPA fighters, including pregnant 14-year-old in Roxas town

Before their capture, Larida said the two teen girls were able to complete their short training in self-defense and weapon familiarization.

He said they believe that there may be a number of remaining recruited minors in Roxas based on their statements during the custodial investigation.

“Wala na silang sinasanto, 16 at 14 years old at buntis pa ay ni-recruit nila. Base sa salaysay ay nakapag-undergo na sila ng training kagaya ng self-defense [and] weapons familiarization, then nakapag take oath na din sila bilang kandidatong kasapi. Talagang recruited na sila,” he said.

“Hindi malayo na may iba pa [na kabataang na-recruit] dahil base sa salaysay [nila] more or less nasa 30 ang present during training nila. Masaya tayo dahil walang firefight and the minors were rescued successfully,” Larida added. “I consider it really a perfect combat operation”.

Recruitment

The New People’s Army (NPA) deceived the minors into thinking the training they were attending was only a farmers’ meeting, according to Larida.

He said they were asked to attend the training through letters of the invitation given by the rebel organization, based on the retrieved materials.

“May mga sulat na pumunta sila dito sa ganito, sa isang union ng mga magsasaka dahil matutulungan sila. Pagdating doon ay pinakita na ang mga videos ng mga NPA attacks sa mga sundalo hanggang sa hindi na sila makaalis,” he said.

https://palawan-news.com/prenatal-care-provided-to-captured-14-year-old-pregnant-rebel-trainee-on-regular-basis/

IEDs explode; 2 cops hurt

From Panay News (Oct 25, 2021): IEDs explode; 2 cops hurt (By Ruby Silubrico)

Two police officers were wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Barangay Mayang, Tubungan town yesterday afternoon.

The victims were Police Corporal Genel Simpas of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC) and Patrolman Jessie Castamado.

They were having a foot patrol outside their detachment when two IEDs exploded.

The victims were recuperating at the Rep. Pedro Trono Memorial District Hospital in Guimbal town.

“We are now investigating as to who was responsible for the incident,” said Police Lieutenant Alwin Salmon, Tubungan police chief.

After the explosion, Salmon said an exchange of fire happened between suspected rebels and the police.

https://www.panaynews.net/ieds-explode-2-cops-hurt/

2 communist rebels surrender in Agusan

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 25, 2021): 2 communist rebels surrender in Agusan (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 29th Infantry Battalion

TWO MEMBERS of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on Oct. 21.

According to Lt. Col. Jason M. Saldua, commanding officer of the 29IB, the guerilla fighters who surrendered belonged to the Guerilla Front (GF) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

They turned over two AK-47, two bandoliers, and seven magazines loaded with ammunition.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Andres C. Centino commended the efforts of the 29th Infantry Battalion that led to the surrender of communist rebels in their area of operation.

“To 29IB troops, sustain your momentum against the CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) and continue to protect our people from harm. Your efforts are becoming visible, even to the rebels, and we will soon welcome more people who choose to pursue true peace,” Centino said.

 
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/10/25/2-communist-rebels-surrender-in-agusan/

Yield, rejoin mainstream society, mayor tells NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): Yield, rejoin mainstream society, mayor tells NPA rebels (By Edwin Fernandez)

RIGHT DECISION. Some of the 29 former NPA rebels who surrendered to the local government of Libungan, North Cotabato, are presented to the military during surrender rites Sunday (Oct. 24, 2021) at the town gymnasium. The surrenderers (inset) also set ablaze the New People's Army flag and other symbols during their surrender. (Photos from Libungan LGU)

A town mayor in North Cotabato on Monday has called on other communist guerrillas still in the mountains and fighting a lost cause to come down and peacefully rejoin the mainstream.

Mayor Francis Aris Uy of Libungan, North Cotabato aired the appeal after he presented 29 former members of communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) on Sunday to Col. Jovencio Gonzales, the Army’s 602nd Army Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr, the 34th Infantry Battalion commander, during a surrender ceremony held at the municipal gymnasium.

“Come down and avail of the benefits to be provided by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Uy said in a statement Monday as he called on NPA rebels still up in the mountains.

Both Gonzales and Vilchez hailed the mayor’s appeal for the NPA combatants to come down with a “peaceful surrender atmosphere.”

Romeo Segundo, one of the surrenderers, admitted he only realized later that the NPAs had fooled him into joining the movement with the promise of a better life.

"It is not too late for us to surrender though and renew our lives,” Segundo said.

“We will never allow them to fool us again, there were many promises that remained unfulfilled,” said Edwin Malag, another former NPA member.

Both Segundo and Malag thanked the government for giving them the opportunity to live normal lives and the privilege to avail of government assistance.

Military officials also lauded the rebels for choosing the right path to peace and being with their families this Christmas.

Uy believed that there are more rebels who are willing to surrender soon.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157662

New police director in Surigao Sur assumes post

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): New police director in Surigao Sur assumes post (By Alexander Lopez)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. (center), director of Police Regional Office in Caraga, hands over the leadership of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) to Col. Joseph Boquiren (right) who replaces Col. James Goforth (left) during a change of command ceremony on Monday (Oct. 25, 2021) at the Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Tandag City. Under the term of Goforth, the SDSPPO was named Best Performing Unit in 2021 on the campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging, and loose firearms. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO)

The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) has a new director in the person of Col. Joseph Boquiren.

Boquiren formally assumed his new position during a change of command ceremony held on Monday at the Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Tandag City.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of Police Regional Office in Caraga Region, facilitated the turnover activity between Boquiren and outgoing SDSPPO chief, Col. James Goforth.

“I am thankful to the men and women of SDSPPO for their support during my term as their director,” Goforth told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

He also extended his appreciation for the continuing support of the provincial government and the different local government units, the line agencies, and the various stakeholders.

Goforth has been the director of SDSPPO since Oct. 23, 2019.

During his term, Goforth has been awarded various recognitions, including as the Best Police Commissioned Officer for Operations. The SDSPPO was also named Best Performing Unit in 2021 on the campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging, and loose firearms.

“My new assignment will be at the PRO-13 headquarters,” Goforth said but declined to elaborate.

Boquiren, for his part, was the chief of the Regional Operations Division of PRO-13 before his new assignment.

The change of command was graced by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel; the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, and other top officials of the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157685

7 BIFF members yield to BARMM police

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): 7 BIFF members yield to BARMM police (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDER. The surrendering batch of seven Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters took their oath of allegiance to the Philippine flag during ceremonies held at the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao headquarters on Monday afternoon (Oct. 25, 2021). The group also turned in various firearms and a powerful improvised explosive device during their surrender. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao – Seven members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), including two mercenaries for hire, have voluntarily surrendered to police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday afternoon.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, BARMM police director, said two of the seven gunmen had worked as guns-for-hire of some politicians in Maguindanao.

Declining to give the identities of the surrenderers for security reasons, he said the group belonged to the BIFF-Karialan faction operating at the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

They turned in a .38-caliber pistol, a homemade “fortylite” revolver, a .45-caliber pistol, three M79 grenade launchers, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and ammunition during their surrender inside this Police Regional Office-BARMM headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao.

One of the surrenderers also yielded a powerful improvised explosive device rigged from an 81mm mortar round with a mobile phone as a triggering device.

The BIFF is an ISIS-inspired group linked to various bombings and harassment activities against government forces and communities in Central Mindanao.

Ugale said the gunmen decided to surrender through the help of Vice Mayor Herodin Guiamano of Datu Salibo town and the office of Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, the Maguindanao provincial police director.

“Congratulations, you made the right decision of peacefully laying down your firearms,” Ugale told the surrenderers during the program.

PRO-BARMM records indicated that more than 70 BIFF members have surrendered to police in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur since January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157735

NPA wanted for Army slay falls in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): NPA wanted for Army slay falls in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Caraga (Region 13) on Monday said a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel involved in the killing of an Army trooper in 2017 has been arrested.

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., in a statement, identified the suspect as Benjon Acero, alias Benjoy Asero/Yowin, 31, of Sitio Libon, Barangay Lydia in La Paz, Agusan del Sur.

He added that Acero is the former leader of Squad 1, Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon of NPA Guerrilla Front 88, Sub-Regional Command 3, North Center Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Acero was arrested by the personnel of Agusan del Sur police provincial office in a manhunt operation conducted in Purok 4, Barangay Poblacion, La Paz on Sunday afternoon,” Caramat said.

He said the suspect was among the NPA insurgents who killed Army Private Junry Cablay in Barangay Comota, La Paz on June 9, 2017.

On Nov. 24, 2020, an arrest warrant for murder was issued against the suspect by the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Norte.

“I commend the troops for this another accomplishment in our anti-terrorism campaign. This success was made possible through the joint efforts of our police and the support and cooperation of the public who reported the whereabouts of the wanted communist terrorist group member,” Caramat said.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1157708

No subversive books in Antique’s lone university

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): No subversive books in Antique’s lone university (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

University of Antique’s Statue of Progress (Photo courtesy of L. Besite/UA Facebook)

The lone university in Antique has no subversive books in its library.

This was learned in a dialogue with officials of the University of Antique (UA), led by its president Dr. Pablo Crespo Jr.On Monday, by the Army’s 301 Infantry Brigade and the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) legal cooperation cluster, represented by chair Flosemer Chris Gonzales,

“We are glad that UA has assured us that there are no subversive books displayed in their library and so we hope that other universities in the region will also do the same,” said Capt. Kim Apitong, spokesperson of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division, in an interview.

Apitong said it is the responsibility of the academe to protect its students by clearing their libraries of books which can encourage students to revolt against the government or teach wrong ideologies.

“We hope that other universities would also open their minds and volunteer to surrender their books that sow misinformation,” he said.

He said some of these books are disguised by good titles but, upon reading further, promote communism.

“The books were written by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) or of Jose Maria Sison, who is the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),” he said.

Crespo committed that UA will fully support the campaign to end insurgency.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)“We are happy that we have been briefed about the ELCAC program and we commit to support to end insurgency as a university,” he said in another interview.

He said the library is considered as “sacred ground” in the university because it is a repository of books and publications.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157728

CPP-NPA faces criminal raps for using banned mines

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): CPP-NPA faces criminal raps for using banned mines (By Perla Lena)

ENCOUNTER SITE. Policemen cordon off the area where two anti-personnel mines were detonated by insurgents in an encounter in Barangay Jolason, Tubungan, Iloilo on Sunday afternoon (Oct. 24, 2021). The incident wounded two members of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Command. (Photo courtesy of Tubungan MPS)

Strings of criminal cases will be filed against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for detonating two anti-personnel mines (APM) that injured two government troops during an encounter that lasted about seven minutes in Barangay Jolason, Tubungan, Iloilo on Oct. 24.

Two members of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Command (IPMFC) were injured in the clash against elements of the NPA’s Southern Front Committee, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay.

Lt. Alwin Salmon, officer-in-charge of the Tubungan Municipal Police Station, identified the wounded as Pat. Jessie Castamado, who was already discharged from the hospital, and Corporal Genel Simpas, who is confined in a hospital here.

“We are finalizing the documents and we will secure the affidavits of the victims for filing of the case,” Salmon said in an interview on Monday. “The cases will be in relation to use of explosives and physical injuries, among others.”

The international community adopted the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

More than 160 states are party to the APM Ban Convention that went into effect in 1999.

APM is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Salmon said the 1st IPMFC team was conducting a hot pursuit operation past 2 p.m. following an early morning explosion believed to have been perpetrated by the communist terrorist group (CTG) at the police detachment in Barangay Mayang.

“We could not yet identify what caused the explosion at the IPFMC base,” Salmon said, adding that a private vehicle near the area incurred a dent, probably caused by a sharp object.

Barangay Mayang is about two kilometers away from the town proper while Barangay Jolason is 1.2 kilometers away from Mayang and situated in an elevated portion.

Salmon said both villages are not considered NPA-infested and the CTG probably wanted to make its presence felt.

In a statement on Monday, Police Regional Office 6 Director, Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, said such atrocities show the CPP-NPA is “upset” with police presence in Barangay Mayang.

“They do not want a peaceful and progressive community. Their fraudulent actions show that they are weakening and are only desperate to project that they remain strong and capable force when in fact they are not,” he said.

Instead of causing harm, he urged the rebels to return to the government because there are programs that will help them lead normal and peaceful lives.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157709

PH Army hiring 1K new officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): PH Army hiring 1K new officers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Infographic courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) is now looking for 1,050 individuals to fill up its officer slots for this year.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said the number is part of the total quota of 2,109 slots for the recruitment of Army officers this year.

The PA has allocated 400 slots for Officer Candidate Course (OCC); 400 for Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) Class 73 and 74; 100 for OCC-Reserve Officer Training Corps (OCC-ROTC); 100 for Call to Active-Duty Tour for Training (CADTT); and 50 for Direct Commission.

Trinidad said the recruitment aims to continuously build up a force to advance the organization’s operational gains and finally end the insurgency in the country.

"This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially the youth who want to serve their fellow Filipinos and our beloved country,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino said.

He added that the PA thoroughly selects the best and the brightest who will be the future leaders of the organization carrying out the noble duty of protecting the peace and stability of the nation.

Interested applicants can visit the link below to view detailed qualifications and requirements:

To view the detailed qualifications and requirements, please visit the link below:

https://bit.ly/3E6AOiO

Or visit the PA website: https://www.army.mil.ph/home/index.php/join-the-army

Philippine Army Recruitment Contact Details:

Army Recruitment Office - Luzon

Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City

Landline: (02) 845-9555 local 6843

Mobile: 0945-704-2390

Facebook: Army Recruitment Office - Luzon

Army Recruitment Office - Visayas
Camp Lapu-Lapu, Lahug, Cebu City

Landline: (032) 231-5157

Mobile: 0916-640-5919

Facebook: Army Recruitment Office - Visayas

Army Recruitment Office - Mindanao
Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City

Landline: (088) 850-5279

Mobile: 0939-954-7673 / 0927-332-1077 / 0926-467-4644 / 0917-712-1222

Facebook: Army Recruitment Office - Mindanao

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157629

PNP probes blast near Army detachment in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): PNP probes blast near Army detachment in Maguindanao (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday ordered the Police Regional Office in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to conduct a thorough investigation into the grenade blast near a Philippine Army detachment in Maguindanao over the weekend.

“Our police investigators should not leave any stone unturned in determining the motive and identifying the perpetrator of the grenade blast. Lahat ng anggulo ay ating titingnan sa insidenteng ito (all possible angles will be looked into)," said PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, in a statement.

The blast happened just as a convoy consisting of close to 30 vehicles of Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu and his group passed by the military detachment in Guindulungan town on Saturday.

Initial information stated that a hand grenade was thrown towards the direction of the Army detachment, which then exploded.

“Pero agad makikipag-ugnayan ang ating mga imbestigador sa kongresista pati na rin sa mga sundalong nakatalaga sa Army detachment para kumuha pa ng ibang detalye (But our investigators have immediately contacted with the congressmen and our soldiers to get other details)," the PNP chief added,

Mangudadatu is running for Maguindanao governor in next year's elections.

Eleazar also directed all police units and offices in the region to remain vigilant and to work with the military to prevent any attacks from lawless elements, especially during the election season.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157650

PNP working with other agencies to curb terror financing

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): PNP working with other agencies to curb terror financing (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

File photo

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Monday assured it is working together with concerned government agencies in stopping terrorist financing to have the country removed from the "gray list" of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

This came after the Paris-based task force has included the Philippines in its “gray list” following the conclusion of a hybrid meeting from October 19 to 21, stressing that the country needs to develop strategies to effectively address terrorist financing and money laundering.

Eleazar said the PNP, for its part, has entered a number of agreements with the AMLC for the effective enforcement of Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

“Terrorism financing is a scourge on our country and the Filipino people. We need to always be on alert and come up with measures to stop the flow of money to these terrorist groups who would use these funds to carry out possible attacks,” Eleazar said in a statement.

Eleazar pointed out that in February this year, the PNP and AMLC signed a memorandum of agreement to solidify coordination and boost efforts in enforcing provisions of Republic Act 10168.

“This is in addition to the past individual memorandums of agreement entered into by AMLC with various PNP offices and units such as DIDM, CIDG, and IG, to beef up the campaign against terrorist financing,” Eleazar said.

The MOA between the PNP and AMLC provides for the establishment of a center at Camp Crame which will serve as an information-sharing hub between the two agencies.

“The center enables us to efficiently exchange information and intelligence, maximize resources, streamline operations, and improve capabilities to fight money laundering, terrorist financing, and other crimes,” he explained.

Eleazar expressed confidence that inter-agency programs and efforts against terrorist financing and money laundering would soon bear fruit.

“With these efforts and activities with AMLC, the PNP anticipates that we will be able to reach our target to exit the said gray list by January 2023.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157658

AFP receives ICU beds, PPE sets from US gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2021): AFP receives ICU beds, PPE sets from US gov't (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ALLIES. AFP chief, Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. (2nd from left), receives two ICU beds from US Embassy in Manila Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, David Gamble (2nd from right), during a turnover ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (Oct. 25, 2021). The US government's donation includes a total of 30 ICU beds and 10 PPE sets worth around PHP2.08 million. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday thanked the United States for donating close to PHP2.08 million worth of medical supplies and equipment.

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., led the handover ceremony at the AFP general headquarters Canopy Area at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“The AFP is grateful to the United States Government for the donations which will surely enhance our capacity to afford our military personnel and their dependents the best health care services that we can provide,” he said.

Faustino was joined by AFP Health Service Command (AFPHSC) head, Brig. Gen. Edgar Cardinoza, and other senior military officers in receiving the US government's donation that includes 30 intensive care unit (ICU) beds and 10 sets of personal protective equipment.

These are intended to support the Covid-19 response operations of the AFPHSC and are in line with the US government’s initiative to provide assistance to the Philippines in combating the pandemic.

David Gamble, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Manila, handed over the donations to AFP officials.
“This is just another step in our long partnership as treaty allies that has been going for 70 years. The ICU beds represent 30 of the 600 that the US will be donating at PHP1.3 billion worth of donations,” he said.

Also present were Lt. Col. James Kim, Deputy Chief of Joint United States Military Assistance Group-Philippines, and the US Indo-Pacific Command Civil-Military Support Element Team led by Capt. Travis Burleson.

“We will ensure that these equipment and supplies will be fully utilized to fulfill not only our Covid-19 response efforts but more importantly for other medical needs that our personnel require who incessantly render faithful and dedicated service to the Filipino people,” Faustino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1157664

CPP/Ang Bayan: Political awakening of a migrant teacher

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Political awakening of a migrant teacher

Correspondence. The hardships suffered by migrant workers doubled when the Covid-19 pandemic raged across the world. These migrants include Julie, a migrant teacher from Mindanao who has been working for several years in another Asian country, where the number of Filipino migrants is relatively low.

She admitted she decided to leave her family and country to apply for a job abroad and receive a higher salary. Her starting salary abroad was roughly equivalent to a principal’s pay in the Philippines. There is a high demand for Filipino teachers who are proficient in English in the country where she works.

Classrooms closed, eyes opened

When the government in the country where she works closed schools from March to April 2020, Julie experienced firsthand the vulnerable situation of many migrant Filipino teachers like her. Although she was able to find a part-time job and benefit from the material and medical support extended by her part-time employer during the lockdown, she couldn’t turn a blind eye on the plight of several Filipino teachers in other schools who worked on a “no work, no pay” basis and lost their jobs and were not able to find work. “These teachers already earn lower salaries. They also worked under a 10-month contract which meant they didn’t earn a living when the lockdown was announced,” she said sadly.

“I was also supposed to go home for a vacation in May 2020 but was advised against it because it was difficult to come back due to the lockdown,” she said. Many teachers who went back to the Philippines prior to the lockdown were not able to return. They are now jobless, she added.

Despite having no income, Julie says that not one of the Filipino teachers or workers who stayed in or near the residential compound where she lived received any financial or material aid from the Philippine government during the lockdown.

As the lockdown went on, seeing empty classrooms made her feel more homesick. She worried about living in isolation, short on funds and resources, and unable to come home. She found solace in sharing stories with other migrant Filipino workers.

This period opened her eyes to the prevailing social ills that, prior to the health crisis and the socio-economic hardships that came with it, seemed to linger only in the periphery of her daily life as a migrant worker. Her understanding of the underlying reasons why millions of Filipinos were pushed to become migrant workers deepened.

Reading political writings published by progressive and revolutionary Filipinos helped her understand the current situation. She came across the website of the Philippine revolution, including the Ang Bayan newspaper, and other accounts of revolutionary organizations in social media, and followed current events more closely. This period also made her understand her brother better, and the life he chose for himself.

Unbeknown to her fellow migrants, Julie is the sister of Ka Elmo, a Red fighter of the New People’s Army in Mindanao.

Ka Elmo regularly engages Julie in “remote organizing and consolidation,” giving her reading assignments on the national democratic revolution and recommending Marxist-Leninist resource materials to raise her political and ideological consciousness.

Stark contrast

In their online exchanges, Ka Elmo updated Julie on the state of the country and Rodrigo Duterte’s failed response to the Covid-19 public health crisis, especially its impact to the Philippine education system. Ka Elmo himself worked as a teacher for a year before joining the NPA, while their mother is a public school teacher.

Although far from home, Julie is aware of the hardships suffered by Filipino teachers and students

“It seems that the Duterte government basically just abandoned the teachers and the students,” Julie said, citing their mother’s experience of having to provide for materials and resources such as modules or internet connection from her own pocket because the subsidies and allowances for these are either non-existent or insufficient.

Julie shares her brother’s view of the stark contrast of Duterte’s pandemic response compared to that of other leaders in neighboring countries. Julie could not help but compare the more prompt response and more developed health system in the country where she works.

The situation of Filipino citizens are comparable with the situation of citizens where Julie works, but their government’s response to the pandemic is relatively better. Julie is already fed up with the Duterte government’s response, especially as schools remain closed unlike in the country where she works.

“Duterte keeps on insisting that Filipinos should adjust to the ‘new normal,’ but it turns out that the new normal is actually just an attempt to normalize his regime’s failures and inutile policies, corruption and misprioritization in the government budget,” said Julie in one of her conversations with Elmo. She also scoffed at the government’s aid program, aware how this is corruption-ridden.

“Peasants and Lumads who belong to the most neglected sectors of society should have been taken into consideration for planning the blended learning learning system,” she said. The Duterte government did not take into consideration hundreds of students with no access to internet and electricity especially teachers and students in provinces and far flung areas. “They have to walk hours just to procure the modules on their own,” said Elmo.

She is infuriated with the fascist regime’s brazen attacks on Lumad schools and bakwit centers. “It is no wonder that many peasants and Lumad turn to the armed revolution as a means to end their oppression.”

“When the health crisis subsides and I am able to go back to the Philippines, I’ll come visit you in the countryside,” Julie promised Ka Elmo. In the meantime, she said that she will continue learning more about the Filipino people’s protracted war and, “if she can,” start an organizing group in the country where she is based “to support the struggle back home.”

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/political-awakening-of-a-migrant-teacher/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protests

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

World Hunger Day. Peasant activists protested on October 16 in front of the Mega Q-Mart in Quezon City to mark the World Food Day which they dubbed as World Hunger Day. The challenged candidates in the 2022 elections to lay down “concrete solutions to address the chronic food and agricultural crisis based on economic sovereignty and self-sufficiency” as part of their electoral agenda.

Stop reclamation project in Cebu. Fisherfolk and farmers conducted a fluvial protest in Calajoan, Minglanilla, Cebu on October 15 to oppose quarrying and the impending reclamation of the area. They condemned the local government for approving the 100-hectare Ming-Mori Reclamation Project. They expressed apprehension over the possible impact of this project to the environment and their livelihood. They also exposed the continuing quarrying operation in the mountains of Minglanilla.

Electricians’ protest. Workers of the Hypervolt Contractor Corporation protested on October 11 in front of the office of the Department of Labor and Employment to condemn their management over delayed wages, illegal deductions, and lack of benefits. Hypervolt is a contracting agency of electricians who are outsourced to install and fix electrical lines.

Aid and vaccine, not demolition. Members of Kadamay converged in front of the office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Quezon City on October 9 to demand “zero demolition” as majority of residents are facing severe hardships amid the pandemic and economic crisis. They reported that approximately 50,000 are facing threats of demolition in Metro Manila.

Victory of workers of a electric cooperative in Benguet. Employees of the Benguet Electric Cooperative successfully ousted Malacañang’s puppet Ana Marie Rafael who was appointed by the National Electrification Authority as general manager of the said cooperative on July 29. Rafael was ousted after a series of protests mounted by hundreds of employees in Baguio City.

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/protests-14/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Aerial terrorism

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Aerial terrorism

Third part of the series on the inhumane and destructive use of drones and aerial bombing.

FIRST PART: Killing by drone and aerial bombing
SECOND PART: Brutal weapons of bombing and strafing

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s aerial bombardment, together with the use of drones and aerial strafing by helicopters, is one of the most brutal tactic in the reactionary state’s war of suppression. This is nothing but fascist terrorist from the sky that brings violence, fear and destruction wherever it is used by the AFP.

The use of aerial terrorism has become worse after Rodrigo Duterte ordered the AFP to “flatten the hills” in 2017. He demonstrated to the entire country his boundless brutality by pounding Marawi City to the ground. Since then, hundreds of bombs, thousands of rockets and innumerable machine gun rounds and artillery shells have been used by the AFP in its war to suppress the people and their just armed resistance.

Intensified use of aerial terrorism was started in Mindanao regions in 2018, but was used across the country later on. Intensified aerial bombing continues in the Moro area, where US forces are permanently based. The AFP continues to acquire aerial vehicles, cannons, missiles and bombs with the insidious aim of placing the entire country in the grip of its terrorism.

Aerial bombing and strafing has become a permanent component in the AFP’s counterguerrilla arsenal that aims to strike fear among the masses and intimidate the Red fighters of the New People’s Army. In violation of the international humanitarian laws, these weapons are superfluous, indiscriminate endangers the lives of civilians and causes destruction of property and the environment.

Just last month, the AFP dropped 69 bombs and 18 rockets, shelled 15 times and repeatedly strafed the Lumad communities and farms in Talaingod, Davao del Norte and the surrounding Pantaron mountains within 35 days since September 15. This aim to make the Manobo people to bow and “surrender” to the AFP.

Lumad communities have long been been bombed by the AFP. In 2017, an AFP bomb dropped in the proximity of the Fr. Pops Tentorio Memorial School, a Lumad school in Magpet, North Cotabato. In December 31, 2018, the AFP dropped six bombs in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, hit an area just 150 meters away from Sitio Panukmoan and Sitio Decoy. On March 24, 2020, artillery shells hit the ground 330 meters from the center of Barangay Mandahikan, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. On January, aerial bombs hit pasture land, farms and hunting grounds of the minority people in Abra and Mt. Province. In Visayas, a rocket shrap­nel pierced through the roof of a house in Dolores, Eastern Samar on August 16

Aerial bombing operations are often carried out in the early morning and lasts for a few hours. On April 19, 2020, the AFP dropped five bombs at around 5 a.m. near the homes of Sitio Kapanal, Barangay Gasi, Kiamba, Sarangani, while some Lumad peasants (from the T’boli tribe) were already in their farms. On April 26, 2018, the bombing in Mati, Davao Oriental started at 5 in the afternoon and lasted for two hours, and resumed at 9 p.m. lasting until midnight. On the same night, 38 bombs were dropped in the towns of Sinacaban and Jimenez in Misamis Occidental at nine in the evening and lasted until four the following morning. The artillery shelling in Barangay Osmeña, Palapag, Northern Samar, started at 11 p.m. and lasted until two the following morning.

Relentless aerial bombing and strafing bring about extreme trauma to the people in the countryside. Not less than 1,000 families evacuated their community in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and Barangay Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro after their village was subjected to four days of bombing and strafing starting on Abril 29, 2019. Around 1,000 families evacuated their communities on February 11, 2017 after the AFP bombed barangays Macopa, Kibagyo and Bullucan in Laak, Compostela Valley (Davao de Oro). More than 190 families (including 660 children) evacuated Barangay Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales on August 21, 2020 after their community was bombed; and more than 200 families evacuated adjacent barangays after AFP aerial bombing and strafing in the mountainous portion of Barangay Lidong, Caramoan, Camarines Sur on August 13, 2020.

The AFP exploits the fear caused by the bombing and uses this to make residents kneel and follow the dictates of the AFP, including “surrendering” to the military. There is also the case of 2,000 families forced by the military to evacuate after the AFP dropped 15 bombs on their communities damaging their corn fields. In November 2, 2018, residents of Barangay Luayon, Makilala, North Cotabato were threatened with bombing, a day after they were forced to evacuate due to earthquakes.

Refer to the list of cases of brutal bombing: Mga brutal na kaso ng pambobomba ng AFP

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/aerial-terrorism/

CPP/Ang Bayan: State forces illegally arrest 6 farmers

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): State forces illegally arrest 6 farmers

Six farmers were arrested by armed state agents these past weeks. The victims were arrested while the military were combing peasant communities, and forcing residents to surrender.

On October 17, the police arrested Cristina Magistrado, former organizer of Amihan-Cagayan, at her house in Binangonan, Rizal based on trumped-up charges. She was brought to a police station in Tuguegarao City where she is currently detained and being interrogated.

In Sorsogon, state forces arrested Sonny G. Nace. He was accused of being a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) on the basis of firearms planted as evidence. Nace, a resident of Barangay Tulatula Sur, Magallanes, works as a small-town lottery agent.

In the same province, the 31st IB and police have been terrorizing at least nine barangays in Donsol and seven in Pilar for two months now. The NPA-Sorsogon reported on October 14 that more than 20 residents were subjected to intimidation and coerced to surrender as NPA members.
On September 27, the 85th IB arrested couple Leonina Ilag and Poli Naval at Sitio Hagakhak, Barangay Malaya, General Luna, Quezon after an encounter between an NPA unit and the 85th IB near their house.

Two residents of Barangay Maraiging, Jabonga, Agusan del Sur were also arrested by the 29th IB after an NPA raid in the said area on September 28. The victims were identified as Andre Pinao and Tungan Lauro.

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/state-forces-illegally-arrest-6-farmers/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA punishes killer of urban poor leader in Leyte

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): NPA punishes killer of urban poor leader in Leyte

Larab, revolutionary newspaper in Eastern Visayas (EV), reported on October 2 the punitive action mounted by the New People’s Army (NPA)-EV against Jojo “Pekulo” Lucero, the criminal who killed urban poor leader Carlito Badion. He was meted revolutionary justice in Ormoc City on June 25.

The people’s court found Lucero guilty of murdering Badion, former secretary general of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap on May 28, 2020 in Barangay Riverside, Ormoc City. The investigation proved that Lucero was under police protection. He reportedly “surrendered” to the Philippine National Police after killing Badion, but was not slapped with any criminal charge. Instead, he was allowed to go home and was rewarded and given grocery supplies.

It can be recalled that the police accused the NPA of murdering Badion.

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/npa-punishes-killer-of-urban-poor-leader-in-leyte/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA attacks soldiers securing mining roads in Agusan

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): NPA attacks soldiers securing mining roads in Agusan

Eight firearms were seized by the New People’s Army during a raid against the 29th IB in Barangay Maraiging, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on September 28. Two R4 rifles, two M16-A1 rifles, an M14 rifle and three .45 calibre pistols were seized from the soldiers. Four soldiers were killed and two others were wounded.

The soldiers were serving as security forces to a road construction project of private company Z’Charles Construction. The project is touted as a “farm to market road” project but will actually serve as access roads by trucks and equipment of mining companies which plan to operate in the area.

In Rizal province, the NPA ambushed elements of the 80th IB operating at Sitio Ilas, Barangay Puray, Rodriguez on September 30. Two soldiers were killed.

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/npa-attacks-soldiers-securing-mining-roads-in-agusan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Fertile conditions for people’s war

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 21, 2021): Fertile conditions for people’s war

The Philippine countryside is engulfed in crisis. Millions of peasants, farmworkers and semiproletarians are beset by rising costs of production and prices of commodities, joblessness and lack of income worsened by oppressive pandemic policies, deleterious effects of calamities and fascist state violence. The social status of the rural pettybourgeoisie is also pulled down by the overall deterioration of living standards.

Attacks against the welfare and rights of the peasant masses have been relentless under the anti-peasant and anti-people US-Duterte regime. Duterte’s repeated boast of distributing land served only to obscure the various schemes of land grabbing. Contrary to land reform, widespread land-use conversion was implemented under Duterte who ordered policies to facilitate the interests of land grabbers.

This resulted in large numbers of peasants dislocated or denied of their rights to the land they are tilling to pave the way for infrastructure, energy and ecotourism projects, the entry of mining companies and expansion of plantations. This benefited foreign big capitalists in combination with big bourgeois compradors who are cronies or partners of Duterte. On the other hand, 1.1 million agricultural workers lost jobs in 2016-2018.

The suffering of the peasant masses have worsened under the all-out implementation of neoliberal policies, especially the removal of import restrictions on agricultural products. The implementation of the Rice Liberation Law—supposedly to bring down the retail price of rice—has resulted in grave losses for rice farmers as prices of their produce are pulled down by unequal competition from imported rice.

The liberalization policy also paved the way for large-scale smuggling that is killing local production and the livelihood of small peasants. Small vegetable farmers have expressed grievance over the dumping of foreign surplus agricultural products. This adds to their burden of rising costs of production leading to widespread bankruptcy of small vegetable farmers.

It is not a far possibility that all-out liberalization will kill the capacity of Philippine agriculture to supply local food needs, including palay. After decades of import liberalization, local production of garlic, onions and other products are on the throes of death, leading to increasing dependence on importation to supply the food requirements of Filipinos.

Aggravated by large-scale land use conversion and all-out import liberalization, the crisis of Philippine agricultural production is rooted in the prevalence of small-scale and backward system of production under the semicolonial and semifeudal system. The persistent dominance of monopolist landlords, who accumulate wealth mainly through land rent, is the overwhelming factor that prevents the progress of production. Due to the landlessness or extremely small parcel of land tilled by rent-paying peasants, there is no objective basis for mechanization and other improvements in the system of agricultural production.

Largely, large tracts of land of a few landlords continue to be tilled using draft animals and hand-implements. There is limited and sparse use of imported surplus harvesters and threshers machines. Irrigation facilities are limited and most of agricultural land are still dependent on rain. There is low level of mechanization even in capitalist plantations where a large part of production relies on manual labor. Raising production output is achieved not by improving the system of production, but through the expansion of plantation land.

The worsening crisis in the countryside primarily pounds the peasant masses and farmworkers, in the form of high land rent, skyrocketing costs of production, usurious debts, low prices of their produce, and low wages. There is a rising number of people who have lost all sources of income and are forced to migrate to seek work in the cities. They are dealt with death blows by disasters brought about by typhoons, drought, pests and other calamities.

The peasant masses undergo even worse suffering and brutality in areas placed under military control and rule. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hamlet and fence off villages to control the movement of people in line with the maniacal policy of “removing the fish from the water” against the New People’s Army (NPA). Oppressive policies are imposed such as prohibiting peasants to go to their fields at restricting the purchase of food and commodities. They suffer from various forms of abuse such as armed intimidation, unlawful arrests, abductions, beatings, killings, bombings and shelling which aim to destroy their organizations and shatter their determination to defend their welfare and rights.

The NPA must further strive to arouse, organize and mobilize the peasant masses in the countryside. Antifeudal struggles must be thoroughly carried forward to lower land rent, eliminate usury, raise farm wages, for fair farmgate prices, against land grabbing in line with the struggle for genuine land reform. Alongside this, the struggles against terrorism perpetrated by the fascist military and police must be carried out with all-out energy.

Because they suffer from poverty, oppression and violence, the peasant masses are determined to march along the path of resistance. The countryside is ever more fertile ground for the NPA to strike deeper and wider roots for carrying forward the people’s war.

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

https://cpp.ph/2021/10/21/fertile-conditions-for-peoples-war/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Masaker sa 5 magsasaka sa Masbate, kinundena

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 25, 2021): Masaker sa 5 magsasaka sa Masbate, kinundena

Mariing kinundena ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Bikol ang Philippine National Police (PNP) sa pagmasaker sa limang magsasaka sa Barangay Bugtong, Mandaon, Masbate nitong Oktubre 24. Ang mga biktima ay pawang mga sibilyan, taliwas sa pinalalabas ng PNP. Kinilala ng PNP ang isa sa biktima na si Eddie/Arnold Rosero, residente sa lugar.

Ayon kay Raymundo Buenfuerza, tagapagsalita ng BHB-Bikol, walang engkwentrong naganap sa pagitan ng PNP at BHB sa pinangyarihan dahil wala ni isang yunit ng BHB sa lugar noong mga oras na iyon.

Ayon naman sa PKP, dapat agad na maglunsad ng imbestigasyon ang lokal na yunit ng BHB upang tukuyin, arestuhin at papanagutin ang mga kriminal sa likod ng masaker. “Dapat gawin ng BHB ang lahat ng makakaya upang ibigay ang katarungan sa mga biktima at sa kanilang mga kamag-anak,” ani Marco Valbuena, Punong Upisyal sa Impormasyon ng PKP.

Hindi na bago ang ganitong krimen, noong Hunyo 8, minasaker din ng PNP ang tatlong magsasaka sa Sitio Porang, Barangay Anas, Masbate City. Dinukot ang mga biktima sa kani-kanilang tahanan bago pinatay. Ang mga biktima ay pinalabas ding mga kasapi ng BHB.

“Hinihimok namin ang mga lokal na upisyal ng pulisya, tuwiran mang sangkot man o hindi sa krimen, na makipagtulungan sa BHB at ibunyag ang buong katotohanan ukol sa masaker,” dagdag ni Valbuena.

[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/masaker-sa-5-magsasaka-sa-masbate-kinundena/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga grupong pangkarapatang-tao sa Palestine, binansagang “terorista” ng Israel

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 25, 2021): Mga grupong pangkarapatang-tao sa Palestine, binansagang “terorista” ng Israel

Anim na organisasyong nagtatanggol sa karapatang-tao ng mga Palestino ang “itinalaga” o binansagan ng gubyerno ng Israel bilang mga “teroristang organisasyon” noong Oktubre 22. Inaakusahan ng Minister of Defense ng Israel ang anim na grupo bilang mga “prenteng organisasyon” ng Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, isang grupong una nang binansagang “terorista” ng US at ng mga bansa sa Europe.

Ang mga grupong ito ang Al-Haq, Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Assoication, Defence for Children International Palestine, Bisan Center for Research and Development, Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees at Union of Agriculural Work Committee.

Ang mga pinangalanang organisasyon ay mga kilalang grupo sa larangan ng pagtataguyod sa karapatang-tao. Malimit silang makipagtulungan sa mga internasyunal na organisasyon tulad ng Amnesty International (AI) at Human Rights Watch (HRW). Kabilang sa mga pinangalananang grupo ay ilan na sangkot sa pagsasampa ng kasong krimen sa digma laban sa Israel sa International Criminal Court.

“Ang nakagigimbal at di makatarungang desisyon na ito ay atake ng gubyernong Israel sa internasyunal na kilusang nagtatanggol sa mga karapatang-tao. Ilang dekada nang sistematikong binubusalan ng Israel ang mga nagsusubaybay sa karapatang-tao at pinarurusahan ang mga bumabatikos sa mapaniil nitong paghahari sa mga Palestino,” ayon sa pinag-isang pahayag ng AI at HRW.

Kinundena rin ng iba pang mga grupong pangkarapatang-tao, Palestinian Authority at United Nations ang hakbang ng Israel. Umasta ring “galit” si US Pres. Joseph Biden sa designasyon, pero sinabi ng isang upisyal ng Israel na ipinaalam nila sa US ang hakbang bago ito inanunsyo. Sa araw na idineklara ang designasyon, inanunsyo rin ng Israel ang plano nitong magtayo ng libu-libong mga bahay para sa mga Isreali sa lupa ng mga Palestino sa West Bank.

Ayon sa United Nations Human Rights Office, hindi dapat ginagamit ang lehislasyong kontra-terorismo para supilin ang lehitimong gawaing pangkarapatang-tao at makatao. “Hindi mga terorista ang mga tagapagtanggol ng karapatang-tao at hindi sila dapat sinisiraan na katulad nito,” ayon kay Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

Bago nito, itinakda ng Israel na “teroristang” organisasyon ang Samiduon: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network noong Pebrero. Noong Agosto, pinangalanan din nitong “terorista” ang International Legal Coalition for Palestine at ang Popular Conference of Palestinians Abroad. Ang Samiduon ay isang international na ugnayan ng mga aktibista na nakikibaka para sa mga karapatan, kagalingan at pagpapalaya sa Palestinong bilanggong pulitikal.

“Malinaw na ginagamit ng Israel bilang pamantayan na gawain at patakaran ang pagdedeklarang “terorista” sa mga organisasyon na epektibong hinahamon ang kontrol nito at nagsisiwalat sa mga krimen nito sa antas lokal, rehiyon at internasyunal,” ayon sa Samiduon. Inaatake ng hakbang na ito ang pag-oorganisa, pananaliksik, gawaing pang-agrikultura at kilusan para sa pagpapalaya ng mga bilanggong pulitikal ng Palestine.

Tiyak na gagamitin ang mga designasyong ito para arestuhin ang mga tagapagtaguyod sa karapatang-tao, buwagin ang mga organisasyon at ipasara ang kanilang mga upisina o ideklara ang mga ito na “iligal” sa loob mismo ng mga okupadong teritoryo. Sa karanasan ng Samiduon, ginamit ang designasyon para likhain ang klima ng takot at buwagin ang kolektibong pakikipagkaisa, putulin ang pondo o akses sa mga bangko, at patahimikin ang mga tagapagtaguyod ng hustisya, mga karapatan at kalayaan ng Palestine sa iba’t ibang internasyunal na benyu.

Ayon pa sa Samiduon, ang mga ginawang designasyon ng Israel ay kopyang-kopya sa maka-Kanang mga organisasyon sa propaganda tulad ng NGO Monitor na naglalayong ipagtanggol ang Israel sa pamamagitan ng paninira at pang-aatake sa mga Palestinong nagtatanggol sa karapatang-tao.

[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/mga-grupong-pangkarapatang-tao-sa-palestine-binansagang-terorista-ng-israel/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagod at mababang sahod: Patuloy ang pagreresayn ng mga nars

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 24, 2021): Pagod at mababang sahod: Patuloy ang pagreresayn ng mga nars

Sa gitna ng pangangalandakan ng rehimeng Duterte na bumababa na umano ang tantos ng impeksyon ng Covid-19, naiulat noong Oktubre 20 ang tuluy-tuloy na pagbibitiw ng mga nars sa mga pribadong ospital. Pahayag ng Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, 5 hanggang 10 porsyento ng kabuuang bilang ng nars ang nagresayn sa nakaraang ilang linggo lamang. Ibinahagi naman ni Jao Clumia ng St. Luke’s Medical Center Employees Association na mula noong Enero, 230 nars na ang nagresayn sa St. Lukes Medical Center-Quezon City.

Nagbabala rin ang mga duktor ng Private Hospitals Association na maaaring gumuho ang sistemang pangkalusugan ng bansa kung magpapatuloy ito. Anila, kung hindi ito mapipigilan, maaaring sa susunod na anim na buwan mauubusan na ng mga nars ang mga pribadong ospital. Tiyak ang malaking epekto nito sa mga ospital at pasyente.

Ibinahagi ni Lourdes Banaga, nursing director sa Lipa Medical Center, na 200 nars ang nagresayn simula ng pandemya at 63 na lamang ang naiwan noong Setyembre.

Sa Iligan City, mahigit 14 nars ang sabay-sabay na nag-resayn noong Mayo dahil apat na buwan na silang hindi pinasasahod. Kinuha sila sa simula nang pandemya at pinangakuan na tatanggap ng ₱24,000 kada buwan. Palusot ng lokal na pamahalaan, “nalimutan” umano nila ang programa kung saan nakapaloob ang mga nars at hindi ito naisama sa badyet.

Umaalma sina Clumia at Banaga sa mababang sahod at mahahabang oras sa pagtatrabaho. Ayon kay Clumia, maraming nars ang nagtatrabaho nang 12-16 oras dahil hindi nila basta maiwan ang kanilang mga pasyente kung wala silang karelyebo.

Dagdag pa ng Filipino Nurses United, kakatwa ang sitwasyon ng bansa ngayon dahil isa ang Pilipinas sa nangungunang eksporter ng manggagawang pangkalusugan. Ayon pa sa FNU, marami sa mga nars sa mga pampublikong ospital ang nagtitiis sa ₱22,000 buwanang sweldo, nang walang benepisyo tulad ng hazard pay. Mas malala pa sa pribadong sektor kung saan may sumusweldo lamang ng ₱8,000 kada buwan.

Marami sa mga nars ang hindi pa nakatatanggap ng ipinangakong mga benepisyo. Sa press conference ng Private Hospital Worker Alliance of the Philippines noong Oktubre 24, muli silang nanawagan na ipamahagi na ang ipinangako ng Department of Health na alawans. Kinundena nila ang ahensya sa pagpapalusot at pagbunton ng sisi sa mga ospital. Anila, isinumite na ng mga ospital ang kinakailangang dokumento pero wala pa rin silang natatanggap hanggang ngayon.

[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/pagod-at-mababang-sahod-patuloy-ang-pagreresayn-ng-mga-nars/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Puu-puong libong manggagawa, nagprotesta sa South Korea

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis (Tagalog edition) posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 23, 2021): Puu-puong libong manggagawa, nagprotesta sa South Korea

Tinatayang 80,000 manggagawa mula sa mga sektor ng edukasyon, gubyerno, serbisyo, manupaktura, konstruksyon, transportasyon at iba pang linya ng trabaho ang lumahok sa pambansang protesta ng mga manggagawa sa South Korea sa pamumuno ng Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) noong Oktubre 20. Bukod sa mga nagmartsa sa lansangan, kalahating milyon ang nag-walk-out sa kanilang trabaho sa araw na iyon.

Pinakamalaki ang konsentrasyon ng demonstrasyon sa Seoul kung saan 27,000 ang nagmartsa sa mga lansangan. Inilunsad din ang mga pagtitipon sa 13 iba pang syudad ng bansa. Mahigpit na ipinatupad ng mga lider at mga manggagawa ang mga protokol pangkalusugan.

Ilandaang pulis ang nagtangkang pigilan ang mapayapang protesta ng mga manggagawa. Naglagay rin ng mga barikada para hindi sila makalusot at makapagprotesta. Makailang ulit rin na nagbanta ang estado ng South Korea na kakasuhan ang mga magpoprotesta.

Iginigiit ng KCTU ang 15 limang kahingian na mahahati sa tatlong pangunahing panawagan: a) pagtatapos sa “di regular na pagtrabaho” kabilang ang part-time, panandalian o de-kontratang trabaho at pagkakaloob sa lahat ng manggagawa ng karampatang proteksyon; b) pagbibigay sa mga manggagawa ng kapangyarihan sa pagdedesisyon sa usaping ekonomya sa panahon ng krisis; at c) pagsasabansa sa mga susing industriya at pagsosyalisa sa mga batayang serbisyo tulad ng edukasyon at pabahay.

Ipinanawagan din ng grupo ang kagyat na pagpapalaya sa lider at pinuno ng KCTU na si Yang Kyung-soo na inaresto ng gubyerno ng South Korea noong Setyembre sa “paglabag sa panuntunan kaugnay ng Covid-19” sa isang protesta noong Hulyo. Nireyd ng ilandaang pulis ang upisina ng KCTU madaling araw ng Setyembre 2 at inaresto si Yang.

Ikatlo ang bansang South Korea sa listahan ng mga bansang may pinakamataas na oras ng paggawa sa isang buong taon ng bawat manggagawa. Noong 2015, pangatlo rin ito sa mga bansang kasapi ng Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) sa may pinakamaraming kaso ng pagkamatay sa mga pagawaan. Umaabot sa 40% ng lahat ng manggagawa ng bansa ay sinasabing “di regular na manggagawa”.

Sa inilabas na 2021 Global Rights Index ng International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), pinakamalapad na pederasyon ng mga unyon sa buong mundo, binigyan nito ng gradong singko (5 o bagsak) ang South Korea na nangangahulugang “walang garantiya sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa.” (Gradong singko rin ang ibinigay nito sa Pilipinas.)

Nagpahayag ng suporta at pakikiisa ang Kilusang Mayo Uno sa KCTU sa inilunsad nitong welga at mga protesta. “Kinukundena namin ang nagpapatuloy na atake sa karapatang-tao at karapatan sa paggawa ng mga kapwa namin manggagawa sa South Korea,” ayon sa pahayag ng KMU.

[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/puu-puong-libong-manggagawa-nagprotesta-sa-south-korea/