Official vows to hit hard NPAs in Zamboanga del Sur

 From Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 20, 2021): Official vows to hit hard NPAs in Zamboanga del Sur

ZAMBOANGA. Troops of the 53rd Infantry Battalion clash on two separate occasions (November 18 and 19) against a group of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur. A photo handout shows the firearm with ammunition and other personal belongings to included medicines and hygiene kits the NPA rebels abandoned and recovered by the troops. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A TOP military field commander vowed to relentlessly pursue the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who intend to wreak havoc in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, issued the statement Saturday, November 20, 2021, after troops of the battalion clashed on two separate occasions against the NPA rebels in Zamboanga del Sur.

The first clash happened Thursday, November 18, in the boundaries of Sitio Ditalipon in Dilud village, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and Sitio Kusingan in Tinago village, Sergio Osmeña, Zamboanga del Norte.

The second clash occurred Friday, November 19, in Purok 2, Saad, Dumingag village.

The NPA rebels scampered in different directions as the troops outmaneuvered them.

“We will be firm in keeping the peace here in Dumingag. We will be relentless, and we will hit them hard, just to keep the people safe,” said Herrera.

The troops recovered one M16A1 rifle with magazine and ammunition, personal belongings, assorted medical paraphernalia, one portable burner, and hygiene kits the NPA abandoned as they fled in different directions.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1913688/Zamboanga/Local-News/Official-vows-to-hit-hard-NPAs-in-Zamboanga-del-Sur

2 SAF trainees dead, 4 others wounded in Northern Samar clash with NPA

 From the Sun Star-Tacloban (Nov 20, 2021): 2 SAF trainees dead, 4 others wounded in Northern Samar clash with NPA 

Image from Google Maps

TWO police students undergoing the Special Action Force (SAF) Commando Course were killed, while four others were wounded in a clash with suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Gamay, Northern Samar Saturday, November 20, 2021.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos condemned the rebels “for the latest acts of violence on government forces.”

“Pursuit operations will continue without let-up against these criminals while I ordered police forces in the area to establish more m checkpoints and prevent the possible escape of the fleeing terrorists,” Carlos said in a statement.

“We will make sure that justice will be served, and the deaths of our fellow law enforcers will not be in vain," he added.

Initial report said the encounter happened around 7 a.m. Saturday, November 20, in a hinterland barangay in Gamay.

Authorities have yet to disclose the names of the casualties pending notification of their respective families.

Meanwhile, Carlos said the PNP Air Unit and military forces have “provided combat support” following the incident.

Poverty-stricken Eastern Visayas, particularly the Samar island, has remained a hotbed of insurgency with the continued presence of the NPA, which has been waging a Maoist-inspired guerrilla war since the late 1960s.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1913701/Tacloban/Local-News/2-SAF-trainees-dead-4-others-wounded-in-Northern-Samar-clash-with-NPA

2 coconut farmers killed

Posted to the pro-CPP/NDF/NPA online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Nov 20. 2021): 2 coconut farmers killed (By By DOMINIC GUTOMAN)

Jorge Coronacion (left) and Arnold Buri (right) (Photo courtesy of Peewee Bacuño)

Two coconut farmers were reportedly killed by the Philippine military on Nov. 17, a report of a human rights group read.

Jorge Coronacion, 64, and Arnold Buri, 43, were killed while on their way home to Taquico village in Sampaloc, Quezon, a province south of Manila. The Philippine Army has since claimed it was an “armed encounter” with members of the New People’s Army but human rights group Karapatan-Southern Tagalog was told by local residents that there was no exchange of fire heard in the neighborhood.

The group also noted signs of torture in the remains of the two farmers – one of them a senior citizen and with a disability due to his sight problems.

Local government officials such as the town’s vice mayor and village chief, have said in their respective pronouncements that the people should be vigilant on the possible spate of killings even claiming that both were farmers and not NPA members.

In a statement, farmers group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) condemned the killings of the two farmers and the red-tagging of the two even after their death.

“This is a clear case of extrajudicial killing justified as a fake encounter by state forces. It puts the number of peasant victims of EJKs under the Duterte regime at 344,” KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos said.

KMP said that the 59th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, who said that the two were killed in an encounter, is also the same group behind the forced and fake surrenderees in Quezon province, using coconut farmers.

More lies and more search for truth

The military claimed to have recovered what Karapatan found to be an overwhelming number of items for two people. These purportedly include one .45 caliber pistol, seven rifle grenades, two fragmentation grenades, seven commercial radios, two M14 magazines, medical kits, foods, a sack of rice, a flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and even personal belongings.

The military, in a statement, also thanked the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for its collaboration. The BTF-ELCAC is the village-level formation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“The NTF-ELCAC blatantly tags unarmed civilians and their organizations as armed combatants. They are essentially urging military action against civilians. This further begs the question, how many innocent civilians have died helplessly in the thousands of so-called encounters the army has claimed to have occurred?” Ramos asked, demanding the defunding and abolition of the government’s counterinsurgency arm.

With questions on the circumstances of the death of the two farmers, human rights group Tanggol Magsasaka – Timog Katagalugan will be conducting a fact-finding mission. They also called on the provincial governor and the Commission on Human Rights Region 4A to further investigate and seek accountability.

Spate in attacks against coconut farmers

The seeming spate of attacks against coconut farmers came following the dismissal of six civil charges against the late Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. over the coco levy funds.

Some 50 coconut farmers who are claimants of the controversial coco levy funds were forced to surrender as NPA members by the 59th Infantry Battalion on Oct. 25, said the KMP.

Another farmers group Kasama-TK said they also documented 485 coconut farmers from Agdangan, Quezon who were forced to surrender as rebels on Nov. 9, this time by the 201st Infantry Battalion.

“Red and terror tagging has been an easy excuse for the military to cover for its many atrocities. While the military focuses its most vicious attacks against us farmers who build organizations to defend our rights, those unorganized become its victims too,” said Ramos.

It can be recalled that the 2020 report of Global Witness revealed that the Philippines is still among the worst countries for environmental and land defenders, consisting mainly of farmers, indigenous groups, and rural people. The dangers were recognized to come from violent crackdowns from state forces such as police and military.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2021/11/20/2-coconut-farmers-killed/

2 umanong rebelde, patay sa 'engkwentro' sa Sampaloc, Quezon

From BaliTamBayan (Nov 20, 2021): 2 umanong rebelde, patay sa 'engkwentro' sa Sampaloc, Quezon (PEEWEE C. BACUÑO)

Patay ang dalawa umanong mga rebeldeng komunista sa bakbakan sa bayan ng Sampaloc sa lalawigan ng Quezon noong Miyerkules, November 17, 2021.

Ayon sa inisyal sa report ng Sampaloc Municipal Police Station, napatay ng mga tauhan ng Philippine Army ang dalawa umanong rebelde sa nangyaring bakbakbakan sa Barangay Taquico na naturang bayan.

Kinilala ang mga nasawi na sina Jorge Coronacion, 62, isang person with disability (PWD); at Arnold Buri, 43, na residente ng Sampaloc.

Photos by Peewee C. Bacuño

Pinasinungalingan naman ng mga kaanak ng dalawa ang pahayag ng militar dahil lihtimong mga residente ng bayan ang dalawa at hindi mga miyembro ng NPA (New people's Army). Dagdag pa nila, si Jorge ay isang PWD dahil bulag ang isang mata nito.

Ayon sa report ng mga pulis, dakong alas-6:48 ng gabi noong November 17 nang matanggap nila ang impormasyon mula sa tropa ng 59th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army na nagkaroon ng encounter sa Barangay Taquico kung saan ay may dalawang miyembro ng rebeldeng grupo ang napatay.

May mga narecover din umano na ilang baril at bala sa lugar na pinangyarihan ng encounter.

Ito rin ang sinasabi sa Facebook page ng 59th Infantry Battalion ng Philippine Army.

Ayon sa mga kaanak ng dalawa, bulag daw ang isang mata ni Jorge kung kaya’t paano ito magiging NPA. Mahirap lang daw ang pamilya ng dalawang napatay, saan daw kukuha ang mga ito ng pambili ng baril. Si Arnold ay tao lamang at nakikisaka sa lupa ng isang pulitiko.

Ipinagtataka din ng mga kaanak at residente sa Barangay Taquico ang sinasabing encounter ng Philippine Army. Wala naman daw silang naririnig na putukan sa kanilang lugar noong Novermber 17. Tabing-daan lang at hindi kalayuan sa sentro ng bayan ang pinangyarihan ng sinasabing encounter.

Ayon kay Police Lt. Alice Atienza, hepe ng Sampaloc MPS, nagpapatuloy daw ang kanilang ginagawang imbestigasyon sa nangyaring armed encounter. Patuloy din daw ang kanilang pagkalap ng ebidensya upang magsampa ng kaso.

Ayon kay Barangay Captain Eliseo Mancenido, kilalang kilala raw niya ang dalawang napatay. Hindi raw NPA ang mga ito. Kahit kailan daw ay hindi nagkaroon ng masamang record sa kanilang barangay ang dalawa.

Ayon naman kay Sampaloc, Quezon Mayor Gelo Devanadera, sobrang nalulungkot daw siya at ang kanyang mga kababayan dahil ang dalawang nasawi ay lehitimong residente ng kanilang bayan. Ginagawa daw nila ang lahat para matulungan o mabigyan ng assistance ang mga naulila. Nakausap na rin daw niya ang Philippine Army at humihingi siya ng report ukol sa pangyayari.

Hustisya naman ang panawagan ng mga kaanak ng dalawang mahirap na magsasaka ng bayan ng Sampaloc.

Sa ngayon, nakaburol ang mga labi ni Jorge at Arnold sa kani-kanilang tahanan sa bayan ng Sampaloc.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/promdi/811655/2-umanong-rebelde-patay-sa-engkwentro-sa-sampaloc-quezon/story/

2 cops killed in Northern Samar clash with Reds

From the Philippine Star (Nov 21, 2021): 2 cops killed in Northern Samar clash with Reds (Emmanuel Tupas)

Two rookie policemen were killed and four others were wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Gamay town in Northern Samar yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos ordered pursuit operations for the rebels.

“Pursuit operations will continue without letup against these criminals while I ordered police forces in the area to establish more checkpoints and prevent the escape of the terrorists,” he said.

Carlos said the fatalities, who were attending a Special Action Force commando course, were hit when the rebels detonated an improvised explosive device.

The PNP withheld the identities of the slain policemen pending notification of their family members.

The policemen were responding to the reported presence of armed men in Barangay Lomoy at around 7 a.m. when the clash occurred.

Police reinforcements backed by air assets of the PNP evacuated the wounded policemen.

Soldiers belonging to the Army’s 803rd Brigade provided combat support.

Carlos condemned NPA rebels for the attack on PNP personnel.

“We will make sure that justice will be served and the deaths of our fellow law enforcers will not be in vain,” he said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/11/21/2142766/2-cops-killed-northern-samar-clash-reds

3 Abu Sayyaf, 1 supporter surrender in Basilan

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 20, 2021): 3 Abu Sayyaf, 1 supporter surrender in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA. Three members and a supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrender to military authorities on Thursday, November 18, in Basilan province. A photo handout shows one of the surrenderers handing over a Garand rifle to Lieutenant Colonel Egverr Jonathan Abutin, 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander (right) when they were presented to the official at the 18IB headquarters. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THREE members and a supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered to military authorities in Basilan province, an official said Saturday, November 20.

Their surrender brought the total number of Abu Sayyaf surrenderers in Basilan province to 32 since January 2021.

Major General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), withheld the identity of the surrenderers for security reasons. They surrendered Thursday, November 18, through the efforts of the 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 4th Special Forces Battalion (4SFBn).

The surrenderers turned over the one M-16 Armalite rifle, one Carbine rifle, and two Garand rifles to Lieutenant Colonel Egverr Jonathan Abutin, 18IB commander.

“We express our sincerest gratitude to the local government unit of Ungkaya Pukan led by Vice Mayor Jomar Maturan and the barangay officials of Bohebaca, Tipo-Tipo led by Chairman Harun Harirun for their unwavering support to our unit’s efforts that led to the surrender of the ASG personalities,” Abutin said.

The surrenderers will receive livelihood assistance through the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) for peace.

The surrenderers revealed during the custodial debriefing that they are tired of hiding and want to live a normal and peaceful life with their families.

“We encourage the other members of the Abu Sayyaf Group to surrender and unite towards a progressive and peaceful Basilan. War is not the answer to hunger and poverty, but teamwork so that we can develop the province and uplift our lives,” said Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan.

“The doors of the JTF-Basilan and provincial government of Basilan are open to help you live a peaceful life and away from danger,” Gobway added.

Of the total 32 who surrendered since January, 29 were regular members and the remaining three were supports of the ASG.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1913690/Zamboanga/Local-News/3-Abu-Sayyaf-1-supporter-surrender-in-Basilan

CPP/NPA-East Camarine Sur: Bakuna, Tiyakin! Militar, Palayasin! Duterte, Pabagsakin! Isulong ang Rebolusyon!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 20, 2021): Bakuna, Tiyakin! Militar, Palayasin! Duterte, Pabagsakin! Isulong ang Rebolusyon!

 

NPA-EAST CAMARINES SUR (TOMAS PILAPIL COMMAND)

November 20, 2021

Alinsunod sa pambansang patakaran ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, hinihikayat ng Tomas Pilapil Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan East Camarines Sur ang masa na magpabakuna. Kasabay ng makabuluhang ayuda, dapat nating igiit ang karapatan sa ligtas at maka-masang akses dito. Bagamat ang pagdadamayan at pagkilos ng komunidad ang mapagpasya upang maharap ang pandemya, malaki ang maitutulong ng pagbabakuna para sa ating kaligtasan at panunumbalik sa normal na pagkilos.

Lalo nating nararapat na igiit ang karapatang ito sa harap ng lantarang pagkakait ni Duterte na laanan ng sapat na suplay ng bakuna ang Bikol. Pumapangalawa ang rehiyon sa mga may pinakamababang antas ng pagbabakuna. Hindi ito kasalanan ng publiko. Walang magpapabakuna kung wala namang bakuna.

Sa katunayan, sa halip na bakuna, militar ang dumadagsa sa ating mga komunidad dito sa Bikol. ‘Di hamak na mas nakamamatay ang atakeng militar kaysa COVID-19. Subalit, masahol, pareho ang mga dala-dala ng army at pulis sa kanilang panghihimasok at militarisasyon sa ating mga baryo. Terorismo at bayrus ang dala-dala ng mga operasyong militar na Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) at focused military operations (FMO) sa mga komunidad.

Sa ika-apat na distrito ng Camarines Sur, mas maraming baryo ang inooperasyon ng militar kaysa may sapat na suplay ng bakuna. Numero unong tagalabag ng karapatang tao at mga protokol ng COVID-19 ang militar sa kanilang iligal na pagcensus, pagbabahay-bahay, pagpapasabong, sapilitang pang-iimbestiga at pagpapasuko. Matindi pa sa lockdown ang kanilang pagkontrol at pagbawal sa aktibidad at kabuhayan ng taumbaryo. Higit sa lahat, baril at hindi bakuna ang ipinatuturok sa masa. Nito lamang Nob. 3, 2021, pinatay ng militar ang magsasakang si Nilo Habal matapos akusahang NPA. Isa ang baryo ni Habal sa mga barangay na kasalukuyang inooperasyon ng militar sa bayan ng Caramoan.

Malupit na lockdown, batas militar at maruming gera ang ipinantatapat ni Duterte sa kanyang walang kapantay na pagpapahirap sa taumbayan. Mas prayoridad ni Duterte na pumatay at manatili sa poder kaysa iligtas ang taumbayan sa pandemya. Ito ay upang hadlangan ang ating paglaban at pagpapanagot sa kanyang mga krimen, kabilang ang palpak na pagharap sa pandemya.

Sa gitna ng tumitinding krisis, walang ibang solusyon kundi ang magkaisa at lumaban. Maraming mapagtatagumpayan ang sama-sama at matapang na pagkilos ng komunidad. Kaya nitong makamit ang karapatan sa bakuna, ayuda at iba pang makabuluhang suportang medikal at pangkabuhayan. Matitiyak nito ang seguridad sa pagkain at pagpapataas ng antas ng produksyon ng buong komunidad. Kaya rin nitong makapagpalayas ng anumang operasyong militar at tumutol sa anumang kontra-mamamayang proyekto ng gubyerno. Sa lahat ng ito, higit na nararapat ang magpabakuna upang makabuwelo sa pagkilos, todo-todong malabanan ang militarisasyon at atake ni Duterte sa ating lupa, buhay at kabuhayan.

Pinakamakapangyarihan nating sandata ang pagsusulong ng armadong rebolusyon. Ito ang pinakamataas na antas na maaabot ng ating pagkakaisa. Sa pagsuporta at paglahok sa digmang bayan, tunay na matatagpuan ang kaligtasan. Dito natin matagumpay na malalampasan ang pandemya. Dito natin makakamit ang hustisya sa mga biktima ng abuso at karahasang militar. Dito natin tunay na maipagtatanggol ang ating lupa, karapatan at buhay. Higit sa lahat, dito natin tunay na matatamasa ang isang ligtas, maunlad at malayang kinabukasan. Kailanma’y katuwang at tagapagtanggol ninyo ang Tomas Pilapil Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa laban para sa tunay na pagbabago.

Lupa at karapatan, ipaglaban!

Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!

Sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Sumapi sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!

Isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/20/bakuna-tiyakin-militar-palayasin-duterte-pabagsakin-isulong-ang-rebolusyon/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog: Panliligalig sa MIMAROPA, ipinagyayabang ni Duterte

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 19, 2021): Panliligalig sa MIMAROPA, ipinagyayabang ni Duterte

 

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

November 19, 2021

Mula pa Nobyembre 4, hibang na nag-iikot si Duterte sa Region IV-B o MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) upang ipangalandakang “nagtagumpay” ang anti-komunistang gera nito sa rehiyon. Katawa-tawang pahayag ito ng desperadong pangulong nangangarap lipulin ang CPP-NPA-NDFP bago matapos ang kanyang termino. Kailanman, hindi madudurog ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Tinatamasa ng CPP-NPA-NDFP ang malalim na suporta at pagmamahal mula sa malawak na masa ng sambayanan.

Kasinungalingan ang ipinagmamayabang ni Duterte na tagumpay nitong nakamit ang “kapayapaan at kaunlaran”sa MIMAROPA dahil sa mga programa ng NTF-ELCAC laluna ang pekeng proyektong pangkaunlarang Barangay Development Program (BDP). Ibinibida pa ng rehimen ang “paglaya mula sa komunismo”ng walong (8) barangay sa Palawan. Dinagdagan pa umano ng P500 milyon ang pondo ng BDP sa rehiyon at sumaklaw pa ng mas maraming barangay. Ang totoo, pantapal na solusyon lamang ng rehimen ang BDP sa daing ng mamamayang inabandona ng estado. Hindi nito nilulutas ang malaon nang problema ng masang magsasaka sa lupa. Nakapagtatakang walang naitutulong ang malaking pondo ng BDP sa paghihikahos ng mga magsasaka sa palayan sa rehiyon na ibinaon sa higit na karalitaan ng rehimeng Duterte sa pagpasa nito sa Rice Liberalization Law.

Tiyak na tiyak na kasama sa adyenda ni Duterte sa MIMAROPA ang ibayong pagsusubasta ng likas na yaman sa mga dayuhan at lokal na burgesya. Kung kaya, ibayong dadambungin ang MIMAROPA ng malalaking kumpanya ng mina, plantasyon ng oil palm at proyektong ekoturismo na magtutulak ng malawakang ispekulasyon sa lupa at pagkasira ng mga bahura pangisdaan ng maliliit na mamamalakaya. Sa Palawan, pinahintulutan na ng rehimen na mag-opereyt ang Ipilan Nickel Corp. (INC) sa Brookes Point. Wala itong ihahatid na kaunlaran sa mamamayan laluna sa mga magsasaka at katutubo na pinalayas sa kanilang lupa upang pagbigyan ang negosyo ng mga naghaharing uri at kasabwat nilang mga lokal na burukrata’t dayuhang korporasyon. Dinadahas pa sila ng mga sundalo at pulis na nagsisilbing pribadong hukbo ng mga negosyante para supilin ang paglaban ng mamamayan.

Samantala, pansuhol lamang ni Duterte ang pondo ng BDP sa mga lokal na pulitiko para paboran ang kanyang paksyon at babasbasang kandidatong presidente na papalit sa kanya sa darating na eleksyong 2022. Ginagawang palabigasan din ng matataas na heneral ng AFP-PNP ang badyet sa BDP.

Walang kapayapaan sa MIMAROPA kundi kaguluhan ang hatid ng NTF-ELCAC sa kanilang kampanyang sapilitan at pekeng pagpapasuko, walang puknat na focused military operations (FMO) at mapanlinlang na retooled community support program operations (RCSPO). Nitong Oktubre lamang, nagpakamatay ang ininterogang katutubong Mangyan sa Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro habang naagasan ang isang buntis sa Brgy. Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro na natrauma sa panghahalughog ng mga sundalo sa kanilang bahay. Biktima naman ng kampanyang pagpapasuko ang dalawang menor de edad at isang 9 na taong bata sa Brgy. Tinitian, Roxas, Palawan.

Hindi maloloko ng rehimeng Duterte ang mamamayan ng MIMAROPA sa mga ipinalalaganap nitong kasinungalingan. Kinasusuklaman pa ito ng mga taga-MIMAROPA dahil sa laganap na korapsyon, palpak na pagtugon sa pandemya, pagbebenta ng soberanya ng bansa, paghahasik ng terorismo ng estado, kasakiman sa kapangyarihan at samu’t saring kataksilan. Ang mga kalagayang ito ang higit na nagtutulak sa mamamayan na mag-aklas sa rehimen at sumalig sa rebolusyon.

Sa mga nagdaang taon, lalupang humigpit ang ugnayan ng mamamayan ng MIMAROPA at CPP-NPA-NDFP. Pinanday ito ng marubdob na pakikibaka sa gitna ng mga pinaigting na kontra-rebolusyonaryong kampanya ng mga nagdaang rehimen. Pinatunayan ng matatag na bigkis ng mamamayan at NPA na matibay itong sandata laban sa AFP-PNP at pagsasamantala ng mga panginoong maylupa at burgesya komprador. Sa pagtutulungan ng Pulang hukbo at masa, nalansag ang monopolyng kontrol sa lupa ng mga PML sa mahigit limang libong ektaryang sakahan sa Mindoro; pinatigil ang mapanirang operasyon ng mga kumpanya ng mina sa Palawan at Mindoro; at binigwasan ang AFP-PNP sa rehiyon.

Mayaman ang rebolusyonaryong kasaysayan at tradisyon ng paglaban ng mamamayan ng MIMAROPA at hindi na ito makikitil ng rehimeng Duterte. Bibiguin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan at mamamayan ang NTF-ELCAC at ang kontra-rebolusyonaryong kampanya nito.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/19/panliligalig-sa-mimaropa-ipinagyayabang-ni-duterte/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Sa kulungan nababagay at hindi sa Malacañang ang korap at sinungaling na si Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 19, 2021): Sa kulungan nababagay at hindi sa Malacañang ang korap at sinungaling na si Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

 

PATNUBAY DE GUIA

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

November 19, 2021

Kailanman ay hindi papayag ang malawak na masa ng sambayanang Pilipino na makabalik sa Malacañang ang pamilya ng pinatalsik na diktador na si Ferdinand Edralin Marcos sa pamamagitan ni Bongbong Marcos. Nababagay sila sa kulungan dahil sa kanilang mga krimen sa bayan at sa bilyon-bilyong halaga ng yaman ng bansa na kanilang dinambong sa loob ng 14 taon ng pag-iral ng Batas Militar sa ilalim ng diktadura. Ang pamilyang ito na di kinakikitaan ng pagsisisi ay patuloy na nagpapasasa sa dambong na yaman at karangyaan sa buhay habang ang taumbayan at mga biktima ng Batas Militar ay patuloy na nabubuhay sa karukhaan, kahirapan at inhustisya.

Marapat na labanan at biguin ng taumbayan na maluklok sa kapangyarihan si Bongbong Marcos (BBM). Ipagpapatuloy lamang niya ang mga katiwalian, kapalpalkan at tiranya ng gubyerno ni Duterte. Sigurado ding bibigyan niya ng proteksyon si Duterte mula sa pagpapanagot at pag-uusig ng ICC at taumbayan sa krimen nito laban sa sankatauhan at sa bayan. Tiyak ding i-aabswelto ni BBM ang sarili at pamilya sa mga pananagutan hinggil sa kanilang kinulimbat na yaman sa panahon ng sila’y nasa kapangyarihan. Tiyak din na babaguhin at rerebisahin ni BBM ang madilim na yugto ng kasaysayan ng bansa sa ilalim ng Batas Militar at palalabasin itong “mga ginintuang taon” sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas. Hindi rin malayong itanghal niya ang yumaong amang diktador na si Ferdinand E. Marcos bilang bayani na nauna nang ipinalibing ng pasistang si Rodrigo Roa Duterte sa “Libingan ng mga Bayani”.

Nababahala ngayon si BBM dahil sa kabi-kabilaang pagtutol ng iba’t ibang grupo sa kanyang pagtakbo bilang Presidente. Malawakan nilang binabatikos at inilalantad ang mga kasinungalingang ipinapakalat ni BBM at mga kasapakat tungkol sa kanyang pagkatao, sa kanilang pamilya at sa Martial Law. Isa sa mariing pinasinungalingan ay ang paghahambog ni Bongbong na nakapagtapos siya sa Oxford University sa United Kingdom (UK). Napakarami nang nagpatunay, at may ebidensya pa mula sa mga rekord ng nasabing unibersidad na kathang-isip lang ang paggradweyt ni Bongbong at sa katunayan ay bumagsak siya sa mga rekisitong kurso kaya natanggal sa prestihiyosong paaralan.

Ang mas nakagagalit, nabunyag na rekurso ng gubyerno at pondo ng bayan ang ginamit para makapag-aral siya sa ibayong dagat. Libu-libong dolyar sa isang buwan ang sustento sa kanya at kay Imee noong nag-aaral sila sa mga mamahaling unibersidad sa UK at US. Mismong mga opisyal din ng gubyerno ng yumaong Marcos ang nakikipagtawaran sa eskwelahan para maisalba ang kanyang pag-aaral. Sunod ang layaw at kapritso ng mga anak ng diktador habang hinahambalos ng krisis ang mamamayang Pilipino.

Tampok din ang pagkalantad na convicted criminal si Bongbong ng Quezon City Regional Trial Court noong 1995 sa kasong tax evasion o di pagbabayad ng buwis mula 1982-1985. Inapirma ito ng Court of Appeals noong 1997 at naging pinal noong 2001 matapos iatras ni Bongbong Marcos ang apela sa Korte Suprema. Ginagamit itong batayan ng petisyon ng diskwalipikasyon sa kanya bilang kandidato sa pagkapangulo. Tuluyan nang napikon ang kampo ng mga Marcos at tinawag itong bahagi ng “smear campaign” laban sa kanya. Katawa-tawa ang pagtatangka nilang pagmukhaing kawawa si Bongbong samantalang siya ang malinaw na lumabag sa batas at nagtatago ng yaman gaya ng kanyang amang diktador.

Kung tutuusin, hindi kailangan ng smear campaign laban kay Bongbong. Alam ng mamamayan ang napakarami niyang kaso at krimen labas pa sa pagkakasangkot sa malagim na diktadura ng kanyang ama. Dawit siya sa pork barrel scam na pumutok noong rehimeng BS Aquino. Sinampahan pa nga siya ng kasong plunder o pandarambong noong 2016 para sa maanomalyang pagbibigay ng P205 milyon sa mga inimbentong foundation mula 2011-2013. Nakinabang din siya sa P100 milyon na ipinadaan sa apat na pekeng NGO na konektado kay Janet Lim Napoles. Tigas-mukha rin siyang nakikipagnegosasyon sa gubyerno para maibalik ang ilang bahagi ng P174.2 bilyong narekober mula sa nakaw na yaman ng pamilyang Marcos habang hinahabol pang mabawi ng PCGG ang P125.9 bilyong kulimbat na yaman ng mga Marocs.

Kasabay nito, patuloy si Bongbong sa paglulubid ng kwento hinggil sa Martial Law at “pamana” ng kanilang sakim na pamilya. Hanggang ngayon, itinatanggi niyang may lansakang paglabag sa karapatang tao sa panahon ng diktadura. Kunwa pa siyang magsasabi na “bahala na ang mga historyador”, pero ang totoo’y nagpwesto na siya ng makinarya sa social media at mga institusyon para baluktutin ang kasaysayan. Ang ninakaw nilang yaman ang pinangtutustos sa proyektong historical revisionism pabor sa mga Marcos at sa ambisyon ng kanilang pamilya na makabalik sa Malakañang.

Limpak-limpak nang salapi ang kanilang inuubos sa pagbabayad sa mga troll, pangungomisyon ng mga pekeng sarbey at panunuhol sa midya’t mga pulitiko. Trabaho ng mga ito na palabasing bayani ang diktador na Marcos at isulong ang kandidatura ni Bongbong sa 2022. Pakana nila ang #BringBackMarcos na diumano’y nagtrend sa Twitter kamakailan. Pero sino namang maniniwala na tunay itong saloobin ng mga netizen, lalo’t nalantad na 44% ng mga follower ni Bongbong sa Twitter ay mga pekeng account? Namimili din ang mga Marcos ng mga Facebook page na may daang libong followers at itinatransporma ang mga ito para sa kampanya ni Bongbong.

Talagang napakatindi ng desperasyon ni Bongbong Marcos at kanyang angkan na muling maluklok sa tuktok ng kapangyarihan. Pati husga ng kasaysayan sa sariling buhay at kanilang pagkatao ay pilit na nirerebisa upang magmukhang magaling at marangal. Hindi bebenta kahit kailan ang kanilang pagpapanggap. Siya at ang kanyang buong pamilya ay isinusuka ng taumbayan at sinusumpang hinding-hindi pababalikin sa poder. Sa kulungan sila nababagay at hindi sa Malacañang.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/19/sa-kulungan-nababagay-at-hindi-sa-malacanang-ang-korap-at-sinungaling-na-si-ferdinand-bongbong-marcos-jr/

CPP/NPA Southern Tagalog: Pinakamataas na Pulang saludo, alay ng NPA Southern Tagalog kay Ka Oris

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 19, 2021): Pinakamataas na Pulang saludo, alay ng NPA Southern Tagalog kay Ka Oris

 

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN TAGALOG

November 19, 2021

Buong pusong pinarangalan at pinagpugayan ng mga yunit ng Melito Glor Command-NPA Southern Tagalog noong Nobyembre 7 para sa pinaslang ng mga pasista na tagapagsalita ng NPA na si Jorge“Ka Oris” Madlos. Itinakda ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ang Nobyembre 7 bilang international day of remembrance kay Ka Oris.

Brutal na pinaslang ng 4th ID ng teroristang AFP ang 74-anyos na si Ka Oris at ang kanyang medik na si Eighfel “Ka Pika” Dela Peña sa gabi ng Oktubre 29 sa Impasug-ong, Bukidnon. Tinambangan ang dalawang biktima na noo’y papunta sa pagamutan. Walang armas at walang kapasidad na lumaban sina Ka Oris nang pagbabarilin ng palalong kaaway.

“Dinadakila ng NPA ST si Ka Oris na naglaan ng kanyang buong buhay sa pagpapalaya sa buong bayan mula sa paghihirap at pagsasamantala. Sa kabila ng kanyang kalagayang pangkalusugan at edad, nanatiling mataas ang kanyang diwang mapanlaban at pinamunuan ang pakikibaka laban sa pasista-teroristang rehimeng Duterte hanggang sa huling bahagi ng kanyang buhay. Isa siyang huwarang Pulang kumander at kadre ng Partido na dapat gawing inspirasyon ng nakababatang henerasyon ng mga rebolusyonaryo,” pahayag ni Armando Cienfuego, tagapagsalita ng MGC-NPA ST.

Sa isang larangan sa Batangas, naglunsad ang mga Pulang mandirigma ng Eduardo Dagli Command ng pulong parangal kung saan itinaas ang bandila ng NPA at Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas para kay Ka Oris. Tinalakay rito ang pahayag ng Komite Sentral ng PKP sa pagkamartir ng beteranong tagapagsalita ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Binigyan naman ng 21 gun salute ng isang yunit ng Lucio de Guzman Command (LdGC)-NPA Mindoro si Ka Oris na tumatayong isa sa mga pambansang kumander ng NPA. Sinundan ito ng programa para alalahanin ang kanyang mga rebolusyonaryong ambag laluna sa pagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka.

“Totoong nakakalungkot ang mawalan ng isang mahusay at mabuting kasama, pero ang dapat mangibabaw sa bawat kasapi ng NPA ngayon ay ang maalab na determinasyong ipagpatuloy ang laban ni Ka Oris. Gawin nating hamon sa sarili na tularan ang kanyang pag-aalay ng buhay sa sambayanan hanggang sa huling sandali,” mensahe ni Ka Lito, pampulitikang instruktor ng isang yunit ng LdGC.

Mariin ding kinundena ng MGC-NPA ST ang karuwagan at pangyuyurak sa karapatang tao ng AFP partikular ng 4th ID na responsable sa walang pakundangang pagpaslang kina Ka Oris at Ka Pika.

“Uhaw na uhaw sa dugo ng mga rebolusyonaryo ang rehimeng Duterte na nagkukumahog na ipakitang nagtatagumpay ang hungkag na kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera. Lansakang nilalabag ng pasistang rehimen ang internasyunal na makataong batas sa ipinakikitang brutalidad at paggamit ng labis-labis na pwersa sa kanilang kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera tulad ng ginawa sa Dolores, Samar at pagpaslang sa mga hors de combat at sibilyan alinsunod sa kanilang patakaran na “walang bihag at walang kulungan” para sa mga kombatant at di kombatant. Sa malao’t madali ay pagbabayarin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang mga pasista sa mga krimeng ito,” ani Cienfuego. ##

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/19/pinakamataas-na-pulang-saludo-alay-ng-npa-southern-tagalog-kay-ka-oris/

EDITORIAL: Lessons from counterinsurgency strategies

Editorial posted to Palawan News (Nov 20, 2021): EDITORIAL: Lessons from counterinsurgency strategies

The Senate’s issue with the NTF-ELCAC was that, among so many criticisms about the government’s counterinsurgency program, it could not even account for the huge funding it received last year. Last week, it imposed a drastic cut on its 2022 budget, from a proposed P28 billion to a mere P4 billion.

The Senate’s action was a damning rejection of the Duterte administration’s counterinsurgency program lodged under the grammar-challenged National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), an agency that is essentially an iteration of the Department of National Defense.

Since its inception in 2018 via a presidential order, the NTF-ELCAC has enjoyed preferential budget allocation for an office that is essentially a committee composed of various executive departments. Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the senate finance committee, who announced a P24 billion budget cut for the agency’s proposed 2022 budget, faulted the NTF-ELCAC for not being able to even submit a report justifying its P19 billion budget for this year.

The administration has objected to the severe budget cut, warning that it could set back the current government’s achievements in curtailing the New People’s Army (NPA) threat using the “whole of nation” concept or strategy.

The Senate budget deliberation was the only forum of note that government policy-makers had been able to assess the effectiveness of the current administration’s approach to counterinsurgency. The debate ended with most of the senators, even including administration allies, remaining critical of it.

As its mandate states, the core program of the NTF-ELCAC is focused on interventions in the barangays that are supposedly cleared of NPA influence and paves the way for their local economic recovery. Currently, an allocation of P20 million is given to those barangays where the NPAs are supposed to have been defeated or pushed back. There is also one that deals with providing livelihood assistance to “rebel returnees”.

According to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon when he was in Palawan recently, some 35 barangays are assured this coming year of receiving their P20 million in Barangay Development Program funds. That totals to P700 M, at least for Palawan barangays, to push back what the Western Command has recently described as an insurgency being pursued essentially by nine armed guerillas.

As a counterinsurgency strategy, the NTF-ELCAC’s “whole of nation” approach has been a rehash of all previous administrations’ approaches to dealing with the communist rebellion since it set root during the Magsaysay era in the 1950s. President Duterte’s promise to end rebellion during his term is, as most presidents before him had also promised, is not going to be delivered any time soon.

The positive takeaway from all this is the fact that the Philippines, having been host to the world’s longest-running insurgency, has gained so many lessons with its variants of methods and approaches. It’s now just a matter of learning them.

https://palawan-news.com/editorial-lessons-from-counterinsurgency-strategies/

Only a few came to the wake and interment of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos

From MindaNews(Nov 21, 2021): Only a few came to the wake and interment of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos (By ROEL CATOTO)

SURIGAO CITY (MindaNews / 20 November) — Fear of getting red-tagged may have been the reason why only a few came to the wake and the interment of the cremated remains of Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos on Saturday afternoon.

“People are probably scared,” his brothers Vicente and Rito said.

“Some friends who knew Ka Oris better than we do have opted to stay home. These days are difficult times, knowing people get easily red-tagged without due process. They are probably afraid, knowing the stature of Ka Oris in the revolutionary movement,” said Dr. Fernando Almeda Jr., a retired port manager and president of Surigaonon Heritage Center.

Friends and relatives of communist leader Jorge Madlos at the interment of his remains in Surigaoo City Memorial Park. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

Almeda, a longtime friend of the slain rebel leader, was among the few who attended the burial rites at the Surigao City Memorial Park on Saturday.

Almeda recalled the slain rebel leader paid him a surprise visit a few years ago and gave him a communist signature cap for souvenir. Almeda plans to exhibit Madlos’ Mao cap in his museum.

Another friend of Madlos, retired public school teacher Fredeswinda Chua-Espejon, said the fallen guerilla will be truly missed.

Espejon and Madlos were among those arrested in Surigao during the crackdown by the military on young activists in the 1970’s.

“We were detained at the barracks but Jorge stayed longer and suffered and endured torture in the hands of our captors,” she said.

Parago and Roger

Thousands marched during the funeral in Davao City of Leoncio Pitao aka Ka Parago in July 2015. A similar situation happened in Batangas in 2016 during the interment of the remains of Gregorio Rosal aka Ka Roger who died of heart failure in 2011 in a guerilla zone, and his wife Rosalia Dumanlas aka Ka Sol who was killed in an encounter in 2011. .

Only a few came to attend the wake and the interment rites of Madlos who was killed in Impasug-ong Bukidnon in what the military claimed to be an encounter on October 30 but which the New Peoples’ Army claimed was an ambush on October 29.

Only a few reporters came to cover.

“Gamay ra lagi ni attend no” (Only a few attended). Why si that?” Bombo Radyo-Butuan reporter Kevin Linaac asked.

“They are afraid of getting red-tagged,” another reporter replied.

The same question was raised by a reporter from Manila who was assigned to cover Ka Oris’ wake and interment.

“Ka Oris is very popular but only few people came here during the wake,” she said.

“Either safety against COVID-19 or safety against getting red-tagged,” Linaac said.

“We should not be afraid because we are doing our job and we are not with the rebels … we are just a messenger,” he said.

Madlos’ eldest brother, Vicente, said there were “no speeches coming from any cause-oriented groups or any representation from Ka Oris group. The burial was ordinary.”

Salute

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in a statement dated November 18 and signed by Marco Valbuena, chief information officer, praised Madlos as a hero.

“In honor of former New People’s Army commander and spokesperson Ka Oris (Jorge Madlos), the Party calls on all revolutionaries, patriots and democrats to dedicate a minute of silence at high noon of November 20, Saturday, the day that his ashes will be interred,” Valbuena said.

“The flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army will be unfurled and raised, as all Party cadres and Red fighters of the NPA stand in attention to salute Ka Oris and vow to always keep his memory alive,” he said.

Last day of the wake of slain communist guerilla leader Jorge “Ka Oris” at Aldonza Funeral Homes in Surigao City on 19 November 2021. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO

“Long live Ka Oris, hero and martyr of the Filipino people! Long live Ka Oris, the modern day Andres Bonifacio! Let the memory of Ka Oris live forever,” Balbuena added.

Madlos’ wife, Ka Maria Malaya, said her husband “died a hero’s death and for sure history will judge him as one, if not the greatest, among Surigaonons. Masses, and friends alike feel proud of him and what he has contributed to the national democratic revolution. He inspired by example and will inspire thousands more to tread the path of the people’s revolution. His memory and the lessons he imparted will remain and would help spur the victory of the people’s war. For us he left behind, in the words of Ka Oris, ‘We will persevere for our cause is just,’” she said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/only-a-few-came-to-the-wake-and-interment-of-jorge-ka-oris-madlos/

53 ex-ASG members receive livelihood aid from BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20. 2021): 53 ex-ASG members receive livelihood aid from BARMM (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NEW LIFE. Some of the 53 former Abu Sayyaf Group members who received PHP10,000 from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Luuk, Sulu on Thursday (Nov. 18, 2021). The distribution was made during the groundbreaking ceremony for a bunkhouse that the surrenderers will use for livelihood opportunities. (Photo courtesy of MPOS-BARMM)

The Ministry of Public Order and Safety in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPOS-BARMM) is constructing a bunkhouse with a workshop for 53 former Abu Sayyaf members in Luuk, Sulu.

The workshop will provide the surrenderers with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Sittie Janine Gamao, MPOS peace program officer, said in a statement on Saturday that the 4th Marine Brigade, headed by Col. Hernanie Songano, volunteered to construct the bunkhouse while the Gagandilan Mindanao Women, Inc. (GMWI), the partner non-governmental organization, will conduct a hollow block-making training for the former ASG members.

The GMWI is a Moro women's group dedicated to empowering women and girls for peace and development and supports the reintegration to communities of rebel surrenderers.

Gamao said the MPOS, along with other BARMM agencies, would help in the best way they could to uplift the lives of the former ASG members.

“Put to good use the financial assistance you received. Use it as a start-up capital in whatever livelihood you intend to engage,” she told the former terrorists during the groundbreaking ceremony and distribution of PHP10,000 cash each in Barangay Bual on Thursday.

“We in the MPOS are asking you to be one of the peacekeepers in your community,” she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160378

Ex-rebels in CDO get gov’t housing units

 From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20. 2021): Ex-rebels in CDO get gov’t housing units

Cagayan de Oro ex-rebels and housing beneficiaries (Photo courtesy of 4ID, Philippine Army)

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The government, through the Office of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), has awarded Certificates of Entitlement of Housing Units to members of Kapatiran in Cagayan de Oro City.

The seven Kapatiran awardees are former members of the Rebolusyong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/ RPA/ABB).

The awarded units at CDO Midland Valley Homes in Barangay Dansolihon is part of the commitment of the government under the 2000 peace agreement between the government and the RPM-P/ RPA/ABB.

The awarding ceremony on November 17 was attended by Director Susana Guadalupe Marcaida of OPAPP; Wane Espela of the National Housing Authority Region 10; Lt. Col. Joram Jumalon, Deputy Director of the city police office; Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division Commander; Col. Noel Plaza, commander of the Joint Intelligence Task Group-Diamond; and Col. Ian Noel Ignes, assistant chief of staff for Civil Military Operations.

Another awarding ceremony was held at Pinewood Homes in San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on November 16 for 17 former New People’s Army rebels, attended by Undersecretary Cesar Yano, Capability Assessment and Development and co-chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee.

“The government has time and again proven that we are serious in our quest for peace. We delivered our commitment, despite the challenges. This serves as the best illustration to entice more surrenderers. Our government instrumentalities will provide the necessary assistance to those who want to return to the fold of the law to attain our desire to resolve the armed conflict towards an environment of peace,” Brawner said in a news release.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160410

Japan nixes unilateral tries to alter status quo in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20. 2021): Japan nixes unilateral tries to alter status quo in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa (Photo courtesy of Presidential Communications Operations Office)

The Japanese Embassy in Manila said Saturday it "strongly opposes" any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas (SCS).

The statement came days after Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and fired a water cannon on two Filipino boats en route to the Ayungin Shoal.

"Japan strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East & South China Seas," Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a tweet. "Compliance with the 2016 Arbitral Award and the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), are vital for peace and prosperity for the region."

Under the arbitral ruling, the Ayungin or Second Thomas Shoal had been classified as part of the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

It declared that the feature is not "overlapped by any possible entitlement of China."

The recent Ayungin incident happened on November 16, drawing outrage from the Philippine government.

READ: PH outraged after Chinese vessels blocked PH supply boats

On Friday, the US government expressed solidarity with Manila, saying the Chinese action "directly threatens regional peace and stability."

United Kingdom Minister of State for Asia Amanda Milling on Saturday also expressed her concern over "recent incidents" that have raised tensions in the region but did not directly refer to the Chinese Coast Guard actions in Ayungin.

"Pleased to reaffirm the importance the UK attaches to UNCLOS and a stable, prosperous South China Sea at the 13th Hanoi SCS Conference this week. I am concerned by recent incidents that have raised tensions and urge against actions that hinder the peaceful settlement of disputes," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160382

Kalinaw News: Leyte Task Force ELCAC sustains development activities in Peace and Prosperity Village

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 20, 2021): Leyte Task Force ELCAC sustains development activities in Peace and Prosperity Village



CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City, November 19, 2021 – The Provincial Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Leyte province headed by its Chairperson, the Honorable Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla presided the oath taking ceremony of the elected officers of 11 cooperative associations composed of the members of San Isidro Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (SIIPDWA) and Calubian Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (CIPDWA) held at the Peace and Prosperity village, at Sitio Limite, Brgy Daja Daku, San Isidro, Leyte, last November 17, 2021.

The 11 cooperative associations were organized and registered with Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in order to ensure the success of their programs and projects provided to them by the Leyte PTF ELCAC. Five of the cooperative associations are from the municipality of San Isidro, namely: Taglawigan Farmers Association (TFA); Limite Farmers Association (LFA); Cataogan Farmers Association (CFA); Tinigban Agriculturist Cultivators and Fishers Association (TACFA); and Lawis Fisherfolks and Farmers Association (LAFFA). Six cooperative organizations are from the municipality of Calubian, namely: Jubay Farmers Association (JFA); Anislagan Farmers Association (AFA); Cabatoan Farmers Association (CFA); Enage Farmers Association (EFA); Airport Farmers Association (AFA); and Sorosimbahan Farmers Association (SFA). The members of this cooperative organization were former cpp-npa-ndf regular members, Yunit Milita Members, couriers, and mass supporters.

The oath taking activity is a manifestation that the whole of the nation approach is working at its best considering the presence and active participation of agencies belonging to the different clusters of the PTF-ELCAC such as the DILG, TESDA, DAR, DA, DTI, DSWD, CDA, AFP, PNP among others. The Chairperson of the Municipal Task Force ELCAC of San Isidro and Calubian, Mayor Remedio B. Veloso and Mayor Marciano A. Batiancila respectively, were also present during the activity. The heads of the participating agencies expressed their commitment of support to the newly organized cooperative organizations as they start the implementation of livelihood programs that would benefit their members.

Governor Petilla, the Chairperson of PTF-ELCAC of Leyte distributed cash assistance worth Php 100,000.00 that was received by the presidents and treasurers of the 11 cooperative organizations. The governor pointed out that the cash assistance is intended for the cooperatives as a startup fund for the projects that they will implement as cooperatives. He also challenged the elected officers and all the members of the cooperative organizations to properly manage their project, full cooperation and commitment of all to ensure their success. After the program, the PTF-ELCAC conducted the visit of the ongoing housing and livelihood projects in the village.

Brigadier General Zosimo A. Oliveros, Commander, 802nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army on his part, expressed his gratitude to the PTF-ELCAC of Leyte and the MTF-ELCAC of Calubian and San Isidro for their continued commitment towards ending the local communist armed conflict. He stressed that, these livelihood programs are proofs that the government is indeed helping the former rebels and their mass supporters.

“These programs are the reasons that motivate the npa regular members and yunit militia members to surrender and their mass supporters to cut their ties with the terrorist group. With this trend, the domino effect of surfacing of cpp-npa-ndf members and supporters is expected in the coming days”, Oliveros concluded.

[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/leyte-task-force-elcac-sustains-development-activities-in-peace-and-prosperity-village/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom holds information campaign for MNLF transformation program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 20, 2021): WestMinCom holds information campaign for MNLF transformation program



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – November 20, 2021

Western Mindanao Command facilitated the conduct of information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign held at the conference room located at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city on November 19, 2021. It was a pre-implementation activity of the transformation program for the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), their families, and their communities.

WestMinCom Commander Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. said the purpose of the IEC campaign is to orient military and police officials in the implementing arrangements and mechanisms of the program. In his message, Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. encouraged the participants to give their full support to the transformation program. “Let us set aside our indifference in order to bring peace and order to our people,” he said.

He also assured that WestMinCom will actively participate in the upcoming activities of the transformation program. “We recognize that more than military actions, there is an underlying need to employ programs that will support the peaceful resolutions to put an end to the menaces of society,” Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

The IEC campaign was spearheaded by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) through the team from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) led by Brig. Gen. Buenaventura Pascual (Ret.), Chairman of the Community Healing and Reconciliation Sub-Committee. In attendance during the campaign were military and police officials.

According to Brig. Gen. Pascual (Ret.), the transformation program includes all the government’s initiatives, projects, and other developmental activities such as socio-economic, community healing and reconciliation, and security and confidence-building measures that would be implemented in the identified MNLF communities. “We steadfastly commit to helping uplift the lives of our returning brothers and sisters and their families through interventions that would be carried out by the OPAPP and its partner agencies,” Brig. Gen. Pascual (Ret.) said.

Meanwhile, prior to the conduct of the IEC campaign, the retired 1-star general paid a courtesy call on the WestMinCom Commander at the Laong Laan Hall of the command. Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Deputy Commander for Administration; Col. Randolph Rojas, Commander of Joint Task Force Zamboanga; and the Command Staff joined Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. in welcoming the distinguished visitor.

[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/westmincom-holds-information-campaign-for-mnlf-transformation-program/

Kalinaw News: Discovery of Arms Cache weakens FSMR, causes NPA member to Surrender

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 19, 2021): Discovery of Arms Cache weakens FSMR, causes NPA member to Surrender

MAKILALA, COTABATO – A combined intelligence operations of 39th Infantry Battalion and 73rd Infantry Battalion both under 1002nd Brigade, 10th Infantry Division led to the discovery of the largest arms cache of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at Sitio Bagyang, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani from November 11 to 16, 2021.

The arms cache was discovered that led to the recovery of a total of 30 high-powered firearms comprised of a Cal. 30 machine gun, seventeen M16 rifles, seven AK47 rifles, four M14 rifles, an M203 Grenade Launcher and an upper receiver each for an M16 and Carbine rifle.

Following the seizure of these firearms, alias Allan, 51 years old from Brgy Palegi, Padada, Davao del Sur, a member of Region Sentro De Grabedad (RSDG) of Far South Mindanao Region surrendered at Headquarters 39IB today, November 19, 2021 at 6:00 a.m., bringing along with him one Bushmaster M16 rifle.

During his initial debriefing, alias Allan revealed that he returned to the folds of the law due to loss of mass base supporters and loss of firearms following the discovery of their arms cache.

The aforementioned firearms were supposedly planned to be used in recovering lost ground in Far South Mindanao.

In another instance alias Borjac, Front Secretary of GF ALIP being monitored in the Mt Alip range struddling in the quad-boundary of Davao Del Sur-North Cotabato-South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat surrendered to 39th Infantry Battalion on November 9, 2021.

In his revelation, he confirmed the dismantling of the Guerilla Front his leading brought about by the lost of mass base and lost of manuever space brought about by the aggressive government intervention.

He further confirmed the effectiveness of the Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict in addressing the issues in the countryside leading to the collapse of their organization

Meanwhile, Ltc Ezra Balagtey, Battalion Commander of 39IB emphasize that the accomplishment will bring durable peace in Far South Mindanao.

“This significant accomplishment clearly manifests the weakening of the FSMR’s goal and aim to spread conflict, division, and abolishment of peace and solitude in the provinces of Davao del Sur, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato to include Sarangani and Davao Occidental.” Balagtey said

As of the time being, the surrenderee is undergoing a custodial debriefing at the Headquarters of the 39th Infantry Battalion in Poblacion, Makilala, North Cotabato.

[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/discovery-of-arms-cache-weakens-fsmr-causes-npa-member-to-surrender/

Kalinaw News: Government awards Housing Units to 7 Former Rebels in Cagayan de Oro City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 19, 2021): Government awards Housing Units to 7 Former Rebels in Cagayan de Oro City



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has awarded Certificates of Entitlement of Housing Units for members of Kapatiran in CDO Midland Valley Homes situated at Dansolihon, Cagayan De Oro City on Wednesday, November 17.

Seven (7) Kapatiran Awardees who are former members of the Rebolusyong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/ RPA/ ABB) received the housing units together with their respective families.

The awarding of housing units is in faithful compliance with the commitments of the government under the 2000 Peace agreement between the GPH and the RPM-P/ RPA/ ABB, as reinforced by the Clarificatory Implementing Document to the 2000 Peace Agreement.

The former rebels and their families are grateful for the government’s gesture of sincerity in satisfying the commitment it promised in exchange for their surrender and for returning to a peaceful path.

In attendance during the awarding ceremony were Director Susana Guadalupe H. Marcaida of OPAPP; Wane Espela of the National Housing Authority (NHA) Region 10; PLt. Col. Joram Jumalon, Deputy City Director of CDO City Police Office; and Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, 4ID Commander, together with Col Noel Z Plaza, Commander of the Joint Intelligence Task Group-Diamond and Col Ian Noel Ignes, Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO, G7.

Meanwhile, another awarding ceremony was also held in Pineville, San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on November 16, 2021, where each of the 17 former rebels also received a housing unit. The ceremony was led by USec. Cesar B. Yano, Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development and Co-Chair of the Joint Enforcement and Monitoring Committee, representing the Philippine government doing 2000 Peace Agreement between the GPH and RPM-P/ RPA/ABB.

In a statement, MGen Brawner Jr praises the government’s continued commitment to the former rebels as a necessary factor to sustain and make peace flourish despite the current security threats.

“The government has time and again proven that we are serious in our quest for peace. We delivered our commitment, despite the challenges. This serves as the best illustration to entice more surrenderers. Our government instrumentalities will provide the necessary assistance to those who want to return to the folds of the law to attain our over-arching desire to resolve the armed conflict towards an environment of peace,” MGen Brawner 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/government-awards-housing-units-to-7-former-rebels-in-cagayan-de-oro-city/

Kalinaw News: NPA personalities, supporters, formally withdraw allegiance from the CTG

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 19, 2021): NPA personalities, supporters, formally withdraw allegiance from the CTG



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – At least 56 NPA personalities and supporters, along with others in their communities, have joined the Pulong-pulong and Indignation Rally conducted at Brgy. Ili-ilihon, Salay and at Sitio Curnao, Brgy Umagos, Lagonglong from November 16 to 17, 2021.

The activity was initiated by the respective Local Government Units of Salay and Lagonglong, in collaboration with the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion and the 1001st RMFB, to signify their people’s official surrender to the folds of the law and withdrawal of support for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The mass withdrawal of support from the NPA personalities is the result of the 58IB’s deployment of the Mobile Community Support Sustainment to Sitio Curnao, Sitio Dagalas, Sitio Tangoban, and Sitio Roa-Roa of Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, and Barangay Ili-ilihon of Salay.

Months of deployment in the aforementioned areas have finally yielded positive results, as 56 NPA personalities, two of whom were lie-low NPA members, 11 Milisyang Bayan members, and 43 were members of Sangay sa Partido Lokalidad (SPL) have surrendered and withdrawn their support from Pambansang Kilusang Magbubukid (PKM) of the National Democratic Front (NDF) under the supervision of Lumpong 3, Platoon Cherry Mobile, GF Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

These CTG personalities withdrew their support and pledged allegiance to the government and signed the signature campaign against CTG’s in their Sitios. The mass base supporters also burned flags of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Desiree Lindahay, a former rebel, testified, emphasizing the importance of not supporting the CTGs and urging them to abandon the armed group and instead support the true government. “Ihunong na ang pagsuporta sa NPA aron mahunong na ang problema diri sa inyong sitio. Kabalo ko mao nay isa gihapon ka problema ninyo diri ang sige nilang pagpangikil, nagpasabot na dili na gyud ninyo gusto sudlunon diri. Karon kung ang inyong suporta nagpabilin, muusab gyud na sila diri, pirme gyud na sila makasulod kung anaa gihapon ang inyong pag suporta. Panahon na suguon mo, ayaw na gyud mu ug sugot. Ngano man? Balik balikon nako, wala man mo gitabangan. Gitabangan ra mo sa pagdugang sa inyong problema.”

Further, she left a message for the youth and parents present, citing the capture of Mosong and Maya as an example. “Ayaw na mo paminaw sa mga propaganda sa inyo. Kana si Maya ug si Mosong, mao kana sila ang mga number 1 na mangingilad sa kabatan-unan, sa ginikanan ug interong mga tao ug kana mao na silang nangadakpan na nangabalhug sa prisuhan. Ngano man? Wala man na sila nisurender, nadakpan man na sila sa atong kasundaluhan. Mao nang nahitabo sa ilaha. Usbon ko, ayaw na mo pagpailad. Huna-hunaa ug tarong ang inyong kaugmaon. Sa rebolusyon, wala gyud gihapoy maayong ugma. Para pud sa mga aduna pay myembro na aktibong NPA, nag hangyo mi sa inyo, atimana ang kaluwasan sa inyong mga paryenteng tua pa sa bukid. Dili lalim ang kakapoy, kagutom, kauhaw na ilang gibati. Labi na ang walay kasiguraduan kung sila buhi pa bang makauli kaninyo o patayng lawas na lang nila ang inyong makita. Awhaga sila na mag surrender na ug magbalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno.”

Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “This activity aims to empower the community to have united and firm stand not to support the NPAs including any of its organizations and instead shift their support to the government.”

“Some of them are NPA surrenderers, while the majority are supporters who have previously served in roles such as couriers and mass supporters to assist the CTGs.” And these people were not coerced into submitting to the Army. They chose to peacefully surrender and cooperated with this unit in providing vital information to operations, with the goal of incapacitating the remaining remnants of CTGs, as they were also tired and fed up with the CTGs’ threatful exploitation, which sometimes led them to have no choice but to submit.”

“The capture of Mosong and Maya also played a significant role in this shift in support. Taking down the leadership clearly shattered their group’s direction, and this has demoralized and weakened their will to pursue the armed revolution. Many of them have become disheartened.” Lt. Col Canatoy ended.

The PNP counterparts, Local Government Units, Provincial Agriculture Office, and other government agencies were also in attendance and gave assurance of their future commitments as the formalization of their withdrawal of support, will yield livelihood support and other appropriate interventions for the development of their sitios and improvement of their lives and as a community in general.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-personalities-supporters-formally-withdraw-allegiance-from-the-ctg/

Alleged rebel leader Antonio Molina, alias ‘Ka Tino’, dies of cancer

From the Palawan New (Nov 19, 2021): Alleged rebel leader Antonio Molina, alias ‘Ka Tino’, dies of cancer (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

Molina, a member of the Katipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK), was arrested with six others at a checkpoint in Barangay San Jose in Puerto Princesa City on October 4, 2019, on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

[UPDATED] Antonio Molina, alias Ka Tino and Domingo Ritas, the suspected rebel leader facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives, died of cancer on Thursday, according to the human rights alliance Karapatan Timog Katagalugan (Karapatan TK).

The 67-year-old, who had denied the accusations, succumbed at 9:46 p.m. on November 18 due to complications from stomach cancer after reportedly being “denied compassionate release”.

In a press statement released Friday, November 19, Karapatan TK slammed Branch 51 of the Palawan Regional Trial Court (RTC) for “denying necessary remedies that might have saved the life of the “elderly political prisoner”.

“We extend our condolences to Antonio Molina’s family. With Molina and his family sparingly meeting, his death as a prisoner is more heartbreaking,” said Kyle Salgado, Karapatan TK spokesperson.

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Molina was transported to the Ospital ng Palawan (ONP) Friday morning when his heart rate dropped and was intubated after going into cardiac arrest, according to Karapatan TK. He was tested for COVID-19 but found to be negative.

According to Karapatan TK, Molina’s death makes him the fourth political prisoner in the Southern Tagalog area to die from illness or old age while detained. Alex Arias (2018), Francisco Remoroso (2019), and Maximo Reduta (2021) were the other three peasant activists.

Molina, a member of the Katipunan ng Samahang Magbubukid sa Timog Katagalugan (KASAMA-TK), was arrested with six others at a checkpoint in Barangay San Jose in Puerto Princesa City on October 4, 2019, on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Molina’s legal counsel requested his immediate release earlier this year on humanitarian grounds owing to his deteriorating health at the time. The lawyers also filed a request to refund P30,000 in cash to Molina to be utilized for his emergency medical costs, said Karaptan TK.

However, Karapatan TK said Judge Ambrosio de Luna of Branch 51 dismissed both applications, citing the usage of herbalists to alleviate his growing agony.

“Doctors noted that Tatay Molina had six months to live when he was diagnosed with cancer. His advanced age and worsening medical condition warranted instant freedom and were supported by church groups and human rights groups. But Judge de Luna handed Antonio Molina no morsel of empathy, and therefore Molina’s death sentence,” said Salgado.

Karapatan TK called for justice for the death of Molina, which they said was another victim of the “flaws in the Philippine justice system”.

Karapatan TK also said, “no self-respecting individual should be condemned to the microscopic concern that Judge de Luna handed out to Molina”.

“Judge de Luna should know that he has yet again shown a patent flaw in the Philippine justice system: while far worse yet far wealthy people like Imelda Marcos gets to flaunt their advanced age to avoid serving prison sentences, Molina was not granted any significant period and means to try to heal from a very debilitating disease,” Salgado said.

Salgado added they are in no position to say at the moment that they will be suing Judge de Luna as they are still consulting with their lawyers.

Making him accountable is one step towards justice, he said, but they know that the current justice system in the country repeatedly failed Molina.

“Only those in power and rich are saved from this predicament and ordinary people like tatay Antonio are left with injustices. Mapapaisip na lang din kami, paano kung na-approve ang recognizance ni tatay, maybe he could have lived longer,” he said.

PPCJ did everything for Molina

Filly Erika Argueza, community relations service officer of the Puerto Princesa City Jail (PPCJ), who confirmed Molina’s passing away, said they did everything to make his situation comfortable.

She said Molina was brought to the ONP on August 20, 2020, where his doctor detected fecal impaction.

“Hindi kasi namin puwedeng ilabas ang PDL (person deprived of liberty) na walang court order. Based sa court order na binigay sa amin ay nilalabas namin siya for medical check ups at confinement,” Argueza said.

She said that Molina’s doctor gave back his test results on March 19, 2021, when it was determined that he had malignant sarcoma. It is a form of cancer that starts in the bone or soft tissues of the body.

“Noong August 23 to 25, 2021, na-hospitalize siya sa Coop at nag-chemo siya. Doon sa medical certificate noong August 25, 2021, na binigay ng doctor ay hindi na kinakaya ng katawan niya ‘yong chemo, parang tinaningan na po siya,” she added.

“May ginawa din na request ang kanilang abogado na provisional liberty. November 15 ay humingi ng comment ang court sa amin dito sa City Jail para sa request ng abogada niya, nag-submit kami doon ng comment na sa part namin ay advantageous kung bibigyan ng provisional liberty. Wala pa kaming nare-receive na order from the court. Then November 18 ay sinuguod namin sya sa ospital bandang 6:30, lahat naman ng mga urgent action about his health upon court order ay ginagawan naman ng BJMP ng paraan para maibigay sa kanya,” Argueza said.

https://palawan-news.com/alleged-rebel-leader-antonio-molina-alias-ka-tino-dies-of-cancer/

PN reservists join urban ops exercise in Jamindan

From the Panay News (Nov 20. 2021): PN reservists join urban ops exercise in Jamindan

The recent Urban Operations Exercise in Jamindan, Capiz aimed to enhance interoperability and the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in conducting joint urban operations. PHILIPPINE NAVY PHOTOS

The Philippine Navy, through the Naval Reserve Force from Western Visayas, participated in a two-day Urban Operation Exercise at Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz on Nov. 14 and 15.

The activity was part of the recent Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Joint Exercise (AJEX) “DAGIT-PA” 05-21 together with contingents from Philippine Marine Corps and Philippine Army.

The Urban Operations Exercise under Joint Inter-Operability Event (JIOE) 3 was spearheaded by the Philippine Army at the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division. It aimed to enhance interoperability and the capability of the AFP in the conduct of joint urban operations.

The activity displayed camaraderie and the commitment of AFP personnel together with their Ready Reserve Force in mitigating threats and maintaining peace.

The event and minimum health protocols on safety and bi health were observed all throughout the exercise.

https://www.panaynews.net/pn-reservists-join-urban-ops-exercise-in-jamindan/

Negros police convenes Army, PCG

From the Panay News (Nov 20. 2021): Negros police convenes Army, PCG (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) yesterday convened heads and officers of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Negros Occidental to discuss preparations for the upcoming 2022 local and national elections.

Representing the 303IB was their commander, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, while for PCG was Coast Guard District Western Visayas deputy commander and PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Captain Ludovico Librilla Jr.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was represented by Atty. Kathrina Trinio-Caña of Comelec-Bacolod and Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria of Comelec-Negros Occidental.

NOCPPO director, Police Colonel Romy Palgue, said the meeting aimed to strengthen coordination and interoperability among the security forces.

The law enforcement agencies also discussed plans for increased monitoring for possible election hotspots in the province.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier signed Resolution No. 11-2021 which includes the PCG into the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council.

Officials from the Comelec have also shown their calendar of activities as well as the prohibited acts during the election period.

The Comelec gun ban is set to begin on Jan. 9 to June 8 next year.

https://www.panaynews.net/negros-police-convenes-army-pcg/

6 rebs surrender | arm cache found

 From the Mindanao Times (Nov 19. 2021): 6 rebs surrender | arm cache found (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of Eastern Mindanao Command

THE military reported Thursday that six members of the New People’s Army surrendered and a military unit recovered high-powered firearms in two incidents this month.

Based on the report, the 1002nd Infantry Brigade recovered 30 high-powered firearms in Sitio Bagyang, Barangay Upper Suyan, Malapatan, Sarangani.

Also six rebels also surrendered to the 4th Infantry Division in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon last November 14.

Major Alex Mindalano, Eastern Mindanao spokesperson, said the recovered firearms were a Cal .30 machine gun; 17 M16 rifles, seven AK47 rifles, four M14 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher and an upper receiver each for an M16 and Carbine rifle.

The report said those who surrendered, who were from Cabanglasan in Bukidnon, were Bernie M. Sinunta, Junie Orque alias Bigboy, Ting Arellano, Jorlito Arellano, Rickian Ampildon, and Marjon Pasco alias Reden.

They brought with them six rifles.

They claimed they decided to return to folds of the law because of the internal chaos that the death of Jorge Madlos, leader of the month, caused.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/11/19/6-rebs-surrender-arm-cache-found/