Monday, November 22, 2021

WESTMINCOM: 1ID holds 5-day STAFFEX, COMMELEX 2021

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2021): 1ID holds 5-day STAFFEX, COMMELEX 2021









Team Tabak

1ID holds 5-day STAFFEX, COMMELEX 2021

CAMP SANG-AN, ZDS—The 1st Infantry Division opens the Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and Communications Electronics Exercise (COMMELEX) today at the Division Grandstand with Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, the Division Operations Staff Officer.

The STAFFEX and COMMELEX are academic exercises that aid unit leadership in refining its processes and procedures based on previous deployments.

The exercises are conducted to assist the troops in comprehending the policies and several operational commands and recognize and appreciate the complexity of the mission and the organization’s excellent performance.

In his message, Colonel Villanueva stressed that, unlike other organizations, the Army carries out its educational objectives on a daily basis and retains battle rhythm of an active duty force.
 
“We needed to build a space where we could all come together and work on some of the most challenging problems,” he said.

The 5-day academic exercise was organized by the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, G8, which is set to finish on November 27. Action Officers from the Division Staff offices, Signal NCOs, and Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer Advance Course students are among the participants.

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WESTMINCOM: Peace covenant signing held in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 22, 2021): Peace covenant signing held in Basilan

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – November 22, 2021

The 101st Infantry Brigade initiated the signing of Peace Covenant in Basilan on November 20, 2021. The event was held at Headquarters, 101Bde, Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela city, same province.
 
According to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of 101Bde/Joint Task Force Basilan, the activity aimed at achieving peace and order through rido settlement and signing of the peace covenant.
 
The momentous event was participated by Mayor Darussalam Lajid and Vice Mayor Mujib Jakilan of the municipality of Al-Barka. The two both pledged to sustain the peace and improve their relationship for the common good. They also promised to work for a clean, honest, and peaceful 2022 national and local election.
 
Also present during the activity were Ustadz Ajanti Awal and Ustadz Naser Barahama of the Ulama Supreme Council, Basilan; Mr. Manny Muarip, Provincial Administrator of Basilan; Lt. Col. Egverr Jonathan Abutin, Commander of 18th Infantry Battalion; Police Cpt. Eleasar Tani, Chief of Police, Al-Barka; Mr. Khaiser Hataman, Executive Assistant of the Governor; and other guests.
 
“The event exemplifies the importance of communication and good public service. I commend the officials of Al-Barka for setting aside their differences and putting their utmost interest to the safety and security of their constituents,” said Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command. “May they be an inspiration to all those who vie for government posts”.







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WESTMINCOM: North Cotabato Opens 15-Day Deradicalization Progeam to "Friends Rescued"

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2021): North Cotabato Opens 15-Day Deradicalization Progeam to "Friends Rescued"




4th Civil Relations Group

NORTH COTABATO OPENS 15-DAY DERADICALIZATION PROGRAM TO 'FRIENDS RESCUED'

Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of North Cotabato and Army's 72nd Infantry "Gabay" Battalion under the operational control of 1002nd Infantry "Bagwis" Brigade successfully opened the 15-Day Deradicalization Program to 65 "Friends Rescued" or Former Rebels composed of FRs from North Cotabato and Bukidnon held at Martinez Farm and Garden Resort that commenced earlier today, November 11, 2021 and will culminate on November 25, 2021.

The said program with the theme "Pagbag-o Ug Pagbalik sa Sabakan sa Gobyerno aron makab-ot ang Kahapsay og Kalinaw" will be facilitated by various Government and Non-Government Agencies, LGUs, IP Sector, PNP, members of Youth For Peace Movement "TALBOS" and troops of 72IB and 1002nd Bde . It will be steered thru series of lectures, activities (group and individual), discussions, workshops and consultations; deradicalization for them to be oriented from communist ideologies. It aims to remold their way of thinking and remove the hatred, negative perspective about the Government and its leaders and undo their criminal and revolutionary mindset. It also aims to educate the participants on social, economic, health and political awareness on the different plans and programs offered by the Government.

The said training will focus not only on lectures and discussions about the wrong ideologies perpetrated by the CTGs but moreso, in enhancing the spiritual aspect by conducting Bible Studies and Spiritual Enlightenment. This aims to bring them closer to the word of God and as their primary guide in giving strength and wisdom in their daily lives.

With the support and unending commitment of the Provincial, Municipal Local Government Units and other stakeholders within the unit's Area of Operations, all necessary materials and financial support needed were provided particularly the meals, snacks, and transportation during the whole duration of the said program.

The opening program was graced by the presence of Hon. Nancy A Catamco, Governor, Province of North Cotabato highly represented by Hon. Krista Piñol-Solis, Board Member; BGen Potenciano C Camba PA, Commander, 1002nd Bde; PCOL Henry B Villar, PPDO, North Cotabato; LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB; Ms. Johanna Grace Cedonio, Executive Vice Pres. JCI Duwaling; personnel from the Office of the Governor; members of YFPM North Cotabato; officers and troops of 72IB and 1002Bde; and 65 former rebels.

LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer, 72IB expressed his utmost gratitude to the Provincial Government of North Cotabato for providing the necessary requirements to make the Deradicalization Program possible.

During his message, he said “We are very fortunate that our Provincial Government is very supportive in the implementation of EO70 especially to you, our brothers and sisters who were once fooled by the false ideologies and beliefs of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). Our Government wants nothing but to enhance your living conditions and provide your with better livelihood. Once again, Welcome to our 15-Day Deradicalization Program!”
 
Further, BGen Potenciano C Camba said, "More than five decades of fighting for your false ideologies should stop. Now is the time for all of you to go back to the Government and embrace the Government's programs for you." He also added, "We are all united with you in our quest for peace and order."
 
As the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the opening program, Hon. Krista Piñol-Solis commended the people behind the success of the activity; the men and women in uniform.

“Our province is very fortunate because our soldiers are willing to risk their lives just to facilitate the delivery of services to the Cotabateños. We are now one step closer to our ultimate goal — that is to have a just and lasting peace here in North Cotabato! Para sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan, Padayon Ta!” She ended. | 72nd Infantry Battalion | North Cotabato Province.
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WESTMINCOM: Military sustains peace campaign as more communist terrorists yield

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 21, 2021): Military sustains peace campaign as more communist terrorists yield



4th Civil Relations Group

Military sustains peace campaign as more communist terrorists yield

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – November 19, 2021

Two more communist terrorist group members laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Sultan Kudarat on November 17, 2021. According to Western Mindanao Command Chief, Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., the two were members of the SDG Platoon (Cherry Mobile) of the Sub Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region.
 
The surrendered personalities, whose identities are withheld for security reasons, submitted themselves to the CSP team and intelligence operatives of the 37th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. They handed over their firearms, a cal. 30 M1 Garand rifle and a cal. 30 M1 Carbine rifle.
 
Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central commended the troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion for their laudable accomplishments particularly in bringing the misled members of the society back to the bright side. “We have gained their trust and most of them are now willing to abandon their armed struggle. We attribute this success to our partners and stakeholders,” Maj. Gen. Uy stated.

It can be recalled that on November 9, four members of the same group yielded to the same battalion. The former rebels handed over one cal. 22 rifle, one 12-gauge pistol, one cal. 45 Colt M1911 pistol, and one rifle grenade. Also, 20 CTG supporters surrendered to the 57th Infantry Battalion still in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on November 14. They are a diverse group of individuals deceived by the terror group.
Lt. Col. Allen Van Estrera, Commander of 37IB disclosed that the series of Community Support Programs (CSPs) conducted together with other government and private organizations convinced the former rebels to lay down their firearms and return to the folds of the law.
 
Since January 2021 to date, JTF Central has reported a total of 143 surrenders of CTG personalities. 114 of the 143 were regular members while 29 were supporters of the communist terrorist group.
 
“Our troops remain steadfast in ending terrorism in our area of operations for our future generations. We strongly believe that it is better to end terrorism in a peaceful way and without single bloodshed. We are hopeful that more terrorists will decide to withdraw support, return to the folds of the law, and be with their families during the health crisis,” Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said.
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WESTMINCOM: NPA Sub-Commander and Assistant Surrender Anew to Government Forces in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Nov 20, 2021): NPA Sub-Commander and Assistant Surrender Anew to Government Forces in Sultan Kudarat












NPA Sub-Commander and Assistant Surrender Anew to Government Forces in Sultan Kudarat

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao - Communist Terrorist Group Sub Commander and Assistant Commander belonging to Platoon Cherry Mobile, SRC Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) decided to voluntarily surrender to government forces of the 37th Infantry Battalion on November 17, 2021 at Camp Bgen. Cesar Betita, Brgy. Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
 
The duo also surrendered their high-powered firearms which include one (1) 7.62 mm Rifle and one (1) Cal .30 Carbine M1 Rifle.
 
Lieutenant Colonel Allen Van Estrera, Commander of the 37IB disclosed that the surrender of these former combatants is a result of the series of Community Support Program (CSP) and Focused Military Operations (FMOs) conducted by Joint Task Force Central troops.
 
“The former members lay down their firearms and return to the folds of the law as a result of the relentless efforts of the troops coupled with the series of CSPs and FMOs conducted”, Ltc. Estrera added.
 
One of the surrenderer, identified as Alias Mike, expressed that they decided to leave the terror group because of the hardships of being part of the group, the loneliness of not being with our families, and the failed promises they have made which have blinded us to join. "Now we have realized that there is no future being in the terror group and we want to live peacefully with our families”, Alias Mike added.
 
Commander of the Joint Task Force Central and the 6th Infantry Division, Major General Juvymax Uy commended the efforts of the government troops involved and the Local Government of Sultan Kudarat for their unwavering support in the campaign against terrorism in their municipality.
 
The former combatants are already awakened and have realized that the ideologies of the Communist Terrorist Group are only based on deception and are used only to further their own vested interests. The people are now more discerning and are able to distinguish the truth from the lies”, Maj. Gen. Uy added.

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53 former ASG members get aid

 From the Manila Times (Nov 23, 2021): 53 former ASG members get aid (By Julmunir Jannaral)



CASH AID Former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group who returned to the fold of the law receive P10,000 each as financial assistance from the government in a simple ceremony in Luuk, Sulu on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Fifty-three former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) received financial assistance of P10,000 each from the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Barangay Bual, municipality of Luuk, Sulu on Thursday, November 18.

On the same day, MPOS also held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a bunkhouse with workshop facilities
to give ASG returnees the opportunity to have a sustainable livelihood.


The 4th Marine Brigade volunteered to construct the facility while the ministry's partner, Gagandilan Mindanao Women Inc., conducted a hollow block making livelihood program for the former insurgents.

Peace Program Officer Sittie Janine Gamao said the MPOS was committed to delivering services that would uplift the lives of ASG returnees.

"We in the MPOS would like you to be the guardian of peace in your community," Gamao added.

On the other hand, ASG returnees said they were grateful to the Bangsamoro government for helping them start a new life and for providing the assistance they need.

MPOS also visited Barangay Tukay in Parang, Sulu on Saturday, November 20 to distribute similar financial assistance to 20 more former ASG members.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/11/23/news/regions/53-former-asg-members-get-aid/1823271

LOOK: Largest Pakistani warship visits Manila

From Rappler (Nov 22, 2021): LOOK: Largest Pakistani warship visits Manila (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)



The Pakistan Navy ship’s visit will last until November 24, says the Philippine Navy

The largest and most advanced frigate of the Pakistan Navy visited Manila on Monday, November 22, according to the Philippine Navy.

According to Navy spokesperson Commodore Benjo Negranza, the Pakistan Navy ship Tughril (F-261) arrived at Pier 15 in South Harbor in Manila on Monday for a goodwill visit. The Pakistani ship would last until November 24.
 


Philippine Navy officers and personnel await Pakistani officials.  PHILIPPINE NAVY

The ship was welcomed by Captain Emilio Orio Jr., the Deputy Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Plans, along with Dr. Imtiaz Kazi, ambassador of Pakistan to Manila. Passing exercises would signify the end of the visit, according to Negranza.

“A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercises will cap off said visit. No other physical interactions with their Filipino counterparts are scheduled in light of the existing safety biohazard protocols,” the Navy spokesperson said.
 


Navy officers salute Pakistani officials, who also welcomed the Pakistan Navy ship. PHILIPPINE NAVY

According to Negranza, the visit signified the naval diplomacy between the two countries.

“This goodwill visit underscores the sustainment of naval diplomacy and maritime cooperation toward peace and stability. It further speaks well for the role that both navies play in the development and enhancement of relationship between the two countries,” Negranza said.
 


The Pakistan Navy ship Tughril docking at Pier 15 in Manila. PHILIPPINE NAVY

In 2017, Pakistan Navy ship SAIF (FFG-253) also docked in Manila, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). President Rodrigo Duterte, the military's commander in chief, even toured the foreign ship.

The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Pakistan started as early as 1949. In March 2018, the two countries reactivated the Pakistan-Philippines Joint Business Forum and Council to boost their economic trade, according to a PNA report.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/photos-largest-pakistani-warships-visits-manila

More high-ranking NPA leaders surrender | Army

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 22, 2021): More high-ranking NPA leaders surrender | Army (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)


Major General Ernesto Torres Jr., Commander of 10th Infantry Division. Photo by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE 10TH Infantry Division reported that communist rebels continued to lose in Southern Mindanao following the surrender of ranking rebels and the discovery of a large arms cache.

In a press conference hosted by the 1002nd Infantry Brigade and the 10ID, in coordination with Region XII Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict in Malungon town, Sarangani province on Nov. 17,

Maj. Gen Ernesto C Torres Jr., the commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said on Nov. 17 that another batch of high-ranking NPA leaders surrendered to the Agila Division. The Army also presented 46 high-powered firearms that were recovered in its area of responsibility just this November alone.

Torres named the communist terrorist group leader as alias Borjack, the secretary of the Guerilla Front Alip and, at the same time, secretary of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the Far with the participation of 39IB, 73IB, and 102MICO.South Mindanao Region (FSMR) who surrendered last Nov. 9 to the troops of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade 


Photo by Rhoda Grace Saron

Likewise, he also mentioned Jocy Villaruel Papasin alias Domai, the secretary of the Guerilla Front 18 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), who surrendered to the 66IB under the 701st Infantry Brigade.

Another high-ranking NPA leader was also present during the press conference in the name of Gilberto Garcia Colita alias Jhonny, commander of the Guerilla Front 18, SMRC who surrendered on Nov. 12.

Moreover, a total of 46 high-powered firearms, one improvised explosive device, and homemade shotgun were also presented to the media. Fourteen of the firearms came from the 701st Infantry Brigade through the series of surrenders from the NPA units in Davao Oriental and Agusan Del Sur.

Meanwhile, the other 32 high-powered firearms were gained by the 1002nd Brigade to include caliber 30 machine gun through the discovery of four arms caches from November 11 – 16 that was made possible due to the full cooperation of the recently surrendered and former high-ranking CTG leaders.

Moreover, Torres reported that for this year alone, the 10ID dismantled two guerilla fronts and the Pulang Bagani Command.


He attributed the above victories to Brig. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba and Col. Oliver C. Maquiling, commanders of the 1002nd and 701st infantry brigades, respectively; and to the battalion and company commanders, including the platoon leaders.

He also reiterated that this accomplishment of the 10ID is through the active participation of different government agencies and of the people through the National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“With this recent undertaking of your Army Infantry Division, we can say that the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) are continuously losing every battle they face against the government and the Filipino people. While the CTG are losing in armed operations, we on the other hand are winning the hearts and the minds of the people. Thus, their decimation in the 10ID area of responsibility is inevitable. They will cease to exist here in this Southern Mindanao and eventually in our country,” Torres added.
 
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/11/22/more-high-ranking-npa-leaders-surrender-army/

‘Interfaith Unity Inspiring Health Protocols’ is Mindanao Week of Peace theme

 From MindaNews (Nov 22, 2021): ‘Interfaith Unity Inspiring Health Protocols’ is Mindanao Week of Peace theme


WEEK OF PEACE. Led by youth leaders, the Mindanao Week of Peace celebration reaches Barangay Magaslong in conflict-affected Datu Piang municipality in Maguindanao on Monday 30 November 2020). Cultural performances coupled with a community dialogue on early and forced child marriage highlighted the celebration. MindaNews photo by JULES L. BENITEZ

This year’s theme for the Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) on November 25 to December 1 is “Interfaith Unity Inspiring Health Protocols.”

This is the 23rd annual celebration of the MWOP since 1999.

A Joint Statement from the Bishops – Ulama Conference (BUC) said the theme chosen for this year, the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, is “extremely important and necessary.”

The statement noted that “all Filipinos are believers in One God” whom they call by various names such as Ginoong Dios, Magbabaya, Diwata, Allah, and in Mindanao, which is a melting pot of cultures, has various ways of responding to protocols, too.

“These different ways are oftentimes inspired by their religious beliefs. The positive aspects of these native beliefs inspire their respect and following of the health protocols,” the BUC said, adding that “directives and guidelines, ambitiously termed protocols, demand willing obedience and support to avoid becoming carriers of the dangerous COVID-19. The result is saving lives and promoting health, which are social and religious values.”

The statement was signed by the convenors from Davao City’s Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla, Judge Abu-ali Cali of the Ulama League of the Philippines and Bishop Emeritus Hilario M. Gomez of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines.



Held every last Thursday of November until the first Wednesday of December, the MWOP was initiated in 1999 by the BUC (then Bishops-Ulama Forum), inspired by the annual week of peace initiated by the Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) in Zamboanga City .

The BUC was born three years earlier, on November 29, 1996.

President Joseph Estrada issued Proclamation 207 on November 5, 1999, declaring November 25 to December 1, 1999, “and every year thereafter” as the Mindanao Week of Peace, “to provide a venue for the expression in various forms of the peace aspirations of the people of Mindanao and for convergence of peace initiatives.”

The Proclamation said all concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and members of the private sector and civil society based in Mindanao “are enjoined and encouraged to engage in relevant and meaningful activities in celebration” of the MWOP in coordination with the BUF (now BUC).

It also said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), in partnership with the secretariat of the BUC Secretariat, “shall provide all the necessary help to ensure a successful coordination of all undertakings during the said week of peace.”

In March 2000, four months after issuing Proclamation 207, Estrada waged an “all-out war” against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), displacing nearly a million residents, some of whom returned home only after Estrada was ousted in January 2001.

On November 3, 2000, Estrada issued Proclamation 408, amending Proclamation 207 by resetting the date of the MWOP to the last Thursday of November until the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter.

On November 26, 2001, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who assumed the Presidency in January that year following the impeachment of Estrada, issued Proclamation 127, reiterating Proclamation 207 and declaring the last Thursday of November up to the first Wednesday of December of every year thereafter as the Mindanao Week of Peace.

MindaNews tracked down the themes of the annual celebration, many of them recurring:

1999: Healing the Past, Building the Future
2000: Mindanaoans Journeying Together Towards a Culture of Peace.
2001: Peace: Sharing the Vision of Unity and Hope
2002: Peace through Reconciliation: Mindanaoans seeking a Common Ground
2003: Healing through Forgiveness: Key to Total Human Development
2004: A Reconciled Family, Agent of Reconciliation
2005: Millennium Development Goals: Women and Youth as Partners in Peace Building
2006: In the Name of the Almighty, God of Harmony, Care for the Earth
2007: Building Bridges of Peace with our Peace Officers
2008: Integrity of Mind and Heart a Way to Reconciliation and Peace!
2009: Think Mindanao, Feel Mindanao, Bring Peace to Mindanao
2010: Responsive and Responsible Governance: Key to Peace, Development and Sustainability
2011: Common Word Between Us and You: Love of God, Love of Neighbor
2012: Love of God and Love of Neighbor, A Challenge for Mindanao
2013: Dialogue and Hope: Key to Peace
2014: We Pray for Long-lasting Peace in Mindanao. Give, Share, Live and Proclaim Peace
2015: Mindanaons’ Aspiration for Peace
2016: Healing for Personal and Social Transformation
2017: Owning Mindanao History for Peace and Development
2018: Peace Through Dialogue: Our destiny
2019: Towards Human Fraternity for Peace in Mindanao
2020: Dialogue Towards Harmony

The 27-province, 33-city Mindanao has a mixed population of original occupants – the Moro and Lumads (Indigenous Peoples) – and settlers from the Visayas and Luzon. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/interfaith-unity-inspiring-health-protocols-is-mindanao-week-of-peace-theme/

NPA warned local officials in Surigao town vs mining operations

From MindaNews (Nov 22, 2021): NPA warned local officials in Surigao town vs mining operations (By ROEL CATOTO)

SAN FRANCISCO, Surigao del Norte - Field commanders of the New People’s Army (NPA) warned local officials here in July, among them the mayor, and the chair of Barangay Jubgan who was killed last week by motorcycle-riding gunmen, against the planned large-scale operations of a mining firm in this no-mining zone.

San Francisco Mayor Val Pinat recalled in a telephone interview with MindaNews on Saturday, that when local officials, including himself and Jubgan barangay chair Harry Amalla, visited the mountainous part of Barangay Jubgan on July 27 to check on a government property intended for the town’s solid waste management project and to consult residents there, more than a dozen NPA guerillas came to meet with them.

Pinat said they were held for a few hours by the rebels.


A close-up view of the site for the wharf being built in Brgy. Jubgan by Siargao Waves Corp. for its mining operations. Photo taken Nov. 6, 2021 by ROEL N. CATOTO/MindaNews

“Ka Lucas, Ka Jared and Ka Sanjo and many of them warned us about the planned operations of the mining firm,” he said. The area is rich in copper and iron, among other minerals.

“They are willing to die to protect the environment, the NPA commanders told us,” Pinat said, adding, they were also told that they were ready to kill.

Romeo Gordonas, former barangay official of Jubgan and now a contractual worker at the municipal hall, remembers they were held for a few hours and “warned about the mining activity.”

Gordonas was among the residents who opposed the mining operations in 2014.

Pinat said the municipal council declared San Francisco town a no-mining zone in 2014, following protests against the large-scale mining operations of Surimin Mining Corporation.

Surimin undertook a project purportedly to provide farm-to-market road in the village. The protests forced the firm to stop operations.

Larry Hernandez, Director of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau in Caraga, said Surimin’s 2014 operations destroyed the area where it operated.


Siargao Waves Corp. extracting tons of debris along Jubgan River in Barangay Jubgan to build a wharf and road for its mining operations in the area. Photo taken Nov. 6, 2021 by ROEL N. CATOTO/MindaNews

According to Hernandez, Surimin Mining Corporation executed a deed of assignment to Siargao Minerals Properties Corporation over 3,991 hectares traversing San Francisco town and Surigao City. In turn, Siargao Minerals Properties entered into a contract with GoSun Siargao Waves, allowing it to operate on a portion of the area. The latter started mining operations on October 5, Jubgan barangay chair Amalla told MindaNews on November 6.

Surimin is owned by Dapa Mayor Elizabeth Matugas, sister of Surigao del Norte Governor Francisco T. Matugas and three-term Surigao City mayor, now Vice Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas.

Ramon Gotinga, concurrent assistant provincial administrator of the local government of the Province of Surigao del Norte, is one of the owners of GoSun Siargao Waves Corporation.

Pinat said that during the dialogue at the Pastoral Center on November 9, representatives of various government agencies confirmed the GoSun Siargao Waves Corporation has no extraction or mining permits.

The firm stopped operating that same day.

Silenced

Amalla was killed on Thursday, November 18 at around 8 a.m. outside his residence.

He was driving his Toyota Vios from Malimono town but upon reaching his residence was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen who had tailed him. Amalla ran for cover through the passenger’s door. He tried to hide in the canal but the gunman followed and fired more shots at him.

He sustained gunshot wounds on the head and body and was rushed to the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City and was on his way to a hospital in Butuan City but died along the way.

A resident of Barangay Jubgan said several angles have surfaced about the killing of Amalla.

“There’s angle of property owners affected by the mining, there’s a factor of fishermen who got affected because of their wanton operation, there are villagers who got mad at them because of the pollution and adverse effects on the operations, or within their shady mining operations or it could be personal grudge,” the resident said.

Gotinga said they have not shipped out stockpiles of minerals in the area. The company planned to ship out 100,000 tons of copper ore, iron ore and other minerals to China.

Hernandez said the exploration permit of Surimin Mining has expired while Siargao Waves Corporation has a pending application for a mining permit.

Gotinga said they have a contract with Siargao Mineral Properties Corporation which has a contract with Surimin Mining Corporation for use over a portion of their area.

Police Lt. Anglo Ambid, chief of police of San Francisco Municipal Police Office said they are still conducting a thorough probe on the killing.

Ambid said the motive could be mining-related.

Amalla acted as broker to the land owners directly affected by the mining activity.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/11/npa-warned-local-officials-in-surigao-town-vs-mining-operations/

Northern Samar launches peace projects for remote villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): Northern Samar launches peace projects for remote villages (By Sarwell Meniano)



NEW DEVELOPMENT. An area in Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas, Northern Samar, where the national government will build a farm-to-market road. Northern Samar province recently launched 35 subprojects under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) in six villages previously influenced by the New People’s Army. (Photo courtesy of DILG-Region 8)

Northern Samar province has started 35 subprojects under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) in six villages previously influenced by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The provincial government reported on Monday that it has earmarked PHP120 million, or PHP20 million for each village beneficiary. The recipient communities are Hitapian, Osang and Nagoocan in Catubig town; San Miguel in Las Navas; Quezon in Catarman; and Calantiao in Bobon.

These projects include construction and rehabilitation of potable water systems, construction of health stations, construction and concreting of farm-to-market roads, rural electrification, construction of school buildings, assistance to indigent individuals or families (such as medical, financial, transportation, burial, and food, or in difficult circumstances, cash for work), livelihood and technical programs, and agricultural projects.


Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan, chair of the Provincial Task-Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), thanked the national government for giving more attention to these remote communities.

“These villages deserve these road works, infrastructure projects, and livelihood projects to end insurgency and bring development,” Ongchuan said in a statement.

During the event, officials also held a groundbreaking for the single-lane farm-to-market road in San Miguel, Las Navas town.

The PHP17.93-million project is one of the two infrastructure projects in the community that is expected to shorten the 45-minute travel through muddy fields to the village from the highway to a mere five-minute motorcycle ride.

Government officials also held a service caravan under the Retooled Community Support Program at the San Miguel National High School attended by about 1,500 participants coming from the host village and nearby areas.

Residents availed of free medical and dental services as well such as coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccination from the municipal health office and Department of Health; educational materials from policemen; health kits from the Office of the Civil Defense; and toys, educational materials and loot bags for children from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, among others.

SBDP, a hallmark program of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), brings progress to former conflict-prone communities.

The NTF-ELCAC, created by virtue of Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160458

Police, military troops seize arms cache in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): Police, military troops seize arms cache in Nueva Ecija (By Zorayda Tecson)



RECOVERED. Photo shows the arms cache and assorted medical supplies belonging to the communist terrorist group that were recovered by police and military troops in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Sunday (Nov. 21, 2021). The operation was launched after a surrendered rebel revealed the presence and location of the war materiel in the area. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)

Joint police and military authorities have recovered an arms cache of the New People's Army (NPA) in Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Sunday.

In a report on Monday, Col. Rhoderick Campo, acting provincial director of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, said an operation was launched after a former communist terrorist rebel revealed the existence and location of the arms cache hidden in the area.

He said the firearms and other items recovered in the operation include an M16 Colt rifle; one long magazine; 5.56-mm ball cartridges; a rifle grenade; non-electrical blasting cap; improvised electric blasting cap; and assorted medical supplies.

Campo said the successful operation was attributed to the intensified community support program of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police, and the cooperation of the former rebels who had surrendered and given valuable information to authorities.


Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, regional director of the Police Regional Office-3, said “the latest recovery of the arms cache further incapacitates our enemy’s key operatives".

He also commended the troops for successfully implementing President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 70, which aims to end local communist armed conflict through a whole-of-nation approach.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1160535

ELCAC-6 chides CHR for selective monitoring of abuses

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22, 2021): ELCAC-6 chides CHR for selective monitoring of abuses (By Perla Lena)



Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson (PNA file photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) has reminded the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to be impartial when making pronouncements and not undermine the judicial processes and law enforcement agencies.

The task force, though its spokesperson Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, issued the statement Sunday night in response to the pronouncement of CHR Commissioner Karen Dumpit that the National Capital Region office is conducting a probe on the service of warrant of arrest for the crime of rebellion to Ma. Salome Crisostomo Ujano in Malolos City, Bulacan on November 14.

“We are interested if CHR is also investigating the service of arrest warrants to other fugitives in the different parts of the country and if they are also closely monitoring the situations of all arrested fugitives in detention. It seems that Commissioner Dumpit has given special attention to Sally Ujano's case. We respectfully remind Commissioner Dumpit that Sally Ujano has a pending arrest warrant,”
he said.

In the statement, he said the 64-year-old Ujano will be given her day in court.


“Let it be clear that Sally Ujano is innocent of the crime for which she is being charged unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt following a fair and impartial trial,” he said.

He added that RTF6-ELCAC disagreed with the statement of Dumpit that Ujano’s arrest and that of other human rights defenders is an “attack against their rights to organize, freedom of expression and right to defend their rights”.

Gonzales emphasized that Ujano was arrested due to rebellion charges and not because of her advocacy on women and children’s rights.

He said the human rights community is not just limited to those who are supporting Ujano as there are advocates for the rights of exploited children, indigenous peoples communities, families in conflict-stricken areas, and victims of atrocities and extortion of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) needing the “voice and representation” of the CHR.

“It is about time that our definition of human rights defenders be broadened and be made inclusive, to include particularly the individuals, advocates and groups fighting for the rights of the human rights abuse victims of the CPP-NPA terrorist organization,” he added.

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/1160460

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pambobomba at mga pagpaslang sa Leyte

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Pambobomba at mga pagpaslang sa Leyte
 


Sa ulat ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Leyte nitong Nobyembre, tatlong bomba ang inihulog ng FA-50 fighter jet ng militar sa mga bukirin sa Sityo Quarry sa Abuyog noong Setyembre 29, alas-3 ng madaling araw. Nagdulot ito ng takot at troma sa mga sibilyan. Dagdag na pasakit ito sa matagal nang bagsak na kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka sa lugar.

Kinabukasan, tatlong magsasaka ang iligal na inaresto ng mga sundalo ng 14th IB.

Sa Southern Leyte, pinatay ng 14th IB ang magsasakang si Marcos Dadap, 49, noong Agosto 17 sa Sityo Tabjon ng Barangay Kalagitan, Hinunangan. Kabilang si Dadap sa mga residenteng lumalaban sa bantang pagpapalayas sa kanila para bigyan-daan ang pagtatayo ng gusali ng lokal na gubyerno.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/pambobomba-at-mga-pagpaslang-sa-leyte/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Aktibista, dinukot sa Pampanga

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Aktibista, dinukot sa Pampanga
 


Isang aktibista ang dinukot, dalawa ang pinatay, at tatlo ang inaresto ng mga pwersa ng estado noong nakaraang tatlong linggo. Lahat sila ay inaakusahang mga myembro ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB).

Dinukot noong Nobyembre 6 ng hinihinalang mga ahente ng estado si Steve Abua, organisador ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Central Luzon sa Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga. Si Abua ay dating mag-aaral ng BS Statistics at lider-estudyante sa University of the Philippines.

Ayon sa kanyang asawa na si Johanna Abua, ilang oras mula nang dukutin si Steve ay nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula sa mga dumukot. Sa pamamagitan ng isang video call (tawag na may bidyo), ipinakita sa kanya si Steve na nakasuot ng puting t-shirt, bonnet at may busal ang bibig.

Pagpatay. Mga magsasaka ang pinaslang ng mga sundalo ng 59th IB na sina Jorge Coronacion, 64, at Arnold Buri, 43, noong Nobyembre 17. Pauwi sila noon sa Barangay Taquico, Sampaloc, Quezon. May kapansanan sa paningin si Coronacion.

Noong Nobyembre 3, pinatay ng mga sunadalo ang magsasakang si Nilo Habal sa Caramoan, Camarines Sur. Inakusahan din siyang kasapi ng BHB.

Pag-aresto. Limang aktibista at organisador ng mga progresibong grupo sa Cagayan Valley ang inaresto ng mga pulis sa dalawang magkahiwalay na insidente sa Bulacan noong Nobyembre 16. Ang mga biktima ay sina Irene Agcaoili, Estelita Alamansa, Arcadio Tangonan, Lourdes Bulan at Roy dela Cruz. Apat sa kanila ay lampas 60 na ang edad at ang isa ay baldado mula sa sakit na stroke.

Inaresto ng mga pulis sa Malolos, Bulacan noong Nobyembre 14 si Maria Salome Crisostomo-Ujano, 64. Si Ujano ay tagapagtaguyod ng karapatan ng kababaihan at mga bata.

Sa Cebu, inaresto ang lider-magsasaka ng Napo Farmers Community Organization na si Sabiniana Castro sa kasong libel noong Nobyembe 12. Dinakip siya sa kanyang bahay sa Barangay Guindarohan, Minglanilla. Nakabase ang kaso laban sa kanya sa kanyang pagbatikos sa mapanirang operasyon ng isang kumpanya sa konstruksyon.

Inaresto ang magsasakang si Pablito Bernacer Galo, kasapi ng Hugpong sa Mag-uuma sa Mabini, sa Barangay San Isidro, Mabini, Bohol noong Oktubre 29. Tinamnan ng mga ebidensyang baril ang kanyang bahay.

Panggigipit. Tumanggi ang mga pulis ng Gumaca, Quezon na ibigay sa pamilya ang bangkay ni Roderick Sinas, isang Pulang mandirigmang namatay umano sa isang engkwentro noong Nobyembre 12.

Noong Nobyembre 18, namatay sa Puerto Princesa City Jail sa Palawan si Antonio Molina, magsasakang aktibista na ikinulong sa gawa-gawang kasong illegal possession of firearms and explosives noong Oktubre 2019. Si Molina, 67, ay may sakit na kanser sa tiyan.

Demolisyon. Giniba ng mga tauhan ni Gregorio Araneta III ang mga bahay ng magsasaka sa Sityo Ricafort, Barangay Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan noong Nobyembre 4. Ang insidente ay bahagi ng malawakang pang-aagaw ng Araneta Properties, Inc. sa lupang binubungkal ng daan-daang pamilyang magsasaka sa naturang syudad.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/aktibista-dinukot-sa-pampanga/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pagmamanupaktura ng pagkain sa Pilipinas, nakaasa sa dayuhan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Pagmamanupaktura ng pagkain sa Pilipinas, nakaasa sa dayuhan
 


Nang manalasa ang pandemyang Covid-19 sa Pilipinas, pinanatiling bukas ang pagmamanupaktura ng pagkain dahil sa pagkilalang esensyal ito sa lipunan. Pinayagang mag-opereyt nang hanggang 90% ang malalaking pabrika ng pagkain noong Abril 2020 sa gitna ng mahigpit na lockdown. Gayunpaman, maraming katamtamang-laki at maliliit na establisimyento ang nagsara dulot ng mga restriksyon sa pampublikong transportasyon at pagbagsak ng pangkalahatang demand.

Bumagsak nang 18% ang bolyum at halaga ng pagmamanupaktura ng pagkain sa 2020. Malaking bahagi nito ay dulot ng mga kakulangan ng suplay ng imported na hilaw na materyales at sangkap na apektado ng pagsasara ng mga hangganan at krisis sa internasyunal na transportasyon. Bago ang pandemya, lumaki ang subsektor nang abereyds na 5%-6% kada taon (2012-2017).

Pinakamalaking subsektor sa pagmamanupaktura ang paggawa ng pagkain sa usapin ng dami ng establisimyento at iniempleyong manggagawa. Noong 2018, binuo nito ang 31.4% ng lahat ng mga establisimyento sa pormal na ekonomya. Nag-eempleyo ito ng 151,514 manggagawa, na kalakhan ay kalalakihan.

Noong Abril 2020, nag-ambag ang subsektor ng 7.9% sa gross domestic product (GDP o pangkabuuang lokal na produksyon) ng bansa. Nasa 90% ng nililikha nitong produkto ay para sa lokal na konsumo.

May pitong grupo ang pagmamanupaktura ng pagkain (pagpoproseso ng pagkain na ginagamitan ng makina). Pinakamarami ang mga establisimyento sa pagpoproseso ng giniling na butil—mayorya (51%) para sa harina at 38% sa palay at mais.

Kasunod dito ang mga subsektor ng pagpoproseso at pagpepreserba ng karne, isda at ibang pagkaing dagat, gulay at prutas, pagmamanupaktura ng mantika at taba mula sa gulay at hayop, at pagmamanupaktura ng produktong gatas at mga produktong gawa sa gatas.

Pinakamarami ang mga kumpanya (40%) at pinakamalaki ang benta (22%) ang pagmamanupaktura ng “samutsaring pagkain”—ang grupo kung saan pinagsama ang ibang pagkaing di nakaklasipika. Halos kalahati ng grupong ito (45%) ay produksyon ng gawang-harina na nudels. Hiwalay na sektor ang pagmamanupaktura ng mga inumin.

Apat sa pitong grupo ng paggawa ng pagkain (butil, karne, gatas at samutsaring pagkain) at ang sektor ng inumin ay buo o halos buong nakaasa sa imported na hilaw na materyales. Gumagamit sa kalakhan ng lokal na materyales ang tatlo pa (isda, gulay at prutas, mantika). Gayunpaman, nakaasa pa rin ang mga ito sa dayuhang mga sangkap na panghalo, pampalasa at pampreserba.

Buong iniimport ang trigo para sa harina at mga produktong gawa sa harina, at butil ng soya para sa mga pagkaing hango sa mga ito. Halos 100% na iniaangkat ang hilaw na materyales para sa gatas at mga produktong gawa sa gatas tulad ng keso at mantikilya.

Bago lumaganap ang African Swine Fever noong 2018, 85% na ng pinoprosesong karne ay imported. Ito ay sa kabila ng sobra-sobra sa taunang pangangailangan ng bansa ang kayang iprodyus ng lokal na mga magbababoy sa naturang panahon. Sadyang di gumagamit ng lokal na karne ang mga nagmamanupaktura dahil di umano angkop ang kalidad nito sa pagpoproseso. Ang ginagamit na sangkap sa maraming pinrosesong karne (hotdog, karne norte, burger) ay karneng nakadikit sa buto, balat, laman-loob, taba at iba pang piraso at bahagi na hindi kinakain sa ibang bansa at sa gayon ay mas mura.

Dayuhang sangkap din ang ginagamit para sa pagpoproseso, pampalasa, pagtanggal ng amoy at iba pang pampreserba ng mga gulay at prutas.

Dominado ng mga kumpanyang dayuhan at ng malalaking burgesya-kumprador ang sektor. Pinakamalaki ang rebenyu ng Nestlé Philippines, subsidyaryo ng Nestlé Global ng The Netherlands. Kasunod nito ang Universal Robina Corporation ng pamilyang Gokongwei, Monde Nissin na pagmamay-ari ni Betty Ang, Century Pacific Food ng pamilyang Po, San Miguel Purefoods-Hormel na pinamumunuan ni Ramon Ang, Pilmico Foods Corporation ng pamilyang Aboitiz, Alaska/Royal FrieslandCampina ng The Netherlands.

Humina ang pangkalahatang produksyon ng subsektor pero kumita ng milyun-milyon ang malalaking kumpanya ng pagkain sa gitna ng pandemya. Napakalaki ng kinita ng Monde Nissin Corporation, halimbawa, na sa kauna-kaunahang pagkakataon ay pumasok ang may-ari nitong si Betty Ang sa listahan ng Forbes ng pinakamayayamang Pilipino nitong taon.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/pagmamanupaktura-ng-pagkain-sa-pilipinas-nakaasa-sa-dayuhan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Kapos na manggagawa sa gubyernong pabaya

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Kapos na manggagawa sa gubyernong pabaya
 


Ta­ga­de­li­ber si Emil sa isang pa­ga­wa­an ng mweb­les. Ba­go ang pan­dem­ya, su­ma­sa­hod si­ya ng ₱15,000 ka­da bu­wan. Pe­ro mu­la 2020, su­ma­sa­hod na la­mang si­ya ng ₱5,000 ka­da bu­wan ma­ta­pos ar­bit­rar­yong kal­ta­san ng kan­yang emplo­yer. Da­hil ka­pos na ka­pos, naob­li­ga si­yang pu­ma­sok sa ilang saydlayn na tra­ba­ho. Pe­ro ka­hit ano ang pag­ba­ba­nat na ga­win ni­ya, hang­gang ₱3,000 la­mang ang nai­da­dag­dag sa kan­yang ki­ni­ki­ta.

Ku­lang na ku­lang ito pa­ra ma­pu­nan ang ₱16,750 pi­na­ka­ba­ta­yang pa­nga­ngai­la­ngan ng kan­yang asa­wa at apat na anak, at bye­nan. Hin­di pa ka­sa­ma sa kwen­ta­da ang mga gas­tu­sin sa transpor­ta­syo­n, ba­hay, me­di­kal at iba pang pa­nga­ngai­la­ngan.

Sa buong taon ng 2021, wa­lang ti­gil ang la­ban ng mga mang­ga­ga­wa pa­ra sa di­sen­teng sa­hod at ka­ti­ya­kan sa tra­ba­ho sa git­na ng pan­dem­ya. Noong Ene­ro, nanawagan ang mga gru­po ng mang­ga­ga­wa ng dag­dag na ₱100 ka­da araw na sub­sid­yo pa­ra ma­kaa­ga­pay sa hi­rap ng pan­dem­ya at impla­syo­n. Noong Nob­yembre 7, mu­ling na­nga­lam­pag ang Ma­ka­ba­yan sa Kong­re­so na ipa­sa ang ba­tas pa­ra sa dag­dag na sa­hod sa ha­rap ng tu­luy-tu­loy na pag­si­rit ng mga pre­syo ng pro­duk­tong pet­rol­yo sa loob ng 10 ling­go.

Hang­gang nga­yon, wa­la pa ni isang sen­ti­mo ang iti­na­as sa sa­hod ng mga mang­ga­ga­wa sa ha­rap ng nag­ta­taa­sang pre­syo ng mga bi­li­hin at ser­bi­syo. Sa da­tos ng es­ta­do, pu­ma­lo ng 4.6% ang impla­syon sa Oktub­re, ma­la­yo sa tar­get ni­tong 2%-4% sa si­mu­la ng taon. Ang pagsirit ng mga presyo ay pina­ka­ramdam ng 30% ng mga pa­mil­ya na may pinaka­ma­ba­ba­bang ki­ta. Ito ay da­hil mas ma­la­ki ang gi­na­gas­tos ni­la pa­ra sa pag­ka­in at inu­min, na mas ma­bi­lis na su­mi­si­rit kum­pa­ra sa ibang pa­nga­ngai­la­ngan. Noong Set­yembre, pi­na­ka­ma­bi­lis ang pag­si­rit ng pre­syo ng kar­ne (15.2%), gu­lay (12.7%) at is­da (9.4%).

Ayon sa Ibon Foun­da­ti­on, si Du­ter­te ang pi­na­ka­ba­rat at pi­na­ka­ma­ba­bang mag­bi­gay ng dag­dag sa­hod sa na­ka­li­pas na 35 taon. Ayon sa pag-aaral ng Kilusang Mayo uno, dalawa hanggang tatlong beses lamang na tumaas ang sahod sa kada rehiyon mu­la nang ma­luk­lok si Du­ter­te sa pwes­to noong 2016, na nagka­kahalaga lamang ng ₱50 sa abereyds. Noon pang Marso 2020 pina­ka­huling naglabas ng kautusan ang rehimen para itaas ang sahod (₱25 na dagdag sahod sa Cagayan Val­ley).

Sa Na­tio­nal Ca­pi­tal Re­gi­on (NCR), na­sa ₱537 la­mang ang mi­ni­mum na sa­hod. Pe­ro da­hil sa ma­ta­as na pre­syo ng mga bi­li­hin, ang tu­nay na ha­la­ga ng sa­hod ng mga mang­ga­ga­wa ay ₱434 la­mang. (Ang tunay na ha­la­ga ng ₱1 sa kasalu­kuyan ay ₱0.36 na la­mang kum­pa­ra sa ha­la­ga ni­to noong 2000.)

La­long hin­di sa­sa­pat ito kung su­su­ka­tin ang fa­mily living wa­ge (FLW o na­ka­bu­bu­hay na sa­hod pa­ra sa isang mag-a­nak na may li­mang myembro) sa NCR. Sa pi­na­ka­hu­ling kwen­ta­da noong Hul­yo, upang ma­bu­hay nang di­sen­te, kai­la­ngang ku­mi­ta ang isang pa­mil­yang may li­mang myembro ng ₱1,065 ba­wat araw (o ₱25,091 ka­da bu­wan).

Mas masahol ang kalagayan ng mga mang­ga­ga­wa sa ibang mga rehiyon kung saan mas mababa ang sahod. Pinakamababa ang minimum na sahod ng mga manggagawa sa industriya at serbisyo sa Ilocos Region (₱282-₱340), kasunod ang Bang­samoro (₱300-₱325). Sa dala­wang rehiyon din ang pinakama­babang minimum para sa mga mang­gagawa sa agrikultura (₱282-₱295 sa Ilocos, at ₱290-₱300 sa Bang­samoro).

Dag­dag ng Ibon, kung bi­big­yan la­mang ng su­por­ta ng gub­yer­no ang mga mang­ga­gawa, maiibsan ang kanilang paghihirap. Ma­li­ban sa pau­tang sa ma­li­li­it na ne­go­syo upang ipam­ba­yad sa ka­ni­lang mga mang­ga­ga­wa ay da­pat ding ip­we­ra ang mga ito sa pag­ba­ba­yad ng bu­wis, la­lu­pa’t wa­lang ki­ta ang ka­ra­mi­han sa mga ito sa pa­na­hon ng pan­dem­ya. Sa kon­ser­ba­ti­bong pag­ta­ya, ma­hi­git ka­la­ha­ti ng mga micro, small and medium en­terpri­ses (MSME o mga ne­go­syong ka­tam­ta­mang-laki, ma­li­it at mas ma­li­it) ang nag­si­pag­sa­ra ni­tong pan­dem­ya. Nag-eemple­yo ang mga ito sa ha­los 63% ng la­kas pag­ga­wa sa ban­sa.

Lub­hang ku­lang at bat­bat sa ka­pal­pa­kan ang su­por­ta mu­la sa gub­yer­nong Du­ter­te pa­ra sa mga MSME at mga mang­ga­ga­wa. Ni­tong Nob­yembre, nag-a­nun­syo ang De­partment of La­bor and Employ­ment (DOLE) na mag­pa­pau­tang ang gubyerno sa mga MSME pa­ra sa 13th month pay ng ka­ni­lang mga mang­ga­ga­wa. Pe­ro sa ma­hi­git 952,000 MSME sa buong ban­sa, 15,000 ne­go­syo la­mang ang sa­kop ng prog­ra­ma ng DOLE na may bad­yet la­mang na ₱500 mil­yon.

Ma­hi­git 100 na ang MSME na nag-ap­lay ng utang, pe­ro 10 pa la­mang ang naap­ru­ba­han. Ma­li­ban di­to ay ka­kal­ta­san din ng 4% service fee ang uu­ta­ngin ng mga MSME. Ma­sak­lap pa, ang inaa­sa­hang ga­gas­tu­sin ng mga pa­mil­ya ng mang­ga­ga­wa sa Pas­ko ay sa Mar­so 2022 pa ma­ku­ku­ha. Iti­nu­tu­lak pa ng DOLE na im­bes na pe­ra ay gro­se­ri na la­mang ang ipa­mi­gay.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/kapos-na-manggagawa-sa-gubyernong-pabaya/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga protesta

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Mga protesta
 


Protesta ng mga drayber, konduktor sa Metro Manila. Nagprotesta noong Nobyembre 15 sa Quezon City ang mga drayber at konduktor na bahagi ng programang Libreng Sakay ng LTFRB upang batikusin ang mahigit isang buwan nang pagkaantala ng kumpensasyon para sa kanilang serbisyo. Nangangamba silang mawalan ng trabaho sa pagtatapos ng programa.

#HLM17. Sabay na ginunita noong Nobyembre 16 sa Tarlac at sa paanan ng Mendiola sa Maynila ang ika-17 taong anibersaryo ng Masaker sa Hacienda Luisita. Hanggang ngayon ay wala pang naparurusahan sa mga sundalo at maton na nagpaputok at pumatay sa pitong magsasaka sa asyenda. Hindi pa rin naipamamahagi ang lupa sa loob ng asyenda.

#KliMalaya laban sa pandarambong sa kalikasan. Nagrali ang mga grupong makakalikasan sa harap ng upisina ng Commission on Human Rights sa Quezon City noong Nobyembre 6. Ito ay bilang pakikiisa sa mga protestang inilunsad kasabay ng isinasagawang Conference of the Parties (COP26) sa Glasgow, Scotland. Tinawag ng Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines ang programa na #KliMalaya: Fight For Freedom From Climate Injustice.

Pambansang araw ng mga estudyante. Ginunita noong Nobyembre 17 ng mga grupo ng kabataan ang Pambansang Araw ng mga Estudyante sa harap ng Commission on Higher Education. Isusumite nila sa ahensya ang mga suhestyon at panawagan para sa ligtas na harapang klase. Hindi sila hinarap ng komisyuner nito sa hiningi nilang dayalogo.

Karapatan sa paninirahan, iginiit sa Taguig. Nagtirik ng mga kandila ang mga residente ng Maysapang sa Barangay Ususan, Taguig City noong Nobyembre 17 bilang pagtutol sa napipintong demolisyon sa kanilang mga tahanan ng RII-Builders at MGS Consortium. Mahigit 500 pamilya ang nanganganib na mawalan ng tirahan matapos angkinin ng Bases Conversion and Development Authority ang lupa.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/mga-protesta-5/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 2 R4, nasamsam ng BHB sa Negros

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): 2 R4, nasamsam ng BHB sa Negros
 


Dalawang R4 ang nakumpiska at hindi bababa sa siyam na sundalo ang nasawi sa ambus na inilunsad ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command) noong Nobyembre 3 sa Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

Ayon kay JB Regalado, tagapagsalita ng BHB-Central Negros, mahigit isang buwan nang nag-ooperasyon ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng 62nd IB at 79th IB sa mabundok na bahagi ng mga bayan ng Binalbagan, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Guihulngan, at La Libertad na lubhang nakaaapekto sa kabuhayan at buhay ng masa. Nakaranas ang mga komunidad ng red-tagging, pandarahas, at paninindak mula sa mga sundalo.

Samantala magkakasunod na operasyong haras naman ang inilunsad ng BHB-Central Negros laban sa mga tropa ng 94th IB. Ang una ay noong Oktubre 17, alas-2 ng hapon, sa Barangay Mandapaton, La Libertad, Negros Oriental at sinundan noong Nobyembre 9 sa Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Northern Samar. Limang sundalo ang nasawi sa aksyong opensiba ng BHB-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command) sa Barangay E. Duran, Bobon, Las Navas noong Setyembre 16 ng hapon.

Operasyong isnayp naman ang inilunsad ng mga Pulang mandirigma laban sa mga sundalong nanghahalihaw sa Barangay San Jose, Las Navas noong Oktubre 18. Matinding perwisyo sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka ang idinudulot ng mga operasyon ng mga sundalo.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/2-r4-nasamsam-ng-bhb-sa-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Ka Oris, pinarangalan ng mga rebolusyonaryo sa buong mundo

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Ka Oris, pinarangalan ng mga rebolusyonaryo sa buong mundo



Bumuhos ang pakikiisa at pakikidalamhati sa pagkamatay ni Ka Oris (Jorge Madlos), kumander at tagapagsalita ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB), mula sa buong bansa at iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Noong Nobyembre 7, isinagawa ang Internasyunal na Araw ng Pag-alala kung saan naglunsad ng mga pagpupulong na may ice cream o kamote (parehong paborito ni Ka Oris) ang mga yunit at grupo at aktibista na kumilala sa kanyang kadakilaan.

Kasabay nito, isinalin ng mga kaibigan ng rebolusyong Pilipino sa iba’t ibang lengwahe ang parangal ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas kay Ka Oris. Ang parangal pahayag na inilabas bilang espesyal na isyu ng Ang Bayan ay naisalin na sa wikang German, French, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Catalan (Spain), Korean, Bahasa Indonesia, Turkish, Portuguese, Swedish at Dutch (The Netherlands). Ginawa ito para maiparating sa mas maraming bilang ng rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa buong mundo ang kanyang buhay at kabayanihan.

Nagpaabot din ng mga mensahe ng pagkilala at pakikidalamhati ang mga komunista at rebolusyonaryong organisasyon. Kabilang dito ang mga rebolusyonaryo at progresibong grupo mula sa India, China, West Papua, Turkey, Kurdistan, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Ireland, Russia, US, Canada, Brazil at iba pang bansa.

Inilibing ang mga abo ni Ka Oris sa Surigao del Norte noong Nobyembre 20. Bilang pagkilala, inatasan ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ang lahat ng yunit ng BHB na mag-alay ng ilang minutong katahimikan sa tanghaling tapat. Bago nito, nagkaroon ng 2-araw na lamay sa isla ng Siargao kung saan siya lumaki.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/ka-oris-pinarangalan-ng-mga-rebolusyonaryo-sa-buong-mundo/

CPP/Ang Bayan: #MarcosHindiBayani, sigaw ng mamamayan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): #MarcosHindiBayani, sigaw ng mamamayan
 


Isang protestang karaban ang pinangunahan ng Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law noong Nobyembre 18. Nagsimula ang karaban sa University of the Philippines sa Diliman, Quezon City at tumungo sa Libingan ng mga Bayani sa Taguig City.

Tinawag ng mga nagprotesta na “magnanakaw, mamamatay-tao, mandarambong” ang diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Ang paglilibing sa kanya sa Libingan ng mga Bayani ay paraan ng pamilyang Marcos para irebisa ang kasaysayan at pagtakpan ang lagim ng batas militar noong dekada 1970 hanggang 1980.

Noong araw ding iyon, nagrali ang mga aktibista ng Baguio City sa harap ng wasak na rebulto ng ulo ni Marcos Sr. sa Tuba, Benguet. Ang rebulto ay tinawag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Ilocos-Cordillera na “kababalaghan” at “pagkutya sa hustisya.” Nawasak ito matapos bombahin ng mga Pulang mandirigma noong Disyembre 29, 2002.

Nagkaroon din ng piket sa harap ng Commission on Human Rights noong Nobyembre 14 matapos ianunsyo ang tambalang Marcos-Duterte.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/marcoshindibayani-sigaw-ng-mamamayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Buntalan ng mga tirano

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Buntalan ng mga tirano
 


Matapos ang ilang buwang maniobrahan sa pagitan ng mga kampo ng Marcos, Arroyo at Duterte o MAD, buo na ang tambalan ng mga magnanakaw at umuusbong na mga tirano sa katauhan nina Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Gayunpaman, patuloy na nagbubuntalan ang mga personalidad ng alyansang MAD. Lumundo ito noong Nobyembre 15, huling araw kung saan pwedeng umatras at maghalinhan (substitusyon) ang mga kakandidato. Ayon sa rekord ng Commission on Elections o Comelec, mayroong 97 kandidato sa pagkapresidente, 29 para sa pagkabise-presidente at 176 sa pagka-senador noong Oktubre 8 pagkatapos ng paghahain ng mga certificate of candidacy. Pagkatapos ng Nobyembre 15, natapyasan ito at naging 94 sa pagkapresidente, 25 sa pagkabise-presidente at 171 sa pagka-senador.

Iniatras ni Duterte-Carpio ang kanyang kandidatura bilang meyor ng Davao City tatlong araw bago ang huling araw para sa paghahalinhan. Sa sumunod na araw, naghain siya ng papeles para kumandidato bilang bise-presidente sa ilalim ng Lakas-CMD, partido ni Gloria Arroyo. Napilitan si Duterte-Carpio na pumayag na magbise dulot ng pagtanggi ng kampong Marcos na bitawan ang pagkakataong lubusang makabalik sa Malacañang.

Umapaw ang galit ni Rodrigo Duterte sa pagmamatigas ng mga Marcos at pagpwesto sa kanyang anak sa mas mababang pusisyon. Pinatakbo niya para sa pusisyon ng presidente ang kanyang alalay na si Christopher Go para agawin ang mga boto ni Marcos Jr. laluna sa Mindanao. Naghapag din siya ng sariling kandidatura para sa senado. Tinawag ng mga demokratikong grupo ang maniobrang ito ni Duterte bilang “desperadong tangka” para makaiwas sa mga kasong kriminal na naghihintay sa kanya pagkatapos ng kanyang termino.

Sunud-sunod ang bira ni Duterte kay Marcos Jr. para tiyaking hindi siya tatraydurin nito. Noong gabi ng Nobyembre 16, ipinatawag niya ang 95 kongresista para diktahan sila sa pagsuporta sa kandidatura ni Go.
Samantala, tatlong kasong diskwalipikasyon na ang nakasampa sa Comelec laban kay Marcos Jr.

Nakabase ang mga petisyon sa kanyang kabiguang ideklara sa kanyang sertipikasyon sa pagkakandidato ang “di mapasusubaliang katotohanan” na nahatulan siyang nagkasala ng korte noong 1995. Dalawa ang kaso niya noon sa di pagbabayad ng buwis na labag sa National Internal Revenue Code. Alinsunod sa mga probisyon sa batas, ang sinumang pampublikong upisyal na nahatulang nagkasala na lumabag dito ay maaaring patawan ng maksimum na parusa ng habambuhay na diskwalipikasyon na humawak ng anumang pusisyon sa pampublikong upisina, bumoto o lumahok sa anumang eleksyon.

Hindi nakulong si Marcos Jr. Nilabanan ng kanyang mga abugado ang hatol at napabaligtad ang ilan sa mga kaso. Noong 1997, iniatras ng Court of Appeals ang sentensyang pagkakabilanggo pero pinanatili ang multa na ₱32,000. Naging pinal ang hatol noong 2001.

Ang tatlong grupong naghain ng reklamong diskwalipikasyon ay mula sa mga samahang sibiko, mga nagbabayad ng buwis, taong simbahan, mga grupong nagtataguyod ng karapatang-tao tulad ng Karapatan, Kapatid, Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto at Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law.

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/buntalan-ng-mga-tirano/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Labanan ang bulok at pasistang alyansang Marcos-Duterte!

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Nov 21, 2021): Labanan ang bulok at pasistang alyansang Marcos-Duterte!





Katulad ng inaasahan, nabuo ang alyansang pang-eleksyon ng mga Marcos, Arroyo at Duterte (MAD) sa anyo ng pagtakbo ng tambalang Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Bongbong) bilang presidente at Sara Duterte-Carpio bilang bise-presidente sa eleksyong 2022. Nabuo ang tambalang ito matapos ang tusong mga maniobrahan, girian at negosasyon sa pagitan nitong mga pangkating pinakaganid sa poder, yaman at pribilehiyo.

Binubuo ang alyansang ito ng pinakabulok at pasistang mga pangkating reaksyunaryo sa Pilipinas. Ang panahon ng paghahari ng mga ito sa Pilipinas ang pinakamadidilim na panahon sa kasaysayan ng bansa. Iwinaksi nila ang demokratikong gayak ng reaksyunaryong estado at lantarang naghari sa pamamagitan ng paninindak, madugong panunupil at pagpatay, walang-pigil na pagnanakaw at pandarambong sa kaban ng bayan, at pagtataksil sa bayan.

Sa nagdaang mahigit limang taon, ang mga pangkating ito ang pinakanakinabang sa ilalim ng tiraniya ni Duterte. Nabundat sila sa malalaking proyektong imprastruktura at kontrata sa gubyerno. Pinagkakitaan maging ang pandemya habang lugmok ang bayan sa labis na pagdurusa.

Pakay ng tambalang pang-eleksyon ni Marcos at Duterte-Carpio na gawing ganap ang panunumbalik ng mga Marcos sa poder, tatlo’t kalahating dekada matapos patalsikin ang diktadurang Marcos sa pag-aalsang EDSA. Sa nagdaang mga taon, ibinuhos ng mga Marcos ang bilyun-bilyong piso sa isang kampanya ng panlilinlang upang burahin ang malalaking krimen ng diktadurang Marcos sa mga pahina ng kasaysayan at sa kamalayan ng bayan.

Sa kabila ng nabuong tambalang Marcos Jr. at Duterte-Carpio, litaw din ang mga bitak na posibleng lumaki pa sa darating na mga buwan. Hayagang nagpahayag ng pagkadismaya si Duterte na kumandidato si Sara bilang bise-presidente matapos ilang buwang nagbuhos ng pondo para itambol ang pagpapatakbo sa kanya bilang presidente katambal si Bong Go bilang bise. Bumangga ito sa ambisyon ni Marcos Jr. na magpresidente. Bagaman lantad din noon ang suporta ni Arroyo sa pagpresidente ni Duterte-Carpio, nagparaya siya kay Marcos sa layuning ipreserba ang alyansang MAD. Nangangamba rin si Arroyo na mameligro ang kanilang interes kung labis na makonsentra sa kamay ng mga Duterte ang kapangyarihan.

Kinatatakutan ni Duterte na bibitawan siya katulad na hindi niya sinuportahan si Marcos Jr. sa kaso sa pagkabise-presidente sa nagdaang anim na taon. Kaya hayagan niya ngayong binibira si Marcos Jr. at itinutulak ang pagsuporta sa alalay niyang si Bong Go para magpresidente at pag-endorso sa anak na si Sara bilang bise presidente.

Maaari niyang sakyan ang kasong diskwalipikasyon laban kay Marcos Jr. at banta ng pagpapaaresto kay Imelda Marcos (na nahatulang maysala noong 2018) para makakuha ng mas malaking konsesyon at katiyakan sa hatian sa kapangyarihan (gaya ng tigtatlong taon bilang presidente ni Marcos Jr. at Duterte-Carpio). Malalaman sa mga darating pang linggo at buwan kung mapaplantsa o lalala pa ang mga gusot na ito. Gayunpaman, nananatili pa rin ang posibilidad na isaisantabi itong lahat ni Duterte at lantarang ideklara at ipataw ang pasistang diktadura.

Ang darating na eleksyon sa 2022 ay inaasahan na magiging isa sa pinakamadumi sa mga nagdaang reaksyunaryong eleksyon. Sa desperasyong kumapit sa poder at umiwas sa habla at pag-usig, tiyak na dadayain ni Duterte ang resulta ng eleksyon pabor sa kanyang mga kandidato, katulad na dinaya niya ang eleksyong 2019 para iluklok ang mga alipures niya sa kongreso at senado. Mayorya ng mga upisyal ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ay mga tauhang hinirang ni Duterte. Sa pamamagitan ng pagkontrol sa dekompyuter na bilangan ng boto, kayang-kaya ni Duterte na malawakang manipulahin ang resulta ng eleksyon. Malaking anomalya na ang pagdedeliber ng mga balota at makinang pang-eleksyon ay ibinigay ng Comelec sa kumpanyang pag-aari ni Dennis Uy, kroni ni Duterte. Patuloy na mahigpit ang paghawak ni Duterte sa militar at pulis na ipinang-iipit niya sa kanyang mga kalaban sa pulitika sa tabing ng “gera kontra-droga” at kontra-insurhensya.

Dapat mahigpit na magkaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino laban sa pakana ng alyansang Marcos-Duterte na ipagpatuloy ang paghahari ng tiraniya at korapsyon at pagpapahirap sa sambayanang Pilipino. Dapat ilantad at labanan ang mga pakana na dayain ang eleksyon.

Kailangang patuloy na buklurin ang mga pwersang oposisyon upang mabuo ang nagkakaisang hanay para tapatan sa eleksyon ang alyansang Marcos-Duterte. Ilan sa pangunahing kandidatong pagkapresidente ay anti-Duterte o nag-aastang anti-Duterte. Sa kanila, pinakamalinaw ang pagiging oposisyon si Leni Robredo. Gayunman, hindi niya inendorso ang mga kandidato sa senado ng blokeng Makabayan na isa sa pinakamalaki at pinakamatatag na muog ng paglaban sa tiraniya.

Sa harap ng halos absolutong kontrol ni Duterte ngayon sa kapangyarihan, ang tsansa nilang biguin ang pandaraya ni Duterte sa eleksyon ay lalaki lamang kung magkakaisa sila at makukuha ang suporta at mapakikilos ang milyun-milyong mamamayan. Kung mabubuo ang ganitong pagkakaisa, mas lilitaw ang pagkagarapal ng anumang tangka ni Duterte na dayain ang eleksyon. Dapat nilang ipagkait kay Duterte ang pagkakataong palabasin na hati-hati ang boto ng oposisyon para ikubli ang manipulasyon ng bilangan ng boto pabor sa kanyang mga kandidato.

Sa ngayon, dapat patuloy na paalingawngawin ng pambansa-demokratikong mga pwersa ang panawagan ng sambayanang Pilipino para buuin ang nagkakaisang prenteng anti-Duterte. Dapat pakilusin ang sambayanan para itulak ang pagbubuo ng nagkakaisang hanay ng mga kandidatong anti-Duterte para biguin ang pakana ng mga Marcos at Duterte na iluklok ang sarili sa poder.

Kaalinsabay nito, dapat patuloy na mag-organisa ang mamamayan at isulong ang kanilang demokratikong pakikibaka sa harap ng krisis sa ekonomya at pandemya at patampukin ang panawagan para isulong ang pambansa-demokratikong pakikibaka at ibagsak ang imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukratang kapitalismo. Dapat sama-sama silang kumilos at labanan ang pambubusal at paniniil ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa mamamayan. Sa harap ng mga iskema ni Duterte na panatilihin ang sarili sa poder, dapat maghanda ang sambayanan na kumilos, ipamalas ang kanilang lakas sa lansangan at gamitin ang kapangyarihan para ibagsak ang mga tirano at diktador.

[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://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2021/11/21/labanan-ang-bulok-at-pasistang-alyansang-marcos-duterte/

CPP/ANG PAGHIMAKAS: Resume the unfinished revolution, fight for the Filipino people

Propaganda article from a regional publication posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 22, 2021): ANG PAGHIMAKAS-Resume the unfinished revolution, fight for the Filipino people
 
 

November 22, 2021

Despite being millenials, current generation of Filipino youth carries the same crucial role of resuming the unfinished revolution led by Gat Andres Bonifacio and fighting for Philippine sovereignty against the imperialism of US and China, for freedom from domestic feudalism and the overthrow of a regime beset by bureaucrat capitalism.

Ang Paghimakas (The Struggle), newsletter of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-Negros, released its monthly issue today, November 22, commemorating Bonifacio and other revolutionary youth of his time and the Kabataang Makabayan (Nationalist Youth), and tackling the role of the youth in the new democratic revolution.

In an open letter to the youth, Ang Paghimakas noted that today’s generation of Filipino youth must firmly grasp their immense role in addressing the ills of society and bringing about much needed societal change.
Revolutionary youth

It featured martyred young revolutionary cadre Cheene “Ka Nikki” Dacalos who chose to serve the people by joining the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island over a BS Mathematics degree in the University of the Philippines-Cebu.

In the article, she was quoted saying that sacrifices and difficulties as a revolutionary were normal for her, anyway if she were tired she could rest and her comrades readily helps her.

Ka Nikki was martyred with three other young NPA members, Ka Alvin (Jeren Vargas), Ka George (Jonard Alvior) and Ka Bobong (Alfredo Sinsano) in the hands of fascist state troops on September 14, 2021 at Sitio Balik-Balik, Barangay Tabu, Ilog, Negros Occidental.

Kabataang Makabayan-Negros also gave a message to the youth in Negros urging them to uphold the tradition of revolutionary martyrs from the ranks of Negrosanon youth, like Leonardo Panaligan, and many others; “to make sure that new blood continues to flow towards the countryside, where a just war is being waged to liberate the people from the shackles of imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism.”

Poetry entitled, “Sulat” and “Halin sa kasyudaran pakadto sa kaumhan kag kabukiran,” reflects as well the significance of educated youth going to the countryside and contributing to the national democratic revolution and its advance.
#NPANegrosOffensives

Launching a new icon for #NPANegrosOffensives, Ang Paghimakas’ news section on the armed struggle in Negros, this issue’s new story highlighted the successful ambush mounted by the Leonardo Panaligan Command (NPA Central Negros) where two R4 rifles were seized and more than nine casualties were inflicted against combined forces of the 62nd and 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 303rd Brigade, Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, in a news article on human rights violations, Ang Paghimakas wrote on the indiscriminate shooting and death of a 15 year old girl by a 94th IB soldier in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental and the 62IB’s hamletting of 150 households in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

People’s protests on the struggle of the Baciwa Employees Union, the commemoration of the killing of Atty. Ben Ramos and victory of farm workers in Cauayan, Negros Occidental were featured on “Mga Balita sa Isla” that also released a new section icon.

Ang Paghimakas is released monthly in Hiligaynon together with English and Bisaya editions of its editorial. It can be downloaded at http://www.negrosrevportal.wordpress.com or cpp.ph. ###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/22/resume-the-unfinished-revolution-fight-for-the-filipino-people/