Ex-rebels help gov’t troops recover NPA firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2021): Ex-rebels help gov’t troops recover NPA firearms (By Alexander Lopez)

Rosario, Agusan del Sur (Google map)

Some three high-powered firearms belonging to communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were recovered during an operation of the Army's 67th Infantry Battalion (67IB) in Barangay Maligaya, Rosario, Agusan del Sur on Friday.

In a press statement Saturday, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said the operation was launched through the support of former rebels who pinpointed the location where the firearms were concealed.

The 67IB troopers found one Browning automatic rifle and two M16A1 rifles.

“The former communist terrorists confessed to our respective military units that their bitter and unfair experience at the hands of their CTG (communist terrorist group) leaders served as an awakening that prompted them to abandon their cause. They have now expressed strong determination to help us in ways that they know best and that is through the disclosure of information that has intel value,” Almerol said.

He said the EastMinCom will continue to enhance ties and work with former rebels in locating other resources of NPA insurgents and further incapacitate them.

“I commend both the troops of 701st Brigade and new allies, the former rebels, for their unparalleled efforts in bringing sustainable peace in Eastern Mindanao. Let us all work together for the greater good of the Filipino people and the nation,” Almerol said.

A total of 600 high-powered and low-powered firearms were seized by different units under the EastMinCom from the communist rebels during combat operations or surrender and aid of former rebels from January to November this year.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161092

Low morale, leaders’ capture force MisOr rebels to yield

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 2021): Low morale, leaders’ capture force MisOr rebels to yield (By Nef Luczon)

Google map

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Misamis Oriental is nearing collapse as its fighters begin to surrender, the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) said on Saturday.

In a statement, the military said Kam, 29, a medic and finance officer of Guerilla Force Motorola, admitted that the capture of their leaders and successive surrender of other members resulted in low morale among different NPA units.

“The other surrenderers' previous status was lie-low, but because of the government's presence in their communities, they have decided to submit to the authorities and make peace with the government," Lt. Col Ricky Canatoy, 58IB commanding officer, said as he credited the relentless and focused military operations against the NPA.

Kam, of Sitio Anahaw, Barangay Bantawan, Gingoog City, said she decided to surrender after the apprehension of their leaders in the Sub-Regional Committee-1.

Their secretary, alias Mosong, and deputy secretary, alias Maya, were captured in September.

Since then, Kam said the group lost focus and direction and the members’ confidence in what the NPA stands for has waned.

Aside from Kam, Guerilla Front Huawei members alias Manny, 40, a platoon guide; alias Yury and alias Jeffrey, both 24, vice squad leaders; alias Janerose, 23, a squad medic; and alias Rinly, 21; and SRSDG Eagles medic, alias Lopen, 18, also surrendered at the 58IB camp in Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on November 11 and 21.

"Their surrender is just as important as the surrender of key leaders because if they don't, there's a chance they'll return as an active NPA fighter, adding to the armed group's strength,” Canatoy said.

They received livelihood assistance, cash, and grocery items from the 58IB, municipality of Claveria, Department of Labor and Employment Region 10, 58th IB Former Rebels Association consumer store, and Medina Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Cooperative.

Claveria Mayor Meraluna Abrogar earlier said the former rebels' surrender is an integral part of the town's development as it will make the place safer for tourists and residents.

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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161115

Ex-rebels’ tip-off leads to recovery of more NPA weapons in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 2021): Ex-rebels’ tip-off leads to recovery of more NPA weapons in SoCot (By Che Palicte)

RECOVERED. Troops under the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) recover a .50 caliber machine gun with ammunition, a shotgun, four grenades, and a 40mm grenade launcher ammunition in Sitio Bonglawaan, Barangay Palo 19 in Tampakan, South Cotabato on Saturday (Nov. 27, 2021). A tip from former rebels led to the discovery of items belonging to the New People’s Army’s Guerrilla Front Alip of the Far South Mindanao Region. (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom)

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) reported on Sunday that more high-powered firearms and explosives stashed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in a small village of Tampakan, South Cotabato were recovered on Saturday.

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of Eastmincom, said troops of the 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) and 10th K9 Team under the 1002nd Infantry Brigade launched an operation in response to a tip from former rebels, which led to the recovery of a .50 caliber machine gun with ammunition, a shotgun, four grenades, and a 40mm grenade launcher ammunition in Sitio Bonglawaan, Barangay Palo 19.

“This is just one of the signs which shows that the communist terrorist group (CTG) has a scarcity of manpower as more and more of their weapons lay unattended. This is important to note because the foundation of their operations heavily depends on their men,” he added.

Almerol said former rebels divulged that the recovered items belong to the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Alip of the Far South Mindanao Region (GF Alip, FSMR).

“This is a huge win for the people of Eastern Mindanao. I salute the troops for their very timely action and as well as the former rebels for their bravery in sharing information that is crucial to the success of Eastmincom,” he added.

Eastmincom previously reported that former rebels had expressed willingness to work with the military troops in pursuing the remaining NPA members and locating their stashed weapons in Eastern Mindanao by sharing information with intelligence value.

“These former rebels previously said their bitter and unfair experience in the hands of their CTG leaders made them determined to help the government in dismantling the remaining strongholds of CTGs and in pursuing peace and development in the country so that no more Filipinos will be taken advantage of by the communist terrorist leaders,” Almerol said.

He added that they continue to foster ties with former rebels and ensure that they avail of the benefits accorded to them by the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council has 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 created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161154

Caraga police ops net 376 law violators; 49 NPA rebels surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 2021): Caraga police ops net 376 law violators; 49 NPA rebels surrender (By Alexander Lopez)

The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) said 376 law violators were arrested during the conduct of a one-day Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO) in the region on Saturday.

The operations by the different police stations and units also resulted in the surrender of 49 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.

Of the 376 law violators arrested, 196 were wanted persons, 22 were nabbed over illegal drugs, 28 for loose firearms, and 130 for the illegal logging, fishing, and gambling.

A total of 217 assorted firearms composed of 14 light weapons and 203 small arms, as well as 10 explosives, were confiscated during the implementation of 35 search warrants for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Likewise, a total of 12 search warrants for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were also served in 10 buy-bust operations that resulted in the confiscation of 227.601 grams of shabu and 33.4 grams of marijuana with a total estimated value of PHP1,551,694.

“The overwhelming success of the recently concluded SACLEO is attributed to the strong commitment and determination of every Caraga police in serving and protecting the country and the people,” PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat said in a press statement on Sunday.

He also assured the residents of Caraga Region that operations against criminals and law violators and the accounting of loose firearms in the region will continue.

“PRO-13 will continue to intensify its anti-criminality operations especially now that the 2022 election is fast approaching. Caraga police will take all the necessary measures for the public to exercise their right to suffrage freely and peacefully,” Caramat said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161169

Demand to remove PH ship in Ayungin Shoal ‘unacceptable’: Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 2021): Demand to remove PH ship in Ayungin Shoal ‘unacceptable’: Go

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (File photo)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his call to respect the rule of law, saying the Chinese demand to remove the grounded BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal is “unacceptable.”

“I find this demand not acceptable. The Ayungin Shoal is part of the Kalayaan Group of Islands -- an integral part of the Philippines. It belongs to us, and it is ours to protect and use for the benefit of our people,” Go said in a news release on Sunday.

Go, vice chair of the Senate committee on national defense and security, peace, and unification and a member of the Senate committee on foreign relations, made this comment after the Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked and water cannoned the Philippines’ supply vessels for its military personnel station in the grounded old Navy ship on Nov. 16.

“No one can legally prevent us from exercising our rights. Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas (What is ours is ours),” he said.

He, however, continued to urge the government to stay the course in asserting the national interest in a peaceful manner.

“I urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid increasing the tension and, instead, abide by our commitments and duties under international law. This is how responsible members of the international community should rightly comport themselves,” Go said.

Consistent with his independent foreign policy, President Rodrigo Duterte raised the matter of the Ayungin Shoal incident during the Asean-China Special Summit on Nov. 22, saying “We abhor the recent event in the Ayungin Shoal and view with grave concern other similar developments.”

“This does not speak well of the relations between our nations and our partnership. There is simply no other way out of this colossal problem but the rule of law," Duterte added.

At least three major powers issued statements of support for the Philippines following the shoal incident with the United States reaffirming its treaty commitment to the Philippines, considered as its ally, saying that an “armed attack on Philippine public vessels in the South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.”

Japan reiterated the need to peaceably settle disputes based on international law while Australia expressed concern over destabilizing incidents and reaffirmed its support for the Philippines and the 2016 arbitral ruling.

In 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” argument used to claim huge parts of the West Philippine Sea.

In 1999, the Philippine military ran the World War II-era cruiser Sierra Madre aground on Ayungin Shoal to bolster the country's claim and create a safe haven for a small force of armed personnel.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161146

NTF-ELCAC ‘grateful’ for Robredo’s expression of support

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 2021): NTF-ELCAC ‘grateful’ for Robredo’s expression of support (By Azer Parrocha)

NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson for Sectoral Concerns Lorraine Marie Badoy (File photo)

The government’s anti-insurgency task force on Sunday expressed gratitude to Vice President Leni Robredo for supporting its mandate, especially efforts to bring development to former conflict-ridden communities.

On Friday, Robredo, who previously called for the abolition of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said she supports its mandate but the "careless" statements of its members put the body in a bad light.

“We thank her for standing on our shared ground of love for country and the complete defense and protection of our people from the communist scourge that, for 52 years now, has brought so much grief and destruction to our country and our people,” NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Sectoral Concerns Lorraine Marie Badoy said in a press statement.

Badoy said she understood why Robredo earlier called for the abolition of the task force “because of the disinformation she was given about the work we endeavor to do.”

“We are glad she has awakened and seen through the disinformation and valiantly corrected her course and stands where she ought to stand: with our people,” she said.

She compared Robredo’s “awakening” to that of the rest of Filipinos who now see the “lies and deceptions” perpetuated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“We are grateful that the Vice President listened to our people and to our local chiefs -- governors, mayors, barangay captains among them -- who have expressed their fullest support of the NTF ELCAC and their fullest outrage as well for calls of its abolition,” she added.

More than anyone, Badoy said local officials have felt the transformative change of Executive Order No. 70 on the lives of their constituents.

EO 70, inked by Duterte in December 2018, institutionalizes a whole-of-nation approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace, and creates the NTF-ELCAC to oversee its implementation.

Make a stand

Meanwhile, Badoy urged all public servants, especially those running for public office, to make a clear stand against the CPP-NPA-NDF and its fronts just as Robredo did.

“We may differ in our politics -- and widely differ even. We are a vibrant democracy after all. But when it comes to the CPP-NPA-NDF that has stolen and murdered an untold number of our children and that has made our country a valley of tears for mothers and fathers, politics takes a back seat and we stand shoulder to shoulder to fight and end this communist pestilence that has brought so much grief and destruction to our people and our country,” she said.

She expressed confidence that “there is more that unites than divides us.”

“Let us adamantly stand on our shared ground of love for country. The President has shown us the way. And so has our Vice President. We should all follow suit,” she added.

During a security briefing with some officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, Robredo said she is "all for the mandate and functions of ELCAC."

She also described the Barangay Development Fund (BDF) as "the best part of everything."

The NTF-ELCAC’s BDF provides insurgency-cleared villages PHP20 million for projects that the people in the barangay deem necessary to improve their quality of life.

The fund is part of the NTF-ELCAC and DILG’s Barangay Development Program (BDP), a package of socio-economic development programs that include farm-to-market roads, livelihood, irrigation, and health stations that aims to target 822 barangays in the country.

However, Robredo said "careless statements" of some members of the NTF-ELCAC have cast the entire task force in a bad light for red-tagging a range of individuals.

Robredo said she has been on the receiving end of "unfair accusations" but is one with the body in stopping insurgency by addressing its core problems.

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

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161150

Kalinaw News: NPA surrenderer leads 4ID troops to an arms cache, 2 high-powered firearms seized

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 28, 2021): NPA surrenderer leads 4ID troops to an arms cache, 2 high-powered firearms seized

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City – An arms cache containing two (2) high powered firearms was discovered after a CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) who recently surrendered led the troops of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division to its location at the hinterland area of Sitio Kaunlaran, Barangay Tagbongabong, Agusan del Norte on November 27, 2021.

Jonel B. Pasco alias Joel/Gong-gong, a former member of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 21C, Guerilla Front (GF) 21, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, revealed to the troops the location of an arms cache after his voluntarily surrender last November 26, 2021.

With the said revelation, 4ID’s intelligence unit together with the 65IB under Lt Col Emerson De Vera, Commanding Officer, immediately deployed troops to locate the arms cache that eventually contained 2 M16 Rifles.

According to alias Joel/Gong-gong, he decided to surrender because he already realized that continuing to fight the government is pointless as he believes that their organization, the CPP-NPA-NDF, can never win against the government especially after the devastating blows particularly the major defeats during encounters, surrender or capture of their leaders as well as the death of Ka Oris which dampened their morale drastically.

Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of 4ID, congratulated the 901st Brigade under Brigadier General George Banzon together with the intelligence units of 65IB and 4MIB for saving another Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member and return him to his family safely, and for striving to maintain the peace in their area of responsibility.

He added that the CTG is crumbling after the tragic death of Ka Oris, a top rank and high profile NPA leader.

“There has been a ruckus within the CTG in our AOR. They are anxious of what and where they are headed as they are always on the run to evade government troops. Their morale is low due to the recent surrender of 18 CTG leaders and members who brought along 11 high powered firearms last November 14 and 17. There is mass demoralization due to the apprehension and surrender of its key leaders aggravated by the death of Ka Oris which is a major blow that led the surrenderers to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law”, MGen Brawner Jr said.

MGen Brawner Jr further stated that since the death of Ka Oris, a total of 47 CTG leaders and members have surrendered to the different units under the 4ID with 17 high-powered and low-powered firearms seized.

Since the assumption of MGen Brawner Jr as the Commander of 4ID last July 5, 2021, a total of 128 CNTs have surrendered, 71 CNTs were either captured or killed during 88 government-initiated encounters.

“The neutralization of the CTG leaders and members is a result of our commitment in implementing various projects and program that will uplift the lives of our people. The people actively helped us in tracking the CTG because they have seen that their Army, PNP and government agencies are united and serious in helping them and in securing their communities”, MGen Brawner Jr explained.

“Let’s stop the fighting. I implore the CTG to abandon the senseless violence. Let’s give the people the peace and the development they have wanted for the longest time. Our offer of peace still stands and your 4ID is always open for those who want to choose the path of peace and return to their families safely. We urge them to avail of the E-CLIP, rest assured that the government will take care of them and will assist them towards better opportunities together with their loved ones”, 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/npa-surrenderer-leads-4id-troops-to-an-arms-cache-2-high-powered-firearms-seized/

Kalinaw News: NPA Rebel and Supporters Surrenders in Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 28, 2021): NPA Rebel and Supporters Surrenders in Quezon



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Three NPA members and four Milisyang Bayan of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee surrendered to the troops under the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army on two separate occasions from November 25 to 26, 2021, in the province of Quezon.

On November 25, 2021, in the southern part of the province, a certain Oswarlie Cuizon Ancit @ JULY, and the three MBs; namely Joseph Vender Ancit @ RALPH; Jesus Piasan @ PULO; and Pedro Bohol Jr. @ ANJO belonging to Platun Reymark of Sub-Regional Military Area 4B surrendered to 85th Infantry Battalion. The surrender was facilitated by the Task Force – ELCAC of Barangay Camflora of San Andres, Quezon. The decision of the four to return to the folds of the law came about upon hearing the invitation of Honorable Giovanne T. Lim, the mayor of San Andres, Quezon for the rebels to rejoin the mainstream society and return to their families during a joint public awareness campaign of 85th IB and the LGU of San Andres on October 4, 2021, at the municipal covered court of the said town.

After hearing those words and fully convinced on the governments sincerity, @ JULY and the three MBs sent feelers to Honorable Raul R Endolina, the Chairman and Barangay Task Force-ELCAC of Barangay Camflora to signify their intent to submit themselves and finally surrender in coordination with 85th IB bringing along two pieces of caliber .38 revolvers.

The next day, November 26, 2021, in the opposite side of the province, a certain Ronaldo P Panday @ ARTHUR and his wife Melanie A. Gurango @ LEAH both regular NPA members, and Elmer Gurango Ramos @ SURABO a Milisyang Bayan, all of Komite Larangang Gerilya Narciso of Sub-Regional Military Area 4A surrendered to 1st Infantry Battalion, that was facilitated by the General Nakar Task Force-ELCAC through its Peace Law Enforcement and Development Support Cluster spearheaded both by 1st IB and General Nakar Municipal Police Station.

The said personalities decided to lay down their arms through the effort of 1st IB and MTF-ELCAC in spreading about the genuine peace efforts of the government and their longing to be reunited with their loved ones. The three former rebels also brought with them one modified M14 Rifle with magazines; one Shotgun; one 9mm Pistol with magazine loaded with two rounds of ammunition; four Anti-Personnel Mines; four improvised hand grenade explosives; 148 linked ammunition for K3 Squad Automatic Weapon, and one Power Generator set.

After facilitating the surrender to 85th IB, Chairman Endolina gave a message to encourage the remaining NPAs to lay down their arms and said “Ako po bilang pinunong barangay at chairman ng Task Force-ELCAC ng Barangay Camflora, San Andres, Quezon ay hinihikayat po ang mga nalalabing miyembro ng New People’s Army na kayo ay sumuko na. Ang gobyerno ay nakahandang tumulong sa inyong pagbabalik-loob para makapiling na ninyong muli ang inyong mga pamilya na matagal nang nangungulila sa inyong pagbabalik”.

In support to the call for peace of the previously mentioned government official, Major General Rowen S Tolentino the commander of the 2nd Infantry Division expressed his gratitude to the former rebels for accepting the call for peace and also encouraged the remaining NPAs to lay down arms and said “Sa atin pong mga kapatid na nagbalik loob na sa ating pamahalaan, marami pong salamat sa inyong pagtugon sa panawagang pangkapayapaan ng ating gobyerno. Sa mga naiwan pa pong kumikilos sa kabundukan, gaya po ng mga nauna sa inyo, ay dinggin na sana ang aming panawagan na magbalik loob, nang sa gayon ay makapiling na ninyo ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay sa darating na pasko”.

[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-rebel-and-supporters-surrenders-in-quezon/

Kalinaw News: FR revelation yields to discovery of NPA arms and explosive devices cache in South Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 27, 2021): FR revelation yields to discovery of NPA arms and explosive devices cache in South Cotabato

MAKILALA, COTABATO – Through the help of a former rebel who surrendered during the Peace Building Seminar last month, the 39th Infantry (Smash’em) Battalion troopers discovered firearms and explosive devices cached at Sitio Bonglawaan, Brgy Palo 19, Tampakan, South Cotabato today, November 27, 2021.

Among the discovered items from the area were: One (1) caliber 50 machine gun; one (1) shotgun; four (4) grenades and one (1) 40 mm grenade launcher ammunition.

Accordingly, these items were stashed by members of the New People’s Army’s Guerilla Front ALIP of the Far South Mindanao Region.

Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey, Commanding Officer of 39IB in his assessment that the stashing of firearms is a manifestation of their dwindling force.

“This is a manifestation of a dwindling NPA force. They have reached the point that they have more firearms than personnel which means that they are hard up in their recruitment,” Balagtey said.

The recovered high-powered firearms and explosives were brought to the Battalion Headquarters in Brgy. Poblacion, Makilala, North Cotabato for proper disposition.

[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/fr-revelation-yields-to-discovery-of-npa-arms-and-explosive-devices-cache-in-south-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: 58IB Livelihood Arcade for Former Rebels gets Financial Assistance from the LGU and DOLE

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 27, 2021): 58IB Livelihood Arcade for Former Rebels gets Financial Assistance from the LGU and DOLE



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – A turnover ceremony of Financial Assistance for the Livelihood Arcade for former rebels was held at the Headquarters 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion, last November 24, 2021.

The provincial government of Misamis Oriental, the Local Government Unit of Claveria, and the Department of Labor and Employment Region X each pledged and committed to the Anlag Ani Tapukanan, a sustainable livelihood project for former rebels that will soon rise.

The Anlag Ani Tapukanan was formally presented on October 26, 2021, at Headquarters 58IB, as part of a collaborative project between the PLGU, LGU, national and provincial government agencies, the 58IB Former Rebels Association, and the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion.

This time, the commitments made last October were finally turned over to the Former Rebels Association. The funds received by the former rebels will be used to build Anlag Ani Tapukanan, a livelihood arcade designed specifically to assist former rebels by providing livelihood opportunities and business venture, also equipping them with the resources they need to sustain them. This is where the former rebels from across Eastern Misamis Oriental will sell and offer to the public all their products, including oyster mushroom and hollow blocks, crops, retail items in their sari-sari store, handcrafted materials like rugs and beaded products, and services such as hair cutting, sewing, and massage, acting as a one-stop shop manned and managed by the former rebels themselves.

The Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, turned over a total of 250,000.00 for the Anlag Ani and Rehabilitation of Mushroom Facility; the LGU of Claveria gave Php200,000; and the DOLE Region X, through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), DOLE -X Mis. Or. PFO, handed over Php.250,000.00 worth of Grocery items to the 58th FRs Association Consumer Store Project with Medina Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Cooperative (MERWASCO) as its Accredited Co-Partner.

Hon. Meraluna Salvaleon-Abrogar, Municipal Mayor of Claveria, expressed gratitude to the former rebels, stating that their surrender is an integral part of the municipality’s outpouring of developments. “Para sa atong mga igsuong nibalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno, dako kaayo ang akong kalipay ug pasalamat kay isa kana nga ang kahusay ug kalinaw mao na nakapagpalambo sa lungsod sa Claveria na karon nahimo usab ka problema sa mayor kay daghan turista, daghan estranghero, mga tawo na gusto mupuyo sa lungsod sa Claveria dili pariha sa una na puro kahadlok ang ilang gibati diri sa atong lungsod. Isa pa diha, lipay pud kaayo ko makita na daghan na mo diri sa 58IB, kauban pa ang inyong mga anak, mga pamilya. I know na wala gyud moy regrets walay pagbasul sa inyong pagbalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno. One hundred percent ang among kalipay tungod kay pinaagi sa inyong pagsurender, nahimong malinawon ug nilambo ang atong lungsod. Makasalig mo na sa mga umaabot na mga adlaw, bulan, padayon ang pag suporta ug pagtabang sa probinsya sa Misamis Oriental ug sa Claveria na masuportahan ang mga programa sa atong kasundaluhan, kapulisan para sa pagsulbad sa kahusay ug kalinaw.”

Aurelio Pinatawan, a former rebel, also expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the former rebels. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa tanan maam, sir. Kay kanang inyong mga gikahatag sa amoa, mao kana ang makatabang sa amo sa pag-usab sa among kaugalingon na dili lang basta magkakwarta, kundili maimprove ang among panginabuhian. Labi na sa 58IB na gikan mi sa bukid hangtod makaabot mi diri, wala gyuy puwas ang ilang pag-atiman sa amo hangtod karon na ing ani na ang among kahimtang na aduna miy livelihood program na ginahatag sa amo. Dako gyud kaayo ang among pasalamat sa inyo kay kung wala mo, kung wala ang gobyerno, walay mahimong kausaban sa among kinabuhi. Sa ako pung mga kauban, dako pud ang akong pasalamat kay karon niabot na ang ato lang naisto isturya sa una na unsa kaha ang mga assistance sa gobyerno para sa ato. Karon na naa na, magtinabanga ta sa pag-atiman niini.”

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, thanked the local governments and agency partners for their unwavering support and for going above and beyond the government’s flagship program, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Lt. Col Canatoy reiterates that brilliant ideas and initiatives like this livelihood arcade would not have been possible without the zeal and passion of our public servants to help our former rebels live a peaceful normal life. He then urged the remaining insurgents to return to the folds of the law so that they, too, could benefit from the benefits provided by the government.

The Turnover Ceremony was attended by Hon. Meraluna Salvaleon Abrogar, Municipal Mayor of Claveria, DOLE Region 10 Regional Director Albert E. Gutib, DOLE Mis.Or. PFO Chief Jose Errol A. Natividad, and the PLGU Misamis Oriental, represented by Board Members Boboy Sabal III, Syremae Emano, Dexter Yasay, and Leoncio “Onie” Abejo, Villanueva Councilor. Hon. Christian Unabia, Representative of the 1st District of Misamis Oriental, was also present to witness the event.

[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/58ib-livelihood-arcade-for-former-rebels-gets-financial-assistance-from-the-lgu-and-dole/

Kalinaw News: NPA collapses as 1 Key Leader and 6 members from different guerilla fronts surrender in MisOr

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 27, 2021): NPA collapses as 1 Key Leader and 6 members from different guerilla fronts surrender in MisOr

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – A series of surrenders have recently been recorded in Misamis Oriental, with seven New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendering to the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion at Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental on November 11 and 21, 2021.

The surrenderers were members of Guerilla Front Huawei, SRSDG Eagles, and Guerilla Front Motorola of Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC 1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC), and one of them previously held a key position in the armed group.

Alias Kam, 29 years old is a resident of Sitio Anahaw Brgy Bantawan, Gingoog City. She was a Medic and at the same time, the Finance Officer of GF MOTOROLA. Based on her revelations, her surrender is attributed to the apprehension of their leadership in SRC1, as their Secretary, alias Mosong, and Deputy Secretary, alias Maya were captured last September. She revealed that since then, the group had lost its focus and direction as well as the majority of the members’ confidence in what the communist terrorist group stands for.

On the other hand, five of the surrenderers were from Guerilla Front Huawei, identified as alias Manny, 40 years old and Platoon Guide, alias Yury and alias Jeffrey, both 24 years old and Vice Squad leaders, alias Janerose, 23 and a Squad Medic, and alias Rinly, 21 years old, also a squad medic; and the one from SRSDG Eagles is identified as alias Lopen, 18 years of age, a member of the said platoon.

It should be noted that just recently, on November 16 and 17, at least 56 NPA personalities and supporters withdrew their support and allegiance from the CTG and took an oath of allegiance to the government. This was vital because the communities involved were previously used by the abovementioned NPA units for their resource generation and survival in the hinterlands.

According to Lt. Col Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, “The surrender of Kam is critical because two NPA units in MisOr are on the verge of collapse as a result of our relentless focused military operations to destroy and dismantle these communist terrorist groups.”

“The other surrenderers’ previous status in the armed group was lie-low, but because of the government’s presence in their communities, they have decided to voluntarily submit to the authorities and make peace with the government. Their surrender is just as important as the surrender of key leaders because if they don’t, there’s a chance they’ll return as an active NPA fighter, adding to the armed group’s strength,” Lt. Col Canatoy added.

“Nonetheless, the CTG’s continued surrender of key leaders and members is a major setback for them. These NPA units will die naturally, and it’s only a matter of time before they can’t survive due to the loss of most of their key leaders, members, and mass base supporters. These recent surrenders and withdrawal of support are a strong indicator of the two NPA units’ ultimate defeat here in MisOr. Given their current circumstances, we anticipate that the remaining members of these NPA units will willingly return to the folds of the law in the coming days. Because they are constantly on the move, always tired and weary, the entry of their resources such as food and money are being blocked and hampered, and our troops are constantly conducting operations, many of them have undoubtedly been low morale, which is also the majority’s reason for surrendering.”

The surrenderers are currently at the battalion’s headquarters, where they will be debriefed and receive government assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (ECLIP), which will help them reunite with their families in their communities.

[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-collapses-as-1-key-leader-and-6-members-from-different-guerilla-fronts-surrender-in-misor/

MILF: MP Anayatin files bill for establishment of Bangsamoro Medical Schoo

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 28, 2021): MP Anayatin files bill for establishment of Bangsamoro Medical School (By Alexander Iskandar, Luwaran)

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Member of Parliament Susana Anayatin. (Photo courtesy of MP Anayatin FB page)

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao– A member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the lawmaking body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has filed a bill seeking the establishment of the Bangsamoro Medical School (BMS), a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA) said.

On Wednesday, Member of Parliament Susana Anayatin, who represents the Christian sector in the 81-member BTA-BARMM filed the bill,

Parliament ent Bill No. 150, according to Anayatin seeks to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehensive medical education through the BMS which her colleagues support.

Anayatin said her proposal aims to serve "Bangsamoro young people from different territories in BARMM and may extend its services to other existing medical schools in Mindanao."

Anayatin said the medical school will be built under the “capacity and capability” required by the licensing standards and regulation of the Commission on Higher and Technical Education (CHED) of the Philippines and the Association of Philippine Medical Colleges (APMC), the report said.

APMC will be in charge of determining and approving the organizational structure for the facility's management and operations, Anayatin added.

On the other hand, the BARMM's education ministry will promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of the bill, the PNA report also said.

The law mandates the Bangsamoro government must also create an educational framework relevant and responsive to the needs, ideals, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. (PNA

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2408/mp-anayatin-files-bill-for-establishment-of-bangsamoro-medical-school-

MILF: Public Works Minister Guerra shares infra, rehab projects in the Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 24, 2021): Public Works Minister Guerra shares infra, rehab projects in the Bangsamoro (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)

In photo-Bangsamoro MPW Minister Edward Guerra (BMN photo)

COTABATO CITY — The Minister of Ministry of Public Works (MPW) shared the ministry’s progress on implementation of infrastructure and rehabilitation projects including future programs for the Bangsamoro region during the 24th episode of Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro hosted by Bangsamoro Multimedia Network last Thursday, November 18.

MPW Minister Architect Eduard Uy Guerra, a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, said their mandate is to implement infrastructures here in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) based on the Administrative Code of Bangsamoro.

He added that aside from project implementation, supervision is also part of their operation and they are also conducting studies to assess the needs of the Bangsamoro.

“The national highways and ports are still in the hands of the national government since they’re the one funding and implementing it, the only scope of the ministry in these national highways and bigger ports is the monitoring and the close coordination with the National Public Works,” the minister said.

He said projects in the barangays such as barangay roads, municipal roads, provincial roads, and small-scale flood control inside the BARMM are the direct responsibility of the ministry.

Minister Guerra clarified that the National Public Works is responsible for the maintenance of the national highways located here in the BARMM.

“However the ministry signed a protocol just two months ago in Manila with Secretary Mark Aguilar Villar wherein they suggested that the minor maintenance and repair should just be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement,” Minister Guerra narrated.

He said there were times where they felt the urgency to find ways in addressing the damages of the roads in Sultan Mastura and Sultan Kudarat going to Cotabato City while there is lack of budget allotment for maintenance from the national government this year.

“It’s our conscience--moral responsibility to take the initiative in finding ways in repairing those roads,” Guerra underscored.

He continued discussing the further projects of the MPW explaining the establishment of the eight (8) isolation facilities followed by three (3) more within the district hospitals’ compounds.

According to the minister, “It’s permanent and if we all survive this pandemic then the hospitals could be used as expansion.”

He added that “the patients were comfortable” with these facilities. He elaborated how much they want to change the peoples’ perception in public hospitals through this established and well-made isolation facilities.

Minister Guerra explained that their operations are done with close coordination with the LGUs in constructing a road map per municipality to assess and rationalize the implementation of the projects considering its urgency and the primary concern.

He also said that “It should serve a wider community” to be approved.

Regarding the street lights, he said its installation is packaged after the construction of roads, and if monitored the unlighted places will therefore be installed with Solar lights like in the Bubong street near in theSultan Bolkiah Mosque in Cotabato City.

He also conveyed the completion of the road networks in Butig and Barira connecting MILF’s Camp Busrah and Camp Abubakar.

“My policy is to prioritize the small barangays that were taken for granted during the times of conflict over the huge infrastructure projects,” Minister Guerra conveyed.

According to him, in the span of 3 years every barangay will have 3 kilometer established roads within a single barangay.

Minister Guerra also shared the Ministry of Public Works’ flagship program in the fish port of Tawi-tawi where abundant fish supplies are brought.
The project includes a cold storage facility, ice plant, and industrial part within the fish port.

“And regarding the projects this 2021, we have about 15 billion cost of infrastructure and this is equitably distributed among the five (5) provinces, 63 barangays and two (2) cities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the guest BTA member said he proposed two bills, the National Government Corporation where it will be meant to accommodate the entering investors in the region and the National Energy Corporation wherein it will accommodate the natural oil and resources.

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

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2407/public-works-minister-guerra-shares-infra--rehab-projects-in-the-bangsamoro

CPP/CIO: Has Robredo succumbed to the AFP’s fascist tyranny?

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 25, 2021): Has Robredo succumbed to the AFP’s fascist tyranny?

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

November 27, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

Yesterday, Vice President Leni Robredo turned 180 degrees from her previous statement calling for the abolition of the National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac after being given a “security briefing” by the top leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In the company of pro-US fascist generals, Robredo, presidential candidate of the Liberal Party, seems to have succumbed to the AFP’s fascist tyranny and US security dictates. She declared support for the “mandate” of the NTF-Elcac and called its Barangay Development Program (BDP) “the best part of everything.” She seems to have accepted the erroneous analysis of the roots of the armed conflict that the military is presenting to justify the billions upon billions of pesos of funds placed in the hands of corrupt military officers.

Contrary to the false picture being painted by the NTF-Elcac, it is not the lack of roads, school buildings or clinics that condemn the vast majority of people in the countryside to poverty; rather the lack of land to till, low farm wages, high costs of fertilizers, low farmgate prices, liberalized importation and smuggling of agricultural products.

The NTF-Elcac’s BDP is the generals’ version of “infrastructure building” that has been the hallmark of corruption of the Duterte tyrannical regime. It is being used by the NTF-Elcac as military pork barrel to enhance the political influence and power of the AFP. In exchange for their support, military generals, retired and active, are accumulating vast political and economic power.

By giving her full support to the NTF-Elcac, Robredo appears to ignore the widespread human rights violations that have accompanied the BDP and the AFP’s counterinsurgency. Drooling over the ₱20 million for each barangay, military commanders on the ground have ordered their men to go on a rampage in rural villages (in the guise of “community service”), hamletting communities and restricting people’s movements, intimidating civilians and murdering peasant leaders and activists, to force them to “surrender” as NPA members, blurring the line between combatant and civilians, in violation of their legal rights and without being charged in court.

Recall that Duterte formed the NTF-Elcac after terminating peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), just as draft agreements on socioeconomic reforms were set to be signed. Since it was formed, the NTF-Elcac has carried out counterinsurgency measures (red-tagging, forced “surrenders”, corruption, aerial bombing, artillery shelling, hamletting, extrajudicial killings and massacres) that run contrary to peace negotiations. By supporting the NTF-Elcac, Robredo herself is practically shutting the doors to peace negotiations.

By declaring support for the NTF-Elcac and the AFP’s counterinsurgency, is Robredo also endorsing the campaign of aerial bombardment, strafing and artillery shelling that has terrorized and endangered civilian communities, and destroyed their farms and forests which serve as source of their food, water and medicines?

Robredo’s sudden support for the NTF-Elcac went against the senate’s decision to slash the NTF-Elcac’s budget from ₱28 billion to ₱4 billion, after finding its proposed budget so indefensible and riddled with anomalies. Did not Robredo hear the widespread calls of various sectors, especially in the countryside “laylayan,” for the NTF-Elcac’s outright abolition?

Robredo is ignoring the fact that the NTF-ELCAC and the AFP have declared villages as “cleared of NPA” which in the first place had no NPA presence. Billions of pesos are being poured into AFP and the NTF-Elcac based on the mere word of the AFP and its generals who are notorious for lying and issuing false information.

She has also ignored the fact that the NTF-Elcac has listed school building projects where there are already schools, which the DepEd itself complained about, and that road projects are being listed twice. Did she ignore reports that money supposedly meant for barangays have been handed over in bulk to town mayors or provincial governors? It is no wonder that some local officials, especially the most corrupt, are supportive of the BDP since they can get their dirty hands on hundreds of millions of pesos.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/27/has-robredo-succumbed-to-the-afps-fascist-tyranny/

CPP/NDF-MAKIBAKA: MAKIBAKA statement on IDEVAW 2021

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 25, 2021): MAKIBAKA statement on IDEVAW 2021

MAKABAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN (MAKIBAKA)

November 25, 2021

Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan – MAKIBAKA, the revolutionary organization of Filipino women, joins the worldwide commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The 25th day of November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women that is commemorated to raise awareness on the different forms of violence inflicted to women and the grim reality of its extent and scale all over the world.

However this significant date does not only pertain to gender-based violence.

Historically, November 25 is the date of the assassination of the three Mirabal sisters during the Trujillo military dictatorship. Their names, Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa are well-remembered for their active involvement in the anti-dictatorship movement in Dominican Republic and deeply embedded in the monument of people’s heroes.

Sixty one years after the Mirabal sisters’ murder, revolution has become more and more relevant and vital. Armed resistance with socialist perspective remains the decisive path for the eradication of gender-based violence until the genuine emancipation of women.

MAKIBAKA draws inspiration from the thousands of women in the world who are taking up arms and are at the frontline of the revolution. We continue to persevere and persist until the total annihilation of the very system that oppresses us!

Makibaka, ‘wag matakot!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/25/makibaka-statement-on-idevaw-2021/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Ang pagganti sa mga sibilyan ay labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 25, 2021): Ang pagganti sa mga sibilyan ay labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas

 

SAMUEL GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SORSOGON

November 25, 2021

Kinukundena namin ang dumadalas na tangkang pagpaslang, panghaharas at pananakit ng mga sundalo ng reaksyunaryong gobyerno sa mga sibilyan tuwing nasa operasyon ang AFP/PNP laluna kapag nakakasagupa nila ang NPA.

Kaninang alas-6 ng umaga, matapos makasagupa ang isang yunit ng NPA sa Brgy. Sangat, Gubat, hinalughog at binantaang pasasabugin ng mga sundalo ang bahay ng residenteng si Purisima Hapa. Si Hapa ay isang senior citizen at magsasaka na nakatira malapit sa pinangyarihan ng engkwentro. Ninakaw ng mga sundalo sa kanyang tirahan ag dalawang sundang at cash na P400. Ninakawan din ng mga alagang manok si Rolly Estolas, magsasaka at nakatira malapit din sa pinangyarihan.

Bago ang insidenteng ito ay tinangkang paslangin si Kenneth Escullar, magsasaka at residente ng Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Barcelona, nitong Nobyembre 24 bandang alas dose ng tanghali. Natutulog siya sa balkonahe ng kanyang bahay nang lapitan siya ng mga nag-ooperasyong sundalo. Pinutukan siya ng mga sundalo nang siya ay magising at tumakbo sa takot. Mabuti na lamang ay hindi siya tinamaan.

Binugbog at ninakawan naman ng mga alagang manok si Joey Escurrel isang magsasaka, may kapansanan sa pag-iisip at residente ng Bgry. Olandia, Barcelona pagkatapos ng matagumpay na depensa ng isang yunit ng NPA sa tangkang pagkubkob ng 31st IBPA nitong Nobyembre 2.

Ang pagbaling sa walang kalaban-labang mga sibilyan ay isang karuwagan at paglabag sa internasyunal na makataong batas at sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) hinggil sa wastong pagtrato sa mga sibilyan sa gitna ng umiiral na gera sibil sa bansa. Ipinapakita lamang ng mga insidenteng ito ang kawalang-pakialam ng mga reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mga masa.

Nanawagan kami sa mamamayang Sorsoganon na maging mapagmatyag sa posible pang maging paglabag sa karapatang tao sa gitna ng pinatitinding mga operasyon ng AFP/PNP. Dapat magkaisa ang mamamayan sa paglalantad at paglaban sa lahat ng porma ng paglabag sa karapatang tao. Hinahamon naman namin ang mga opisyal ng lokal na reaksyunaryong gubyerno na aksyunan ang mga daing ng mamamayan laban sa nasabing mga abuso militar.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/25/ang-pagganti-sa-mga-sibilyan-ay-labag-sa-internasyunal-na-makataong-batas/

CPP/NPA-North Central Mindanao ROC: AFP’s counterrevolutionary war is riddled with corruption

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Nov 25, 2021): AFP’s counterrevolutionary war is riddled with corruption

 

KA GABRIELLE

INFORMATION OFFICER

NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

November 25, 2021

The so-called whole-of-government approach is rotten. “Bayanihan” is practiced only by the government officers in squandering and pocketing the public funds.

Despite the upcoming national elections in 2022, the current administration and the Armed Forces of the Philippines continue wasting the people’s money. They shamelessly push for the allocation of billions of funds for the National Task Force-Elcac, even as as it reeks of corruption and controversies. Corrupt AFP officials and local politicians will surely pocket a big share from the proposed budget. On the other hand, it can also serve as a campaign milking cow in the upcoming elections.

For local and even national politicians, now is the best time to push for the allocation of ₱20 million for each barangay through the Barangay Development Program of NTF-Elcac. This will hugely benefit candidates in buying people’s votes and allocating for corruption-ridden infrastructure projects. Even now, local politicians and the military insist on visiting villagers and forcing them to attend mass meetings. They make residents line up and subsequently declare them as “hundreds of NPA surrenderees” even if in reality, they exceed the usual number of actual NPA fighters operating in the area. Lastly, they declare such barrios as “cleared” in order to claim their share of millions from the budget.

Why does the AFP need to waste huge funds just to get the people’s sentiment? Why do politicians, desperate in winning the elections, have to go through that process? Are their usual campaign tricks, sweet-talk and dancing in front of the public no longer effective? These only prove that the revolutionary movement have greatly served and helped in most barangays. The government needs to spend a lot of money to get the people to their side.

So now barangay officials are bragging about NPA presence in their areas so that some funds can reach them. But is ₱20 million enough for the people to forget about the revolutionary movement helping them in improving their livelihoods or even reach barangay residents?

It is a fact that there is nothing that the reactionary state can do to beat genuine land reform, raising wages, raising the farm gate prices and so on. Even in health issues, the NPA has done more to help the masses with their health. In addition, peace and order is sustained and drug problem is resolved in areas where there are NPA units.

Consequently, the measure to cut the ₱28 billion proposed budget of the NTF-Elcac is only just. There is already a lot of evidence of the malpractice of its E-CLIP program and the funds will only be wasted on violent red-tagging, harassment and fake news peddling.

In addition, all AFP operations and transactions under Duterte do not undergo auditing from the Commission on Audit. In fact, apart from the budget cuts, the National Task Force should no longer be funded, and should be completely abolished. As the country is confronted with severe hunger and poverty, it is only right for the people to unite and move to condemn the administration and the AFP’s corruption.

As it is, the state concentrating its strength to desperately defeat the revolutionary movement will only pave the way for the people’s resistance to grow stronger.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/11/25/afps-counterrevolutionary-war-is-riddled-with-corruption/