CPP/Ang Bayan: Court dismisses cases vs. 17 activists in Agusan del Sur

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Dec 7, 2021): Court dismisses cases vs. 17 activists in Agusan del Sur



A court in Agusan del Sur dismissed the trumped-up charges against 17 activists filed in 2019. The decision was issued on June 10, but the pertinent documents were only delivered to the lawyers of the accused on December 1.

According to Judge Fernando Fudalan Jr, the cases have been pending before his office for more than a year without any action by the prosecution.

The judge voided the warrants of arrest because the respondents listed in these are “John Does” without any description.

The 17 activists who were accused of kidnapping, robbery and arson are members of Karapatan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, who are based in Northern Mindanao.

Their cases are collectively called the “Sibagat cases.” The victims were maliciously linked by the military to a raid by the NPA-Agusan del Sur against a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Tubigon, Sibagat on February 19, 2019.

On November 24, a local court also dismissed trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against a couple activist who were arrested in Metro Manila in 2019. The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 19 dismissed the cases against Cora Agovida, spokesperson of Gabriela-Metro Manila, and Michael Bartolome, organizer of Kadamay.

[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/2021/12/07/court-dismisses-cases-vs-17-activists-in-agusan-del-sur/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Terrorism from the skies, terrorism on the ground

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Dec 7, 2021): Terrorism from the skies, terrorism on the ground

Bombing and military operations mounted by the Duterte regime’s armed forces sowed terror among the people in the past two weeks. At least six barangays in Iloilo, Sorsogon and Negros were affected by these attacks.

Four bombs were dropped by military fighter jets at Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo in the morning of December 1. Residents reported that they were awakened by explosions at around 5 a.m. The military also shelled the area repeatedly. This affected the livelihood of residents of farmers who have yet to recover from the impact of successive calamities which have struck the area in recent months.

The military made it appear that its unit engaged in an armed encounter with 70 Red fighters in the area prior to the bombing. The regional unit of the New People Army (NPA), however, clarified that no such encounter took place. Only a small NPA unit was in the area to assist the farmers in production.

In Sorsogon, a farmer was arrested while four others were harassed by soldiers. The military arrested Edwin Hitosis, barangay tanod of Trece Martirez, Casiguran on December 2. He was accused of being an NPA member. Soldiers harassed Purisima Hapa and Rolly Estolas, residents of Barangay Sangat, Gubat on November 29. In Barcelona, soldiers fired at Kenneth Escullar but missed in Barangay Sta. Lourdes on November 28. Soldiers also mauled Joey Escurrel of Barangay Olandia on November 2.

In Negros Oriental, soldiers of the 62nd IB combed through two sitios of Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City on November 23 and 28. They illegally entered houses, interrogated residents, and inspected their cellphones and other belongings. Soldiers also mauled Rodel Montero, 18, on his way to the farm. Soldiers stole his cellphone.

In Guihulngan City, soldiers occupying Sitio Kasingan, Barangay Trinidad indiscriminately fired their guns on November 21 at midnight.

In Bulacan, policemen arrested Joe-art Garrido Salvacion and Herbert Mendoza Rivera, local fisherfolk leaders in Barangay Binuangan, Obando, on November 25. The police made it appear that they were able to recover illegal drugs from the victims.

In Surigao del Norte, the police and military arrested Anecito Patac on November 26 at his house in Barangay Urbiztundo, Claver. Patac is the chairperson of the Adnama Mining Resources Inc Labor Union.

[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/2021/12/07/terrorism-from-the-skies-terrorism-on-the-ground/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Burdensome “surrender” drive in Sorsogon

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Dec 7, 2021): Burdensome “surrender” drive in Sorsogon



Ordinary civilians in Sorsogon could not live peacefully as the 31st IB, 22nd IB, 93rd Civil Military Operations (CMO) Company and police forces repeatedly coerce them to “surrender” under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

The most recent victims include residents of barangays San Jose and San Isidro in the town of Bulusan; Barangay San Ramon in Barcelona; and Barangay Bitan-o in Sorsogon City. In recent months, the military repeatedly coerced the residents to “surrender” as supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Manoy Rike was among the victims of forced surrenders in these villages. He works as a porter and carries products from farms to a nearby road. He earns ₱500 daily, which he uses to make ends meet for his family. When the military began its forced surrender campaign in their village, he lost more than his income.

Barrios that are under RCSP operations are subjected to military rule. Red-tagging, threat, harassment and intimidation against those accused of being supporters of the armed movement are rampant in these villages. Manoy Rike was summoned by the military to “clear” his name. Each round of interrogation lasts about six hours. This is aside from time wasted during the “surrender” day itself. Based on his estimates, he could have earned around ₱1,500-₱2,000 had he not been disturbed by the military.

On top of this, he loses more than ₱3,500 during RSCP operations in the barrio which usually last one week. “I could not go to the land I lease because soldiers might gang up on me alone in the farm. I could not feed the carabaos and cows, and could not visit other barrios,” he complained. “If I fail to appear before them, they will go to my family and harass them.”

“This is why residents opt not to go out of their houses during these operations in the barrio,” said Manoy Rike. Interrogations are conducted daily in villages subjected to RCSP. Other residents are summoned to the barangay hall or military camp up to three times daily. They are made to sign documents without being informed what these are for, and their pictures taken. The intimidation campaign culminates in an assembly where residents are made to take their “oath of allegiance” to the state, and admit that they are “NPA supporters.” The victims have repeatedly complained to the mayor of Barcelona and other local officials. The youth of Barangay Bitan-o complained that residents are being harassed and coerced by the 93rd CMO to falsely identify their neighbors as “NPA supporters.” But since local governments are dominated by Duterte’s National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac, they cannot act to address the complaints of their constituents. The 93rd CMO usually connives with the local media to whitewash its atrocity.

Residents are annoyed with the repeated “surrender” ceremonies mounted with only a gap of one month. An example of this is the forced surrender of 70 residents of Sta. Cruz and San Ramon in Barcelona who where forced to “surrender” in February 2020. They were once again assembled on April 8 in the town center to “pledge their allegiance” and stage a “rally” against the NPA. Later on November 19, they were again forced to “surrender” during an activity in Barangay Bitan-o. Other “surrenderees” were arrested or liquidated by the military. Most of them are known for not complying with the order of the military and police to spy on their villagefolk and relatives. Data by the NPA-Sorsogon indicate that at least three “surenderees” were arrested and another was killed.

Aside from Barcelona and Sorsogon City, forced “surrender” campaigns are also being conducted in other parts of the province. In Donsol, 17 civilians, including three barangay officials, were coerced to “surrender” in October. In Juban, residents of Barangay Calateo were forced to “surrender” twice. From January 2020 to August 2021, Sorsoganons from at least 97 barangays in 10 towns and cities were coerced to “surrender.” The said barangays are among the 113 barangays across the province which have been subjected to forced “surrenders” since 2018. Although afraid, Manoy Rike is filled with anger. “By harassing us and disrupting our lives, soldiers only prove themselves to be depraved people. They are Duterte’s attack dogs who do not care about us who are poor. They do not care about the huge losses we suffer when they are here. How will I be able to pay for the cabinet which I bought on credit if I am not able to work for several days?”

“Nothing has changed! We will still fight! Regardless of how many times they coerce us to pledge our allegiance to them, the military will never win the hearts of the people,” said ka Manoy Rike.

[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/2021/12/07/burdensome-surrender-drive-in-sorsogon/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA mounts successive raids in Negros

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Dec 7, 2021): NPA mounts successive raids in Negros



Units of the New People’s Army(NPA)-Central Negros mounted successive tactical offensives in the past two weeks. These include two raids and two harassment operations.

Red fighters raided a military safehouse in Barangay Kalupaan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on December 4. They were able to seize two military backpacks.

Hours earlier, another NPA unit raided a police headquarters protecting illegal gambling operations at Sitio Makulos, Barangay Bulado in the same city. A policewoman was apprehended and immediately released after being interrogated. Other police operatives fled in fear to their station.

On December 3, the same unit mounted a sniping operation against a CAFGU detachment in Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso. One soldier was killed.

In Negros Occidental, an NPA unit fired at a military detachment at Sitio Mamballo, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla on November 21.

In Northern Samar, the NPA ambushed operating troops of the PNP-Special Action Force in Barangay San Jose, Mapanas in the morning of November 20. Two policemen were killed, and four others were wounded.

Earlier, the NPA fired at 20th IB troops along the boundary of Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas and Barangay Hinagonoyan, Catubig on November 17.

In retaliation, the military shelled the encounter site four times.

[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/2021/12/07/npa-mounts-successive-raids-in-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Persevere in arduous struggle, celebrate the Party’s 53 years

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the PRWC Newsroom Website (Dec 7, 2021): Persevere in arduous struggle, celebrate the Party’s 53 years



The Party calls on its tens of thousands of members, Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA), activists and the revolutionary masses across the country and different parts of the world to celebrate this month the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Let us celebrate its achievements and draw lessons from mistakes, while strengthening our resolve to make the necessary sacrifices in carrying forward the arduous struggle to defend the welfare and interests of the people and advance their aspiration to liberate the country from imperialism and tyranny.

Why will the Party’s anniversary be celebrated? Because the Party and the people’s democratic revolution it leads represent hope for millions upon millions of Filipinos who are fed up with the ruling system that causes them daily suffering and hardships. Amid tyranny’s darkness, the revolution is a beacon that lights the way for the workers and peasants, the pettybourgeois intellectuals, women, teachers, nurses, ordinary employees, drivers, small professionals and low-income earners, members of the LGBT+ community, the unemployed both in the cities and rural areas, and other oppressed and exploited classes and sectors.

The Party and its program for people’s democracy and socialism galvanizes them to act and struggle for genuine change—to end the almost century-old semicolonial and semifeudal system dominated by the imperialists, big bourgeois compradors, big landlords and their armed brutes. In the Party, the people’s hope of finally attaining their desire for national freedom remains alive.

What is going to be celebrated on the Party’s anniversary? There is a lot to celebrate in the upcoming anniversary of the CPP. Let us celebrate how the CPP grew from a small group of proletarian revolutionaries to a Party with tens of thousands of cadres and members that are deeply rooted among millions of people.

Let us celebrate the Party’s establishment of the NPA that serves as the masses’ weapon to fight the ruling classes’ fascist terrorism. Let us celebrate the mutual care of the peasants and the people’s army and the big and small victories in waging agrarian revolution through the past five decades together with the Party and NPA.

Let us celebrate the building of organs of political power, the embryo of their new democratic government. Under these, people practice true democracy, in contrast to the pseudo-democracy of reactionary politics and elections, where fraud, violence, chicanery and money rule.

Let us celebrate how a new economic system is being built by eliminating feudal exploitation of peasants by landlords, and guiding the masses to the system of collective work to raise production and earn more. Let us celebrate how the environment is defended by punishing and driving away the plunderers. Let us celebrate how millions have benefited from the people’s government’s education, health and economic services. Let us celebrate the rich revolutionary culture that reflects the people’s national and democratic aspirations.

Let us celebrate how the people, inspired and guided by the Party, have built their unions, their peasant associations, their student councils and groups, and other forms of organizations to fight and defend the interests of the oppressed for genuine land reform, higher wages and jobs, defend their homes and their right to education, to free expression, and other basic civil, political and socioeconomic rights.

This year, let us celebrate how the Party, the revolutionary forces and people have fought back valiantly against the onslaught of state terrorism, how they are standing up for their rights and how they are showing determination despite the brutal murders and rampant violations of people’s rights committed by the reactionary state forces.

Let us celebrate how the Party and the revolution have so far frustrated Duterte and his armed minions in their annual declarations of crushing the Party and NPA. The Party and the armed revolution remains consolidated, strong and advancing.

Let us celebrate how the continuing growth in the number of Party cadres, NPA Red fighters, and activists of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The brutal realities of Duterte’s tyranny teaches them to fight and join the people’s democratic revolution.

Let us celebrate international proletarian and anti-imperialist solidarity—the unity of all forces fighting for national and social liberation across the world. The CPP and the Philippine revolution is only one among the numerous revolutionary movements across the world fighting the imperialist monster and all the oppressive and reactionary forces.

Where will celebrations of the Party’s 53rd anniversary be held? Celebrations of the Party’s anniversary will be held wherever there are branches of the Party, units of the NPA and chapters of revolutionary mass organizations: in factories, docks, offices and other workplaces, in communities of the urban poor, inside homes, in school campuses, in hospitals, in government offices, among migrant Filipino communities overseas, and of course, in the guerrilla zones and base areas among the rural communities and mountains camps of the NPA.

Hold big and small meetings and assemblies. Keep the enemy blind and deaf to the applause and cheers of the people. Frustrate Duterte’s evil aim of stopping these celebrations and convocations.

On December 26, all CPP cadres and members are called upon to unfurl and raise the Party’s red flag, pay tribute to our heroes and reaffirm their oath of commitment to serve the proletariat and people, to make the necessary sacrifices, surmount all obstacles, and advance the people’s democratic revolution until victory.

[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/2021/12/07/persevere-in-arduous-struggle-celebrate-the-partys-50-years/

CPP/CIO: Supreme Court decision will exacerbate state terrorism

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 9, 2021): Supreme Court decision will exacerbate state terrorism

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

December 9, 2021

State terrorism will surely be exacerbated following the decision of the Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of the so-called Anti-Terrorism Law (ATL), even if some of its provisions were voided. The decision further emboldens the fascists to carry out more vicious attacks against people fighting for the cause of national liberation and democracy.

The Supreme Court just made the fascists and tyrants very happy. In the hands of the National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac, the ATL will surely be used to further terrorize millions of people.

Even now, workers unions, peasant organizations, student groups, even church people, health workers, teachers and groups defending the people’s welfare and interests have been targeted for armed suppression. Military and police abuses will become even more rampant.

The Supreme Court decision further stokes the culture of impunity that has prevailed among the armed forces, the police and state paramilitaries which have been on a frenzy of suppression and murder over the past six years.

By supporting the ATL, the Supreme Court made itself complicit with state terrorism. From now on, the blood of the victims of the reactionary state’s “war on terror” will be on the hands of the magistrates who affixed their signatures on this decision. They have just signed an omnibus death warrant and gave the NTF-Elcac, the AFP and PNP the license to kill, kill and kill.

The decision of the Supreme Court supporting the ATL compels all democratic sectors to join ranks and amplify their demand for its complete repeal. They must go out into the streets and manifest their indignation.

We maintain that waging armed resistance against tyranny is a legitimate right of the people. In the face of heightening state terrorism, the right to bear arms to fight the oppressors becomes even more indubitable.

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/09/supreme-court-decision-will-exacerbate-state-terrorism/

CPP/CNL: Fight for People’s Rights, Wage the National Democratic Revolution!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 8, 2021): CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION (CNL)//Fight for People’s Rights, Wage the National Democratic Revolution!

CHRISTIANS FOR NATIONAL LIBERATION (CNL)
December 8, 2021

“Behold, I am sending you as a sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”Matthew 10:16, ESV

With the commemoration of the 73 Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, during the Human Rights Day, 10 December 2021, we continue to journey and fight with the Filipino people in its quest for justice amidst the glaring human rights violations in the country. As Christians for National Liberation, we continue to promote and proclaim human rights, and denounce human rights violations (HRVs) in the Philippines primarily by joining and supporting the armed struggle by establishing and empowering people’s organizations with the aim of eradicating the three root causes of the social crisis in the country US imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism.

Under the tyrannical administration of Rodrigo Roa Duterte, more than a million Filipinos have been subjected to different forms of HRVs. Such violations include genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, criminal negligence, and grave economic crisis; in which most of the victims are poor Filipino people, coming from the toiling masses of workers, farmers, fishers, national minorities, urban poor, activists, and human rights defenders. Even at the height of the global crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tyrant Duterte did not hesitate to use and empower the reactionary and corrupt armed forces through billions of funds and incentives. Militaristic rule was prioritized over rapid vaccine roll out, free and accessible health services, economic aid, food relief, and livelihood support for poor Filipino families. The wanton and skyrocketing increase of oil prices, supported by Duterte’s kneel to his imperial masters through neoliberal policies, mercilessly allow millions of Filipinos to die of hunger and wallow on systemic poverty.

Through the National Task Force- to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which was created under the “whole-of-nation” approach in December 2018, Duterte spent billions of public funds to reinforce tyranny and state terrorism with the junta he has formed. This agency is responsible for the intensified vilification of the work of rights defenders and activists which results in harassment, illegal arrests, incarceration and even killings. More HRVs would be committed by the fascist Duterte regime, especially now that the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is already in place. All of these are desperate efforts to silence the growing and resounding cry of the Filipino masses for their fundamental rights, and for tyrant Duterte to evade accountability for his crimes. However, all these efforts are in vain, as these only reinvigorate and reaffirm the oppressed and toiling people’s democratic right for revolution, especially against unjust, tyrannical, and oppressive rule.

Amidst the intensified human rights repression in the country, we are now faced with the changing of guards come May 2022. The elections of the reactionary government, however rigged it may be, and albeit dominated by the ruling elite, is a platform where we can maximize to expose and oppose such tactics and politicians that carry anti-people policies. We also maximize the elections in pressing for accountability and justice. We should open our eyes to such ploy—of those demagogues returning to power. We should be wary of the Marcos-Duterte- Arroyo tandem who have formed an unholy alliance in order to maintain and expand power through the rotting system of bureaucrat capitalism. This is a glaring challenge to the Filipino masses to concretely expose and oppose leaders of regimes, despotic political dynasties that have committed insurmountable crimes and rights violations against the people. The democratic forces should not allow the fascist, corrupt, and plundering Marcos-Duterte gang to maintain and root their power any further.

Our continued participation in the elections is needed to amplify platforms that will truly serve the Filipino people — agrarian reform, national industrialization, job security and just wages, quality and free health services, national sovereignty and independence, and social justice. We must support and amplify candidates and their platforms that are one with us in ending decades-long oppression in our land and consistently champion human rights.

Over and beyond elections, the CNL affirms that ONLY THROUGH the unity of the broad Filipino masses in waging the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective could the rights and dignity of every Filipino could be upheld. This is to say that we all have the reasons to continue the people’s democratic revolution, pursuing it more profusely, even beyond reactionary elections. The people’s protracted war shall continue on!

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/08/fight-for-peoples-rights-wage-the-national-democratic-revolution/

MILF: Bangsamoro Social Services Minister Jajurie presents MSSD’s programs, services for the Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 1, 2021): Bangsamoro Social Services Minister Jajurie presents MSSD’s programs, services for the Bangsamoro (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)



COTABATO CITY — Deputy Majority Floor Leader and Minister of the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie presented her agency’s programs, projects and services implemented for various beneficiaries in the Bangsamoro Region during the 26th episode of Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro of the Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc. last Saturday (November 27).

 
Jajurie said providing the beneficiaries with package services under social welfare or social services is the mandate of the MSSD which is one of the 15 ministries established during the transition under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.

“We have to give integrated social welfare to our constituents, address the socially disabling or dehumanizing conditions that they’re facing, protect, care, and rehabilitate the vulnerable sector, as well as promote policies for the betterment of the people,” she elaborated.

According to Jajurie, poverty in the region is quite high and there are a lot of vulnerabilities. “We are disaster prone, armed conflict, and therefore we need to help them with those vulnerabilities,” she underscored.

Jajurie conveyed that even though the autonomous government is now existing there are still nationally funded programs by DSWD that are being implemented and coordinated with MSSD in the region such as 4Ps, social pension, supplementary feeding, sustainable livelihood program, and as well as program pertaining to trafficking.

The social services minister further disclosed MSSD’s various flagship programs called KUPKOP Program for the Child and Youth Welfare of which there is a P5,000 monthly stipend and case management for the orphans less than eighteen (18) years old, KALINGA Program which is for the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) with five hundred pesos of monetary assistance, and ABAKA, an educational assistance program to help elementary to college students in their expenses with an allotment of ten thousand pesos per year per beneficiary.

Jajurie added that MSSD has recently launched another flagship program dubbed as Bangsamoro Sagip Kabuhayan (BSK) wherein the agency is giving a ‘seed money’ or start-up capital to bring back their economic activity.

“Lastly, there’s Unlad Pamilyang Bangsamoro which is a combination of the different aspects of the mentioned programs which targets twenty-three thousand poor families in the BARMM,” Minister Jajurie said.

Minister Jajurie also clarified the difference between her Ministry to Chief Ministers’ Project TABANG and the BARMM READi which are administered by Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo of the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG). She explained that the said projects were mandated to do an immediate assistance.

“However the MSSD does the same thing, the ministry stays in the location even after the assistance until everything goes back to normal,” she elaborated

She said that MSSD’s main clients are the poor and the vulnerable sector of the autonomous region who are in dire need of help from the government in terms of social welfare.

“For example, children, women, elderly, disabled, and other sectors, and since the pandemic, new ones like Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) and Returning Overseas Filipino,” Jajurie said.

[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/2409/bangsamoro-social-services-minister-jajurie-presents-mssd---s-programs--services-for-the-bangsamoro

MILF: Minister Sinarimbo highlights MILG’s disaster response project for the Bangsamoro

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 6, 2021): Minister Sinarimbo highlights MILG’s disaster response project for the Bangsamoro (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)

In Photo- Minister Naguib Sinarimbo

COTABATO CITY — Minister Atty. Naguib G. Sinarimbo of the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) highlighted their agency’s disaster response project during 27th episode of Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc. “Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro” on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

“That Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READi), an office attached to MILG, is the emergency responders in the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao), he said.

Sinarimbo conveyed, “If there are displacement, conflict, flood, and earthquake this is the office (READi) that responds within 72 hours for fast delivery of service to our people.”

He said that the BARMM-READi provides medical assistance for those involved in an accident, relief assistance to displaced people, and facilitates training the Local Government Units and other emergency responders.

“It also has technical assistance for the Local Government Units for betterment of their experience in emergency response,” he added.

Sinarimbo explained the difference between the other Flagship Program of the Office of Chief Minister and other BARMM ministries like Project TABANG and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

“Project TABANG is essentially the humanitarian response of the Office of Chief Minister while MSSD’s program is relief assistance that arrives after the emergency, ours [READi] arrives during the emergency. So in terms of speed in response ours is faster,” he further explained.

The interior minister said emergency response, relief assistance, and training component, and policy development are their main interventions, “We have a goal that every community has their own response team in order for faster response,” he said.

He also mentioned training in Water Search and Rescue (WaSaR), Incident Command System (ICS), “So that the emergencies inside their community would be addressed faster,” he added.

About the coordination with different offices and ministries, in terms of implementation and community interventions, Sinarimbo said: “If it’s a wider humanitarian and service delivery the coordinator is Project TABANG,” he said, “If it’s for Emergency Operation Center (EOC), we in the Bangsamoro READi are the ones assigned.”

“If there’s a sudden conflict, we’ll activate the EOC since we are the Secretariat of the Regional Disaster Management Council with the Chief Minister as its Chairman. If this happens, automatically the convergence of pillars of the Disaster Response like the MSSD, MOH, MPW, and BPDA will be in the physical space of EOC of the Bangsamoro READi,” Sinarimbo elaborated.

He also said that Bangsamoro READi delivers services outside the BARMM core territory and responds to the victims of earthquake, flash flood and typhoon, and fire incidence.

“There’s no boundaries in humanitarian assistance in times of disaster. We, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region wants to show that we just don’t serve our people, if there’s a huge incidents of disaster we’re bringing the team, because that should be the message of emergency response that we shouldn’t only take care of our own people but the humanity itself,” he pointed out.

[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/2410/minister-sinarimbo-highlights-milg---s-disaster-response-project-for-the-bangsamoro

MILF: 100 MILF-BIAF in Lanao joining National Vaccination Days

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 8, 2021): 100 MILF-BIAF in Lanao joining National Vaccination Days (Alexander Iskandar, Luwaran)
   


Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao- More than 100 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were vaccinated at Camp Bilal here Thursday as part of the National Vaccination Days, which also highlighted the culmination of the 20th Mindanao Week of Peace, Mindanews report said Friday.

Dr. Sofia Omar, Rural Health Unit Officer of Munai, Lanao del Norte, administers vaccine to a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces at a health facility of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Bilal Thursday afternoon (2 December 2021). MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

The report said that the vaccination was held at Camp Bilal, the lair of the famed MILF fighter “Kumander Bravo” and now Member of Parliament Abdullah Macapaar, at Sitio Kura-Kura of Barangay Tamparan of this municipality. It is also the headquarters of the MILF’s Northwestern Mindanao Front Command.

Macapagal said that “We here at Camp Bilal, together with my base commanders and the rest of our men, are strongly supporting the government’s National Vaccination Days so we’ll all have protection against COVID-19.”

“If we love our family, we should not hesitate to be vaccinated,” he said, urging fellow MILF members to go to the nearest vaccination center.

Dr. Sofia Omar, Rural Health Unit officer, said it was a mix of first and second doses for the MILF fighters.

“On behalf of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, I am calling on my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters of the entire Lanao Region to avail of the vaccine,” Macapaar added.

Samanodin Oraki, a BIAF member for the past 18 years, said he is convinced that the vaccine will protect people against COVID-19 and convinced fellow Moro warriors to get their jabs, too. Orakei had his second dose of Sinovac in the camp.

[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/2411/100-milf-biaf-in-lanao-joining-national-vaccination-days

AFP gets P62 billion for 32 Black Hawks, 6 patrol ships

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 9, 2021): AFP gets P62 billion for 32 Black Hawks, 6 patrol ships (By: Dexter Cabalza)

BLACK HAWK FLEET The Department of National Defense eyes the acquisition of 32 more S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopters to boost 15 existing Black Hawks in the Air Force fleet. --CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The government has allocated P62 billion to purchase 32 more S-70i Black Hawk utility helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Philippine Navy.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday night told reporters that the Department of Budget and Management has earmarked P32 billion to buy the new helicopters from Polish-aerospace manufacturer PZL Mielec and P30 billion for the OPVs from the Australian shipbuilder Austal, which has a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.

Lorenzana said the government wanted the ships to be built in Cebu. Under Philippine law, the military’s equipment acquisitions projects should generate local employment “as far as applicable.”

However, no contract has yet been sealed for the patrol boats and helicopters as negotiations are still under way, according to Lorenzana.

“I hope we can sign the contract before the end of the President’s tenure, [since] the [procurement] process will take a bit long,” he said.

Replace WWII-era ships

The Philippine military is largely focused on crushing the New People’s Army to end the more than half-century-old communist insurgency and defeating Islamic State-affiliated militants. At the same time, it is increasingly being challenged to beef up its external defense capability mainly due to Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

The OPVs will replace the World War II-era ships that the Navy earlier retired and will decommission, such as its Malvar class patrol corvettes.

Each OPV can accommodate 52 sailors and is equipped with a 76mm gun and two 25mm remote weapon systems. These ships are for coastal defense and patrol.

Based on the design unveiled by Austal during the Pacific 2019 international expo, they will each be 83.4 meters long, with a 13.3-m beam and a draft of 4 m. The ship has a flight deck that can handle a 10-ton helicopter and can launch and recover a drone.

Powered by diesel engines, it can sail at a maximum speed of 40.7 kilometers per hour and has a maximum cruising range of 6,482 km.

The planned purchases are part of the P35-billion budget for the revised modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines next year. Under the law, the funds appropriated for the AFP modernization program are treated as a distinct and separate item from the regular budget of the Department of National Defense (DND).

Retire Hueys, too

During the change of command ceremony of the PAF on Tuesday, Lorenzana said President Duterte approved the plan to buy more Black Hawks to replace the PAF’s fleet of Bell UH-1 helicopters, the popular Vietnam War-era Hueys.

“The President said to just buy new helicopters so we can finally retire our Hueys, because a number of our crew had died while flying Hueys,” he said.

According to Lorenzana, more helicopters in the military fleet would ease the work of infantrymen who would no longer have to hike long distances.

“We no longer need to bring food provisions, because resupply will be easier. It all boils down to this synergy of our forces,” the defense chief added.

The 15 Black Hawks now in the PAF fleet have been used in various operations, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response missions, and recently to transport COVID-19 vaccines to remote areas in the country.

In November, the PAF received the last five to complete the country’s purchase in 2019 of 16 Black Hawks for $241 million from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. through its subsidiary PZL Mielec.
Reformed program

The first six were delivered in November 2020, while the second batch of five was delivered in June. One of the first units crashed in an accident on June 24 while on a night-flying exercise, killing all six on board.

The acquisition of the OPVs for the Philippine Navy was part of the Horizon 2 of three “Horizons” in the AFP’s reformed modernization program.

Among the projects completed under Horizon 1, from 2013 to 2017, was the procurement of two Jose Rizal missile-equipped frigates.

Horizon 2, which was set for 2018-2022, includes the upgrade of the Navy’s MPACs (multipurpose attack crafts) and Del Pilar class frigates. The DND has not disclosed details of Horizon 3, slated for 2023 to 2028, but said it would include the continuation of projects that were not completed in the previous period.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1525636/afp-gets-p-62b-for-32-black-hawks-6-patrol-ships

Improvised bomb explodes in Sumisip, Basilan – Army

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 9, 2021): Improvised bomb explodes in Sumisip, Basilan – Army (By: Julie S. Alipala)

An improvised bomb exploded near a construction site in Sumisip town, Basilan, on Thursday afternoon, the Army said.

Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said the explosion happened near the national highway and the boundary of Limbo and Candis and Barangay Central at around 3 p.m.

No casualty was reported even as children were reportedly playing near the construction site just before the explosion.

Gobway said the explosion could be motivated by extortion.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1525940/improvised-bomb-explodes-in-sumisip-basilan-army

Killing of Basilan mayor may be election-related rido — military official

From MindaNews (Dec 7, 2021): Killing of Basilan mayor may be election-related rido — military official (By FRENCIE CARREON)

Residents of Al-Barka, Basilan mourn as the body of Mayor Darussalam Lajid is laid to rest on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021. Photo courtesy of Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as

Rido (clan war) fueled by politics could be the motive behind the killing Monday of Mayor Darussalam Lajid of Al-Barka, Basilan, Task Force Basilan Commander BGen Domingo Gobway said in an interview.

Lajid was killed while Mayor Alih Salih of Akbar town from the same province was wounded after still unidentified gunmen attacked them Monday morning shortly after disembarking from a seacraft at the Balisawan Seaside here.

“Pwedeng connected sa rido at politics dahil tumatakbong mayor si vice mayor. Eh dati, magkakampi ‘yan sila,” (It could be rido and politics because the vice mayor is running for mayor. They used to be allies) Gobway said, alluding to Al-Barka Vice Mayor Mujib Jakilan.

Basilan Governor Jim Salliman condemned the incident. But he said he cannot categorically say that the attack was election-related even if Jakilan is also running for mayor, or that it was related to the shooting incident on Aug. 3 this year involving the two camps.

“We don’t know yet because both have enemies. But the Armed Forces of the Philippines had ironed things out between them last month. In fact, there was an amicable settlement, although some things remained unresolved, but both agreed to identify who the perpetrators were of that incident (Aug. 3 shooting),” Saliman said in Filipino.

On Aug. 3 this year, armed followers of Lajid and Jakilan clashed, killing Lajid’s nephew, Amman Lajid, and Topy Kinista, Jakilan’s relative and supporter.

Gobway said Lajid and Jakilan were scheduled to sign a peace covenant on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Gobway, who had tried to bring the two parties to a dialogue, confirmed that they had arrived at an amicable settlement on Nov. 20 at the brigade headquarters.

But he added that their children were unable to go with them because the night before the settlement the vice mayor’s bodyguard identified as Abusarin Jaafar Munkarun was killed in his house in Lamitan City.

Salliman affirmed Gobway’s statement that there remained unresolved issues between Lajid and Jakilan, who were cousins, which were not known to the intervening parties.

He said Lajid engaged in peace and development work in his first two terms as mayor. “In fact, his children are professionals.”

The slain mayor’s son is the first medical doctor from Al-Barka.

Lajid’s body was transported by a speedboat at noon of December 6, Monday, to Al-barka, where it was buried on the same day.

Mayor Sali meanwhile was reported to be in stable condition as on Tuesday by attending physician Dr. Noel Arquiza of Brent Hospital.

But his bodyguard-cousin, Barad Nuruddin, died almost 9 a.m. on Monday, city police director Rexmel Reyes said in his report to the Police Regional Office-9.

Police investigators recovered five shells of .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.

Police said the two mayors arrived past 8 a.m. on Monday at a private port fronting the house of fisherman Zaldy Hamid. They were with their wives, children (identities withheld for security reasons) and some civilian escorts.

The gunmen opened fire after the group of the two mayors reached the mosque in Baliwasan, Police Corporal Alnajar Hussam said in a report.

Deputy House Speaker Mujiv Hataman expressed his grief in his social media account.

In a phone interview, he described Lajid as a good leader who had served his people and province well, participating in security efforts in Al-Barka and implementing infrastructure projects.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/12/killing-of-basilan-mayor-may-be-election-related-rido-military-official/

Anti-terror law ‘constitutional’: Supreme Court

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2021): Anti-terror law ‘constitutional’: Supreme Court (By Benjamin Pulta)

The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday said it upheld the validity of the Republic Act (RA) 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2022 except for two provisions of the law.

In a media advisory, the high court said aside from a portion of Section 4 and a portion of Section 25, all the other challenged provisions of RA 11479 are not unconstitutional.

Section 4 deals with excluding mass actions and similar exercise of civil and political rights from the definition of terrorism while Section 25 is about requests by foreign agencies or bodies to designate persons as terrorists and terrorist organizations.

"The ponencia (majority opinion) and the various opinions contain interpretations of some of the provisions declared in these cases as not unconstitutional," the SC said.

It advised the parties and the public “to await the publication and read the decision and the separate opinions for the explanation of the votes.”

The SC voted 12-3 to declare unconstitutional the qualifier portion of Section 4 which states “which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety."

This qualifier to the proviso in Section 4 "is declared as unconstitutional for being overbroad and violative of freedom of expression," the court said.

Likewise stricken down by a vote of 9-6 was a portion of Section 25, paragraph 2 which allows "request for designations by other jurisdictions or supranational jurisdictions may be adopted by the ATC after determination that the proposed designee meets the criteria for designation of UNSCR No. 1373"

Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Malacañang will refrain from issuing a statement “until we have secured a copy of the latest Supreme Court decision on Republic Act Number 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.”

Once the Palace receives the SC decision, Nograles said the Office of the Executive Secretary will study the ruling and, in consultation with the Office of the Solicitor General, consider the next course of action.

“We reiterate that Republic Act Number 11479 underscores our commitment to seriously address terrorism and to uphold the rule of law,” he in a statement.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año also kept mum on the matter until securing a copy of the SC decision.

“Hindi ko natanggap yung advisory ng (I have not received the advisory of the) Supreme Court, so hindi muna ako magko (I will not make a) comment until I get that copy for further study pero (but) we'd rather that the lawyers study it,” Esperon said.

He, however, noted that only “two portions” of the RA 11479 were declared unconstitutional and not the entire law.

Año echoed Esperon, saying he respects the decision of the SC but noted that “adjustments” could be made to the law.

“First of all, we respect the decision of the Supreme Court. However, the entirety of the ATA law is constitutional except for the two items as cited by the SC. The declared unconstitutional provisions are minimal and it won’t affect at all the ATA 2020,” he said.

“We’ll make appropriate adjustment but we strictly implement Anti-Terrorism Law in order to protect the people against all acts of terrorism,” he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government lawyers will study the implication of the SC ruling.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162280

SC ruling on Anti-Terror Law victory for Filipinos: NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2021): SC ruling on Anti-Terror Law victory for Filipinos: NTF-ELCAC

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday “greatly” rejoice and welcomed the “landmark” Supreme Court (SC) ruling on the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

“This ruling exhibits the Supreme Court at its finest, and showed that it is a bastion of Justice and Fairness for all Filipinos seeking to protect the sacrosanct rights to life and liberty,” the NTF-ELCAC Legal Cooperation Cluster said in a statement.

It said the SC decision is a victory for the Filipino people over terrorism “which is regarded as a crime against the Filipino people, against humanity, and against the Law of Nations.”

“While a qualifier to the proviso in Section 4 and paragraph 2 in Section 25 of the law are declared unconstitutional, the same are quite insignificant, and do not, in any way, diminish the efficacy of the law or otherwise render it impotent. Indeed, the law in its entirety stood compelling, dynamic, and apposite with the demand of the present time and circumstances,” the statement read.

Despite the 37 petitions challenging validity of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2022, the NTF-ELCAC said the spirit of the law, resonating the voice of the people calling for justice and condemning the more than five-decade social menace that has been wreaking havoc especially in the country-side, has been heard and upheld by the Highest Court of the Land.

“This victory will ensure that the Philippines has a dynamic law, at par with other countries, aimed in vanquishing terrorism balanced with the protection of human rights,” it said.

The task force said the SC ruling serves as a stern warning against those malevolent groups or individuals who sow terrorism that the Philippines is not a safe haven for them, and that they will be hunted down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“Victory is sweetest when it is for the People,” it said.

The SC upheld the law's validity except for two provisions of the law but said aside from a portion of Section 4 and a portion of Section 25, all the other challenged provisions of RA 11479 are not unconstitutional.

The High Court voted 12-3 to declare unconstitutional the qualifier portion of Section 4 which states “which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162336

886 PNP personnel promoted in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2021): 886 PNP personnel promoted in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

NEWLY PROMOTED. A total of 886 uniformed personnel of the Police Regional Office 5 have been promoted to the next higher rank. During their oath-taking and pinning of rank ceremony on Thursday (Dec. 9, 2021) at Camp Brig. Gen. Simeon A. Ola in Legazpi City, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, reminded them to uphold their duties with utmost responsibility, dedication, and maturity. (Photo courtesy of PRO5)

A total of 886 uniformed personnel of the Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) have been promoted to the next higher rank.

They received their new ranks during an oath-taking and pinning of rank ceremony on Thursday in front of the PRO-5 Grandstand at Camp Brig. Gen. Simeon A. Ola here.

In his message during the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5 regional director, reminded his men to uphold their duties with utmost responsibility, dedication, and maturity.

“Wag nating kalimutan na ang publiko ay laging nakamasid sa ating mga ginagawa. Isaisip natin na di sapat na nagawa natin ang isang bagay gaano man ito kahusay sapagkat singhalaga ng bawat accomplishment ay ang pamamaraan na ating ginamit sa pagkamit ng mga ito. Kaya naman muli kong ipinapaalala sa lahat na gawin ang bawat misyon o anumang gawain sa trabaho man o sa personal na buhay nang tama at naaayon sa regulasyon at sa batas. (Let us not forget that the public is always watching us. Keep in mind that our accomplishments are as important as the way we have achieved them. That's why I am reminding everyone that in everything you do, be it may in your work or personal life, always do the right thing and according to the rule of law)," Estomo said.

He also extended his congratulations to the police personnel for their well-deserved promotion.

“Most of all, don't forget that we are police and public servants. The true measure of how effective we are is when we reach the expectation of our community that we are serving. Once again, congratulations)," Estomo added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, said the promotion is part of the 2nd Level Regular Promotion Program and 4th quarter Police Lieutenant Colonel Continuous Promotion Program.

"This promotion is one of the effective ways to raise the morale and welfare of its members on their contributions to the realization of the organization’s goals," she added.

Calubaquib said among the Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) promoted were two Lieutenant Colonels; 30 Majors; 29 Captains; and one Lieutenant.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162261

NoCot farmer finds 3 rifle grenades, alerts Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2021): NoCot farmer finds 3 rifle grenades, alerts Army (By Edwin Fernandez)

LIVE EXPLOSIVES. An Army soldier examines the rifle propelled grenades, also known as B40 rockets, found by a farmer in Barangay Rangayen, Alamada, North Cotabato on Wednesday (Dec. 8, 2021). The military is still trying to determine which particular group hid the explosives in the area. (Photo courtesy of 34IB)

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – A farmer by chance has found three live anti-tank rockets in a dense thicket in a remote village in Alamada, North Cotabato, the Army here said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion commander, said the unidentified farmer found the three tubes under decaying wood in the village of Rangayen, Alamada, on Wednesday afternoon.

“The B40 rockets or rocket-propelled grenades are set off using a shoulder-fired launcher,” Vilchez said.

He said the farmer immediately alerted the soldiers manning a 34th IB detachment in the village so that it will not fall into the wrong hands.

The farmer told soldiers that he has no idea who owned the rifle grenades and why it was kept near his farm.

The explosives are now at the 34IB headquarters in Barangay Salunayan here for safekeeping.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162249

New BARMM peacekeepers cap 30-day training, brace for deployment

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2021): New BARMM peacekeepers cap 30-day training, brace for deployment (By Edwin Fernandez)

BARMM JOINT PEACEKEEPERS. The 142 members of the 4th Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) execute a snappy salute during graduation rites at the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao on Wednesday (Dec. 8, 2021). The new JPST graduates, the fourth batch in the series of training this year, successfully hurdled their 30-day training. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao – A total of 142 graduates of the 4th Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) training here are set for deployment Thursday across the region, officials said.

This came about after the officials of the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) witnessed the closing ceremonies for the 4th batch of JPST trainees from the police, Army, and former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The combined 142 successful training participants are now confirmed as full-fledged members of the JPST,” said Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, Police Regional Office (PRO) - BARMM police director.

The JPST is a mechanism that supports the Government of the Philippines (GPH) - MILF peace agreement to address and prevent hostilities, work on security arrangements for activities and personalities involved in the peace process, and support dispute resolution initiatives on the ground.

Ugale said the training was specifically designed to equip government forces and former MILF combatants to become competent peacekeeping forces in their assigned areas.

“The training aims to equip the JPST members with needed knowledge and skills to effectively carry out their mandate in ensuring peace and security in areas mutually identified by the government and the MILF,” he said.

In a statement, Naguib Sinarimbo, BARMM interior minister and concurrent BARMM spokesperson, has lauded the perseverance shown by the participants in their 30-day training on peacekeeping and peacebuilding concerns.

“The graduates will be deployed in the areas mutually agreed between the GPH and the MILF tasked to track and document private armed groups (PAGs), and help in the reduction and control of weapons,” Sinarimbo, a lawyer, said.

The BARMM official was also the guest of honor and speaker during Wednesday’s culmination program held at the PRO-BARMM parade grounds here in Parang town.

The BARMM cover the cities of Cotabato, Marawi, and Lamitan; the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi; and the 63 villages in six towns in North Cotabato.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162250

Army overruns NPA hideout in Agusan; rebels yield in Butuan

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9, 2021): Army overruns NPA hideout in Agusan; rebels yield in Butuan (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte

Troopers from the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) on Wednesday afternoon overran a New People’s Army (NPA) hideout after an encounter in Sitio Taub, Barangay Rizal, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, the 23IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency Thursday that their troops were conducting focused military operations in the area in response to the reports of civilians on the presence of the NPA insurgents when the clash broke out.

“After the 10-minute armed encounter, the rebels abandoned their position as they scampered to different directions,” Paulo said.

He said the rebels were led by a certain Rogelio Gerondio alias Napnap of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Paulo said the NPAs had been using the hideout for the past several days as they conducted their terrorist activities in Barangay Rizal.

“Our troops recovered one M14 rifle with three magazines. We also recovered from the hideout two containers filled with some 200 M-14 and M-16 rounds of ammunition,” Paulo said.

He said they also suspect that the encounter resulted in several casualties on the side of the NPA insurgents.

“We immediately conducted clearing and pursuit operation where our troops discovered bloodstains in their escape routes,” Paulo said.

Surrender of NPA leaders

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) reported the surrender of two ranking NPA leaders to the 402IB in Butuan City on Tuesday.

The 4ID identified the surrenderers as Armando Rabanes alias Antoy, the deputy secretary and concurrent finance officer, political adviser, and spokesperson of the Sub-Regional Command (SRC) 3, NPA NCMRC; and Marvin Hinampas Campos alias Manoy, the squad 1 leader of Platoon Sagay, SRC3, NCMRC.

“Ravanes is listed by the 4ID as a high-value individual who has close ties with Ka Oris while Campos is part of the NPA group that supported Ravanes,” the 4ID said.

The two NPA rebels also turned in their M16 and AK-47 rifles.

“The surrender of Ravanes only proves that the NPA has weakened particularly in the Agusan provinces. We have advanced the momentum since the death of Ka Oris as its members' morale is greatly affected in addition to the lack of support from the civilian populace,” said Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., 4ID commander, and newly-appointed Philippine Army chief.

Brawner also urged the remaining NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte to surrender and give peace a chance.

“The communist rebels will not win in this fight and that they must abandon the armed struggle as the Army will not stop to track and pursue them until they are defeated,” Brawner said.

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

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/1162300

Kalinaw News: DTI, Army conduct Livelihood Seminar for FRs, CAAs and Women’s Sector in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): DTI, Army conduct Livelihood Seminar for FRs, CAAs and Women’s Sector in Nueva Ecija

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – In a bid to give additional livelihood skills and increase the source of income of Former Rebels, CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA), and from a Women’s Sector, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Nueva Ecija in collaboration with 84th Infantry (VICTORIOUS) Battalion, Philippine Army conducted a livelihood seminar at 84IB Headquarters, Brgy. Sto Nino 2nd, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija on December 8, 2021.

The livelihood seminar is part of the Negosyo Serbisyo Sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) program of DTI that allows a wider reach of business development assistance. Said program aims to support the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for the Former Rebels (FRs).

The making of All-Purpose liquid detergent, handwash, and alcohol were among the skills the 29 participants ( 12 FRs, 5 CAAs, 9 Women) learned during the livelihood seminar.

DTI San Jose City Senior Training Specialist, Marilou Santos said, “Ang pagsasanay na ito ay patungkol sa entrepreneurship kung saan binibigyan natin ng sapat na kaalaman kung paanu magsimula ng negosyo kasama din po dito ang paghahanda at pagpaplano”.

One of the FRs expressed his gratitude for the government’s initiative. “Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa walang humpay na tulong ng DTI at 84IB sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga kalaaman para sa dagdag na pangkabuhayan at pagkakakitaan lalo na sa panahong ating nararanasan ngayon”.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo PA lauded the continued collaboration of the stakeholders with the Army by assisting the FRs through this kind of initiative that is necessary for their reintegration process into mainstream society. These efforts are the realization of the Chinese proverb and an oft-quoted saying, “Give a man a fish, and he will be hungry again tomorrow; teach him to catch a fish, and he will be richer all his life.

“This is the result of our strong collaboration with the LGU and NGAs, and we are happy for the full cooperation of our FRs,” said BGen Costelo.

[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/dti-army-conduct-livelihood-seminar-for-frs-caas-and-womens-sector-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: CTG Surrender Spikes as EastMinCom Doubles Down Ops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): CTG Surrender Spikes as EastMinCom Doubles Down Ops

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command’s (EastMinCom) relentless operations against the Communist Terrorist Group, as directed by Commander LtGen. Greg T. Almerol, elicited a spike in surrender as 11 more communist terrorists capitulated while troops also seized high-powered firearms and explosives on separate incidents.

LtGen. Almerol said that the surrenderers belong to the CTG’s Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) and Sub-Regional Committee 3 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC3, NCMRC) who capitulated on December 5 and 7, respectively.

Out of the 11 surrenderers, eight belong to FSMR identified as Orlando Potol Igalan alias Carding/Arman, Jerome Sogotan Palapan alias Rockey, Rosita Mansibad Bualan alias Tban, Rita Damaoso Panay alias Goliau Black, Jonathan Sarno Arcala alias Ariel, Ryan Sarno Arcala alias Tamsi, Boy Bilog Caway alias Boyka/ Baking, and Rolan Lipay alias Happy who yielded to the troops of 1002nd Brigade’s 73rd Infantry Battalion (73rd IB) and Intel units at Sitio Kibayo, Barangay Sugai, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental on December 7, 2021.

The eight surrenderers also endorsed their high-powered firearms composed of two M16 rifles and an M653 rifle to the troops.

Another communist terrorist identified as Janrex Oganap alias Nilo, a member of GF Musa, FSMR, also surrendered to the troops of 73rd IB and gave up his Cal. 45 pistol, two cellular phones, and a Baofeng radio on December 5, 2021.

On the same day, combined troops of the 73rd IB, 10th K9 Team, Intel units, and PNP who were pursuing CTG leader Meredio Sambilad alias Yoyong of the now-defunct GF Tala seized an M60 machine gun at Sitio Sabu, Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province through the aid of former rebels.

Meanwhile, two communist terrorists belonging to SRC3, NCMRC identified as Armando Rabanes alias Antoy/Dagat/Omar Ibarra, Deputy Secretary/Finance Officer/Political Officer/Spokesperson, and Marvin Hinampas Campos alias Manoy, Squad Leader, Squad 1, Platoon Sagay also surrendered to the troops of 402nd Brigade and Intel units and gave up their firearms consist of an M16 rifle and AK47 on December 7, 2021.

On top of these, troops of the 1002nd Bde’s 72nd IB and Intel units also recovered four CDX “capto” Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) weighing 12 kilograms each as a result of the revelation of a CTG courier of Guerrilla Front 57, SRC-3, SMRC during a joint intel operation launched at Sitio Upper Banban, Barangay Miaray, Dangcagan, Bukidnon on December 7, 2021.

The EastMinCom Commander decried the CTG’s continued use of IED’s which is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law.
“This detestable act is a great manifestation of the CTG’s utter disregard of IHL. Clearly, they have no qualms about endangering innocent lives in the pursuit of their violent and selfish agenda,” LtGen. Almerol said.

LtGen. Almerol lauded the troops for ensuring the safety of the people by removing the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) left by the CTG in communities. He also commended the soldiers for their unceasing support for the Command’s campaign for peace and development to meet the goal of ending the local communist armed conflict by 2022.

“We will never stop until the remaining CTG members are neutralized. We are determined more than ever to capture them that is why I urge them to surrender peacefully instead of continuing to evade our forces,” LtGen. Almerol said.

“The level of determination that our troops in Eastern Mindanao have since the beginning never wavered. Our men are strong and resolute in ending the local communist armed conflict in the country and finally pave way for unhampered development” LtGen. Almerol added.

LtGen. Almerol added that troops are also cultivating a culture of cooperation with the Philippine National Police, the populace, and the Local Government Units (LGU) in support of the whole-of-nation approach as ordered by Executive Order 70, the national’s campaign in ending the local communist armed conflict.

[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/ctg-surrender-spikes-as-eastmincom-doubles-down-ops/

Kalinaw News: High-ranking military officials visit WestMinCom

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): High-ranking military officials visit WestMinCom



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 9, 2021

Three high-ranking military officials visited the Western Mindanao Command on December 8, 2021. They consecutively paid a courtesy on WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. at the command headquarters at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.

Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado, the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy was welcomed with full military honors led by Lt. Gen. Rosario, at the parade ground of the command. The two three-star generals then proceeded to the Laong-Laan hall for a short meeting. There, they were joined by Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao; Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, Deputy Commander for Operations of WestMinCom; Col. Romeo Racadio, Commander of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi/2nd Marine Brigade; and the command staff.

Vice Admiral Bordado said that he is happy with the performance of the navy units under the command and control of WestMinCom. “The successes that the navy reaps are attributable to your unwavering support and guidance,” the FOIC addressed the WestMinCom Commander.

The navy general is set to visit all the naval units in the WestMinCom’s AOR.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz, Commander of Army Support Command and Brig. Gen. Irineo Sebastian, Commander of 55th Engineer Brigade also paid a courtesy call on the WestMinCom Commander on the same day.

Lt. Gen. Rosario and his staff received the distinguished visitors at the Laong-Laan hall of the command. According to the two army generals, they will grace the change of command ceremony of the 2nd Logistics Support Group at Camp Enrile, Malagutay, this city.

WestMinCom strictly followed the health protocols during the visit of the three generals.

[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/high-ranking-military-officials-visit-westmincom/

Kalinaw News: Soldiers recognized for gallantry in Zamboanga City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): Soldiers recognized for gallantry in Zamboanga City

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – December 9, 2021

Five soldiers of the 45th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Sulu were accorded the Wounded Personnel Medal on December 6, 2021. The gallantry of the soldiers was recognized after sustaining wounds during an encounter against more or less 30 terror group members under Radullan Sahiron in Barangay Danag and Barangay Maligay, both of Patikul Sulu at noon of December 5.

Awarded were Corporal Sydney Tangguiyac, Private Aljade Jamjiron, Private Brayan Marfe, Private Edmun Ferrer, and CAA Nadzmir Majili. They also received cash gifts amounting to PhP20, 000.00 each.

The awarding was held at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Calarian, this city. Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of the 11th Infantry Division/Joint Task Force Sulu presided over the awarding ceremony. He was accompanied by Col. Elmer Suderio, Chief of Unified Command Staff who represented WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., and Cdr. Edwin Ello, the Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Personnel, U1.

“We thank you for your service and sacrifices. Know that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Filipinos are proud of you,” Maj. Gen. Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said, “I commend the members of Team Alakdan and Joint Task Force Sulu for your continuing dedication and selfless service to our country and people. May this recognition be an added motivation in your efforts to quell terrorism in Sulu”.

[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/soldiers-recognized-for-gallantry-in-zamboanga-city/

Kalinaw News: Two Brigades in 10ID NET 14 NPA Members, Machine gun, Supplies, War materiel

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 9, 2021): Two Brigades in 10ID NET 14 NPA Members, Machine gun, Supplies, War materiel



MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division through its 1002nd and 1003rd Infantry Brigades facilitated the surrender of 11 members of the Communist Terrorist Group, the capture of three supply and medical CTG members in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, and the recovery of four high-powered firearms from the series of operations from December 5 to 8, 2021.

73rd Infantry Battalion on December 7, 2021, has facilitated the surrender of Far South Mindanao Region members from the revelation of alias Che-Che, Borjack, and Nilo at Sitio Kibayo, Barangay Sugai, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.

The surrenderees are the following:

a. Alias CARDING/ARMAN, FSMR member, 45 years old, resident of So Tamuan, Brgy Barrio bukid, JAS Davao Occidental.
b. Alias ROCKEY, FSMR member, 25 years old, resident of So Liburon, Brgy Manuel Peralta, Malita, Davao Occidental.
c. Alias TBAN, FSMR member, 37 years old, resident of So Balantako, Brgy Kalbay, JAS, Davao Occidental.
d. Alias GOLIAU Black, FSMR member, 40 years old, resident of So Mainit, Brgy Caburan, JAS, Davao Occidental.
e. Alias CVARIEL, FSMR member,20 years old resident of Brgy Mangga, Matanao, DDS.
f. Alias TAMSI, FSMR member, 28 years old, resident of Brgy Mangga, Matanao, DDS.
g. Alias BOYKA / Baking, FSMR member, 27 years old, resident of So Malinawon, Brgy Barrio Bukid, JAS, Davao Occidental.
h. Alias HAPPY, FSMR member, 18 years old resident of Brgy, Congan, Glan, SP.

Along with their surrender are war materiel that include two (2) M16A1 rifles, and one (1) M653 rifle.

Meanwhile, an M60 Machine gun was also recovered by the 73IB in a separate operation together with the Malapatan Municipal Police Station and 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Company of the Philippine National Police at Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province last December 5, 2021.

The troops also accommodated the surrender of a 20-year-old member of Guerilla Front Musa under FSMR in Barangay Sugal, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. One (1) caliber 45 pistol, two (2) cellular phones, and one (1) commercial radio were also surrendered to the troops by the said FR.

Also, four (4) Improvised Explosive Devices weighing 12 kilos each were recovered by the troops of the 72nd Infantry Battalion following an operation at Sitio Upper Banban, Brgy Miaray, Dangcagan, Bukidnon Province last December 7, 2021.

In addition, two (2) former rebels in the 27th Infantry Battalion area of operation were assisted in their surrender on December 8, 2021, both in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

Bravo Company of 27IB has aided the voluntary surrender of former Militia ng Bayan and Courier of Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) named Dampan Kompiot alias Dampan at Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte with his one (1) M1 Garand with ammunitions.

While Charlie Company of 27IB on the same day, facilitated the surrender of Junior Buntulan Ehem alias Pawan under Iskwad Primera of SRGU, SRC5 at Sitio Old Laslasakan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

Furthermore, troops of the 89th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less six members of Communist New People’s Army Terrorist against the group of Ka Mandy of SRC5 at Sitio Pusod, Brgy Cayaga, San Fernando, Bukidnon last December 7, 2021, at around 10:25 PM.

The firefight resulted in the capture of:

a. Alias BEAUTY, Platun Medic, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from So Sambulungan, Talaingod, DDN;
b. Alias EBA, Supply Officer, Squad Primera, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from Laslasakan, Talaingod, DDN;
c. Alias AILYN, Medic, Squad Primera, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from So Peroy, Talaingod, DDN.

The said rebels were tasked to pick up the supply of SRC5 but were overrun by the troops in the drop of site.

10th Infantry Division Commander MGen Ernesto C Torres Jr vows to continue the intensive military operations in Agila Division area of responsibility to finally eliminate the remnants of the CTG disrupting peace and development in the whole Southern Mindanao.

“As we near our goal in clearing our area of responsibility here in Southern Mindanao, our troops will aggressively pursue peace spoilers to make way for more insurgency-free communities. We urge our fellow Filipino brothers and sisters who are still in the CTG to lay down their arms….and may this yuletide season become the start of lasting peace in our region.” MGen Torres added.

[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/two-brigades-in-10id-net-14-npa-members-machine-gun-supplies-war-materiel/