CPP/NDF-NPA-Negros: Focus all efforts to assist victims of typhoon Odette – NPA Negros spox

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 19, 2021): Focus all efforts to assist victims of typhoon Odette – NPA Negros spox

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-NEGROS

December 19, 2021

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army (AGC-NPA), issued a statement today relaying instructions of the NPA Negros Island Regional Operational Command to all its units to focus all efforts in helping the people affected by typhoon Odette within the territory of each guerrilla front.

Based on the instructions of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the AGC-NPA commanded NPA units to organize and mobilize the people collectively in repairing destroyed houses, farms and other sources of livelihood and take heed of public health.

“On the other hand, all units must be alert against enemy plans to sabotage our relief and rehabilitation efforts and launch defensive actions if enemy attacks cannot be avoided and NPA units are put in danger,” Magbanua stated.

Meanwhile, National Democratic Front (NDF) – Negros noted that the most affected by typhoon Odette are poor peasants and farm workers in the countryside and the poor fisherfolks along the shoreline.

According to NDF-Negros Spokesperson Ka Bayani Obrero, the people are still suffering from the effects of the regime’s militarist measures on the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are again abandoned by the state.

“This calamity has worsened poverty and hunger among the people. Their homes are most affected; wrecked by strong winds and falling debris. Their source of livelihood are also destroyed with farmlands ruined and no work is available while the haciendas and other work areas are still recovering from devastation,” Obrero said.

The NDF-Negros likewise echoed the call of the CPP for immediate assessment of the destruction and organizing relief missions and rehabilitation campaigns to aid Negrosanons.

It also called on local government, from the barangay up to the province level, to give full assistance to those affected especially the farmers and fisherfolk challenging officials to show their sincerity of serving their constituents.

Lastly, it urged the people to launch collective actions and as a community help one another in recovering from typhoon Odette.###

Reference:

Ka Juanito Magbanua
AGC-NPA Negros spokesperson

Ka Bayani Obrero
NDF-Negros spokesperson

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/focus-all-efforts-to-assist-victims-of-typhoon-odette-npa-negros-spox/

CPP/NDF-Negros: Buligan ang linibo ka pumuluyong Negrosanon nga biktima sang bagyong Odette

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 19, 2021): Buligan ang linibo ka pumuluyong Negrosanon nga biktima sang bagyong Odette

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-NEGROS

December 19, 2021

Bag-o lang nag-agi ang bagyo nga Odette sang Disyembre 16 sang gab-i asta Disyembre 17 sang kaagahon nga nagbilin sang tuman kadaku nga halit sa pumuluyong Negrosanon. Linibo ka pumuluyo ilabi na mga mangunguma, mamumugon sa uma, mangingisda, mamumugon kag imol nga taga-syudad ang nawad-an sang puluy-an kag nawasak ang palangabuhian, talamnan, palangisdaan kag iban pa nga ginakuhaan sa matag-adlaw nga kinahanglanon para mabuhi.

Ang Apolinario Gatmaitan Command sang New People’s Army-Negros Island naga-upod sa kalisod nga nadangatan sang linibo ka pumuluyong Negrosanon tuga sang sining mabaskog nga bagyong Odette partikular diri sa isla sang Negros.

Basi sa instruksyon sang Partido, ginamanduan ang tanan nga yunit sang NPA sa isla sang Negros nga i-pokus ang tanan nga pagpaninguha agud mabuligan ang pumuluyo sang sakop sang mga larangan gerilya tubtob sa malab-utan sang aton bulig.

Pangunahan ang pag-organisa kag kolektibo nga pagpahulag sa pumuluyo sa pagkay-o sang naguba nga mga balay, mga talamnan kag iban pa nga ginakuhaan sang matag-adlaw nga kinahanglanon para mabuhi kag ang pagtamod sang ila ikaayong lawas.

Sa pihak nga bahin, dapat mangin alerto batok sa plano sang kaaway nga maghalit sa aton ginapatigayon. Maglunsar lang sang depensiba nga aksyon kon indi na malikawan kag mabutang sa piligro ang yunit sang NPA.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/buligan-ang-linibo-ka-pumuluyong-negrosanon-nga-biktima-sang-bagyong-odette/

CPP/NDF-Negros: Collectively recover from the devastating effects of typhoon Odette

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 19, 2021): Collectively recover from the devastating effects of typhoon Odette

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS

December 19. 2021

Typhoon Odette rampaged through Negros on the evening of December 16 until the early hours of the following day. It caused much devastation in Negros Island where the most affected are poor peasants and farm workers in the countryside and the poor fisherfolks along the shoreline.

The basic masses are at a loss after typhoon Odette. Still suffering from the effects of the regime’s militarist measures on the COVID-19 pandemic, they are again abandoned by the state. The calamity has worsened poverty and hunger among the people. Their homes are most affected; wrecked by strong winds and falling debris. Their source of livelihood are also destroyed with farmlands ruined and no work is available while the haciendas and other work areas are still recovering from devastation.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) – Negros calls on all forces of the revolutionary movement in the Island to immediately assess the destruction in your respective areas and launch relief missions and rehabilitation campaigns to aid Negrosanons affected by typhoon Odette.

Our solidarity as a people is essential to collectively recover from the devastating effects of this calamity. We call on local government (from the barangay level up to the province) to give full assistance to those affected especially the farmers and fisherfolk. This is one of those times when your sincerity of serving your constituents is tested.

We urge the people to launch collective actions and as a community help one another in recovering from typhoon Odette. ###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/19/collectively-recover-from-the-devastating-effects-of-typhoon-odette/

Kalinaw News: Army shares Christmas Gifts to GIDA Community

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): Army shares Christmas Gifts to GIDA Community



Manaoag, Pangasinan – Troops of the 702nd Infantry Brigade and 69th Infantry Battalion visited the villagers of Bab-asig in Patiacan, Quirino, Ilocos Sur for medical mission and gift-giving to share Christmas blessings to the villagers of the former NPA base.

According to Lt. Col. Marcelo Valdez, Commanding Officer of the 69th Infantry Battalion whose jurisdiction covers the area, a total of 179 villagers availed of medical check-up, free medicines while 26 circumcisions were conducted. In addition, a total 250 grocery packs were given to households, 230 toys to children and 25 school supplies to selected students.

Medical practitioners from the Provincial Health Office of Ilocos Sur, Medical Team of RHU Qurino, Ilocos Sur and the Medical Team of 702nd Brigade spearheaded the activity.

(“Naggasat kami ta nakaawat kami ti nasapa ng pamasko babaen iti medical mission nga insangbayyo ditoy baryo mi. Pagyamanak unay iti inyumay dagiti soldado, ti probinsiya ti Ilocos Sur ken dagiti dadduma nga nagdonar iti agas, ken nagsakripisyo ti talento ken oras da.”) “We are very fortunate for the early Christmas gift through the medical mission brought in our barangay. Thank you to the soldiers, the provincial government of Ilocos Sur and other stakeholders who donated medicines and who sacrificed their time and their talents,” said Barangay Captain William D. Mayion of Barangay Patiacan.

[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/army-shares-christmas-gifts-to-gida-community/

Kalinaw News: New Army Chief visits WestMinCom

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2021): New Army Chief visits WestMinCom



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

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Commanding General of the Philippine Army visited the Western Mindanao Command on Sunday morning, December 19, 2021. He was welcomed by Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. at the Laong Laan Hall at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city. They were joined by WestMinCom’s Deputy Commander for Internal Operations, Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete; Chief of Unified Command Staff, Col. Elmer Suderio; Joint Task Force Zamboanga Commander, Col. Randolph Rojas; and the WestMinCom’s Unified Command Staff.

During their conversation, Maj. Gen. Brawner expressed his gratitude to the WestMinCom family for the warm welcome. He also lauded Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. for his able leadership that resulted in numerous accomplishments of the command. He also enjoined the troops, particularly the army personnel, to exert their best efforts in accomplishing their mandates for the people and the state and to maintain the very satisfactory rating of the Philippine Army.

Maj. Gen. Brawner assumed as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army on December 7, 2021. Prior to his current post, he was the commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division in northern Mindanao. He is a proud member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989.

“I am personally elated to be visited by our new Army Chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner. We are eager to begin the New Year with the new administration in the Philippine Army,” Maj. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

Maj. Gen. Brawner was the guest of honor and speaker during the Change of Command Ceremony of the 54th Engineer Brigade.

[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/new-army-chief-visits-westmincom/

Kalinaw News: Gov’t Troops Continue to Sustain Gains against CTG, Another Bulk of War Materiel Seized in Sorsogon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 19, 2021): Gov’t Troops Continue to Sustain Gains against CTG, Another Bulk of War Materiel Seized in Sorsogon



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-A tip-off from concerned citizens led the government troops to another bulk of war materiel owned by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Juban, Sorsogon at around 4:30 in the morning, Saturday, December 18.

Joint elements of 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB), Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SPPO), and other intelligence units of Army and police conducted a security operation in response to the said information and forayed upon the said war materiel hidden in a land owned by a private individual.

Comprising the stash of war materiel are anti-tank mines, two anti-personnel mines, eight improvised hand grenades, three pistons with blasting caps, 50-meter wire, a switch for anti-personnel mine, handcuff, three bottles of anti-personnel mine components, and terroristic propaganda materials.

Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, Battalion Commander of 22IB, thanked the residents for the prompt report which led to the said accomplishment.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, said that the continuous discovery of the enemies’ war materiel is a stern warning to the CTG.

“Magsilbi sana itong babala sa mga komunistang terorista na wala na silang mapagtataguan maging ng kanilang mga armas dahil kasama natin ang mga mamamayan sa pagbabantay sa bawat kilos at mga iligal na aktibidad ng CTG saan mang bahagi ng Bicol,” Col. Almase said.

PBGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5), stressed the importance of the growing support of the public in the government’s campaign against insurgency.

“Kaya kompyansa tayong matatapos natin ang labang ito dahil kasama natin ang mga Bicolano,” PBGen. Estomo said.

For BGEN ADONIS R BAJAO, Acting Division Commander of 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division, this another accomplishment translates the solid bond between the government troops and the local populace.

“This is one of our goals—to rally the Bicolanos with us in this fight. Sa patuloy na pagkakaisa nating lahat, hindi imposible ang mithiin nating wakasan ang insurhensya,” BGen. Bajao 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/govt-troops-continue-to-sustain-gains-against-ctg-another-bulk-of-war-materiel-seized-in-sorsogon/

Kalinaw News: BIFF sub-leader, members lay down arms in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 19, 2021): BIFF sub-leader, members lay down arms in Maguindanao

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

Following a massive surrender of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter combatants on December 17, 2021, another BIFF Field Commander and 10 of his followers laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on December 18, 2021.

“Alias OB10, the 2nd Division Field Commander of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, and his cohorts handed over their firearms to the government forces Saturday afternoon. They were subsequently presented to Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr., Commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade; Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

Col. Balisi, Jr. said the surrender of the 11 BIFF personalities is a result of the collaborative efforts of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Samuel Nadala Jr., 6th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, Police Regional Office-BAR, and Maguindanao Provincial Police Office.

Surrendered personalities handed over two 5.56mm M16 rifles, one 7.62mm M14 rifle, one Springfield rifle, two Garand rifles, two locally-made RPGs, and two locally-made Barret Sniper rifles.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the efforts of the security forces. “The synergy between the security forces is tantamount to our advantage in fighting against local terrorists in this part of the region. We can successfully thwart the enemies’ ploys through our strong collaboration and cooperation. Rest assured the JTF Central will continue to strengthen our relationship with the police and the LGUs and will never stop hunting down the enemies of the state to ensure the safety of our people,” the two-star general said.

Since January 2021, JTF Central has reported a total of 251 neutralizations of which 86 were killed, 162 surrendered, and three were apprehended.

“This significant breakthrough exemplifies that the government forces continue to gain ground in the campaign against terrorism. Rest assured that we will never falter until lasting peace is attained in Central Mindanao and the entire operational area of the Western Mindanao Command. I also enjoin everyone to be with us in this quest,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

[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/biff-sub-leader-members-lay-down-arms-in-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: 79IB sends rescue teams to Kabankalan City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 18, 2021): 79IB sends rescue teams to Kabankalan City



Sagay City, Negros Occidental —The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division has sent out rescue teams to augment the ongoing relief and rescue operations in Kabankalan City on Friday night.

As reports started coming in about the intense flooding in Kabankalan City caused by typhoon Odette, 79IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines mobilized and deployed two (2) disaster response team to complement the disaster relief and response efforts of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other rescue teams in the area.

“We have already deployed our troops in Kabankalan City since Friday night to assist the LGUs, local agencies and other rescue teams to ensure the safety of the affected residents,” said Lt.Col. Javines.

Rescue teams from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, PNP, BFP and LGU are exerting all their efforts to provide the necessary assistance to the Negrenses especially those who have been isolated by floods.

“Our rescue teams were equipped with emergency response equipment and transport assets. The deployment of our troops will surely help expedite the rescue operations to those affected by the heavy floods caused by typhoon Odette”, Lt.Col.Javines 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/79ib-sends-rescue-teams-to-kabankalan-city/

Kalinaw News: 4ID deploys troops for disaster response as tropical storm Odette struck

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 18, 2021): 4ID deploys troops for disaster response as tropical storm Odette struck



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – “4ID has committed 85 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams for Tropical Storm Odette. These teams were either deployed or on alert for the conduct of rescue and retrieval operations to all affected areas in our area of responsibility (AOR) in coordination with the concerned Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) of the local government units.”

Brigadier General Oliver T Vesliño, the Acting Commander of 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, stated that 4ID shifted to HADR operations after severe TS Odette intensified and struck some areas of 4ID’s AOR particularly parts of Caraga region, parts of Misamis Oriental province and Cagayan de Oro City on December 16.

4ID’s line units coordinated with the regional, provincial and municipal DRRMCs for the conduct of Disaster Response Operation (DRO) and had a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment in order to pre-empt further casualties and damages during the landfall of TS Odette.

Brig Gen Vesliño added that 4ID also and made available a total of 129 military trucks, including rubber boats, to support the LGUs for the implementation of force evacuation in flood-prone areas and rescue operations in areas that were directly hit by TS Odette.

He went on to say that HADR is part of the AFP’s mandate, and the 4ID are always ready and committed in supporting and assisting local government units, as well as providing all available manpower and logistical resources to mitigate the effects of a disaster.

“We thanked the resiliency and determination of our troops, together with the LGUs and other partner stakeholders. They worked in unison to prepare for and respond to the infact of tropical storm Odette. Rest assured that the 4ID is fully dedicated in providing continuous support and ensuring that affected families will overcome the challenges brought by the disaster,” Brig Gen Vesliño further said.

Meanwhile, Brig Gen Vesliño criticized the CPP-NPA-NDF’s attack on the soldiers while they are on their way in the DRRMC in Madrid, Surigao del Sur in preparation for the TS Odette landfall on December 15. Two (2) civilians were injured while the troops disengaged safety.

Governor Alexander Pimentel of Surigao del Sur condemned the attack of the CTG on soldiers as a barbaric act, putting the lives of the civilians in danger. He said that attacking the soldier is also an attack on the people who only want peace and development in the province because soldiers were there to help the people of Surigao del Sur due to Typhoon Odette.

“While our soldiers risk their lives to save the residents from the danger of the typhoon, these terrorists, the CPP-NPA-NDF, without conscience and consideration of the situation of the people, took undue advantage and attacked our soldiers despite the presence of civilians. This was a desperate attempt to deliver accomplishment in time for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ 53rd anniversary. It is also part of their diversionary tactics because of our relentless, focused military operations in the area,” Brig Gen Vesliño explained.

“We urged the Communist Terrorist Group to be mindful on the plight of the people and always uphold their welfare. Stop using violence to further your agenda, it will never solve our problems. But instead take advantage of the government’s reintegration program, the E-CLIP. It will provide you an opportunity to return to your families and communities”, Brig Gen Vesliño 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/4id-deploys-troops-for-disaster-response-as-tropical-storm-odette-struck/

Kalinaw News: Army extends humanitarian assistance to Typhoon Odette-affected communities

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 18, 2021): Army extends humanitarian assistance to Typhoon Odette-affected communities



Sagay City, Negros Occidental — The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion has deployed troops to assist in the disaster response and relief efforts to typhoon-hit areas in Northern Negros on December 17, 2021.

79th IB which has jurisdiction over Northern Negros mobilized its Disaster Response and Relief Operation (DRRO) teams to assist various Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) in providing transportation assistance, rescuing affected residents, distributing food packages, and in the conduct of clearing operations in typhoon-stricken areas.

The troops, together with other rescue teams, continue to clear the roads from obstructions such as fallen trees, lamp posts, and power lines to allow unimpeded passage of emergency response vehicles, relief supplies, and public transport.

Transportation assets were also provided for the hauling and delivery of relief goods from various stakeholders to evacuation areas and communities.

Meanwhile, Masaligan DRRO Teams were also deployed to Kabankalan City to assist the local government in its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Since Thursday night, the severe floods left most areas in Kabankalan City submerged in water due to torrential rains brought about by typhoon “Odette”, with several residents reported to be isolated and needed to be rescued. Thus, 79IB facilitated the deployment of (2) DRRO teams in Kabankalan City to complement the disaster response effort of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and other rescue teams in the area.

Until this time, Masaligan Troopers are still on the ground continuing their mission in assisting the residents affected by the Typhoon “Odette” in close coordination with the concerned City/Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (C/MDRRMO).

“Our troops are ready to respond 24/7 to provide the necessary assistance to the people of Negros and ensure their safety. We are now closely monitoring the situation in the areas badly hit by the typhoon in coordination with the LGUs and City/Municipal DRRMO to complement their disaster response effort.”, said Lieutenant J-jay Javines, 79IB Commanding Officer.

[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/army-extends-humanitarian-assistance-to-typhoon-odette-affected-communities/

Congress urged to fund NTF-ELCAC programs

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 19, 2021): Congress urged to fund NTF-ELCAC programs (By John Rey Saavedra)

Bohol Governor Arthur Yap has urged members of Congress to show their sincerity in resolving the decades-old old insurgency problems by approving the funding for barangay-level development projects.

Yap said the development programs are the answer to the insurgency in villages identified as communist terrorist group-affected areas.

“ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) is the most expansive program to fund development down to the barangay level in CTG affected areas,” he said, adding, the projects prepared through the Barangay Development Program are vetted by the local governments side by side with the affected communities and national government agencies.

“Now that the hard preparatory work is done, I ask that Congress, especially the Senate, must now fund this project to show our serious resolve in ending half a century of bloodshed and missed opportunities,” he said.

He called on the lawmakers to support the administration’s effort to end the insurgency in order not to waste more time and lives uselessly.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo also called on his constituents to show their dismay by not electing politicians who would block development efforts in the conflict-hit villages. “If there are politicians who want to undermine this unified program for national peace, let them show our frustration by denying them of our vote in the upcoming election on May 9, 2022,” he said.

Degamo said programs designed solely to benefit residents in affected and vulnerable areas have restored people’s confidence in our government. He cited the National Task Force ELCAC’s effort to bring in various national government agencies, local officials, community leaders, and people’s organizations in proposing programs through the whole-of-nation approach as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte under Executive Order No. 70.

Guihulngan Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes also thanked Duterte and the legislative branch for funding development projects in conflict-hit communities in his city which is considered as the most vulnerable area in Central Visayas due to the presence of the New People’s Army.

Reyes said the city’s Task Force ELCAC has been working with the national task force in hatching projects that will directly redound to the benefit of vulnerable communities. “Guihulngan City Task Force ELCAC is immensely grateful to NTF-ELCAC for the tangible and solid gains achieved in terms of peace and national security. These gains are the natural and expected benefits that spring from the grant of to the different conflict-affected barangays,” Reyes said.

These projects, he said, should continue as the government intends to face the challenge of uplifting the lives of the constituents by responsibly executing the delivery of basic and social services. 

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/12/congress-urged-to-fund-ntf-elcac.html

PH, Israel drafting MOU on defense cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19, 2021): PH, Israel drafting MOU on defense cooperation (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Macairog Alberto (Facebook photo)

The country is looking at Israel as a partner in boosting its response to terrorism and improving the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Negotiation is ongoing for a "broad-ranging" Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation, which shall serve as the primary framework of Israel and the Philippines on military ties, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Macairog Alberto told Israeli social media personality Hananya Naftali in a recent interview.

As of this posting, the two nations are working on the agreement's draft.

"We consider Israel as one that we are looking at in response to terrorism and also on how we can improve the AFP for its capability not only against terrorism but also on how to have a good external defense capability," Alberto said.

The Philippine Navy is also expected to acquire eight units of fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-M) from Israel under a government-to-government procurement scheme.

The acquisition of the FAIC-M is among the 2019 projects approved by President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

Aside from defense, Alberto said the two nations are also engaging on ways to battle the coronavirus disease 2019.

He extended anew the government's gratitude to Israel for sending two medical teams early this year to share their best practices on Covid-19 management and effective vaccine rollout.

"We are very grateful for the people of Israel and the Israeli government for sending us help during the times that we are in trouble," he said.

Alberto noted that Israel had always been ready to lend help even before the pandemic.

"One example of this was in 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan (Super Typhoon Yolanda) affected the central part of the Philippines. An Israeli delegation was also sent there from the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to assist us to treat some people," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163194

Despite leaders acquittal, grim fate of Inopacan victims remains

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19, 2021): Despite leaders acquittal, grim fate of Inopacan victims remains (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC vice chair Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

An official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Sunday said despite the acquittal of 15 of 40 communist leaders and members, the grim fate suffered by Inopacan massacre victims in the evil hands of Jose Maria Sison and his co-defendants remains.

Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., vice-chairperson of NTF-ELCAC, expressed disappointment to the decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) to acquit 15 Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) leaders for their role in the Inopacan massacre in Leyte in 1985.

"We are deeply saddened and dismayed with the news that the Manila RTC Branch 32, under Presiding Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina, has granted the demurrers to evidence resulting in the acquittal of known communists, namely: former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo; National Democratic Front consultants Vicente Ladlad, Rafael Baylosis and Adelberto Silva, among others, two for the perpetration of at least 15 summary executions in the killing fields by the NPA in Sapang Dako, Inopacan, Leyte in the 1980s," said Esperon Jr., who is also National Security Adviser.

He said the murder cases were filed to give justice to the gruesome deaths of 67 persons, whose skeletal remains were unearthed in the said Leyte town on Aug. 28, 2006.

After the mass grave discovery, Esperon, who was then the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, filed 15 counts of murder before the Manila Regional Trial Court against CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison and 37 others for their alleged involvement in the massacre.

Also sued were couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Ocampo, Ladlad, Randal Echaniz, Baylosis, and Exusperado Lloren, among others.

The victims, all NPA rebels, were summarily executed for reportedly working with the government based on the orders of the CPP.

"The clear intention behind the Inopacan massacre case is to stand, speak, and obtain justice for the dead -- the victims and their families. With the purest intentions, we fought for what is right and the truth. We hoped that light will shine and pass through even in the eye of the needle," Esperon said.

The acquittal, he said, does not mean that the crimes were not committed.

The Supreme Court (SC) held that once a demurrer to evidence has been granted in a criminal case, this amounts to an acquittal.

"With the quantum of evidence of proof beyond reasonable doubt required by our criminal judicial system, we still emphasize that a ruling in favor of the accused does not equate to innocence nor the finding that the crime did not happen. The philosophy is based on Blackstone's formulation that it is better to acquit ten guilty men, than to convict an innocent man. To reiterate, the decision is based on insufficiency of evidence and not that the crime did not happen at all," Esperon said.

He added that prevailing law and jurisprudence recognize two kinds of acquittal.

"First is an acquittal on the ground that the accused is not the author of the act or omission complained of. The second instance is an acquittal based on reasonable doubt on the guilt of the accused," he said, adding that acquittal on this case lies on the second kind, grounded on the alleged insufficiency of prosecution’s evidence.

"Again, it does not mean that the 15 murder cases were not committed and that the accused were not responsible for the gruesome crimes," he said. This simply means that the quantum of evidence of proof beyond reasonable doubt was not met in eyes of the presiding judge.”

"Still, the technical victory of the communists, in this case, does not obliterate in the eyes of history and of the people their brutal killing fields and summary executions without due process -- the emblem of their egregious and blatant disrespect of human rights and sanctity to life which they purport to protect," he added.

The NTF-ELCAC, he said, is unmoved by this temporary setback and numerous cases and warrants are still pending for the communists and their coddlers who sow terrorism and acts of injustice.

He added that the SC's upholding of the constitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 will greatly aid in the prosecution of the malevolent evildoers and bring them to the doorstep of justice.

"With your help and cooperation, the NTF-ELCAC remains steadfast in its quest to vanquish communist terrorism and will hunt down and prosecute those who are liable to the fullest extent of the law," Esperon said.

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

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/1163201