'Ex-NPA' party-list group secures SC relief vs Comelec

From ABS-CBN (Dec 30, 2021): 'Ex-NPA' party-list group secures SC relief vs Comelec (Jauhn Etienne Villaruel)

Abante Sambayan, a party-list group claiming to represent former communist rebels, has secured from the Supreme Court a TRO against the Comelec. Jonathan Cellona and Jauhn Etienne Villaruel, ABS-CBN News/File

A controversial party-list group rejected with finality by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was granted relief by the Supreme Court (SC) Wednesday, increasing its chances of being included in the ballot printing pending the resolution of its appeal.

2 more party-lists granted SC relief vs Comelec rejection

Abante Sambayan, a party-list group claiming to represent former communist rebels, secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Comelec, which junked their application for registration, effectively disqualifying them from the Halalan 2022 race.

In a tweet, the SC confirmed granting TRO vs the poll body in favor of Abante Sambayanan. A separate

TRO was also granted to another rejected party-list group Ayuda Sa May Kapansanan, Inc.

The SC asked Comelec to comment on the petitions filed by the 2 party-list groups within 10 days.

Aside from the 2, the SC has granted TROs in favor of 7 rejected party-list groups.

Apat-Dapat
Uma Ilonggo
Alliance for Resilience, Sustainability and Empowerment (ARISE)
Igorot Warriors
Ang Tinig ng Seniors
Lingkud Bayanihan Party
Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development

In a statement, Abante Sambayanan first nominee Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz, who claims to be a former New People's Army (NPA) member, lauded the SC's TRO.

"Abante Sambayanan is going to join now the 2022 party-list elections and will keep the flame of our advocacy alive and burning... as we defeat and reject resoundingly the CPP-NPA-NDF kamatayan party-list groups," Celiz said, referring to the Makabayan bloc.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, (CPP), the political arm of NPA, has denied knowing Celiz, whom they claimed to be a "paid hack" the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Personalities with NTF-ELCAC ties vie for partylist seats in #Halalan2022

The Comelec earlier admitted it has yet to determine the legal effects of the SC's TROs in favor of the rejected party-list groups.

'We have a problem': Comelec seeks clarity from SC over TROs for rejected party-lists

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/30/21/ex-npa-party-list-group-secures-sc-relief-vs-comelec

Army discovers abandoned NPA camp in Iloilo

From the Manila Bulletin (December 30, 2021): Army discovers abandoned NPA camp in Iloilo (By Tara Yap)

The Philippine Army has discovered an abandoned camp of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Leon town, Iloilo province.

This was after soldiers of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61 IB) and 82nd Infantry Battalion (82 IB) came across the abandoned camp in Bucari village this week when they were going out to confirm tips from local residents of the presence of NPA rebels.

Two M-16 rifles are among the recovered items from an abandoned camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Leon town, Iloilo province. (Army 61 IB/Manila Bulletin)

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Garcia, 61 IB commander, disclosed that the camp was about 150 square meters with 15 makeshift tents.

“It can accommodate about 35 people,” said Garcia.

Authorities believed that the NPA camp had been abandoned by the Sibat Platoon of the NPA’s Southern Front Committee.

Government soldiers also recovered two M-16 rifles and other ammunition.

The army lauded local residents for giving information.

“We are very thankful to the concerned civilians. We know our people were already tired of the troubles and exploitations made by these terrorists threatening our community,” expressed Garcia.

“As we end this year, we double our efforts to secure our people,” added Garcia.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/30/army-discovers-abandoned-npa-camp-in-iloilo/

CPP/NDF-EV: On CPP anniversary, AFP shells “cleared” barangays in Northern Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 30, 2021): On CPP anniversary, AFP shells “cleared” barangays in Northern Samar

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today condemned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for conducting an early-morning shelling of farmlands in Northern Samar, to terrorize peasant communities in three barangays it had previously declared as “cleared” of influence of the revolutionary movement.

“While the AFP repeatedly alleges these barangays are ‘cleared’ of influence of the New People’s Army, hindi naman nila tinatantanan ang mga mamamayan dito. These fascist monsters are the ones belying their own declarations and proving themselves stupid,” the NDF-EV said.

Citing reports from the provincial command of the New People’s Army (NPA), the NDF-EV said that at past 1 o’clock in the early morning December 26, while most people were asleep after celebrating Christmas Day, the AFP fired at least four rounds of 105mm howitzer towards farmlands at the boundary of Barangays San Miguel, Las Navas, and Osang and Hinagonoyan, Catubig. San Miguel and Osang are among the six barangays in Eastern Visayas declared “cleared” by the AFP.

“The AFP wantonly fired at the farmlands even though no armed encounters between the AFP and the NPA occurred immediately prior. It shows that the shelling did not serve to hit any targeted NPA unit, but to sow terror among the peasant masses in the Catubig-Las Navas valley right on the occasion of the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). This is in line with the Duterte regime’s standing policy of using brutal fascist state terrorism to attempt to snuff out the people’s determination to wage all forms of struggle, including armed revolution,” the NDF-EV said.

The December 26 terror shelling was the third aerial attack by the AFP in the Catubig-Las Navas farmlands since September 16. The first was also an early-morning flurry of bombs and cannon fire which lasted until the afternoon, while the second was an indiscriminate shelling spree after a successful NPA harassment operation last November. Residents from at least 10 barangays were terrorized and intimidated from attending to their farms.

The NDF-EV added, “the AFP insists that San Miguel and Osang are ‘cleared’ barangays, but they continue camping in these barrios, conducting combat-intelligence-psywar operations, and firing at the peasants’ farmlands. These are attacks that directly inflict damage not at the NPA but the masses. The AFP is clearly aware whom they aiming their guns at.”

The terror shelling in Catubig-Las Navas was only one of the slew of terrorist attacks of elements of the AFP in Northern Samar on the occasion of the CPP anniversary. Residents from San Miguel were also hoodwinked by soldiers into attending a “peace rally.” Fascist state troops have also been camping in the barangay health center and day care center, violating international humanitarian law and earning the ire of residents who complain that they cannot use these facilities.

Prior to the CPP anniversary, barangay officials in Osang were forced to issue a resolution giving permission to fascist state troops to camp inside the barrio, also in violation of international humanitarian law. “They are forcing the people to support the fascist troops’ operations, even if they are notorious rights violators and are responsible for many atrocities in their communities.

The NDF-EV called on the people to continually expose and oppose the AFP’s fascist state terrorism. “They must denounce every terrorist attack, every shelling and bombing, by the fascist AFP against the people. They must wage all forms of struggle to resist militarization in their communities and drive out these fascist troops who are causing them hardship and wantonly violating their rights.”

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/30/on-cpp-anniversary-afp-shells-cleared-barangays-in-northern-samar/

CPP/NDF-EV: Northern Samar residents hoodwinked into attending AFP-led “peace rallies” on CPP anniversary

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 30, 2021): Northern Samar residents hoodwinked into attending AFP-led “peace rallies” on CPP anniversary

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

December 30, 2021

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas (NDF-EV) condemned the Armed Forces of the Philippines for hoodwinking residents in Northern Samar into attending anti-communist “peace rallies” on the 53rd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Based on reports it received from the provincial command of the New People’s Army, it said that residents from Brgy. San Miguel, Las Navas did not know that the December 26 activity that their barangay officials told them to attend would be a “peace rally” condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The “rallyists” were actually 4Ps beneficiaries, recipients of another kind of government assistance program, senior citizens, and barangay officials coerced by the military to fool their fellow barrio folk into attending the AFP-instigated event.

A day prior, soldiers through barangay officials announced to residents that there would be an activity in the barrio the next day. They have been camping in the barangay since November, where they occupied the local high school, health center and day care center.

On the day of the CPP anniversary, barangay officials again called on the villagers to attend the activity to be held at 11 o’clock in the morning. To come up with warm bodies for the fascist military, they had to tell the residents the event would not begin if the attendees were too few.

The “rallyists” were then made to hold up ready-made placards written with anti-communist slogans, calls condemning the CPP-NPA, and red-tagged progressive party-lists. Soldiers also made everyone in the barrio to sign a logbook.

The NDF-EV said that the fake “peace rally” in San Miguel is one of the many public relations stunts shamelessly staged by the AFP last December 26 to come up with the bogus figure of 3,000 attendees of anti-communist gatherings several towns throughout Northern Samar.

“These fake ‘peace rallies’ are a desperate attempt by the AFP to disparage the CPP on the occasion of its anniversary. Unfortunately for them, these stunts only prove their desperation to veil the fact that their all-out war and their fascist state terrorism are headed for failure. As their lies become more brazen and their abuses more brutal, all the more that the masses hate them and become more eager to resist militarization and hold them accountable for their crimes.”

Since fascist state troops occupied San Miguel in November, they have conducted house-to-house interrogations, camped in civilian facilities, and forced barangay officials to sign a resolution owning responsibility for anything that may happen to them while in the barrio, such as an armed encounter against the NPA.

In nearby Brgy. Osang, Catubig, fascist state troops also coerced barangay officials to sign a similar resolution which additionally declares that they give outright permission to the soldiers to camp inside the barrio. Youth residents and barangay officials were also forced to buy and facilitate the soldiers’ food supply. Villagers were also made to do their laundry.

In both barrios, fascist state troops continue to go in and out, interrogating residents, coercing them to participate in their operations, and forcing them to perform manual labor in violation of international humanitarian law.

At least three cases of terror bombing and shelling were also carried out in surrounding farmlands since September.

The NDF-EV added, “The AFP has carried out these attacks on San Miguel and Osang even though both have been declared “cleared” of NPA influence since 2020. These ‘cleared’ declarations are as ludicrous and impossible as their deadline of defeating the revolutionary movment in Eastern Visayas by 2022.

“The AFP’s fake peace rallies and black propaganda against the CPP-NPA-NDF can never completely shroud their lies, brutality and fascist terrorism. The AFP has proven once again that it is not an army of patriots who defend the people from foreign invaders, but is an army of invaders and ruthless fascists who deceive and occupy the people.

“Most importantly, they can never snuff out the determination of the people of Northern Samar and of Eastern Visayas to wage all forms of struggle, especially armed struggle, to frustrate their all-out war and carry forward the people’s war that will end the lying, cheating, mercenary and fascist AFP.”

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/30/northern-samar-residents-hoodwinked-into-attending-afp-led-peace-rallies-on-cpp-anniversary/

CPP/Cagayan PC: Magpunyaging ibayong isulong ang rebolusyon sa norte!

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom (Dec 30, 2021): Magpunyaging ibayong isulong ang rebolusyon sa norte!

CAGAYAN PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE

CAGAYAN VALLEY REGIONAL COMMITTEE

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

December 30, 2021

Opisyal na pahayag ng Komiteng Probinsya ng Cagayan sa ika-53 Anibersaryo ng Pagkakatatag ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas

Ipinapaabot ng Komiteng Probinsya ng Cagayan ang taas-kamaong pagbati sa lahat ng kadre at kasapi ng PKP sa lalawigan, sa mga Pulang kumander at mandirigma ng Henry Abraham Command at Danilo Ben Command, sa lahat ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa at sa lahat ng mga nagsusulong ng pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya sa pagdiriwang ng ika-53 anibersaryo ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas.

Sa okasyong ito, pinakamataas na pagpupugay at parangal ang iginagawad sa lahat ng mga martir at bayani ng rebolusyong Pilipino na nag-alay ng buhay upang itaguyod at ipagtagumpay ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan. Nakatanghal ang mga sandata ng BHB-Cagayan upang pagpugayan ang pitong martir ng Dungeg na nasawi sa walang-patumanggang airstrike ng pasistang 501st IBde noong September 21. Inaalala sina Leo “Ka Mio” Lucas, kadre ng Komiteng Probinsya ng Cagayan at matapang na kumander ng Henry Abraham Command kasama sina Carmelita “Ka Jodel” Sibayan, Clinton “Ka Armas” Agbulig, Geian Carlo “Ka Marlon” Espina, Michael “Ka Mareg” Edillo, Jaynard “Ka Jade” dela Cruz at Jerald “Ka Harold” Balmonte. Sinasaluduhan din sina Renato “Ka Andong” Busania at Rosalino “Ka Yuni” Canlubas, magiting na kumander ng Fortunato Camus Command – NPA Cagayan Valley na nagsakripisyo ng kanilang buhay hanggang sa huling hininga. Kung hindi dahil sa kanilang mga pagsisikap at sigasig sa paglulunsad ng armadong pakikibaka, hindi mararating ang ganitong yugto ng pagsulong sa probinsya at sa buong rehiyon.

Sa kabila ng walang-puknat na combat operations lalo na West Cagayan at okupasyon sa mga barangay hall at eskwelahan ng mga tropa ng AFP sa ilalim ng 501st IBde PA, bigo ito sa paghadlang at pagwasak sa rebolusyon sa buong probinsya. Bagkus, ibayo pa itong umabante at nagkamit ng mga tagumpay.

Sinalubong ng Partido ang 2021 sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatatag at pagpapataas ng pang-ideolohiyang kamulatan ng mga kadre ng mga namumunong komite. Inarmasan ng malalim na kaalaman at paggagap sa teorya ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo ang mga kadre ng larangan at seksyon sa inilunsad na dalawang bats ng Abanteng Kurso ng Partido (AKP). Naisakatuparan ito sa gitna ng FMO ng kaaway sa kanilang December offensive noong nakaraang taon. Maging ang mga batayang yunit ng Partido sa lokalidad at sa hukbo ay tuluy-tuloy na nag-aral ng mga batayang prinsipyo ng MLM at kung paano ito ilalapat sa konkretong kalagayan ng lipunang Pilipino. Matagumpay na nakapaglunsad ng ilang bats ng Batayang Kurso ng Partido (BKP) sa laylayan ng mga baryo na hindi naaamoy ng kaaway. Nagluwal ito ng mga bagong aktibista at kadre na katuwang sa pamumuno at pagsusulong ng mga rebolusyonaryong tungkulin.


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Hindi rin binitawan ang kampanyang pasampa sa mga kabataang estudyante at mga magsasaka. Agad silang binigyan ng pagsasanay sa Batayang Kursong Pulitiko-Militar (BKPM) at isinama sa mga taktikal na opensiba. Serye ng operasyong isnayp at harrass sa mga detatsment at mga tropa ng RCSP ang naikasa ng mga larangan. Naparusahan din ang mga galamay ng MBLT10 at 17th IBPA.

Totoong nagkaroon ng ilang depensiba at pinsala ang ating hanay ngunit pansamantala lamang ang mga ito. Mahusay na nagamit ang konsentrasyon, dispersal at paglipat upang iwasan ang malalaking kubkob ng kaaway. Sa desperasyon nilang sukulin at durugin ang NPA sa Cagayan, minadaling itrinansporma ang 77th Cadre Battalion ng Cafgu Active Auxillary (CAA) tungong isang regular na maneuver battalion. Hinugot din ang 98th IBPA mula Isabela tungong Cagayan. Muli ring ibinalik ang 51st IB na notoryus bilang “peste first” na naghatid ng matinding takot at ligalig sa masa noong Martial Law ni Marcos. Sa kabilang panig, matinding kahihiyan naman sa kaaway ang pagbomba nito sa kanyang sariling tropa na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng di bababa sa 40 noong September 28.

Patuloy rin ang pagsisikap ng masa na isulong ang kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan sa gitna ng militaristang lockdown. Sa probinsya, aktibong nakalahok ang mga magsasaka sa mga online forum at fact-finding mission hinggil sa mga biktima ng peke-pwersadong pagpapasurender. Tuluy-tuloy rin ang mga antas baryong pagkilos laban sa pangangamkam ng lupa. Nagbukas din ng mga komunal ang mga grupo ng magsasaka bilang pangunahing sandigan sa kawalang ayudang maaasahan sa panahon ng pandemya.

Sa kabila ng pasistang atake at panunupil, nagawa pa ring magpalakas at magpalawak ng Partido sa iba’t-ibang antas. Matagumpay na nakapamuno at nakagabay ang mga Komiteng Larangan sa mga distritong kinikilusan. Lumaki rin ang kasapian ng Partido sa mga baryong saklaw at nakapabuo ng mga bago pang sangay.

Sa loob ng 53 taong pag-ugat sa masa, matayog na, nagkaroon na ng mga sanga, at namunga na ang rebolusyon sa buong Cayagan. Hindi na maaapula ang naglalagablab na pagbabalikwas ng mga Cagayano sa pamumuno ng PKP kasama ang BHB.


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Sa 2022, asahang higit pang magpupunyagi at susulong ang kilusan kasabay ng pagbagsak ng pasistang rehimen. Dapat mas aktibo at sustinido ang paglulunsad ng tatlong-antas ng kurso ng Partido sa hukbo at sa masa. Mapagpasyang buuin at paganahin ang mga makinarya ng instruksyon sa lokalidad nang hindi lang iniaasa sa hukbo ang gawaing edukasyon. Dapat pursigidong mag-aral at magsuri ang lahat ng mga kasapi ng Partido batay sa materyalistang pananaw, proletaryong paninindigan at diyalektikong pamamaraan sa panahong umiigting ang saywar at disimpormasyon ng kaaway. Maksimisahin ang social media para sa pagpapalaganap ng Ang Bayan, Baringkuas at ibang Marxista-Leninista at pambansa-demokratikong babasahin upang maabot ang malawak na bilang ng mamamayan. Regular na maglunsad ng pagpuna at pagpuna-sa-sarili nang maagap na maituwid ang mga kahinaan at pagkakamali. Tasahin at lagumin ang mga karanasan at gawain upang mahalawan ng aral ang bawat pagkilos at makapagtamo pa ng mas maunlad na antas ng teorya at praktika. Mapagpasyang harapin ang mga paglalagom sa mga kampanyang militar at kampanyang masa, kapwa yaong mga nagmateryalisa at hindi. Masusing pag-aralan ang mga bara sa paglulunsad ng mga ito.

Mapangahas na magrekluta ng libu-libong kasapi ng Partido nang may mahigpit na pagtangan sa mga kwalipikasyon. Magpaunlad ng daan-daang mga kadreng may kakayahang mamuno at tumangan ng iba’t-ibang tungkulin sa iba’t-ibang antas. Mabilis na magpanday ng mga second-liner na pleksible at handang gumampan ng mga responsibilidad. Isabuhay ang demokratikong sentralismo at kolektibong paggawa. Maging mapagmatyag sa mga tendensya ng burukratismo at ultrademokrasya na sisira sa muog na pagkakaisa ng organisasyon.

Matalinong pag-isipan ang mga bagong pamamaraan at praktika sa mabilis na pagpapasampa ng mga kabataang-estudyante at magsasaka. Aktibong pakilusin ang mga sangay ng partido sa lokalidad upang tuluy-tuloy na magtarget at magpasampa sa hukbo. Maging mapangahas at mapagpasya sa paglalawak ng base habang pinanghahawakan ang pagpapalalim at pagkokonsolida sa base. Pagkunutan ng noo kung paano sikretong maaabot ang matataong lugar at gilid ng haywey. Pagsikapang makapagbuo ng dagdag na mga platun na mag-aanak ng nagtatalikurang larangang gerilya. Buuin at armasan ang kumpa-kumpanyang milisyang bayan at mga yunit depensa sa baryo at aktibo silang palahukin sa mga taktikal na opensiba. Pasiglahin ang mga taktikal na opensiba batay sa aktwal na kakayahan. Piliin ang mga malalambot at nahihiwalay na target militar kaysa magpatali sa mga matitigas at malalakas na target na gugugol pa ng maraming rekisitos bago maikasa.


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Samantalahin ang panahon ng eleksyon upang maabot ang mas malawak na masa at maigiit ang mga demokratikong karapatan sa lupa, trabaho, edukasyon at ayuda sa gitna ng pandemya. Sunggaban ang panahong ito upang ilunsad ang mga antipyudal, antipasista at anti-impertalistang pakikibakang masa. Ilantad ang eleksyon bilang maduming sugal at pag-aagawan ng kapangyarihan ng naghaharing-uri habang isinusulong ang armadong pakikibaka bilang pangunahing porma ng pakikibaka. Maging matatag sa pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran at alituntunin sa ilalim ng Demokratikong Gobyernong Bayan hinggil sa pakikitungo sa mga kandidatong tatakbo at mangangampanya sa mga base at sonang gerilya. Huwag mag-atubiling parusahan ang sinumang sagadsaring pulitiko na tahasang lalabag sa mga patakaran, magbabalak at aktwal na magkakanulo at magpapahamak sa mamamayan sa panahon ng eleksyon.

Hanggat nandyan ang pamalagiang krisis na inianak ng malakolonyal at malapyudal na lipunan, laging mataba ang lupa para sa pagsulong ng digmang bayan. Sabik na sa tunay na pagbabagong panlipunan ang mga Cagayanong malaon nang naghihikahos. Maliwanag sa kanila na makakamit lamang ito sa ganap na pananagumpay ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan na may sosyalistang perspektiba.###

https://prwcinfo.wordpress.com/2021/12/30/magpunyaging-ibayong-isulong-ang-rebolusyon-sa-norte/

Kalinaw News: Pregnant NPA Member, 2 others Surrender to Army in Bataan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 30, 2021): Pregnant NPA Member, 2 others Surrender to Army in Bataan



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army led by its Commander, Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA welcomed the surrender of three (3) members of the Communist Terrorist Group including a pregnant woman to the troops of 70th Infantry (MATAPAT AT MATATAG) Battalion Philippine Army, a few days before 2022.

Colonel Joseph Norwin D Pasamonte, Commander of 703rd Infantry (AGILA) Brigade, 7th Infantry KAUGNAY Division, Philippine Army presented the surrenderees to the local media in a Press Conference held on December 29, 2021, at Headquarters 7ID, Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

He identified the surrenderees from Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda Platun, Lino Blas Command, KLG West as Ramer Gacola alias “Ivar/Darmo” – Commanding Officer, together with his pregnant wife, Julie Ann Castillo alias “Eva/Jai”, Medical Officer and another Lester Paulo Advincula alias “Jin”, CTG’s political guide.

“We are trying to achieve the mission of ending the local armed conflict before the end of President Duterte’s term. We, the Philippine Army, are always ready to embrace and assist the former rebels in choosing and pursuing a better and peaceful life in the mainstream society,” said Col Pasamonte during the Press Conference.

Assorted firearms were displayed and shown to the media as the product of the cooperation between the former rebels and the government.

Furthermore, the Brigade Commander assured that the said surrenderees will benefit from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) including monetary and livelihood assistance as well as providing support for the couple’s official union and baby’s christening.

Meanwhile, MGen Costelo lauded the decision of the three (3) CTG personalities citing the decline of the enemy’s number of forces covered by the 70IB due to the intensive implementation of programs under the TF-ELCAC coupled with the Army’s Community Support Program.

“Natutuwa tayo dahil bago ang bagong taon, binigyan nila ang kanilang sarili ng pagkakataon na magsimula ulit. Narito ang kasundaluhan upang kayo ay alalalayan at sa ilalim ng E-CLIP kayo ay mabibigyan ng benepisyo. Nais namin kayong makasama sa ating sabay-sabay na pagtahak sa daan ng kapayapaan tungo sa maunlad na bayan,” added MGen 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/pregnant-npa-member-2-others-surrender-to-army-in-bataan/

Kalinaw News: 302 new recruits to include former rebels took oath for military training in 4ID

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 30, 2021): 302 new recruits to include former rebels took oath for military training in 4ID



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – 302 new recruits to include former rebels (FRs) took their oath for military training during the Opening Ceremony of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Class 690 and 691 – 2021 held at 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, on Sunday, December 26.

Brigadier General Oliver T Vesliño, the Acting Commander of 4ID, officially opened the said training and presided the oath taking of 302 young individuals composed of 172 persons with special skills; 64 CAFGU members; 48 Indigenous People (IP) members; 14 persons for Reinstatement and four (4) former Cadets of Philippine Military Academy (PMA). They will undergo Basic Military Training (BMT) and Infantry Orientation Course (IOC) to complete the six (6) months training at 4th Division Training School (DTS) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Jessie ‘Dodong’ Iligan, alias Darwin, 27-year old and resident of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur is one of the FRs who were chosen to undergo training and took their oath of duty and service to the country. He could not hide his tears in expressing his gratitude to the Philippine Army for giving him new breath of life and soon become a regular member of the AFP to contribute to the peace and development efforts of the government.

“Sa akong mga kanhi nga kauban, ayaw mo pagpakabuta-bungol sa tinood nga sitwasyon. Hatagi ug bili ang inyung mga kaugalingon ug hatagan ninyo ug maayong kaugmanon ang inyung pamilya og atung nasud,” Iligan added. (To my former comrades, don’t turn a blind eye to what’s really the situation, instead value yourself and give your families and our country a better future)

In his message, BGen Vesliño said that the ceremony serves as a reminder of an oath of allegiance to the Flag which means that every soldier will defend the constitution, the people and the country at all cost.

“This is something that every soldier swears and adheres to when entering the military service. You come at a time when the entire nation is rallying all its might to put an end to the local communist armed conflict. The national government is calling upon the entire nation, to work together to attain durable peace and sustainable development. Thus, the moment you become full-pledged soldiers, I want you to immediately get yourselves on board because we need all the help that we can muster,” BGen Vesliño 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/302-new-recruits-to-include-former-rebels-took-oath-for-military-training-in-4id/

Kalinaw News: Newly promoted Army Chief receives military honors

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 30, 2021): Newly promoted Army Chief receives military honors



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Newly promoted Army Commanding General (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. received arrival honors in recognition of his well-deserved promotion today, December 29, at the Army’s main headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

A battalion-sized contingent of troops tendered arrival honors for Lt. Gen. Brawner who was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Melody Mariele V. Brawner.

President and Commander in Chief Rodrigo R. Duterte administered the conferment of ranks to Lt. Gen. Brawner, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres C. Centino, and Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony D. Canlas, Sr. yesterday, December 28, at Malacañang Palace’s Rizal Hall.

After the arrival honors, the CGPA held a hybrid “Talk to Troops” via face-to-face and video teleconference at the Philippine Army Officers’ Club. The Army’s general, technical, and personal staff attended the activity face to face while officers and enlisted personnel from Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) attended the event virtually.

“We gather here today to give thanks to another milestone in my military career — my promotion to the next higher rank. But more than that, this activity is also dedicated to you, the 100,000-strong personnel of the Philippine Army. Truly, you have enabled me to achieve another victory in my military career,” Lt. Gen. Brawner said.

“My promotion is more than just a sign of my hard work in our profession. These three stars that I bear represent my vision to bring to the Filipino people across the three main islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao our collective goal of lasting peace and sustainable development in our country,” the CGPA remarked.

[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/newly-promoted-army-chief-receives-military-honors/

Military targets 2 NPA leaders

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 29, 2021): Military targets 2 NPA leaders (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE MILITARY has started running after two most wanted high ranking leaders of the New People’s Army in Menandro Villanueva and Eric Casilao after the death of a top Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) member in Davao de Oro.

In a report, the military identified Villanueva, 69, known as Bok in the movement, as the most wanted CPP-NPA leader in Mindanao as he is the secretary of Komisyon Mindanao (Kommid).

A bounty of P5.6 million has been dangled for the head of Villanueva, who has been facing a murder case.

Casilao, the military added, is the secretary of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee and a P5.4 million bounty has been offered for his head.

In a press conference on Sunday at the 1001st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Maco, Davao de Oro, Major General Ernesto Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, said it is crucial to neutralize Villanueva because of his role in the movement.

“His pictures were distributed and posters posted around because we still know that he is still there in the operational area,” Torres said.

Brigadier General Jesus Durante III, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, said his unit suspected that the two have been holed in Mabini, Davao de Oro after an encounter recently.

“So you can now see troops around in that area to include the PNP (Philippine National Police) and we are thinking that we have cornered them in the area,” Durante said as he urged the people to report if they have valuable pieces of information that would result in the neutralization of the two.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/29/military-targets-2-npa-leaders/

MILITARY | NPA has 2 remaining fronts in Davao Region

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 30, 2021): MILITARY | NPA has 2 remaining fronts in Davao Region (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

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

THE military reported that the New People’s Army has two remaining fronts in the Davao Region following the capture and surrender of its top leaders this year.

Major General Ernesto Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, said the military has “neutralized secretaries, commanding officers, secretaries, political instructors and finance officers and some platoon leaders (of the outlawed group.”

Torres added that only Guerilla Fronts 2 and 3 have remained as 55 were dismantled.

Because of this, he said, the target is to declare the region insurgency-free by March next year.

The military is looking at ending the armed movement before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends, but Torres said his command has its timetable.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/30/military-npa-has-2-remaining-fronts-in-davao-region/

BRP Tarlac holds another relief drive for 'Odette'-hit areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2021): BRP Tarlac holds another relief drive for 'Odette'-hit areas (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy's landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601) is now en route to "Odette"-devastated provinces carrying another load of relief items and supplies for communities still reeling from the effects of the typhoon.

"Philippine Navy vessel BRP Tarlac (LD-601), departed from Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila today, December 29, for another transport mission of much-needed relief goods and equipment for areas severely devastated by Typhoon Odette in Cebu, Bohol and Surigao," PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said Wednesday night.

He added BRP Tarlac is carrying around 488,000 kilograms of consolidated relief goods and other essential items from various stakeholders.

The ship is also transporting 53 tons of rolling cargo, which includes trucks of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and military vehicles with fuel tanks.

"Last week, LD-601 departed the same port with approximately 350,000 kilograms of relief goods and essential personal supplies from other government agencies and stakeholders, as well as cargo from the PN and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)," Negranza said.

He added this effort is another manifestation of the PN's "unwavering efforts in delivering relief goods and other essential materials" that will help alleviate the sufferings of Filipinos hard hit by the calamity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164069

BRP Waray brings relief aid to typhoon-hit Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2021): BRP Waray brings relief aid to typhoon-hit Palawan (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet

The Philippine Fleet on Thursday said the BRP Waray (LC-288), one of its sealift amphibious vessels, has sailed for Palawan to bring relief packs to residents affected by Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, Lt. Commander Ryan Luna, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said the ship left Sangley Point, Cavite City on Wednesday, carrying 91 tons of relief goods and other essential items from Malampaya Foundation, Philippine Women Judge Association, Department of Social Welfare and Development MIMAROPA, Civil-Military Operation Group-Philippine Navy and other stakeholders of the fleet.

"These cargoes were loaded through the assistance of personnel from the Philippine Fleet and will be distributed immediately to those families who were affected by Typhoon Odette upon arrival at El Nido, Palawan," he added.

The BRP Waray, skippered by Commander Danish Ruiz, was tasked to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions due to its capability of transporting large amounts of logistics and food supplies.

"The Philippine Fleet and its stakeholders are devoting all available resources to provide much-needed logistical and personnel support to assist fellow Filipinos in dealing with Typhoon Odette's aftermath," Luna said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164104

74 of 81 provinces declare CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 30, 2021): 74 of 81 provinces declare CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata

The final chapter of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front's (CPP-NPA-NDF) reign of terror has now been written off as more local government units (LGUs) have joined this administration in condemning the atrocities of these lawless groups by declaring as persona non grata in their respective localities.

At the weekly virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday, Interior and Local Government Assistant Director Rene Valera revealed that 74 of the country’s 81 provinces already passed resolutions condemning the atrocities of these Communist groups and declared them as persona non grata.

Valera said other LGUs who have echoed their support to the whole of nation approach of the NTF-ELCAC and declared them as persona non grata are 26,353 barangays (villages), 1,436 municipalities, and 110 cities across the country.

The NTF-ELCAC Representative from the Local Government Empowerment Cluster, Basic Services Cluster, and Local Peace Engagement Cluster and Barangay Development Program (BDP) also said the LGUs in the 74 provinces were also given orientations on how to process the BDP, which is intended for 1,406 barangays for 2022.

Valera added that 1,403 villages have also undergone barangay development planning for these communities to choose their priority projects funded by the BDP.

“Convergence initiatives like pulong-pulong (village meeting) with local ELCAC task force, local peacebuilders dialogue,” Valera said, were also conducted to improve the lives of the residents of the barangays “without” the CPP-NPA-NDF.

On the other hand, Navy Capt. Ferdinand Buscato, Executive Director of the Task Force Balik Loob of NTF-ELCAC, reported that a total of 20,579 former rebels (FRs) have already surrendered and are now living a normal life with full support from the government.

Out of the 20,579 surrenderers nationwide, Buscato said 827 gave up in 2016; 741 in 2017; 7,719 in 2018; 2,638 in 2019; 2,080 in 2020, and 6,175 surrendered in 2021.

Buscato also said the NTF-ELCAC has assisted 25,942 FRs to study and graduate from the various courses of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to increase their capability of returning to normal lives and commune again with society.

“The difference in the number is that their (former rebels) relatives were included (in TESDA courses),” he explained, adding that a total of 4,865 FRs were given employment through TESDA.

Buscato, who is also a Representative of the NTF-ELCAC’s E-Clip (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) and Amnesty Cluster, said other member agencies of the task force also contributed greatly to the FRs return to the folds of the law.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), he said, has extended social protection and psychological help to a total of 13,085 FRs, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assisted 3,229 FRs to gain employment and 7,321 more for its TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program.

He added that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has also given its share by providing livelihood assistance to 3,513 FRs. While the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has extended immediate assistance to 6,171 FRs.

The NTF-ELCAC in its entirety along with other government agencies that belong to the “whole-of-nation-approach” initiated no less than by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had spent PHP92.460 million from 2018 to 2021 in helping FRs.

Buscato added that 623 FRs are now enlisted in the regular forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) working as Civilian Armed Auxiliary. With another 192 FRs already employed by the Philippines National Police (PNP) as Non-Uniform Personnel (NUP).

The remaining FRs were trained to form people’s organizations and cooperatives to have better lives in their former conflict-affected communities. While 226 of them were also provided with housing units in this year alone.

The Land Bank of the Philippines was also instrumental in providing financial loans to 15 FRs who wished to venture into agri-business.

Meanwhile, TESDA Cluster Secretariat Head, Director Glenn Murphy reported that 802 of the 822 barangays programmed for this year’s BDP are now 97 percent nearing its target. While 721 of the barangays with ongoing BDP projects have reached 85 percent completion.

These include solar power installations for electricity and water for communities, the establishment of “bagsakan” or food hubs, and skills training for construction and agriculture, the NTF-ELCAC’s Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster also said.

The three NTF-ELCAC Cluster representatives were one in saying that the task force will continue its program of actions even with the slashed approved budget for 2022.

“Poverty reduction is a whole-of-nation-approach to sustain the former conflict-affected barangays,” they said.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1164131