Soldier killed, 2 others hurt in Sulu ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2022): Soldier killed, 2 others hurt in Sulu ambush (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

TAUSUG SOLDIER. Photo shows Private Joefrazen Tawasil, a Tausug native, who was killed while two of his companions were wounded in an ambush staged by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits on Tuesday (Jan. 25, 2022) in Patikul, Sulu. The bandits ambushed them while they were facilitating the administrative movement of the 45th Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of 11ID)

A Tausug soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush staged by Abu Sayyaf Group (AG) bandits in the province of Sulu, the military disclosed Wednesday.

The Army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID) said in a statement that the incident happened around 7 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu.

Killed was Private Joefrazen Tawasil, 25, a member of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Tawasil was one of the Tausug natives who belonged to the Magkagilas Class 656-2021.

The batch graduated from basic military training on September 20, 2021 at the 11th Division Training School in Sulu.

Wounded were a certain Private Morales and Private Mulkiri.

“They were hospitalized and are in stable condition,” 1Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo, 11ID information officer, told the Philippine News Agency over the phone.

Tawasil and his companions were aboard a military truck facilitating the administrative movement of the 45IB when ASG bandits led by sub-leader Ellam Nasirin ambushed them.

The 11ID said the ambush was in retaliation to relentless military operations during the Yuletide season that injured several ASG bandits.

“We are saddened by the untimely death of our brother in arms and we send our deepest sympathies to his family. He was born and raised in Indanan, Sulu; a loving son to his parents who are farmers,” the 11ID said in a statement.

“His bravery in joining the fight against terrorism embodies the values of a Tausug warrior. He will remain in our hearts and we guarantee that his sacrifices will not go in vain,” the 11ID added.

Residents of Sulu also denounced the attack, saying that it was both anti-Tausug and anti-Muslim.

“They killed a Tausug, not a soldier. We lost a brother Muslim,” said Saujar Bara, Barangay Tugas chairperson, in a statement Wednesday.

“We will not allow the ASG to stop us, the Tausugs together with the government, in working to attain peace and development in our province,” he added.

Troops were deployed to pursue the group of Nasirin.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166421

Army condemns latest NPA landmine explosion in Samar

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2022): Army condemns latest NPA landmine explosion in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

EXPLOSION. The site where an anti-personnel mine planted by the New People's Army exploded on the outskirts of Pinabacdao, Samar. The detonation has wounded a soldier and a militiaman. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army has condemned the New People’s Army for detonating an anti-personnel mine (APM) that wounded a soldier and a militiaman in Pinabacdao, Samar on Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Edgardo De Leon, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said in a statement on Wednesday the incident proves the NPA’s "willful disregard on the safety and well-being of humanity."

Their continuing manufacture, stockpile, and use of anti-personnel mines is a gross disrespect to the United Nations convention that bans the explosives to protect humans from its mutilating effects and suffering, according to the military official.

NPA members reportedly detonated an anti-personnel mine in Pelaon village, Pinabacdao town around 8:26 a.m. on Tuesday.

Soldiers and members of the auxiliary force were heading to a new detachment when the blast took place.

The military built the new detachment in response to an earlier request by the community leaders and residents.

"The leaders of the National Democratic Front (NDF), which represented the NPA in past peace negotiations, should be held answerable for the continuing International Humanitarian Law violations of the NPA that they have been representing,” De Leon added.

On September 18, 1997, the Ottawa Convention banned the use, stockpile, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines to put an end to the unnecessary suffering and desecration of the human body caused by its explosion.

The military noted that aside from using and stockpiling the banned anti-personnel mines, the communist terrorist group has been abandoning explosives they laid hidden on trail, posing great risks to civilians.

In 2021 alone, government troops have safely recovered 96 pieces of abandoned anti-personnel mines in different parts of Eastern Visayas.

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.

In July last year, the NDF has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166357

Senate concurs with amnesty grant to members of 3 rebel groups

From the Philippine Star (Jan 26, 2022): Senate concurs with amnesty grant to members of 3 rebel groups (Angelica Y. Yang)

The Senate has voted to approve three resolutions seeking to grant amnesty to three rebel groups that have committed crimes "in pursuit of their political beliefs."  STAR / Geremy Pintolo, file

The Senate moved to adopt three concurrent resolutions seeking to grant amnesty to members of three rebel groups who may have committed crimes "in pursuit of their political beliefs."

These groups include the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). The groups have signed peace agreements with the government.

The resolutions granting amnesty were adopted with 18 affirmative votes with no negative votes or abstentions on Monday.

The 1987 Constitution gives the president "the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Congress."

With the amnesty grants, the government is giving a second chance to over 7,600 prospective applicants who wish to start over in society, according to Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who sponsored the three resolutions.

The amnesty does not cover those who have already been charged under the Human Security Act or the Anti-Terrorism Act that replaced it.

Amnesty will also not apply to "kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism and other crimes committed against chastity" as defined in the Revised Penal Code, violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, grave violations of the Geneva Convention, and crimes which can never be amnestied such as genocide or enforced disappearances, among others, as identified by the United Nations.

"Amnesty is an act of compassion on the part of the government. It is a chance to mend our wounds from our constant struggle. More importantly, this is our time to heal. If viewed the same by all parties concerned, then our concurrence may be another step closer towards reconciliation, and ultimately the attainment of lasting peace," Lacson said.

The three resolutions adopted by the Senate are aligned with previous presidential proclamations signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 2021.

The resolutions also called for for the creation of an Amnesty Commission that will be in charge of determining eligibility for amnesty.

Lacson — who chairs his chamber's committee on national defense and security, peace, unification and reconciliation — is running for president in this year's elections.

The Aquino administration granted similar amnesty to members of the Magdalo group who had participated in mutinies and similar actions during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/01/26/2156500/senate-concurs-amnesty-grant-members-3-rebel-groups

Tausug soldier killed in Sulu attack

 From CNN Philippines (Jan 26, 2022): Tausug soldier killed in Sulu attack

Pvt. Joefrazen J. Tawasil

A soldier from the Philippine Army's 45th Battalion died in what is described as an "anti-Tausug, anti-Muslim" attack in Patikul, Sulu Tuesday.

Joint Task Force Sulu says the attack that happened at the Tugas-Maligay Road was initiated by a leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

"The 11th Infantry Division confirms that there has been attack in Brgy Tugas, Patikul wherein 45th Infantry Battalion's Pvt. Joefrazen J. Tawasil, 25 years old, perished. He was part of a team on board a military truck, facilitating admin movements of the battalion. This act of violence was initiated by ASG subleader Ellam Nasirin around 7 pm yesterday," JTF Sulu said in a statement Wednesday.

The task force claimed that Nasirin's act was done "out of frustration" over military operations that were initiated during the holidays. Pursuit operations for Nasirin are underway.

The JTF paid tribute to Tawasil, saying his bravery embodied the values of a Tausug warrior.

The incident was also condemned by residents, saying it was both anti-Tausug and anti-Muslim.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2022/1/26/joefrazen-tawasil-sulu-attack.html

Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Abu Sayyaf attack in Sulu

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 26, 2022): Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Abu Sayyaf attack in Sulu (By: Julie S. Alipala)

The military confirmed losing one soldier while two others were wounded in an attack by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu on Tuesday.

First Lieutenant Jerrica Manongdo, spokesperson of the Army’s Joint Task Force Sulu, said they lost Private Joefrazen Tawasil, 25, of the 45th Infantry Battalion when the bandits attacked their truck while moving along Maligay Road, in Barangay Tugas, Patikul town on Tuesday night.

Manongdo said the attack was carried out by gunmen under Abu Sayyaf subleader Ellam Nasirin whose forces have been feeling the pressure of continued military operations on their lair.

Two of Tawasil’s companions, identified only as Privates Morales and Mulkiri, were wounded and are currently recuperating at the military station hospital in Jolo.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said they were saddened over the death of Tawasil, who was among the Tausug graduates of recent military training in 2021, inspired by his brother, who is also a soldier.

Residents of Sulu also denounced the attack saying it was meant to destroy the gains of peace achieved in many communities through the partnership of civilian authorities and the military.

“We have done enough, so we will continue working for peace,” said Tugas village chief Saujar Bara.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1545712/soldier-killed-2-others-wounded-in-abu-sayyaf-attack-in-sulu

Soldier killed in Abu Sayyaf attack

From the Philippine Star (Jan 27, 2022): Soldier killed in Abu Sayyaf attack (By Roel Pareño, Michael Punongbayan, John Unson)

A soldier was killed and two others were wounded in a gun attack by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the outskirts of Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday.

The Joint Task Force Sulu confirmed that soldiers belonging to the 45th Infantry Battalion were on their way to their headquarters when they were fired at by an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf bandits along the Tugar-Maligay road in Barangay Tugas.

The military said the bandits retreated when the troops returned fire.

The fatality was identified only as Pvt. Tawasil and the wounded as Pvts. Morales and Molkeri.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division (ID) officer-in-charge, said pursuit operations for the bandits are underway.

As this developed, in Samar, a soldier and a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary member were wounded in a landmine attack by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Pinabacdao town, also on Tuesday.

Capt. Ryan Layug, 8th ID public information officer, said the government troopers were on their way to a military detachment under construction when the rebels detonated an anti-personnel mine in Barangay Pelaon.

Pinabacdao Mayor Teodorico Mabag condemned the use of landmines, citing the risk it poses to civilians.

“The incident proves the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA’s willful disregard on the safety and well-being of humanity,” 8th ID commander Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon said. ”Their continuing manufacture, stockpile and use of anti-personnel mine is a gross disrespect to the UN convention that bans anti-personnel mines to protect humans from its mutilating effects and suffering.”

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/01/27/2156567/soldier-killed-abu-sayyaf-attack

Senate concurs with PH ratification of Arms Trade Treaty

From Rappler (Jan 26, 2022): Senate concurs with PH ratification of Arms Trade Treaty (By MARA CEPEDA)

The treaty requires states to prohibit the shipment of weapons that could be used in human rights violations, including attacks against civilians

Filipino senators concurred with the Philippines’ ratification of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s tougher and bloodier crackdown on communist rebels, activists, and civilians critical of his abusive policies.

On Wednesday, January 26, a total of 16 senators voted in favor of the third and final reading approval of Proposed Senate Resolution No. 260, which stipulates the chamber’s agreement to President Rodrigo Duterte’s ratification of the UN treaty that aims to control the sale and shipment of conventional weapons globally.

Six senators, however, abstained from the vote, among them two ranking members of the chamber: Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and senators Ronald dela Rosa, Bong Go, Grace Poe, and Francis Tolentino.

The treaty requires states to prohibit shipments of weapons that could be used in human rights violations, including “attacks directed against civilian objects” or other war crimes as defined by international agreements to which the member-state is a party.

Three of the senators who abstained – Dela Rosa, Go, and Tolentino – are known allies of Duterte, whose deadly rhetoric against his critics have translated into violence against people on the ground.

As of August 2021, rights group Karapatan had documented 421 incidents of killings since July 2016. There were also least 504 recorded cases of frustrated killings, while 1,138 activists had been arrested and detained over the past five years.

The ATT seeks to regulate the international trade in conventional firearms and to prevent the illegal trade of these weapons, aiming to reduce human suffering and promote peace and security worldwide.

The ATT considers the following as conventional arms:

• Battle tanks
• Armored combat vehicles
• Large-caliber artillery systems
• Combat aircraft
• Attack helicopters
• Warships
• Missiles and missile launchers
• Small arms and light weapons

The Philippines, then under the late president Benigno Aquino III, had been among the 153 member-states that voted in favor of the ATT during the UN General Assembly in April 2013, but the Southeast Asian country became a signatory only in September of that year. Aquino’s successor Duterte later ratified the ATT within his first year in office.

The 1987 Constitutions requires at least two-thirds of the Senate to concur before any International agreement that the Philippines has signed becomes binding.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/senate-concurs-philippine-ratification-arms-trade-treaty/

Commission on Appointments confirms Centino as AFP chief

From Rappler (Jan 26, 2022): Commission on Appointments confirms Centino as AFP chief (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The Commission on Appointments also confirms the ad interim appointments of 16 other senior military officers

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, January 26, confirmed the ad interim appointment of General Andres Centino as chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Prior to his appointment as Philippine military chief in November 2021, Centino served as the commanding general of the Philippine Army. He is the 57th AFP chief and the 11th under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Centino is Duterte’s last AFP chief because under the 1987 Constitution, two months immediately before the presidential election, a president “shall not make appointments, except temporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public safety.”

Centino would serve as AFP chief longer than his predecessors appointed by Duterte, since he would reach the mandatory age of 56 on February 4, 2023. Centino belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Maringal Class of 1988, along with Navy chief Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado and PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos.


The CA also approved the promotions of other senior military officers, including Philippine Air Force chief Connor Anthony Canlas and Philippine Army chief Romeo Brawner Jr., both promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.

Here’s the full list of senior military officers who got the CA nod on Wednesday:

• Andres Centino, to the rank of general
• Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., to the rank of lieutenant general
• Romeo Brawner Jr., to the rank of lieutenant general
• Ernesto Torres Jr., to the rank of lieutenant general
• Roy Galido, to the rank of major general
• Andrew Costelo, to the rank of major general
• Eric Nicanor, to the rank of major general
• Alex Rillera, to the rank of major general
• JT Bajet, to the rank of brigadier general
• Pedro Balisi Jr., to the rank of brigadier general
• Romeo Racadio, to the rank of brigadier general
• Jimmy Larida, to the rank of brigadier general
• Leandro Abeleda III, to the rank of brigadier general
• Frederick Cutler, to the rank of brigadier general
• Aldwine Almase, to the rank of brigadier general
• Rey Alemania, to the rank of brigadier general
• Randolph Cabangbang, to the rank of brigadier general

https://www.rappler.com/nation/commission-on-appointments-confirms-andres-centino-afp-chief/

Ranking NPA leader in Mindanao slain in Bukidnon

From the Davao Today (Jan 25, 2022): Ranking NPA leader in Mindanao slain in Bukidnon (By JIGGER J. JERUSALEM)

Pedro Codaste (right) was released from prison in 2016 to join the peace negotiations as a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. (Photo from Mindanao Gold Star Daily)

A ranking leader of the New People’s Army in Mindanao was killed in an encounter with government troops in Bukidnon, the military said on Tuesday.

A report circulated to media by the Philippine Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion said Pedro Codaste, also known as Ka Gonyong, Ka Serv and his companion, a certain Ka Zandro were killed.

Codaste, along with the late ‘Ka Oris’ Jorge Madlos, were considered as top commanders of the NPA in Mindanao. He was 70 years old.

Lieutenant Colonel Neil Armstrong Batayola, commander of the 16th IB, said Codaste and his companion were killed during a 30-minute gunfight in Barangay Kalabugao in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

Ka Oris, knows as the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front Mindanao and the NPA, was also killed in Impasugong in Barangay Dumalaguing on October 30, 2021.

Bayatola said Codaste held a ranking post in the NPA being the deputy secretary of Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID).

Codaste was released from prison in 2016 to join the peace negotiations as a consultant of the NDF. He joined Alfredo ‘Ka Paris’ Mapano as among consultants coming from the Northern Mindanao Region.

A year later, Codaste and several NDFP consultants were ordered arrested after the talks were terminated by the national government.

Mapano later surrendered to the government but is now detained facing court cases.

Codaste was a former secretary general of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 4A in Agusan del Sur during the early ‘90s then later became secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in 2009. He was elected to the Central Committee during the CPP 2nd Congress in 2016.

http://davaotoday.com/main/headline/ranking-npa-leader-in-mindanao-slain-in-bukidnon/

‘Don’t give rebels the chance to strike’

From Panay News (Jan 26, 2022): ‘Don’t give rebels the chance to strike’ (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

“Huwag bigyan ng pagkakataon na maka-score ang kaaway. Dapat extra careful at laging handa.”

This is Region 6 police director Police Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo’s order to policemen.

The kaaway (enemy) refers to the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Dongbo has been going around Western Visayas inspecting various police units’ readiness to possible rebel offensives.

“I told my men to carry their firearms all the time. Dapat naka-buddy-buddy system sila,” according to the police director.

The buddy system is a procedure in which two individuals, the “buddies”, operate together as a single unit so that they are able to monitor and help each other.

Dongbo also reminded his men to not to wear uniform when going home to avoid becoming easy targets of rebels.

Last year, the Philippine National Police headquarters sent high-powered firearms and bullet proof vests to the PRO-6.

For his part, Major General Benedict Arevalo of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) ordered his soldiers detailed in mountainous areas to monitor the movements of rebels, especially their extortion activities.

“We are very serious in running after these terrorists so they will not be able to do terroristic activities against the people and our troops. We want to ensure that the coming elections are free from their interference,” Arevalo said.

https://www.panaynews.net/dont-give-rebels-the-chance-to-strike/

MILF, Bangsamoro gov’t hail Senate’s amnesty nod

From MindaNews (Jan 26, 2022): MILF, Bangsamoro gov’t hail Senate’s amnesty nod (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro government lauded Wednesday the concurrence of the Senate to grant amnesty to members of the erstwhile largest Islamic rebel group in Mindanao.

MILF combatants at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao. MindaNews file photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

Von Alhaq, MILF spokesperson, described the Senate’s adoption to grant them amnesty as a “very good development.”

“Supposedly, the amnesty should have been granted even before the peace negotiations started [in 1997],” he said in a phone interview.

“This development is a sign of compliance of the government to the peace agreement,” he added.

On Monday, the Senate adopted three House resolutions granting amnesty to the MILF, the Moro National Liberation Front and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB).

In February 2021, President Rodrigo Duterte issued proclamations that grant amnesty to the rebel groups.

Alhaq said that if the general amnesty will fully take effect, MILF members charged with crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs would be cleared and can go out without fear of getting arrested.

Such amnesty will allow them to run for elective positions should they decide to participate in the elections, he added.

Alhaq said the top MILF leaders and members were charged for crimes in pursuit of their political beliefs.

“A revolution is a political offense. We waged a war against the government in pursuit of our political aspiration… This general amnesty will clear us of such case,” Alhaq said.

The MILF originally waged a rebellion for the right to self-determination of Muslims in Mindanao, and in the course of the peace negotiation opted for autonomy.

In 2014, the government and the MILF signed a final peace agreement, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), after 17 years of negotiations.

Under the CAB, a Bangsamoro region shall be created, which was realized in 2019 following the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

BARMM spokesperson Naguib Sinarimbo said the regional government welcomes the Senate’s decision favoring the granting of amnesty by the President to MILF members.

“Under the Constitution, the power of the President to issue an amnesty will require concurrence of the Congress, and because we have a provision under the CAB for such purpose, the national government complied to that in a form of a proclamation granting an amnesty,” said Sinarimbo, also the Minister of the Bangsamoro’s Interior and Local Government.

Sinarimbo said that the amnesty is a milestone that is very significant especially to the members of the MILF as “everyone knows that majority of the MILF members who fought against the government have incidentally committed violations to the law in pursuit of their political beliefs.”

“Since the national government recognized the legitimacy of their cause, we have this amnesty,” he added.

Section 4 of Presidential Proclamation No. 1090 states that the amnesty “shall extinguish any criminal liability for acts committed in pursuit of political beliefs, without prejudice to the grantee’s civil liability for injuries or damages caused to private persons whose right to be indemnified is fully recognized therein. The grant of amnesty shall also effect the restoration of civil or political rights suspended or lost by virtue of criminal conviction.”

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. also welcomed the Senate’s decision favoring the granting of amnesty to the MILF, the MILF and the RPMP-RPA-ABB.

“It will allow them to put the past behind them, and give them and their families the opportunity to make the full transition to peaceful and productive civilian life as their social and political rights are restored along with the granting of amnesty” Galvez said in a statement.

He called upon the members of the former rebel groups to take advantage of the amnesty program, and use it as an opportunity to help sustain the gains of peace.

“To the members of the former rebel groups who are now working with the government through the various peace mechanisms, may the granting of amnesty further inspire and embolden us in our journey towards a just and lasting peace,” he said.

Under the amnesty proclamations, any member of the MILF, MNLF and RPM-P/RPA/ABB who has committed any act or omission in pursuit of their political belief, including those detained, charged, or convicted for such acts or omissions, may apply for amnesty, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/01/milf-bangsamoro-govt-hail-senates-amnesty-nod/

Crush communist threat before end of PRRD's term: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2022): Crush communist threat before end of PRRD's term: AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FINAL PUSH. AFP Chief, Gen. Andres Centino (center), holds a command conference with chiefs of the military's major services and unified commands in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Jan. 25, 2022). He urged officials to sustain the AFP's momentum in the fight against communist terrorism to end local armed conflict before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term in June. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief, Gen. Andres Centino, has directed all military commanders to ensure that the local communist insurgency threat is eliminated before President Rodrigo R. Duterte's term ends in June.

Centino issued the directive during Tuesday's command conference at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City attended by all chiefs of major services and unified commands.

“As your Chief of Staff, I am taking the lead in this final push of our campaign. I enjoin everyone to maintain our momentum, sustain our gains, and remain victorious. Let us finish the local armed conflict within the President’s term. As the Armed Forces of the Filipino people, we shall not fail them in their desire of having a peaceful and secure society,” he said in a statement Tuesday night.

Centino also directed all AFP commanders to intensify their operations with a sense of urgency and focus on defeating the remaining local threat groups through intelligence-driven combat operations.

He particularly ordered the redeployment of AFP forces to where the communist group is based, launch decisive engagements aimed at destroying the enemies’ will to fight, cut off their source of funds and logistics support, and hit the enemy leadership, which is considered their center of gravity, hard.

Citing the AFP's accomplishments for 2021, he said the military had neutralized 43 top New People's Army (NPA) leaders and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Central Committee members.

These are Jorge Madlos, Menandro Villanueva, Pedro Codaste, Eddie Genelsa, and Maria Loida Tuso Magpatoc – all members of the CPP Politburo Committee.

Likewise, 10 CPP-NPA guerilla fronts have been dismantled while more than 3,000 party and underground organization members and supporters have withdrawn their membership from the CPP and the National Democratic Front.

In its focused military operations against local terrorist groups, the AFP reported the surrender of 144 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, 41 members of Dawlah Islamiya, and 249 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Centino also ordered all AFP commanders to actively support the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, and Department of the Interior and Local Government in maintaining peace and order and security during the election period.

“Let us once again be reminded to isolate ourselves from partisan politics so we can focus on our noble mandate of protecting the people and the State. We must avoid participating in any partisan political activities, except to exercise our individual right to vote,” he said.

On the AFP’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, Centino directed the AFP engineering units to lead in rehabilitation efforts so that regular combatant forces can shift their focus on internal security operations.

He likewise ordered the unified commands to maximize the use and deployment of reserve units in the conduct of HADR operations.

Centino also reminded officials to increase operational efficiency, continue capability development, optimize the use of resources, and advance professionalism and meritocracy in the military.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166358

Carlos names new PNP spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2022): Carlos names new PNP spokesperson (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo (Photo courtesy of PNP)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo B. Carlos on Wednesday announced the designation of Col. Jean S. Fajardo as his official spokesperson.

In a news conference in Camp Crame, Carlos formally introduced Fajardo, who is also a lawyer, to members of the PNP Press Corps, replacing newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba.

Fajardo, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 1996, graduated from Jose Rizal University College of Law and passed the Bar examinations in 2009.

Positions previously held by Fajardo are deputy director for operations of PNP Drug Enforcement Group, director of the Pampanga provincial police, and chief of the Public Information Office (PIO) of the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon).

Alba, meanwhile, will assume as full-time chief of the PNP PIO, the unit designated as the official publicist of the police force.

Aside from being PNP PIO chief, Alba is also the PNP's head coordinator with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, and executive producer of PNP public affairs programs on radio, television, and social media platforms.

Alba is a member of the PNPA Class of 1992.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1166403

Group wants NPA rebels disarmed as requisite for peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 26, 2022): Group wants NPA rebels disarmed as requisite for peace talks (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Liga Independencia Pilipinas national chairperson Jose Antonio Goitia (File photo)

MANILA – Anti-communist group Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI) sees the need to disarm members of the New People's Army (NPA) before reopening the government table for another peace talks.

This, according to Jose Antonio Goitia, LIPI national chairperson, on the unanimous stand of some presidential candidates to pursue peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing NPA, and political arm National Democratic Front (NDF).

"As a democratic nation, state, we have issued a strong position as a matter of state policy not to negotiate or conduct talks with any terrorist groups. The CPP-NPA-NDF has been labeled by the international countries as terrorist groups and similarly the Philippines also with the enactment of the Anti-Terrorist Act," he said in a statement Tuesday.

Preconditions imposed by the government must be observed before the peace talks, he added.

"The CPP-NPA-NDF should renounce all its terroristic activities during the past and present and stop future plans. They should accept conditions of demobilizations and disarmament of its military wing NPA before talks can proceed," Goitia said.

Goitia said peace negotiation with the communist groups should be conducted here in the Philippines, as the insurgency itself is happening locally.

"Drop its claims of belligerency status. At the same time its insistency on conducting talks in the international setting. Issues that brought about by this insurgency are local in nature," he said.

"Since the 1986 Peace talks, the government has been in a losing end. The terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF has used the cessation of hostilities to conduct propaganda and pursue the communist line among different sectors of the society, the youth being the most vulnerable of such," he added.

Goitia cited during the earlier peace talks, the CPP-NDF has been strengthening its political fronts in the white areas, while its armed wing NPA, continued the pursuit of a "bloody revolution" on the rural side of the country.

"It has penetrated pillars of our institutions as if they are nationalist and democratic while hiding their communist/atheist intention of a bloody revolution," he added.

Goitia was pertaining to a series of attacks on government troops, community extortion, and the killings of civilians, particularly indigenous peoples.

"We hope that these presidentiables would discern enough the terror plot being hatched by the CPP-NPA-NDF using the democratic space that we have," he said.

Goitia, meanwhile, hoped the public would have a wise choice of a presidential candidate in the upcoming May 9 polls.

"Educate yourself to not be alluded by popular votes. As a potential leader of the country, learn from mistakes and historical errors done in the past. Never again shall we be fooled by populist rhetorics," he said.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF 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/1166412

CPP/NDF-Sison: Duterte’s Executive Order No. 158 is a pack of lies and false promises

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 26, 2022): Duterte’s Executive Order No. 158 is a pack of lies and false promises 

 

Jose Maria Sison

Chief Political Consultant

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

January 26, 2022

In the very title of his Executive Order 158, issued on December 27, 2021, GRP Rodrigo Duterte dishes out the glittering but mendacious generality of “strengthening the policy framework on peace, reconciliation and unity”. In fact, he means the contrary.

His most important premises in the “whereases” are the following: 1. to achieve the pacification of the Filipino people’s new democratic revolution and the struggle for self-determination by the Moro and other minorities and preserve the rotten semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system and its brutal and corrupt state; and 2. to spread the false promise of addressing and resolving the root causes of the armed conflicts and transforming Philippine society by staging fake localized peace talks.

He assumes falsely that he has succeeded enough at attacking and destroying the armed revolutionary movement of the people and that his objective is merely to engage in mopping up operations by seeking the further fragmentation and capitulation of remnant groups and individuals at the grass roots level through the staging of “localized peace negotiations. He makes the false promises of addressing the legal status and security of former rebels; ensuring the protection of non-combatants and providing community-based assistance services.

The main purpose of the executive order is to create the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) as a psywar and intelligence tool of the presidential commander-in-chief and the reactionary military, police and paramilitary forces. OPAPRU performs the previous roles of OPAPP in conducting propaganda and dialogues and promising dole-outs. In fact, it is an enhanced tool of armed counterrevolution within the framework of escalating state terrorism against the people and their revolutionary forces.

What the executive order deliberately and maliciously fails to mention are the following:

1. The Duterte regime’s scheme of “localized peace talks” and using the OPAPRU for the purpose is within the framework of permanently ending the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations, designating the CPP, NPA and the NDFP as “terrorist” organizations and subjecting the people and their revolutionary forces to state terrorism under the mislabelled Anti-Terrorism Act, the Anti-Terrorism Council and the National Task Force-Elcac.

2. The main objective of Duterte regime in using fake localized peace talks is to approach suspected revolutionaries (including relatives and friends) as individuals and groups, offer them dole-outs under such scams as E-CLIP, Community Support Program and Barangay Development Program.
Those who fall for the bait are publicly presented as surrenderers and made to participate in psywar, intelligence and combat operations. At will, as in Oplan Tokhang, the military handlers can kill the surrenderers to get higher rewards for fake battle casualties.

3. By permanently foreclosing the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations within the framework of the The Hague Joint Declaration of 1992, the Duterte regime has scrapped all the solemn joint GRP-NDFP agreements that have been made through sporadic peace negotiations since 1995 by the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels duly-authorized at the highest and most responsible level.

4. The fascist regime spreads the lie that the aforesaid peace negotiations in a foreign neutral venue have been useless and fruitless and conveniently lays aside the fact that so-called localized peace talks through the National Unification Commission since September 1992 has a longer period of failure to fool the armed revolutionary movement than the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations.

5. The GRP-NDFP peace negotiations started only in 1995 and produced more than 10 major agreements, including the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Right and International Humanitarian Law, within three years. But the post-Ramos regimes under constant pressure from military hawks have limited peace negotiations to a total of no more than two years despite the passage of decades since 1995.

6. The insistence of the Duterte regime and its military minions on “localized peace talks” is maliciously intended to put the NDFP negotiating panelists, advisors, consultants,resource persons and staff personnel under the control and surveillance of the GRP intelligence agencies and subject the NDFP to projected abductions, torture and murders as in 1987 after the ceasefire talks and ceasefire agreement between the Aquino regime and NDFP in 1986 and 1987.

7. Despite the far more limited exposure of NDFP negotiators and related people in peace negotiations with the GRP abroad from 1995 onwards, the Duterte regime has been able to trace, abduct, detain, torture and murder more than sixteen senior consultants and staff personnel of the NDFP negotiating panel in the Philippines. It is obvious that the whole scheme of “localized peace talks” is nothing but a tactic to entrap the revolutionaries in triad operations of psywar, intelligence and combat in the armed counterrevolution.

8. For malevolent dramatic effect, the Duterte regime has shown a penchant for tracing and murdering NDFP senior consultants, who are in their seventies and are unarmed and defenseless in their homes. It wants to show off that its all-out war policy is succeeding even as as the armed revolutionary movement is rapidly growing in strength and advancing due to the people’s desire for revolutionary change and the rapidly worsening crisis of the ruling system as a result of the traitorous, tyrannical, terrorist and thieving policies and actions of the Duterte regime.

The Duterte regime is already in the throes of its few remaining months of its o legal term of office, It has issued Executive Order No. 158 obviously to guide the Marcos-Duterte tandem which it expects to install as successor regime through electoral fraud and terrorism. What the incumbent regime is doing is trying to ensure is that state terrorism and plunder will continue and even escalate further.

It pretends to be unaware that the rapidly worsening crisis of the domestic ruling system and the world capitalist system is exceedingly favorable for the people’s democratic revolution in the Philippines and that foreclosing genuine peace negotiations within the framework of The Hague Joint Declaration gives notice to the Filipino people and their revolutionary movement that there is no way for them to achieve just peace but to wage the revolutionary struggle for national and social liberation more resolutely and fiercer than ever before.

Thus, the broad masses of the people are awaiting the revolutionary counter-offensives as the fitting response to the brutal campaigns of so-called focused military operations of the counterrevolution. The enemy forces are still to receive the hardest blows under the revolutionary policy of centralized and unified ideological and political leadership and decentralized operations, including the guerrilla strategy and tactics of inflicting countless wounds on the enemy through extensive and intensive tactical offensives on a nationwide scale.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-executive-order-no-158-is-a-pack-of-lies-and-false-promises/

CPP/NPA-Sorsogon: Fake News Alert: Ruben Estremadura

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 25, 2022): Fake News Alert: Ruben Estremadura 

NPA-Sorsogon (Celso Minguez Command)

New People's Army

January 25, 2022

Inaresto nitong Enero 12 si Ruben Estremadura, isang magsasaka sa Brgy. Sta. Barbara, Bulusan, Sorsogon ng mga elemento ng 31st IBPA at Bulusan PNP.

Pinaratangan siya na NPA at sinampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso.

Si Estremadura ay unang sibilyan na pinaratangan na NPA ngayong taon at pang 24 mula 2020.

https://cpp.ph/statements/fake-news-alert-ruben-estremadura/

CPP/CIO: Duterte’s EO 158 and “local peace talks” are anti-peace and counterrevolutionary

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 25, 2022):

Duterte’s EO 158 and “local peace talks” are anti-peace and counterrevolutionary

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 25, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) calls on the Filipino people, especially advocates of a just and lasting peace, to reject and denounce Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 158 issued last December 27, 2021 that purportedly “strengthens peace, reconciliation and unity” but which, in fact, is anti-peace and counterrevolutionary. Duterte’s EO 158 promotes a fake peace and will completely shut the doors to serious peace negotiations.

All committees of the Party and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) will continue to expose and reject the “localized peace talks” under EO 158 and mobilize the people to demand a just and lasting peace based on addressing the people’s national and democratic aspirations. Progressive, patriotic and democratic forces can raise expose and demand the repeal of EO 158 and call on all candidates running in the 2022 elections to join in denouncing “local peace talks” and demand the resumption of serious peace negotiations.

Behind the rhetoric of “addressing the roots of the armed conflict,” EO 158 aims only to pacify the people without actually responding to the problem of systemic oppression and exploitation. The ultimate aim of Duterte’s fake peace is to kill the people’s resistance to land grabbing, low wages, and the expansion of plantations and mining companies and other big capitalist interests.

Duterte’s “peace framework” is a counterinsurgency weapon. It uses so-called “localized peace talks” to conduct psywar and intelligence operations against the people and their people’s army. On the pretext of “grassroots engagement,” it aims, attacks and destroys the independent people’s organizations in order to disunite the people and take away their capacity to defend their land, their rights and interests. Fake organizations are formed by the military. Superficial “livelihood programs,” road and housing projects, are launched to conceal the fundamental problem of landlessness, uproot the people from their land, and to serve as milking-cow for corrupt military officers.

Under EO 158, talking “peace” serves only to sugarcoat the relentless drive to terrorize the people by establishing so many military camps and detachments to surround and control civilian villages, forcibly recruit people to paramilitary groups, conduct night raids against people’s homes, incessantly harass people to “admit” and “surrender” to being NPA supporters and target for extrajudicial killing those who refuse to cooperate and give up their principles. Entire villages are being terrorized through night and early morning aerial bombing and artillery shelling that target their farms, communities and mountains.

Duterte’s EO 158 is the culmination of his regime’s killing of peace negotiations between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Since 2017, he has systematically trampled on all past agreements and reversed the hard-won achievements of the NDFP-GRP negotiations, including the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). He prevented the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Socioeconomic Reforms (CASER). He has treacherously imprisoned and killed peace consultants and personnel of the NDFP in blatant violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

“Peace, reconciliation and unity” is a thin veil to conceal the reign of state terrorism imposed by Duterte and the National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac on the people in the name of anti-terrorism. Under Duterte’s Anti-Terror Law (ATL), which systematically undermines and attacks human rights and legal processes and targets patriotic and democratic forces, the attainment of a just and lasting peace has become impossible.

https://cpp.ph/statements/dutertes-eo-158-and-local-peace-talks-are-anti-peace-and-counterrevolutionary/

CPP/CIO: On Duterte’s declaration that “enemies of state” will not be prioritized in vaccination

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 25, 2022): On Duterte’s declaration that “enemies of state” will not be prioritized in vaccination

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 25, 2022

Duterte’s fiendish and fascist mindset is again revealed when he declared that “enemies of the state” should not be prioritized in Covid-19 vaccination.

Duterte is obsessed with counterinsurgency. He even wants to use medical service as a weapon of war which is inconsistent with basic medical ethics and humanitarian principles. In line with humanitarian principles of war, medical service or treatment must be extended even to one’s enemy, even in times of combat.

Duterte is making senseless noise to cover-up the fact that vaccine distribution in the rural areas is grossly lacking. Kulang na kulang na nga ang bakuna, tagibang na tagibang pa ang distribusyon.

Sa maraming erya na kinikilusan ng NPA, malaking porsyento pa ng populasyon ang hindi nababakunahan dahil malayo ang mga vaccination center at walang pera ang masa para bumiyahe sa mga sentro.

It is a good thing that the NPA has taken the initiative to work with mass organizations and village health workers to prepare lagundi, tanglad and other herbal preparations, that are used to treat coughs, colds, fever and other symptoms of Covid-19.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-dutertes-declaration-that-enemies-of-state-will-not-be-prioritized-in-vaccination/

CPP/CC: Parangal kay Kasamang Abdias “Omar/Badul” Guadiana

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jan 25, 2022): Parangal kay Kasamang Abdias “Omar/Badul” Guadiana

Central Committee

Communist Party of the Philippines

January 25, 2022

20 SETYEMBRE 2021 | Noong ika-29 ng Hulyo 2021, si Kasamang Abdias Guadiana na mas kilala sa rebolusyonaryong hanay na Kasamang Omar/Badul ay pumanaw dahil sa impeksyon ng COVID-19 na nagkumplika sa matagal na niyang sakit na interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Siya ay 72 anyos. Siya ay tubong San Julian, Eastern Samar. Naantala ang pagkatanggap ng malungkot na balita, pati ang pagsulat at paglalathala ng parangal na ito dahil sa maigting na mga operasyong militar ng pasistang berdugong rehimeng US-Duterte.

Sa matagal na panahon, si Kasamang Omar ay isang haligi ng Partido at rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Samar at Silangang Kabisayaan. Kalihim siya ng Komiteng Rehiyon ng Partido nang halos 30 taon mula huling bahagi ng 1985.

Nasa unahang hanay na siya ng mga kadre ng Partido sa rehiyon mula 1974. Lider siya ng mga progresibong aktibistang estudyante sa University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) sa Catarman, Northern Samar nang ipataw ni Marcos ang pasistang paghaharing militar. Nasa katapusang taon siya ng kursong Veterinary Medicine nang arestuhin at ibilanggo ng rehimeng diktador. Pagkalaya, pumunta siya sa kanayunan at, kasama ng iba pang kadre ng Partido gaya ni Antonio Cabanatan at Prudencio Calubid, kanilang binuo, pinalawak at pinatatag ang unang larangang gerilya ng BHB sa timog-kanlurang Samar sa pamamagitan ng sariling kayod mula sa tunay na wala. Pagpasok ng dekadang 1980 ang armadong kilusan sa Samar at Leyte ay tampok nang bahagi ng rumaragasang armadong pakikibaka at kilusang masa na nagpabagsak sa pasistang diktadurang US-Marcos.

Si Kasamang Omar ang prinsipal na lider ng Partido, hukbong bayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Samar at Leyte sa panahon ng paghahari ng 5 papet na presidente. Mabangis na sinalakay ang Partido at hukbong bayan nang paulit-ulit na mga Oplan, todong gyera, lambat-bitag, pasistang lagim na ala-Palparan at madugong pagdurog. Gayunman, napreserba ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang sarili; napanday ang Partido, hukbo at masa sa pakikibakang buhay-at-kamatayan; at ang armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ay nanatiling isa sa pinakamalawak at pinakamalakas sa buong bansa.

Sa harap ng makahayop na pasistang pag-atake at pananalasa, nanatiling matatag na nakatindig ang Partido at hukbo sa rehiyon dahil tiniis nito ang lahat ng hirap at panganib at tiim-bagang na lumaban para isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan; dahil tinamasa at pinagyaman nito ang malawak at malalim na suporta ng masang magsasaka; dahil walang pagod na nakikipaggitgitan ito sa iba’t ibang panig at sulok ng malawak na kalupaang paborable sa digmang gerilya; dahil tumalima ito sa mga tuntuning gerilya sa higit na pleksibilidad sa taktika, mobilidad, sikreto at maliksing pagkilos; at dahil mulat ito palagi bilang integral na bahagi at kakapit-bisig ng paglaban ng sambayanan sa buong kapuluan.

Sa kanyang pamumuno, nilabanan at binigo ng Partido sa Silangang Kabisayaan ang anti-Partidong panghahati ng pangkating Tabara na nakapuslit sa pamunuan ng Partido, nakakontrol sa Komisyon sa Kabisayaan, at nagpalaganap at naggiit ng linya ng wala sa panahong regularisasyon at insureksyunismong lunsod, rebisyunismo at gangsterismo. Salungat sa bulok na pangkating Tabara, nanindigan si Ka. Omar at iba pang matapat na proletaryong rebolusyonaryo sa rehiyon para sa mga pundamental na prinsipyo ng Partido at rebolusyong Pilipino, matapat na nagpuna-sa-sarili at nagtuwid sa mga paglihis at pagkakamali. Dahil dito, mabilis na nahadlangan ang tangkang pangwawasak ng pangkating Tabara at nabawasan nang malaki ang kanilang pamiminsala. Noong 1990 nahalal si Ka Omar sa Komite Sentral ng Partido at noong 1992, sa Komite Sentral at Kawanihang Pampulitika.

Sa 50 taong singkad lubos na iniukol ni Ka Omar ang kanyang buhay sa Partido at rebolusyon. Halos lahat ng iyon sa kanayunan, sa piling ng hukbo at masang magsasaka ng Samar. Halimbawa siya sa simpleng pamumuhay at puspusang pakikibaka, pagpapakumbaba, pagpuna-sa-sarili, pakikipagkaisa sa masa at kasama. Sa lahat ng pagkakataon ayaw niyang maging pabigat sa masa at Partido. Kahit nang dapuan ng malalang sakit, laging una siyang tumututol sa malaking paggasta para sa kanyang pagpapagamot.

Si Kasamang Omar ay ulirang kinatawan ng mga lokal na kadreng iniluwal ng kilusang masa sa Samar. Walang atubili at puspusan siyang lumubog sa hanay ng masang magsasaka at pinanday ang sarili sa walang humpay na rebolusyonaryong pag-aaral at paggawa. Tuluy-tuloy siyang nagpanibagong-hubog sa ideolohiya upang itaas ang kanyang proletaryong kamulatan at iwaksi ang mga impluwensyang burgis at petiburgis.

Kahit pumanaw na siya ang kanyang maningning na halimbawa ay magsisilbing inspirasyon sa mas nakabababatang mga lider at kadre ng Partido na sila nang nasa gulugod ngayon ng rebolusyonaryong pamumuno. Ang lakas sa ideolohiya, pulitika, organisasyon at militar ng Partido at rebolusyon sa rehiyon ang buhay na pamana niya at kanyang mga kasama. Ang mga ito ang matatag na tuntungan para sa tuluy-tuloy na pagpupunyagi ng Partido, hukbo at masa sa landas ng armadong rebolusyon hanggang makamit ang tunay na pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya.

Pulang saludo kay Kasamang Omar!

Matuto sa kanyang habang-buhay na katapatan at katatagan sa rebolusyon, proletaryado at sambayanan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/parangal-kay-kasamang-abdias-omar-badul-guadiana/

Kalinaw News: Gov’t Forces Uproot 8.6M Worth of Marijuana Plants in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 26, 2022): Gov’t Forces Uproot 8.6M Worth of Marijuana Plants in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – January 26, 2022

More or less 10,000 fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of eight million six hundred thousand pesos (PhP8,600,000.00) were uprooted by government forces in Barangay Masjid Bayle, Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu on January 23, 2022.

According to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, troops of the 4th Marine Brigade, PDEA BARMM, Sulu Provincial Police Office, PNP Special Action Force, and the intelligence units conducted a joint law enforcement operation targeting alleged marijuana planters identified as a.k.a. Banban and a.k.a. Aksan. Upon arrival at the target area, operating troops discovered the marijuana plantation and arrested the target personalities.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu said that the marijuana plantation covered an approximately 10,000 square meters land area. PDEA-BARMM conducted documentation and spearheaded the uprooting and burning of the marijuana plants.

Proper documentation and profiling were conducted in the presence of representatives from the Provincial Prosecutor Office and other witnesses. These documents and pieces of evidence shall be used for the filing of appropriate charges related to the violation of Republic Act 9165 against the arrested personalities.

“Congratulations to the operating troops for the successful operation. The armed forces are always ready to assist other security agencies in the conduct of law enforcement operations here in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. further 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/govt-forces-uproot-8-6m-worth-of-marijuana-plants-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: 7ID’s Focused Military Operations yield 3 CTG members with firearms, ammo in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 26, 2022): 7ID’s Focused Military Operations yield 3 CTG members with firearms, ammo in Aurora



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The intensive conduct of the Focused Military Operations of the troops of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army under MGen Andrew D. Costelo PA resulted in the influx of surrender of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members in Aurora.

On January 26, 2022, the troops of 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army together with its counterparts facilitated the voluntary surrender of lay-low CTG members identified as alias “Mario”, alias “Don-don”, and alias “Albert/Romeo” who were residents of Casiguran, and Disalag, Aurora, respectively.

They surrendered along with one (1) cal.45 (Colt MK IV); three (3) magazines for M14 (Unserviceable); 30 rounds of ammunition for M14; one (1) ICOM base radio; and DENR leaflets (Gabay sa Pagpapatupad Ng Batas Pangkalikasan).

Said CTG personalities were brought to the Headquarters of Bravo Company, 91IB in Brgy. Dibaraybay, Dinalungan, Aurora for proper documentation and disposition.

Meanwhile, MGen Costelo attributed the surrender of former CTG members to the efforts of PTF-ELCAC of Aurora as their peace and development initiatives in collaboration with the Army and PNP were effective citing the series of surrenders in the past few weeks.

“Your surrender is an inspiration to those who are still active in the terrorist organization. Kaya naman lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong desisyong sumuko na sa pamahalaan. Sa kabila ng pagiging lay-low ninyo, inyo paring ipinagkatiwala ang inyong mga sarili sa autoridad kasama ang inyong mga armas,” said 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/7ids-focused-military-operations-yield-3-ctg-members-with-firearms-ammo-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: EASTMINCOM Supports Mandatory Military Service

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 26, 2022): EASTMINCOM Supports Mandatory Military Service

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) strongly supports the proposal of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to implement a mandatory military service among 18-year-old Filipino youth.

We believe that the role of our youth in the peace, development, and stability of our country is vital given the current security situation both internal and external. Aside from modernized assets, we need more forces to keep up with the demands of our defense sector, not only in times of conflict but also during natural disasters.

In other countries, the youth aged 18 or above have to serve their armed forces mandatorily for 2 years.

If the proposal will push-through, we will have a massive human resource that can readily respond for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations.

Aside from this, we believe that the proposal will instill discipline, develop leadership, and nurture patriotism among the young members of our society, which are necessary to be acquired by our next leaders. In fact, some of our great Presidents and national leaders in the past have also served in the armed forces during their youth before they took the helm of the highest seat in our government and other national positions.

Most importantly, the proposal will spare and deny our youth from the indoctrination and recruitment of organizations which have links to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), violent extremist organizations, and other lawless elements.

The communist-terrorists and other notorious groups take advantage of the vulnerabilities and idealism of our youth especially students and Indigenous Peoples (IP) to lure them in joining their lawless and criminal activities.

Above all, the mandatory military service will create a generation of law-abiding and patriotic citizens that will contribute to the National Vision 2040: Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Buhay for all Filipinos.

[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/eastmincom-supports-mandatory-military-service/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army holds retirement honors for outgoing Special Forces Regiment “Airborne” commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2022): Philippine Army holds retirement honors for outgoing Special Forces Regiment “Airborne” commander



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army rendered retirement honors for outgoing Special Forces Regiment “Airborne” (SFRA) commander Brig. Gen. Lincoln Francisco Tagle on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Headquarters Philippine Army, here, in Fort Bonifacio.

Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr. awarded a plaque and memento to Brig. Gen. Tagle who will bow out of service on January 29, 2022 after nearly 37 years in service.

Brig. Gen. Tagle has led SFRA since April 2019. He served as deputy commander and acting commander of the AFP Special Operations Command in 2019. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989 and holds a Master of Management from the Philippine Christian University.

The CGPA lauded Brig. Gen. Tagle for his exemplary leadership which resulted in the neutralization of 1,174 state enemies and the recovery of 940 high-powered and 240 low-powered firearms during his nearly three-year stint as SFRA commander.

“As you bid farewell from military service, you may now hang your uniform with pride knowing that you did your best as a servant-soldier of the Filipino people,” 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/philippine-army-holds-retirement-honors-for-outgoing-special-forces-regiment-airborne-commander/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 91IB welcomes Rebel Returnee; Dingalan Mayor gives financial assistance, calls for long-lasting peace

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2022): Army’s 91IB welcomes Rebel Returnee; Dingalan Mayor gives financial assistance, calls for long-lasting peace



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — A week after the surrender of alias “JR/Joey”, a member of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla – Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), the Local Chief Executive of Dingalan, Aurora, Mayor Shierwin H. Taay, gave him financial assistance worth Php10,000 and food packs at the Mayor’s Office on January 24, 2022.

The simple handover ceremony was witnessed by 1st lieutenant Jun Niño O. Espora, Commanding Officer of Alpha Company of 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army, 1st Lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao, together with Police Captain Rufinita Garcia, Officer-in-charge (OIC) of Dingalan Municipal Police Station.

In his message, Mayor Taay welcomed the surrender of alias “JR/Joey” and reiterate his call for unity for long-lasting peace in his municipality.

“Isang malaking oportunidad na sa pamamagitan ni alias JR, ang pagbabalik-loob niya sa pamahalaan upang matugunan ang kanyang pangangailangan upang makapamuhay ng normal,” said Mayor Taay.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commanding Officer of 91IB, on the other hand, extended his gratitude to Mayor Taay for his untiring support to the efforts of his unit as they continue to maintain peace and security in their Area of Operations.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army MGen Andrew D. Costelo PA, cited the initiative of the Local Chief Executive of Dingalan in giving financial assistance to the Rebel Returnee and urged the MTF-ELCAC to continue its collaborative activities that will gain more accomplishments in line with its mission under Executive Order No. 70.

“Malaking bagay ang suporta ng LGU sa ating mga dating rebelde dahil makakatulong ito sa kanilang pagsisimula muli. Hindi lang yan, naipaparamdam pa natin sa mga ito na importante ang kanilang pagbabalik loob sa pangmatagalang kapayapaan na ating hinahangad sa bawat lugar, ” said 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/armys-91ib-welcomes-rebel-returnee-dingalan-mayor-gives-financial-assistance-calls-for-long-lasting-peace/

Kalinaw News: Top 2 NPA leader falls in Bukidnon skirmish

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2022): Top 2 NPA leader falls in Bukidnon skirmish



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) LtGen. Greg T. Almerol describes the current situation of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao as “running like a headless monster” as Pedro Codaste alias Gonyong/Serv, the 2nd top-ranking NPA Commander in Mindanao falls at the hands of combined military units following an encounter at Brgy Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon on January 21, 2022.

Following EastMinCom’s direction to intensify the military offensives against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), combined forces of the 4th Infantry Division’s (4ID) 402nd Brigade, 16th Infantry Battalion, Special Action Force (SAF) of Philippine National Police (PNP), and intel units launched an operation in the said area in response to reliable information from concerned citizens about the presence of an armed group.

Troops figured in a 30-minute firefight against an estimated 15 fully armed CTG which resulted in the death of Codaste and a certain alias Zandro.

They also recovered two firearms composed of an AK47 Rifle, a Caliber .45 Pistol, an Anti-Personnel Mine (APM), three backpacks with personal belongings, and subversive documents at the encounter site.

Codaste was considered as the Acting Chairman of the NPA’s Komisyun Mindanao (KOMMID) after the death of Antonio Cabanatan, Jorge Madlos, and Menandro Villanueva.

He was also a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) Central Committee, National Democratic Front (NDF) Consultant, Deputy Secretary KOMMID, former Secretary of Guerilla Front 4A (GF4A) in Agusan del Sur during the early ’90s, and later became Secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in 2009.

According to LtGen. Almerol, the death of Codaste gives justice to the victims of his atrocities in Mindanao. He had multiple warrants of arrest for murder, double frustrated murder, and attempted murder from the Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon since last August 2018.

The EastMinCom Commander assessed that just as what happened after the death of Ka Oris and Ka Bok, two of the top-ranking NPA leaders in Mindanao, more NPA personalities will yield to the troops as they cannot survive at hands of inexperienced leaders.

“We are seeing a snowball of surrender in the coming days with the successful neutralization of another CTG head. This is possible as the operational balance of the CTG continues to crumble while the morale of their followers depletes after a series of engagements with our troops,” he said.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol reiterated his call to the remaining CTG members to surrender peacefully instead of following the path of their slain leaders.

“May you follow the steps of your former comrades who are now living a peaceful and comfortable life under the care of the government as beneficiaries of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). All you need to do is make that decisive action to peacefully surrender and we will ensure your safety and protection,” LtGen. Almerol said.

“We abhor the idea of bloodshed and we do not want to see another rebel dying for the sake of a failed ideology. Surrender now instead of wasting your lives,” he emphasized.

LtGen. Almerol also applauded the people living in the communities for their proactive sharing of information to the military “which has been instrumental in the success of its operations in Eastern Mindanao.”

He also commended the troops of 4ID, PNP, and intel units for the successful neutralization of another most wanted NPA leader in Eastern Mindanao.”

“Your exemplary job is a true source of inspiration for all Filipino people who strive to make the country better in pursuit of peace and development. Keep up the good work!” the EastMinCom Commander 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/top-2-npa-leader-falls-in-bukidnon-skirmish/

Kalinaw News: 4ID pursuit operations in Lanao del Sur seizes 5 high-powered firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2022): 4ID pursuit operations in Lanao del Sur seizes 5 high-powered firearms

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – Troops of the 1st Special Forces Battalion led by Lt Col Vercisio San Jose encountered an estimated number of 30 CNTs in the tri-boundaries of the municipalities of Amai Manabilang, Lumba-Bayabao, and Maguing, all in Lanao del Sur province on January 20 which resulted in the seizure of five (5) high-powered firearms composed of two (2) Cal 5.56mm M16 Rifles; one (1) Cal 5.56mm M653 Rifle; one (1) Cal 7.62mm M14 rifle; one (1) Cal 7.62mm AK-47 Rifle

It can be recalled that the same unit encountered an estimated fifty (50) fully armed CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) in Amay Manabilang, Lanao del Sur province last January 8 that resulted in the death of one (1) male CNT member identified as alias Rasty/Hasel/Ade and the seizure of one (1) General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) as well as four (4) other high-powered firearms.

In a statement, 4ID Acting Commander Brigadier General Oliver T Vesliño said that 4ID is determined to fulfill its mandated task of ending insurgency before President Duterte’s term ends.

“The people already manifested that they do not want the terrorist group in their communities, hence, we will not stop. We will use all available resources and the necessary force to quell these remaining terrorists. We will remain relentless in our combat and non-combat operations to finally win the peace for the safety and well-being of the people. I urge the NPAs to stop fighting, after all, we are all Filipinos, and instead return now to the folds of the law and avail the E-CLIP,” BGen Vesliño said.

For January alone, 4ID initiated 15 armed encounters against the CNTs which resulted in the death of (3) CNTs which were killed during encounters and the seizure of 35 high-powered and low powered firearms while 27 CNTs also surrendered during the period.

[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-pursuit-operations-in-lanao-del-sur-seizes-5-high-powered-firearms/

Kalinaw News: One Communist terrorist surrenders to military, yields firearm in Zambales

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 25, 2022): One Communist terrorist surrenders to military, yields firearm in Zambales



Troops from the 3rd Infantry Mechanized Battalion under the operational control of Joint Task Force Kaugnay facilitated the surrender of one member of the communist terrorist group at Sitio Pinandacpan, Brgy San Lorenzo, Masinloc, Zambales around 9:30 in the morning of January 24, 2022

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., the newly installed Commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom), disclosed that “Based on a report submitted by the 3rd Mechanized Battalion led by Lt. Col. Eugene Henry Cabusao, the surrendered personality was identified as alias “Jerry/May”, a member of the SYP Platoon of the Communist terror group Kilusang Larangan Guerilla Tarlac Zambales (KLG TARZAM).”

“Jerry/May also yielded one (1) M16A1 rifle to the military as proof of his clear intention to return to the fold of the law, “added Lt. Gen. Torres.

In a separate statement Col. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte, Commander of Joint Task Group Agila which covers the areas of Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Zambales revealed that the surrender of Jerry/May is a manifestation of the changing security landscape of the area as it shifts to a more peaceful environment where Communist terrorists can no longer enact their terroristic plans as they are now scarce in manpower and weaponry.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, Commander of Joint Task Force Kaugnay said that the surrender of the CTG personality in Zambales is a result of its relentless pursuit in dismantling the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Tarlac-Zambales (KLG-TARZAM) in Tarlac, Zambales and Pangasinan combined with the efforts of the PTF-ELCAC.

“We are committed in our pursuit to eradicate the influence of the KLG-TARZAM in the next few months. This CTG unit has been terrorizing the people of the three provinces for decades, hence, with the help of the community and the full cooperation of our Former Rebels, we can attain our mission objectives,” said MGen Costelo.

Likewise, Lt. Gen. Torres commended the operating troops for their latest accomplishment and vowed to clear out the remaining Communist terrorists in northern and central Luzon.

“We will be relentless with our security operations until we put a halt to the nonsense armed struggle of the few Communist terrorists who still fail to see the hand of peace shown to them by the government. The defenders of the north will remain committed to their mandate of making Northern Luzon a region of peace and progress,” said Lt. Gen. Torres.

[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/one-communist-terrorist-surrenders-to-military-yields-firearm-in-zambales/