US-PH Balikatan exercises begin in Cagayan

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 9, 2022): US-PH Balikatan exercises begin in Cagayan (By Liezle Basa Iñigo)

The 37th iteration of the Philippines-US Armed Forces Balikatan exercises formally began in Cagayan through the simultaneous groundbreaking ceremony for school buildings under the Engineering Civic Action Program or ENCAP.

Photo courtesy of PGS via Liezle Inigo

Four schools — Taggat Sur and Pinas Elementary School in Claveria town; Masi Elementary School in Rizal town, Cagayan; and San Francisco Elementary School in Alicia, Isabela were given a funding of $ 100,000 each by the US government.

Each building measures 18×17 square meters and is expected to be completed in April this year.

17th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Oliver Logan said such Balikatan exercise will be an opportunity for the US Air Force to share their skills with Philippine Army troops.

It also aims to strengthen the army’s friendship with the forces and to exchange knowledge, tactics, and other means in other aspects.

Photo courtesy of PGS via Liezle Inigo

The official also reiterated that no live firing exercise will take place in accordance with the resolution of the Cagayan Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) led by Governor Manuel Mamba, which was approved by the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces.

Austin Koch, USAF, US officer-in-charge said that ENCAP will serve as a stepping stone for US and Philippine Armed Forces’ cooperation in the construction of new buildings.

The US government will also provide the equipment until the project is completed.

“We will be providing materials and other heavy equipment for the construction of the classrooms. We are very willing to teach Filipino forces on using these advanced technologies as they will be teaching us how to build buildings in their own way. We will work side by side. Now I am pretty much excited to learn the innovative process from Filipinos,” Koch said.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/09/us-ph-balikatan-exercises-begins-in-cagayan/

4 NPA supporters arrested, war materials seized in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 9, 2022): 4 NPA supporters arrested, war materials seized in Bukidnon (By Mike Crismundo)

Government security forces arrested four supporters of communist terrorist groups and seized from them war materials following a gunbattle in the hinterlands of Sitio Kilap-agan, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the military reported on Wednesday, March 9.

The identities of the captured supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) are temporarily withheld pending a thorough investigation.

The suspects are currently detained at the Malaybalay City Police Station.

Troops from the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8th IB) also recovered anti-personnel mines which are prohibited under the Mine Ban Convention, Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr. also told the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday.

The operating troops seized one M16 Armalite rifle, one magazine, one ASUS laptop, live ammunitions and other assorted live bullets, personal belongings and subversive documents among other war paraphernalia.

Based on the report, concerned citizens informed the soldiers of sightings of the CNTs roaming around the village asking for food and extorting money, prompting them to respond resulting in an encounter that lasted for about 30 minutes on Thursday.

“Both sides reported no casualties. However, bloodstains were found at the enemy withdrawal route as our operating troops are still conducting hot pursuit operations against the fleeing CNTs,” Maj. Garello added.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the 8th IB, thanked the residents and the local officials for trusting the government soldiers by reporting sightings of the terrorists who have sown fear in the hearts of the citizens. “We are thankful to the concerned citizens and local officials because, through their reports, we were able to prevent the atrocities and potential harm the CNTs might inflict on our people,” he said.

“We will continue conducting our operations in our bid to attain lasting peace and sustainable development here in our area of responsibility, which is why we urge the remaining CNTs to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for a peaceful life,” he added.

He appealed to those who are still helping CNTs by serving as their couriers, advance post, and search elements among other activities, to stop supporting the CNTs. “Do not allow yourselves to be used and fooled by this terrorist group which has brought nothing but a senseless war and killings that are continuously disrupting the efforts of the people and government to bring genuine peace and development in the province of Bukidnon,” he added.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/09/4-npa-supporters-arrested-war-materials-seized-in-bukidnon/

Rebel, hitman slain in clash with gov’t soldiers in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 9, 2022): Rebel, hitman slain in clash with gov’t soldiers in Negros Occidental (By: Carla Gomez)

Negros Occidental map

A suspected communist rebel and a notorious hitman were killed in an encounter Wednesday, March 9, with government troops in Isabela town, Negros Occidental.

Virgilio Marco Tamban, commanding officer of the SYP Platoon Lenovo, and a still unidentified rebel suffered bullet wounds on the body during a three-minute firefight with the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Seized were a .45 caliber gun and a hand grenade.

The Army said the slain rebels were planning to execute a civilian suspected of being a government informant.

Lt. Col. William Pesase Jr., 62 IB Acting Commanding Officer, said justice was served to the innocent civilian victims killed by the communist rebels.

“I commend the bravery of the concerned residents in divulging reliable information to finally stop the killings,” he said.

“We are calling [on] the remaining NPA (New People’s Army) members to lay down their arms and avail [themselves of] government programs, especially the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP. Our government is always ready to accept and provide assistance for you to start a normal and peaceful life,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1565900/rebel-hitman-slain-in-clash-with-govt-soldiers-in-negros-occidental

Service caravan to reach more remote N. Samar villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): Service caravan to reach more remote N. Samar villages (By Sarwell Meniano)

SERVICE CARAVAN. Residents from rebel-infested communities in Las Navas, Northern Samar availing government services during a caravan in this March 23, 2021 photo. The Northern Samar provincial government is bringing its service caravan to more conflict-stricken communities in the province to end insurgency in remote areas. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)

The Northern Samar provincial government is bringing its service caravan to more conflict-stricken communities in the province to end insurgency in remote areas.

The local government will hold a caravan in Palapag town on March 10. This is the 10th round since its launch in November 2019 in San Isidro town, Northern Samar provincial information officer John Allen Berbon said.

“The Kauswagan (progress) caravan is one of the flagship programs of the province under the stewardship of Governor Edwin Ongchuan with a goal of bringing government services closer to the people. The program is also in support of Executive Order No. 70 - institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) in the country,” Berbon said in a phone interview.

Since late 2019, the caravan has been held in far-flung villages of Laoang, Lope de Vega, Las Navas, Silvino Lubos, Pambujan, and Catubig.

Present in these caravans are the various heads of offices of the provincial government led by provincial social welfare and development officer Jenny Darish, whose office has been giving food packs to every household and burial assistance to some.

Other departments provide information and assistance on the provincial government's livelihood programs, filing of real property tax, cooperative services, family planning programs, disaster risk reduction and management services, and employment opportunities.

The provincial agriculture office is tasked to distribute free seedlings while the provincial veterinary office offers vaccination, castration, and deworming of pets and cattle.

Health partners offer wellness checkups and advice.

Partner agencies like PhilHealth and Philippine Statistics Authority conduct mobile services for PhilHealth memberships and late birth registrations.

The Philippine Army offers free haircuts while representatives from national government agencies inform residents of their various programs and service.

The governor's wife, Blessie Ongchuan, also gives out candies and toys to children in the venue.

Northern Samar is considered as the hotbed of the communist terrorist group due to its thick forest and poor road networks.

The high incidence of poverty makes people in upland communities vulnerable to the persuasion of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169341

Westmincom fetes international peace monitors

From the Philippine Star (Mar 10, 2022): Westmincom fetes international peace monitors (Roel Pareño)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has awarded medals to members of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) for ensuring that there is no violation of the peace accord between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. and his staff accorded the honors during the exit call of the IMT-16 led by Maj. Gen. Datuk Hamdan Bin Hj Ismail on Tuesday.

Rosario noted that no violation of the ceasefire agreement was recorded from April 2020 to April 2021 even though some IMT members tested positive for COVID-19.

“As foreign military observers, you, our friends from Malaysia and Brunei, worked behind the scenes to monitor the implementation of the peace process that resulted in numerous gains in the Philippine government’s pursuit of peace and growth, particularly in the Bangsamoro region,” Rosario said.

Aside from monitoring the security aspect, socio-economic assistance and civilian protection component of the peace agreement with the MILF, the IMT conducted field verification and validation of reported ceasefire-related violations as well as the implementation of development projects initiated by the Philippine government and donor countries in the Bangsamoro region.

Rosario said the IMT also conducted medical missions in partnership with the Department of Health in MILF areas in Datu Tumangong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay and Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/03/10/2166136/westmincom-fetes-international-peace-monitors

Cotabato on heightened alert

From the Manila Times (Mar 10, 2022): Cotabato on heightened alert (By Franz R. Sumangil)

POLICE authorities in Cotabato City tightened security to protect commuters from terrorists and bombings.

The heightened safety measures were adopted after authorities foiled a bombing attempt at a bus terminal in Kidapawan City, and the explosion that took place inside a passenger bus parked in Cotabato City last week.

LtCol. Peter Pinalgan, Kidapawan police director, on Tuesday said that a box found unclaimed for three days inside the city integrated public terminal that bomb experts intentionally set off was an improvised explosive device (IED).

According to Pinalgan, the improvised bomb was mixed with dried fish to confuse bomb-sniffing dogs.

"The scent of dried fish covered the smell of explosive powder that K-9 dogs are trained to identify," Pinalgan said.

Kidapawan Philippine National Police (PNP) bomb experts defused the IED in a secured area.

Pinalgan also urged the public to be vigilant and to immediately report suspicious boxes, bags and containers left unattended in public places.

He added that the Kidapawan PNP is reviewing security measures to determine how the IED was sneaked into the terminal compound.

In Cotabato City, a bomb was set off inside a Mindanao Star Bus while parked inside the bus terminal last week.

The bus had just arrived from Davao City and all the passengers have disembarked when the bomb, a cellphone-triggered explosive device, went off.

Police believed the bomb was meant to scare the bus firm. Authorities have yet to know if the bus company has received any cash demand from armed groups.

The extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has been blamed for the series of bombings in Central Mindanao last year.

Authorities said extortion could be the motive behind the bombings of several buses plying major routes in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato last year.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/10/news/regions/cotabato-on-heightened-alert/1835721

NOLCOM: 527 former members of CPP front groups pledge loyalty to government

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 7, 2022): 527 former members of CPP front groups pledge loyalty to government

Radyo Pilipinas Tuguegarao

Tingnan | Nasa 527 myembro ng Asosasyon ng Magtutubo at Manggagawa ng Sta Maria o AMAS at Asosasyon ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Sta Maria na dating mga myembro ng UMA o Union ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura na ginamit noon ng progresibong grupo ng Communist Terrorist Group o CTGs sa bayan ng Sta Maria, Isabela, muling nagsama-sama para sa Peace Convention na inorganisa ng Philippine Army, PNP at LGU.

Ang mga ito ay mabebenepisyuhan sa mga inilaang programa sa kanila ng gobyerno.
Mga anak ng mga ito kasama sa scholars ng TESDA para kumuha ng TechVoc courses.

https://www.facebook.com/dwpe729am/photos/pcb.5239477189398694/5239476379398775/

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: PAF-PA interoperability exercise 01-22 formally opened

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 8, 2022): PAF-PA interoperability exercise 01-22 formally opened

Philippine Air Force

PAF-PA INTEROPERABILITY EXERCISE 01-22 FORMALLY OPENED
The Philippine Air Force – Philippine Army Interoperability Exercise (PAF-PA IOX) was formally opened in a simple Ceremony held on March 8, 2022 at the PAF Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

FULL STORY: https://www.paf.mil.ph/.../paf-pa-interoperability...

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=269015252072724&set=pcb.269015312072718

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: Ilocos declared insurgency-free

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 8, 2022): Ilocos declared insurgency-free

Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines

NEWS BREAK | The National Security Adviser, Sec. Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr. lauded the AFP and PNP together with the national agencies and the LGUs for their efforts in stopping communist insurgency in the Ilocos Region. Region 1 is the first region in the country to achieve insurgency-free status.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=332429362260751&set=a.228486002655088

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: Philippine Army, U.S. Special Forces conclude Balance Piston 2022

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 8, 2022): Philippine Army, U.S. Special Forces conclude Balance Piston 2022

Philippine Army

Philippine Army, U.S. Special Forces conclude Balance Piston 2022

The Philippine Army’s Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and the U.S. Special Forces concluded the three-week Balance Piston (BP) 22-1 Bilateral Training Exercise at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on March 7, 2022.

Almost a hundred SFR(A) personnel and U.S. Army Special Forces troops participated in this year’s edition of Balance Piston which is aimed at enhancing collaboration and interoperability between the two forces. BP 22-1 focused on Human Rights/Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC); Combat Management of Marksmanship Skills; Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP’s); C2 Structure, Mission Planning; Crisis Action Planning; Fundamentals of Reconnaissance, Find, Fix, Finish, Exploit, Analyze, Disseminate (F3EAD); Urban Reconnaissance, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC); and an anti-terrorism culmination exercise.

The training exercise reinforced the thrust of Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., to enhance the skills of soldiers and competencies of Army units to further empower them in mission accomplishment.

“Exercise Balance Piston has served as an avenue for both the Philippine Army and the United States Army Special Forces to work closely, share best practices, exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures; enhance interoperability; and strengthen camaraderie through various trainings,” Philippine Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training Col. Arsenio D. Sadural, who served as Guest of Honor and Speaker, said.

 
“Like you have always done, may you continue of achieving professional excellence in the service and commitment to your country,” Col. Sadural added as he assured of the Headquarters Philippine Army's commitment to the capability development, training and education of SFR(A) troops.

 
Photo: Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Philippine Army

#125PAday
#125thPhilippineArmyAnniversary
#KapayapaanParaSaLahat
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#PhilippineArmy
#ParaSaBayan

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=267767592212814&set=pcb.267769215545985

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: USS Tulsa (LCS 16), recently in port in Manila, brought some of the U.S. Navy sailors on board much closer to home

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 8, 2022): USS Tulsa (LCS 16), recently in port in Manila, brought some of the U.S. Navy sailors on board much closer to home

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

USS Tulsa (LCS 16), recently in port in Manila, brought some of the U.S. Navy sailors on board much closer to home. Filipino-American sailors currently serving aboard USS Tulsa include FC1 Mark JC Bellaflor, from Cavite City, AE3 Dianarah Conzon, born in Tagapul-an, Samar, and MNC James Brierly, from Olongapo City.

These sailors are proud to contribute to the defense of both the U.S. and the Philippines and protect freedom of navigation in a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

USS TULSA, part of Commander Destroyer Squadron SEVEN, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the Indo-Pacific to enhance interoperability with partner navies like the Philippines.

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer) #USPHThrivingAt75 #SaferTogetherUSPH #MyFilAmStory

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=332653738901734&set=pcb.332656535568121

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: PH-US soldiers build schools in Northern Luzon

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 8, 2022): PH-US soldiers build schools in Northern Luzon

AFP Radio DWDD

PH-US soldiers build schools in Northern Luzon

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – Filipino and American soldiers started the construction of school buildings in different areas in Northern Luzon on March 7 as part of this year’s Republic of the Philippines-United States (RP-US) Exercise Balikatan 37-2022.

The building of schools is part of the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) being conducted before the official opening of the RP-US Balikatan Exercise on March 28. The activity is undertaken by engineering units and personnel from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. Armed Forces (USAF) to improve the infrastructure of local communities.

 
Ground-breaking ceremonies were held in Masi Elementary School in Rizal; and in Taggat Sur Elementary School and Pinas Elementary School all in Claveria, Cagayan. Another beneficiary is San Francisco Elementary School in Alicia, Isabela.

 
Balikatan is an annual military exercise between the AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces that is focused on strengthening the interoperability of both forces for mutual defense, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.

Aside from the ENCAP, both forces will also participate in the joint training, live-fire exercise, information exchange, and other exercises during the duration of the Balikatan from Mach 28 to April 8, 2022.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#supportourtroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.3303747053203101/3303746983203108/

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

SOLCOM: Mga lider ng IP Mindoro itinawakil ng terroristang groupo

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 7, 2022): Mga lider ng IP Mindoro itinawakil ng terroristang groupo (IP Mindoro leaders reject terrorist group)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=280973560823840&set=a.183650383889492

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

SOLCOM: Tatlong miyembro ng milisyang bayan, sumuko ng 59IB

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 7, 2022): Tatlong miyembro ng milisyang bayan, sumuko ng 59IB  (Three members of the people's militia, surrendered 59IB)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=280973964157133&set=a.183650383889492

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

SOLCOM: Mga sectoral front organization sa lungsod ng Sorsogon nagbalik-loob

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 8, 2022): Mga sectoral front organization sa lungsod ng Sorsogon nagbalik-loob (Sectoral front organizations in Sorsogon City converted)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=281772824077247&set=a.183650383889492

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga protesta

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) news room blog site (Mar 7, 2022): Mga protesta (Protests)

Protesta ng mga sinalanta ng bagyong Odette sa Bais City. Nagmartsa ang mga residente ng Bais, Negros Oriental na sinalanta ng bagyong Odette tungong lokal na upisina ng Department of Social Work and Development noong Marso 3 para singilin ang ayudang pinansyal na nakalaan sa kanila. Magtatatlong buwan na mula nang nanalasa ang bagyo pero wala pa silang natatanggap na ayudang pinansyal mula sa gubyerno sa kabila ng pagproseso at pagpirma nila sa mga kinakailangang dokumento.   Umabot sa 14 ang nasawi at 19 ang hindi pa natagpuan sa syudad.

Pang-aagaw ng lupa sa Tarlac, kinundena. Nagpiket ang mga magsasaka ng Barangay Tinang, Concepcion, Tarlac sa harap ng Department of Agrarian Reform sa Quezon City noong Pebrero 25 para ipanawagan na ipamahagi na sa mga lehitimong benepisyaryo ang lupa sa Hacienda Tinang.   Ang 200-ektaryang lupa ay inangkin ng pekeng Cooperative Development Authority at hindi sila kailanman nakinabang dito. Kontrolado ng pamilya ni Congressman Noel Villanueva ng ikatlong distrito ng Tarlac, ang kooperatiba.

Mining Act of 1995, ipinababasura. Nagtipon ang mga grupong maka-kalikasan at mga katutubo sa harap ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources sa ika-27 taon ng pagkakapasa ng Mining Act of 1995 noong Marso 3. Anila, binigyang daan ng batas ang walang hanggang pandarambong sa yaman ng mga lupang ninuno. Binigyang diin din ng mga grupo ang epekto ng Mining Act sa pagpapatindi ng climate change. Dahil dito, dumaranas ang mamamayan ng mas matitinding kalamidad.

Pambansang protesta kontra taas-presyo, ikinasa. Pinangunahan ng Kilusang Mayo Uno at Anakpawis Partylist ang protesta laban sa walang puknat na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo noong Marso 4 sa Litex Public Market, Quezon City. Nagkaroon din ng katulad na protesta ang Kadamay at Gabriela. Nauna nang ipinanawagan ng grupong Bayan Muna na magkaroon ng espesyal na sesyon ang kongreso kaugnay ng patuloy na pagsirit ng presyo ng langis. Panawagan nila na tanggalin ang buwis sa langis at pagbabasura ng Oil Deregulation Law.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/mga-protesta-16/

CPP/Ang Bayan: “Nanlaban” sa kasyudaran, “engkwentro” sa kanayunan: Ang sanga-sangang dila ng AFP

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) news room blog site (Mar 7, 2022): “Nanlaban” sa kasyudaran, “engkwentro” sa kanayunan: Ang sanga-sangang dila ng AFP (“Fighting” in the city, “encounter” in the countryside: The AFP's branching tongue)



Litaw na litaw ang modus ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) na palabasing engkwentro ang ginawang pagmasaker ng mga yunit nito sa limang sibilyan sa New Bataan, Davao de Oro noong pagitan ng Pebrero 23 ng gabi at umaga ng Pebrero 24. Inanunsyo ng 10th ID sa sumunod na araw, kumpleto ng karimarimarim na mga larawan, na namatay sa armadong labanan ang mga aktibistang sina Chad Booc, Gelejurain Ngujo II, Elgyn Balonga, at mga drayber na sina Robert Aragon at Tirso Añar.

Sa mga larawang ipinakalat ng militar sa internet, may baril at pinasuot ng walang laman na ammo vest si Booc para palabasing myembro siya ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Kinutya, minura at pinagpyestahan ng mga tauhan ng AFP ang mga larawang ito.

Agad na inilinaw ng BHB sa lugar na walang naganap na labanan sa Purok 8, Barangay Andap sa petsang sinasabi ng AFP. Sa isinagawa nilang pagsisiyasat, napag-alaman nila na ang grupo nina Booc ay bumisita sa komunidad ng mga Lumad kaugnay ng kanilang gawain bilang mga boluntir na guro at tagapagtaguyod ng kagalingan ng mga katutubo. Bumibyahe sila noong gabi ng Pebrero 23 mula New Bataan patungong Davao City nang harangin ng mga sundalo sa tsekpoynt sa Barangay Poblacion.

Ang kaso ng tinaguriang New Bataan 5 ay parehong-pareho sa naunang mga kaso ng pagdukot at pagpatay sa mga sibilyan sa Mindanao. Kabilang dito ang kaso ng pamamaril ng mga sundalo sa tatlong sibilyan sa Sityo Manluy-a, Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur noong Hunyo 15, 2021. Maihahalintulad din ito sa serye ng mga pagpatay sa ilang lider rebolusyonaryo sa Mindanao noong nakaraang taon. Napakarami pang ibang mga sibilyan na pinatay nang walang kalaban-laban na bigla na lamang nagiging “myembro ng BHB.”

Sa lahat ng mga ito, awtomatik na ang kampanyang disimpormasyon ng militar upang itago sa publiko ang malupit na mga pagpatay sa sibilyan at di-armado.

Isang linggo matapos ang masaker sa New Bataan, mga komunidad ng Moro naman ang inatake at ginawan ng imbentong salaysay. Sa Barangay Runggayan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, ipinagdiinan ng 103rd IBde na “kampo ng teroristang Dawlah Islamiyah” ang binomba ng mga eroplanong pandigma noong madaling araw ng Marso 1.

Ang totoo, ang lugar na binomba ay sibilyang komunidad na bahagi ng teritoryo ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Kahit mahigpit nang napabulaanan ng lokal na kumander ng MILF at ng mga upisyal ng Maguing, nagmatigas pa rin ang AFP na mga “Maute” at Dawlah Islamiya ang tinamaan ng kanilang mga bomba.
Hindi simpleng fake news

Sistematiko at puspusan ang pagpapakalat ng AFP ng disimpormasyon sa midya at social media tuwing may mga insidente ng pasistang krimen katulad ng mga nabanggit. Ayon sa paliwanag ng mga dalubhasa sa komunikasyon, ang ganitong tipo ng pekeng pagbabalita ay hindi simpleng pagkaligta o kakulangan sa datos, kundi isang kampanyang planado, may pondo at pinatatakbo ng mga may kasanayan sa larangan ng impormasyon. Nakadisenyo ito para mag-udyok ng di rasyunal na galit at poot laban sa target na mga tao, grupo, lahi, relihiyon o kasarian.

Sa AFP, ang disimpormasyon ay isang sandata sa kanilang mapanupil na gera. Ginagamit ito para pagtakpan ang mga krimen at malalalang paglabag sa karapatang-tao upang pawiin ang lahat ng balakid sa kanilang paninibasib laban sa masa. Ginagamit nila ang social media at ang napakaraming kontrolado nilang akawnt sa Facebook upang manipulahin ang isip ng masa. Gumagawa sila ng mga pekeng “midya” upang lokohin ang milyun-milyong tumatangkilik sa Facebook.

Matapat ang AFP sa mga tagubilin ng US Counterinsurgency Guide, na nagtuturing sa pagmanipula sa impormasyon bilang isa sa mga pangunahing sangkap sa umano’y epektibong kampanya sa kontra-insurhensya. Kabilang sa mga itinuturo ng US na para umano maikintal sa pinakamarami ang isang impormasyon, at sa gayo’y makontrol ang upinyong publiko, kailangang maagap na mailabas ang impormasyon, gaano man ito kamanipulado o ganap mang inimbento. Bahagi rin nito ang pagkontrol sa daloy ng impormasyon, kaya madalas na ipatupad ang news blackout at paghihigpit sa midya na makakalap ng impormasyon sa mga lugar na pinangyarihan ng mga insidente, at pananakot sa mga tao na magsalita.

Sa insidente sa New Bataan, halos 24 oras ang lumipas bago ibalita ng 10th ID ang umano’y engkwentro. Sa halip na ibahagi sa lehitimong mga organisasyon ng midya ay sa sariling Facebook page nito ipinaskil ang balita, at pinagkoro sa disimpormasyon ang iba’t ibang akawnt ng militar.

Noong 2020, nadiskubre ang malawak na network ng mga akawnt sa Facebook na pinatatakbo ng mga upisyal militar at nagpapakalat ng disimpormasyon. Ilandaan dito ang sinasabing tinanggal na ng Facebook, pero maliit na bahagi lamang ito kung ikukumpara sa talamak pa ring disimpormasyon ng AFP.

Kamakailan sa Esperanza, Masbate, sinuotan din ng ammo vest at tinamnan ng baril ang isang magsasaka matapos patayin ng 96th IB at palabasing myembro ng BHB na napatay sa engkwentro. Walo sa 15 kaso ng masaker sa mga sibilyan sa Bicol sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte ang pinalabas na engkwentro sa pagitan ng BHB at AFP-PNP.

Bahagi rin ng disimpormasyon ng militar ang na pagputol sa komunikasyon sa pagitan ng mamamayan at mga kalaban ng gubyerno. Sinasabotahe nito ang website ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at maging ng mga independyenteng midya para pigilan ang pagdaloy ng impormasyon.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/nanlaban-sa-kasyudaran-engkwentro-sa-kanayunan-ang-sanga-sangang-dila-ng-afp/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Mga sibilyang komunidad sa Lanao, Mindoro at Masbate, binomba ng AFP

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) news room blog site (Mar 7, 2022): Mga sibilyang komunidad sa Lanao, Mindoro at Masbate, binomba ng AFP (Civilian communities in Lanao, Mindoro and Masbate, bombed by the AFP)



Tatlong kaso ng pambobomba mula sa ere at panganganyon ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa mga sibilyang komunidad ang naitala sa nagdaang dalawang linggo. Libu-libong pamilya ang napilitang magbakwit dahil sa mga ito.

Naghulog ng di bababa sa 12 bomba ang AFP sa kampo ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front sa Maguing, Lanao del Sur sa pagitan ng alas-2 at alas-3 ng madaling araw noong Marso 1. Napatay dito ang di bababa sa pitong sibilyan at marami pa ang nasugatan. Sinabayan ang mga pambobomba ng laking-brigadang operasyong kombat na sumaklaw sa anim na barangay. Libu-libo ang nakulong sa operasyon at hindi agad pinayagang umalis sa lugar. Mahigit 1,300 pamilya ang direktang apektado ng pambobomba at pang-aatake at nagbakwit tungo sa sentrong bayan. (Basahin ang kaugnay na artikulo sa pahina 6.)

Sa Occidental Mindoro, ala-1 ng madaling araw nang magsimulang maghulog ang AFP ng mga bomba gamit ang mga eroplanong FA-50 sa mga komunidad sa hangganan ng Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro at San Jose noong Pebrero 26. Sinundan ito ng pitong beses na panganganyon bandang alas-5 ng madaling araw. Pagkatapos nito, mula alas-7:30 hanggang alas-9 ng umaga ay dalawang Blackhawk helikopter ang nagpabalik-balik at nang-istraping sa kabundukan bago naglapag ng mga pasistang tropa sa lugar.

Sa Masbate, ilan daang residente ang naapektuhan ng pambobomba sa Barangay Igang, Masbate City noong Pebrero 21. Ito ay matapos maghulog ng anim na bomba ang isang attack aircraft bandang alas-4 ng madaling araw.

Pamamaslang. Pinaulanan ng bala ng mga sundalo ng 20th IB ang magpipinsang bata na nagkokopras sa Barangay Roxas, Catubig, Northern Samar noong Pebrero 8. Namatay sa walang habas na pamamaril na ito sina Andrei Esponilla, 12-taong gulang, at Leandro Alivio, 13-taong gulang, habang ang isa ay lubhang nasugatan. Para pagtakpan ang krimen, pinalalabas ng AFP na napatay ang mga bata nang “maipit sa engkwentro” nang inambus ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) ang mga sundalo.

Batay sa upisyal na ulat ng kinauukulang yunit ng BHB, hindi totoong naipit sa engkwentro sa pagitan ng BHB at AFP ang nasabing mga kabataan. Magkahiwalay na insidente ang istraping na ginawa ng 20th IB sa mga kabataang nagkokopras at ang naunang kontra-reyd ng BHB laban sa mga nag-ooperasyong tropa ng 20th IB, na kapwa nangyari sa parehong araw.

Iligal na pag-aresto. Labag sa kanyang mga karapatan sa ilalim ng Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), inaresto ng mga sundalo ng AFP Joint Task Force Storm si Ka Esteban Manuel Jr., 73, isang konsultant sa kapayapaan ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines, kasama ang isa pang sibilyan, noong Pebrero 16 sa bayan ng Villareal, Samar. Ayon sa kanyang pamilya, hindi pa rin natutunton ang lokasyon ni Manuel Jr. hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Inaresto rin noong gabi ng Pebrero 28, si Agnes Mesina, koordineytor ng Koalisyong Makabayan sa Cagayan Valley sa Aparri, Cagayan. Kasama si Mesina sa isang fact finding mission papunta sa Barangay Sta. Clara sa bayan ng Gonzaga. Pinalaya si Mesina pagkalipas ng apat na oras at maigiit na paso o dismissed na ang ginamit na mandamyento de aresto laban sa kanya.

Inaresto ng apat na lalaki si Diosdado Grefaldo Barbacena Jr. noong Marso 6 sa Barangay Rizal, West District, Sorsogon City. Siya ay kasapi ng Samahan ng mga Magsasakang sa Sorsogon at asawa ng tagapagsalita ng Anakpawis Partylist sa prubinsya.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/mga-sibilyang-komunidad-sa-lanao-mindoro-at-masbate-binomba-ng-afp/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 7 armadong aksyon, inilunsad ng BHB

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) news room blog site (Mar 7, 2022): 7 armadong aksyon, inilunsad ng BHB (7 armed actions, launched by the NPA)



Pitong armadong aksyon, karamihan mga operasyong isnayp, ang inilunsad ng mga yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan sa Bicol, Negros, Davao de Oro at Bulacan noong nagdaang mga linggo.

Dalawang elemento ng 94th IB ang nasugatan sa operasyong isnayp ng BHB-South Central Negros (Mount Cansermon Command) noong Pebrero 22 sa Sityo Amaga-Cantupa, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City sa Negros Occidental. Napwersa nito ang mga sundalo na lisanin ang komunidad.

Sinundan ito ng isa pang operasyong isnayp sa Sityo Cunalom, Purok 3–Gamot, Barangay Carabalan noong Pebrero 28 kung saan tatlo ang naiulat na nasugatan sa 94th IB.

Sa Kabankalan City, pinaralisa ng Pulang hukbo ang kagamitan ng isang kumpanyang nagkukwari sa Ilog ng Hilabangan noong Marso 2. Nagdulot ng malawak na pagkasira sa kalikasan at paghihirap sa mamamayan ang naturang kumpanya. Bahagi ang naturang proyekto ng pagtatayo ng Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin na magpapalayas ng aabot sa 200 pamilya.

Sa Camarines Sur, inilunsad ng isang yunit ng BHB-East Camarines Sur (Tomas Pilapil Command) ang operasyong haras laban sa detatsment ng mga CAFGU at sundalo ng 83rd IB sa Barangay Pili-Tabiguian, Caramoan noong Pebrero 16.

Samantala, inisnayp ng isang yunit ng BHB-Sorsogon noong Pebrero 28 ang hedkwarters ng 504th Maneuver Company ng PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) sa Barangay Esperanza, Pilar, Sorsogon. Napatay sa operasyon si P/Cpl. Ryan M. Atos at sugatan ang isa pang elemento ng RMFB.

Sa Davao de Oro, inambus ng isang yunit ng BHB ang nag-ooperasyong mga sundalo ng AFP sa Barangay Tandawan, New Bataan noong Pebrero 9.

Naglunsad ng operasyong haras ang BHB-Rizal noong Pebrero 12 sa karatig nitong Sityo Anginan, Barangay San Mateo, Norzagaray Bulacan laban sa mga pwersa ng 80th IB.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/7-armadong-aksyon-inilunsad-ng-bhb/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pagmomodyul, estilong-BHB

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) news room blog site (Mar 7, 2022): Pagmomodyul, estilong-BHB (Modeling, NPA-style)



Binalikat ng maraming Pulang mandirigma ang pagtuturo sa mga bata sa kanayunan nang ipatupad ng Department of Education ang “blended learning” simula 2020. Isa sa mga sumalo sa pagtuturo si Ka Agnes, isang guro at kasapi ng isang yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa Southern Tagalog.

“Noong bata pa ako, humanga ako sa mga guro ko na dala-dalawang baitang ang tinuturuan,” aniya. “Hindi ko akalaing magiging katulad nila ako.” Sa kanyang nilulubugang erya, tinuturuan ni Ka Agnes ang mga mag-aaral sa apat na magkakaibang baitang “sa lahat ng asignatura, sa anumang baitang, sa lahat ng paksa.”

Maraming magulang ang walang panahon, pasensya o kaalaman para magturo. Himutok ng mga nanay sa kanya, kung hindi nakalimot na sa mga aralin, ay abala sa trabaho at walang oras magturo. “Hindi ako nakapagtapos,” sabi sa kanya ng isang nanay. “Kaya nga pinag-aaral ko ang mga bata.”

Salaysay ni Ka Agnes, noong hindi pa nakararating ang kanilang yunit sa erya at wala pang mga kasamang nagtuturo, sa isang app kumukuha ng sagot sa modyul ang mga bata. “Laking gulat ko nang mabasa ko ang mga sagot,” kwento niya. “Hindi naman lahat ay tama! Bukod pa, ang sagot lang mismo ang hinahanap ng mga bata, hindi ang pamamaraan o solusyon kung paano ito sinagutan. Kopya lang nang kopya.”

Malaking kapunahan ang nakita ni Ka Agnes sa mga modyul at kahit sa mga tanong ng lingguhang pagsusulit. “Maalinman ito sa mali ang mga baybay ng salita, mali ang nakasaad sa panuto, mali ang mismong mga salitang ginamit, mali ang ginamit na halimbawa,” himutok niya. “At ang pinakamalala ay mali ang mismong itinuturo!”

Bilang guro, batid ni Ka Agnes ang hirap na dinadaanan ng mga gurong tinambakan ng sobra-sobrang trabaho sa ilalim ng blended learning. Kumpara sa pagdaraos ng mga leksyon sa klasrum, alam niya ang hirap at gastos sa paghahanda ng mga modyul, pagpapa-print sa mga ito, pagtse-tsek sa bumabalik na santambak na mga modyul na hindi alam kung ang bata ang sumagot o ang kanyang magulang. “Mahirap na hindi mo harapang nakakausap ang iyong estudyante at hindi maayos na natataya ang kanilang antas ng kaalaman,” aniya. “Hindi mo malalaman kung sino nga ba ang dapat na makatanggap ng Unang Karangalan sa matataas na marka, ang estudyante o ang nanay?”

Sa karanasan niya, palpak at di masasalba ng anumang pagsisikap ang blended learning. “Kung tatanungin ako kung epektibo bang natuto ang mga bata rito, ang sagot ko ay hindi.”

Ang mga bahay sa kanayunan ay komportable hindi para sa pag-aaral kundi para gawin ang ibang bagay. “Ibang-iba ang set-up sa bahay—animo’y walang presyur, relaks lang ang buhay.” Kwento niya na noong bukas ang mga eskwelahan, laging hinihiling ng mga estudyante na sana mag-Biyernes na, para wala nang pasok. “Ngayon, hiling nila na ‘wag munang mag-Biyernes dahil pasahan na ng modyul at hindi pa nila natatapos ang mga ito kahit isang linggo nang ipinagagawa sa kanila.”

Dahil hindi pisikal na pumapasok sa paaralan, nawala sa mga bata ang pagiging mulat sa oras—mula sa paggising at paghahanda hanggang sa oras-oras na pagpapalit ng mga asignatura na nagkukundisyon sa kanila na makinig sa guro sa isang takdang panahon. Sa kaayusang pisikal, kahit ang mga pagsusulit ay may itinatakdang oras.

“Hindi nahuhubog sa kanila ang disiplina sa pag-aaral na magmumula sa disiplina sa oras,” ani Ka Agnes.

Marami ring mga batang pinipiling magtrabaho kaysa mag-aral. “Yung estudyante ko na si Momoy, Grade 9, mas ginusto niyang mag-arawan sa gawaan ng mwebles kaysa magmodyul.” Hindi niya masisisi ang bata dahil kailangang-kailangan ng pamilya nito ang dagdag na kita.

Marami pang ibang pwedeng gumambala sa pagmomodyul. “Malingat lang sila at mapatutok sa kanilang selpong Android, tiyak maghapon na nilang hawak ito,” aniya. “Ang mga modyul? Mag-iipon na lang ng alikabok sa isang tabi.”

Ang malala, pag-obserba ni Ka Agnes, nilikha ng blended learning ang mga kundisyon para mabulok ang kaisipan ng mga bata sa mga laro at gawaing online. Resulta ito ng walang pangangasiwang pagbababad sa internet, na sa nakaraan ay limitado dahil nasa loob sila ng mga paaralan.

“Mas hinahabol pa nila ang mataas na ranggo sa online games kaysa mataas na karangalan sa pag-aaral.”

Binago ng walang regulasyon na paglalaro online ang pisikal at sosyal na kapaligiran ng mga bata. Madalas, napababayaan nila ang kanilang kalusugan sa kalalaro online. Hindi na sila lumalabas ng bahay para makipaglaro at nagbago na ang batayan ng kanilang pakikipagkaibigan. Nawasak ang kanilang emosyonal at mental na kalusugan. “Lagi nang nag-iisa sa kwarto at iba’t iba na ang nararamdaman sa nakikita at nararanasan sa mundo ng cyberspace.”

Batid ni Ka Agnes na may mahalagang papel ang mga magulang at iba pang kasama sa bahay ng mag-aaral upang matutukan sila at madisiplina sa paggamit ng gadyet. Pero sa maraming kaso, abalang-abala ang mga nakatatanda sa paghahanapbuhay para may maipantawid-gutom ang pamilya sa gitna ng pagkawasak ng kabuhayan dulot ng palpak na tugon ng estado sa pandemya.

“Sa kadulu-duluhan, babalik pa rin tayo sa palpak na sistemang malakolonyal at malapyudal,” paliwanag ni Ka Agnes. “Sa ganito kabulok na sistema, nabubulok din ang kaisipan ng kabataan. Ito ang nilalabanan at iwinawaksi ng inilulunsad na demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.”

Balak niyang ibahin naman ang leksyon matapos masagutan ng mga bata ang mga modyul nila sa kasalukuyang kwarto. “Mag-iiskedyul na ako ng pagtuturo ng MKLRP (Maikling Kurso sa Lipunan at Rebolusyong Pilipino) sa mga estudyante ko,” aniya.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/pagmomodyul-estilong-bhb/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Buong-tapang at matatag na isulong ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka

Propaganda editorial from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolutionary Web Central (PRWC) news room blog site (Mar 7, 2022): Buong-tapang at matatag na isulong ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka (Courageously and firmly advance the revolutionary struggle)




Napakainam ng sitwasyong pampulitika at pang-ekonomya upang puspusang isulong ang lahat ng anyo ng pakikibakang masa at buong-tatag na iabante ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka para sa pambansang demokrasya. Dapat samantalahin ang lalong pampulitikang pagkakahiwalay ng rehimeng Duterte upang abutin at pakilusin ang papalaking bilang ng mamamayan laluna sa darating na mga buwan bago maghalalan.

Habang papalapit ang pagtatapos ng termino sa Malacañang ni Rodrigo Duterte, lalong tumitindi ang paninibasib ng kanyang pasistang rehimen laban sa sambayanang Pilipino. Ito ay sa desperasyong abutin ang kanyang deklarasyong susugpuin ang armadong paglaban at isagawa ang iskema ng malawakang panunupil at pagpapataw ng batas militar sa tabing ng malaking kaguluhan. Sa kanayunan at kalunsuran, pasistang terorismo ang gamit ni Duterte para ilugmok sa sindak ang bayan, wasakin ang kanilang mga unyon at organisasyon, supilin ang kanilang mga karapatan at lupigin ang kanilang mga pakikibaka. Ang papasidhing paninibasib ng rehimen ay palatandaan ng labis na takot nitong sumiklab ang malawakang paglaban ng mamamayan sa gitna ng mabilis na pagbulusok ng kanilang kabuhayan at antas ng pamumuhay.

Palala nang palala ang krisis sa ekonomya ng Pilipinas. Ang sampung linggo nang tuluy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis ay nagdudulot ng labis-labis na pagdurusa sa masa at gumagatong sa kanilang galit. Sinasamantala ng malalaking kapitalista ang kaguluhan sa Europe upang kumamkam ng sobra-sobrang tubo, na pinakikinabangan din ng gubyernong Duterte sa anyo ng palaki nang palaking kinukulektang buwis. Bunsod nito, lalong pumapaimbulog ang presyo ng mga pagkain, bilihin at serbisyo, at lalong nalulugmok sa paghihirap ang mayorya ng mamamayan. Kulang na kulang na nga ang sahod, mabilis pang nawawalan ng halaga ang piso. Mistulang pinapahiran ng asin ang sugat ng bayan nang ianunsyo ng mga upisyal ng rehimen na dapat ipatupad ang mas maraming pabigat na buwis upang mabayaran ang gabundok na inutang ni Duterte.

Sa harap ng naiuulat na pagkabawas ng kaso ng Covid-19, “binuksan ang ekonomya” subalit nananatili pa rin ang malubhang problema ng kawalan ng trabaho. Ito ay dahil nakasubsob pa rin ang malaking bahagi ng lokal na pagmamanupakturang nakatuon sa eksport. Ang pagkalugmok ng lokal na produksyon ay nakakawing sa pandaigdigang krisis ng imperyalismo. Matumal pa rin ang internasyunal na produksyong binabagabag ng krisis ng sobrang produksyon. Papalala nang papalala rin ang krisis sa kabuhayan sa agrikultura at pangisda, dahil sa walang awat na liberalisasyon at pagbaha ng imported na bigas, gulay, karne at isda, na nagreresulta sa labis na pagkalugi ng milyun-milyong magsasaka at mangingisda. Hanggang ngayon, walang mapagpasyang hakbang ang gubyerno ni Duterte na palakasin ang sistema ng pampublikong kalusugan bilang paghahanda sa posible pa ring muling pagsidhi ng pandemya.

Habang papalapit ang eleksyon sa Mayo, tumitindi ang bangayan ng mga nagtutunggaling pangkatin ng naghaharing uri. Sa pag-init ng kampanya sa eleksyon, bumubwelo ang malalaking rali ng pagsuporta kay Leni Robredo sa iba’t ibang dako ng bansa, kung saan natitipon ang malalim at malawak na galit ng sambayanan sa pasismo, korapsyon at pagtatraydor ng rehimeng Duterte. Lalo nitong pinatitingkad ang pagkahiwalay ng naghaharing pangkatin at ng sinusuportahan nitong tambalang Marcos-Duterte.

Asahan na tutungo ang sitwasyon sa lalong paglawak at konsolidasyon ng nagkakaisang prente ng mga demokratikong pwersa, kabilang ang posibilidad na magkaisa pa rin ang mga partido at kandidatong anti-Duterte. Ang plano ng mga Marcos at Duterte na nakawin ang eleksyon ay lalong magiging mahirap ipatupad at tiyak na magpapasiklab ng malawakang paglaban ng mamamayan.

Ang krisis sa ekonomya at pulitika ng naghaharing sistema, at tumitinding terorismo ng estado ay nagluluwal ng mainam na kalagayan para ibangon at ibwelo ang iba’t ibang anyo ng mga pakikibakang masa laban sa pampulitikang panunupil at para isulong ang kagyat na demokratikong kahingian ng masa sa iba’t ibang antas ng organisasyon. Dapat ubos-kayang pakilusin ang sambayanan para isulong ang pakikibaka laban sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at mga bilihin, para sa trabaho at mas mataas na sahod, pagpapababa ng upa sa lupa, ayuda, kanselasyon ng utang, pagtigil sa importasyon ng mga produktong agrikultural, at iba pa.

Dapat gawin ang lahat ng makakaya at gamitin ang lahat ng paraan, kabilang ang kampanya sa eleksyon, para abutin ang mga pabrika at komunidad sa kalunsuran at kanayunan, pukawin, organisahin at pakilusin ang mga manggagawa, magsasaka, mga maralita, mga kabataan, kababaihan at iba pang mga api at naghihirap na sektor. Dapat pawiin ng mga kadre at aktibista ng Partido ang takot at pag-aatubili, patatagin ang loob at isip, harapin ang kinakailangang hirap, gutom at sakripisyo, at mapangahas at walang pagod na lampasan ang dati nang mga nagawa para abutin ang masa, buklurin ang kanilang isip at palakasin ang kanilang loob, harapin ang kanilang kongkretong mga problema at pamunuan ang kanilang mga pakikibaka.

Dapat samantalahin ng kilusang masa ang lumalawak na pampulitikang kilusan laban sa sabwatan ng pangkating Marcos-Duterte at ikawing ang mga pakikibakang masa sa kampanya sa halalan at paglaban sa planong dayain ang eleksyon. Sa kabilang panig, ang pakikibaka sa larangan ng eleksyon ng mga pwersang demokratiko ay dapat ikawing sa mga pakikibakang pampulitika at pang-ekonomya ng masa.

Ipagdiriwang natin sa buwang ito ang ika-53 anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Ibayong patatagin ang determinasyong palakasin at palawakin ang BHB. Ibayong pahigpitin ang disiplinang militar at magpakahusay sa mga taktikang gerilya upang biguin ang todong opensiba ng kaaway na tiyak iigting pa sa darating na mga buwan. Ubos-kayang labanan ang pasistang paninibasib ng kaaway sa masa. Ilunsad ang mga tiyak na maipagtatagumpay na taktikal na opensiba. Birahin ang mga nahihiwalay at maliliit na yunit ng kaaway. Ilantad at labanan ang mga pakanang saywar ng kaaway para linlangin ang masa at wasakin ang kanilang pagkakaisa.

Mahigpit na hawakan ang interes ng masang magsasaka at isulong ang kanilang pakikibaka. Tuluy-tuloy na palawakin ang saklaw na teritoryo ng mga larangang gerilya at bumuo ng bagong mga larangang gerilya. Tuluy-tuloy na magrekrut at magsanay ng mga kabataang Pulang mandirigma na magdadala ng digmang bayan sa higit na mas mataas na antas sa darating pang panahon.

 
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cppangbayan.wordpress.com/2022/03/07/buong-tapang-at-matatag-na-isulong-ang-rebolusyonaryong-pakikibaka/

Kalinaw News: Notorious CTG Bombmaker Arrested in Tagum City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 9, 2022): Notorious CTG Bombmaker Arrested in Tagum City



Maco, Davao de Oro – The long time bombmaker of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) with two (2) of his accomplices were arrested by an AFP-PNP team in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City on March 9, 2022. Arrested in the operations were: Victor P Rollon, also known as Rico Rollon alias GO/PONG/MIGO, bomb maker of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID) and Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC); Christine Joy Adorza Dula alias RYE/RAYRAY, Finance Officer of Weakened Guerrilla Front 3, Sub-Regional Committee 4(SRC4), SMRC; and Chargelyn Monta Casquejo alias GAB/JILLIAN, Political Instructor, Pulang Bagani Command (PBC), Regional Operations Command (ROC), SMRC.

An information was received by the 1001st Infantry Brigade about the presence of suspicious armed persons in the area of La Filipina, Tagum City. It was reported that one of the personalities was Victor P Rollon. At about 9:00am a joint law enforcement operations was conducted by the combined elements of CIDG11 and troops from the 1001st Infantry Brigade. Victor Rollon has existing three (3) Warrants of Arrest: Crim Case #20502 for MURDER issued by Branch 11, RTC 11, Tagum City, DDN on May 6, 2015; Crim Case #19331 for SERIOUS ILLEGAL DETENTION issued by Branch 2, RTC11, Tagum City; and Crim Case # 193332 for ROBBERY IN BAND issued by Branch 2, RTC11, Tagum City. Meanwhile, Christine Joy Adorza Dula is wanted for the crime of REBELLION/INSURRECTION under Crim Case # 1137-2021, issued by Branch 57, RTC11, Mabini, DDO; and Chargelyn Monta Casquejo is wanted for HOMICIDE under Crim Case #2684-19 issued by Branch 32, RTC11, Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Recovered in their possession were: two (2) pcs Improvised Explosive Device; one (1) unit 5.56mm M16 Colt rifle without serial number; one (1) unit cal. 45 pistol without serial number; one (1) pc cal. 45 magazine loaded with seven (7) rounds ammunition; one (1) pc M16 magazine loaded with 9 pcs 5.56 mmn ammunition; stethoscope, thermometer, sphygmomanometer, cellphones, sim cards, and CPP NPA documents.

In his statement, 1001st Brigade Commander BGen Jesus P Durante III lauded the troops accomplishment on apprehending the said personalities. “Your dedication to duty speaks well of your accomplishment. Despite the imminent danger that you are facing, you still managed to apprehend these notorious personalities without firing a single shot”, Durante said. Meanwhile he renewed his call to the remaining terrorists who are still in the mountains waging war against the government: “You still a have a chance to live peaceful lives by submitting yourselves to the government and surrender. The Communist Terrorist Group in this part of the region is nearing its downfall. Most of the hardliners are either killed in encounters or apprehended in law enforcement operations. Surrender now and avail the program of the government designed for returnees – the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program” Durante added.

The apprehended personalities were immediately brought to Tagum City Police station for blotter and to CIDG, Davao del Norte Field Office for proper disposition.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/notorious-ctg-bombmaker-arrested-in-tagum-city/

Philippine military welcomes first batch of T-129 ATAK choppers

From Rappler (Mar 9, 2022): Philippine military welcomes first batch of T-129 ATAK choppers (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The six choppers cost around $263 million, according to the Philippine Air Force

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) received the first two units of T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey on Wednesday, March 9.

The two T-129 ATAK choppers were the first batch of the six units procured by the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from Turkish Aerospace Industries. The choppers arrived at around 12:30 am in Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

According to PAF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Maynard Mariano, the choppers amounting to P13,727,248,240 (around $263 million), were procured under the AFP modernization program-Horizon 2.

 

The Turkish ATAK choppers arriving in Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

Logistics support and training of pilots and crew in Turkey were included in the multi-million dollar deal, according to the Air Force. The PAF added that the newly procured choppers will be used by the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing as close air support to ground troops and armed surveillance reconnaissance.

The new air assets are “game changers” in the AFP’s operations, the Air Force added.

“The T-129 is a dedicated attack helicopter much like the AH-1S Cobra; this new system will complement the several surface strike systems of the Air Force and will be another game changer in support to the numerous missions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the Air Force said in a statement.

 

The Philippine military welcoming the new choppers.

PAF spokesperson Mariano said there is no definite date for the arrival of the four remaining T-129 choppers. Mariano added that the newly procured choppers will be in line with the existing attack helicopters of the Philippine military.
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“The AW109 natin remember is also an attack helicopter. The MG520 is also an attack helicopter. We are really very much trying to help all our unified commands kasi alam naman po natin na medyo kulang ang ating mga equipment so this will complement our area commands sa mga missions nila,” the Air Force spokesperson told military reporters. (Because we know we lack equipment so this will complement our area commands in their missions.)

Just last month, the defense department signed a deal to acquire 32 additional Black Hawk helicopters from Poland. The Philippine military has at least 16 Black Hawk choppers to date.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-military-welcomes-first-batch-t-129-atak-choppers/

BARMM women leader: ‘No women, no genuine autonomy’

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): BARMM women leader: ‘No women, no genuine autonomy’ (By Edwin Fernandez)

Bangsamoro Women Commission Chairperson Bainon Karon (File photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Information Office – BARMM)

A Moro leader of the women’s commission in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has described the role of women in the region as crucial in terms of governance and peacebuilding.

In a statement Wednesday, Bainon Karon, the chairperson of the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC), said women in the region now play major roles, including decision-making.

“Let us sustain this, for without us contributing to the process and outcomes of any policy and decision-making, there can be no genuine autonomy,” she said.

On Tuesday, Karon joined the region’s launch of religious rulings on women in line with this year’s celebration of National Women’s Month.

“Let this day be a celebration of who we truly are — as active agents of peace and development,” she said during her speech at the program’s opening rites.

During the program, the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta and BWC launched the “fatwa” or Islamic rulings on gender-based violence.

The “fatwa” focused on violence against women, wife desertion and abandonment, husband forcing sexual relations with his wife, rape, and human trafficking.

Karon said the women’s month celebration in BARMM showcases the contribution of women in the transition, specifically in the implementation of the peace agreement and in the normalization.

In a separate statement, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim admitted that the success of the expanded Bangsamoro region was not possible without women’s participation.

“Just like our previous celebrations, I am always proud to say that the Bangsamoro as an identity, as a people and now as a political entity, would not be possible without the sacrifices and contributions of our Bangsamoro women,” he said.

Ebrahim said the celebration, as manifested in its theme: “We make change work for Bangsamoro women,” speaks of the need to strengthen the institutional mechanism to bring in enough numbers of women in the government.

“The celebration also calls for providing equal opportunities, and to make sure that our dear mothers, sisters, aunts, and daughters are given the respect and the highest regard that they deserve in our society,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169369

Army hits NPA for attacking troops in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): Army hits NPA for attacking troops in Northern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

The map of Catubig, Northern Samar. (Google image)

The Philippine Army has condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) anew for attacking soldiers holding dialogues with residents of a remote village in Catubig, Northern Samar last weekend.

Lt. Col Joemar Buban, commander of the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, denounced on Wednesday the communist terrorist group for deliberately attacking government troops despite the presence of civilians.

“The attack shows a serious disregard for one’s life and is a clear violation of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” Buban said in a brief statement.

It was on the night of March 5 when a band of armed rebels fired on soldiers conversing with residents in CM Recto village in Catubig town.

Troops and civilians rushed to rescue Sgt. Gleen Amado, who was hit in the neck. The officer is now in stable condition while undergoing treatment at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital.

The military believes the group of alias "Estela" launched the attack.

The band of rebels is frequently sighted in the area extorting food and money from locals.

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 (NDF) as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169342

4 NPAs surrender in Zamboanga Peninsula

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): 4 NPAs surrender in Zamboanga Peninsula (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Four members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to government authorities in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur, police officials disclosed Wednesday.

The NPA surrenderers were identified as Rosemarie Abis Banales, 34; Joan Magbian, 24; Ronel Racho, 27; and Leizel Ann Cañete Culot Racho, 26.

Col. Albert Larubis, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said Banales surrendered around 2:20 p.m. Tuesday in Purok 1, Barangay Peñaranda, Kabasalan.

He said Banales was a member of the Regional Urban Committee of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Banales served as food courier of the defunct Guerilla Front (GF) Feliciano Bravo and at the same time was tasked to monitor the presence of government troops in Barangay Penaranda, Kabasalan, according to Larubis.

Meanwhile, Col. Diomarie Albarico, Zamboanga del Sur police director, said Magbian surrendered around 6:15 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Lower Baluran in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Albarico said Magbian is a medic and team leader of the Guerilla Front 13 of the NPA’s WMRPC.

Magbian’s group was previously operating in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay and in the towns of Bayog and Lakewood, both in Zamboanga del Sur.

On the same day, Albarico said Racho surrendered around 6:30 p.m. also in Barangay Lower Baluran of Imelda town.

He said Racho is a team leader of the Guerilla Front FLEX-A of the NPA’s WMRPC.

The group of Racho was formerly operating in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and in the municipalities of Bayog and Lakewood.

He added that Liezel surrendered around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday also in Barangay Lower Baluran.

Albarico said Liezel served as a medic of the Guerilla Front FLEX-A of the NPA’s WMRPC and was previously operating in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the towns of Bayog and Lakewood.

The two officials said the surrender of the four NPA members was the result of the unwavering intelligence campaign against them and their legal fronts in the Zamboanga Peninsula to weed out the existence of all types of threat groups in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169376

IPs, ex-comrades in best position to speak about Chad, Kevin

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): IPs, ex-comrades in best position to speak about Chad, Kevin (By Perla Lena)

LISTEN. Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson, on Wednesday (March 9, 2022) called on the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) Office of the Chancellor Executive Staff to listen to the voice of the former students, recruits, and former comrades of slain rebels Chad Booc and Kevin Castro. The two were neutralized in separate encounters with government forces in Davao de Oro and Quezon provinces last February 24 and February 21, respectively. (PNA file photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6 ELCAC) has called on the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) Office of the Chancellor Executive Staff to listen to the voice of the former students, recruits, and former comrades of slain rebels Chad Booc and the Kevin Castro.

On Wednesday the task force through its spokesperson, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, issued a statement resenting the “baseless accusations” of the UPD Office of the Chancellor Executive Staff holding the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) responsible for the death of the two.

Gonzales said many Iskolar ng Bayan would not agree with the sweeping baseless accusations against the AFP about the neutralization of Booc and Castro who died in separate encounters with the government forces in Davao de Oro and Quezon provinces on February 24 and February 21, respectively.

“You want to speak about the Chad Booc and the Kevin Castro that you want to portray from your ivory towers. However, your versions of Chad and Kevin are worlds apart from how their former students and minor recruits perceive them to be,” he said.

Booc was among those arrested in Cebu City on Feb.15, 2021 for human trafficking involving several indigenous peoples (IP) children from Talaingod, Davao del Norte but was ordered released by a local court in May of the same year.

Castro, meanwhile, was an active member of the Platoon 2 (Yunit Gawaing Masa) of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) NARCISO of the sub-regional military area 4A (SRMA 4A) of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC), political instructor, and 3rd deputy secretary-general tasked to recruit the Indigenous Peoples in the island of Polillo and the nearby town of General Nakar in Quezon.

The spokesperson urged them to listen to Rurelyn Bay-ao, a former student of Booc in Salugpungan and Bakwit schools; and the indigenous peoples (IPs) children of Talaingod town who were recruited as well by the former.

He also urged them to listen to the former comrades of Castro at the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“Booc and Castro are only two among the long list of UP students and alumni who were recruited by the Kabataang Makabayan in various UP campuses nationwide, and who ended up as full time CPP-NPA-NDF cadres, and who, eventually, ended up in the casualty list in several encounters with military and police units,” Gonzales added.

He said the UPD Office of the Chancellor Executive Staff has maligned the AFP with the irresponsible accusations.

The spokesperson ended the statement by enjoining them to protect their students from being recruited by the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorist organization.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169360