WESTMINCOM: 9 abus yield in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 24, 2022): 9 abus yield in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – March 24, 2022

Nine Abu Sayyaf Group members yielded to the military in Sulu on March 22, 2022. They handed over their firearms to the 1102nd Infantry Brigade at Camp Bud, Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

 
The former violent extremists turned over one M16A1 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, one KG9 semi-auto 9mm pistol, one rifle grenade, two cal. 45 pistols, and two M1 Garand rifles. They were subsequently presented to Col. Giovanni Franza, Commander of 1102Bde and Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu at the 1102Bde Headquarters.

 
Maj. Gen. Patrimonio said the surrender of the nine ASGs is attributed to the joint efforts of the intelligence and infantry units of Joint Task Force Sulu.

 
During the debriefing, the surrendered personalities revealed that due to lack of manpower and capability, they are having a hard time to fight against the government forces. They are also starving and exhausted of hiding.

 
Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. said that he is hopeful that those who remain in hiding will follow the footsteps of the nine former violent extremists.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.264842605850627/264842449183976/

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: CPP denounces defacement, red-tagging of bookstores

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 24, 2022): CPP denounces defacement, red-tagging of bookstores

 

March 24, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today slammed the defacement of two bookstores in Metro Manila as an affront to academic freedom.

On Tuesday, the Popular Bookstore located in Quezon City and the Solidaridad Bookstore in Manila were vandalized with the words ‘NPA terorista’ sprayed on its walls. The Popular Bookstore’s owner was an anti-Martial Law activist during the Marcos dictatorship and was detained in 1973.

CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena said the defacement of the bookstores, known to carry books authored by Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, CPP founding chair and NDFP Chief Political Consultant, among an broad array of books and topics, “is undoubtedly the work of the National Task Force-Elcac and its agents.”

Valbuena said the defacement “clearly aims to send a chilling effect on the academic community and those fighting for academic freedom.”

“This is not the first time that state agents targeted institutions bannering academic freedom,” said Valbuena.

It can be noted that in September 2021, the AFP instigated at least three universities to purge their libraries of books and documents discussing the position of the NDFP in peace negotiations with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

Valbuena then warned that if such acts remain unchallenged, it will set a dangerous precedent and bolster the AFP and PNP to step on more educational and cultural territories, possibly including the media, the church and others.

“The red-tagging of the Popular and Solidaridad bookstores are directly linked to the barefaced acts of fascist suppression against the patriotic and democratic forces,” Valbuena emphasized.

However, he pointed out that instead of being terrorized, these tactics are only rousing greater anger among the people, as well as greater interest in progressive and revolutionary thought. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/cpp-denounces-defacement-red-tagging-of-bookstores/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga tindahan ng libro sa Metro Manila, tinarget ng red-tagging

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 24, 2022): Mga tindahan ng libro sa Metro Manila, tinarget ng red-tagging (Bookstores in Metro Manila, targeted by red-tagging)

March 24, 2022

Dalawang tindahan ng libro sa Metro Manila ang pinakabagong target ng red-tagging ng pinaniniwalaang mga ahente ng estado. Gamit ang pulang pintura, isinulat ang katagang ‘NPA terorita’ sa Popular Bookstore sa Quezon City at ang Solidaridad sa Manila noong Martes, Marso 22.

Ang dalawang tindahan ng libro ay nagbebenta ng mga librong kadalasan ay mahirap hanapin at sumasaklaw sa iba’t ibang mga paksa. Nagbebenta ito ng mga librong pumapaksa sa Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP), Bagong Hukbong Bayan at mga isinulat ni Prop. Jose Maria Sison, bukod sa iba pang tipo ng mga aklat ayon kay Julie Po, may-ari ng Popular Bookstore.

“Bakit nila tinatarget ang mga bookstore? Bakit nila ito ginagawa sa syudad? Bahagi ba ito ng pakanang destabilization para pigilan ang eleksyon? Simula lang ba ito ng mas malaking plano?” ayon kay Julie Po mula sa Popular Bookstore.

Si Po ang may-ari ng Popular Bookstore at isang dating aktibista noong diktadura ni Marcos. Nakulong siya nang limang buwan noong 1973.

Nagpaabot ng pakikiisa at mga pahayag ang iba’t ibang mga tagapaglimbag ng libro, mga nasa akademya at ibang mga personahe sa dalawang tindahan ng libro. Pangamba ng karamihan na magsisimula ito ng tinatawag na “chilling effect” o “panakot” sa mga nagtataguyod ng kalayaan sa pamamahayag at sa akademikong kalayaan.

Ayon kay Po, “Dapat akong maging mas maingat, mas mapagbantay pero hindi kami pwedeng manahimik.”

‘Pagsusunog ng mga libro’

Kaugnay ng naturang pananakot, matatandaang simula Setyembre ng nakaraang taon ay nagsimula ang pagpapatanggal ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at mga ahente ng rehimeng Duterte sa mga dokumento ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) sa library o aklatan ng mga unibersidad at pamantasan.

Kabilang sa mga ipinatanggal ang kopya ng Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) at sampung iba pang dokumento na tumatalakay sa usapang pangkapayapaan at programa ng NDFP.

Ibinigay ng mga unibersidad ang mga kopya ng libro sa AFP at PNP para umano pigilan at pangalagaan ang mga mag-aaral kontra sa “panghihimasok ng mga komunista” sa pamantasan. Tahasang paglabag ito sa kalayaang akademiko ng pampublikong paaralan.

Umani ng pagkundena ang naturang aksyon mula sa akademiko at iba’t ibang mga grupo. Ikinumpara nila ang aksyon ito sa taktikang Nazi kung saan ipinasamsam ang mga libro at ipinasunog ang mga ito.

Samantala, bilang bahagi ng pagtuligsa dito ng akademya, inilunsad noong Nobyembre 2021 ng Academics Unite for Democracy and Human Rights ang website na “Aswang sa Aklatan” (https://handsoffourlibraries.crd.co/) para labanan ang atake ng rehimeng Duterte sa kalayaang akademiko. Layunin nito na pagbuklurin ang mga nagtatanggol sa akademikong kalayaan at maging lagakan ng mga binansagan ng gubyerno na “subersibong” babasahin at libro.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-tindahan-ng-libro-sa-metro-manila-tinarget-ng-red-tagging/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: BHB-Surigao del Sur, inilinaw ang naganap na depensiba sa Marihatag

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 24, 2022): BHB-Surigao del Sur, inilinaw ang naganap na depensiba sa Marihatag (NPA-Surigao del Sur, clarified the defensive that took place in Marihatag)

March 24, 2022

Sa isang panayam sa lokal na radyo sa Surigao del Sur kaninang umaga, Marso 24, inilinaw ni Ka Sandara Sidlakan, tagapagsalita ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa prubinsya, ang naganap na depensibang aksyon ng yunit ng BHB sa Barangay San Isidro, Marihatag noong Marso 21 sa 75th Infantry Battalion.

Ayon kay Ka Sandara, totoo ang naganap na labanan at mayroong isang Pulang mandirigmang nasawi sa insidente. Gayundin, apat na armas taliwas sa pinalalabas ng militar na anim ang naiwan sa pinangyarihan ng labanan.

Pinasinungalingan din ni Ka Sandara ang ipinakakalat na pangalan ng Pulang mandirigmang napaslang sa insidente. “Hindi totoo ang pangalang pinalulutang ng mga sundalo sa lokal na midya,” dagdag ni Ka Sandara.

Nang tanungin ng nag-iinterbyu sa pangalan ng napaslang, sinabi ni Sidlakan na hindi muna nila ilalabas ang tunay na pangalan ng napaslang bilang pagrespeto sa pamilya ng namartir na Pulang mandirigma. Inilinaw niya na taga-Agusan del Norte ang namartir at hindi Surigao del Sur tulad ng pinakakalat ng militar.

Sa pagtatapos ng panayam, nagpaalala rin siya sa mga yunit ng BHB na dapat iwasan ang mga depensibang aksyon at gamitin ang mga taktikang gerilya tulad ng pagiging makilos, pagbabantay sa palibot at iba pa.

“Hindi maiiwasan ang pagkamatay sa paglulunsad ng digma, pero ang mahalaga ay kung para saan inialay ang buhay ng mga kasama. Para kanino?” pagtatapos ni Ka Sandara.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/bhb-surigao-del-sur-inilinaw-ang-naganap-na-depensiba-sa-marihatag/

CPP/IB: CPP reminds candidates: No vote-buying, armed goons in Red areas

Propaganda statement posted to PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Mar 25, 2022): CPP reminds candidates: No vote-buying, armed goons in Red areas

Information Bureau

Communist Party of the Philippines

March 25, 2022

As the election campaign for local posts in the reactionary government begin today, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) reminded candidates to abide by the rules and policies implemented by the revolutionary movement in its territories to safeguard the rights and interests of the people. They are being advised to consult with local units of the New People’s Army (NPA) which are responsible for enforcing this policy and other measures.

“The aim of these policies is to ensure that election campaigns are conducted in an orderly manner and not used to sow violence and terror among the people,” CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena said. “The NPA has received its orders and is ready to firmly enforce these policies.”

According to these rules, politicians are prohibited from vote buying and bringing along firearms and armed bodyguards, including military and police escorts or their own goons.

“Armed escorts are not allowed during campaign in order to prevent them from subjecting people to armed intimidation,” said Valbuena. He advised politicians to “stricly abide by these policies if they wish to avoid armed encounters during their campaign sorties.”

Valbuena meanwhile said that vote-buying is “one of the starkest manifestation of the rotten electoral system of the reactionary government.” In the countryside, it takes advantage of the people’s desperate straits, reinforces feudal social relations and perpetuates patronage politics that favor the ruling classes.

“Vote-buying is prohibited in the revolutionary areas because it is typically accompanied by intimidation or coercion. It furthermore tends to sow disunity and bickering among the people with some receiving more than the others,” he pointed out.

The CPP has ordered NPA units to apprehend or reprimand politicians who will be caught in the act of vote-buying. “Monies will be seized and immediately turned over to the local organs of political power and reported to higher territorial governmental organ,” he noted. He added that revolutionary mass organizations can also plan among themselves to take the vote-buying money of politicians and place it under their collective management to ensure that it will go to programs beneficial to the community.

Last month, the NPA-Surigao mounted a checkpoint to disarm retired soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), one of whom is running for a local post. The NPA unit also said it was in line with its implementation of the proper conduct of the reactionary elections campaign.

The NPA is present in more than 70 of the country’s 81 provinces operating in various municipalities. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/cpp-reminds-candidates-no-vote-buying-armed-goons-in-red-areas/

CPP/Ang Bayan: International group mounts #StopTheBombingsPH campaign

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): International group mounts #StopTheBombingsPH campaign

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

March 21, 2022

The Friends the Filipino People in Struggle (FFPS) launched its campaign to end indiscriminate and terrorist aerial bombings against civilian communities in the Philippines. More than 200 cases of aerial bombings and artillery shelling by the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been recorded under the Duterte administration.

The group launched the campaign to encourage friends and allies from different countries to support and heighten the clamor to stop aerial bombings which primarily affects civilians. “It is the poor and indigenous communities in the remote areas that are hit the hardest,” the group said.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/international-group-mounts-stopthebombingsph-campaign/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Protests

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): Protests

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

March 21, 2022

Negros barriofolk’s barricade. Residents of Sityo Cabiti, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan surrounded the house of their villagemate Lucia Sales in the early morning of March 20 to protect her against raiding soldiers and police. Sales was targeted by state forces because of her affiliation with the Asosasyon para sa Kauswagan sang mga Mangunguma kag Mamumugon sa Uma.

27th death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion. Migrante staged a picket in Mendiola, Manila last March 17 in commemoration of the execution of Flor Contemplacion. Contemplacion, a domestic helper, who was hanged in Singapore for murder. She was meted out the death penalty in the country in 1995. She was a victim of the Philippine reactionary state’s negligence on migrant Filipinos.

Justice for New Bataan 5! Programs were held last March 11 in Davao City, Cebu City and Quezon City to call for justice for New Bataan 5 after the autopsy report on Chad Booc was released. Investigations revealed that Booc was killed after being sprayed with bullets. Although no official autopsy was done on the remains of Elgyn Balonga and Gelejurain Ngujo II, their bodies bore visible evidence of similar gunshot wounds and bruises.

No tax on teachers’ allowance. Members of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) staged a picket in front of the Comelec last March 10 to lambast the 20% tax imposed on their election allowance. Local unions of ACT report that the meager ₱2,000 allowance will be reduced by ₱400 for taxes. In the past, the tax was only at 5%, and was demanded to be repealed.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/protests-17/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Remembering the anti-Moro massacres under the US-Marcos dictatorship

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): Remembering the anti-Moro massacres under the US-Marcos dictatorship

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

March 21, 2022

To claim that the Jabidah and other pogroms did not take place under Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law is lunacy and a gross lie. This was the reaction of Moros in the face of the repeated pronouncements of pro-Marcos reactionaries that massacres against the Moro people are made up and deceptive.

They see the importance of commemorating these massacres especially as elections are nearing and politicians are once again courting their votes.

One such incident is the Jabidah massacre were 28 Moro youths were killed after they refused orders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to kill fellow Moros to occupy Sabah. The massacre took place in March 18, 1968 while they were training in Corregidor, Cavite City.

History recognizes the Jabidah massacre as the spark that ignited the armed resistance of the Moro National Liberation Front established by Prof. Nur Misuari in 1969. But the Moros consider the massacre in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat in September 24, 1964 as the most violent and biggest massacre. Even now, survivors remember clearly the gruesome events and brutality perpetrated against them by the state.

“It was timed at dawn, just after the fourth day of the holy observance of the Ramadan, that the military fired their cannons on us,” Ama Amed, a madrasah sanawi (high school) teacher, narrated in an interview with Ang Bayan. “Several barangays in our town were hit. The people were shouting in fear, especially the women and children. We could do nothing but pray to Allah.”

Ama Amed was then just a teenager who dreamed of finishing school to help his fellow Muslims. When the soldiers invaded, he was one of the young ones who managed to escape to the forests. Some of his family members did not survive.

“The military was not satisfied after raining bombs on us. Four AFP battalions entered civilian communities and arrested everyone they saw. They dragged the men and detained them in a mosque in Tacbil in Barangay Malisbong.”

According to narratives gathered from survivors, around 1,500 men with ages 11 to 70 who were kept in the mosque were killed by the fascists. There are reports that up to 3,000 died in separate incidents during the period.

“Every day, a group of 10 or more would be taken out (of the mosque) and killed. They were made to dig their own graves before being shot. The detained who asked for food had copra (dried coconut) thrown at them. They were forced to strip and made to do lascivious acts, which are considered grave sins against Allah. They violated and trampled on our humanity and our faith as Muslims,” Ama Amed tearfully recounted the brutal experience.

There were also records that said up to 3,000 women and children, ages 3 to 60 who were arrested and kept inside a warehouse in the barrio and in military ships. Around 300 houses were burned by the fascists.

“Many women were raped by the soldiers. Many children died due to starvation and hardships that they experienced.” The Palimbang massacre was perpetuated two years after the Marcos regime imposed martial law in September 21, 1972.

According to some sources, the Marcos regime was then fearful that the MNLF will expand not only in Palimbang and other parts of Sultan Kudarat, but in the entire area under the then AFP Central Mindanao Command. The AFP reasoned that it only targeted the MNLF rebels. But what the state ordered was the genocide of the people of Palimbang. Under the dictator’s orders, AFP generals directed the bombings and massacre of Moro civilians. Brig. Gen. Gonzalo H. Siongco, appointed by Marcos as Sultan Kudarat’s governor, was among those who led the carnage.

In addition of the Jabidah and Palimbang massacres, the Moro people likewise will not forget the massacre in Manili in 1971 where 70 worshippers were killed inside a mosque in Manili, Carmen, North Cotabato. There is also the Tacub massacre which killed 40 civilians on their way home after failing to vote in a special election. They were accosted by soldiers in a checkpoint and shot in Tacub, Lanao de Norte.

During Marcos’ entire military rule, many Moro communities in Mindanao were destroyed, more than 200,000 people were killed and many were forced to evacuate, including half a million Moros who fled to Sabah, Malaysia.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/remembering-the-anti-moro-massacres-under-the-us-marcos-dictatorship/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Military illegally arrests 3 NDFP consultants

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): Military illegally arrests 3 NDFP consultants

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

March 21, 2022

Three consultants for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) were illegally arrested by military forces in the past two weeks. Two of them are yet to be surfaced. Meanwhile, attempts were made on the lives of two mass leaders who are active in electoral campaigns, as 13 Lumad civilians were illegally detained.

Elements of the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command abducted Ezequiel Daguman, NDFP consultant for Southern Mindanao. Daguman has been missing since March 7. He was abducted on his way to peasant communities in New Corella, Davao del Norte. He was set to hold consultations with plantation workers and farmers.

In Northern Samar, the military abducted consultant Edwin Alcid, known as Ka Veejo, and two of his civilian companions last March 8 in Barangay San Jose, Catubig. Ka Veejo, 74, suffers from diabetes and needs medical attention. The AFP has yet to surface Ka Veejo, a retired cadre of the Communist Party of the Philippines. According to reports, two AFP helicopters landed in the village to take them.

Another consultant, Ramon Patriarca, was illegally arrested last March 18 in Negros. Arrested with him were Carmen Jonahville Matarlo and John Michael Baldonado, both activist researchers conducting social investigation in the haciendas of the Cojuangco family in Sityo Tondo, Barangay Suay, Himamaylan, Negros Oriental. They were slapped with trumped-up charges.

Frustrated killing. Unidentified men shot Larry Villegas, leader of Piston-General Santos and campaigner for Bayan Muna, last March 13. The assailants barged into his residence in Barangay Buayan, General Santos City. He was earlier red-tagged by the NTF-Elcac.

Meanwhile, unidentified men blocked and aimed a calibre .45 on Amalia Alcantara, a leader of the urban poor in Pook Malinis, Barangay UP Campus, Quezon City last March 12. This failed when the residents in the area responded.

Illegal arrest and detention. In Bukidnon, five civilians were illegally arrested in Sityo Kilapagan, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City last March 3, when soldiers chanced on them while they were cutting lumber for their homes. They were tortured, and high caliber firearms, explosives and a laptop were planted as evidences against them. They were later reported as members of the New People’s Army.

Nine farmers, eight of which are Lumad, were detained inside a local clinic since the first week of March in Barangay White Culaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon by soldiers of the 72nd IB. They were forced to “surrender” as members of the NPA to “clear” their names and have been illegally detained by soldiers since then.

In Cavite, 10 volunteers for the Makabayan campaign for the Leni-Kiko tandem were arrested last March 10 in Sityo Silangan and Talaba 7, Bacoor. The PNP-Bacoor attacked the community under the pretext of the “anti-drug war.” The three who were wounded during the attack were identified as Charlie Aquino, Richard Felipe and Johmelda Lucernas. Joel Salabanya, Anakpawis Partylist-Cavite vice president, was beaten and police shot at his wife.

The PNP-Silang also illegally detained Jonathan Mercado, spokesperson for Teatro Kabataan Mula sa Nayon, along with two of his companions. He was released after being detained for two days. The progressives were arrested a few days after Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Cong. Crispin Remulla red-tagged the participants in the Leni-Kiko rally in Cavite.

Carlo Reduta, organizer for Coco Levy Funds Ibalik sa Amin-Quezon, was arrested in the evening last March 18 in Barangay Cawayan, Gumaca, Quezon.

Bombing. At least eight bombs were dropped by the AFP in five farmlands in Barangay Deit de Turag, Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar last February 20. The following day, AFP helicopters strafed the farms. A farm hut and coconut trees were destroyed. A farm was also destroyed after being made as a landing pad for helicopters.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/military-illegally-arrests-3-ndfp-consultants/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-Surigao del Sur seizes R4 rifle

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): NPA-Surigao del Sur seizes R4 rifle

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

March 21, 2022

The New People’s Army (NPA)-Surigao del Sur ambushed soldiers of the 75th IB riding a habal-habal (motorbike transport) along Purok 2, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel last March 14. An R4 rifle was seized from the soldiers, one of whom was killed in action. The soldiers were returning from combat operations from adjacent communities.

The NPA unit meanwhile apologized that a civilian driver was wounded in the ambush.

Seven soldiers were killed in a counter-offensive mounted by the NPA-Bukidnon against operating troops of the 1st Scout Rangers Battalion and 8th IB in Sitio Kiito, Barangay Can-ayan, Malaybalay City at noon last March 3. Another soldier was killed in a counter-raid of the NPA against the 88th IB in Sitio Bendum, Barangay Busdi of the same city last March 9.

In Agusan del Sur, two soldiers of the 67th IB were killed while seven other were wounded in an NPA ambush in Barangay Manat, Trento last March 12.

The NPA-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command) mounted successive harassment operations in villages of Catubig town. Last February 16, the NPA fired at troopers of the PNP-Special Action Force at the boundaries of Barangay Roxas and Barangay San Jose (Hebobollao). Two soldiers were killed while two others were wounded.

In Barangay Tungodnon last February 21, the NPA fired at 20 operating troops of the enemy. Two were reportedly killed. Another operation was mounted by Red fighters against operating troops at CM Recto (Lobedico) last February 24.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/npa-surigao-del-sur-seizes-r4-rifle/

CPP/Ang Bayan: An army service cherished by the masses

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 21, 2022): An army service cherished by the masses

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

March 21, 2022

Medics from the New People’s Army are rich in experience of providing health services. As they are confronted with all sorts of situations, these medics, many of whom come from the peasant masses, have become experts in handling all kinds of medical emergencies.

Such was the case when Ison, a 9-year old Dumagat, slipped on some rocks and broke his arm. A group of Red fighters chanced upon him and his father when the accident happened. Since an NPA unit was already in the barrio, their medical officer was able to extend assistance.

“The child was almost unconscious and was crying under so much pain,” Ka Nonoy, one of the Red fighters on the scene, related. Used to moving quickly, the Red fighters were able to gather betadine, gauze, plaster, elastic bandages and pain relievers at once. Armed with her first aid kit and her pistol, medic Ka Aida was immediately dispatched to respond to the emergency and was able to provide first aid. They put the child’s arm on a splint. The emergency was quickly addressed that the unit was able to continue with their meetings in the barrio. Even Ison’s mother, who was greatly worried by the accident, was able to attend.

Months later, the Red fighters once again chanced on Ison and some other children by the river. His wound and arm had already healed, after the medics provided him with constant medical care for a week. When asked, he was quick to say that he was already fine. “I can climb the mango tree again to get some fruits for tatay (father),” he said as he energetically waved his arm around. He gave some mangoes to the comrades. “Thank you so much. My arm is already healed. I promise, I will be more careful next time!”

He and the children offered to help the comrades in crossing the river. The children are what the comrades call their “drivers.” They help secure stuff when the water is high and the rocks are slippery. They pile the comrades’ backpacks on big salbabidas (inflated tire interiors) and bring them across the river (to keep them dry).

Scenes such as this are commonplace in areas where the people’s army operate.

As many barrios lack basic medical services, the masses rely on the services provided by the NPA. What the masses receive, they return tenfold in cherishing the comrades.

This was the experience of medic Ka Primo who was once shot in the leg during a defensive battle. At first he thought he could “crawl” his way but was later unable to pull himself up. The comrades had to carry him in a hammock, after the enemy fired mortars their way.

They maneuvered out of the area for more than two weeks. The masses were quick to assist them in every sitio they came across. In each one, the masses provided them with food and information on the routes they had planned to take. Their help in carrying Ka Primo was invaluable.

“There was a system where people took turns,” Ka Primo narrated. In the middle of their journey, Gimo, a farmer who he once treated, arrived. Gimo once suffered a blow in the head and lost consciousness. It was Ka Primo who provided first aid and stayed until he regained consciousness. He made sure that the patient was recovered before he left the area.

“When I heard that you were wounded, I said to myself I have to go and help! This way, I can return your service!” Gimo greeted Ka Primo. This greatly bouyed the spirits of the wounded comrade and cemented his resolve to serve the revolution. They traveled a path that was not easy—narrow, sharp, hanging and overgrown with vegetation. The masses and the Red fighters helped each other until they were able to send Ka Primo outside to be treated.

After months of treatment, Ka Primo recovered. When he came back, Gimo was already serving the Red army.

[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://cpp.ph/2022/03/21/an-army-service-cherished-by-the-masses/

NPA-planted IED injures farmer in Davao de Oro

From Philippine Defense News (Mar 24, 2022): NPA-planted IED injures farmer in Davao de Oro (By Ryan Warren)

A civilian farmer was injured on March 21, 2022, after he accidentally triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) communist terrorist group (CTG) in Maragusan, Davao de Oro.

Anthony Pelicelda, 42 years old, was cultivating and harvesting ginger in Purok-8, Barangay Paloc, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, when unknowingly triggered the IED at around 1:00 pm. The explosion wounded Pelicelda’s face and lower body parts. He was transported to the nearest hospital.

The Philippine Army’s 25th Infantry “FIREBALL” Battalion (25IB) immediately conducted clearing operations at the area to search for more IEDs planted by the CTG.

A resident of Purok-8, Barangay Paloc, revealed the location of the explosion was a former NPA encampment that was set up while the 25IB pursued the CTG in relentless focused military operations in the area.

Since September 2021, the 1001st Infantry “PAG-ASA” Brigade (1001Bde) has conducted continuous combat operations against the NPA CTGs. The 1001Bde recorded several armed engagements in Pantukan, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, and New Bataan, all of Davao de Oro.

The recent armed engagement between the government troops against the the Regional Headquarters of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (RHQ-SMRC), led by Eric Jun Casilao alias “Wally” or “Elian,” and the Regional Operations Command, SMRC (ROC-SMRC) led by Leo Lacumbo alias “Ole” in the early morning of February 24, 2022, at Purok-8, Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro that resulted with five members of the CTGs killed, and the recovery of one M653 rifle, one caliber 45 pistol, a hand grenade, and one anti-personnel mine attests that the CTGs still blatantly commit these terroristic acts.

“This proves that these NPA armed groups will still use more IEDs and other harmful devices to sow fear to the communities while advancing their self-serving political agenda. The use of landmines and other IEDs by the CPP-NPA should be condemned for it has already taken countless innocent lives, including Filipino Footballer Kieth Absalon and his cousin in Masbate City. This incident is a serious matter that needs the attention of the whole country,” said Lt. Col. Michael T. Aquino, 25IB Commanding Officer.

“Your government troops will pursue them without any letup, and we will deliberately hit them hard in order to end their deception and atrocities that have already killed countless Filipino youth and caused misery to parents,” Lt. Col. Aquino said.

https://defense.ph/2022/03/24/npa-planted-ied-injures-farmer-in-davao-de-oro/

Philippine Air Force airlifts wounded Army trooper in Northern Samar

From Philippine Defense News (Mar 25, 2022): Philippine Air Force airlifts wounded Army trooper in Northern Samar (By: Ryan Warren)

One soldier wounded-in-action (WIA) was airlifted by Philippine Air Force’ Black Hawk Helicopter at around 3PM, March 22, 2022 from Brgy Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar to Catarman, Northern Samar.

The soldier was wounded after members of Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) deliberately attacked government troops on Community Support Program operation in the said Barangay at around 10AM earlier that day.

“The WIA is PFC Gilbert I Gabin whom was hit on his right leg and was evacuated by Black Hawk helicopter. He was immediately transported to Northern Samar Provincial Hospital for appropriate medical intervention,” said Second Lieutenant Escobio, 20IB spokesperson.

“Brgy. Nagoocan is one of the six barangays that is 2021 recipient of ₱20 million Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP). This is courtesy to our soldiers that worked hard to clear the barangay from NPA influence. However, NPAs returned in attempt to recover their lost mass base. This is one of the reasons why we redeployed soldiers to also ensure that the project implementation of SBDP will push through and not be put into waste. We cannot allow the people of Nagoocan to be deprived of government services because of NPA’s deceptive propaganda and blank promises,” Escobio added.

The CPP-NPA-NDF have once again made a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law in the Municipality of Catubig. It can be recalled that on February 8, 2022, the CNTs indiscriminately fired their weapons resulting to the death of two civilians and wounding of another at Brgy Roxas, Catubig. Likewise, on March 5, 2022, Sgt Amado was wounded after the deliberate attack of the CNTs to the CSP team despite the presence of civilians at Brgy. CM Recto, Catubig.

“Mariin naming kinokondena ang walang pakundangang pag-atake ng mga teroristang NPA sa CSP team sa aming barangay sa kabila ng presensya ng mga sibilyan. Ang CSP team na ito ang naging katuwang namin sa pag-abot sa aming hangarin na magkaroon ng mapayapang komunidad at maunlad na pamumuhay,” said Hon. Fe M. Baldoza, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar.

“Masaya na kami sa atensyon na ibinibigay ng gobyerno sa amin pero bakit di kami tinatantanan ng mga teroristang NPA. Ang patuloy na paghahasik ng kaharasan ng mga NPA sa aming lugar ay pagpapatunay lamang ng kanilang paglapastangan sa Karapatang Pantao at International Humanitarian Law,” Baldoza added.

https://defense.ph/2022/03/25/air-force-airlifts-wounded-army-trooper-in-northern-samar/

Kalinaw News: Military Celebrates Army Day on historic Mount Dahu in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2022): Military Celebrates Army Day on historic Mount Dahu in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – The Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu celebrated the 125th Philippine Army Founding Anniversary and the 116th Anniversary of the Battle of Bud Dahu on top of the historic Bud Dahu in Barangay Danag Patikul, Sulu on March 22, 2022.

As part of the celebration, troops from the 1101st Infantry Brigade and civilian guests trekked the rugged terrain leading to the peak of Bud Dahu.

In a statement, 1101 Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio, who led the troops and the civilians in climbing the peak of Bud Dahu, said that “it is fulfilling to climb the historic mountain in Sulu as we celebrate the very day when the Philippine Army was organized by our forefathers with so much sacrifices and love to our country.”

In his speech, Brig. Gen. Boquio said that “while we celebrate our 125th PH Army anniversary, it is unknown to many that the Battle of Bud Dahu is probably one of the most gruesome events in our history where 600 Moros (Tausug), including innocent women and children, sacrificed fighting for freedom.”

21st Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Eddie Abolencia narrated that a total of 421 security forces and civilian participants trekked Mount Dahu. Among the civilian dignitaries who participated in the event is Mr. Julkiram Arastam, the Sulu provincial tourism officer. Mr. Arastam said that he is elated by his one of lifetime experience to climb the historic mountain of Sulu. “I’m grateful to our security forces and partner stakeholders for this opportunity to join the trek as we honor and pay tribute to our forefathers,” narrated by Mr. Arastam.

“We are all witnesses on how the security landscape in Sulu significantly improved. The Suluanons can now go and visit places, beaches, and other tourist spots they want without fear. As the tourism officer of Sulu and collaboration with other agencies, we will advertise Sulu as the best tourist destination in southern part of our country,” said Mr. Arastam.

Meanwhile, 11th Infantry Division and JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio expressed his gratitude to the security forces and reassured his commitment in supporting the local tourism.

“The potential of Sulu to be the next best tourists’ destination is attainable. This momentous event is indicative of our united efforts and our love to our country,” said Maj. Gen. Patrimonio.

“I therefore enjoin you to move in unison as we strive towards the goal of making the province of Sulu a place of lasting peace and sustainable development,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio added.

The Battle of Bud Dahu is a battle between the Moro Tausugs and the United States Armed Forces on March 5 to 8, 1906, which resulted to the deaths of about 600 Moro (Tausug) individuals, including innocent women and children. Bud Dahu is the second highest point in the province of Sulu next to Bud Tumantangis: Sulu’s Crying Mountain.

[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/military-celebrates-army-day-on-historic-mount-dahu-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: 9 ASG members lay down arms in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 24, 2022): 9 ASG members lay down arms in Sulu



Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Jolo, Sulu – March 24, 2022

Nine Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members voluntarily surrendered to the 1102nd Infantry Brigade of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu in Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu, in the afternoon of March 23, 2022.

According to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of the JTF Sulu, he said that “the 9 ASG personalities were formally presented to me in a short program by 1102nd Brigade Commander Col. Giovanni Franza, and they were identified as a.k.a. Vandam 25 years old under ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya; a.k.a. Raden, 38 years old; a.k.a. Asari, 73 years old under ASG leader Amah Patit; a.k.a. Abu Zendal and a.k.a. Almasir under ASG Sub-leader Idang Susukan; a.k.a. Abdung, 49 years old under ASG Sub-leader a.k.a Jars, 61 years old; a.k.a. Jah 27 years old under ASG Sub-leader Hairulla Asbang; and, a.k.a. Mursid, 31 years old under ASG Sub-leader Apoh Mike.”

In a statement, Col. Franza expressed his gratitude to the families of the ASG surrenderees for going back to the folds of the law and chose a peaceful lives. “This significant event showed your willingness to return to your normal lives and live peacefully with your family and loved ones,” said Col Franza.

Col Franza further appeals, saying, “to those who are still with the terror group, we, in the government, are here to help you live normally. Take this opportunity to return to the folds of the law, and we will always here to help you to start anew.”

In an interview with a.k.a. Asari of Barangay Laum in Maimbung, Sulu, he shared how he entered the group. “Sobrang hirap ng napagdaanan ko noong pumasok ako. Noong nasa loob ako ng grupo napagtanto ko na umalis dahil wala ng kaming pagtutunguhan at masasayang lang buhay ko kung ipagpapatuloy ko pa ito,” he said.

A.k.a. Asari furthered that “matanda na ako at may mga anak. Gusto ko pang mabuhay at makita mga anak ko na makapagtapos sila ng pag-aaral.”

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Patrimonio lauded the continuous efforts of all the units under the JTF Sulu. He assured the ASG surrenderees that the military will do its best to help them get the assistance they needed.

“We, in coordination with the province of Sulu and other partner agencies, have been coordinating for the programs and interventions that could benefit the former members of the ASG. In fact, yesterday, Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, Chairman of Task Force Balik-Loob, had a meeting with the Sulu Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee and assured that they will help facilitate your benefits under the Task Force Balik-Loob program,” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio said.

“Your security forces, together with the assistance of the local government units and partner stakeholders, will continue our endeavor towards achieving lasting peace, security, and development in the province of Sulu” Maj. Gen. Patrimonio added.

Since January of this year, a total of 30 ASG members voluntarily surrendered to the JTF Sulu and chose to live peaceful lives.

[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/9-asg-members-lay-down-arms-in-sulu/

NDFP demands military to surface peace consultant abducted in Davao Norte

Posted to the periodically pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Mar 24, 2022): NDFP demands military to surface peace consultant abducted in Davao Norte

Photo from PRWC’s Twitter account

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao (NDFP) demanded that the military surface peace consultant Ezequiel “ Ka Rey” Cortes Daguman, 50, who has remained missing since March 7.

In a statement, the NDFP cited that Daguman was abducted together with his driver his driver, Bensito “Jojo” Julio, 38, by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) while en route to a peasant community in one of the banana plantations in New Corella town in Davao del Norte.

Daguman was unarmed and set to meet with farmworkers to investigate the workers and peasant situations in the banana plantations of New Corella affected by the series of typhoons, heavy rains and the pandemic lockdowns.

The NDFP said prior to his disappearance he was assigned in the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro to look into the land grabbing and labor cases in plantations owned and controlled by the transnational Sumifru company.

NDFP spokesperson Rubi del Mundo said the Duterte government and the AFP is targeting unarmed NDFP consultants for abduction, torture and even murder charges.

“His abduction and continued disappearance is yet another serious violation by the tyrannical Duterte regime in the agreements achieved in the formal negotiations of the peace process,” she said.

Meanwhile, the family expressed fear since it has been weeks since Daguman disappeared. His eldest sister Imelda recalled that at the end of 2019 a group of plain clothes men who identified themselves as members of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) came to her house looking for his brother.

“Due to his commitment to serve the people in need, he was away from us for quite a long time. We have not seen him for years,” she said.

The whole family demanded for immediate surfacing and called on the immediate investigation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

In December 2017, after the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP was terminated, Duterte called out for the arrest of NDFP consultants.

Article 2 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance defines enforced disappearance as “the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law.”

“Individuals, as a rule in civilian clothes and armed, remove an opponent or human rights activist to an unknown place by force and without apparent motive. When the victims loved ones try to ascertain his or her whereabouts, the authorities either ignore their entreaties or open an inquiry which they know will lead nowhere or which ends in the exoneration of the suspects,” it added.

NDFP invoked Daguman’s status as a peace consultant covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the NDFP which provides safe conduct passes for consultants, staff and personnel involved in the peace negotiations.

The NDFP also revealed that two days after the abduction of Daguman, another three persons were arrested.

They are Victor “Ka Pong” Rollon, Christine Joy “Ka Rye” Dula and Chargelyn “Ka Jillian” Casquejo who were arrested in Barangay La Filipina in Tagum City on March 9.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/ndfp-demands-military-to-surface-peace-consultant-abducted-in-davao-norte/

NegOcc cops on ‘high alert’ for NPA anniv

From Palawan News (Mar 24, 2022): NegOcc cops on ‘high alert’ for NPA anniv (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has placed all of its units on “high alert” ahead of the 53rd anniversary of the New People’s Army (NPA) on March 29, 2022.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

NOCPPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, said all police units were reminded not to be complacent but to be on guard for possible rebel attacks.

The NPA is known to wage offensives against government troops to mark its anniversary.

Policemen were also advised not to post their whereabouts on social media to avoid being targeted by the rebels.

The NPA was founded on March 29, 1969 and had been engaged in a brutal conflict with the Philippine government for 53 years now.

Friday last week, March 18, a leader of the NPA in Negros Island and his two comrades were arrested during a joint military and police operation in Barangay Su-ay, Himamaylan City in southern Negros Occidental.

The Philippine Army identified the suspect as Ramon “Using” Patriarca, deputy secretary and finance officer of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros. He is facing 10 counts of murder before the Regional Trial Court, Branch 47 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, with a warrant of arrest issued by Presiding Judge Suseco Arcam.

The two others were Carmen “Loisa / Avon” Jonahville Matarlo, of the Regional Communication of Central Negros Front 2; and John Michael Baldonado Tecson, also known as Calvin / Clent / Harold / Getic, of the Regional Communication of Central Negros Front 1.

Matarlo is from Poblacion, Argao in Cebu province while Tecson hails from Barangay Bulado, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

In a statement on Saturday, Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the neutralization of Patriarca and his two comrades was another huge blow to the CPP-NPA.

“They may have been very quick to release propaganda denying their losses and setbacks, but with this development, they can no longer deny the weakening of their forces in Negros Island,” he said.

Personnel of the Himamaylan City police station served the arrest warrant to Patriarca during a law enforcement operation supported by troops of 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Tondo.

His two companions were brought along and are now under police custody.

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.

https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-cops-on-high-alert-for-npa-anniv/

Anti-insurgency strategy in communities to go nationwide: DILG-7

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2022): Anti-insurgency strategy in communities to go nationwide: DILG-7 (By John Rey Saavedra)

ANTI-INSURGENCY STRATEGY. This undated photo shows village folks in Bohol province during one of the "Dagyawan sa Barangay" activities of the Regional Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC). The DILG-7 on Thursday (March 24, 2022) said the National Peace and Order Council has recognized the successes of the "Dagyawan sa Barangay", which led to adoption and nationwide holding of similar townhall meetings to bring the government closer to the people in insurgency-affected villages. (Photo courtesy of DILG-7)

The “Dagyawan sa Barangay”, a strategy toward ending communist armed conflict by bringing government services closer to the barrio folks, will now be implemented nationwide, the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Central Visayas (DILG-7) said Thursday.

Lawyer Leocadio Trovela, DILG-7 regional director, said in a statement the strategy conceptualized in Central Visayas as a way to promote “togetherness” in advocating peace and development down to the village level has been recognized by the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) during its 1st quarter meeting last March 21.

The NPOC issued Resolution No. 7 recognizing the works of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) chaired by Trovela for being able to engage the people in barangays affected by insurgency.

He said the resolution endorses the adoption and nationwide implementation of a series of community town hall forums comparable to the "Dagyawan sa Barangay".

The Dagyawan is the branding of the DILG-7 projects under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) with the primary goal of bringing government services right to the doorstep of villagers, especially in far-flung areas.

True to its promise to bring town hall meetings to the local level, Trovela collaborated with the officials of Negros Oriental province to launch the first Dagwayan sa Barangay in Dumaguete City in August of 2019.

The activity was the localized version of “Dagyaw 2019: Open Government and Participatory Governance Regional Townhall Meeting”, a series of government dialogues with the stakeholders at the grassroots level.

“This platform serves as a venue for an active engagement between the government and the people at the grassroots level. So we can bring the government closer to the minds and hearts of the people in Region 7,” Trovela said.

Apart from dialogues and fora, officials from NTF-ELCAC also conducts the “Serbisyo caravan” (service caravan) that provides various services and assistance to village folks.

Since 2019, DILG-7 has spearheaded conducts of Dagyawan sa Barangay in the insurgency-affected villages through the Basic Services Cluster chaired by the agency, and with the active participation of the provincial government of Negros Oriental and the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC) led by Governor Roel Degamo, who is now the Regional Peace and Order (RPOC) chair.

Apart from Dagwayan activities in insurgency-affected villages in Negros Oriental, these townhall-type of listening tool of the government were also conducted in areas in Bohol and Cebu.

Meanwhile, the DILG-7 reported that 515 ELCAC-related projects worth PHP5.4 billion were endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC), Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Regional Task Force 7-ELCAC, National Task Force-ELCAC, and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Dagyawan sa Barangay is coined from a Hiligyanon term which means “bayanihan” or togetherness.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170562

9 more ASG members yield to live peacefully with loved ones

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2022): 9 more ASG members yield to live peacefully with loved ones (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ASG SURRENDERER. One of nine Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants hands over a rifle to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, following their surrender on Wednesday (March 23, 2022) at the headquarters of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu. The surrenderers said they wish to live a peaceful life with their families. (Photo courtesy of JTF-Sulu)

Nine Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have decided to surrender to live peaceful lives in the province of Sulu, military officials said Thursday.

Col. Giovanni Franza, the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement that the nine ASG members surrendered Wednesday afternoon in Barangay Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

Franza presented them to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu commander, who assured the ASG surrenderers that the JTF will do its best to help them get the assistance they need.

The nine surrenderers belonged to the groups of ASG sub-leaders Alhabsy Misaya, Idang Susukan, Hairulla Asbang, and Majan Sahidjuan alias Apoh Mike.

Abu Asari, 73, the oldest among the nine surrenderers, said he joined the ASG at the age of 48 and was an active follower for only one and a half years.

“I experienced hardship when I joined the group. I decided to leave after realizing that we don’t have a future, and I’ll just waste my life if I will remain with the group,” said Asari, a resident of Barangay Laum, Maimbung, Sulu.

“I am old now. I wish to live a long life to see my children finish their studies,” he added in the dialect.

Franza described the group's decision to give themselves up as a "significant event showed your willingness to return to your normal lives and live peacefully with your family and loved ones."

“To those who are still with the terror group, we, in the government, are here to help you live normally. Take this opportunity to return to the folds of the law, and we will always be here to help you to start anew,” he added.

National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, who chairs the Task Force Balik-Loob program, visited Sulu on Wednesday and met with the Sulu Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) committee.

Mapagu assured to help facilitate the benefits of the ASG surrenderers under the package.

The latest batch of surrenderers brought to 30 the total number of ASG members who voluntarily surrendered to the JTF-Sulu since January this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170557

Army declares Davao City ‘insurgency-free'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2022): Army declares Davao City ‘insurgency-free' (By Christine Cudis)

INSURGENCY-FREE. The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division marks the eradication of communist New People's Army's armed groups in Davao City during a gathering Thursday with former insurgents. Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, said they managed to meet President Rodrigo Duterte's deadline in clearing the city of armed communist insurgents. (Photo supplied by the Army's 10th Infantry Division)

DAVAO CITY – After years of fighting the communist insurgency, the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry "Agila" Division (10ID) said it has cleared this city of the presence of the communist New People's Army (NPA).

During Thursday's gathering here of former rebels who used to operate in the city, Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, 10ID commander, said government troops managed to beat President Rodrigo Duterte's deadline to make Davao City "insurgency-free."

"The army can finally move forward to doing more activities that promote patriotism and nation-building instead of fighting local wars. I am very glad to share this momentous victory, we achieved to clear the city of insurgencies ahead of the target deadline of the President," Mempin said.

Dismantled

The Army-hosted event gathered former NPA combatants from the Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC 5), which was considered the most active NPA unit in the country before being dismantled by government forces.

Mempin lauded the former NPA fighters for their decision to give up arms and start a new life in mainstream society.

He recalled that in 2016, the NPA's SRC5 had two active Guerilla Fronts and three Pulang Bagani Command operating in most of the Davao Region.

The Philippine Army's implementation of Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in addressing the insurgency problem, Mempin said the NPA units began disintegrating, leading to the dissolution of the regional rebel apparatus in the Davao Region.

He said he was elated to see the city's ecotourism take off with the dismantling of local communist armed groups.

"As we continue to pursue our quest in attaining our vision of becoming a world-class army that is a source of national pride in 2028, we hope that you extend the same support and guidance that you have so generously shared as we also pursue our mission of ending the local communist insurgency in Southern Mindanao before the term of President Duterte ends,” he said.

Preserve life, prevent atrocities

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., the former 10ID commander who flew from his current post in Northern Luzon to celebrate with the 10ID, welcomed the NPA surrenderers to the fold of the law.

"The greatest victory that we have is we are able to preserve lives. We were able to prevent further atrocities, further pain, especially to our guests (members of the SRC5), thank you for your decision to surrender. I am happy that I was able to experience this moment during my career to witness the fall of insurgencies," Torres said.

He also assured that with the proper treatment given to the surrenderers, the mass surrender of NPA rebels is not only happening in Davao City.

"It's not only a trend here, it is happening nationwide. You can be assured that the commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue. We now have a government that really and truly cares, it is no longer necessary to bear arms against the government," Torres said.

Meanwhile, Acting City Mayor Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte thanked the Philippine Army and the former rebels.

"We salute the force, the Philippine Army, for a job well done. And we thank the former members of the SRC5 for surrendering to this government. I want to tell you that the moment you have surrendered, you are already forgiven. You are welcome to restart your life here in Davao City," Duterte said.

He also announced that he wants to discuss with the City Council a policy measure that will ensure that former rebels are not discriminated against in the city as they seek livelihood or employment.

The Communist Party of the Philippines – 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 National Democratic Front 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/1170585

New Army facilities in Aurora boost morale of soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2022): New Army facilities in Aurora boost morale of soldiers (By Jason De Asis)

NEW FACILITIES. Maj. Arturo A. Llaso, the division chaplain of the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division, blesses the new facilities inside the headquarters of the 91st Infantry Battalion at Camp Jaime Bitong Jr. in Baler, Aurora on Thursday (March 24, 2022). The new camp facilities include a gym, sleeping quarters, and office. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

Nine facilities inside the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) at Camp Jaime Bitong Jr., Barangay Calabuanan here were inaugurated on Thursday.

Col. Norwin D. Pasamonte, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the facilities will benefit “the valiant men and women of the Philippine Army, who are undaunted in the face of challenges, to ensure the peace, security and development efforts in the province.”

Pasamonte along with Rep. Rommel Rico T. Angara, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, and Maj. Arturo A. Llaso, the division chaplain of 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed and renovated camp facilities that can accommodate some 400 personnel of the 91IB.

Rubio said the project was implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways – Aurora Engineering District Office.

The new and renovated camp facilities were the Laang-Sibol Hall, Sinagtala Gym, Bayanihan Hall, Sasapan Hall, Mallari Hall, officers’ quarters, security office, female barracks, and commanding officer’s quarter.

Pasamonte thanked Senator Sonny Angara and his cousin Rep. Angara for their full support to the battalion.

“I think the project is rare and unique in the battalion level wherein the support of the government pours to our soldiers. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, our government has remained committed to constructing facilities that cater to the needs of the 91st IB and contribute to the further modernization of the Philippine Army. Pangalagaan natin itong mga facilities nating ito (Let us take care these facilities),” he said.

Rep. Angara, for his part, said of the troops: “Sila po yung kahit saan nakikita kong madalas na tumutulong. Walang reklamo at napaka-disiplinado kaya na-appreciate ko sila. I never heard a single na sila ay napapagod or nahihirapan na (They are the ones I see everywhere, always helping others. They do not complain and they are well-disciplined. That’s why I appreciate them. I never heard a single one say they are tired and having a hard time)."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170588

Expanded OPAPRU ops to sustain Duterte legacy on peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2022): Expanded OPAPRU ops to sustain Duterte legacy on peace process (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Presidential Adviser on the Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

The newly transitioned Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) will further expand its mandate to sustain the legacy of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in pursuit of the peace process in the country.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, on Thursday said the agency is determined to preserve the gains of the comprehensive Philippine peace process by helping former rebels and their families to transform into more "peaceful and productive members" of society.

By the virtue of an executive order (EO) 158, signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Dec. 27, 2021, reorganizing and renaming the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to OPAPRU.

“With its new name and expanded mandate under EO 158, which was officially renamed and reorganized the OPAPP into OPAPRU, our organization is not only focused on fulfilling the national government’s commitments under all signed peace agreements but is also fostering reconciliation and unity among our people,” Galvez said in a news release.

OPAPRU also aims to turn “previously conflict-affected areas into show windows of peace and development.”

Galvez cited successful implementation of the peace processes with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MILF), Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG).

He, however, emphasized the need for OPAPRU to go beyond the signed peace agreements and find more innovative ways to sustain the gains achieved under these peace tables.

“All the peace negotiations have been completed and there is a need for the expanded development of the organization in order to execute and implement these signed agreements. During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President, he committed that the signed peace agreements will be honored and implemented,” he said.

“And with that marching order, we saw our need to expand so that we can cover the building blocks of rehabilitation, and reconciliation, including the unification and harmonization of those communities affected by armed conflict,” Galvez added.

Galvez said the OPAPRU has three major objectives including embedding peace, reconciliation, and unity in the social fabric; enhancing resilience for peace; as well as pursuing social, economic, and political reengineering.

The then OPAPP allows the peace adviser to only advise the President in the management, direction, and supervision of the comprehensive peace process, while the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (PAPRU) is now tasked to manage, direct, integrate, and supervise, on behalf of the President, all aspects of the comprehensive peace process, including initiatives that promote and reinforce national reconciliation and unity.

The PAPRU shall also ensure that there will be greater convergence among different line agencies in the implementation of peace and development initiatives, which are anchored to a whole-of-nation, whole-of-society approach mandated under Executive Order No. 70.

“We change how we think as an organization and how we behave, and at the same time, look into the processes that we need to do -- from negotiation to mediation, towards rehabilitation and reconstruction and the building of reconciliatory avenues, and finally, the creation of harmonious relationships,” Galvez explained.

The peace adviser envisions the OPAPRU to become a “one-stop-shop” venue for synergizing and integrating the peace-building and development interventions of the various line agencies.

“We have the same concept with the Columbian government. We have eight-core agencies that will be working together so that we can achieve our objective of poverty in conflict-affected areas, raise the human development index, and strengthen peace and security efforts in communities,” Galvez said.

He pointed out that the OPAPRU’s mandated function is not a duplication to the operations of other line agencies, but further augmentation and complementation of services provided by the government.

As a member of the Cabinet’s Security, Justice, and Peace Coordinating Cluster (SJPCC) and the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN), Galvez said the OPAPRU has able to support and help enhance the delivery of the peace-related programs of other member-agencies.

“The interventions of OPAPRU are not redundant because they are designed to be complementary and integrated with the initiatives of other agencies in consonance with EO 70, EO 79 and the SJPCC,” he said.

Galvez also underscored the need for the OPAPRU to integrate and harmonize the various initiatives carried out under the various peace tables.

“By doing this, all our interventions will support, complement and strengthen each other, and as a result, boost their impact on our nation’s peace, security and development, and improve the socio-economic well-being of our countrymen,” he said.

Galvez is also optimistic that the next administration will continue to implement the peace-building policies and initiatives have started by the Duterte administration.

“I am very confident that the next administration will prioritize the peace process and will be implementing the good legacy of the Duterte administration,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170606

AFP gets new deputy chief for education, training

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2022): AFP gets new deputy chief for education, training (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

Commodore Donn Anthony Miraflor, former commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) West, assumed as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Education, Training, and Doctrine (J-8).

Vice Adm. Rommel Anthony SD Reyes, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, presided over the change-of-chief-of-office ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

“Commodore Miraflor’s many notable achievements earned him the wisdom and vast knowledge that shall serve as his foundation in crafting suitable programs for the AFP’s Education, Training and Doctrine development,” Reyes said in a statement Thursday night.

Miraflor also previously served as Naval Forces West chief, the unit whose primary task is to protect the country’s western frontier and territorial sovereignty.

He also headed the Joint Task Force Malampaya in Palawan.

As commander of the Joint Task Force West, Miraflor developed the operational design to maintain a naval presence in its area of operations.

The command secured and sustained occupied islands and features in the Kalayaan Island Group and protected the county’s sea lines of communications along the Mindoro and Balabac Straits.

Miraflor also recognized the achievements of the outgoing J-8, Rear Admiral Antonio C. Palces, who will assume as the new vice commander of the Philippine Navy.

“Rear Admiral Palces and his office gave (a) premium not only in the conduct of joint exercises and the crafting of doctrines in the AFP but also in improving the military’s education and training systems and processes. He was able to institutionalize several training frameworks, explore various research agendas, and formulate and revise the curricula of its programs,” he said.

Continuous military education and training in the AFP are vital in ensuring that troops are capacitated and competent in adapting to security challenges that they encounter while promoting a culture of excellence and professionalism within the military organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1170618

U.S. and Philippines Prepare for Maritime Security Exercise

Posted to Homeland Security Today (Mar 24, 2022): U.S. and Philippines Prepare for Maritime Security Exercise

A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) executes a supply drop on the USS Miguel Keith (ESB-5) ahead of Balikatan 22 on Mar. 16, 2022. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kallahan Morris)

Approximately 8,900 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military are teaming up for Balikatan 2022, the largest-ever iteration of the Philippine-led annual exercise taking place across Luzon, from March 28 to April 8.

The 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 U.S. military personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“Balikatan is a critical opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies toward a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,’ as our Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for. The U.S. is proud to continue our participation in this long-standing exercise,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.

“During Balikatan, the U.S. military and AFP will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” said Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General. “The friendship and trust between our forces will enable us to accomplish any mission across the spectrum of military operations.”

The exercise also includes a command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment. This training will bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance.

“Exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship,” said Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22. “The experience gained in the exercise complements our security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.”

The AFP and U.S. military will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during this year’s Balikatan, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.

These construction projects, health engagements and community relations events improve local infrastructure, facilitate the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and Philippine and American military forces.

COVID-19 mitigation remains a priority for both nations. U.S. forces will comply with all Philippine government COVID-19 travel regulations and will maintain social distancing and wear face masks during exercises as operationally feasible.

“Balikatan” is a Tagalog term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” or “sharing the load together,” which characterizes the spirit of the exercise and represents the alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

“Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace,” said Maj. Gen. Bargeron. “Our alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/maritime-security/u-s-and-philippines-prepare-for-maritime-security-exercise/

US Navy aircraft carrier na nag-ensayo sa West PH Sea, muling dumayo sa Pilipinas

From ABS-CBN (Mar 25, 2022): US Navy aircraft carrier na nag-ensayo sa West PH Sea, muling dumayo sa Pilipinas (US Navy aircraft carrier that practiced in the West PH Sea, returned to the Philippines) (By Anjo Bagaoisan)

Sa gitna ng sigalot sa West Philippine Sea, patuloy na nagsasagawa ng joint at combined exercises sa dagat ang militar ng Estados Unidos at mga kaalyado nito, kabilang ang Pilipinas.

Pinasilip sa ilang taga-media ang operasyon ng aircraft carrier na USS Abraham Lincoln, na dumayo malapit sa Maynila nitong linggo.

Ang barko ay ang flagship ng Carrier Strike Group 3 ng US Navy at lumayag mula US noong Enero papuntang Asya.

Pinangunahan ng USS Abraham Lincoln ang large-scale training exercise sa Philippine Sea kasama ang Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Kabilang din sa mga pagsasanay na ginawa ng mga tauhan nito ang pakikibagay sa iba pang carrier ship, jungle warfare, at pagpapalipad ng mga eroplano mula rito tuwing gabi.

Ayon sa US Navy, mahalaga ang presensya ng mga barko gaya ng USS Abraham Lincoln sa pagtiyak ng kaayusan sa seguridad ng rehiyon, lalo’t inaangkin ng China, Pilipinas, at iba pang bansa ang mga teritoryo sa dagat.

Nakahanda rin ang barko na tumulong sa humanitarian operation, gaya ng pagresponde sa nasalanta ng kalamidad.

"Our presence and engagement demonstrates our commitment to the region as we continue to protect our collective interests, enhance our security and safeguard our shared values," ani Rear Admiral Jeffret Anderson.

Sa mahigit 5,000 na tauhan sa barko, hindi bababa sa 16 ang mga Pinoy dito.

Sabik na rin sila makabisita sa Pilipinas, lalo’t ang ilan sa kanila ay aabot ng 3 dekada nang hindi pa nakakauwi.

Inaabangan din nila ang pagkain ng lutong Pinoy.

May isa pang koneksyon ang USS Abraham Lincoln sa Pilipinas dahil sa unang naging misyon nito—ang paglikas ng libo-libong tao at maging alagang hayop noong pumutok ang bulkang Pinatubo noong 1991.

Sa Lunes magsisimula na ang Balikatan 2022 exercises ng Pilipinas at US na tinaguriang pinakamalaki sa kasaysayan dahil sa paglahok ng halos 9,000 sundalo ng 2 bansa.

 
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/25/22/us-navy-aircraft-carrier-muling-dumayo-sa-pilipinas