Rebel facing attempted murder charges nabbed

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 30, 2022): Rebel facing attempted murder charges nabbed (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A suspected member of the New People’s Army was apprehended by the police and Army soldiers on July 28 in Brgy. Bulwangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

Nabbed by virtue of an arrest warrant for the crime of attempted murder was Adrian Omilig, with aliases of Tortor and Niko, 23, of the barangay.

The arrest warrant was issued by Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Rodney Magbanua, who recommended P120,000 bail.

PCapt. Ramel Bustamante, acting Hinobaan police chief, yesterday said he received reports that Omilig has been inactive in the rebel movement.

However, Bustamante said the investigation is still ongoing as of this time.

Omilig, whose arrest warrant was served by the Hinobaan police and 15th Infantry Battalion, is now detained at the municipal police station custodial facility.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-facing-attempted-murder-charges-nabbed/

Why are the Philippine heirs of a sultan clashing with Malaysia over Sabah?

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 29, 2022): Why are the Philippine heirs of a sultan clashing with Malaysia over Sabah?

A DISPUTE over a colonial-era land deal, involving territories in the furthest corners of Malaysia and the Philippines, is back in the spotlight after the heirs of a defunct Philippine sultanate attempted to seize assets belonging to Malaysia’s national petroleum company Petronas worth some US$15 billion (S$22.8 billion).

The heirs sought legal recourse in a French arbitration court following Malaysia’s move to stop paying the money granted them under the 144-year-old agreement in which the sultanate surrendered its claim over what is now the oil-rich Malaysian state of Sabah.

Malaysia, which inherited the colonial agreement, terminated it unilaterally following a 2013 incursion by Sulu armed militants.

While arbitration started in 2017, it rarely made a splash in Malaysia, where the Sulu issue is seen more as a historical quirk than a serious threat to the country’s sovereignty.

This was until the French court’s shock ruling, which raised questions about how Malaysia – an independent, sovereign nation – could be threatened by the heirs of a defunct sultanate in a small archipelago 1,000km south of Manila.

WHO ARE THE CLAIMANTS?

The 1878 agreement between Sulu Sultan Jamal Al Alam and Hong Kong-based Gustavus Baron von Overbeck, along with the British North Borneo Company, guaranteed the sultan and his heir a yearly payment of 5,000 pesos (S$339) – in perpetuity – for ceding his sovereignty over a large swathe of Sabah.

When the last formally recognised Sultan of Sulu died without an heir in 1936, the British colonial government – which had inherited the treaty obligation – identified nine claimants to the defunct throne and continued making payments to them, to be split among themselves.

Malaysia, formed in 1963, took over the obligations from the British, paying 5,300 ringgit (S$1650) annually to the Sulu heirs through the Philippine government.

The two sides have different interpretations of the agreement, with Malaysia inheriting the British understanding that the sultanate had relinquished their claim and ceded the territory. The Sulu side claims their family had merely leased it.

Malaysia’s Attorney General Idrus Harun recently tried to cast doubt over the identity of the claimants in an effort to invalidate their claim, but this was rebutted by their lawyers who said previous correspondence from Idrus’ predecessors proved that Malaysia had “for years” known and formally recognised the claimants.

WHAT ARE THE CLAIMANTS SEEKING?

In 2013, six Malaysian civilians died after one of the claimants, Jamalul Kiram III, sent armed groups into Sabah – with 10 members of Malaysian security forces and 58 of the attackers also dying in the resulting clashes.

While Malaysia fended off the attack, then-prime minister Najib Razak decided to unilaterally terminate the payment arrangement, saying that the incursion rendered the treaty null and void.

“What? You break the agreement by invading our country and killing 10 of our heroes in cold blood, and still hope that we pay you?” Najib said last week, reacting to the latest developments.

However, the Sulu heirs – now down to eight after the death of Jamalul Kiram III – successfully argued to a Spanish arbitrator that Malaysia was in the wrong for terminating the payment.

Under the 1958 New York Convention, an arbitration award issued in any state party to the treaty can generally be freely enforced in another contracting state. Both Malaysia and Spain are parties to the treaty.

But Malaysia said “the subject matter of the claim is not commercial in nature and thus cannot be subject to arbitration”, adding that the 1878 agreement at the centre of the controversy “contained no arbitration agreement”.

Earlier in March, Malaysia had asserted that it did not recognise the French arbitration court ruling as it upheld its immunity as a sovereign state.

WHY IS THERE A POLITICAL BLAME GAME IN MALAYSIA?

Though his actions as prime minister led to the present-day dispute, Najib has nevertheless started pointing the finger at the Mahathir Mohamad administration that succeeded him in 2018, saying it dropped the ball as the arbitration notice was only served after the election on May 9 that year.

The 2013 incursion was a prominent feature of Najib’s tenure, as his administration had more closely courted Sabah compared to previous governments. Following the incident, Najib was often portrayed as a heroic figure who thwarted a foreign “invasion”.

His political opponents however have been quick to highlight that the current legal battle in Europe stems from the unilateral move to cease paying the Sulu heirs outside proper legal channels, with Rafizi Ramli, a senior member of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat, mobilising 100 party members to file police reports against Najib claiming his negligence had led to the stand-off.

“I believe Najib should take responsibility for the failure and negligence as prime minister … that led to these claims by the heirs of the Sulu sultanate that now burdens every federal government administration after his,” Rafizi said.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has pledged that Malaysia will not budge “an inch” over Sabah and gave assurances that the government will protect the country’s assets. He also set up a special task force to formulate an action plan to address the issue.

Long-time Malaysian political watcher James Chin, a professor at the University of Tasmania, said he believes the Philippine heirs’ claim to be a tactical gambit backed by wealthy European investors. “This is not so much about the merit of the case, but about London investors bankrolling the claimants,” Chin said.

A Financial Times report on the issue pointed out that the Sulu claimants were being supported by funds from London-based investor Therium. While bullish that Malaysia would prevail, Chin said the legal fight will require a lot of resources.

“It’s a matter of how much Malaysia is willing to settle for or will they fight in every jurisdiction where [the Sulu heirs] file a seizure of assets,” he said. 

[By Hadi Azmi – AsiaOne. This article was first published in South China Morning Post.]

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/07/why-are-philippine-heirs-of-sultan.html

Steel cutting for Navy's brand-new corvettes to start in Q4 2022

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2022): Steel cutting for Navy's brand-new corvettes to start in Q4 2022 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong (Photo courtesy of DND)

The steel cutting for the two corvettes to be acquired from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), is expected to begin by the fourth quarter of this year.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong confirmed this when sought for an update on the Philippine Navy (PN)'s Corvette Acquisition Program (CAP).

"(HHI) completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the corvettes last week. It will be subjected to a TIAC (Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee). Once the PDR is approved by the TIAC, HHI will then proceed to do CDR (Critical Design Review)," he added in a message Thursday night.

Andolong said the steel cutting will begin once the CDR is reviewed and approved by the TIAC.

The CDR is considered the "shipbuilder's bible" while the ships are being built.

"Only when the CDR is approved by the TIAC will steel cutting begin. This will start by the fourth quarter or around November," Andolong said.

Steel cutting officially starts the construction of any ship.

The DND signed a PHP28-billion contract with HHI for the acquisition of two brand-new corvettes for the PN, which are capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare missions, last December 27.

Former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier announced that the agency was able to meet its target of having the PN Corvette Lot 1 Acquisition Project contract signed before the end of 2021 despite the delays caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Lorenzana said acquiring the two corvettes from HHI, where the two Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigates were also built, will ensure commonality and interoperability.

The Special Allotment Release Order for the 15 percent advance payment for the PN's CAP, which is worth PHP3.75 billion, was released by the Department of Budget and Management on Dec. 10, 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180098

National defense bill by no means a ‘call to arms’ for Filipinos

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2022): National defense bill by no means a ‘call to arms’ for Filipinos (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

File photo

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Friday clarified the National Defense Bill does not require mandatory military service in normal times.

Acidre added that the bill is not a sounding call for Filipinos to arm themselves for war.

The provision in question is under Section 77, Article III of House Bill 11, which states "in relation to the patriotic duty of every citizen to defend the country when obliged to preserve and protect sovereignty, every Filipino, natural-born or naturalized shall be subject to basic, suitable, and sufficient military training and education for a minimum of two years of mandatory military service."

Acidre, however, explained that the bill requires mandatory military service for all citizens only when the President mobilizes the nation “in case of actual invasion or when public safety requires.”

He said any mobilization plan, according to the proposed measure, would conform to the provisions of the Constitution.

“Military service in wartime does not only involve carrying guns and shooting people. There are also priests, doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals needed for their service in war. Mobilization in defense of country is a must for any nation to survive. Any patriot knows this,” he said.

Aside from Acidre, other authors of House Bill 11 are Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez, and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos.

The proposed law provides the mechanism for the coordination of departments and agencies in addressing the multi-dimensional facet of national defense and security.

It also seeks to achieve a common understanding of defense and security issues by providing the facility for consensus building and consultation processes.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180175

PNP tightens border controls in Lamitan after high-profile slay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2022): PNP tightens border controls in Lamitan after high-profile slay (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Photo courtesy of Lamitan CPS Facebook

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has beefed up border controls in Lamitan City, Basilan as tension rose after the slaying of the father of the alleged gunman in the Ateneo de Manila shooting the previous weekend.

Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., PNP Officer in Charge, said cops have been deployed to checkpoints.

“We adhere to the mandate of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and to halt the possible escape of the gunmen,” Danao said in a statement on Saturday.

He also sought the public’s cooperation in informing law enforcers of any suspicious-looking individuals in their community and to refrain from making assumptions.

“Let the probe take its course. We need concrete proof to establish the motive of the crime,” Danao said.

Abalos on Friday directed the PNP to tighten security in Lamitan City after a retired policeman, 69-year-old Rolando Yumol, was gunned down outside his house.

His son, Dr. Chao-Tiao Yumol, is jailed in Camp Karingal, Quezon City, and is facing multiple murder charges for fatally shooting former Lamitan City mayor Rose Furigay; her executive assistant, Victor Capistrano; and campus security guard Jeneven Bandiala at the Ateneo grounds along Katipunan Avenue on July 24.

“I call on the public to cooperate with police investigators. If anyone has any information that may help the PNP solve the case, I ask you to please come forward,” Abalos said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180183

Press Sec., OPS Facebook pages reliable sources of gov’t updates

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2022): Press Sec., OPS Facebook pages reliable sources of gov’t updates (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Official Facebook page of Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles (Screenshot)

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles urged netizens to follow her official Facebook page to get updates on the daily activities of the state departments and offices under the Executive branch.

“Please like and follow [my official Facebook page],” Cruz-Angeles posted on her personal Facebook account Friday.

Netizens, under the “Review” section of the Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles Facebook page, lauded the Palace official for being a “great” and “reliable” source of public information.

“[Cruz-Angeles is] very reliable, articulate person and always willing to teach and share her knowledge in all her expertise,” netizen Jennifer L Kondo said.

Cruz-Angeles’ office, the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), also has a separate Facebook page that has 2.7 million followers to date.

Updates about the activities of government departments and offices under the Executive branch are shared on the Facebook pages of Cruz-Angeles and OPS, the former Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Under Executive Order (EO) 2 inked by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. June 30, the OPS is mandated to "pronounce, on behalf of the President, matters pertaining to his actions, policies, programs, official activities, and accomplishments.”

EO 2 also designates the OPS to develop and implement necessary guidelines and mechanisms pertaining to the delivery and dissemination of information on policies, programs, official activities, and achievements of the President and the Executive branch.

It is likewise tasked to coordinate the crafting and development of the messaging system under the Office President and the Executive branch, as well as to supervise its attached agencies and government-owned-or-controlled-corporations for purposes of further strengthening the system of information delivery to the public.

The OPS’s attached agencies include the APO Production Unit, Bureau of Broadcast Services, Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, National Printing Office, News and Information Bureau, and People's Television Network.

The OPS must likewise establish and maintain rapport with private media and other similar entities and stakeholders, according to EO 2.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180207

Surrender remains best option for extremists, rebels: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2022): Surrender remains best option for extremists, rebels: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

NO TO VIOLENCE. Government security forces receive 100 former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group during a surrender and turnover of firearms ceremony at Sulu Provincial Gymnasium in Jolo on Saturday (July 30, 2022). The government will provide financial and livelihood assistance to help them reintegrate to society. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

The government will prove to former violent extremists, including the 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members who surrendered in Sulu on Saturday, that they made the right decision in returning to the fold of the law.

Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge, said the road to achieving lasting peace is long and challenging and involves an intricate process.

“Their surrender is a milestone but we prepared ourselves into making things work for them. We want to avoid the similar situation when they and/or other new recruits will be persuaded to join the rebels out of deceit,” Danao said in a statement on Sunday.

The surrenderers must feel that the government is capable of helping them survive, he said.

“The PNP has this innate task to keep them away from harm, so with the rest of our countrymen,” Danao said, adding they are in constant coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcers to monitor the movements of existing rebel and terror groups in Sulu and other identified “red” zones.

Priority is given to areas where there is an intense need to deploy more personnel due to the escalated violent condition.

“The PNP continues to implement programs and outreach activities in far-flung areas to move basic services closer to them,” Danao said.

The surrender at the Sulu Provincial Gymnasium in Jolo also saw the turnover of 22 firearms and was attended by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Danao and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.

“It was a collaborative effort among law enforcers, government agencies and other stakeholders sharing a common goal to end violence in communities towards nation building,” Danao said. “Proper coordination was done among government agencies and non-governmental organizations who pledged help for the rebel returnees.”

Food packs and monetary aid were distributed while their way of living and progress will be monitored.

The surrenderers, who came from the Sulu municipalities of Indanan, Omar, Maimbong, Panamao, Talipao and Patikul, will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for financial and livelihood assistance.

“From the bottom of our hearts, welcome to the government and we’ll make sure that our children will have a better and brighter tomorrow,” Abalos said during the ceremony.

Alias Sattar, 41, who was an ASG combatant for over 10 years, bared during the ceremony that they were forced to take up arms due to their circumstances in life, particularly the lack of opportunities, according to the PNP.

"We were forced to fight the government because of our situation in life. But now, the government is showing sincerity in helping us so we want to return and start over again," he said in the vernacular.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180230

DND joins nation in mourning ex-president FVR’s death

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2022): DND joins nation in mourning ex-president FVR’s death (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FOREIGN VISIT. President Fidel V. Ramos (center) is escorted by United States Secretary of Defense William Cohen (right) through a cordon of honor guards into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on April 9, 1998. Ramos died at the age of 94 on Sunday (July 31, 2022). (File photo courtesy of R. D. Ward/US DoD)

The Department of National Defense (DND) joined the nation in mourning the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos, officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. said Sunday.

"Serving as the Secretary of National Defense from 1988 to 1991, President Ramos was a staunch advocate for the modernization and professionalization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," Faustino said in a statement.

He said Ramos underscored the importance of building a strong military organization and promoting collaboration with different stakeholders to uphold the nation's internal stability and security.

"His storied career in the military and in the public service earned him the admiration of Filipinos across political divides," he added. "The Department extends its sympathies to the family and friends of President Ramos during this difficult time. May God grant him eternal rest."

Ramos, who was 94, is entitled to state honors, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

"Former President Fidel V. Ramos and (as a former) secretary of National Defense as well will be eligible for state honors which will include burial in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, which is located inside the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, complete with military honors. We condole with his family at this time," Andolong said.

Andolong added the family has the option to decline the honors.

"Actually, all of (these) honors, they may decline if they so wish," he said.

Other honors that the former president is entitled to is to have his remains placed for viewing at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City and a state burial with full military entourage.

Ramos was born on March 18, 1928 in Lingayen, Pangasinan and served as the 12th president of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998.

He served as AFP Chief of Staff during the time of Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1988 before being appointed as DND chief from 1988 to 1991.

Ramos was a member of the US Military Academy Class of 1950.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180249

Former president Fidel V. Ramos dies at 94

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2022): Former president Fidel V. Ramos dies at 94 (By Azer Parrocha and Lade Jean Kabagani)

Fidel V. Ramos, 12th President of the Philippines (March 18, 1928 - July 31, 2022) (Photo courtesy of Official Gazette)

Former president Fidel V. Ramos has died at the age of 94.

The Office of the Press Secretary expressed condolences to the family of Ramos, the country’s 12 Chief Executive from 1992 to 1998.

“It is with great sorrow that we learn of the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos. He leaves behind a colorful legacy and a secure place in history for his participation in the great changes of our country, both as military officer and chief executive. We deeply condole with his family, friends, classmates and associates and keep him in our prayers,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a statement.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also mourned Ramos’ passing.

“The nation lost a great leader. We are one with our fellow countrymen in expressing our deepest condolences to the family of the former president,” Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba, PNP public information office chief, said in another statement.

Alba said Ramos will be remembered for his “valuable contribution into improving the lives of the Filipinos.”

“More than being a military leader and a government official, he served as a good example to humanity through his incomparable wisdom and deeds,” he added

"Fidel Valdez Ramos was a dedicated statesman and a friend of the EU (European Union) under whose term the EU-Philippines relations deepened. FVR was a pillar of democracy and peacebuilding and an icon of the EDSA power revolution,” posted the European Union in the Philippines on Facebook.

On March 18, the FVR Legacy Initiative launched the planned virtual library in celebration of Ramos’ 94th birthday.

Some Cabinet officials of the Ramos administration gave a preview of the online “FVR Presidential Library”, the first and only online presidential library so far in the country.

The virtual library will serve as a repository of FVR lectures and addresses, books, photographs, key memorabilia, and documents.

During his first years as president, he addressed the power shortage he inherited from the previous administration. He also resuscitated the economy by inviting foreign companies to invest in the Philippines.

Peacemaker

It was during his incumbency that the Philippine government signed the historic peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front on Sept. 2, 1996.

Sec. Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, said Ramos was instrumental in laying the foundations of the comprehensive peace process.

“Under his administration, the government launched a nationwide consultation process in order to develop a strategy to engage various rebel groups in the country,” he said.

The Ramos administration created the National Unification Commission (NUC), which was primarily tasked to craft "a viable general amnesty program and process that will lead to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace," Galvez said.

The recommendations gathered from the NUC-led consultations served as inputs in crafting the Six Paths to Peace, which eventually became the framework of the peace process.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (now the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity) was created in 1993 to implement the recommendations made by the NUC.

“It was during the term of President Ramos that government peace negotiating panels with the communist insurgents, military rebels, and the Moro groups were established. These peace panels would be crucial in moving forward the peace talks with the rebel organizations,” Galvez said.

The Philippines is moving closer to realizing its vision of achieving a just and lasting peace "because of the man we will always lovingly refer to as FVR," Galvez said.

"May you find eternal peace in the hands of our Lord, Sir. You will be missed and will always be remembered by the Filipino nation for everything that you have done for our country," he said.

Prior to the presidency, Ramos was the chief of the then-Philippine Constabulary (now Philippine National Police), Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Secretary of the National Defense.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180248

Former rebels get farm equipment from ELCAC, Kidapawan gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): Former rebels get farm equipment from ELCAC, Kidapawan gov't (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

AGRI-EQUIPMENT. The mobile rice mill equipment received by one of two farmer organizations formed by former communist rebels in Barangay Linangkob and Sikitan in Kidapawan City on July 27, 2022. The city government collaborated with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict for the realization of the PHP1.3 million worth of assistance to the two farmer groups. (Photo courtesy of Kidapawan CIO)

Two farmer associations here composed of former rebels received some PHP1.3 million worth of farm production equipment from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), in partnership with the city government.

In a statement Thursday, Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista said the city agriculturist turned over the equipment to the Nagkahiusang Barangay Linangkob sa Kaunlaran (NABALIK) and the Sikitan Multi-Sectoral Association (SMSA).

Both farming organizations were formed by ex-New People’s Army rebels residing in Barangays Linangkob and Sikitan—two of former NPA–influenced villages in the city. They received the farm equipment on Wednesday afternoon at the city hall grounds.

NABALIK received a mobile rice mill equipment and hand tractor amounting to P954,000, while 114 units of shovels and 114 units of sprayers worth PPH280,000 were given to the SMSA.

The program is under the Capacity Development Related to Agriculture Development that focuses on programs for former rebels in the city to enhance their livelihood and capability.

The assistance also includes training programs to develop the recipients' farming knowledge.

“The LGU is steadfast in responding to programs that could benefit this sector as well as, in coordinating the concerned agencies to boost the FRs' (former rebels) image as productive citizens,” the mayor said.

In December 2018, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order 70 that created the NTF-ELCAC, synchronizing government resources with the capabilities of private sector in a bid to end the 50-year-old communist insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1179995

NPA rebel nabbed, another yield in Zamboanga Peninsula

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2022): NPA rebel nabbed, another yield in Zamboanga Peninsula (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of the Zamboanga Peninsula

A long-time New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was arrested while another surrendered to government authorities here in the Zamboanga Peninsula, police officials said Thursday.

The arrested rebel was identified as Mido Mandasay, 70, who had been an NPA rebel for the past 40 years, while the one who surrendered is Roger Paglinawan, 49, who turned himself in to Zamboanga Sibugay authorities.

Major Shellamie Chang, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), said Mandasay was arrested in an intelligence-driven operation around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Nasibac, Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Seized from Mandasay was an Ingram sub-machinegun with ammunition.

Meanwhile, Col. Albert Larubis, Zamboanga Sibugay police director, said Paglinawan surrendered in Barangay Guinoman of Diplahan municipality around 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Larubis said Paglinawan has served as the courier of foodstuff and other essential supplies of the NPA’s Main Regional Guerrilla Unit, the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

He said Paglinawan's surrender was a setback for the remaining NPA rebels in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Following his surrender, Paglinawan took an oath of allegiance in the presence of police and government officials in Diplahan.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1180034

15 more Northern Samar villages NPA-cleared

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2022): 15 more Northern Samar villages NPA-cleared (By Sarwell Meniano)

ANTI-NPA. Residents of Catubig, Northern Samar join a peace rally in this Feb. 25, 2022 photo. At least 15 more remote villages in Northern Samar have been cleared of New People's Army threats based on the recent evaluation by the Philippine Army and local government units. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th Infantry Battalion)

At least 15 more remote villages in Northern Samar have been cleared of New People’s Army (NPA) threats based on the recent evaluation by the Philippine Army and local government units.

These villages are Quezon and San Jose in Mapanas town; Anito, Bangon, Cabarasan, Dao, Lonoy, and San Antonio in Gamay; Cabatuan, Campedico, Magsaysay, Maragano, Natawo and Bagacay in Palapag; Can Omanio and Pio del Pilar in Lapinig.

2nd Lt. Joyce Ann Bayron, Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion spokesperson, said in a phone interview Friday that these areas attained the status through an area clearing evaluation held from July 12 to 13.

After a thorough evaluation of the panel, these communities were found to be clear, peaceful, and resilient from conflicts.

These 15 villages were cleared after it was found that locals have stopped providing any support to the communist terrorist group, hence, driving away the armed rebels from communities.

“Community Support Program (CSP) team members presented what they have found, and this was confirmed by village chiefs. Local officials were given the chance to raise their concerns to the members of the municipal task force to end local communist armed conflict,” Bayron said.

CSP is a flagship program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines used to clear communities of NPA infestation and to bring the government closer to the people through faster delivery of basic services.

Among the parameters used in area-clearing validation include the solutions that address the issues exploited by the NPA, denial of access of the rebels to local resources, and establishment and functionality of local task force to end local communist armed conflict.

The military said the communist terrorists have stopped receiving financial support and food supplies from communities with the rollout of development initiatives.

Several supporters also surrendered due to the weakening support to the rebels.

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 Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front 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/1180093

NoCot village chiefs hand over 7 loose firearms to military

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2022): NoCot village chiefs hand over 7 loose firearms to military (By Edwin Fernandez)

FIREARMS SURRENDER. Local officials in Carmen, North Cotabato turn in seven high-powered guns to military authorities as part of their contribution to the fight against loose firearms, at the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in the town on Wednesday (July 27, 2022). The surrender of firearms is part of the government’s 'Balik Baril' program. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Seven village chiefs in Carmen, North Cotabato each turned over a loose firearm to authorities in support of the government’s “Balik Baril” program, the military here said Friday.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrendered weapons comprised six M1 Garand rifles and an M14 assault rifle.

Capulong said the village chiefs handed over the firearms at the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Carmen town on Wednesday afternoon.

He added that the village chiefs initially held a dialogue with Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala, commander of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB), about the surrender of the firearms.

“This solid support extended by the village officials of Carmen town is worth the military’s commendation,” Capulong said, adding that it “exemplifies the harmonious relationship” between the security sector and the community.

“Rest assured that we will continue to employ the whole-of-nation approach of the government to end lawlessness and criminality in our area of operation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mundala said the firearms would temporarily be under the custody of the 90IB for proper disposition.

“We hope that locals with loose firearms would surrender (them and) would do the same as what the village officials did,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180120

Bomb-making components seized in Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2022): Bomb-making components seized in Zambo City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2ZCMFC) seized Friday a shipment of bomb-making components here.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WM), said the shipment of bomb-making components consisting of 13 sacks of ammonium nitrate was intercepted on the coast of Sitio Layag-Layag, Barangay Talon-Talon here.

Ammonium nitrate, aside from being predominantly used as fertilizer, can also be converted as a component of explosive mixtures.

Verceles said 2ZCMFC personnel were on seaborne patrol when they spotted a motorboat sailing to the shore of Barangay Talon-Talon.

“While approaching the motorboat, the unidentified individuals jumped into the sea and swam in the direction of the shoreline of Sitio Layag-Layag,” the 2ZCMFC said in a report to the APC-WM.

“Upon inspecting the motorboat, the troops found 13 sacks of ammonium nitrate,” the 2ZCMFC report added.

The motorboat and the ammonium nitrate were taken to the 2ZCMFC headquarters for documentation and proper turn-over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit-9 for disposal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180149

DILG chief welcomes 100 ASG surrenderers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2022): DILG chief welcomes 100 ASG surrenderers (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ASG SURRENDERERS. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (center) on Saturday (July 30, 2022) welcomes the surrender of 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members in Sulu. The surrender of the ASG members was facilitated by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force. (Photo courtesy of Area Police Command-Western Mindanao)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Saturday welcomed some 100 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers in Sulu.

The surrender of the 100 ASG members was facilitated by the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) headed by Maj. Gen. Patrick Villacorte.

Villacorte presented the 100 ASG surrenderers to Abalos in a ceremony at Sumadja Hall, Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu.

Abalos was happy to note that the 100 ASG members decided to surrender to live peaceful lives noting the hardships they experienced in the mountains and continuously being pursued by government troops.

“From the bottom of our hearts, welcome to the government and we’ll make sure that our children will have a better and brighter tomorrow,” Abalos said during the ceremony.

Abalos promised to facilitate and help realize the wishes of the ASG surrenderers to bring development and progress to the province of Sulu.

The surrenderers also turned over several high-powered firearms, which Abalos inspected during the ceremony.

Maj. Gen. Eden Ugale, officer-in-charge of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, administered the oath of allegiance of the ASG surrenderers.

Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, PNP officer-in-charge, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and other top police, military, and government officials witnessed the surrender ceremony of the 100 ASG members.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180210

Non-combative ELCAC campaign succeeds in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2022): Non-combative ELCAC campaign succeeds in Bukidnon (By Nef Luczon)

The Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) on Saturday confirmed that the non-combative aspect of the anti-communist insurgency campaign has yielded positive results in Bukidnon.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Anthony Bacus, commander of the 8IB, said the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) has led to the surrender of combatants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) in the province and the discovery of their hideouts and arms cache.

"We thanked these former rebels who voluntarily submitted themselves to the folds of law and tips off on the location of an arms cache which greatly supports on our campaign on ELCAC," he said.

Bacus cited as an example the four former rebels who surrendered on July 19 in the 8IB headquarters in Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon.

The former rebels were identified as Jerry Aguaron who surrendered one M16 rifle; and Tata Linawan Almahan, Nichole Nanolan Almahan, and Jun-Jun Lucdayan; who turned over five improvised explosive devices, 15 M203 grenade launcher live ammos, and a hand grenade.

The former rebels said the CPP-NPA has greatly suffered from the massive Focus Military Operations of the Army unit within the area, bringing hunger and exhaustion among its members and forcing them to surrender.

Bacus said the Community Support Program of the government has also further propelled the former communists to take part in government causes.

The surrenderers were processed for their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in preparation for their reintegration to the community.

Meanwhile, another 15 former rebels were also made to join a 45-day Infantry Orientation Course (INFOC) at the 4th Division Training School (4DTS) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, last July 25.

They were joined by 48 members of indigenous peoples groups who formed part of the 281 new soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division.

4DTS Commandant, Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr., said the INFOC was the specialization phase that came after they finished their four-month rigorous Basic Military Training on May 23, 2022.

4ID Commander, MGen. Wilbur Mamawag, hoped their accomplishments would be a reminder to always find courage and discipline in doing what is right and fair.

"Not only for yourself and your families, but for the entire Philippine Army. But know that this is just the start of your challenging military career. I wish you luck in your chosen path," he said.

Meanwhile, 25 of the new soldiers have also finished taking part in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program of the Department of Education.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180209

Ex-NPA rebel tagged in slay of CDO mayor's son, aide arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2022): Ex-NPA rebel tagged in slay of CDO mayor's son, aide arrested (By Nef Luczon)

Photo courtesy of Cagayan de Oro City Police

A former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, main suspect in the killing of the son of this city’s mayor and a companion, was arrested over the weekend.

The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) said in a statement Sunday that suspect Edgardo Gaabucayan was served his warrant of arrest on Saturday at Sitio Tapuk-Tapok, Purok 6, Barangay Cabasagan in Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Gaabucayan is tagged as the gunman in the slay of Roland Sherwin Uy, 45, and Samuel Pabalan, an employee of the family, in Barangay Pagatpat on Nov. 11, 2021.

Uy is the son of Mayor Rolando Uy.

"Personal grudge was the main motive in this case and the employee Samuel “Tatay” Pabalan was merely a collateral victim. The arrested suspect is now temporarily detained at Maharlika Detention Facility pending proper disposition of the case," said Maj. Evan Viñas, COCPO spokesperson.

In April, Col. Aaron Mandia, COCPO Director, said the police has filed two counts of murder charges against Gaabucayan before the CDO Regional Trial Court Branch 38.

Further investigation found out that the suspect was a former member of the NPA’s Special Partisan Unit that once operated in Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte.

At the time of his slay, the younger Uy was a council member in Barangay Carmen while Pabalan was his caretaker in their gravel and sand business located in Barangay Pagatpat.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180224

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga grupong pangkalikasan, residente, tutol sa planong pambobomba ng AFP sa Northern Negros

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2022): Mga grupong pangkalikasan, residente, tutol sa planong pambobomba ng AFP sa Northern Negros (Environmental groups, residents, oppose the AFP bombing plan in Northern Negros)

Tutol ang mga grupong pangkalikasan at residente ng bayan ng Calatrava sa planong pambobomba ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa bahagi ng Mandalagan Mountain Range sa Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental. Sa isang panayam sa midya, kinumpirma ng 303rd IBde noong Hulyo 21 na plano nitong magsagawa ng aerial bombing sa naturang lugar.

Ayon sa Kalikasan People’s Network for the Enivornment, ang Northern Negros Natural Park na bahagi ang Mandalagan Mountain Range, ay isang protektadong erya at tirahan ng ilampung endangered species ng mga hayop at halaman. Ito rin ang pinagkukunan ng malinis na tubig ng maraming bayan sa hilagang Negros Occidental.

“Ang plano ng militar na bombahin ang lugar ay hindi lang banta sa buhay ng mamamayang naninirahan sa erya…, kundi lubhang makasisira sa kalikasan,” ayon sa grupo.

Iniulat ng mga residente na sapilitan silang pinalilikas sa mga komunidad para sa planong pambobomba. Kabilang sa mga sapiltang pinalikas ng mga sundalo ang mga residente ng mga sityo ng Tinibiangan, Ekogan, Nabaisan, Calanugan, Victory at Yamingon. Plano ng militar na ideklarang “no man’s land” ang erya. Dahil dito, hindi mapakali sa takot ang mga sibilyan at residente.

Pinalalabas ng AFP na ang kampanyang militar ay bahagi ng kanilang “pagtugis” sa diumano’y nakaengkwentrong yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa barangay noong huling linggo ng Hunyo. Walang kaabog-abog pang idineklara ni Brigadier General Innocencio Pasaporte ng 303rd IBde na “gagamitin ng isang kumander ang kahit anong rekursong mayroon para maisakatuparan ang misyon.”

Kaugnay nito, nanawagan ang BHB sa mamamayan ng Barangay Minapasuk, mga lokal na upisyal nito, at mamamayan ng Negros na manindigan laban sa planong nakasisindak at mapanirang pambobomba.

Simula 2017, sa udyok ng US, ginagamit ng AFP ang pambobomba mula sa ere laban sa BHB. Hindi bababa sa 591 bomba ang ibinagsak nito para patamaan ang BHB pero mas mababa sa 18.44% lamang nito ang tumama sa mga kampo ng NPA. Ang mga ginagamit na bomba at eroplano ay pawang mula sa mga kumpanyang Amerikano.

Samantala binigyan-diin naman ni Ka Juanito Magbanua, tagapagsalita ng BHB sa isla ng Negros, na dagdag pasakit ang pasistang paninibasib sa mamamayang Negrosanon sa panahon ng Tiempo Muerto (patay na panahon sa pagtatanim) na nararanasan sa isla.

Ayon kay Magbanua, nagdudulot ito ng lubhang kagutuman, kawalan ng trabaho at paghihirap, at ang gubyerno ay may “kapal pa ng mukha na lustayin ang milyun-milyong pondo ng bayan sa walang-saysay na pambobomba.”

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-grupong-pangkalikasan-residente-tutol-sa-planong-pambobomba-ng-afp-sa-northern-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Kampanyang ML50, inilunsad

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 22, 2022): Kampanyang ML50, inilunsad (ML50 campaign, launched)

Inilunsad ng mga biktima ng batas militar, beterano at bagong aktibista, kasama ang mga demokratikong organisasyon, ang kampanyang ML50 bilang paggunita sa ika-50 taon ng madidilim na araw ng batas militar sa ilalim ng diktadurang US-Marcos I. Panawagan nila ang ipagtanggol sa katotohanan at kasaysayan, gayundin ang patuloy na igiit ng hustisya para sa mga biktima sa ilalim ng paghahari ng anak ng diktador na hindi kailanman kumilala sa mga krimen at pang-aabuso ng kanyang ama.

Nagtipon sila sa Quezon City Sports Club noong Hulyo 21.

Ayon sa mga organisador, sisimulan ng kampanya ang malaganap na kilusang impormasyon, edukasyon at pangkultura tungo sa pagbubuo ng isang pambansang network ng mga grupo at indibidwal para labanan at ituwid ang lahat ng pambabaluktot at rebisyon sa kasaysayan.

Kabilang sa mga nagbahagi ng kanilang mga karanasan sa ilalim ng diktadura at nakiisa sa kampanya sina Judy Taguiwalo, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, Atty. Neri Colmenares at mga dating senador na sina Kiko Pangilinan, at Leila de Lima.

“Hindi kailanman naging “golden era” ang panahon ng mga Marcos,” anila. “Lubhang mahalaga at kagyat na mahubaran ito ng maskara at maitampok ang masasakit na aral sa harap ng nagpapatuloy na disimpormasyon at pambabaluktot sa kasaysayan na may basbas ng gubyerno.”

Nagbahagi rin ng kanyang karanasan ang batikang direktor na si Joel Lamangan na nangakong gagawa ng pelikula para tapatan ang pambabaluktot ng mga Marcos sa pelikulang “Maid in Malacanang.”

“Pelikulang katarantaduhan,” ang tawag niya sa pelikulang gawa ni Darryl Yap na nagsasalaysay sa huling 72 oras ng pamilya Marcos mula sa “mata ng mga Marcos” bago sila tumalilis patungong Hawaii. “Lahat ng nasa sining, dulaan, at pelikula, dapat magsilbi sa interes ng ating mamamayan. Huwag tayo sumali sa nagtatakip sa katotohanan,” panawagan niya sa mga alagad ng sining.

Ayon naman kay Taguiwalo, kailangang pangunahan ng kabataan ang laban. “Nirarayuma na kami at marami na kaming sakit,” aniya. “Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang laban.”

Habang isinasagawa ang pagtitipon, dinagsa ng mga pulis ang tarangkahan ng Quezon City Sports Club sa tangkang sindakin ang mga aktibista. Lumabas ang mga nagtipon para kumprontahin ang mga pulis.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/kampanyang-ml50-inilunsad/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Libu-libong mamamayan nagprotesta sa araw ng unang SONA ni Marcos Jr

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 26, 2022): Libu-libong mamamayan nagprotesta sa araw ng unang SONA ni Marcos Jr (Thousands of citizens protested on the day of Marcos Jr.'s first SONA)

Inulat ng grupong Bayan na umabot sa 8,000 katao ang nagmartsa kahapon sa kahabaan ng Commonwealth Avenue para ipahayag ang tunay na kalagayan ng bayan kasabay ng unang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Hindi natinag ang delegasyon ng mga pambansa-demokratikong organisasyon sa kabila ng makailang-ulit na paninindak, panggigipit at ala-batas militar na mga patarakan ng rehimeng Marcos.

Pangunahing iginiit sa protesta ang pagbibigay ng pansin sa papabulusok na sosyo-ekonomikong kalagayan ng mamamayan sa harap ng sumisirit na presyo ng langis, pagkain at batayang mga bilihin. Bitbit ng mga grupo ang malaking balatenggang may panawagang: ‘Krisis wakasan! Ipaglaban ang lupa, sahod, trabaho at karapatan!’

Iginiit din ng Bayan ang kagyat na pagtugon ng gubyerno sa 9-puntong adyenda ng mamamayan sa harap ng umiigting na krisis:

1. Tugunan ang implasyon at kaltasan ang buwis ng mga konsyumer

2. Pasikarin ang agrikultura at bigyang prayoridad ang produksyon ng pagkain

3. Gawing pundasyon ng makamamamayang pagpapaunlad ng ekonomya ang reporma sa lupa at pambansang industriyalisasyon

4. Gawing susing tunguhin ng gubyerno ng Pilipinas ang pagtatanggol at pagtataguyod sa karapatang-tao

5. Magpatupad ng malinaw na patakaran ang gubyerno para labanan ang disimpormasyon, pangalagaan ang kalayaan sa pagpapahayag at pamamahayag

6. Pagtibayin ang demokratiko, ethical at may pananagutang paggugubyerno

7. Magbigay ng libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan at batayang serbisyong sosyal sa mamamayan sa paglalaan ng pondo para rito

8. Itaguyod ang pambansang soberanya at nagsasariling patakarang panlabas

9. Tiyakin ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan, rehabilitasyon at balansyadong paggamit sa likas na yaman ng bansa

Kinundena rin ng Bayan ang “overkill” o labis-labis na na paghahanda at pagparada ng mga pulis sa unang SONA. Ayon sa kanila, malaking kasayangan sa pondo ng bayan at buwis ng mga Pilipino ang palabas na ito ni Marcos Jr.

Lumahok sa naturang protesta ang delegasyon ng mga progresibong grupo mula sa Southern Tagalog. Nagkaraban sila tungong Metro Manila noong Hulyo 24 at nagpiket sa konsulado ng China sa Makati, pambansang upisina ng Petron at iba pang lugar. Sumama rin sa martsa ang mga progresibong organisasyon mula sa Central Luzon.

Kontra-SONAng mga protesta rin ang inilunsad ng mga demokratikong organisasyon sa mga syudad ng Baguio, Naga, Bacolod, Iloilo, Kalibo, Davao City at General Santos.

Samantala, inaresto at ikinulong ng mga pulis ang dalawang kabataang Lumad na lumahok sa protesta sa Davao City sa gawa-gawang mga kaso.

Ipinarinig naman ng mga migranteng Pilipino ang kanilang nagkakaisang pagtutol sa anti-mamamayan at anti-mahirap na mga patakaran ng rehimeng Marcos. Naglunsad ng protesta ang mga Pilipino sa sampung estado sa United States, habang nagrali rin ang mga Pilipino sa limang prubinsya ng Canada at sa tatlong estado sa Australia. Nagkaroon din ng protesta sa Hongkong. Inilunsad nila ang mga protesta noong Hulyo 24 at 25.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/libu-libong-mamamayan-nagprotesta-sa-araw-ng-unang-sona-ni-marcos-jr/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mag-ina at isa pang sibilyan, minasaker ng 62nd IB sa Negros Oriental

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 27, 2022): Mag-ina at isa pang sibilyan, minasaker ng 62nd IB sa Negros Oriental (Mother and another civilian, massacred by the 62nd IB in Negros Oriental)

Walang-awa at walang kalaban-labang pinaslang ng mga elemento ng 62nd IB ang tatlong sibilyan sa Sityo Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental ala-5 ng umaga kahapon, Hulyo 26.

Pinatay ng mga sundalo si Christina Jacolbe, kasama ang kanyang anak na si Everly Kee Jacolbe, 16 taong gulang. Pinatay din ng mga sundalo ang kasama nilang si Rodan Montero.

Ang nakatatandang Jacolbe ay isang dating daycare worker sa Sityo Natuling, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City ngunit napilitang umalis sa kanyang trabaho dahil tinutugis at pinag-iinitan ng militar at pulis. Pinaratangan siyang kasapi o tagasuporta ng armadong rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Taliwas sa pinakakalat ng 62nd IB, inilinaw ng yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) na hindi mga Pulang mandirigma ang pinaslang at walang naganap na engkwentro sa naturang lugar.

Ayon kay Ka JB Regalado, tagapagsalita ng BHB-Central Negros, tinaniman lamang ng baril ang mga biktima para palabasin na nanlaban sila. “Ninakaw din ng mga tropa ng militar ang mga personal na gamit at pera ng mga biktima,” dagdag pa niya.

Sa ulat ng mga sundalo ng 62nd IB, pinalalabas nitong napaslang sa Barangay Budlasan ang tatlo at umano’y kasama ng “sampung armadong elemento” na nakipagpalitan ng putok sa mga sundalo.

Tulad ng nakagawian ng 62nd IB, pinalabas pa nitong nakasamsam ng isang KG9, dalawang kalibre .45 pistola, isang kalibre .38 revolver, shotgun at iba pang mga kagamitan.

Sinagot ito ni Ka JB Regalado at sinabing, “Walang katotohanan ang sinasabing may naganap ng engkwentro sa pagitan ng tropa ng 62nd IB at NPA.”

Pinuri pa ni Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, kumander ng 303rd IBde, ang masaker bilang “tagumpay” ng 62nd IB at kumander nitong si Lt. Col. William Pesase.

Samantala, iniulat din ng BHB na nagpapatuloy pa rin ang mga operasyong kombat ng militar sa kabundukang sakop ng Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, Vallehermoso at bayan ng Magallon sa kasalukuyan.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mag-ina-at-isa-pang-sibilyan-minasaker-ng-62nd-ib-sa-negros-oriental/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: CPP calls NPA units in Luzon to assess post-earthquake situation in communities

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 27, 2022): CPP calls NPA units in Luzon to assess post-earthquake situation in communities

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today immediately directed units of the New People’s Army (NPA) to assess the situation of communities in its areas of operations after Luzon island was hit by a major earthquake this morning.

“Nakikiramay at nakikiisa kami sa mamamayang labis na naapektuhan ng malakas na lindol kanina sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Luzon, laluna sa hilagang bahagi,” CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena said over social media.

He said an immediate assessment of the situation must be made in order to determine the necessary response.

Valbuena then said that NPA units in the affected areas should take necessary measures to help the masses in rehabilitation. “Units of the NPA, local Party branches and mass organizations should be mobilized and coordinated to facilitate relief efforts,” he added.

He also urged urban-based Party branches and committees to coordinate efforts to assist rural and peasant communities in recovery efforts

“Maaaring kaagad na magpakilos ng iba’t ibang anyo ng tulong para maiabot sa mga nangangailangan,” he said. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/cpp-calls-npa-units-in-luzon-to-assess-post-earthquake-situation-in-communities/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Tatlong bata, pinaslang ng AFP nitong Hulyo

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 29, 2022): Tatlong bata, pinaslang ng AFP nitong Hulyo (Three children were killed by the AFP this July)

Hindi bababa sa tatlong bata ang pinaslang ng mga sundalo ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa kampanyang kontra-insurhensya nito ngayong buwan ng Hulyo.

Noong Hulyo 18, napaslang sa walang-habas na pamamaril ng 59th IB si Kyllene Casao, 9-anyos na batang babae, sa Sityo Centro, Barangay Guinhawa, Taysan. Kasama ng batang babae ang kanyang ama na papauwi galing sa pagpapastol ng kanilang kambing nang biglang nagpaputok ang mga sundalo.

Ayon sa ulat ng mga residente, nagpaputok ang mga sundalo sa iba’t ibang direksyon matapos makarinig ng mga putok na nagmula pa sa kabilang sityo. Dagdag nila, nakatitiyak silang bala ng mga sundalo ang nakapaslang sa batang babae.

Noong Martes, Hulyo 26, walang-awa at walang kalaban-labang pinaslang ng mga elemento ng 62nd IB ang isang dalagita sa Sityo Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental ala-5 ng umaga. Pinatay ng mga sundalo si Everly Kee Jacolbe, 16, kasama ang kanyang ina at isa pang sibilyan.

Malaon nang nirered-tag at tinutugis ng mga sundalo ng 62nd IB ang ina ni Everly. Pinalalabas ng mga sundalo na mga kasapi sila ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan at napaslang sa isang engkwentro.

Bago ng mga insidenteng ito, pinatay ng 4th IB at 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company ng Philippine National Police ang isang batang Mangyan-Buhid sa Sityo Tauga Daka, Barangay San Vicente, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro noong Hulyo 3.

Napatay ang bata matapos paulanan ng bala ng mga sundalo at pulis ang bahay ni G. Inyab, isang katutubong Mangyan-Buhid sa naturang sityo. Para pagtakpan ang krimen, pinalalabas ng mga sundalo na ang bata ay napaslang sa isang armadong engkwentro.

Ang tatlong kaso ng pagpatay sa mga bata ay tanda ng tumitinding brutalidad ng gerang mapanupil ng AFP. Maaalalang noong Pebrero 8, dalawang batang (edad 12) ang napatay ng mga tropa ng 20th IB sa Catubig, Northern Samar.

Kaugnay nito, nanawagan ng hustisya si Ka Coni Ledesma, pinuno ng Special Office for the Protection of Children ng NDFP, para sa batang biktima at kanyang pamilya, gayundin ang mahigpit na pagsunod ng mga pasistang sundalo ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at pulis sa internasyunal na makataong batas.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/tatlong-bata-pinaslang-ng-afp-nitong-hulyo/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga pulis sa Tarlac, kinasuhan ng Tinang 83

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 29, 2022): Mga pulis sa Tarlac, kinasuhan ng Tinang 83 (Police in Tarlac, accused of Tinang 83)

Sinampahan ng mga magsasaka at kanilang mga tagasuporta na tinawag na Tinang 83 ang mga pulis na sangkot sa brutal at di makataong pag-aresto sa kanila noong Hunyo 9.

Nagtungo sa upisina ng Ombudsman ang Tinang 83 noong Hulyo 26 para isampa ang limang kaso laban sa di bababa na 30 myembro ng Philippine National Police-Concepcion, pangunahin na ang hepe nitong si Lt. Col. Reynold Macabias.

Kasama sa ikinaso sa mga pulis ang Violation of Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained, and Under Custodial Investigation; Perjury; Unlawful Arrest; Arbitrary Detention; Physical and Mental/Psychological Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane, Degrading Treatment or Punishment; Grave and Serious Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service; and Grave Abuse of Authority and Oppression.

HIling ng Tinang 83 na sipain sa pwesto ang pinangalanan nilang mga pulis. Habang dinidinig ang kaso, dapat isuspidne muna sila sa trabaho, anila.

Bago nito, sinampahan din ng ilan sa Tinang 83 ang assistant prosecutor ng Tarlac na si Mila Mae Montefalco ng kasong grave misconduct at dalawang iba pang asunto. Anila, dapat malinaw kay Montefalco na saklaw ng Department of Agrarian Reform ang sigalot sa bungkalan at dapat hindi niya sinampahan ng kaso ang Tinang 83.

Ang aksyon ni Montefalco ay nagresulta sa 3-araw na pagkulong sa mga magsasaka at kanilang mga tagasuporta at pangangailangan nilang magpyansa. Kalaunan, ibinasura rin ng Capas Municipal Trial Court ang gawa-gawang mga kaso sa dahilang hindi saklaw ng mga korte ang mga agraryong sigalot.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-pulis-sa-tarlac-kinasuhan-ng-tinang-83/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 94 pamilya sa Masbate, pinalayas ng 2nd IB sa kanilang lupa

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda articles posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 30, 2022): 94 pamilya sa Masbate, pinalayas ng 2nd IB sa kanilang lupa (94 families in Masbate, evicted from their land by the 2nd IB)

Tuluy-tuloy ang pagpapalayas ng 2nd IB sa mga magsasaka sa lupang dating pag-aari ng gubernador ng Masbate na si Antonio Kho. Noong Hulyo 26, iniulat ng Defend Bicol Stop the Attacks Network na higit 94 pamilya na ang pwersahang pinalayas ng mga sundalo sa lupang deka-dekada na nilang binubungkal.

Ang mga sakahan ng mga magsasaka ay bahagi ng 1,807-ektaryang “pastuhan” na ipinaubaya na ng pamilyang Kho sa kanila. Matatagpuan sa 450-ektaryang lupang ito ang mga barangay ng Cabungahan, Calapayan at Villaluna sa Cawayan. Ang mga lupang ito ay pang-agrikultura, at ipinadeklara lamang na pastuhan para makaiwas sa repormang agraryo.

Sa aktwal, ilang henerasyon na ng mga magsasakang Masbatenyo ang nagbungkal sa mga lupang ito. “Sila ang tunay na nagmamay-ari sa lupa,” ayon sa Defend Bicol. Gayunpaman, hanggang ngayon ay walang pormal na pagkilala sa karapatan nila sa lupa.

Kasama ng 20 sundalo ng 2nd IB na nagpalayas sa mga magsasaka noong Hulyo 25 ang kapitan ng barangay ng Dalipe na si Aldrin Boyet Besana, isang nagngangalang Teteng Tapayan at pitong “rebel returnee.”

Sa ngayon, pansamantalang nakikitira sa mga kamag-anak ang pinalayas na mga magsasaka, ayon sa grupo.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/94-pamilya-sa-masbate-pinalayas-ng-2nd-ib-sa-kanilang-lupa/

CPP/CIO: Oil companies make obscene profits on top of people’s miseries

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 30, 2022): Oil companies make obscene profits on top of people’s miseries

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

July 30, 2022

This article is available in BisayaPilipino

The broad masses of the Filipino people and working people across the world must be informed about how multinational oil companies are making record-breaking profits. The broad masses of the people should be roused to take action to denounce the greed of the Big Oil executives and firmly demand them to roll back fuel prices substantially to levels at the start of the year.

They must protest the Philippine government for colluding with the oil companies and ignoring the people’s demand for an oil price rollback that has brought them widespread misery and sufferings.



Over the past days, monopoly oil companies reported record-high second quarter profits. Exxon Mobil Corp., the largest US oil company, reported record high profits of $17.9 billion, exceeding its 2008 record by $3 billion, and almost four times the $4.69 billion profit during the same period last year.

Chevron Corp, second biggest US oil company, also posted a record profit of $11.6 billion, twice its previous record in 2008, and nearly four times its $3.1 billion profit in the same period last year.

Shell reported making $11.59 billion in second quarter profits, twice its $5.5 billion profits during the same period in 2021. Total Energie also reported second quarter profits of $5.8 billion, more than twice as the same period last year.

Since they now import cheaper crude oil mainly from Russia, Chinese oil refiners are also expected to huge profits. These include the China Petroleum and Chemical Corp., the biggest oil refiner in Asia, and one of the main suppliers of diesel and other petroleum products to the Philippines.

Local subsidiaries of oil companies in the Philippines are also expected to report a rise in profits. They continue to fool the people by justifying almost weekly increases in fuel prices as being caused by rising prices of crude oil when, in fact, the majority of these companies merely import refined petroleum products from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and other countries.

The record profits raked in by monopoly oil companies clearly reveal the lie that fuel prices have been going up because of claimed oil shortages or higher costs of crude. The truth is that fuel prices are going up mainly because of the insatiable capitalist greed for profits.

The monopoly oil companies are capitalist giants that control vast global resources and markets and trample on the well-being of billions of people around the world. Their profit greed is obscene. Over the past few months, they have pushed up retail fuel prices resulting in a sharp deterioration in the socioeconomic conditions of the working class and toiling people across the entire globe. Decades-high inflation rates are now threatening to push entire economies into recession.

The Filipino people must be told the truth about monopoly capitalist control of the international and domestic oil industry and the callousness of the Philippine government. They must raise their voices and demand a stop to the profit-driven oil price increases which have caused widespread immiseration of the Filipino people and the toiling masses around the world.

The fact that oil companies are raking profits amid crisis underscores the urgency of putting an end to the profit-driven oppressive and exploitative capitalist system. It impels the Filipino people to join the global movement that demands an end to unmitigated oppression and exploitation under the imperialist system. It shows the justness, necessity and urgency of waging national democratic and socialist revolutions to expropriate the monopoly capitalists and end capitalist greed and establish a system where the working class and people control the means of production and production is planned in accordance with their needs and welfare.

https://cpp.ph/statements/oil-companies-make-obscene-profits-on-top-of-peoples-miseries/

CPP/NDF-Southern Mindanao: Free the Pangadas brothers! Resist the Marcos II regime’s assault on the people’s rights and democratic spaces!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 29, 2022): Free the Pangadas brothers! Resist the Marcos II regime’s assault on the people’s rights and democratic spaces!

Rubi del Mundo

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Mindanao

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

July 29, 2022

The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao condemns the Philippine National Police’s illegal arrest of two Lumad brothers who attended the protest rally in Davao City during the first state of the nation address (SONA) of fake president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 25. The Lumad youths must be immediately released without condition and the perpetrators taken to task for the egregious crime.

The illegal arrest of Ismael Pangadas, 22, and Mawing Pangadas, 19, both from the Manobo tribe of Talaingod, is the clear handiwork of the regime’s unrelenting counterinsurgency campaign that continues to target activists and vocal critics of Marcos-Duterte tyranny. As usual, the PNP used trumped-charges—this time child trafficking—to embellish the illegal arrest of civilians.

Barely a month into his term, Marcos Jr. is making clear his illegitimate regime’s intention of continuing to victimize the Lumad and clamp down on the already shrinking democratic spaces of the Filipino people. While Sara Duterte-Carpio, Marcos Jr.’s vice president, had the gall to don a Lumad-inspired attire during the SONA, the Lumad brothers meanwhile were subjected to inhumane treatment for voicing the people’s nine-point agenda that included the protection of the rights and welfare of all indigenous people.

For the past six years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PNP, and their paramilitaries specifically targeted the Lumad and their communities for their historic resistance against the reactionary regime’s oppressive and fascist policies. For valiantly standing against the ruling class’ avaricious interests that encroach upon their ancestral domain, the Lumad masses suffered state-sanctioned violence in the form of killings, harassment, bombings, forced evacuation, terrorist-tagging, school closures, and many such economic and socio-political attacks. In arresting the two Lumad brothers, Marcos Jr. is adamant in carrying over the IP-centric counterinsurgency madness of the previous tyrannical Duterte regime, especially with the continuation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) that is sure to mobilize its obscenely humongous budget to intensify the oppression of the Lumad.

The masses had been right to protest the first SONA of the illegitimate regime. The denialist and historically-distorted address not only obfuscated the objective state of the nation but also reminded revolutionary forces and the entire Filipino people to mount stronger resistance in order to protect their interests, rights and hard-won spaces for dissent.

https://cpp.ph/statements/free-the-pangadas-brothers-resist-the-marcos-ii-regimes-assault-on-the-peoples-rights-and-democratic-spaces/