CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: No reason for ceasefire this holidays—CPP

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Web site (Dec 19, 2022): No reason for ceasefire this holidays—CPP

 

December 19, 2022

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Monday announced that it will forego declaring a ceasefire this holiday season as it sees no reason to do so.

According to its statement, there is “absolutely no reason to declare a ceasefire…as the US-Marcos regime and its fascist Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continue with their relentless state terrorism and armed suppression against the Filipino people.”

The CPP said that combat troops of the AFP continue to be deployed to communities of peasants and national minorities and subject civilians suspected of supporting the New People’s Army to brutal suppression. It added that hundreds of villages are militarized and placed under hamlet or military control.

The CPP claimed that in the AFP and PNP’s bid to “crush” the NPA, it violates human rights and the international humanitarian law. It is with this reason, along with the sharp deterioration of the people’s socioeconomic conditions that the NPA needs to come to the people’s defense, the CPP added.

In just six months, Marcos and his fascist thugs have extrajudicially killed not less than 45 individuals in accordance with its counterinsurgency policy. Ang Bayan, the CPP’s news organ, recorded not less than 47,017 total victims (or an average of 288 per day) of human rights violations in several parts of the country. This accounted for 379 cases of human rights violations.

From July 1 up to December 10, there have been up to three victims of torture and one abduction every week on average. About 126 have fallen victim to harassment, threats and intimidation per day. More than 37,000 were forcefully evacuated and dislocated due to intense combat operations of the AFP in the countrysides.

“The Central Committee, hereby, directs the New People’s Army (NPA) through its National Operational Command (NOC) and Regional and Subregional Operational Commands (ROCs and SROCs), to actively fight and frustrate the AFP’s campaign of armed suppression,” the statement declared.

It said units of the NPA can concentrate a superior force in order to strike fascist units of the AFP and PNP which are “isolated, weak and tired,” as form of punishment for their crimes against the people.

“The NPA must demonstrate in a concentrated form the people’s outrage against the AFP and political repression, socioeconomic oppression and national treachery under the US-Marcos regime, and strengthen their determination to fight back against state terrorism and carry forward their revolutionary struggles,” declared the CPP. (CPP Information Bureau)

Read full statement of the Central Committee: https://philippinerevolution.nu/no-ceasefire-2022

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/no-reason-for-ceasefire-this-holidays-cpp/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: CPP authorizes NPA to mount tactical offensives

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Web site (Dec 19, 2022): CPP authorizes NPA to mount tactical offensives

 

December 19, 2022

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ordered all units of the New People’s Army (NPA) to not lower their defenses during the holidays amid relentless attacks against civilians and intense combat operations. The CPP also authorized the NPA to mount tactical offensives against “isolated, weak and tired units” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The Party said these must aim to punish the AFP and PNP’s crimes against the people.

In its declaration, the CPP leadership directed “the New People’s Army (NPA) through its National Operational Command (NOC) and Regional and Subregional Operational Commands (ROCs and SROCs), to actively fight and frustrate the AFP’s campaign of armed suppression.”

The Party noted that there is absolutely no reason for it to declare a ceasefire this holidays as relentless attacks and brutalities of the AFP and PNP continue. “It is the duty of the NPA to come to the people’s armed defense, even during these holidays, and even as we mourn the recent passing of our beloved Ka Jose Ma. Sison” it said.

The CPP recorded a total of 47,017 victims of human rights violations in less than six months of Marcos Jr in power. With the counterinsurgency as its central policy, its fascist butchers killed not less than 45 individuals.

From July 1 up to December 10, there have been up to three victims of torture and one abduction every week on average. Everyday, 126 people have fallen victim to harassment, threats and intimidation. More than 37,000 were forcefully evacuated and dislocated due to intense militarization of their communities.

According to the CPP Central Committee, the NPA must give concentrated expression to the people’s outrage against the enemy and serve to strengthen their determination to fight back.

Combat troops of the AFP continue to be deployed to communities of peasants and national minorities. The AFP subjects civilians “suspected of supporting the New People’s Army” to brutal suppression, according to the CPP.

It noted how hundreds of villages are placed under military control (hamlet) where people are restricted even when they buy rice or work in their fields, where soldiers raid homes, unjustly arrest, torture and willfully kill people, drop bombs, fire rockets, and shell communities, farms and forests, and force civilians to pose as “surrenderees.”

All these violations happen, according to the CPP, amid the state’s bid to “crush” and “deal the final blow” against the revolutionary movement. Victims include children who are killed in massacres and indiscriminate firing, and kidnapped and taken hostage for merely being children of suspected revolutionaries. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/cpp-authorizes-npa-to-mount-tactical-offensives/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Kagubatan, nasira sa pambobomba ng AFP sa Northeast Mindanao

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Web site (Dec 20, 2022): Kagubatan, nasira sa pambobomba ng AFP sa Northeast Mindanao (Forest, destroyed by AFP bombing in Northeast Mindanao)

December 20, 2022

Halos 100 mga puno ang nasira sa inilunsad na pambobomba ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) sa gitna ng kagubatan ng Mt. Hilong-Hilong sa hangganang bahagi ng Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte at Surigao del Sur noong Nobyembre 30. Nag-iwan din ito ng malalaking butas sa lupa (crater) na may lalim na hanggang tuhod at nagdulot ng pagguho ng lupa.

Ang naturang kabundukan ay isa sa mga natitirang tirahan ng Philippine eagle at maraming mga klase ng flora at fauna.

Matagal nang dapat idindeklarang protektadong erya ang Mt. Hilong-Hilong dahil sa katangian at potensyal nito na maging isang national mountain park. Sa katunayan, noong 2007 ay isinulong sa senado at kongreso na ideklara ito bilang protektadong erya. Nakasalalay din sa kabundukan ang buhay at kabuhayan laluna ng mga Lumad.

Mula alas-5:40 ng umaga hanggang alas-7 ng Nobyembre 30 ay binomba ang erya gamit ang anim na malalaking bomba at dalawang rocket.

Tinarget ng AFP ang yunit ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) na nagkakampo sa naturang lugar pero hindi nila ito napuruhan dahil kagyat na nakamaniobra ang yunit.

Matapos ang insidente, isang Pulang mandirigma na nahilaway sa kanyang yunit ang nadakip ng kaaway. Sa interbyu sa lokal na radyo noong Lunes, mistulang mayroon siyang matinding troma at pinilit ng mga sundalo na magsabi ng kung anu-anong mga kasinungalingan.

Dapat siyang kilalanin bilang isang bihag ng digma ng AFP at galangin ang kanyang mga karapatan sa ilalim ng internasyunal na makataong batas.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/kagubatan-nasira-sa-pambobomba-ng-afp-sa-northeast-mindanao/

CPP/Southern Tagalog RC: AFP, sinungaling! Tuloy ang rebolusyon at pakikibaka ng bayan sa inspirasyon ni Ka Joma

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Dec 20, 2022): AFP, sinungaling! Tuloy ang rebolusyon at pakikibaka ng bayan sa inspirasyon ni Ka Joma (AFP, liar! The revolution and struggle of the people will continue with the inspiration of Ka Joma)

Public Information Office

Southern Tagalog Regional Committee

Communist Party of the Philippines

December 20, 2022

Desperado at katawa-tawa ang pahayag ni Col. Medel Aguillar, tagapagsalita ng AFP na walang kwalipikadong pumalit kay Kasamang Jose Maria Sison bilang pinuno ng CPP. Sino ba naman siya para magbitaw ng salita gayong wala naman siya sa pamunuan ni hindi siya kasapi ng Partido?

Pumupostura ang AFP na subaybay nila ang talaksan ng mga kadreng posibleng papalit kay Ka Joma ngunit sali-salikwang ang kanilang mga pahayag hinggil sa bilang at aktwal na lakas ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ang kanilang deklarasyon hinggil kay Ka Joma bilang lider ng CPP ay hindi tumutugma sa nauna nilang retorika noong panahon ng tiranikong rehimeng US-Duterte na “wala nang moral na otoridad si Ka Joma sa CPP-NPA dahil hindi na siya ang pinuno nito”. Dahil dito, lalo lamang pinatutunayan ng AFP ang kanilang kasinungalingan sa bayan at ang pagwawaldas nito ng pondo ng bayan dahil puro palso ang kanilang mga impormasyong inilalabas sa publiko.

Lalupang ginawang katawa-tawa ni Aguilar ang sarili sa pag-aalok na siya na lamang ang papalit kay Ka Joma sa pamumuno sa CPP. Ang tanong namin kay Col. Aguilar, handa ka bang talikuran at labanan ang pasista at mersenaryong indoktrinasyon ng AFP-PNP at itakwil ang mga krimen nito? Kung ganito, pwede kang magdefect sa New People’s Army (NPA) katulad ng ginawa ni Gen. Jarque at labanan ang mandarambong na Commander In Chief mo na si Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at ang papet at pasistang AFP-PNP. Dapat kang muling mag-aral ng mga rebolusyonaryong aralin na itinuro ni Ka Joma at magpanibagong hubog upang maiwaksi ang pasista at anti-mamamayang oryentasyon na itinuro sa inyo ng imperyalismong US. Upang maabswelto ka sa mga kaso mo laban sa bayan, dapat na magpuna ka sa masa at humingi sa kanila ng tawad sa mga ginawa mong pagpapakalat ng kasinungalingan at iba pang mga krimen sa kanila. Sa kasaysayan ng rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka ng mamamayan, may mga opisyal at kawal ng AFP na mahigpit na tumutol at lumaban sa pasistang agos sa AFP, naging tunay na makabayan at nagsilbi sa sambayanang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan. Marami sa kanilang tumahak sa landas ng armadong pakikibaka tulad ni Lt. Crispin Tagamolila. Kung hindi ito gagawin ni Aguilar at mananatiling papet, pasista’t mersenaryo, kahit pagiging kasapi ng rebolusyonaryong samahang masa ay hindi pasado si Aguilar.

Nangangarap nang gising ang reaksyunaryong estado na mawawakasan nila ang CPP-NPA-NDFP sa pagpanaw ni Ka Joma kaya kung anu-anong kasinungalingan ang pinakakawalan nila. Tandaan ng rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte na nabigong durugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan noong nagsisimula pa lamang ito, ngayon pa kayang lumawak na ito sa buong kapuluan at malalim na nakaugat sa masa.

Sa mahabang panahong inilaan ni Ka Joma sa pakikibaka, nakapagpanday siya ng sapat na bilang ng mahuhusay at matatapat na mga kadreng mamumuno sa rebolusyon. Katunayan, higit pang dumarami ang kasapian ng Partido mula sa mga manggagawa, magsasaka, kabataan, kababaihan, pambansang minorya at iba pang aping uri’t sektor. May malalim at sapat na tangkas ng mga kadre at kasapi ng Partido na handang tanganan ang mga naiwang responsibilidad at ipagpatuloy ang rebolusyon. Ang mga naisulat na mga dokumento ni Ka Joma noong siya ay nabubuhay pa ay kabang yaman ng Partido at sapat upang giyahan ang Partido at mamamayan sa pagsulong hanggang madala sa tagumpay ang bagong tipong demokratikong rebolusyong bayan.

Ang patuloy na paglalim ng krisis ng sistemang malakolonyal at malapyudal na higit pang pinasasahol ng pandaigdigang krisis ng sistemang kapitalista ang obhetibong kalagayan kung bakit ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa Pilipinas ay di kailan man magagapi. Walang ibang mapagpipilian ang mamamayang labis-labis na pinagdurusa ng imperyalismo at ng lokal na mga naghaharing-uring malaking burgesyang kumprador, malaking panginoong may-lupa at burukratang kapitalismo kundi ang landas armadong paglaban.

Nananatiling matatag at determinado ang rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayan na isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon hanggang tagumpay. Ang pagkamatay ni Ka Joma ay inspirasyon upang patuloy na iwagayway ang pulang bandila ng armadong pakikibaka.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/afp-sinungaling-tuloy-ang-rebolusyon-at-pakikibaka-ng-bayan-sa-inspirasyon-ni-ka-joma/

Kalinaw News: High-powered firearm and war materials captured by government forces in a recent clash against NPA in Gingoog CIty.

From Kalinaw News (Dec 20, 2022): High-powered firearm and war materials captured by government forces in a recent clash against NPA in Gingoog CIty.

1 High powered firearm captured during clash in Gingoog

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- One (1) high-powered firearm, two (2) back packs, and subversive documents were recovered during an armed clash between government troops from the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion and the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) this morning, December 19, 2022, at Sitio Mangilit, Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

Troops of the 58IB acted upon reports received from a concerned civilian when they encountered more or less 15 CTGs believed to be armed elements of SR SDG Eagles, SRC-1, NCMRC. The said encounter happened at around 9:15 this morning and the firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, resulting in the capture of one AK-47 assault rifle, two backpacks, and subversive documents. A pursuit operation is still ongoing.

Former Rebels (FRs) from this unit revealed that old Battle Dress Attire (BDA) uniforms recovered were being used by CTGs to lure civilians as Military personnel and conduct atrocities to potential targets.

Lieutenant Colonel Christian C Uy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry (Dimalulupig) Battalion, said, “I am reiterating our call to the remnants of the CTGs who are still hiding in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law and reunite with their families in celebrating the birth of Christ and the coming new year.”

He also expresses gratitude to the community for their prompt and accurate reporting to the nearest Patrol Base. “I am grateful to the people of Brgy. Bal-ason for cooperating with us; we hope that other neighboring communities will do the same in order to fully end the insurgency in Misamis Oriental; Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all! ” Lt. Col. Uy added.

Said captured firearm and war materials were brought to the Battalion Headquarters for proper disposition.

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. e-mail: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com

https://www.kalinawnews.com/high-powered-firearm-and-war-materials-captured-by-government-forces-in-a-recent-clash-against-npa-in-gingoog-city/

FAST FACTS: Things to know about the Communist Party of the Philippines

From Rappler (Dec 20, 2022): FAST FACTS: Things to know about the Communist Party of the Philippines (By JODESZ GAVILAN)

The Communist Party of the Philippines says Filipinos face three basic problems – imperialism by the US, feudalism, and bureaucratic capitalism

MANILA, Philippines – The death of exiled communist leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison on December 16 sparked discussions and questions about the future of the communist movement in the Philippines.

Sison was the founding chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and a leading figure in the communist movement in the country. He went into exile in the Netherlands in 1987, after going on a lecture tour in Asia and Europe upon his release from prison by the Corazon Aquino administration in 1986.

Sison died on December 16 (December 17, Manila time) in Utrecht, the Netherlands, far away from a country where he started Asia’s longest communist insurgency. But what else do we need to know about the CPP?

MUST READ
Who is Joma Sison, the exiled leader of the CPP?

How did the CPP start?

The CPP was created on December 26, 1968 – three years after the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos was elected into the presidency. It would gather strength and power throughout the dark Martial Law years.

The CPP was established by Sison, a leading youth activist, following his departure from the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas-1930, a group created in response to a need for “workers and peasants to lead the anti-imperialist struggle for national independence.”

The first national congress of the CPP was held in Alaminos, Pangasinan. It is in national congresses where members of the central committee – the main decision-making authorities in the party – are elected. The committee convenes these congresses every five years.

There are also about 16 regional committees under the CPP.

What is the goal of the CPP?

The CPP follows Marxism-Leninism-Maoism as its “guide to action,” according to its constitution. It also says that “it is the supreme task of the [CPP] to apply this theory on the concrete conditions of the [country] and to integrate it with the concrete practice of the Philippine revolution.”

For the communist group, the Philippines remains a “semi-colonial and semi-feudal” country where citizens are oppressed by US imperialism, feudalism or when people in the countryside can never own the land they work on, and bureaucratic capitalism, where select elite capitalists hold political positions thus only serving the ruling classes.

The CPP laid out possible solutions to these basic problems through its Program for a People’s Democratic Revolution, which calls for the implementation of genuine land reform and national industrialization, among others. The group also calls for the establishment of the people’s democratic government, instead of what it calls a “ruling neocolonial state.”

“All Filipino communists must work and struggle to realize this long-term program and must be ready to sacrifice their lives if necessary in the struggle to bring about a new Philippines that is completely independent, democratic, united, just and prosperous,” the PPDR read.

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Joma Sison on terror tag, America, and karaoke

What is the role of the New People’s Army in the CPP?

The New People’s Army (NPA) is the armed wing of the CPP and has been involved in clashes with the military since the beginning of Asia’s longest-running communist insurgency.

According to the CPP constitution, the NPA is its “main weapon…in the seizure and consolidation of political power,” wielding “the basic alliance of the working class and the peasantry” to create conditions for the people’s democratic state “by waging armed struggle, facilitating agrarian revolution, and helping build organs of political power and revolutionary mass organizations.”

It was created on March 29, 1969 in Capas, Tarlac with about 60 combatants. The numbers grew and even reached at least 25,000 in the late 1980s, but membership has since dwindled. 

(READ: The end of the affair? Duterte’s romance with the Reds)

What are the controversies the CPP and the CPP-NPA faced over the years?

The group behind Asia’s longest communist insurgency is not without its controversies. The CPP and its armed wing NPA have been the subject of countless criticisms over more than half a decade of existence.

There was the bloody internal purge in the 1980s, where many mostly young members were killed on the unfounded suspicion that they were undercover state agents tasked to penetrate the communist group.

In an interview with Newsbreak magazine in 2002, Sison told journalist and now Rappler executive editor Glenda Gloria that what happened was “something regrettable.”

“But I should not regret it personally [because] I was not around…. I was not informed,” he said.

In the 1990s, the CPP also had a bitter split that created factions in the communist movement due to deviations in strategy on how to achieve its goal. The reaffirmists (RAs) want to follow Sison’s call to go back to the basic principles – including the protracted people’s war while rejectionists (RJs) did not accept Sison’s sweeping analysis and conclusions.

MUST READ
Joma Sison: Mao in Utrecht

Did the CPP ever engage in peace talks?

The CPP has tried to engage in peace negotiations with the Philippine government over several administrations since its establishment, except during the Marcos dictatorship. The group was represented by the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in these talks.

The peace talks during the Corazon Aquino administration were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Ramos presidency saw a more positive development, especially with the repeal of the Anti-Subversion Act, in 1992. Then-president Fidel Ramos assured communist insurgents of political space. He said then that he “challenges them to compete under our constitutional system and free market of ideas – which are guaranteed by the rule of law.”

It was under the Ramos administration when two important agreements were signed: the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and the Comprehensive Agreement to Respect Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

But talks stalled afterwards, including during the Estrada administration. The peace negotiations under the Arroyo administration broke down due to the terrorist tag of the US, and the non-release of political prisoners under the second Aquino administration.

The CPP enjoyed having positive relations during the first few months of the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte – who openly called himself a leftist. He once referred to the communist movement as a “revolutionary government.”

The Philippine government and the NDF started the first rounds of talks in August 2016 in Oslo, Norway. Several high-ranking officials were earlier released from prison to participate in the talks, including Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, who were first arrested in March 2014.

“Our friendship has a strong basis in long-standing cooperation and in a common desire to serve the national and democratic rights and best interests of the Filipino people,” Sison said in August 2016.

But this was short-lived as the initiated ceasefires from both sides were lifted in February 2017. Sison and Duterte, former student of Sison himself, then went back to exchanging verbal insults, while the Duterte government and its allies engaged in massive red-tagging and a violent crackdown on progressive groups, human rights activists, students, and journalists, among others.

What’s next for the CPP post-Joma?

The death of Joma Sison marks another chapter for the communist movement. But there are several discourses on what it could mean – the start of the end, or a new beginning for Asia’s longest-running insurgency.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena said in a statement that the movement vows to “continue to give all our strength and determination to carry the revolution forward guided by the memory and teachings of the people’s beloved Ka Joma.”

The Department of National Defense, meanwhile, said that Sison’s death removes “the greatest stumbling block [to] peace” in the Philippines, adding that “we will all be the better for it.”

Sison’s death comes ahead of the CPP’s 54th anniversary on December 26. We wait for what happens next.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/things-to-know-communist-party-philippines/

Filipino defenders on Ayungin to share spaghetti, fruit salad, ham, queso de bola on Christmas Day

From Palawan News (Dec 19, 2022): Filipino defenders on Ayungin to share spaghetti, fruit salad, ham, queso de bola on Christmas Day (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

Filipino soldiers on the BRP Sierra Madre hold banners, one of which reads "For Peace and Harmony in the West Philippine Sea," with Christmas care packages in front of them. | Photo from WESCOM

Filipino soldiers defending the nation’s claim in the West Philippine Sea aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LS 57) will share spaghetti, fruit salad, ham, queso de bola, biscuits, and other non-perishable food items on Christmas Day.

They were among the provisions delivered to them on a “successful” mission run, or rotation and reprovisioning (RORE), on December 17 amid persistent shadowing and radio challenges from a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship and numerous militia vessels.

The tank landing ship where Filipino troops are stationed to protect the Philippines’ claim in the disputed region was built for the US Navy during WWII and the Vietnam War before it was transferred to the Philippine Navy and renamed BRP Sierra Madre.

The government intentionally ran her aground on Ayungin Shoal (also known as Second Thomas Shoal) so she could serve as an outpost to assert Philippine sovereignty over the disputed territory with China.

Navy soldiers received among others ham, canned ingredients for fruit salad, Danes queso de bola, spaghetti packages and others. | Photo from WESCOM

“This mission was equally significant because Christmas care packs were given to the crew of BRP Sierra Madre,” the Western Command (WESCOM) said in a statement.

The completion of the resupply run on December 17 brings the total number of “successful” missions for this year to 11.

WESCOM added that the care packs were brought to the sailors and marines on Ayungin Shoal with the University of Perpetual Help System and the Naval Forces Reserve National Capital Region.

https://palawan-news.com/filipino-defenders-on-ayungin-to-share-spaghetti-fruit-salad-ham-queso-de-bola-on-christmas-day/

NOCPPO to NPA: ‘Give peace a chance’

From Panay News (Dec 20, 2022): NOCPPO to NPA: ‘Give peace a chance’ (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Judesses Catalogo

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) called on the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island to “give peace a chance” now that Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Ma. “Joma” Sison is dead.

NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Judesses Catalogo said Sison’s passing would further degrade the NPA in Negros already suffering immensely due to deaths of its cadres and high-ranking leaders in military encounters.

He urged rebels to return to the folds of the law, pointing out that the government has concrete programs that could help them live a peaceful and more prosperous life.

“It’s not too late yet, and aton message [sa ila] is gaan naton sang tion nga maghari ang kalinong,” Catalogo said.

Meanwhile, the NOCPPO has placed all police stations and units in the province on “heightened alert”. The CPP will mark its founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

https://www.panaynews.net/nocppo-to-npa-give-peace-a-chance/

Leadership vacuum in CPP after Joma’s death – 3ID

From Panay News (Dec 20, 2022): Leadership vacuum in CPP after Joma’s death – 3ID (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison. NDFP

ILOILO City – The death of Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), has left a leadership vacuum in the organization, according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

“Joma Sison was a good leader and architect of the CPP – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Whoever would replace him won’t be as good,” said Arevalo.

Sison died at 83 years old on Friday, Dec. 16, after two weeks of confinement in a hospital in Utrecht, The Netherlands, according to CPP spokesperson, Marco Valbuena.

Sison had lived in self-exile in The Netherlands since then President Corazon Aquino released him from detention in 1986 shortly after the People Power revolt overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos, father and namesake of the current Philippine president.

With Sison gone, Arevalo said, the CPP would continue to deteriorate.

“They will have difficulty coming up with someone to replace Joma Sison,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/leadership-vacuum-in-cpp-after-jomas-death-3id/

AFP Visayas chief laments Sison escaping the bar of justice

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 19, 2022): AFP Visayas chief laments Sison escaping the bar of justice (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison managed to escape from the “bar of justice” for the many atrocities, deaths and destruction he planned, designed, instigated and perpetrated as the leader and chief architect of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, through his death, which is unfortunate for his victims over more than five decades, disclosed AFP Visayas Command acting chief Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo yesterday.

May he be bad or evil, Arevalo said “we are not rejoicing his death.”

Nevertheless, his death proves that no evil things can last forever, the AFP acting VISCOM said.

If there are those who mourn for his death, let’s not forget to also mourn for the thousands of deaths he caused in the more than five decades of death, violence and destruction he caused our people, Arevalo stressed, adding that his death will surely weaken their organization.

We only hope that the CPP NPA NDF dies with him for the betterment of our country and people, he further said.

Sison’s death on Friday came as the CPP is set to mark its 54th founding anniversary on December 26, which he founded in 1968.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the passing of Joma Sison should also cause the end of the call for an armed revolution.

Philippine society has been in the pursuit of peace for a long time and the moment has come to end the armed conflict in the country so that we can effectively work towards lasting and genuine peace, Lacson said.

In a statement, CPP spokesman Marco Valbuena claimed that the death of “Joma” Sison is not the end of the revolutionary movement.

“Of course, the passing of Ka Joma is a great loss for the Party and revolutionary movement,” Valbuena admitted “But like the children taught, guided and trained by their Great Father, the Philippine revolutionaries can stand on their own feet,” he said.

Negrense priest-turned-rebel Luis Jalandoni, who also went on exile and joined Sison in Netherlands, was reported to have been serving as senior adviser of the National Democratic Front, an umbrella organization of all CPP legal fronts, as reported by the AFP.

https://visayandailystar.com/afp-visayas-chief-laments-sison-escaping-the-bar-of-justice/

Former rebels get livelihood grants

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 20, 2022): Former rebels get livelihood grants (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Merle Garcia, distribute P20,000 livelihood assistance to each of the 14 former NPA members at the Provincial Capitol building in Bacolod City* GPB photo

A total of 14 former New People’s Army rebels yesterday received P20,000 each in livelihood grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as facilitated by the provincial government of Negros Occidental and Army’ s 303rd Infantry Brigade.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, assisted by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Merle Garcia, yesterday distributed the livelihood grants to 14 former rebels at the Provincial Capitol building in Bacolod City.

Pasaporte said that several of the 14 former rebels used to be NPA combatants who surrendered to the 62nd Infantry Battalion in central Negros, while others gave themselves up to the 79th Infantry Battalion in northern Negros.

They are expected to receive more assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government, depending on the assessment of DSWD, he added.

Gov. Lacson lauded the decision of 14 former rebels to abandon the armed struggle and live a normal life with their respective families.

He also enjoined them to help the government in convincing their former comrades who are still hiding in the mountains, to come down and rejoin mainstream society.

The 14 former rebels also received Christmas gift packs from the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

https://visayandailystar.com/former-rebels-get-livelihood-grants/

BARMM exec killed in Cotabato ambush

From MindaNews (Dec 20, 2022): BARMM exec killed in Cotabato ambush (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

An official of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA-BARMM) was killed early tonight after assailants followed her car and opened fire while she was seated at the back part of a mini-van before she could reach home.

Members of a SOCO team conduct investigation at the crime scene along LR Sebastian, Rosary Heights 11 in Cotabato City where BARMM official Jocelyn Samar Palao, chief of the Ancestral Domain Division, was shot Tuesday (20 December 2022) evening. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

Major Amil Andungan Jr., chief of Station 2, Cotabato City police, identified the victim as Jocelyn Samar Palao, 52, a resident of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur. She was chief of the Ancestral Domain Division of MIPA.

The incident took place along LR Sebastian St., Rosary Heights 11 here around 5:45 p.m.

Investigations revealed that the victim, together with two male companions, was about to reach San Pablo Village where they reside when a gunman aboard a motorcycle opened fire using a caliber .45 pistol.

The shooter and the driver immediately fled to unknown direction, police said.

The police’s SOCO team found seven combined empty shells and slugs at the crime scene.

Andungan said they are now requesting CCTV footages from a hotel establishment and other business stalls to get better visuals of the identity of the suspects.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/12/barmm-exec-killed-in-cotabato-ambush/

Army's armor unit upgraded with arrival of 1st Sabrah light tank

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Army's armor unit upgraded with arrival of 1st Sabrah light tank (By Priam Nepomuceno)

LIGHT TANK. The Philippine Army Armor Division's first Sabrah light tank is displayed during the 87th anniversary celebration of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (Dec. 19, 2022). The Armor Division is expected to receive 20 new Sabrah light tanks from Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Land and 10 Pandur II wheeled armored vehicles from Steyr-Daimler-Puch between 2023 to 2024. (Photo courtesy of PA Armor Division)

MANILA – The Armor Division of the Philippine Army (PA) got another boost with the arrival of one of its newly-acquired Sabrah light tanks.

The tank was displayed during the 87th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, which was graced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

"One Sabrah light tank based on the ASCOD platform mounted with 105mm cannon as the main armament and coaxial 7.62 machine gun was one of the Armor 'Pambato' Division's newest assets that paraded over the 87th founding anniversary of the AFP on December 19, 2022, at the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City," the PA's Armor Division said in a Facebook post on Monday night.

It added that the rest of these assets will arrive in early 2023 which is composed of "wheeled and tracked Sabrah light Tanks" that would beef up the 1st Tank Battalion's fleet of armored vehicles.

The Sabrah light tank arrived earlier this month and is now undergoing rigorous testing before being accepted for service.

The Armor Division is expected to receive 20 new Sabrah light tanks from Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Land and 10 Pandur II wheeled armored vehicles from Steyr-Daimler-Puch between 2023 to 2024.

The PA's light tank acquisition project is under Horizon 2 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

The contract is worth around PHP9.4 billion and was acquired via government-to-government mode.

Earlier, PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the service's ongoing modernization efforts are allowing its units to help the AFP in fulfilling its mandate of protecting the nation and the people including in safeguarding the country's sovereignty.

"Moreover, the command installed 234 very small aperture terminals in remote patrol bases to provide connectivity to troops and outlying communities. To deal with emerging threats, the command activated units such as the 10th Field Artillery Battalion (SP-155), cyber battalion, five installation management battalions, and three infantry battalions. It also reactivated the 1st Tank Battalion which will serve as the mother unit of existing and upcoming tank assets of the PA," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191112

Reds no longer capable of carrying out tactical offensives: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Reds no longer capable of carrying out tactical offensives: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar (File photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it believes that the remaining rebel ranks are no longer capable of conducting any tactical offensives against government troops as their numbers and leadership have been steadily whittled down in the past months.

"Totoo po yun kasi kami po ay naniniwala na malaki na po ang binawas sa kakayahan ng CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) para maglunsad ng mga tinatawag na tactical offensives, ito po ay sa kadahilanang marami na po sa kanilang mga mataas na lider ay nawala, sila man ay napatay sa enkwentro, naaresto, at iba naman ay nag-surrender (That’s true because we believe that significant part of the CPP-NPA-NDF has lost the capability to conduct tactical offensives as many of their ranking leaders have either been killed in encounters, arrested or have voluntarily surrendered)," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a radio interview.

He gave this comment when asked sought for a reaction to the CPP's announcement that it will be conducting tactical offensives against government troops during the 10-day mourning period amid the passing of CPP founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.

The tactical offensives are supposed to be in honor of Sison, who died in the Netherlands on Dec. 16, and the 54th founding anniversary of the CPP on Dec. 26.

Aguilar also said that the attrition being suffered by the CPP-NPA-NDF is being felt from the central committee level up to their guerrilla fronts.

The AFP earlier said that out of the 89 guerrilla fronts in operation in 2016, only 24 or 23 are existing as of now with only five active to date.

Aguilar also said the AFP is prepared to meet the NPA's tactical offensives head-on should they conduct it.

"Kahit pa man nagdeklara ang CPP na patuloy silang maglulunsad ng tactical offensives the whole AFP is prepared to deal with it, to deal with them kung sakali mang tutuhanin nila ang kanilang banta (Even if the CPP will carry out their threat of tactical offensives, the whole AFP is prepared to deal with them if ever they carry out their threat)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191125

US backs PH amid reported Chinese swarming in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): US backs PH amid reported Chinese swarming in WPS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. (File photo)

MANILA – The United States government has backed the Philippines in expressing alarm over the reported swarming of Chinese vessels off Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

"The reported escalating swarms of PRC (People's Republic of China) vessels in the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands interfere with the livelihoods of Philippine fishing communities, and also reflect continuing disregard for other South China Sea claimants and states lawfully operating in the region," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said Tuesday.

Price said Washington DC supports Manila in its continued call on China to respect international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and its legal obligations under the 2016 arbitral ruling.

A recent Inquirer report quoted Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos confirming that dozens of Chinese vessels have been moving closer to Palawan in recent months.

In a statement on December 14, the Department of National Defense said it views the swarming with "great concern" and maintained that the Philippines would not give up a single square inch of its territory.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to respond when asked for comment.

The US had also shared concerns over the unsafe encounter between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard when the latter seized debris that the Navy had fished out of the West Philippine Sea on November 20.

"The United States stands with our ally, the Philippines, in upholding the rules-based international order and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, as guaranteed under international law," Price said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191117

3 officials get new assignments in latest PNP revamp

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): 3 officials get new assignments in latest PNP revamp (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

File photo

MANILA – Three ranking police officials were included in the latest reorganization of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In an order dated Dec. 19, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., designated Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) chief, Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba, as the deputy chief of the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Alba replaced DHRDD director Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, who will be headed to PRO 11 (Davao Region) while Brig. Gen. Fornaleza Bearis from PRO 3 (Central Luzon) will take over as PRO 7 director.

"Somehow it’s a promotion, it’s a step towards a two-star rank, a step, makakuha ako ng (I will get a) director position, ngayon deputy muna (for now, it's deputy)," Alba told reporters.

Alba, a former PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief, had a two-month stint as PRO 7 director since he assumed the post last Oct. 13.

“All Commanders and Heads of Offices, As we are trained to follow orders due to the issued relief order published today and the upcoming turnover of office tomorrow, I may not have enough time to meet each one of you and convey my appreciation for the selfless efforts you have displayed for the past two months,” Alba said in a message to the PRO 7 media group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191127

New PH Air Force chief to continue service's key initiatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): New PH Air Force chief to continue service's key initiatives (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Maj. Gen. Stephen Parreño (Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – Newly-appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Maj. Gen. Stephen Parreño said he intends to sustain and complete all programs underlined in the "LIPAD PAF" command framework started by his predecessor.

"As I begin my tour of duty as your commanding general, let me share my vision for this task. Our accomplishment this year, guided by the 'LIPAD PAF' command program, had been truly impressive. Everyone helped achieve progress in the critical areas and I intend to sustain the implementation and eventual completion of the 'LIPAD PAF's' program’s initiative for next year," Parreño said during his assumption of command ceremony held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday.

He said this "flight plan" would allow the PAF to set its "long-term strategic direction as we transition from one horizon to another."

He was referring to the ongoing modernization program being undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its services.

"LIPAD PAF" incorporates previous development strategies for the Air Force to be "agile" in performing its mandate.

Parreño, who replaced PAF chief Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1991.

Canlas, a member of PMA Class of 1989, bowed out of the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Parreño said ongoing reforms in the organization are being done "as they believe in the institution and its future."

He also said he takes command of the PAF at a crucial point in the country's history as the Philippines now has a new president guiding in the "shift to a new normal."

"As the PAF transitions to the 3rd Horizon, it needs to further boost its current noble efforts to meet targets under the 2nd Horizon and clearly establish its direction and requirements for Horizon 3 and beyond," he added.

Parreño also said as the potent nature and value of air power in responding to contemporary security threats and challenges are fast unraveling, the PAF needs to be equally fast and adapting to evolving requirements.

"And consequently, as we fly to our destination, the Air Force will now boost its speed and accelerate and we will do so without compromising excellence and quality," he added.

Parreño also assured the public that they would continue to focus on improving its public value, accountability, good governance, and safety, as well as capability development effort.

"As I close, let me call on my fellow airmen and women to join me as we collectively reaffirm our commitment to serve and let us continue to be open to changing mindsets, paradigm shifts, and evolving environments. The transformation will not happen in a snap. We will have to work hard and work together to achieve our common goals and aspirations," he added.

He also called on troops to respond to Marcos' call for unity.

"This is an imperative for us to steward the Air Force towards our lofty goals and better serve our countrymen and our nation," Parreño said.

Before his appointment as PAF chief, he held key positions in the Air Force, which includes being vice commander, chief of air staff, chief of the PAF inspector general, deputy commander of the Air Logistics Command, deputy commander of the Air Mobility Command.

He is also a member of the PAF Flying School Class 1993 and he graduated No. 3 in this class, aside from being a "starman" in his PMA Class.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191167

Marcos confident PAF will achieve new heights under Parreño (Bio data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Marcos confident PAF will achieve new heights under Parreño (By Azer Parrocha)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) leads the change of command ceremony of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Villamor Air Base on Tuesday (Dec. 20). Maj. Gen. Stephen Parreño (right) formally assumed as new PAF chief, replacing Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr., who retired from the service. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) would achieve “new heights” under newly installed Commanding General Maj. Gen. Stephen Parreño.

Marcos made this remark after passing over the command saber from outgoing PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. to Parreño during the change-of-command ceremony at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Parreño now heads the PAF after the mandatory retirement of Canlas as the 38th PAF Commanding General.

“Allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our 39th Commanding General (Parreño). I am confident that under your leadership, the PAF will sustain its ongoing initiatives and achieve new heights in responsive service delivery for the country and for the people,” Marcos said in his speech.

He said he is also hopeful that under Parreño’s leadership, the PAF would continue to strive for honor and excellence as they fulfill their mandate to the country and the people.

Parreño is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991 where he was the lone “Starman", a highly distinguished cadet for both academics and conduct, and graduated as class salutatorian.

Before he was appointed PAF chief, Parreño held various key positions and responsibilities in his military career, among them as PAF acting vice commander, PAF chief of air staff, and Air Force inspector general chief.

He was greatly involved in the air mobility efforts of the PAF during the Battle of Marawi where he has flown as a flight commander of the C130 flights, flying to and from Guam and Arizona to the Philippines, to pick up and transport logistics to sustain the joint operations.

Parreño was a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1993 wherein he graduated No. 3 and received the Chief of Staff saber award.

He also earned the distinction as one of the very few PAF officers to complete the Curso de Estado Mayor (General Staff Course) in Madrid, Spain.

‘Credible and responsive’

Marcos, likewise, recognized the accomplishments of the PAF under Canlas’ tour of duty.

“We also extend our gratitude to him for establishing a more dependable and capable air force that protects now our airspace. Lt. Gen. Canlas, allow me to extend my gratitude, my congratulations on your successful command as the 38th commanding general of the PAF,” he said.

Under Canlas’ leadership, Marcos said the country saw an air force that is “credible and responsive” due to intensive modernization efforts, improvement of its integrated air defense system, regular conduct of aerial intelligence and reconnaissance missions, the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and the launch of flight plan 2040.

“I am proud and I am grateful to you, along with the members of the PAF and the AFP for your invaluable efforts to secure our people and our country. Lt. Gen Canlas, I hope that your service to the country over the past years has given you a sense of purpose and fulfillment as a soldier and as a Filipino,” he said.

He urged Canlas to remain steadfast in his beliefs and find more time to spend with friends and family.

Canlas, a member of the PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989, was named PAF chief on Dec. 7, 2021.

He graduated cum laude, ranked No. 5, and received the Philippine Constabulary Saber Award.

He was a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1993 wherein he graduated at the top of his class, earning the famed McMicking Award.

Canlas held several significant staff and command positions in the PAF and Armed Forces of the Philippines, which displayed his outstanding military leadership and management acumen.

Before he was appointed PAF chief, Canlas was PAF vice commander and former Air Defense Command chief.

Marcos lauded PAF troops for guarding the Philippine aerial domain and assisting in the delivery of basic services to Filipinos in close collaboration with other government agencies and even private stakeholders.

“Through your collective efforts, we will attain our goal of creating a world-class air force that keeps the peace and contributes to our national development and regional security. Be assured that this administration remains committed to the modernization of the PAF and the entire AFP. I, therefore, ask you to remain dedicated to your duties and continue to work closely with this administration as we build a safe, secure, peaceful country for the benefit of all Filipinos,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191172

N. Samar exec condemns NPA’s landmine attack vs. soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): N. Samar exec condemns NPA’s landmine attack vs. soldiers (By Sarwell Meniano)

The Northern Samar provincial capitol in Catarman town. (File photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Northern Samar provincial government has condemned the New People’s Army (NPA) for the anti-personnel mine blast that injured six soldiers just days before Christmas.

The joy of the season, according to Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan is overshadowed by the latest incident in Quirino village in Las Navas, Northern Samar on Dec. 18.

“This inhumane act is apparently a desperate attempt of the NPA to distract the people from believing and supporting the government’s peace and development efforts in the area,” Ongchuan said in a statement on Tuesday.

The soldiers tasked to secure a water system project were injured when the NPA rebels detonated a mine planted at the side of a trail.

Ongchuan expressed his sadness at how the NPA continuously used landmines which is a blatant violation of International Humanitarian Law.

The act, according to the governor, poses threat not only to the government forces who are being faithful to their duty of protecting the people but also puts the lives and safety of civilians at risk.

“In the face of these distractions, we will not retract, but will continue to pursue our peace and development efforts in conflict-ridden areas in the province,” said Ongchuan who chairs the provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

Quirino village is among the seven communities in Las Navas, Northern Samar that are recipients of the 2022 Support to Barangay Development Program, a project of the National Task Force ELCAC.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion, said the NPA plotted the attack to project that they are strong after the death of the top leaders of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

“Despite their dwindling number, they still have manufactured anti-personnel mine, which can be planted and detonated by two to four NPA members,” Buban said in a phone interview.

The NPA has been known for detonating internationally banned anti-personnel mines in the province. In 2022 alone, there were three mine blasts recorded in Northern Samar from April to July.

The military earlier said NPA rebels resort to using of banned explosives since they have no capability to face soldiers in an armed encounter.

Some remote areas in Northern Samar are considered hotbeds of armed rebels due to their thick forests and poor road networks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191126

Joma's death 'end of era': ex-Pres. Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Joma's death 'end of era': ex-Pres. Duterte (By Che Palicte)

END OF ERA. Former President Rodrigo Duterte (left) says in a Facebook post Monday (Dec. 19, 2022) that the passing of Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison, the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, marks the end of an era for communist insurgency. Duterte notes that Sison is known for his radical ideas that affected the course of the country’s history and birthed the communist New People’s Army. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – Former President Rodrigo Duterte said the passing of Jose Maria “Joma” Sison, the founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), marks the end of an era for communist insurgency.

“His death certainly marks the end of an era, and it is my hope that with it, the end of insurgencies in the Philippines and the revolutionary movement that he has founded as well,” Duterte said in a Facebook post on Monday.

On Dec. 17, the CPP announced that Sison, 83, died after a two-week confinement in a hospital in the Netherlands.

Duterte said Sison is known for his radical ideas that affected the course of the country’s history and birthed a movement New People’s Army (NPA), that carries on up to this day.

“While Mr. Sison and I have had many disagreements – especially in the ways in which he chose to pursue and effect change in the country – I would like to believe that, at the end of the day, we shared the same dream of creating a better future for every Filipino,” he said.

The former president also urged the Filipinos to carry on the work of building a more harmonious and united country for the present and future generations.

“My sincerest condolences to his family and I pray that the Lord Almighty grants him and our country peace,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Arian Jane Ramos, the former secretary of the NPA Guerrilla Front 55 under the group's Southern Mindanao Regional Command, said the death of “Ka Joma” does not mark the end of the communist insurgency, but showed that the People's Democratic Revolution's (PDR) purported victory in the Philippines was "a total hoax."

“It has been more than five decades since the launch of the PDR, but there is no light to enjoy the people’s glory. Joma just died, but even he did not see it anymore as it was all promises, dreams that turned into lies,” Ramos said.

She said Joma’s death should "serve as a lesson for everyone," especially for the people who continue to support or operate under the NPA movement.

Ramos believes the death of the CPP founder will further motivate the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the government to take immediate action to answer the main causes of communist insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191139

10 ex-communist group members, supporters in C. Luzon surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): 10 ex-communist group members, supporters in C. Luzon surrender (By Zorayda Tecson)

SURRENDERED. The weapons turned over by a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Central Luzon over the weekend. Brig. Gen. Cesar R. Pasiwen, director of the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon), said Tuesday (Dec. 20, 2022) that 10 communist group members and supporters surrendered to authorities this past weekend. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – Ten former members of communist groups and communist front organizations have withdrawn their support from the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and pledged allegiance to the national government.

In his report on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Cesar R. Pasiwen, director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon), said the withdrawal of support was made over the weekend by one former NPA member, five former members of Anak Pawis, and one each from the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-Tarlac-Zambales, Milisyang Bayan, Gabriela, and Underground Mass Organization in Bulacan, Bataan, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Pasiwen said the former rebels likewise turned over to the authorities their firearms and ammunition.

He said the continuous joint efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and its persistent campaign against terrorism resulted in the voluntary withdrawal of support from the communist groups.

He noted that the peace engagement activities of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) being carried out by the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, such as information dissemination, and situational interviews made the former communist rebels aware of the government's programs and the opportunity to change their lives.

Pasiwen said the RTF-ELCAC-3 would continue the whole-of-nation approach against communist rebels to achieve peace and national unity.

“We encourage other members of the communist terrorist groups to return to the fold of the law, go back to their communities, and have renewed lives,” he said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191149

Student leaders urged to be proactive vs. communist insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Student leaders urged to be proactive vs. communist insurgency (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

PEACE ENGAGEMENT. Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the Philippine Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade; Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11th Infantry Battalion commanding officer; and Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental Vice Mayor Karl Patrick Jardiniano (from left) are in a huddle after a local peace engagement in Tamlang Valley on Dec. 16, 2022. The brigade commander has cautioned student leaders and parents to be wary of CPP-NPA recruitment on campuses. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A ranking Philippine Army official in Negros Oriental has cautioned student leaders against the possible recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in their respective campuses.

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, said some young people with “links” to the CPP-NPA have enrolled as scholars in a university.

Peña declined to mention the name of the school but he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Tuesday that it is in one of the campuses north of the province.

He said the schools must pay attention to the activities of their students because there is an unnoticed entry of these individuals to the campuses.

“Their main objective is to recruit, so it is much better that faculty members, the Department of Education, and the Commission on Higher Education must be observant and vigilant with what is taking place in their schools,” he said in mixed English and Filipino.

Peña said students are encouraged to join campus-based organizations because it helps them become mature in their thinking but parents and guardians must also constantly check on their children and their activities on and off campus.

He disclosed that a video clip recovered by government troops from one of the encounters with rebels showed that the CPP-NPA had a chat group with students although he declined to elaborate.

“We have to protect the lives of these young people who we always say are the country’s future leaders and the hope of the nation,” Peña said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191156

Ex-communist rebels, supporters in Aurora get livelihood aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Ex-communist rebels, supporters in Aurora get livelihood aid (By Jason De Asis)

LIVELIHOOD INTERVENTIONS. Three people's organizations, which members are former communist rebels and supporters, receive livelihood assistance from the Provincial Agriculture Office in Aurora and the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry Battalion at the 91IB headquarters in Baler town, Aurora on Tuesday (Dec. 20, 2022). The livelihood assistance include 6,000 tilapia fingerlings and assorted vegetable seeds. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – The Provincial Agriculture Office in Aurora, in collaboration with the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB), on Tuesday provided livelihood assistance to three people’s organizations (POs) here.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., commander of 91IB, said the groups, which members are composed of former communist rebels and supporters, received 6,000 tilapia fingerlings and assorted vegetable seeds that could help them start new lives as they reintegrate into mainstream society.

Recto said the PO-beneficiaries were the members of the Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Dicaluyongan (2nd Group of Masaganang Perlas ng Silanganan sa Aurora Province-MAPSAP), Solo Parents Association and Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Camalatan Nonong Sr. Association.

He said the three POs got 2,000 fingerlings each, and assorted vegetable seeds as part of the livelihood intervention programs.

“The Philippine Army and other concerned agencies will do their best to give our POs more livelihood assistance. We would like them to be transformed and productive. Hopefully, this livelihood assistance will become sustainable,” Recto said in an interview.

Senior Agriculturist Danilo Enguera thanked the 91IB for its initiative as he expressed the provincial government’s full support to the beneficiaries.

“This activity is what we called gaining the trust of our people. The provincial government is always doing its part to help you. Whatever livelihood interventions and technology training, we should do our part for economic growth,” Enguera said.

Ka Eric Samolde, a member of the Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Dicaluyongan, thanked the 91IB and other concerned agencies for all the support and services provided to them.

Samolde asked his co-PO members not to waste the opportunities being provided by the government.

“I am very grateful for all the support coming to us. Pagkatapos ng 30 taong mahigit ko sa kilusan ay nabigyan kami ng pagkakataon na makapagbagong buhay. Hindi na patago-tago. Huwag nating sayangin ang pagkakataong ito at patuloy nating pagyamanin ang mga ayuda na ibinibigay ng gobyerno sa atin gayundin na makatulong din tayo sa iba pa nating mga kasamahan. Samantalahin natin ang pagkakataong ito (In my more than 30 years in the underground organization, we were given an opportunity to change our lives. No more hiding. Let us not waste this opportunity and continue to enrich the assistance being provided by the government to us and at the same time, we can help our other fellows. Let us take this opportunity),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191159

Ex-NPA rebels in NegOcc receive P280-K livelihood grant

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels in NegOcc receive P280-K livelihood grant (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

LIVELIHOOD AID. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (2nd from left) turns over a livelihood grant of PHP20,000 to a former New People's Army rebel, in the presence of Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Merle Garcia in rites held at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Monday (Dec. 19, 2022). A total of 14 beneficiaries received the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Sustainable Livelihood Program Livelihood Settlement Grant under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
(Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)

 
BACOLOD CITY – A total of 14 former New People's Army (NPA) rebels have received PHP280,000 in livelihood grants from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as part of the government assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

Capt. Elizaldy Responzo, civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), said Tuesday that five of the recipients surrendered through their unit.

Seven yielded through the 62nd IB, and the remaining two through the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

These former rebels include combatants and Yunit Militia members, he added.

The recipients, who received PHP20,000 each, were from the cities of Sagay and Escalante, as well as the municipality of Isabela.

The assistance was turned over by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in the presence of Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, in rites held at the Provincial Capitol on Monday.

The former rebels also received food packs from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

In a statement, Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, commanding officer of 79IB, said they work with other government agencies to help facilitate the benefits intended for the former rebels.

"They are now in a better position to have sustainable source of livelihood that would aid them in integrating back to the society, and be productive citizens and agents of peace in their respective communities," he added.

The beneficiaries received the DSWD - Sustainable Livelihood Program’s Livelihood Settlement Grant under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The special livelihood intervention provides former rebels and their respective families with PHP20,000, to be used as their seed capital fund in starting a small business or income-generating project of their choice.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1191176