Eastmincom on red alert after magnitude 7.4 quake, Marawi bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4, 2023): Eastmincom on red alert after magnitude 7.4 quake, Marawi bombing (By Alexander Lopez)

ON ALERT. Troops from Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) who are part of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response teams are immediately deployed Saturday night (Dec. 2, 2023) to assist in disaster response following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Mindanao, particularly Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental. Eastmincom also announced on Monday (Dec. 4) that it is on red alert status after the strong tremor and the deadly Marawi bombing on Sunday (Dec. 3). (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom)

BUTUAN CITY – The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) is on red alert following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that hit Caraga Region and the deadly explosion in Marawi City.

In a statement Monday afternoon, Eastmincom said intensified checkpoint operations are being conducted in its areas of responsibility, including bus boarding operations, foot and water patrols, and enhanced troop visibility in crowded areas.

In Davao City, the command said heightened security operations are being conducted in coordination with the Davao City Police Office.

Intensified intelligence monitoring and security operations are also in place through a systematized and coordinated security scheme among cognizant units, especially in places of convergence, to ensure public safety during the holiday season.

Disaster response

In the Caraga Region, particularly in Surigao del Sur, Eastmincom said it has already deployed a total of 30 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) teams to assist the local government units affected by the recent strong earthquake.

The teams were deployed in the town of Hinatuan and other coastal areas in Surigao del Sur and parts of Davao Oriental since Dec. 2.

“The troops promptly conducted mobile security patrol, transportation assistance, monitoring, and ocular inspection for any infrastructure damages, and other humanitarian assistance activities in collaboration with the local government units and relevant agencies to aid affected communities, especially the coastal towns of Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental,” Eastmincom said.

It noted that at least 16 schools, 543 houses, 38 buildings, and four bridges were either partially or damaged in the two provinces.

Some 13,401 families, comprising 61,791 individuals, with 14 reported injuries and three confirmed deaths were also recorded in the two provinces during the strong tremor, the command said.

Not letting guards down

"We assure everyone that we are on top of the situation. Although Marawi City is far from our area, we have alerted our troops to heighten their security operations to prevent possible spillover of terrorist atrocities in Eastern Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Eastmincom commander, was quoted as saying.

Government forces are not "letting its guards down" following the deadly bombing in Marawi City on Sunday, Almerol added.

He also urged the residents to promptly report any suspicious individuals or groups of people in their area to authorities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214849

Military ops vs. NPA to continue amid efforts to resume peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4, 2023): Military ops vs. NPA to continue amid efforts to resume peace talks (By Perla Lena and John Rey Saavedra)

SEIZED FIREARMS. Some of the firearms confiscated from members of the New People's Army in recent encounters. Visayas Command chief, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, said on Monday (Dec. 4, 2023) that the military offensive against insurgents will continue while the Marcos administration is exploring the possibility of resuming talks with the National Democratic Front. (Photo courtesy of Viscom PIO)

CEBU CITY – Soldiers in the Visayas will continue its operations against communist rebels and engage communities in localized peace initiatives despite the Marcos administration’s expression of readiness to reopen peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF), an Army official said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Visayas Command (Viscom) commander, said while the national government is doing exploratory talks for the possible return of the peace negotiation, the military would continue its ground operations.

Arevalo said they are committed to end the local communist armed conflict.

“With that, our focused military operation will continue, as well as our localized peace engagement with those NPA terrorists who would like to return to the fold of the law. Our efforts will never waver, as we remain committed to ending the local communist armed conflict in this part of the country,” Arevalo said in a statement.

The Viscom chief urged the few remaining members of the communists in the region not to rely on the ongoing talks between the government and the representatives of NDF.

He maintained that their focused military operations will continue as there is no finality yet in holding the talks.

“We will never stop pursuing them, unless directed by higher authority,” he added.

Arevalo’s statement came as Viscom reported the command’s accomplishments against the communist rebels in the Visayas for November.

Last week, Viscom held a four-day Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) project implementation workshop and a briefing about last month’s gains.

Fifteen government-initiated armed encounters resulted in the neutralization of 77 rebels and confiscation of 38 firearms, including seven anti-personnel mines.

In a separate statement, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division credited the successful anti-insurgency campaign in Western and Central Visayas to the convergence of government resources under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

In its accomplishment report released on Monday, the division said over five years since Executive Order (EO) 70 mandated the creation of the task force, 272 formerly insurgency-affected barangays from the two regions benefitted from the support to barangay development program (SBDP) projects worth over PHP3 billion.

“The projects include farm-to-market roads, electrification projects, school buildings, health initiatives, drainage and potable water systems, assistance to needy individuals, and support for local farmers with equipment and inputs,” the statement said.

The relentless campaign, combatant and non-combatant approaches, led to the neutralization of 612 leaders and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and the surrender of 1,217 members of Militia ng Bayan/Yunit Militia.

Among the neutralized regular NPAs, 151 were killed in encounters, 296 surrendered, and 165 were captured and apprehended.

Of their 284 armed engagements, the 3ID seized or recovered 781 firearms, consisting of 200 high-powered and 581 low-powered guns.

Further, 982 former rebels received benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), composed of immediate and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, and reintegration aid.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214825

C. Visayas cops engage Muslim leaders, youth for peace dialogues

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5, 2023): C. Visayas cops engage Muslim leaders, youth for peace dialogues (By John Rey Saavedra)

'SALAAM' MEETING. Muslim leaders recite prayers before their meeting with officials of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) at the Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City on Tuesday (Dec. 5, 2023). The meeting aims to promote cooperation amid the recent bombing of the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City on Sunday (Dec. 2, 2023). (Photo courtesy of PRO-7 PIO)

CEBU CITY – Amid the recent bombing at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Visayas (Region 7) on Tuesday engaged Muslim leaders and youth volunteers to promote peace in Cebu and the region.

Brig. General Anthony Aberin presided over a meeting with the Muslim leaders in Region 7 at the PRO-7 headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. to pitch in cooperation and coordination in ensuring peace and prevent spillover of violence amid the bombing incident that killed four and injured at least 50 last Sunday.

The event, he said, would also “guarantee that our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community are not discriminated, oppressed, or singled out.”

Aberin also engaged young volunteers from Zamboanga Peninsula in a three-day Youth-Salaam Volunteers Facilitator’s Course that started Tuesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel here.

The training for Muslim youth volunteers has been supported by the US government, said Aberin.

“You will be the hope of the future, of course for Zamboanga and nearby provinces, and especially now that recently, maybe you know what happened in Marawi. We don’t want that thing to happen in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, or Tawi-Tawi or Lanao del Sur or other places, especially in Cebu, not in my time,” Aberin told the youth volunteers in his keynote speech.

Aberin pledged more engagement activities like volunteer training program for the youth to prevent any spillover of the violence in MSU.

“When you go back to your different barangays, you can re-echo what you have learned here,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214911

ELCAC caravan of services benefits 2K from 9 remote Antique villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 5, 2023): ELCAC caravan of services benefits 2K from 9 remote Antique villages (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

CARAVAN OF SERVICES. Barangay officials in the Municipality of San Remigio assist in distributing family food packs to their constituents during the caravan of services in Barangay Sumaray on Tuesday (Dec. 5, 2023). San Remigio Municipal Mayor Margarito Mission, Jr. said in his message that the caravan has already benefitted all the 45 barangays of their municipality. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The caravan of services organized by the provincial task force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) benefitted around 2,000 residents of nine remote barangays in the municipality of San Remigio in Antique on Tuesday.

“We are holding the caravan of services here in Barangay Sumaray because it is the catchment area for the last eight remaining barangays,” said San Remigio Municipal Mayor Margarito Mission, Jr. in his message.

The half-day caravan offered free medical and dental services; the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Antique Provincial SWD distributed used clothing and food packs; and law enforcement agencies gave out various items like slippers, water containers; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided school supplies.

Aside from Sumaray, other barangays served by the ELCAC included Panpanan I, Panpanan II, Walker, Lumpatan, Orquia, Insubuan, Lapak, and Rizal.

“There were residents who even had their tooth extraction for the first time by a dentist,” Mission said.

The ELCAC has been carrying out the caravan of services for four successive years to bring government services even in the remotest barangays in Antique.

Mission said the caravan has already benefitted the municipality's 45 barangays.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214915

Bangsamoro solons condemn MSU bombing

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6, 2023): Bangsamoro solons condemn MSU bombing

(Photo courtesy of Office of Bangsamoro MP Diamila Disimban-Ramos)

COTABATO CITY – Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament filed on Tuesday a resolution expressing their “strongest condemnation” of the Dec. 3 bombing at a Mass inside the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City.

In a news release on Wednesday, the lawmakers said the resolution emphasized the free exercise and enjoyment of religious professions and worship without discrimination or preference shall forever be allowed, as stated in Section 5 and Article 3 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

"We stand in solidarity with the community of peace, urging adherence to safety protocols set by local authorities, and together, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society rooted in tolerance, respect, and lasting peace,” it added.

It was principally authored by Members of Parliament (MPs) Diamila Disimban-Ramos, Ali Montaha Babao, Don Mustapha Loong, Nabila Pangandaman, Michael Midtimbang, Kadil Sinolinding Jr., and Rasol Mitmug Jr. and co-authored by Members of Parliament Ali Solaiman, Mudjib Abu, Suwaib Oranon, Kelie Antao, Tawakal Midtimbang, Basir Utto, Ramon Piang Sr., Tarhata Maglangit, Khalid Hadji Abdullah, Abdulazis Amenoden, Abdullah Gayak, Abdullah Macapaar, Faizal Karon, Said Sheikh, Amroussi Macatanong, Rasul Ismael, Abdulkarim Misuari, Randolph Parcasio, Dan Asnawie, Bassit Abas, and Denmartin Kahalan.

The Bangsamoro government also condemned this heinous act of violence.

“In this moment of grief and shock, let us come together as a community, embracing one another with compassion and solidarity. The MSU is an academic institution that has always welcomed people of different faiths and we must see to it that this tradition will endure these times of tribulations,” part of the official statement of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim.

“Ensuring the safety of students and the community remains our top priority. We are working closely with the proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this abhorrent act and establish measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future,” part of the official statement of BTA Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong.

The Office of MP Disimban-Ramos extended its sympathies to the families of the casualties and those affected by this tragedy.

“Islam strongly prohibits such acts of violence and emphasizes the sanctity of human life. It is particularly heart-wrenching to acknowledge that most of the victims were students, engaging in the pure act of practicing their faith. This attack on young individuals, at a place and time of spiritual reflection, only adds to the severity of this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the victims, the injured, and all those affected by this tragedy,” Ramos said.

On Sunday, Ramos sent assistance such as rice and grocery items to the victims who were then being treated at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, MSU Infirmary Hospital, and MSU Dormitory.

Due to fear, "others did not go out and chose to stay in their respective dormitories while the situation was still hot."

Ramos’ office also posted on its official social media accounts the interviews with Genevive Tirsion, a second-year psychology student, and Maria Rowena Lauree, a resident of MSU Main Campus, both victims of the bombing.

“Yung iba po talaga na need is yung financial lalo sa mga kailangang operahan at ‘yung basic needs. Pero hindi lang po financial support but also psychological support kasi iba po ‘yung trauma (The other thing that really needs attention is the financial, especially for those who need surgery, and the basic needs. But it is not just financial support but also psychological support because of trauma),” Tirsion said.

Meanwhile, Lauree said she felt like the explosion came from under her seat.

“May katabi ako na humingi siya ng tulong sa akin, binuhat ko siya pero hindi ko siya kayang buhatin, estudyante siya. Kaya lumabas po ako at humingi na ako ng tulong (There was someone next to me asking for help. I lifted him, but I couldn't; he was a student. So, I went out and asked for help,” Lauree said.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., said the government is working closely with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the concerned local government units for their swift response in this matter.

Vice President Sara Duterte expressed condolences and called on all Filipinos, especially Mindanaoans, to be calm while the authorities conduct their investigation and “to be careful and vigilant so that we can prevent further attacks on civilians."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214945

Military in E. Visayas says no let up in localized peace efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6, 2023): Military in E. Visayas says no let up in localized peace efforts (By Sarwell Meniano)

ENDING INSURGENCY. A rebel showing soldiers the location of buried firearms in this Oct. 1, 2023 photo. The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas vowed to continue its localized peace engagement meant to end insurgency despite an agreement to revive peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas would continue its localized peace engagement (LPE) meant to end insurgency despite efforts to revive negotiations between the national government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, said the LPE has been very effective in their campaign to encourage rebels to surrender.

“The peace talks at the national level and our localized peace engagement have different objectives. Even if there are negotiations between top government officials and NDF leaders, we will continue what we have been doing on the ground,” Vestuir said in a phone interview Wednesday.

Since the transfer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade from Leyte to Eastern Samar last June 2023, there have been 25 NPA members, 19 Militia ng Bayan members, and 61 underground mass organization members who surrendered to local authorities.

These surrenderers from some parts of Eastern Samar and Samar provinces have turned over or revealed the locations of 33 assorted firearms and 12 banned anti-personnel mines.

The major undertaking under the Brigade’s LPE is the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE Families) project the Eastern Samar provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict.

Family members of active NPA members and supporters have been capacitated to negotiate for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones and family members with active support from third-party peace advocates, former rebels, local government units, non-government organizations, religious sectors, and other key actors.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214959

Vestuir said the LPE has significantly contributed to the weakening of NPA in the southern part of Samar Island.

Early this year, two active NPA platoons in the area had six squads. Through LPE, the squads went down to four.

Last month, the Philippine government and the NDF agreed to a "principled and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict" through the Oslo Joint Communique. The NPA is the NDF’s armed wing.

S. Kudarat guv offers P1-M bounty on MSU-Marawi bombers

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 6, 2023): S. Kudarat guv offers P1-M bounty on MSU-Marawi bombers (By Edwin Fernandez)

Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu. (File photo courtesy of Sultan Kudarat PIO)

KORONADAL CITY – Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu has offered a PHP1 million reward for any information on the identification, whereabouts, and eventual arrest of persons behind the Mindanao State University gymnasium bombing in Marawi City.

"We condemn this barbaric, terroristic, and inhumane act. This kind of act could not be justified for any reason," Mangudadatu said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said the bounty hopes to help fast-track the investigation "so that justice will be served" to the victims of the Dec. 3 blast at a Catholic mass inside MSU-Marawi’s Dimaporo gymnasium that left four dead and 50 injured.

During the Soccsksargen Regional Development Council (RDC-12) meeting here on Monday, Mangudadatu said the bomb attack "should not be something that would cause division among the Muslims and the Christians."

RDC-12 passed Resolution 253 condemning the MSU-Marawi bombing.

Mangudadatu appealed to the people of Mindanao to remain calm and allow authorities to resolve the crime "to help prevent the situation from worsening."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1214960

Body of slain NPA fighter claimed, another wounded in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2023): Body of slain NPA fighter claimed, another wounded in Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion seize an M16 rifle with long and short magazines, as well as personal belongings, after a clash with New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City Thursday morning (Dec. 7, 2023). It is the second gun battle in central Negros since Wednesday after 62nd Infantry Battalion soldiers clashed with a group of NPA fighters, resulting in the death of one of the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – The family of the slain New People’s Army (NPA) fighter in Negros Occidental claimed his body on Thursday, a day after he and his comrades encountered troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan town.

The 62IB identified the fatality as Braulio “Bruno” Tobalado, a member of Central Negros Front 1, as confirmed by a former comrade who has surrendered and is now a peace advocate of the Army.

After the Binalbagan encounter, troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion also clashed with a group of NPA fighters from Central Negros Front 2 on Thursday morning, which wounded one of the rebels in the adjacent Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Soldiers saw the fleeing rebels drag their wounded comrade, according to a report from the 3rd Infantry Division (ID).

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, acknowledged the vigilance of the locals in providing information to the soldiers, who responded quickly and thwarted the extortion activities of the NPA.

“This once again proves that when government forces and the people unite and work together, it becomes easier to suppress the terroristic actions of the communist-terrorist group,” he added.

After the skirmish on Wednesday, 62IB troops recovered a Garand rifle and a caliber .45 pistol, while on Thursday, soldiers of 94IB found an M16 rifle with long and short magazines.

(https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215043

MSU Marawi to resume classes with heightened security

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 7, 2023): MSU Marawi to resume classes with heightened security (By Nef Luczon)

SUPPORT. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Lanao del Sur delivers its second wave of relief operations for Mindanao State University students living in cottages and dormitories inside the campus in Marawi City on Wednesday (Dec. 6, 2023). Some 660 beneficiaries received 10 kilograms of rice, food packs, and hygiene kits. (Photo courtesy of Lanao del Sur Provincial Government)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Mindanao State University (MSU) Main Campus in Marawi City is set to resume its classes next week after the Dec. 3 blast that killed four and injured scores of mass goers.

In a memo released on Thursday, MSU president Basari Mapupuno said mental health support would be provided during the reopening of classes on Dec. 11.

"Recognizing the emotional impact of the recent incident, the university will continually provide readily available mental health and psychosocial support services to all students and faculty," Mapupuno said.

The university was supposed to conduct final examinations this month to end the semester before the explosion incident.

Mapupuno said the MSU administration would provide special accommodation to the blast survivors, who will be exempted from complying with academic requirements during the period of their recovery.

The MSU administration, together with the Lanao del Sur provincial government, will also provide free transportation from Dec. 9 and 10 for students in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; Malabang town, Lanao del Sur; and in this city.

Records from the MSU Incident Command Center showed that of the 14,855 students this semester, 1,984, or 13.11 percent, are reported to have returned to their homes outside Marawi City.

As a guarantee to the returning students, the MSU administration will implement heightened security measures, which include the deployment of K-9 units and barangay peacekeeping action teams.

The police and military will also conduct checkpoints and security.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office also distributed its second wave of relief operations for some 660 MSU students living in cottages and dormitories on Wednesday.

Other cash assistance, medical, and burial expenses were also pledged by other stakeholders and local government units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215053

9 DI slain in AFP air, ground assaults in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8, 2023): 9 DI slain in AFP air, ground assaults in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

ARTILLERY. The Armed Forces of the Philippines' ATMOS 155mm caliber self-propelled artillery after it conduced strikes on the position of Dawlah Islamiya terror group in the Maguindanao marshland on Thursday (Dec. 7, 2023). The military said at least nine terrorists were killed. (Photo courtesy of DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan)

CARMEN, North Cotabato – At least nine Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group members were killed during air and ground assaults by the military in the Maguindanao marshland on Thursday, the Army said.

“We counted about nine local terrorists killed in the operation,” Capt. Dexter Ruma, chief of civil-military operations of the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, said, citing reports from village officials and ground troops directly involved in the operation.

In an interview Friday, Ruma said 10 DI members were also injured from the strikes using Israeli-made autonomous truck mounted howitzer system (ATMOS) self-propelled artillery canons.

Ruma said some 100 families in Dalgan, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, fled to safer grounds when the 4 a.m. operation started.

No civilians were hurt during the operation, the Army official said, adding that the evacuees were being attended to by the local government unit.

Ruma said they carried out the strikes immediately after intelligence information confirmed that DI members were massing in the marshland.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215115

Recuperating from illness

Recuperating from illness. Will try to get blog back up soon.

Best regards,

Retired Analyst

CPP/NPA-Western Samar: Kundenahin ang walang habas na pambobomba ng 87th IB sa mga sakahan sa Western Samar at pagpatay ng 63rd IB sa isang lolo at 2-taong gulang nitong apo!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 20, 2023): Kundenahin ang walang habas na pambobomba ng 87th IB sa mga sakahan sa Western Samar at pagpatay ng 63rd IB sa isang lolo at 2-taong gulang nitong apo! (Condemn the 87th IB's indiscriminate bombing of farms in Western Samar and the 63rd IB's killing of a grandfather and his 2-year-old grandson!)

 


NPA-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command)

Eastern Visayas Regional Operational Command (Efren Martires Command)

New People's Army

October 20, 2023

Mahigpit na kinukundena ng Arnulfo Ortiz Command (NPA-Western Samar-AOC) ang inihahasik na terorismo ng 87th IB. Tampok ang walang habas na panganganyon nito sa mga sakahan sa mga Barangay ng San Nicolas at Barangay Aguingayan sa San Jose de Buan. Umabot na sa pitong araw at gabi ang pambobomba ng 105mm at 155mm howitzer na nagsimula noong September 23 hanggang Setyembre 29.

Noong Setyembre 23 nagpasabog ng hindi bababa sa 17 bomba mula sa howitzer ang narinig ng mga residente mula alas-8 ng gabi hanggang alas-4 ng madaling araw. Noong Setyembre 24, hindi bababa sa 30 na bomba ang pinakawalan mula sa mga howitzer mula sa bayan ng San Jose de Buan. Lubha itong ikinatakot ng mga naninirahan sa magkakaratig barangay. Pinagbawalan ng mga militar ang mga magsasaka na anihin ang kanilang mga palay dahil sa pambobomba.

Lubhang ikinababahala ng mga magsasaka na mabulok ang kanilang mga palay kung hindi agad maani lalo na ngayon na mahal ang presyo ng bigas. Hindi lamang ngayon ang pangyayari na nabulok lamang ang kanilang pinaghirapan dahil sa pag-atake ng pesteng militar. Sabi nga ng mga parag-uma (magsasaka) mabuti pang atakehin ng mga pesteng kulisap at daga ang kanilang palay wag lang atakehin ng mga pesteng militar. Kahit papano ay may naaani pa sila kahit atakehin ng mga kulisap at daga pero kapag ang militar ang umatake talo pa nito ang kahit anong peste dahil wala na silang maaning palay. Sa halip ay labis na takot at kagutuman ang kanilang naaani.

Sa isang banda natigil na din maging ang pasok ng eskwela sa bayan ng Buan matapos na pauwiin ng mga titser ang mga estudyante dahil sa takot sa sunod-sunod na panganganyon mula sa San Jose de Buan.

Magkahalong takot at galit ang nararamdaman ng mamamayan sa walang habas na pambobomba dahil naliligalig ang kanilang mapayapang pamumuhay, nawawasak ang kabuhayan at troma na dulot nito sa mamamayan, laluna sa mga bata at kababaihan.

Samantala, sobrang galit ng kapamilya at kababaryo dahil sa walang awang pagpatay sa kanilang kabarangay na si Ronie Obiado at 2-taong gulang nitong apo na pinatay ng mga elemento ng 63rd IB. Hindi pa rin nakikita ang asawa ni Ronie Obiado hanggang sa ngayon.

Ang pagptay sa maglolo at walang habas na pagbomba ay ganting-salaya sa ilang magkakasunod na bigwas ng NPA sa lugar na nakapatay at puminsala sa malaking bilang ng kaaway. Galit na galit ang militar sa patuloy na suporta ng masa sa kanilang hukbo.

Lalo lamang itinutulak ng militar ang mamamayan na humawak ng armas para ipagtanggol ang kanilang karapatang-tao at kabuhayan. Patuloy na lalaban ang mamamayan sa panlilinlang at pananakot ng mga berdugong militar.

Nanawagan ang Arnulfo Ortiz Command sa lahat ng mamamayan na sumama sa NPA para labanan ang terorismo ng militar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kundenahin-ang-walang-habas-na-pambobomba-ng-87th-ib-sa-mga-sakahan-sa-western-samar-at-pagpatay-ng-63rd-ib-sa-isang-lolo-at-2-taong-gulang-nitong-apo/

CPP/NPA-Western Samar: 63rd IB, 802nd Brigade at 8th ID, Child Murderer!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 20, 2023): 63rd IB, 802nd Brigade at 8th ID, Child Murderer! (63rd IB, 802nd Brigade and 8th ID, Child Murderer!)

 


NPA-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command)

Eastern Visayas Regional Operational Command (Efren Martires Command)

New People's Army

October 20, 2023

Kinukundena ng Arnulfo Ortiz Command (AOC-Western Samar) ang 63rd IB na walang awang pumatay sa isang magsasaka na si Ronie Obiado at apo nito na 2-taong gulang na si Intoy sa Sityo Salvacion, San Jose de Buan, Western Samar noong Setyembre 25, 2023. Hindi inireport ng 63rd IB at 8th ID na inistraping nito ang bahay ni Obiado kung saan kasama nito sa bahay ang asawa at isang apo.

Samantala, hanggang sa ngayon ay hindi pa natatagpuan ang asawa ni Obiado na isang katutubo. Nakatakbo ang mag-asawa na anak ni Obiado matapos na basta na lamang pagbabarilin ang kanilang bahay. Sa ulat ng anak ni Obiado pagbungad pa lamang ng mga sundalo ay nagpaputok na kaya naiwan niya ang anak. Ang kawawang sibilyan na nananahimik sa kanilang tahanan ang ginantihan ng 63rd IB matapos na mapatayan sila sa dalawang magkasunod na bigwas ng NPA noong Setyembre 23 at 24.

Nanawagan kami sa mga institusyon sa karapatang-tao na imbestigahan ang pagpatay. Singilin at pagbayarin ang 63rd IB, 802nd Brigade at 8th ID sa kanilang Pagpatay kay Obiado at sa apo nito.

Hustisya para sa pamilya Obiado!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/63rd-ib-802nd-brigade-at-8th-id-child-murderer/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: 3ID ramping up lie after lie to justify own war crimes–NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 16, 2023): 3ID ramping up lie after lie to justify own war crimes–NPA

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

October 16, 2023

The Apolinario Gatmaitan Command-New People’s Army Negros Island Regional Operational Command (AGC-NPA) lambasted on Monday 3rd Infantry Division commander MGen. Marion Sison for his feeble attempts last week to cover up the Philippine Army’s bloody trail on Negros Island.

AGC-NPA spokesperson Ka Maoche Legislador in a statement pointed out that Sison’s claims were made “in obvious despair, after their sustained operations have only resulted to slaughter and irreversible war crimes.”

According to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-Negros in its newspaper’s special report this weekend, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) have committed 485 cases of human rights violations on Negros Island, involving 36,266 victims under the Marcos II regime. Fifty-three of the total cases directly involved more than 200 minors.

“It would be an understatement that their continuing focused military operations are a waste of tax payer’s money, especially because they are constantly targeting innocent civilians and children who have had it with their brutality and deception,” Legislador commented.

“The AFP fails to downplay their crimes ad misericordiam when it is their continued violation of human rights that has seriously impacted the people’s sense of security in the countryside,” he said.

The masses know the whole truth that it is the AFP who are the genuine terrorists committing heinous acts against civilians and the defenseless, the rebel spokesperson added.
Guerrilla fronts intact

Legislador also called the 3rd ID’s declaration of two additional ‘dismantled’ guerrilla fronts on Negros Island as “nothing but hogwash.”

He said that Sison and his gang of butchers and liars are trying in vain to save their tarnished egos and reputation after their counterrevolutionary war unsuccessfully doused the revolutionary spirit of the fighting masses in Negros.

According to Legislador, up to now the five guerrilla fronts remain intact and continue to advance the people’s protracted war in the countryside.

He asserted that the AFP’s basis for ‘dismantled guerrilla fronts’ is based on a “broken rubric of forced surrenderees, fake encounters, murders and massacres, and several other disgusting lies” that cannot be extricated by mere statements.

“The people of Negros know the truth and the NPA will continue to flourish so long as war crimes are perpetrated by state forces in the name of their elite masters,” he said.

“Red fighters, unlike the military and police, strictly adhere to revolutionary justice and international humanitarian law,” Legislador explained. “Revolutionary violence is more necessary now when the ruling system is defended by the likes of Sison who kill the people through hunger or bullets,” he added.
BDP’s real intention

Legislador also criticized the so-called Barangay Development Program (BDP) that is “actually intended to usher in local and foreign businesses destructive to the environment and livelihoods of the poor, such as mining, quarrying, dam projects, and reclamation.”

He added that the BDP lures the people in by pretending to bring social services to the countryside, but in reality these are just to cushion the coercion and intimidation of the people to allow the entry of destructive businesses in their communities.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/3id-ramping-up-lie-after-lie-to-justify-own-war-crimes-npa/

CPP/NPA-Batangas: Teroristang 59th IBPA na nagmamalupit sa mga magsasaka ng Batangas, tinambangan ng NPA!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 17, 2023): Teroristang 59th IBPA na nagmamalupit sa mga magsasaka ng Batangas, tinambangan ng NPA! (Terrorist 59th IBPA who brutalized the farmers of Batangas, ambushed by the NPA!)

 


Gregorio Caraig

Spokesperson

NPA-Batangas (Eduardo Dagli Command)

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

October 17, 2023

Taas kamaong binabati ng Eduardo Dagli Command (EDC) at ng rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa lalawigan ng Batangas ang isang yunit nito sa matagumpay na pananambang sa tropa ng teroristang 59th IBPA na ilang linggo nang nagmamalupit sa mga magsasaka sa kabundukan ng Lobo, Batangas.

Oktubre 16, 9:45 ng umaga, matagumpay na tinambangan ng isang yunit ng EDC ang isang iskwad ng teroristang 59th IBPA sa Barangay Bignay, Lobo, Batangas. Nasapol ng command-detonated explosive (CDX) at mga putok ng BHB ang mga pasista. Lima ang kumpirmadong kaswalti sa hanay ng berdugong 59th IBPA habang ligtas namang nakaatras ang yunit ng BHB nang walang anumang pinsala matapos nito.

Noon namang Oktubre 15, ganap na alas-9 ng umaga, sa parehong barangay, matagumpay na nakapaglunsad ng aktibong pagdepensa ang isang bahagi ng yunit ng BHB laban sa isinagawang pananambang ng yunit ng 59thIBPA sa Barangay Bignay. Mahusay nilang nakuha ang inisyatiba at nang masegurado na ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pulang mandirigma ay agad na nagkasa ng kontra-opensiba ang yunit at pinaputukan ang humahabol na tropa ng kaaway. Hindi na nakaganti ng putok ang mga pasista dahil sa kanilang nakamit na pinsala at nag-uunahang nagpulasan.

Ang mga pwersa ng 59th IBPA na tinambangan ng BHB ay walang tigil na nagsasagawa ng pagmamalupit at panghaharas sa mga magsasaka at mamamayan ng bayan ng Lobo, Taysan at San Juan sa kanilang isinasagawang nakapokus na operasyon.

Dahil sa pagkapahiya, naglabas ng pahayag sa kanilang FB account ang 59th IBPA upang takutin ang sinumang susuporta sa NPA at sa buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Ginamit pa nila ang mapanupil na Anti-Terror Law bilang banta sa mga mamamayan.

Nagbubunyi ang mga magsasaka at mamamayan ng Batangas sa matagumpay na pamamarusa sa mga berdugo at teroristang 59th IBPA. Nagpapasalamat sila, dahil sa unti-unti nang napaparusahan ang mga pumaslang sa 9-anyos na batang si Kyllene Casao sa Taysan at may sakit sa isip na magsasakang si Maximino Digno sa Calaca na walang awa nilang pinatay at pinaratangang NPA. Bago naman ang naganap na labanan, walang habas na namaril ang 59th IBPA sa mga magsasakang nakasalubong nila sa proseso ng operasyong militar.

Batid ng mamamayan na hindi nila tunay na hukbo ang 59th IBPA. Sila ay nagsisilbing protektor sa mapanirang pagmimina na isinasagawa sa kabundukan ng Lobo na sapilitang nagpapalayas sa mga magsasaka at wawasak sa kalikasan hindi lamang sa bayan ng Lobo kundi maging sa mga karagatan na bahagi ng protektadong Verde Island Passage.

Idineploy ng AFP ang pasistang tropa ng 59th Infantry Battalion sa Batangas mula Enero 2022 hanggang sa kasalukuyan na naglulunsad ng kanilang teroristang atake sa mamamayang Batangueño sa pamamagitan ng focused military operations (FMO). Tuluy-tuloy silang naghahasik ng lagim at takot sa mga magsasaka nang sa gayo’y masupil ang lahat ng porma ng paglaban ng mga mamamayan sa malalaking korporasyong minahan, panginoong may lupa at sa estado na promotor ng mga mapangwasak at mapaminsalang proyekto sa probinsya ng Batangas. Walang patid na sinuyod ng 59th IB, PNP-SWAT, pati ng mga pwersa ng CAFGU at SCAA ang mga kabundukan ng Lobo, Taysan at San Juan sa tabing ng ‘tuluyang pagdurog sa NPA,’ gayong ang kanilang tunay na pakay sa mga operasyong militar na ito ay isang clearing operation para walisin ang lahat ng sagabal sa muling pagratsada ng operasyong pagmimina ng Bluebird Ventures Inc.

Ang patuloy na pagtatanggol sa karapatan at interes ng masang Batagueño ang pangunahing dahilan sa walang maliw na pag-aaruga, buong pagtanggap at pagsuporta nila sa NPA. Hindi nila pinaniniwalaan ang itim na propaganda ng AFP-PNP at ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos II na sila ay nililinlang lamang o di kaya ay tinatakot ng NPA. Ang matinding krisis pang-ekonomiya na dulot ng malapyudal at malakolonyal na sistemang pinaghaharian ng uring malaking burgesya komprador, panginoong may lupa at burgesya-komprador na pinangingibabawan ng imperyalismo ang dahilan kung bakit nagpapatuloy ang paglawak ng NPA.

Hindi kailanman magmamaliw ang suporta ng mamamayan sa NPA dahil ito ang kanyang tunay na tagapagtanggol! Patunay ang ginagawang suporta ng mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng wastong impormasyon kung saan nakapwesto ang mga teroristang sundalo at sa kabilang banda ay kung paano naman igiya papunta sa ligtas na lugar ang mga NPA.

Mga makabayang pulis at sundalo, mga nakabababang opisyal at kawal ng AFP-PNP at CAFGU, inaanyayahan namin kayong bumaklas na mula sa bulok na sistema na pinagpapakasasaan ng inyong mga heneral at matataas na opisyal laluna ng mandarambong na Marcos-Duterte. May panahon pa upang kayo ay magbago at kumiling sa rebolusyonaryong hangarin ng mga mamamayan.

Ang mamamayan naman ng ating probinsya ay kinakailangang magkaisa upang palayasin ang perwisyong militar at tutulan ang mapanirang mga proyekto at protektahan ang likas na yaman ng ating bayan. Kinakailangang tumindig ang bawat isa at tanganan ang lahat ng anyo ng paglaban upang tuluyang mawakasan ang pamamaslang, panghaharas at paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng 59th IBPA sa ating bayan.

Nangangako ang NPA-Eduardo Dagli Command sa mamamayan na hindi mauubos ang kapasyahan nito upang ilunsad ang mga taktikal na opensiba laban sa mga protektor ng mapaminsalang proyekto tulad ng pagmimina ng Bluebird Ventures sa Lobo at laban sa mamamatay-taong 59th Infantry Battalion kasama na ang ilang taksil at nagpapagamit na dating NPA na hindi kayang magwasto.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/teroristang-59th-ibpa-na-nagmamalupit-sa-mga-magsasaka-ng-batangas-tinambangan-ng-npa/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Aktibong Depensa ng LDGC sa Barangay Malu, Bansud, Tagumpay!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 17, 2023): Aktibong Depensa ng LDGC sa Barangay Malu, Bansud, Tagumpay! (Active Defense of LDGC in Barangay Malu, Bansud, Success!)

 


Madaay Gasic

Spokesperson

NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command)

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

October 17, 2023

Matagumpay na kinasahan ng aktibong depensa ng isang yunit ng Lucio De Guzman Command-NPA Mindoro ang umaatakeng pwersa ng 76th IB sa ilalim ng 203rd Brigade sa Barangay Malu, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro kahapon, 16 Oktubre, ganap na ika-7:30 ng umaga. Napatay ang isang sundalo habang ligtas na nakaatras ang yunit ng Pulang Hukbo.

Ang bigwas na ito ng LDGC ay tugon lamang sa panawagan ng mga Mindoreño na ipagtanggol sila sa walang pakundangang paghahasik ng takot, ligalig at pagmamalupit sa walang kalaban-laban na mga sibilyan ng mga sundalo’t pulis. Ang paulit-ulit na siklo ng operasyong militar ng 203rd Bde-PNP-MIMAROPA sa anyo ng mga FMO-RCSP ay salot sa buhay ng mga Mindoreño.

Kamakailan lamang sunud-sunod na karahasan ang ginawa ng mga sundalo’t pulis sa mga mamamayan ng Mansalay, Bongabong, Bansud sa Oriental Mindoro at sa Rizal, Occidental Mindoro. Naitala ang mga insidente ng pambubugbog ng sibliyan, panggagahasa, tortyur, sapilitang pagpapasuko at nitong huli ay ang gawa-gawang labanan sa Sityo Kulitob, Panaytayan, Mansalay upang maghasik ng terror.

Ang mga bigwas ng LDGC-NPA Mindoro sa mga palalo at malupit na 203rd Bde-PNP-MIMAROPA ay pinakahinihintay at ikinatutuwa ng mga Mindoreño. Paggawad lamang ito ng hustisya upang basagin ang klima ng impunidad o kawalang pananagutan ng mga AFP-PNP na pinalalago ng rehimeng US-Marcos Jr-Duterte.

Kailangang magbuklod ang buong mamamayan ng Mindoro at bigwasan ang mga malupit na mga sundalo’t pulis. Sabayang palakasin ang kilusang masa ng mga Mindoreño at ang armadong paglaban ng mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas ng kanilang pinakamamahal na Hukbo—ang New People’s Army.

Ang tunay na katarungan ay hindi makakamit ng bayan kung iaasa ito sa reaksyunaryong sistemang hudisyal. Lakas ng mamamayan ang gagawad ng katarungan laban sa malulupit na AFP-PNP na siyang haligi ng pahirap pasista at papet ng rehimeng US-Marcos Jr -Duterte. Tanging ang Digmang Bayan sa balangkas ng Pambansa Demokratikong Rebolusyon ang wawasak sa kontrol ng imperyalismong US at sa bulok na papet nitong reaksyunaryong estado upang bigyang puwang ang pag-iral ng demokratikong gobyerno ng mamamayan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/aktibong-depensa-ng-ldgc-sa-barangay-malu-bansud-tagumpay/

CPP/NPA-Abra: Hustisya para kay Tandang Agliwan! Itigil ang Okupasyon ng Terorista at Pasistang AFP sa Abra!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 17, 2023): Hustisya para kay Tandang Agliwan! Itigil ang Okupasyon ng Terorista at Pasistang AFP sa Abra! (Justice for Tandang Agliwan! Stop the Occupation by Terrorist and Fascist AFP in Abra!

 


Florencio Baluga

Spokesperson

NPA-Abra (Agustin Begnalen Command)

Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Operational Command (Chadli Molintas Command)

New People's Army

October 17, 2023

Mga paglabag sa mga Karapatan Pantao. Dito magaling ang terorista at pasistang AFP bilang mersenaryong tropa ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno. Bilang protektor ng Rehimeng US-Marcos Jr at kasapakat ng mga naghaharing uring, sunod-sunod at nagpapatuloy ang mga operasyong militar sa mga kagubatan at nagpapatuloy din ang okupasyon ng mga teroristang sundalo sa mga baryo. Ang bagong pangyayaring kabangisan ng AFP ay ang pagpatay nito sa isang sibilyan na si Tandang Agliwan, magsasaka, mangangaso at isang senior citizen na taga Sitio Talipugo, Barangay Buneg, Lacub, nitong buwan ng Oktubre 2023. Brutal ang pagpaslang at may mga palatandaan ng pag-torture sa kanya.

Ang pagpatay ng teroristang AFP kay Tandang Agliwan ay isang kasuklam-suklam na kasinungalingang pinalabas ng 77th IB sa Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Times at Cordillera Guru Press nung Oktobre 13 na siya daw ay isang NPA pero di nila pinangalanan. Sa pamamagitan ng kasinungalingang ito ay may lagyunin ang mga pasistang kaaway ng bayan na ipalabas na natatalo na daw ang NPA upang ilingid ang kanilang krimen na mga gawain laban sa mamamayan.

Mataas na antas ang galit ng mamamayan ng Abra, lalu na ang mga kamag-anak at katribung Tinggian laban sa mga AFP na pumatay kay Tandang Agliwan. Nakikipagdalamhati ang Agustin Begnalen Command-NPA Abra sa nakangingitngit na pangyayaring ito.

Isang simple, matiyaga at masipag ng magsasaka at mangangaso si Agliwan. Bahagi ng pangaraw-araw na kabuhayan niya ang pagsasaka at pangangaso sa kagubatan. Ang pagpatay sa kanya ay palatandaan ng kawalan ng respeto sa mga sibilyan at walang pagsunod ang AFP sa patakaran ng digma.

Ang nangyari kay Tandang Agliwan ay kapareho sa krimen na pagpatay ng Bonnet Gang na AFP sa dalawang sibilyan sa Sitio Sap-al, Barangay Buneg nung taong 2005 at sa pagmasaker ng mga teroristang sundalo sa pamilya Ligiw noong March 2014. Mula 2019 nung idineklara ng AFP ang Abra bilang isa sa mga erya ng Focused Military Operation nila, mas lalung dumami ang mga paglabag sa mga karapatang pangtao. Binaril nila ang tatlong kabataan sa Barangay Lan-ag, Lacub nung 2020 at limang sibilyan na mangangaso sa Barangay Buneg, Lacub nung 2022. Pero lahat ng mga itong paglabag ay di inamin ng AFP na sila ang mga salarin at patuloy na gumagamit sila ng pananakot at dahas para patahimikin ang laban ng mamamayan.

Ibinuhos sa Abra ang tatlong batalyon: ang 24th, 102nd at 77th.Mga ito ang nagdala at patuloy na gumagawa ng malawakang pananakot sa mga masa, gulo sa mga komunidad at pagkabagabag sa kabuhayan ng mga sibilyan.

Pilit na nilang pinasurender ang mga mamamayan sa mga bayan ng Lacub, Sallapadan, Malibcong, Tubo at iba pang munisipalidad ng Abra. Isinasagawa ng mga teroristang AFP ang RCSP sa maraming mga barangay. Pilit din nilang pinagigiya at tinortyur ang iba. Niransak nila ang mga kamalig at kubo na pinagsuspetsahan nilang imbakan ng mga baril ng NPA. Iligal nilang inaresto mga suspek nilang sumusuporta sa NPA. Na-red tag nila ang mga legal at tradisyunal na organisasyon at kahit mga alluyon (bayanihan) ng mamamayan.

Dahil sa kanilang presensya, sobrang apektado ang pangkabuhayan ng masa. Nalilimitahan ang kilos ng mamamayan para sana malaya silang magtrabaho para sa pangkabuhayan. Iniiwasan ng mga sibilyan na lumibot sa mga parang at mangaso sa kagubatan dahil sa takot nilang masalubong ang mga kontra-mamamayang AFP na nagsasagawa ng patuloy ng operasyong pangkombat.

Puno ng panlilinlang at korapsyon ang mga proyekto na inagaw ng mga pasistang AFP sa mga LGU. Kaya, pinalala nila ang pang-ekonomikong krisis lalu noong panahon ng pandemya at sunod-sunod na kalamidad tulad ng mga lindol, bagyo at tagtuyot.

Wala na nga silang ginagawang mabuti para sa bayan, ginugulo pa nila ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan. Malakas ang pagmamalabis nila na may malaking negatibong epekto at impluwensya sa kawalan ng disiplina sa mga kabataan. Pinagsasamantalahan nila ang mga kababaihan at di nila pinapakinggan ang kahilingan at assersyon ng mamamayan na dapat di manatili ang mga teroristang AFP sa mga baryo.

Mga kababayang Abreño, hwag nating pahintulutan at labanan ang mga ginagawa ng teroristang AFP. Ang doktrina nila ay abusihin at patayin ang mga sibilyan. Pinalaki ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno ang suweldo nila mula sa buwis at pagud ng masang Pilipino upang walang awang pumatay ng mga sibilyan. Di na mabilang ang mga krimen nila sa bawat bayan. Kaya, huwag tayong manahimik; huwag tayong matakot. Dapat lang na di pahintulutan na tuloy-tuloy na winawasak nila ang mga teritoryo ninyo habang sa bawat operasyong pangkombat nila ay ipinagbabawal nila kayo sa sarili ninyong kagubatan, ilog, kaingin o uma at bukid. Dapat huwag malinlang sa mga “matatamis” na programa ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno tulad ng RCSP, 4Ps, BDP at iba pa kung saan di naman nagsisilbi ang mga ito para sa epektibong pagresolba sa mga ugat ng pagsasamantala at paniniil kung saan walang ibang ugat ng mga ito kundi ang batayang problema ng imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata kapitalismo, at espesyal na suliranin ng pambansang minorya na pambansang pang-aapi dito sa Abra at buong Cordillera.

Alalahanin at huwag kalimutan ang kagitingan at katapangan na katangian ng Tingguian na ating pinagmulan. Sa kasaysayan, nakita natin ang kagitingan at katapangan ng Tingguian sa epektibong paglaban sa pambansang pang-aapi at depensahan ang ansestral na lupain, buhay at mayamang rekurso ng Abra. Sa partikular, matagumpay na napatigil ng mamamayang Tingguian ang higanteng proyektong Cellophil noon. Makamit natin muli ang mga tagumpay na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsampa ng maraming pulang mandirigma at patuloy na partisipasyon ng mamamayan sa armadong kilosan upang mapatigil ang mapanirang mga proyekto dito sa ating probinsya. Dapat ipagpatuloy ng mamamayang lumalaban ang pagpaparusa sa mga kaaway na uri.

Ipaglaban at kamtin ang Hustisya!Gawin nating aral ang nangyari kay Tandang Agliwan upang tipunin ang lakas ng masa sa buong Abra. Hamon ito para sa ABC-NPA Abra, kasama ang mamamayan, na isulong ang armadong pakikibaka sa pamamagitan ng pagpaparami ng mga pulang mandirigma na lalahok sa paglaban sa mga armadong terorista na tropa ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno upang makamit ang hustisya para kay Tandang Agliwan at para sa lahat ng masang inaapi at pinagsasamantahan.

Militarisasyon Labanan!
Sumampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhay ang alaala kay Tandang Agliwan!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/hustisya-para-kay-tandang-agliwan-itigil-ang-okupasyon-ng-terorista-at-pasistang-afp-sa-abra/

CPP/CIO: NPA ambush in Batangas exacts justice

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 18, 2023): NPA ambush in Batangas exacts justice

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

October 18, 2023

The Party and Filipino people welcome news of the successful armed offensive carried out last Monday morning by the New People’s Army against the fascist troops of the 59th Infantry Battalion (IB) which have been carrying out military operations against the peasant masses in Barangay Bignay, Lobo town, Batangas. The fascist troops suffered at least five casualties.

The NPA carried out the ambush by way of attaining justice for 9-year old Kyllene Casao, who was killed by the 59th IB in Sitio Centro, Barangay Guinhawa, Taysan, Batangas on July 18, 2022, as well as for Maximino Digno, a mentally disabled farmer of Calaca, Batangas, who was also killed by the same unit on July 26, 2022.

Because of its determination to defend the people against fascist oppression and advance their demand for land reform, the NPA will continue to enjoy the widening and deepening support of the peasant masses.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/npa-ambush-in-batangas-exacts-justice/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Kultura sang impunidad ang ginsaligan sang AFP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 19, 2023): Kultura sang impunidad ang ginsaligan sang AFP (The AFP is based on a culture of impunity)

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

October 19, 2023

Ang kultura sang impunidad tuman na kalawig sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nga natudok na sa pamensaron sang mga soldado nga indi sila sukton sang pumuluyo sa ila mga utang nga dugo.

Ang brutal nga pagpatay sang 79th Infantry Battalion sa mag-asawa nga Christian Job Vargas kag Mailyn Salgado kag iban pa nga pagpanghalit sa mga sibilyan sadtong Oktubre 17 sa Sitio Nabalas 1, Brgy. Canlusong, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental, klaro nga mga krimen sa gyera kag may salabton ang mga pwersa sang pasistang estado.

Gamhanan ang mensahe sang pamilya Vargas kag pumuluyo sa Sitio Nabalas 1 bangud nagsugid sila sa matuod nga hitabo. Sa pihak bahin, garok kag pasulit-sulit ang mga tinaga sang mga heneral kag manugtaghol sang 3rd Infantry Battalion, 303rd Brigade kag 79th IB bangud basura kag butig ang nagagwa sa ila mga bibig.

Si Christian Job Vargas kag Mailyn Salgado ang gintortyur kag wala kaluoy nga ginpatay sang mga soldado sang 79th IB. Wala sang armado nga pwersa sang New People’s Army sa Brgy. Canlusong, E.B. Magalona. Wala sang engkwentro nga natabo. Wala sang mga armas kag iban pa nga kagamitan sang NPA nga nakuha sang militar. Wala sang kampo nga ila nasudlan.

Ini ang kamatuoran nga indi matiko.

Ginadayaw sang Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, ang Regional Operational Command sang NPA Negros (AGC-NPA), ang pagtinguha sang mga katapo sang medya nga makuha ang matuod nga hitabo halin mismo sa pumuluyo kag mga biktima. Madamu pa nga mga biktima sang paglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sa bilog isla sang Negros ang wala nabatian sa ila pagsugid sang matuod bangud ginapahug ang ila kabuhi sang berdugo nga militar.

Ginapanawagan sang AGC-NPA sa mga soldado sang 79th IB nga may konsensya kag matuod nga para sa pumuluyo ang ila balatyagon nga magsugid man sang matuod nga hitabo. Ang matuod nga pag-alagad sa pumuluyo ang may kaisog nga magtindog para sa interes sang pumuluyo. Dapat pamatukan ang mando sang inyo opisyal sa pagpamatay kag pagsabwag sang kakugmat kag kalakasan sa kaumhan, sa baylo protektahan ang pumuluyo.

Sa bahin sang NPA Negros, padayon kami nga mangita sang hustisya para sa tanan nga biktima sang de facto martial law sa isla. Tubtob nagapabilin ang pagpamigos kag pagpanghimulos, indi madula ang basehan sa pagluntad sang NPA kag indi matapos ang demokratiko nga rebolusyon sang banwa.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kultura-sang-impunidad-ang-ginsaligan-sang-afp/

CPP/NPA-Southern Tagalog ROC: AFP, binigwasan ng NPA sa Mindoro at Batangas

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 19, 2023): AFP, binigwasan ng NPA sa Mindoro at Batangas (AFP, defeated by NPA in Mindoro and Batangas)

 


Armando Cienfuego

Spokesperson

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

October 19, 2023

Bigo ang AFP sa kontra-rebolusyong plano nitong igupo ang mga yunit ng NPA sa Batangas at Mindoro. Binigwasan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang palalong AFP sa mga labanang naganap noong Oktubre 15 at 16. Pinakamababang anim ang natamong kaswalti sa hanay ng berdugong AFP habang walang kaswalti sa hanay ng NPA.

Noong Oktubre 16, 9:45 ng umaga, inilunsad ng Eduardo Dagli Command (EDC)-NPA Batangas ang isang dagliang ambus sa Barangay Bignay, Lobo. Natanaw ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang nag-ooperasyong 59th IBPA at kagyat na pumwesto at hinintay na lumapit ang mga pasista. Pinapasok nila sa killing zone ang mga ito bago pinasabugan ng command detonated explosive at pinaputukan. Lima ang pinsala sa hanay ng 59th IBPA habang ligtas na nakaatras ang mga Pulang mandirigma. Sa lubha ng tinamong pinsala, hindi nakaganting-putok ang mga buhong na militar.

Bago ito, nagkaroon din ng labanan sa pagitan ng NPA Batangas at 59th IBPA sa parehong barangay noong Oktubre 15, bandang 9:40 ng umaga. Aktibong nagdepensa ang yunit ng EDC at binigo ang atake ng 59th IBPA.

Samantala, nagkaroon din ng labanan sa pagitan ng isang yunit ng Lucio de Guzman Command (LdGC)-NPA Mindoro at 76th IBPA sa Sitio Sapang Dagat, Barangay Malu, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro noong Oktubre 16, ganap na 7:30 ng umaga. Apat ang napaulat na inilabas na patay sa 76th IBPA sa aktibong depensa ng yunit ng LdGC. Matapos ang labanan, nagpalipad ng helikopter ang AFP bilang bahagi ng pursuit operations nito. Kinabukasan, Oktubre 17, ganap na alas tres ng hapon, aktibong nagdepensa ang BHB laban sa nakaambus na pasistang pwersa ng 10th Special Action Battalion-PNP at 76th IBPA sa sityo Manambao, Sta Cruz, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro.

Ang mga labanang naganap ay nagpapakita ng opensibang postura ng NPA laban sa pang-aatake ng AFP sa ilalim ng kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte sang-ayon sa bagong National Security Policy na binalangkas ng reaksyunaryong administrasyon. Determinadadong lumaban ang NPA sa ibayong pinatitinding pang-aatake ng reaksyunaryong estado sa mamamayan upang supilin ang kanilang mga paglaban para sa kanilang mga lehitimong karapatan at interes.

Batid din ng NPA at ng masa na kasabay ng pasistang paninibasib ang pagpapalaganap ng mga pekeng balita at disimpormasyon sa layuning pahinain ang mapanlabang diwa ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayan. Noong Oktubre 12, nagpakalat ng pekeng balita ang 59th IBPA ukol sa isang labanan sa sa Barangay Guinhawa, Taysan kung saan “nakasamsam” umano ito ng mga armas at iba pang kagamitan ng NPA Batangas. Hibang na niloloko ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno at ng gulugod nitong AFP ang kanilang sarili para isalba ang morale ng sariling tropang napapagod na sa mga mapanupil na operasyong militar habang kumukubra at nagpapakasasa sa limpak-limpak na salapi ang kanilang mga mataas na opisyal.

Nangangangarap nang gising ang ilehitimong rehimen na malipol ang NPA sa loob ng termino nito. Hindi kailanman matatalo ang NPA dahil batid ng mamamayang Pilipino na ito ang kanilang tunay na hukbo na nagtataguyod sa kanilang pambansa-demokratikong mithiin.

Nilalabanan ng NPA ang mersenaryong AFP-PNP-CAFGU na nagsisilbing bantay ng mga mapangwasak na proyekto at kontra-mamamayang programa ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Kinamumuhian ng mamamayan ng Batangas ang 59th IBPA sa paghahasik nito ng kaguluhan sa mga baryo, lalo ang mga komunidad na may malaking pagtutol sa pangangamkam ng lupa at nakaambang pagkawasak ng kalikasan sa mga dambuhalang mina, ekoturismo at huwad na proyektong pangkaunlaran sa mga bayan ng Lobo at Taysan. Gayundin sa Oriental Mindoro kung saan nilalabanan ng mamamayan ang pananalasa ng mapangwasak na quarrying operations at dayuhang pagmimina sa isla. Kapwa nagsisilbing bantay sa mga proyektong ito ang 59th IBPA (Batangas), 76th IBPA, 10th SAB-PNP (Oriental Mindoro).

Ang tagumpay sa mga labanan ng NPA sa Batangas at Mindoro ay bunga ng matibay na pagkakaisa ng Pulang Hukbo at ng masang kanilang pinaglilingkuran. Patuloy na ipagtatanggol ng NPA ang masang Pilipino laban sa pasismo at terorismo ng estado. Kasabay nito, makakaasa ang masang api at pinagsasamantalahan na patuloy na bibigwasan ng NPA ang mersenaryong AFP-PNP-CAFGU at parurusahan ang mga pinakapusakal sa kanila. Ibayong paiigtingin ng NPA ang digmang bayan, kasama ng malawak na masa, hanggang sa maipagwagi ito.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/afp-binigwasan-ng-npa-sa-mindoro-at-batangas/

CPP/NPA-Abra: 2 summary executions by the AFP in Abra

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Oct 19, 2023): 2 summary executions by the AFP in Abra

 


Florencio Baluga

Spokesperson

NPA-Abra (Agustin Begnalen Command)

Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Operational Command (Chadli Molintas Command)

New People's Army

October 19, 2023

In recent weeks the AFP reported that its troops were involved in two ‘encounters’ with the NPA. First was an alleged encounter that occurred at the boundary of Sitio Lamunan, Baay-Licuan and Barangay Ableg, Daguioman on October 3. An NPA from Mindanao was reported as casualty. Second, on October 13-14 media reported that the AFP was involved in another ‘encounter’ in Sitio Talipugo, Barangay Buneg, Lacub where there was again one reported casualty.

The AFP is the US-Marcos Jr.’s blood-thirsty guard dog. These summary executions of civilians are being dubbed by the AFP as ‘encounters’. The executions occurred as part of the operations of 3 battalions (the 24th, 102nd and 77th) which continue to occupy the municipalities of Lacub, Malibcong, Tineg, Licuan-Baay, Bucay, Sallapadan and Daguioman.

No unit of the NPA was involved in these alleged ‘encounters’. What cannot be denied is that the AFP is responsible for the deaths of the two civilians. They themselves produced the body which they claim to be an NPA from Mindanao. In the second incident the casualty is an elderly farmer, Lakay (Old Man) Agliwan, whom the AFP tortured and then murdered.

The guard dog AFP is desperate to prove that it is faithfully executing its master’s command.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/2-summary-executions-by-the-afp-in-abra/

PAF outreach project ‘All-In-One Bayanihan’ benefits over 19k residents in Palawan

From Palawan News (Oct 18, 2023): PAF outreach project ‘All-In-One Bayanihan’ benefits over 19k residents in Palawan (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

Indigenous peoples from the Tau't Batu and Pala'wan communities are waiting in line at the All-In-One Bayanihan mission at Ransang High School in Brgy. Ransang, Rizal town. They brought their traditional musical instruments, and women are dressed in colorful costumes to perform for the medical personnel from the PAF and the Go Share Foundation as an expression of gratitude. (Photo from the Tactical Operations Wing West)

Over 19,000 residents in two towns in southern Palawan have benefited from various services provided during the four-day “All-In-One Bayanihan” community outreach initiative by the Philippine Air Force, Go Share Foundation, and other partners.

This number includes the indigenous Tau’t Batu and Pala’wan communities in the towns of Rizal and Quezon, respectively, said Wednesday by Brigadier General Erick Escarcha, the commander of Tactical Operations Wing West (TOWWest).

Escarcha said Go Share, which was actually founded in Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan town, has estimated that the bayanihan outreach spent nearly P5 million to cover the cost of bringing medical and dental services to indigent residents in the two municipalities.

“We’re still in high spirits because of this bayanihan community outreach. People in the two towns were very happy to have been served because they’ve been longing for it—naging helpful ito kasi yong mga target areas natin, wala naman silang sapat na doktor,” he said.

Among those who availed of the bayanihan services at the covered court in Barangay Ransang, Rizal, were children accompanied by their mothers. (Photo from the Tactical Operations Wing West)

“Yong number noong patients na na cater nitong activity, sobrang dami. With the number of doctors na nadala namin sa mga lugar, na-accommodate talaga lahat,” he added, noting that what the municipal government might achieve in a year was accomplished in just a few days.

Among the services received by the residents in Quezon and Rizal were free medical consultations for children, the elderly, and pregnant women; eye consultations and operations; circumcision and other minor surgeries; dermatology and dental consultations; tooth extraction; and free haircuts.

The residents, particularly the indigenous Pala’wan and Tau’t Batu communities, also received various donations such as medicines and vitamins, water filters from Waves for Water, and canned goods and milk from Century Pacific Food Inc.-RSPo.

In addition to the distribution of two truckloads of apparel, footwear, and slippers contributed by Natasha and other national and local benefactors, the National Book Store Foundation Inc. furnished school supplies to 46 schools.

The local government of Quezon, under the leadership of Mayor Joselito Ayala, and the town of Rizal, led by Mayor Norman Ong, expressed their gratitude, along with their residents and neighboring communities, for the assistance and services received from the PAF, Go Share Foundation, and other volunteer organizations and individuals.

The bayanihan’s implementation was also highlighted by the Tribal Summit & Games in Rizal led by the 18th Special Forces Company of the Philippine Army under the leadership of Captain Jefferson Nobleza.

The “All-In-One Bayanihan” initiative also received support from Lieutenant Colonel Isagani Quiming, the commander of Tactical Operations Group 7 (TOG 7) of the Philippine Air Force qnd Noel Gonzalez of Go Share Foundation.

It also had the involvement of Jenel Joy Torres from the town of Rizal and Michael Ventura from the town of Quezon, TSgt. Liezel Eranista as the main PAF coordinator; members of the Joint Task Group South, and all military units in Palawan under the leadership of Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, commander of the Western Command.

https://palawan-news.com/paf-outreach-project-all-in-one-bayanihan-benefits-over-19k-residents-in-palawan/

Philippine Navy personnel dies in rubber boat accident in West Philippine Sea

From Palawan News (Oct 19, 2023): Philippine Navy personnel dies in rubber boat accident in West Philippine Sea (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

A Philippine Navy soldier died Wednesday after a rubber boat carrying him and his companions capsized while returning from Parola Island to the BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602) in the West Philippine Sea.

The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, but sources close to Palawan News said that the soldier was among the participants in a day of friendly sports games between the Philippine Navy and the Vietnam People’s Navy on Parola Island.

The accident reportedly occurred as the rubber boat was making its way back to a landing craft that would transfer them to the BRP Davao del Sur, which was docked not far away from the said island.

The victim, along with two other soldiers, went underwater, but the latter two managed to survive. His body was recovered Thursday morning.

Sources believed that the rubber boat may have capsized due to strong waves in the area.

The Philippine Navy has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the accident. (with a report from Gerald Ticke)

https://palawan-news.com/philippine-navy-personnel-dies-in-rubber-boat-accident-in-west-philippine-sea/

Family, town mates deny man killed in Abra encounter a rebel

From Rappler (Oct 17, 2023): Family, town mates deny man killed in Abra encounter a rebel (By SHERWIN DE VERA)

Kin and town mates say Antonio Diwayan was a swiden farmer known for giving neighbors food

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The family of a man the military claimed to have killed in an an encounter in Lacub, Abra, denied that their kin was a New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla.

Jose Diwayan said his older brother, Antonio, “has no connection with the rebel group.”

“We are resentful [about the military’s claim],” Jose said in Ilokano during an October 17 interview. “The people of Lacub can testify that he is a civilian… Residents of (Barangay) Buneg know him very well.”

Antonio, 57 according to the local police report, had lived in the town’s forested area for years, tending the family farm, his brother said.

“He has a swiden farm near the place they claim the encounter took place. He also has livestock, chickens, and other crops in his place,” Jose told Rappler.

The Army’s 5th Infantry Division said the older Diwayan died on October 13 during a clash between the NPA and troops from the 77th Infantry Battalion. The military claimed they recovered his corpse and an M16 rifle after a five-minute clash.

Jose said they are awaiting the result of the autopsy but added that aside from the bullet wounds, his brother’s body also bore bruises and a deep cut on the leg.

The family will pursue the investigation, Jose added, urging local officials for assistance to ensure justice for Antonio.
‘Kind old farmer’

A resident of Barangay Buneg, Loreta Manangbao in an October 15 post, condemned the death of Antonio, saying she knew the “innocent” victim since they came from the same village.

Her post included his barangay clearance , dated August 2022, and an identification card of the political party, United Nationalist Alliance.

“The old man was kind. He helped many, giving food since he was a good farmer,” she said in Ilokano during an online interview on October 16

Relatives and residents of Lacub who knew Antonio shared their grief, anger, and called for justice on social media.

Some slammed the military’s press release about the incident posted on the Facebook page of the 5th Infantry Division.

Manolo Sabadao, barangay captain of Buneg, confirmed in an October 17 phone interview that Antonio has a swidden farm and a hut in the forest area. Speaking in Ilokano, he said that he issued a barangay clearance to Antonio last year.

The barangay chief also noted that the deceased received relief packages from the local government in the past through his relatives in the barangay. However, he clarified that he had not seen Antonio for a long time.

In a statement, the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance urged the local government and the Commission on Human Rights “to immediately and thoroughly investigate” the death of Diwayan.
Validating identity

Police Captain Ronaldo Eslabra, Abra Police Provincial Office public information officer, said Antonio’s killing is now a police matter.

“It is up for the Philippine Army to validate if he was indeed part of the encounter or the claim of the relatives that he was a civilian and was there because he lives in the area, or was he collateral damage,” he explained in mixed Tagalog and English in a phone interview on October 15.

“Since a death was reported, it will be a police matter. So, I believe the PNP, particularly the intelligence and investigation [unit of the] PPO, will also validate the identity of the person,” he said.

“We have to respect human rights, and we have to verify the veracity of the report (so that) once and for all we can clear all the speculations [about the incident],” he said. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/family-town-mates-deny-man-killed-encounter-lacub-abra-rebel/

On 122nd founding anniversary, Coast Guard recognizes West PH Sea defenders

From Rappler (Oct 17, 2023): On 122nd founding anniversary, Coast Guard recognizes West PH Sea defenders (By DWIGHT DE LEON)

President Marcos says the government will deploy 40 more patrol boats as as part of his administration's efforts to upgrade the Coast Guard's capabilities in the West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) efforts to protect the country’s territorial integrity took center stage during its 122nd founding anniversary celebration, recognizing key officers who played a crucial role in defending the West Philippine Sea.

The Distinguished Coast Guard Cross Medal and Ribbon was awarded to the teams behind the BRP Malapascua and BRP Malabrigo, PCG ships which were blocked by Chinese militia vessels during a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal back in June.

Coast Guard District Palawan was named Coast Guard District of the Year “for being at the forefront of PCG’s maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea.”

Individual awardees include:Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea: Distinguished Service Medal and Ribbon “for the publication of factual narratives on issues and concerns, and for release of compelling images, thus igniting the Filipino sense of patriotism”
CG Petty Officer 3 Jason Nicol and CG Seaman First Class Joseph Rivera: Distinguished Coast Guard Cross Medal and Ribbon for “cutting the rope barriers by Chinese Coast Guard at the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc”

In a speech, retiring PCG Commandant Artemio Abu touted his men and women’s efforts in overcoming adversity in the vast waterway, which has become a flashpoint of rising tensions between Manila and Beijing in the past months.

“We have intensified our maritime security operations in our waters,” he said. “Despite the great danger of operating in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG continues to fulfill its mission of ensuring that we do not yield even a square inch of our territory to any foreign power.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the guest of honor at the PCG celebration. After the ceremony, he inspected BRP Malabrigo, the ship that was water cannoned by China in August.

In an ambush interview, Marcos said the government is adding 40 units of 15-meter patrol boats that will bolster the country’s efforts in protecting the West Philippine Sea.

“We are continuing with the upgrading of the equipment, the training, and the capabilities of all our people especially the Coast Guard, not only because they are on the frontlines in the problems now we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, but also because of the very important function they play when it comes to search and rescue, when it comes to maritime incidents, when it comes to even disaster assistance,” he said.

President Marcos affirms commitment to upgrading Coast Guard equipment, training, and capabilities to effectively address maritime incidents, including the ones in the West Philippine Sea. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/kwbU3dzxYn— Dwight De Leon (@newsdwight) October 17, 2023

Just last week, a Chinese navy ship tried to cut off a Philippine navy vessel on a resupply mission near Pag-asa Island.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines called China’s actions “dangerous and offensive.” The AFP had also reminded China that it faces “global isolation” if it continues to conduct “irresponsible actions” in the West Philippine Sea – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/coast-guard-recognizes-west-philippine-sea-defenders-founding-anniversary-october-2023/

Jesus Nelson Morales formally takes helm of Presidential Security Group

From Rappler (Oct 18, 2023): Jesus Nelson Morales formally takes helm of Presidential Security Group (By DWIGHT DE LEON)

The Air Force general who now heads the PSG vows to enhance the readiness of his staff, strengthen ties with other security agencies, and swiftly handle any breaches of trust

MANILA, Philippines – Brigadier General Jesus Nelson Morales – former deputy commander of the Philippine Air Force’s Air Logistics Command – officially assumed the post of commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Wednesday, October 18.

A change of command ceremony at the Malacañang grounds formalized the turnover.

In a speech, Morales promised to “enhance the readiness” of PSG staff by reviewing training systems and launching an intensive refresher training program.

He also vowed to swiftly handle any breaches of trust, and strengthen partnerships with other security agencies.

“I intend to sustain and improve further on the efforts of the past commanders in ensuring the quality and high standards of the unit and its personnel in doing their mandated tasks that is to protect and secure the President and his family,” he said.

The new PSG chief succeeded Brigadier General Ramon “Demy” Zagala, who has been given a new assignment as head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ civil relations group.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked Morales for taking on the assignment.

“I am confident, with your training, your experience, and overall competence, the PSG will continue to fulfill its role of protecting this institution,” Marcos said in a speech.

He also expressed his gratitude towards Zagala, who has led the PSG since Marcos rose to the presidency in 2022.

Marcos said Zagala successfully provided security for nearly 500 presidential events, led training programs on VIP protection for over 500 personnel, and spearheaded the acquisition of modern equipment.

“Under your able leadership, you have kept me, the First Family, visiting former dignitaries and foreign presidents, as well as the general public within the vicinity of Malacañang, safe and away from any serious threats to human or national security,” Marcos said.

“The organization’s dependability rises. We become more credible protectors, and this is a testament that we do live up to our name and identity,” Zagala added in his speech. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/jesus-nelson-morales-takes-helm-marcos-presidential-security-group/

PSG chief Zagala moves to AFP’s civil relations group

From Rappler (Oct 17, 2023): PSG chief Zagala moves to AFP’s civil relations group (By BEA CUPIN)

(1st UPDATE) Brigadier General Jesus Nelson Morales is the new Presidential Security Group commander

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named a new Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief after designating his first PSG commander, Brigadier General Ramon “Demy” Zagala, to head the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) civil relations group.

Based on papers from Malacañang that were approved on October 16, Brigadier General Jesus Nelson Morales – deputy commander of the Philippine Air Force Air Logistics Command – will be the new commander of the group tasked to protect Marcos and his family.

Zagala confirmed the new orders to Rappler and said he has yet to assume command of the CRS. A change of command will be scheduled next week, he added.

The Department of National Defense, AFP, and the AFP Board of Generals had recommended to Marcos Zagala’s and Morales’ new posts, along with several other military appointments that the President approved.

Malacañang has yet to release the full list of new Presidential appointees in the AFP but confirmed the new positions of Morales and Zagala.

The CRS post is a two-star rank, meaning Zagala can be promoted to Major General once he assumes his new post.

Zagala as PSG chief, top military aide

As PSG commander and the President’s senior military assistant, Zagala had been a constant in Marcos’ major engagements, both here and abroad. He is almost always part of Marcos’ delegation when he visits other countries, both for bilateral visits or for regional and international meets, owing to the nature of his job.

It was through Zagala that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos denied rumors of meddling in presidential appointments. The First Lady’s statement was released amid talk of a tug-of-war over the top intelligence post in the AFP.

As the new chief of the Civil Relations Service, Zagala will have oversight of the military’s engagement efforts with the public.

Zagala’s ties to the Marcoses run deep. His father, retired military general Rafael Zagala, was army chief from 1972 to 1975 during the dictatorship of the President’s father and namesake, Ferdinand E. Marcos.

My late father, MGEN Rafael Zagala defended the Philippines in Bataan 81 years ago today. He lived till the age of 80 succumbing to injuries he received as POW in Capas Tarlac. He lived a full life of service and sacrifice. Thank you dad for your service. I remember you today. pic.twitter.com/L0KVYC1aIO— Bgen Ramon P Zagala (@DemyZagala) April 9, 2023

Zagala was born in a military camp in Tarlac on August 6, 1969, a few years before Marcos Sr. placed the entire Philippines under Martial Law. The third-generation military general studied at La Salle Greenhills for his primary and secondary education before earning a political science degree at the De La Salle University-Manila in 1990.

He joined the AFP in 1994 through the Officer Candidate School and was First Captain of his class. He has been deployed to several key areas in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Prior to serving as PSG chief and Marcos’ top military aide, Zagala was the AFP spokesperson. Zagala had also served as Army spokesperson and was the aide-de-camp of then-president Joseph Estrada. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-jr-new-presidential-security-group-chief-military-appointments-october-2023/

Marcos names new WesMinCom, AFP intel chief

From Rappler (Oct 18, 2023): Marcos names new WesMinCom, AFP intel chief (By BEA CUPIN)

'The movements demonstrate the progressive military careers enjoyed by these officers and the AFP being a dynamic organization,' says Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of the Public Affairs Office

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed new senior military officials to key posts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the military confirmed on Wednesday, October 18.

In a release, the AFP said the following will take on new roles:

Lieutenant General William Gonzales – Commander, Western Mindanao Command
Major General Steve Crespillo – Inspector General
Major General Gabriel Viray III – Commander, 1st Infantry Division
Brigadier General Arvin Lagamon – Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, J7
Brigadier General Ramon Zagala – Commander, Civil Relations Service
Brigadier General Jesus Nelson Morales – Presidential Security Group
Brigadier General Edmundo Peralta – Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

“The movements demonstrate the progressive military careers enjoyed by these officers and the AFP being a dynamic organization,” said Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of the Public Affairs Office, in a statement.

The appointments were approved by Malacañang on Monday, October 16 but only made public on Wednesday. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-jr-names-new-western-mindanao-command-afp-intelligence-chief-october-2023/

AFP chief Brawner eyes ‘Cyber Command’

From Rappler (Oct 19, 2023): AFP chief Brawner eyes ‘Cyber Command’ (By BEA CUPIN)

The Philippine military chief says the AFP is subject to hacking attempts ‘almost every day’

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Thursday, October 19, that he wants to recruit more cyber security experts to expand the existing AFP Cyber Group into a “Cyber Command.”

“The Cyber Command will not have that physical territory but it will have the whole archipelago, the whole Philippines as its territory, because it will try to defend the cyber networks of the AFP,” Brawner explained on the sidelines of a forum hosted by Foreign Correspondents Association in the Philippines (FOCAP).

Currently the Cyber Group, in Brawner’s own words, is a “small unit” tasked with making sure the general network of the AFP is “safe and secure.”

Brawner made the announcement following a string of cyber attacks and apparent data security breaches in the Philippines, particularly involving government agencies.

Data, for instance, had been leaked following a late September 2022 ransomware attack on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Private information of its employees were exposed in the data breach.

The AFP has been subject to these attacks, with Brawner noting that attempts to hack into the AFP’s network happen “almost every day.”

“So far it hasn’t been successful. We have been very successful in warding off, in defending our networks,” said the AFP chief.

“We believe that some of the attacks are foreign. Some of them are local,” added Brawner.

The plan and the proposal have yet to be presented before the commander-in-chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“But I’m sure that this is aligned with the desire of our President,” he said.
What’s in a command?

In the AFP, there are area commands, with units from the different services under its wing, and there are commands that offer support to the whole military. The Cyber Group is one of those support units, alongside the AFP Reserve Command and Procurement Service, among others.

Brawner said he wants the Cyber Group expanded into a command so it can have more personnel and equipment.

When asked about specific number, the AFP chief could not provide specifics on the staffing he has in mind but said he was willing to go above and beyond to attract Filipinos who want to be the AFP’s “cyber warriors.”

“We understand that maybe some of them will not be able to cope with the normal recruitment process. For instance, if we require them to do 50 push-ups and so on, [but] what we are after is their skill, their intellect when it comes to cyber,” he said.

The AFP will not be recruiting more soldiers than they have already allocated in 2024. Instead, Brawner said they will allocate slots and efforts to recruit more “cyber warriors.”

“So in other words, instead of recruiting soldiers for infantry battalions, for instance, this time we will recruit cyber warriors,” he said.

Experience in US, Singapore – and Myanmar and Vietnam

In discussing his dream upgrade, Brawner drew from the cyber security systems of other militaries. The United States has the US Army Cyber Command, which “conducts cyberspace operations, electromagnetic warfare, and information operations” while also preventing enemies from doing the same.

In nearby Singapore, cyber security is handled by a fourth branch of its military, the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). Its job is to “raise, train and sustain digital forces and capabilities” to defend Singapore’s peace and security in the digital world.

But in less democratic nations, cyber security units are dangers to civil liberty. In Myanmar, the military was found to be behind cyber attacks against pro-democracy media, according to research by the Sweden-based Unleash Research Labs.

Vietnam’s Force 47, a 10,000-strong cyber warfare unit, is tasked to counter “wrong” views on the web. In the one-party state, “wrong” views often mean voices of dissent.

Brawner said the Cyber Command would not be used as a troll army, or to assault civil liberties. “We will make sure that the Cyber Command will be there to defend our networks. So we will do passive defense when it comes to defending our cyber domain,” he added.

Existing units that also handle cyber security issues will be working alongside the Cyber Command. The Philippine Army’s Signal Regiment, for instance, will provide the “platform” in cyber security operations while the “brains” and expertise will come from the Cyber Command. – Rappler.com

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/afp-chief-brawner-eyes-expanded-command-cyber-warriors/

2 suspected rebels killed in E.B. Magalona clash

From Panay News (Oct 19, 2023): 2 suspected rebels killed in E.B. Magalona clash

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon - Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor were killed in a clash with troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Canlusong, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Photo shows the Scene of the Crime Operatives inspecting the body of one of the fatalities. 79TH INFANTRY BATTALION PHOTO

BACOLOD City – Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in a gun battle with the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) in Sitio Nabalas Dos, Barangay Canlusong, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 17.

Authorities identified the fatalities as 30-year-old Christian Job Vargas, a resident of the said village, and his live-in partner, 31-year-old Mylene Salgado of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Lieutenant Colonel J-jay Javines, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said government troops were patrolling the area following reports from locals about the NPA’s extortion activity there when they encountered around nine armed persons past 5 p.m.

The gun battle lasted for at least 15 minutes until the suspected rebels fled, leaving behind the two casualties.

Javines said the armed group was from the NPA Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor.

The 79IB soldiers recovered from the encounter site six firearms: three M16 rifles, M14 rifle, AR15 assault rifle, and M1 Garand.

Also found were assorted live ammunition, four rifle grenades and the rebels’ personal belongings and subversive documents.

The remains of the casualties have since been turned over to their families.

Javines said the families denied the dead were communist insurgents. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN


https://www.panaynews.net/2-suspected-rebels-killed-in-e-b-magalona-clash/