Kalinaw News: NPA leader surrenders, tips off troops on arms cache location in Oriental Mindoro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 27, 2023): NPA leader surrenders, tips off troops on arms cache location in Oriental Mindoro (By Jonathan Blanco)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Rizal – A New People’s Army leader yielded to the government forces and provided information on the location of an arms cache in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro on Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Joint forces of the 203rd Infantry Brigade and Oriental Mindoro PNP facilitated the surrender of alias Banus, a resident of Barangay Libtong in Roxas and vice platoon leader of KLG ICM’s Platun Uno from the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s Sub- Regional Military Area 4D. Alias Banus also brought with him one shotgun and one caliber .22 pistol.

Additionally, alias Banus provided information on the location of an arms cache, which led to its recovery at Sitio Buswak in Barangay Lisap of the said municipality. Among the items captured were one 2.2lbs IED, three generator sets, five empty boxes of IED, one blasting cap, three NPA t-shirts, one electronic tester, two M14 magazines, one ICOM charger, and three long detonating cords.

“We have been intensifying our efforts to end the armed conflict in Mindoro Island with our strong partnership with the LGUS and key stakeholders to help sustain the peace and development in the whole island. We profusely thank these former rebels who have continuously provided us with valuable information that led to these numerous developments. With this, we urge those who are still in arms to surrender and help us bring peace and progress in this part of the country,” 2ID Commander Maj. Gen. Roberto S. Capulong said in a statement.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-leader-surrenders-tips-off-troops-on-arms-cache-location-in-oriental-mindoro/

Kalinaw News: More than 50 FR’s children receive educational assistance

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 30, 2023): More than 50 FR’s children receive educational assistance (By Jonathan Blanco)

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- Fifty-three children of former rebels received educational assistance from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Cagayan on January 30, 2023, at Captiol Grounds, Peñablanca, Cagayan.

Of the said number of beneficiaries, nine college students received 5,000 pesos each, 20 highschool students received 4,000 pesos each, and 24 elementary pupils received 3,000 pesos each.

Alias Rome, who received the assistance for his four children thanked the PSWDO. “Dalawa po ang kolehiyo ko, isa ang nasa highschool at isa ang nasa elementarya. Kung hindi po dahil sa tulong na ito, may posibilidad po na ilan sa mga anak ko ang tumigil na sa pag aaral.”

Additionally, alias Frank who has a college student and 2 elementary shared their struggles in sustaining the educational needs of of his children. “Mahirap po talaga, kaya nagpapasalamat ako na may ganitong programa na nakakatulong po sa amin. “Kaya sinabihan ko mga anak ko na mag aral mabuti para hindi na danasin ang dinanas naming madaling nalinlang ng komunistang teroristang NPA sa kanilang paghikayat na talikuran ang kinabukasan para sa kanilang armadong pakikibaka”.

The educational assistance was granted through the support of the 17th Infantry Battalion.

Meanwhile, the assistance is under the Local Government Empowerment Cluster of the Regional Task Force- End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Region 2.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/more-than-50-frs-children-receive-educational-assistance/

Kalinaw News: 23 Loose Firearms from Hadji Muhtamad turned-over to Army Special Forces, Joint Task Force Basilan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 30, 2023): 23 Loose Firearms from Hadji Muhtamad turned-over to Army Special Forces, Joint Task Force Basilan (By Jonathan Blanco)

Hadji Muhtammad, Basilan – Residents of Pilas Island, Municipality of Hadji Muhtamad (HM), Basilan, formally turned over a total of 23 unregistered firearms to the local government of Basilan Province and to the military of the said province this morning, January 30, 2023, at Brgy. Tausan, Pilas Island.

This was made possible through the collaborative effort of the Provincial Government of Basilan headed by Gov. Jim Hataman – Salliman, the Local Government Unit of Hadji Muhtamad Municipality through Mayor Arsina Kahing – Nanoh and Joint Task Force Basilan/101st Infantry Brigade under BGen Domigo B Gobway PA. Indeed, their determination and dedication to sustain peace in the province is on their top priority. It will pave the way to progress and economic development in the whole province of Basilan.

This activity is in line with the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program of the Provincial Government of Basilan which aims to encourage locals to submit and turn over their loose firearms to the government in order to reduce the number of unregistered firearms to achieve better, peaceful and resilient Province of Basilan.

Meanwhile, Honorable Arsina Nanoh, Mayor of Hadji Muhtamad, commended those who turned over their loose firearms in stepping forward in the betterment of their island. Mayor Nanoh also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to 19th Special Forces Company led by Cpt Marvin S Janicto for unwavering support in shaping the overall peace and development of Hadji Muhtamad Municipality.

In his speech, BGEN DOMINGO B GOBWAY, 101st Infantry Brigade Commander, recognized the efforts of 4th Special Forces Battalion led by LTC Bernard P Samin and Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Nanoh who facilitated the turn-over of loose firearms in connection with the Small Arms and Light Weapons Program of the Province.

Subsequently, Governor Jim Hataman – Salliman emphasized in his message that he strongly supports the SALW program and aims to totally eradicate unregistered weapons in the whole Province of Basilan to promote harmony and make the province a better place to live.

Lastly, Commanding Officer of 4th Special Forces Battalion headed by LTC BERNARD P SAMIN (GSC) INF PA mentioned that his unit will continue to raise the bar of dedication to duty in accomplishing its mission and in doing its share for the overall peace and development of Basilan Province.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/23-loose-firearms-from-hadji-muhtamad-turned-over-to-army-special-forces-joint-task-force-basilan/

Kalinaw News: Wounded NPA, Rescued

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 30, 2023): Wounded NPA, Rescued (By Jonathan Blanco)

In relation to the encounter that took place yesterday in Brgy Huyon-uyon town of San Francisco on January 29th, our military continues to conduct a follow-up operation in which a wounded member of the NPA who was abandoned by his comrades was rescued by our soldiers in death this morning not far from the place where they fought.
The rescued NPA was identified as Ka ARCI, 59 years old and a member of PLATUN REYMARK.

According to LTC JOEL JONSON, the commanding officer of 85IB, “To our countrymen who continue to fight against our government, it is not too late to surrender and change their lives. Surrender and you will not be destroyed, may your deceased colleagues be a lesson to you and those who surrendered and changed their lives be an inspiration”.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/wounded-npa-rescued/

Kalinaw News: 37 Former Rebels Complete De-Radicalization Program in Northern Samar

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2023): 37 Former Rebels Complete De-Radicalization Program in Northern Samar (By Jonathan Blanco)

From January 25–27, 2023, 37 Former Rebels participated in a three-day deradicalization seminar at Headquarters 803rd Brigade, Camp Sumoroy, Brgy Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.The 803rd Brigade, in cooperation with the Northern Samar Provincial Task-Force ELCAC and Provincial Task-Force Balik Loob, carried out the 3-Day Former Rebel (FRs) De-radicalization Program. All 37 of the former rebels who attended are currently enrolled at the “Darangpan Center” of the Northern Samar Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, where they will participate in a number of activities aimed at rehabilitating them into contributing members of society.

In order to prepare these FRs for their reintegration into their respective communities, the program aims to maintain the gains made by the government in accordance with the application of Executive Order 70 to End Local the Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). Additionally, this program aims to disprove the information given to Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) CADREs when they were recruited and equip them to assist the government’s efforts to promote peace, particularly in relation to thwarting the CTG’s deception tactics and terroristic activities. Such an effort will go a long way toward helping Northern Samar province achieve inclusive and lasting peace.

In contrast, the commander of the 803rd Brigade, Brigadier General Perfecto P. Pearedondo PA, said during the closing ceremony that “the propaganda used by the CTG CADREs during indoctrination and recruitment that fooled the innocent communities, such as the agrarian revolution, alleviation of living conditions, and a better life, can never be achieved through armed struggle.” The NPAs’ active presence in Northern Samar Province only obstructs peace and progress. The normalization of FRs’ lives under a democratic governance system, he continued, depends on changing their mindset.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/37-former-rebels-complete-de-radicalization-program-in-northern-samar/

Kalinaw News: 3 high-value individuals nabbed, high-powered firearms seized in GenSan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 31, 2023): 3 high-value individuals nabbed, high-powered firearms seized in GenSan (By 11ID)

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – January 30, 2023

Three high-value individuals of the communist terrorist group, including two female officers, were apprehended in a joint law enforcement operation in General Santos City on Sunday, January 29, 2023.

Troops of the 1st Mechanized Brigade supported the law enforcement operation spearheaded by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 12, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, and other police units. By virtue of a warrant of arrest for rebellion, troops apprehended Yvonne Losaria, a.k.a. Travis/Iñigo/Kaber, 3rd Deputy Secretary of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), and leader of Sentro de Grabidad (SDG), Guerilla Front 53 (GF53), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). Government forces also arrested Presentacion Saluta for violation of RA 6968 and Ruben Saluta for Multiple Murders and Frustrated Murder. Presentacion was the head of Komiteng Rehiyonal Panay (KR-Panay) while Ruben was the Secretary of the National Propaganda Commission and former NFC Secretary of the Panay Regional Party Committee (PRPC). He was also the National Democratic Front Consultant.

The joint operation also resulted in the seizure of five M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, one Carbine rifle, assorted electronic devices, propaganda materials, personal belongings, and other war materials.

Apprehended personalities and confiscated items were brought to CIDG 12 headquarters at Camp Fermin J. Lira, Dadiangas North, General Santos City for booking procedures and filing of appropriate charges.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido commended the troops of the 1st Mechanized Brigade and the PNP counterparts for the successful operation. “This success is a testament to the positive result of good interagency collaboration and cooperation. I am pleased to hear the news that three high-value individuals of the communist terrorist group fell into the hands of the government forces. We expect that their followers will come out soon.”

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-high-value-individuals-nabbed-high-powered-firearms-seized-in-gensan/

Kalinaw News: The Cagayan Provincial Government gives aid to former rebels and their children

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 2, 2023): The Cagayan Provincial Government gives aid to former rebels and their children

From January 1 to 31, 2023, the Provincial Government of Cagayan helped 86 children of former rebels pay for school through its Social Welfare and Development Office in CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, and Isabela.

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Ms. Elvira Layus, said that a total of 278,000 pesos were given out. Elementary school students got 3,000 pesos, junior and senior high school students got 4,000 pesos, and college students got 5,000 pesos.

“The Provincial Government of Cagayan is doing this to help the children of former rebels. “From elementary school to college, we’ll take care of them,” Layus said in an interview.
She also gave credit to the 17th and 77th Infantry Battalions of the army for their help and support in getting the paperwork done so that the former rebels and their families could get benefits.

Also, this office and the Department of Interior and Local Government-Cagayan gave three former armed members of the Communist Terrorist Group a total of 50,000 pesos to help them get back on their feet. Each of the three received 15,000 pesos in immediate help. While the former members of the Militia ng Bayan got immediate help worth 15,000 pesos.

“For this quarter, NASA is going to talk to 125 former rebels about getting help. Since it is not the responsibility of the Provincial Government of Cagayan, we refer the others to our other partner agencies like DSWD and DTI so that we can help all of our former rebels,” Layus said when asked how many former rebels would get the same benefit.

In the meantime, the army troops are always working together with the relevant government agencies on the ongoing campaign to end the armed conflict between communists in the area.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/the-cagayan-provincial-government-gives-aid-to-former-rebels-and-their-children/

Kalinaw News: Mga Dekalibreng Armas Nasamsam ng mga Sundalo’t Pulis sa Engkwentro sa Sorsogon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 2, 2023): Mga Dekalibreng Armas Nasamsam ng mga Sundalo’t Pulis sa Engkwentro sa Sorsogon (Soldiers and Police Seized Two High-Caliber Weapons in the Encounter in Sorsogon) (By 9ID)

Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Ilang dekalibreng armas ang nasamsam ng pinag-isang pwersa ng mga sundalo’t pulis matapos nilang makasagupa ang ilang miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) sa Pilar, Sorosogon kaninang umaga.

Kabilang sa mga armas na ito ay ang dalawang M16 Rifle, dalawang anti-personnel mines, isang Molotov, sampung cellphone, mga makateroristang dokumento at mga personal na kagamitan ng mga rebelde.

Bago naitala ang nasabing pangyayari ay nakatanggap ng impormasyon ang mga otoridad sa umano’y presensiya ng mga armadong kalalakihan sa may pagitan ng Barangay San Vicente Grande, Daraga Albay at Barangay Catamlangan at Pinagsalog ng bayan ng Pilar kung saan agad nilang beneripika na nagresulta sa 15 minutong palitan ng putok.

Wala namang naitalang nasugatan o namatay na tropa sa nasabing insidente habang inaalam pa sa bahagi ng mga terorista dahil sa mga bakas ng dugo sa lugar.

Muli namang nanawagan si Major General Adonis Bajao ang Commander ng 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army at Joint Task Force Bicolandia sa mga miyembro ng CTG na sumuko na lamang at buksan ang kanilang puso’t-isipan sa pagbabago ng kanilang pananaw sa buhay kasama ang Puong Maykapal.

“Hinihikayat ko po ang mga miyembro ng CTG na sumuko na lamang at maging bahagi ng pagbabago ng ating komunidad tungo sa tunay na kapayapaan. Katatapos lamang po ng ating paggunita sa National Bible Day nitong Lunes, nawa’y sa pamamagitan nito ay mabuksan na rin ang inyong mga puso’t isipan upang baguhin na ang inyong mga pananaw sa buhay”, ani MGen. Adonis Bajao.

Ito na ang ikalimang engkwentrong naitala ngayong taon kabilang na ang naganap sa Sorsogon noong Enero 15 at Enero 28, at ang pinaka-unang magkasabay na engkwentro noong nakaraang Enero 9 sa Albay at sa Masbate kung saan nasamsam sa Baleno at Aroroy, ang matataas na kalibre ng baril na kinabibilangan ng: dalawang M16 rifle, isang (1) M-60 machine gun; isang (1) M14 7.62 rifle; isang (1) M4 5.56 na rifle, samu’t-saring mga bala at mga maka-teroristang dokumento.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/mga-dekalibreng-armas-nasamsam-ng-mga-sundalot-pulis-sa-engkwentro-sa-sorsogon/

Kalinaw News: BIFF members abandon their group, primed to begin peaceful life

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 2, 2023): BIFF members abandon their group, primed to begin peaceful life

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City, on February 2, 2023

Wednesday, three Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) members turned themselves in to the military in Maguindanao del Sur.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, who is in charge of Joint Task Force Central, said that the former violent extremists turned themselves in to Lt. Col. Edwin Alburo, who is in charge of the 40th Infantry Battalion, in the afternoon of February 1, 2023, at the unit’s headquarters in Barangay Kabengi, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.

Two of the personalities who turned themselves in used to be in the BIFF-Karialan Faction, and the other one used to be in the Bungos Faction. They gave over a 7.62mm Sniper rifle, a cal. 50 Sniper rifle, and a 40mm rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

People who turned themselves in said they could no longer handle the hardships they faced while trying to avoid the government forces. While they are hiding, they are hungry, tired, and afraid for their lives.

The 40IB is taking care of the three former BIFF members while they fill out paperwork and get a debriefing from a guard.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, lauded the military forces under Joint Task Force Central for their relentless efforts to end terrorism in Central Mindanao. “As the former commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, I am proud of our Kampilan troopers who remain steadfast in performing their respective duties and working with the local government officials and stakeholders to attain peace in the region.”

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/biff-members-abandon-their-group-primed-to-begin-peaceful-life/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA mounts ambush in Sorsogon, sniping ops in Negros

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): NPA mounts ambush in Sorsogon, sniping ops in Negros

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

January 21, 2023

Three fascist soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were killed in armed actions of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros and Sorsogon on January 15.

The NPA-Sorsogon ambushed the 18-man operating unit of the 22nd IB and CAFGU in Barangay Calmayon, Juban, Sorsogon. A CAFGU member was killed while two others were injured. The ambushed unit is part of the troops operating in the adjacent barangays of Calmayon, Maalo and Calateo in the town of Juban and Barangay Calpi and Dolos in Bulan since 2020.

The NPA-Central Negros mounted consecutive snipe operations on the same day. Two soldiers were killed. Red fighters first sniped the troops of the 62nd IB in Sitio Palasan, Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. By 6 o’clock in the evening, snipers aimed at the soldiers in Sitio Batang-batangan, Barangay Bucalan, Canlaon City.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/npa-mounts-ambush-in-sorsogon-sniping-ops-in-negros/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Police surfaces 2 disappeared Cebu activists

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): Police surfaces 2 disappeared Cebu activists

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

January 21, 2023

State forces were compelled to release two Cebuano activists on January 16 after calls for them to be surfaced snowballed. Dyan Gumanao and Armand Dayoha were forced into a waiting van by men who identified themselves as police officers at a port of Cebu on January 10 at noon in front of numerous witnesses. They were taken to a safehouse where they were subjected to psychological torture. They were dropped on January 16 at a resort in the town of Carmen after the family released photos of their abduction.

Gumanao is the coordinator of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers for Region 7 while Dayoha is a volunteer for a Cebu chapter of the Alliance of Health Workers. Both graduated from the University of the Philippines-Cebu.

In a video taken by a witness, the two can be seen being forced into a gray-colored SUV parked on the part of the port where private vehicles are not allowed. Before this video surfaced, port officials, police and the crew of the ship denied knowledge of a “kidnapping incident” in the area that day. The family and human rights groups are calling for an independent investigation into the abduction, to look into the involvement not only of the police, but also of the port and its personnel.

Killing. On the neighboring island of Negros, the military killed two farmers and attempted to kill another in the past two weeks. As in other cases, the military claimed the victims died in encounters with NPA units.

In Guihulngan City, soldiers of the 62nd IB killed Orlando Fat in Sitio Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad on January 10. They attempted to kill Rodrigo Pasinabo in Sityo Cambaogon on January 15.

These are part of the large-scale combat operation of the 62nd IB in the border barangays of Guihulngan City, Canlaon City and Moises Padilla.

In Himamaylan City, soldiers of the 94th IB killed 49-year-old farmer Jose Gonzalez in Purok Maliko-liko, Sityo Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan on January 9.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/police-surfaces-2-disappeared-cebu-activists/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Military holds baby hostage for 2 years

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): Military holds baby hostage for 2 years

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

January 21, 2023

For two years, now 2-year-old Baby Marx Cairo Salino has been separated from his family. On January 13, 2021, the 79th IB took him during a raid on the house of the Madin family in Hacienda Ambulong, Barangay San Fernando, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Since then, the military has been holding the baby hostage and has refused to return him to the custody of his relatives. Baby Marx is the son of Ka Peeta and Ka Jandy, both fighters of the New People’s Army in Negros.

The military is using Baby Marx as a hostage to force his parents to surrender. The DSWD refused to turn him over to his grandparents because the military still needed to be “consulted”.

Baby Marx’s grandfather and grandmother have been repeatedly subjected to pressure, intimidation and surveillance. In the first quarter of 2022, soldiers raided their temporary home. Because of this, they were forced to hide.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/military-holds-baby-hostage-for-2-years/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Naval Station Carlito Cunanan: A US military base in Palawan

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): Naval Station Carlito Cunanan: A US military base in Palawan

January 21, 2023

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

The Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC) is one of two US military bases in Palawan under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the US and the Philippines. It was established under the Aquino II regime as part of US efforts to ensure control of the Indo-Pacific ocean. It is part of the “first island chain” (Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Borneo, and others) against China. The NSCC can be found within the Oyster Bay, part of Puerto Princesa City’s Ulugan Bay.

The said military base was secretly developed and funded by the AFP with US support to transform it into a “mini-Subic” to serve American troops and become a station of US imperialism’s warships. It is around 160 kilometers from the Spratly Islands where China’s military facilities are positioned.

When the NSCC was built in Ulugan Bay, it destroyed the environment and caused environmental pollution. The erected infrastructures and US military facilities destroyed the rich and protected mangroves and coral reefs. The cutting of trees in the area was not permitted by the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) given that the bay is a protected area.

This severely impacted the lives, livelihood and properties of about 1,700 residents of Barangay Macarascas, one of the five villages around the Ulugan Bay. Residents in the area were evicted en massé with more than 100 houses demolished to give way for the military base. Fishermen were dislocated from their place of livelihood because the entire Ulugan Bay became a port for big US warships. Filipino soldiers fire at boats of fishermen sailing near the bay.

The military base brought about abuses against the Palaweños. Cases of violence, abuse against women and childre and other violations of human rights by mercenary American soldiers and the AFP have risen. Prostitution and sex trafficking became rampant after lines of bars and entertainment centers were erected in Puerto Princesa to serve American soldiers. There are reports that women are brought by van into the NSCC itself.

____
From Ang Pulang Larangan, revolutionary mass publication in Palawan.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/naval-station-carlito-cunanan-a-us-military-base-in-palawan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: People reject US presence in Cagayan

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): People reject US presence in Cagayan

 


January 21, 2023

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

The people of Cagayan rejects the planned transformation of the AFP’s military camp to a US military facility, in line with the planned five additional US local camps under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. The US will use these facilities as permanent bases of US military equipment and troops.

The National Democratic Front-Cagayan expects the Marcos puppet regime to permit US forces to use AFP military camps in Sta. Ana and Lal-lo. Another is the 50-hectare land being taken by the AFP from farmers in Divilacan, Isabela.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/people-reject-us-presence-in-cagayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Philippines, in US war preparations vs China

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): Philippines, in US war preparations vs China

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

January 21, 2023

The US Biden government is brazenly trampling on Philippine sovereignty as it prepares a “theater of war” against its imperialist rival China. Along with Japan, South Korea, Singapore and other countries in what it calls the “first-island chain” of countries closest to China, the Philippines is now stationed with military personnel and equipment that are ready to be used the moment war breaks out.

Lt. Gen. James Bierman, commanding general of Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) and US Marine Forces Japan very explicitly said that the US has long been preparing to wage a war against China, and compared it to its preparations in the war in Ukraine against Russia. In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Bierman said:

“Why have we achieved the level of success we’ve achieved in Ukraine? A big part of that has been because after Russian aggression in 2014 and 2015, we earnestly got after preparing for future conflict: training for the Ukrainians, pre-positioning of supplies, identification of sites from which we could operate support, sustain operations… We call that setting the theatre. And we are setting the theatre in Japan, in the Philippines, in other locations.”

Bierman’s words show US imperialism’s arrogance in pushing to impose its hegemony on any part of the world, manifesting complete contempt of the sovereignty of these countries, especially of semicolonies like the Philippines. Its treats its “allied” countries as pawns in a game of chess in its strategy of surrounding China.

In using the Philippines as part of its “theater of war” against China, the US is turning it into a magnet or target of possible Chinese attacks in the event that war between the US and China erupts. Using the Philippines as a US launchpad for its wars overseas outrightly violates the country’s sovereignty.

The US is brazenly using Japan, Korea and the Philippines because the ruling governments in these countries are subservient to US dictates. The Fumio Kishida government of Japan is presently conniving all-out with the US military, recently increasing spending to acquire US missiles which can hit targets from a 1000-kilometers distance. Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol is pushing for the prepositioning of US nuclear weapons in their country. The US has large military bases both in Japan and Korea.

Last year, the Marcos government declared its plan to allow the construction of five additional US facilities in its chosen areas: two in Cagayan province, one each in Isabela, Zambales and Palawan. This is in addition to the five US military facilities inside AFP camps established under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The US is expected to use these facilities to position ground-to-air missile systems aimed at China.

These facilities form part of the US strategy to push China to “own the starting pistol.” Among these provocations are the sailing of warships into the Taiwan Strait which is recognized as Chinese territory under the One China Policy, and the unending navigation of its aircraft carriers in the western and eastern seas of the Philippines and on Japan’s eastern coast, and the successive “war exercises” in the Philippines, South Korea and Japan, as well as India, near China’s borders.

US war provocations against China are part of its push to control markets and supply of resources. The decades-long US collusion with Chinese monopoly bureaucrat-capilists has now become a heightening economic and military war. The US aims to take away the vast markets dominated by China’s cheap commodities.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/philippines-in-us-war-preparations-vs-china/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Human rights abuses to worsen, as generals jostle for power

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): Human rights abuses to worsen, as generals jostle for power

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

January 21, 2023

Human rights abuses will intensify as the military generals jostle for power under the Marcos-Duterte tandem. These conflicts began in mid-2022 and erupted in the early days of 2023. This strife among the ranks of the military reflect the deep contradictions among the allied political dynasties and factions within the ruling Marcos regime.

In the bid to stop the jostling for corruption and stymie the growing discontent that could lead to destabilization, Ferdinand Marcos Jr reshuffled key people in the defense, military and police. He kicked out officials he himself had appointed and brought back the worst generals who served during the Duterte regime.

The shake-up began with the re-appointment of Gen. Andres Centino as chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the position Marcos awarded to Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, known as an ally of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and then Executive Sec. Vic Rodriguez. To protest Bacarro’s unceremonious removal, former Gen. Jose Faustino resigned as officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense (DND). Five other senior DND officials resigned after him. He was replaced by Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr, former presidential adviser on the peace process and chief of the Duterte regime’s utterly failed and corrupt response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The last to be removed from office was Prof. Clarita Carlos, who was previously criticized by the generals after she called for the NTF-Elcac budget’s reduction. She was replaced by the ultra-militarist Gen. Eduardo Año as National Security Adviser (NSA).

While generals and colonels jostled for juicy positions in the AFP, the entire force of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was placed under “full alert.” According to the bourgeois media, a memo about a coup and destabilization was circulated. At the same time, the PNP was undergoing a shake down with more than 900 police generals and colonels being asked to submit their courtesy resignations.

In the face of the so-called “game of the generals,” progressive and democratic organizations have expressed concern that human rights abuses and war crimes will intensify. Año, Galvez and Centino are known for the most brutal and dirty tactics in the war against the people. The list of their violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws is long and bloody. They are remembered, along with the former adviser of the NSA, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, as the biggest obstacles to the peace talks.

The military’s grip on the civil bureaucracy has tightened with the appointment of Año, Galvez and Centino. In line with the US “anti-terrorism” and anticommunist counterinsurgency doctrine, the military will continue to define and dictate state policies and place civilian agencies under its control as what is being done through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

With the return of former president Duterte’s generals, expect the brutal counterinsurgency tactics to continue. They will obstruct peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. In Año, Galvez and Centino’s book, there is only the military solution. The only peace they know is the “peace of the dead.”

In the face of this, the Party has instructed all its committees, as well as NPA units to take advantage of the strife, confusion and maneuvers within the AFP and PNP. They must launch propaganda and education within the military and police, especially among the lowest ranks to persuade them to abandon the rotten organization and cooperate with the revolutionary forces.

It said these strife will ultimately impinge on counterinsurgency operations, especially when there are coup and counter-coup maneuvers by troops. The NPA must take the initiative and intensify military and political work throughout the country and reap big gains in the face of the enemy’s chaos.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/human-rights-abuses-to-worsen-as-generals-jostle-for-power/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Co­rres­pondence: From quarantine to the countryside

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jan 21, 2023): Co­rres­pondence: From quarantine to the countryside

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

January 21, 2023

The following is the story of a Kabataang Makabayan member who joined the celebration of the Party’s 54th anniversary in one of the guerilla fronts of the people’s army.

After Christmas, I immediately prepared my things necessary for our visit. Excitement drowned my fear of the unknown. I have been a member of Kabataang Makabayan (KM) for two years, but due to the strict lockdowns imposed in the name of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the first time I will witness the stories I’ve only heard about.

Our journey seemed quite short. By nightfall, we reached the community where we would be picked up. Anxious, I held on to my bag while looking at the darkening path that we would soon be traversing. Then we started to walk. My heart beat fast as I traveled to an unfamiliar place.

After a while the path become thick in vegetation—it was dark, muddy and rocky. To be honest, I’ve long thought I could not hike through the mud. As someone from the petty-bourgeoisie who grew up in the city, I’m fussy and don’t want to get dirty. I am also not used to hiking through rocks or to walking in general. I don’t want to get all tired and sweaty.

Despite this, comrades showed utmost patience. They immediately reached their hands out the moment I asked for help. I realized just how kind our fighters were, they extended all help to ensure our safety. I remembered when I once said that I had no perspective of going to the countryside—I thought I wouldn’t fit in here. Most people just told me: “trust the comrades to support you.”

It was already early morning when we reached their place. Upon arrival, we were led to rest in our sleeping quarters. I had a hard time relaxing at first but eventually fell asleep out of exhaustion. After a while, I woke up to the chatter of comrades who were busy in their preparations. The area was clear. The breeze was fresh. I turned around and saw the fighters in a huddle. My first thought was, “they look so cool, like lead characters of the anime I watch.”

The next few hours were filled with conversation and laughter. We slowly got to know each other. In our exchanges, I learned about the sacrifices and necessary perseverance in this field they have chosen.

We saw the comrade’s artworks as we arrived at the place where the celebration was going to be held. At the center is a painting with the theme: “Consolidate and strengthen the Party! Frustrate the US-Marcos regime’s counterrevolutionary war and state terrorism! Comprehensively advance the people’s democratic revolution!” And on both sides were the red flags of the Party. Below it, a hammer and sickle was carved on the ground. This symbolized the fighters’ tribute to the great teacher and servant of the Filipino masses, Jose Maria “Ka Joma” Sison.



By noon the program started. First was the singing of the “Internationale.” I looked at everyone with amazement. I imagined how many Filipinos will sing this song together when victory is attained. The comrade fighters performed cultural numbers. I was surprised at their talent. They are not only warriors, they are also artists of the people! The youth happily joined in the performances. The guests’ faces showed real joy.

In the evening we prepared for our departure. During our short stay, I was able to immediately form a special relationship with the comrade fighters and the masses we met. I went home with no regrets. Only now did I affirm my perspective—that the path I have chosen is correct. During my few days in the countryside, I brought home many stories and lessons.

The walk back was easier, as though in a short time, I mastered traveling the path. With the ease of traveling home, I became aware of the difficult work and tasks necessary for the success of the revolution. The words during the program kept echoing in my mind. “We chose to work in the countryside because here there is a greater need to serve the masses.” I have seen the armed struggle in its actual form, and can now stand on stronger grounds to continue the fight and strengthen our ranks in joining the struggles of the toiling masses and serving the oppressed.

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

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/01/21/from-quarantine-to-the-countryside/