Gov’t vows to beat 2 remaining rebel fronts in Eastern Visayas

From Rappler (Apr 19, 2023): Gov’t vows to beat 2 remaining rebel fronts in Eastern Visayas (By RICKY BAUTISTA)

The Philippine Army says that in Eastern Visayas only a pair of rebel fronts are left, both are in the wilds of Northern Samar

SAMAR, Philippines – The Philippine Army on Tuesday, April 18, admitted there were still two active insurgency fronts in Eastern Visayas, but vowed to beat these this year.

“They’re now hiding mostly in the wilds of Northern Samar,” said Captain Jeff Mariano, chief of Public Affairs Office of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City.

The Army official said there was an intensified inter-agency operation to defeat the remaining insurgents – Front Committee 15 and Front Committee 1 – and their support structure. “Optimistic kami sa 8ID na ang FC1 at FC15 will be dismantled (on or before) 3rd quarter of this year,” Mariano told Rappler.

Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) presided over a consultative meeting on April 11 to assess the direction of the campaign in the six provinces of the region.

Present at the meeting were leaders and officials from the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council 8, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity, and NTF-ELCAC.

Major General Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, reported during the meeting that they dismantled a pair of NPA front committees – Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 2 Emporium and Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3 Arctic. This was confirmed by the joint AFP/PNP Area Clearing Validation Board in the region.

“We still have 2 more fronts, and one of them is now very weak,” Mariano told Rappler, adding that there was no more mass base that supported the underground movement.

“Yan ang inuna natin gawin. Ang i-isolate sila sa mass base support by doing Community Support Program para madisintegrate sila to the community,” Mariano said.

(That was what we did first. We isolated the mass base support by doing community supports program. This is to disintegrate them from the community.)

Mariano said the 2 fronts had “mga nasa 200 nalang siguro ang warriors nila (about 200 fighters each.)

The military’s report said that for the first quarter of 2023, at least 16 key leaders and three finance officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), two CPP-NPA members were killed; five were captured; and 43 surrendered.

The Army said among those killed were high-ranking NPA officials “Michael” and “Laban” – the finance officer of SRC Levox and commander of NPA’s “Yakal” platoon of SRC Browser, respectively.

Government troops also seized 68 assorted firearms and 24 anti-personnel mines, and discovered 31 enemy hideouts.

8ID commander Ligayo attributed their notable accomplishments to the stakeholders especially to the NTF-ELCAC thru Usec. Torres, that he said, “vital in helping the region attain long and lasting peace.”

“Through his (Usec. Torres) guidance, we can also (hope to finally) dismantle and end the decades-long insurgency in the region just like what he did when he was still the commander of the 10th Infantry Division where he became instrumental in the dismantling of guerilla fronts.”

The NPA has been waging a guerrilla war for 54 years now, the longest ongoing conflict in the country. It considered by government as a “terrorist organization.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/philippine-army-vows-beat-remaining-rebel-fronts-eastern-visayas/

After 8 months, CPP confirms death of party leaders, the Tiamzons

From Rappler (Apr 20, 2023): After 8 months, CPP confirms death of party leaders, the Tiamzons (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The CPP's statement contradicts the military's report that the couple was killed in an encounter

MANILA, Philippines – The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), confirmed on Thursday, April 20, that Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan) and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon (Ka Bagong-tao) were among the rebels killed in Samar eight months ago.

The press release issued by Marco Valbuena, the party’s chief information officer, confirmed that Benito and Wilma were killed along with eight others on August 21, 2022. At the time of their death, Benito was the party’s executive committee chairperson, while his wife served as the CPP’s secretary general.

Eight other rebels from the guerrilla force of the party’s central headquarters were also killed along with the couple. They include Joel Arceo (Ka Divino), a subregional secretary in Eastern Visayas, Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe, and Ka Butig.

The CPP said the Tiamzons, who were unarmed, were traveling in two separate vehicles along the national highway near Catbalogan City when they were flagged down between 12 to 1 pm. After that, the party lost communication with them, the CPP said.

Based on the information gathered by the CPP Central Committee, the Tiamzons allegedly suffered severe beating by their captors. Some witnesses also testified “how the faces and bodies of the victims were smashed, apparently beaten with hard objects,” the party added.

The CPP also disputed the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) report that the Tiamzons were killed after their boat exploded in an encounter with military forces in Samar. The communist group said the “claimed mid-sea firefight and explosion” were all “drama” made by the military to hide evidence of the “ignominy of their fascist crime.”

“In truth, the already lifeless bodies of the Tiamzons and their group were dumped on a motorboat filled with explosives, and tugged from Catbalogan midway towards Taranganan island before it was detonated. Only eight bodies were subsequently retrieved by the military,” the CPP added.

Meanwhile, the CPP also announced that a 21-gun salute will be offered for the Tiamzons on April 24 – the 50th founding anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

The Tiamzon couple was convicted by a Quezon City court for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in November 2020. They were never seen since they were ordered rearrested by a Manila court in 2018.

In 2016, the couple was released after being in prison for years to participate as NDFP consultants in the botched 2016 Oslo peace talks.
AFP’s version

The CPP’s statement contradicts the military’s version of events. On August 22, 2022, the Philippine military said a motorboat exploded off the coast of Catbalogan in Samar during an encounter with AFP soldiers and an unidentified group of people. A Facebook page associated with defense and security alerts said the Tiamzon couple had died in the said explosion.
MUST READ

READ: 8-month chase leads to sinking of ‘communist VIPs’ in Samar waters

Read the parts 2 and 3 of the report here:
(Part 2: Air, land, river operations put rebels in Samar on the defensive)
(Part 3: Wounded land: The cost of war in Samar)

Then-commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Major General Edgardo de Leon, said there were “strong reasons to believe the casualties were NPA VIPs (New People’s Army-Very Important Persons). The alleged encounter started from a tip about an alleged armed group loading ammunition on a boat in Canhawan Guti, an island in Catbalogan.

De Leon then claimed the island was periodically used by the couple as their base. He added that the military was also following the movement of the couple prior to the alleged encounter.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/communist-party-philippines-confirms-death-leaders-benito-wilma-tiamzon-april-2023/

NPA rebel killed in Moises Padilla clash

From Panay News (Apr 19, 2023): NPA rebel killed in Moises Padilla clash (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a gun battle with troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in Barangay Quentin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental early yesterday morning.

The fatality, identified as Jose “Jojo” Albores, belonged to the Central Negros Front 1 of the Leonardo Panaligan Command and was one of the leaders of the “kangaroo court” tasked to kill members tagged as government assets and civilians who refuse to support the armed struggle.

A five-minute firefight ensued between the 62IB troops and five NPA fighters at about 5:30 a.m., resulting in Albores’ death.

Lieutenant Colonel William Pesase, 62IB commander, said they recovered a KG9 assault rifle, a hand grenade, subversive documents, and personal belongings during the clearing operation.

The troops endorsed Albores’ body to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Pesase, in a statement, said his men would “tirelessly hunt the remaining NPA rebels who kill innocent and unarmed civilians in central Negros.”

“To the remaining NPA who are still running away, we know that you are tired and hungry, especially those who are wounded. Surrender now or be killed later,” he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/npa-rebel-killed-in-moises-padilla-clash/

Ex-PSG commander Durante arraigned

From MindaNews (Apr 19, 2023): Ex-PSG commander Durante arraigned (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY – Brig. Gen. Jesus P. Durante, the former Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, and Col. Michael D. Licyayo, along with other military personnel tagged in murder of model and entrepreneur Yvonette Chua Plaza, were arraigned on Tuesday before the military court constituted to hear their administrative charges, a military official said on Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus P. Durante and Yvonnette Chua Plaza. Photos from the Facebook pages of the 1001st IB and Plaza

Maj. Mark Anthony S. Tito, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 10th Infantry Division, told MindaNews that the arraignment started 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Tito declined to discuss any information on the merits of the case for lack of authority but added that formal hearings have yet to be scheduled.

He said that officials from the headquarters of the Philippine Army can speak about the development of the proceedings before the General Court Martial.

In a press statement, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., chief of the Philippine Army, approved the administrative charges against the military officials and personnel and subsequently ordered them placed under General Court Martial.

The General Court Martial is chaired by the Court President, Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel M. Niembra, who is the current 10th Infantry Division Commander.

It said that Durante and Licyayo were transferred and detained in the Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters, Camp Panacan, Davao City last Monday to appear before the military court.

Plaza was shot dead outside her rented house at Green Meadow Subdivision in Barangay Santo Niño, Tugbok on December 29, 2022.

Durante, who headed the 1001st Infantry Brigade, was allegedly the mastermind in what appeared to be a premeditated killing of Plaza while Licyayo, the brigade’s deputy commander, provided the gunmen the details of the victim’s whereabouts as well as logistics to execute the murder.

Other enlisted military personnel involved in the murder case are SSgt. Gilbert Plaza, SSgt. Delfin Llarenas Sialsa Jr., Cpl. Adrian N. Cachero, PFC Rolly Cabal, and PFC Romart Longakit. The latter remains missing, Tito said. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/04/ex-psg-commander-durante-arraigned/

PH-US ties on path to new levels of understanding: House leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): PH-US ties on path to new levels of understanding: House leader (By Jose Cielito Reganit)

CLOSER TIES. United States House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (center) receives a token of appreciation from visiting Philippine lawmakers led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (left) after their meeting at the US Capitol in Washington DC on Wednesday (April 19, 2023, Manila time). Romualdez said the series of fruitful and engaging meetings between Philippine and US House leaders is bringing the two countries’ relations to new heights and levels of understanding. (Photo courtesy of Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez)

MANILA – House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday said the Philippine-United States relations are reaching new heights and levels of understanding after the series of meetings with US House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and other US lawmakers in the US Capitol, Washington DC.

According to a news release from Romualdez’s office, Scalise (Louisiana, 1st congressional district) was delighted to see the Philippine delegation and warmly welcomed them at the Office of the Majority Leader.

"We, from the House of Representatives in Manila thank Majority Leader Scalise for his warm welcome, his kind words, and most importantly his commitment to further strengthening Philippine and US ties in various aspects. It was a fruitful and engaging meeting, to say the very least, and I feel that we are reaching new heights and levels of understanding," Romualdez said.

He said the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reintegrated relations with the US to provide stability, peace, and prosperity, especially in enhancing our capability for defense and stronger economic security.

“Let’s make the two countries closer. We are here to gather support from US Congress to strengthen and improve our capabilities from external threats and national disasters," Romualdez added.

The Philippine delegation also held separate meetings with US Representatives Darrell Issa, Ami Bera, Mike Rogers (chairman of the House Armed Services Committee), and Christian Stewart, as well as Utah Attorney General Sean David Reyes, a Filipino-American.

During the meetings, they discussed strategies to strengthen economic cooperation, defense and security engagements, as well as bilateral strategic dialogue between the two long-time allied nations.

"This solidifies the good working relationship between President Marcos and President (Joe) Biden. Rest assured that legislators from both sides of the fence will follow through with the necessary work so that the benefits of this dynamic relationship would become more tangible tenfold," Romualdez said.

As a treaty ally, the Philippines has been receiving substantial defense assistance from the US in terms of training and defense items and equipment.

From 2002 to 2021, the Philippines received defense and security assistance at roughly USD1.8 billion for defense modernization, maritime security, counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics, anti-human trafficking, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear preparedness.

On the economic front, Washington remains an important and strategic trading and investment partner of Manila. This economic partnership remained strong despite challenges brought about by the pandemic.

In 2021, the US was the Philippines' third largest trading partner, top export market, and fifth major import source, whereas the Philippines ranked 30th among the US' top trade partners. The US was also the Philippines' fifth largest source of foreign investments in 2021, notably in the IT-BPM, electronics, real estate, construction, and transportation and storage sectors.

American businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, have found a home in the Philippines. They recognize the Philippines for its business-friendly policies, skilled and well-educated workforce, and network of economic zones.

"With our strong economy, we invited the US to increase and expand its investments. Just recently I was with the economic team of President Marcos to help generate more investments during the 2023 World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings," Romualdez said. "Now the congressional delegation of the House leadership is engaging their counterparts in the US Congress. We are working all out with our strong message to come to the Philippines and invest there."

Joining Romualdez were Majority Leader and Zamboanga 2nd District Rep. Manual Jose Dalipe, Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco, Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose S. Aquino II, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and House Sergeant-at-Arms PMGEN. Napoleon Taas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199699

AFP chief visits EDCA sites in Northern Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): AFP chief visits EDCA sites in Northern Luzon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres C. Centino during his visit in Lal-lo Airfield in Cagayan on Wednesday (April 18, 2023). (Photo courtesy of the AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Andres C. Centino on April 18 visited the newly approved Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in Northern Luzon and was briefed on the construction projects being undertaken in one of the new locations.

In a statement late Tuesday, AFP public affairs chief Col. Jorry Baclor said Centino and his delegation consisted of Philippine Air Force head Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño and Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, along with other senior military officials, first visited Lal-lo Airfield in Cagayan which is also one of the "Balikatan" field training exercises staging areas in Northern Luzon.

"The CSAFP (Chief of Staff AFP) and his delegation were briefed on the ongoing projects in the airfield, in line with its development as one of the agreed locations under the EDCA as a prime site for the AFP's territorial defense and humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts," he added.

No details were given by the AFP regarding the type and specific progress of ongoing projects in Lal-lo Airfield. Centino and his companions were welcomed by Tactical Operations Group 2 commander Col. Sadiri Tabutol.

The Philippines earlier named Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan as additional EDCA locations.

The proposal to add additional EDCA locations was announced by the Philippines and US defense departments last February.

These new locations add to the five EDCA locations earlier picked by Manila and Washington D.C. -- Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

After his visit to Lal-lo Airfield, the AFP chief also visited Marine Battalion Landing Team-10 (MBLT-10) of the Philippine Marine Corps at the Naval Base Camilo Osias,

"4th Marine Brigade commander, Brig.Gen. Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco III; commanding officer of MBLT-10, Lt. Col. Rodel Pacifico; and 3rd Littoral Logistics Battalion led by Lt. Col. Mark Lenzi, USMC (United States Marine Corps) welcomed the CSAFP and his party," Baclor said.

Centino's delegation later proceeded to the 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Gamu, Isabela. They were warmly welcomed by 5th Infantry Division Brig. Gen. Danilo Benavides, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco and Maj. Joe Van Deusen of the US Army's 25th Infantry Division.

During his visit, Centino encouraged the troops assigned to Nolcom to maximize the exercises' opportunities and engagement with their US counterparts.

"It is important that we realize that if we work together with our friends and allies, we will be stronger. Therefore, make the most of these exercises," he added.

Centino earlier said this year's "Balikatan" is the largest in history with a total of 17,680 Filipino, American and Australian participants. The annual exercises started April 11 and will conclude on the 28th.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199697

New EDCA sites aim to protect entire PH, Galvez assures senators

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): New EDCA sites aim to protect entire PH, Galvez assures senators (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

Department of National Defense chief Carlito Galvez, Jr. attends on Wednesday (April 19, 2023) the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs inquiry on the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). During the hearing, Galvez explained the reasons for choosing the four additional EDCA sites, three of which are located in Northern Luzon. (Photo by Senate PRIB)

MANILA – The four additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation (EDCA) agreed locations intend to intensify the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in strengthening the country's defense and security as well as humanitarian and relief operations, Department of Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. clarified on Wednesday to senators.

Together with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Galvez attended the general inquiry on EDCA by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Senator Imee Marcos.

Noting that previous EDCA sites were located in the inner part of the country, Galvez said they have been looking for other possible vulnerabilities.

"We can see that our vulnerabilities are located at the north-eastern side in terms of maritime security. While on the disaster side in the areas of Cagayan and also in the Isabela, we see our experiences that these areas have been isolated during the previous typhoons that we have experienced," he explained.

The EDCA four sites, which was recently announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., include the Naval base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

During the deliberation of AFP with counterparts in the United States, Galvez said the chosen areas were determined to be the most vulnerable in terms of the country's maritime security, as well as maritime interest in Benham rise and the West Philippine Sea.

"We saw that there is a need really for immediate designation of three sites in the north and also another site in at the south-eastern part which is the Balabac," Galvez said noting that Balabac Island and Camilo Osias Naval Base are the most strategic among the EDCA sites.

"If we have Camilo Osias, we can consolidate our forces for our future operations for disaster relief in Basco, Batanes because we have a lot of experience that Basco, Batanes had been isolated during disasters," he added.

This, after Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the intent of the EDCA and the government's plan to build more EDCA bases, saying the sites chosen were "random and no longer purposeful" with regard to the efforts to modernize the AFP.

Modernization, she said, should be the primary goal in the EDCA's implementation, besides disaster preparedness, maritime security and counterterrorism.

"Are we going to just rely on foreigners to defend us while our armed forces remain neglected, outdated and completely abject in the face of any external threats?" Marcos asked.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also questioned the reason and criteria for choosing the EDCA sites is wondering whether these are really strategic for the Philippines and not for the US.

"That’s why I’m looking for the end-goal. If the end-goal is to help capacitate ourselves or to ward off terrorism, I assume that the [EDCA] sites will be located in areas where we need to strengthen our capacities. That’s why I’m looking for the end-goal,” Gatchalian said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, who was also present in the inquiry, is convinced that the additional four sites and the present negotiation of the Philippine and the US governments do not intend to change any word or provision in the EDCA agreement.

He also clarified that the the extent of PH-US military exercises are only addendum to the existing agreement.

“When we are discussing with our counterparts, the end product is an annex to EDCA, so we don’t even attempt to change the terms of EDCA, this is just an annex to be cleared. We are making the commitment that no matter how extensive the discussions are, there will be no attempt, desires, or intention to change any word in EDCA or the agreement,” Pimentel said.

Secretary Manalo reported to the committee that currently, there remains eight of 16 EDCA projects in five originally agreed locations.

"Six of the projects are expected to be completed within 2023 including the runway project that Basa air base, storage facility at Mactan air base, and the [high availability disaster recovery] HADR of the humanitarian disaster relief warehouse in Fort Magsaysay," Manalo explained.

He said the funding for the remaining projects is also expected to be awarded by September 2023.

To date, the US has allocated a total of over USD100 million to EDCA projects including additional USD18 million announced during the third 2+2 ministerial dialogue held in Washington last week covering projects in both existing and new agreed EDCA sites.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199716

New naval assets highlight PH Fleet’s 85th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): New naval assets highlight PH Fleet’s 85th anniversary (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. (Photo courtesy of PN)

MANILA – The Philippine Fleet (PF) celebrated its 85th anniversary on April 18 with the acquisition of additional naval assets and development of new capabilities.

"Among the notable PF accomplishments in the recent year include the delivery of two additional fast attack interdiction-craft platforms, successful conduct of the first ever replenishment-at-sea (RAS) between the two Jose Rizal-class frigates, and the acquisition of two Cyclone-class patrol combatants," PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said in a statement forwarded to reporters Thursday.

Badidles was referring to the RAS between BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) last March 23 to 25 in Zambales waters, turnover by the US Navy of two Cyclone-class patrol vessels to the Philippine Navy (PN) after its decommissioning in Bahrain in March 28, and delivery of two more Acero-class gunboats (also known as the Israel shipyard-manufactured Shaldag Mark V) last April 11.

These additional naval assets and skill sets will greatly enhance the PF's capabilities to protect the country's territorial waters.

The theme for the PF's 85th anniversary is "A Legacy of Excellence: 85 Years of Protecting Our Seas, Defending Our Nation."

Meanwhile, PN chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. called the PF "the backbone of our naval operations and integral to our country’s national security and defense posture" during the anniversary ceremonies held at Magluyan Hall of Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Cavite City.

He also lauded the PF's sub-units, officers, enlisted personnel, civilian human resources and stakeholders who all "made significant contributions to our Navy’s Philippine Fleet."

As this developed, PF commander Rear Admiral Renato David expressed his high regard to "the contribution of our brave sailors, airmen, and officers deployed in the frontline, the professional competence and institutional expertise of our civilian human resources, the support personnel who work hard to ensure that the logistics requirements are delivered, the stakeholders who keep helping us achieve our mandates."

"We also honor the tradition of valor in the naval service and we pay homage to the memory of those who have gone ahead of us, whose deeds are written in the annals of our Command and who made history before us." he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199785

PAF airlifters, maintenance specialists learn to 'tweak' C-130s

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): PAF airlifters, maintenance specialists learn to 'tweak' C-130s (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PAF Airlifters joined by USAF counterparts in a walk through during the demonstration of one of the processes in Prop Blending of a C130J. (Photo courtesy of PAF)

MANILA – Philippine Air Force (PAF) airlift and maintenance personnel were briefed by their American counterparts on how to make their Lockheed C-130 "cargo" aircraft more efficient and safe.

This as the PAF's 220th Airlift Wing and 410th Maintenance Wing took part in subject matter expert exchange (SMEE), together with their United States Air Force (USAF) counterparts on C-130 prop blending and basic post flight (BPO) and pre-flight inspection (PFI) procedures last April 17, Air Force spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement late Wednesday.

The SMEE was held at the Herky Lounge, 222nd Airlift Squadron, 220th Airlift Wing, Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.

Castillo said C-130 prop blending refers to the process of repairing or restoring a damaged or worn-out propeller on a C-130 military transport aircraft.

"It is an essential maintenance procedure for C-130 aircraft to ensure that the propellers are operating efficiently and safely. Properly balanced and maintained propellers can help extend the life of the aircraft and reduce the risk of in-flight incidents," she added.

Meanwhile, BPO and PFI are two essential maintenance procedures that are carried out on the aircraft before and after each flight to ensure their airworthiness and safety.

"By performing these inspections, maintenance personnel and pilots can detect and correct any issues before they become serious problems that could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its crew/passengers," Castillo added.

She also said the session provided the aircrew and maintenance personnel of the PAF an essential learning opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills necessary for effective handling and maintenance of its C-130s.

Also on April 17, the 220th Airlift Wing also participated in a SMEE with USAF airlifters on low-cost low-altitude (LCLA) airdrop bundle rigging at Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base.

"During the activity, the USAF demonstrated their patented Low-cost Low-altitude (LCLA) airdrop bundle techniques and exchanged best practices with all the participants. The learning event was attended by C-130 Pilots and Crew from the 222nd Airlift Squadron; Maintenance Personnel from the 470th Maintenance and Supply Squadron and 410th Maintenance Wing; and USAF counterparts," Castillo said.

She added LCLA airdrop configuration utilizes minimal rigging supplies and decommissioned personnel parachutes that are still serviceable to deliver customized cargo, such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief, in bundles.

Additionally, it can be rigged in a "coastal" configuration suitable for a shoreline drop zone.

"LCLA offers a cheap, effective, and accurate tactical airlift delivery method that the PAF may employ using our C-130, C-295, NC-212i, and other airlift platforms.

This can be extremely effective during resupply and HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief) operations," Castillo said.

She added that this SMEE is in preparation for the LCLA airdrop exercise to be performed in the coming days as one of the activities in this year’s "Balikatan" exercises.

This aims to further improve PAF’s operational readiness in delivering goods in critical areas of operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199786

Congress to help build stronger PH-US partnership

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): Congress to help build stronger PH-US partnership (By Zaldy De Layola)

File photo

MANILA – The House of Representatives will continue to help the Marcos administration build a stronger Philippine partnership with the United States, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said early Thursday in his speech at the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in Boston, Massachusetts.

“The PH-US relations are strong. The military alliance is iron-clad. Our economic relations are robust. And the friendship between our two peoples is solid,” Romualdez said in his policy speech before the Harvard community upon the invitation of the university’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, which was followed by a question-and-answer session with the Harvard community, moderated by Eric Rosenbach, Co-Director of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

The Speaker said the legislature “will continue to represent the will of the Filipino people under the leadership of President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr., as the chief architect of Philippine foreign policy, of being ‘a friend to all, an enemy to none.’”

“And it is along these lines that we will continue to craft national legislation to serve our peoples and promote the national interests of our country,” he added.

He, however, said the PH-US relations continue to be an unfinished project.

“Our task is to build upon the strong foundations of the past in order to achieve a common future of shared objectives and mutual prosperity. I hope that all of you here today realize that we can all be important partners in this regard,” Romualdez told his Harvard audience.

“The Philippine Congress, through its mandate, lays out the legal framework wherein the Philippines and the United States can prove time and again that the partnership continues to evolve and be more responsive to promote the interests of their respective peoples.”

He said the conduct of foreign relations has evolved from being an exclusive prerogative of the executive branch to a shared responsibility of the President and Congress.

“Traditionally, foreign relations are conducted by the executive branch of the government and the role of the legislative in foreign policy decision-making is focused on the budgetary and war powers and appointment of diplomatic officials to represent the country overseas,” he added.

The Speaker, however, pointed out that “legislative diplomacy has been increasingly part of foreign policy and international relations with the increased meetings with foreign officials, establishment of inter-parliamentary linkages with other countries and through the laws enacted by Congress.”

“The legislative branches of governments of both countries are mandated to establish a legal framework that will promote transparency and accountability in the government to achieve peace and prosperity for the country,” he said.

He noted that about two years ago, the Philippines and the US celebrated the 75th anniversary of their formal diplomatic relations.

Romualdez said the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries “remains to be relevant and continues to develop individual and collective capacities to address conventional and emerging security threats.”

“Supplemented by the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the Philippines and the US conducts combined training and exercises, which increases interoperability between our forces,” Romualdez said, adding that the US is the Philippines’ “only treaty ally.”

He said the US is also one of the country’s biggest trading partners, with a total trade of more than USD21 billion in 2022 and their economic partnership remaining strong despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The US is likewise an important source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) spent mostly on health, peace, and humanitarian projects and programs. In 2021, the ODA from the US amounted to USD629.69 million.

The US is also one of the top sources of net foreign direct investments, with investments valued at USD5.2 billion in 2020, he said.

“The relationship between our two countries is truly multi-faceted and what sets it apart from the partnership with other countries is our shared values and history, mutual respect, and shared goals to build communities that are prosperous, sustainable, and resilient,” he said.

Democracy, the lawmaker from Leyte said, is very much alive in the Philippines as it is in the US with all the three fully functioning co-equal branches of the government – the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary.

He also cited the measures Congress has approved to strengthen RP-US economic partnership and make the Philippines a viable investment destination, such as the Corporate Recovery Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act, which provides for competitive corporate income tax rate; and amendments to the Foreign Investment Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, and Public Service Act.

Romualdez said the newly amended Public Service Act now allows 100 percent foreign ownership of key public services, including telecommunications, railways, expressways, airports, and shipping businesses.

“With all the legal frameworks liberalizing economic policies and creating an incentive-driven business environment, now more than ever, US companies will find it easier to invest in the Philippines,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199808

Año welcomes CPP confirmation of Tiamzon couple’s death

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): Año welcomes CPP confirmation of Tiamzon couple’s death (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Council Director General and National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año (File photo)

MANILA – The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday welcomed the confirmation made by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) regarding the deaths of its ranking leaders, Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, during an encounter with government troops in Catbalogan, Samar August last year.

"We welcome the confirmation by the CPP-NPA-NDF (New People's Army-National Democratic Front) of the death of top terrorist leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon last August 2022. Benito Tiamzon was the Chairman of the CPP Executive Committee and Wilma Tiamzon was the CPP’s Secretary General," NSC Director General and National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Año said in a statement forwarded to reporters.

He added that this statement from the CPP confirmed their suspicions that the two were killed during the clash with government troops on Aug. 22, 2022.

"Finally, the terrorists have been forced to admit what many of us have suspected many, many months ago," Año said.

And with the death of CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison last December, the NSC chief said the "communist terrorist group" is now headless with no clear national leadership.

"They have lost both their guiding light in the person of Joma and their commander in the Tiamzons and are now groping in the dark with no direction nor future in sight," he added.

However, Año scored the CPP's propaganda machinery for concocting and fabricating "an elaborate story which even implicates the United States in their deaths in order to squeeze whatever propaganda value" from the death of the Tiamzon couple.

The CPP claimed that Tiamzons were captured, tortured and subsequently killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a "US directed operation."

"They are now trapped in their own web of lies which deserves scant comment. Needless to say, there is no truth whatsoever in this clearly fabricated story and we stand by the official reports from the AFP," Año said.

The military earlier said the encounter which killed the Tiamzons stemmed from an ongoing operation in the northern and tri-boundary of Samar and Eastern Samar aimed at guarding water exits being used by NPAs using small boats or craft.

During this incident, the crew of patrolling scout boats saw something suspicious and intercepted the craft.

Military personnel even used a megaphone to stop the boat but instead of stopping, the occupants fired at the troops which ensued in an encounter.

The boat later exploded after being hit in the firefight. He also said the deaths of Tiamzons is just the latest in the string of defeats that show the clear decimation of communist terrorism in the Philippines, which includes the recent arrest of notorious terrorist Eric Jun Casilao in Langkawi, Malaysia in a successful joint law enforcement operation with the Malaysian authorities.

Casilao, like the Tiamzons, is a Central Committee member of CPP-NPA-NDF and is secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) wanted for murder, kidnapping and a string of other crimes.

"Casilao, just like the Tiamzons, is a notorious NPA leader who orchestrated numerous terrorist activities in the Davao region," the NSC chief added.

Año said Casilao's arrest is the result of the successful collaboration between the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army, 10th Infantry Division, Directorate for Intelligence of the Philippine National Police, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This also reflects the effective collaboration between the Philippines and Malaysian authorities.

"This string of defeats on the part of the terrorists prove that the Philippine government is on the right track, and we shall sustain all anti-terrorism efforts we started years back, focusing on our local peace initiatives and good governance espoused by NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.," he added.

These successes also validates the country's ranking in the Global Terrorism Index, released by the Institute for Economic and Peace, which shows a much-improved ranking for the Philippines at 18th place for the year 2022 compared to being in the top 10 countries worst affected by terrorism several years ago.

"The death of the Tiamzons and the arrest of Casilao show that terrorists cannot find a safe haven anywhere in the world, be it in the mountains or in other countries. The government is determined to capture terrorist leaders wherever they may be. The long arm of the law will always reach the criminal wherever he may be," the NSC chief added.

Also, Año said that the government and the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) is extending the hand of unity and peace to all remaining members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who were duped by Sison and the Tiamzons into embracing this defunct and senseless cause.

"Now is the time for them to lay down their arms and rejoin mainstream society for the peace and development of the Filipino nation," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199859

PNP-ACG probes ‘massive’ data breach

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): PNP-ACG probes ‘massive’ data breach (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

DATA BREACH. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. delivers his welcoming remark during the groundbreaking for the PNP Press Corps office and briefing room at Camp Crame in QUezon CIty on Thursday (April 20, 2023). On the sidelines of the ceremony, Azurin said the PNP is already investigating a supposed data breach that hit government agencies. (Photo by Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan)

MANILA – Outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Thursday said their Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has started its investigation into the alleged massive data breach that hit law enforcement agencies and government departments as reported by cybersecurity research firm VPNMentor.

“The data breach is being investigated by our ACG. We are waiting for the report of the ACG pertaining to the data breach,” Azurin told reporters during the groundbreaking for the PNP Press Corps office and briefing room held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

ACG director Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, for his part, said they have already requested complete access logs from the PNP Recruitment and Selection Service (PRSS).

“We are still conducting vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. We cannot categorically say at this time that there was a leaked applicant’s data,” Hernia said in a statement shared with reporters by PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Redrico Maranan.

The breach has exposed 817.54 gigabytes of data involving 1,279,4237 records not only from the PNP but also from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), among others.

The VPNMentor included in its report on Tuesday redacted copies of documents that were allegedly compromised such as certifications of board rating, national police clearance certificates and Bureau of Internal Revenue cards.

Also compromised were employee and applicant identification records, scanned and photographed copies of birth certificates, diplomas, tax filing records, passport and police identification cards and education record transcripts.

The breach also exposed certifications from the justice department as well as local and regional court records.

The VPNMentor said that any data breach that exposes personal information belonging to police and members of law enforcement or other officials can be dangerous as they could be potential victims of identity theft, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities.

“It would be easy for criminals to apply for loans, credit or other financial crimes using the identity of these individuals and supporting documents,” it said.

The cybersecurity research firm said criminals can also target members of law enforcement agencies for blackmail and other schemes

“Due to the amount of time from when the exposure was discovered, reported and finally closed, it is unclear exactly how long the database was publicly accessible or if anyone else may have accessed it,” it said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199811

Army settles feud of warring Moro clans in Maguindanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Army settles feud of warring Moro clans in Maguindanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)

FEUD SETTLEMENT. Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran (right), Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomes Tuesday (April 18, 2023) Butch Malang (left), chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire panel, and Anwar Alamada (center), also from MILF ceasefire committee, at the 602nd IBde headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato. The three worked together for the settlement of a clan war that involved MILF members in adjacent Pagalungan town, Maguindanao del Sur province. (Photo courtesy of 602nd IBde)

COTABATO CITY – The Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade (602nd IBde) has facilitated the settlement of a “rido” (clan war) involving Moro families in Pagalungan town, Maguindanao del Sur, a military official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, the Army’s 602nd IBde) commander, said the “rido” settlement on Tuesday afternoon was also made possible by the backing of Anwar Alamada, chairperson of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Adhoc Joint Action Group, and Butch Malang, chair of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH).

The three leaders gathered the families of Datu Kenti Matalam, chairperson of Barangay Kilangan, and those of Datu Nayang Timan and Norodin Abubakar, both MILF leaders in the same village, for the peace dialogue at the 602nd IBde headquarters in neighboring Carmen town.

During the meeting, the officials commended the warring parties for heeding the call of the 602nd IBde to face each other and end their hostilities in Barangay Kilangan that started early this month.

“It’s good that both sides readily agreed to a cessation of hostilities,” Gumiran said in a statement, adding that the Army has helped in the return of internally displaced persons (IDP) to their homes.

Both sides have incurred an undetermined number of casualties at the height of the hostilities that sent more than 3,000 civilians leaving their homes.

The BARMM government has earlier extended batches of food aid to the displaced families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199741

Samar completes 1st anti-insurgency project

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Samar completes 1st anti-insurgency project (By Sarwell Meniano)

TACLOBAN CITY – Samar province has recently completed its first project under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), a PHP4 million school building for day care learners in a remote village in Motiong town.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director Judy Batulan said the project in Malobago village is a joint effort of the local government unit, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and village officials.

“The construction of the school building will serve as a stepping stone for a better education that will lead to a brighter future for the learner of Malobago. This will allow mothers to work without bringing their children to their farms since there is a safe place for them to learn,” Batulan said in a statement Wednesday.

In a separate statement, Lt. Col. Luzelito Betinol, the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion commander, said the project fulfills the villagers’ wish to improve their lives.

“This proves that our government is here to meet the needs of communities through the whole-of-nation approach. I encourage residents to stop supporting the terrorist group so that we can achieve the peace we have been longing for,” Betinol said.

The project began in mid-2022 and was completed on April 14.

Motiong, a fourth-class town with a population of more than 15,000, is a recipient of six other ongoing SBDP projects.

The other projects in the municipality are in the villages of San Andres, Barayong, Beri, Canvais, Sarao, and Sto Niño.

Malobago is one of the 200 villages identified as SBDP recipients last year in five provinces in the Eastern Visayas region.

Each village got a PHP4 million outlay for the construction of farm-to-market roads, health stations, rural electrification, school buildings, or water and sanitation system.

Projects have been identified by residents during the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), a convergence mechanism for local governments in the village, to identify issues and needed government interventions.

Recipient communities were previously influenced by the communist New People’s Army, according to the DILG.

The SBDP, a hallmark program of NTF-ELCAC, brings progress to former conflict-prone communities.

The NTF-ELCAC, created under Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199684

Suspected rebels shoot 2 civilians dead in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Suspected rebels shoot 2 civilians dead in Negros Oriental (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

INVESTIGATION. Police investigators process the crime scene where two civilians were shot dead Tuesday night (April 18, 2023) in a remote village in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental province. Suspected New People's Army rebels are believed to have perpetrated the crime. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Suspected members of the New People’s Army shot and killed two civilians in the mountainous Barangay Trinidad in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental close to midnight Tuesday.

The victims were identified as 24-year-old Juven Patagatay Pasinabo, resident of Barangay Trinidad; and Jinny Boy Rapol Tubias, 29, of Barangay Montelya; both of Moises Padilla town in Negros Occidental province.

Reports said the two victims were attending a fiesta celebration in the remote Sition Cambairan in Barangay Trinidad, around 42 kilometers away from the city proper, when four armed men believed to be NPA rebels, arrived.

Two of the suspects approached Pasinabo, who was sitting in a chair, and shot him several times.

The suspects, according to witnesses, shouted in Cebuano “NPA mi, hapa ang walay labot” (We are NPAs, those who have nothing to do with this, duck!).

Pasinabo died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Tubias, an employee of the Guihulngan local government unit (LGU), on the other hand, did not drop and rather gave instructions to the person in charge of the sound system to shut it down.

The other two armed men dragged him to a dark area where he was shot and killed.

Lt. Col. Romeo Cubo, Guihulngan police chief, said the second victim was just collateral damage while Pasinabo was previously arrested during massive police operations a few years back for illegal possession of firearms.

Cubo said they are still trying to determine the motive in the killing of Pasinabo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199768

DI extremist killed in Lanao del Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): DI extremist killed in Lanao del Sur clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Pagayawan town, Lanao del Sur.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group member was killed in a clash with government troops in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, the military said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Angestal Angeles II, the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion commander, said the troops were conducting an operation in Barangay Kalaludan, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, when they clashed with at least 10 extremists on Tuesday.

He said the 15-minute firefight resulted in the death of the DI fighter while his companions scampered in different directions.

Government troops also recovered an M653 rifle with ammunition from the clash site.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the troops for their dedication and efforts in keeping Lanao del Sur province peaceful.

“This encounter is yet another huge blow to the enemies, which will undoubtedly demoralize their forces, and cease their delusional and irrelevant armed conflict,” Nafarrete said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199721

Army stops NPA attempts to recover 20 villages in E. Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Army stops NPA attempts to recover 20 villages in E. Visayas (By Sarwell Meniano)

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

ORMOC CITY, Leyte – The Philippine Army is stepping up efforts to foil the attempts of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to recover 20 previously-influenced villages in Eastern Visayas, a top official said on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, the Army’s 8th Infantry Division commander, said the 20 villages situated in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Leyte provinces are vulnerable to infiltration given the recent sightings of NPA combatants in those areas.

“The rebels are hiding in the mountains, far from communities, but we are making sure that these villages will not be influenced again. We have retooled community support program (RCSP) teams there to prevent possible infiltration,” Ligayo said during an interview here.

The RCSP is a strategy that deploys teams tasked to identify issues and concerns in remote communities threatened by the NPA. These issues will be raised to the concerned government agencies and local government units to be addressed accordingly.

From 2019 to 2022, the military managed to clear 368 villages in the region influenced by rebels. These communities used to have organized groups supporting the NPA’s armed struggle.

Only last year, about 3,505 members of organized NPA mass supporters in the influenced communities surrendered to authorities across the region.

“Their strength is now diminishing, and that trend is irreversible following the surrender of their leaders. The surrenderers have been helping us in our campaign to end insurgency in the region,” Ligayo said.

Only two NPA guerilla fronts in Samar Island remain in existence after the dismantling of one front and the weakening of another during the first quarter of this year.

Ligayo said the rebel’s Front Committee 2 operating in the boundary of Samar and Northern Samar has been demolished after the capture and surrender of some of their combatants and recovery of firearms.

The NPA Front Committee 3, which operates near the boundaries of Northern and Eastern Samar, has also weakened after the series of operations conducted by government forces, according to Ligayo.

The Army official expressed optimism that the two remaining NPA guerilla fronts in Northern Samar will also fall within this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199733

Maguindanao power firm exec slain in gun attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2023): Maguindanao power firm exec slain in gun attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSHED. The vehicle driven by Maguindanao Electric Cooperative department head Alhassan Maongco crashes into a tree following an ambush by still unidentified gunmen on Wednesday (April 19, 2023) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. The victim died on the spot. (Photo courtesy of Mustapha Kasim of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte)

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte – A Maguindanao Electric Cooperative (Magelco) official was killed in an ambush by still unidentified gunmen along the diversion road here at past 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Maj. Reggie Albellera, municipal police station chief, identified the victim as Alhassan Maongco, a manager of Magelco’s institutional services department.

Albellera said the victim was on his car on the way home from a midday prayer at a mosque when waylaid by the gunmen along the diversion road in Barangay Upper Capiton.

Staff Sgt. Jhemin Untong, the municipal police investigator, said the victim’s car hit a tree after the ambush.

Maongco is the younger brother of former Magelco former general manager Ashary Maongco.

The victim had just celebrated his 50th birthday on Sunday, April 16.

Albellera said investigation is ongoing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199774

Soldier wounded, another unscathed in Basilan ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): Soldier wounded, another unscathed in Basilan ambush (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Lamitan City, Basilan province.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A personnel of the Army Canine Unit was wounded while another managed to emerge unhurt in an ambush in Lamitan City, Basilan province, a top police official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Arlan Delumpines, Lamitan City police chief, said Private Jimmy Gaffud was injured in an ambush in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City at about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday.

Gaffud, 25, is a member of the Army Canine Unit based at Camp General Arturo Enrile in Barangay Malagutay here.

His companion, Staff Sgt. Ronie Ebcas of the 18th Infantry Battalion’s Canine Unit based in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City, was unscathed during the incident.

Initial investigation showed that Ebcas was driving a motorcycle taking Gaffud to the port of Lamitan City in Barangay Kulaybato when waylaid by unidentified gunmen.

Ebcas took Gaffud to the Lamitan District Hospital while the suspects fled towards the hinterland of Barangay Campo Uno.

Responding policemen recovered at the ambush site three empty shells of a .45-caliber pistol.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199799

Another NPA fighter killed in Negros Occidental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2023): Another NPA fighter killed in Negros Occidental clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

CLASH SITE. A map showing the site of the encounter between troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion and fighters of the New People’s Army at the boundary of Binalbagan and Isabela in Negros Occidental Thursday morning (April 20, 2023). A still unidentified rebel died during the encounter, the military said. (Image courtesy of 94IB, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Another New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed in a continuing gunfight with government troops at the boundary of Binalbagan and Isabela in Negros Occidental on Thursday, two days after a rebel was also slain in a clash in neighboring Moises Padilla town.

The group of the still unidentified fatality encountered soldiers from the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) past 2 p.m. in Sitio Mantabanon, Barangay Camang-camang on the Isabela side.

“Troops of 94IB encountered the NPA rebels that fled the clash in Moises Padilla with the 62nd Infantry Battalion,” a report of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303rd IBde) said.

After the locals reported the presence of armed men, soldiers conducted pursuit operations, where they engaged some 15 NPA fighters in a seven-minute firefight.

On Tuesday, the clash in Moises Padilla claimed the life of Jose “Jojo” Albores, one of the leaders of the “kangaroo court” tasked to kill persons suspected to be against the NPA, under the Central Negros Front 1 of the Leonardo Panaligan Command.

The five-minute gunfight, which ensued between the 62IB troops and five NPA fighters, took place in Sitio Lower Tiyos, Barangay Quintin Remo.

The soldiers also recovered a KG9 assault rifle, a hand grenade, subversive documents and personal belongings.

“The encounter in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla was a result of the timely and accurate information provided by the local residents about the presence of armed group who are foraging and extorting from the local populace,” said Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd IBde commander.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199848

CPP/CPP CC/NOC NPA: 21-gun salute for Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 20, 2023): 21-gun salute for Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon

 


National Operational Command

New People's Army

CPP Central Committee

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 20, 2023

Central Committee
Communist Party of the Philippines

National Operational Command
New People’s Army

On the break of dawn of April 24, 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), all units of the New People’s Army (NPA) are directed to stand in formation and silently perform a 21-gun salute, by way of paying respects and giving the higest tribute to Comrade Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan), Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Committee, and Comrade Wilma Austria-Tiamzon (Ka Bagong-tao), General Secretary of the Party.

Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao, together with eight other revolutionaries, were captured on August 21, 2022 in Samar while en route to the coasts of Catbalogan City. They were subjected to severed beatings and other forms of torture before they were subsequently murdered. In the early morning hours of August 22, 2022, their lifeless bodies were dumped with explosives on a motorboat which was towed to the middle of the sea, before detonated somewhere between Catbalogan and Taranganan island, in order to erase all all traces of evidence of their monstrous crime.

We call on all Red fighters and revolutionaries to read and discuss the statement issued by the Political Bureau of the Central Committee which traces the revolutionary lives, contributions and leadership of Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao.

On this day, let us also remember all the martyrs and heroes of the Philippine revolution, and solemnly reaffirm our determination to arouse, organize and mobilize the Filipino people, carry forward the struggle for genuine national freedom and democracy, and bring the national democratic revolution to greater heights.

Long live the immortal memory of Ka Benito Tiamzon and Ka Wilma Austria-Tiamzon!

Long live the immortal memory of Ka Joma and all revolutionary heroes and martyrs!

Long live the National Democratic Front of the Philippines!

Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!

Long live the New People’s Army!

Long live the Philippine revolution!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/21-gun-salute-for-benito-tiamzon-and-wilma-austria-tiamzon/

CPP/CIO: Tiamzons, Catbalogan 10 were held captive, tortured and cowardly killed by the AFP in US-directed operations

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 20, 2023): Tiamzons, Catbalogan 10 were held captive, tortured and cowardly killed by the AFP in US-directed operations

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 20, 2023

The entire leadership and membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the brutal torture and cowardly killing of Party leaders Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan) and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon (Ka Bagong-tao), together with eight other revolutionaries after they were captured in Samar province on August 21, 2022.

At the time of their murder, Ka Benito, 71, was the Chairman of the CPP Executive Committee, while Ka Wilma, 70, was the CPP’s Secretary General. They were travelling with Ka Divino (Joel Arceo), a subregional secretary in Eastern Visayas, along with Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe, Ka Butig (Catbalogan 10), who all belonged to the guerrilla force of the central headquarters.

In a report, the Political Bureau said the Tiamzons were travelling on two separate vans along the national highway eastwards towards Catbalogan City. They were flagged down between 12:00 noon and 1:00 in the afternoon, after which all communications with the group were lost. They were unarmed.

It explained that it took several weeks to establish the veracity of the reports which the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) released around that time. It also had to conduct months of investigation to piece together the details of the capture and subsequent massacre of the Tiamzons.

According to the information gathered by the Central Committee, the Tiamzons suffered severe beating in the hands of their captors. Internal reports cited witnesses who saw how the faces and bodies of the victims were smashed, apparently beaten with hard objects.

The CPP PolitBureau disputed the report of the AFP suggesting that the Tiamzons were killed after their supposed boat exploded while engaging in a firefight with forces of the Joint Task Force Storm, the 8th Infantry Division and the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Trident—a unit trained and commanded by the US military—during the early morning hours of August 22, 2022 off the coast of Catbalogan.

The claimed mid-sea firefight and explosion were all a drama hatched by the AFP and its US military advisers, to hide all evidence of the ignominy of their fascist crime. In truth, the already lifeless bodies of the Tiamzons and their group were dumped on a motorboat filled with explosives, and tugged from Catbalogan midway towards Taranganan island before it was detonated. Only eight bodies were subsequently retrieved by the military.

The murder of the Tiamzons follow the pattern of the wilful killings perpetrated by the AFP against captured revolutionaries. The same cruel and cowardly methods were used in the killing of Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris), Menardo Villanueva (Ka Bok), Antonio Cabantan (Ka Manlimbasog), Julius Giron (Ka Nars) and a number of others.

The Party demands justice for the August 21 massacre of the Tiamzons et al. Their capture, torture and killing were directed by the top officers of the AFP. The CPP holds the following directly responsible for the dastardly crime:

Ferdinand Marcos Jr, commander-in-chief of the AFP, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bacarro, then chief-of-staff of the AFP, Lt. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, then head of the JTF-Storm and the 8th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Marceliano Teofilo, head of the Intelligence Service ng AFP, as well as the US military advisers behind the Task Force Trident.

The CPP demands justice for the Tiamzons and the Catbalogan 10, and calls for their indictment in all relevant courts.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/tiamzons-catbalogan-10-were-held-captive-tortured-and-cowardly-killed-by-the-afp-in-us-directed-operations/

CPP/CPP Central Committee: Highest tribute to Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 20, 2023): Highest tribute to Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Political Bureau

CPP Central Committee

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 20, 2023

With overwhelming revolutionary outrage against the ruling classes and their fascist butchers, we are informing all cadres and members of the Party, all Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA), all revolutionary forces and the entire Filipino people, of the death of Ka Laan (Benito Tiamzon) and Ka Bagong-tao (Wilma Austria-Tiamzon), leading and most respected leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the entire revolutionary movement in the country.

Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao were abominably and brutally murdered by the fascist monsters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on August 21, 2022, after they were captured while aboard two vans as they traveled towards the coasts of Catbalogan City. They were seized between 12 noon and 1:00 p.m. They were unarmed, not even with small firearms.

They were ten in all who were held, subjected to beatings and other forms of torture, before subsequently murdered. Along with Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao were Joel Arceo (Ka Divino, a subregional secretary in Eastern Visayas), Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe and Ka Butig. According to the team who conducted the investigation, the faces of the comrades were shattered apparently by hard objects. Others showed clear marks of gunshot wounds.

To conceal their crime and erase all traces of evidence, the Joint Task Force Storm and the Task Force Trident of the AFP wove a story of a mid-sea encounter. In the early morning hours of August 22, 2022, the bodies of the murdered revolutionaries were dumped into a boat and towed to the middle of the sea before it was detonated somewhere between Catbalogan and Tarangnan island. Only eight bodies were reportedly recovered.

The Political Bureau and the Executive Committee received confirmation of the capture and killing of Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao a few days thereafter. Over the next weeks and months, a thorough investigation was conducted to piece the details behind this heinous crime.

We hold directly and principally responsible for the fascist brutality of the massacre of Ka Benito Tiamzon, Ka Wilma Austria and eight other revolutionaries the following: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, commander-in-chief of the AFP, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, then chief of staff of the AFP, Gen. Edgardo de Leon, then head of the JTF-Storm and the 8th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Marceliano Teofino, head of the Intelligence Service of the AFP. We also hold the US military directly involved in the crime through the Joint Special Operations Task Force Trident, a unit that is directly commanded, trained and armed by the US. Marcos and his cohorts must be indicted before the relevant courts.
True heroes of the Filipino people

The Central Committee declares husband and wife Ka Benito Tiamzon and Ka Wilma Austria as martyrs and true heroes of the Filipino people. They dedicated their entire lives to serving the opppressed and exploited masses and gave all their body and minds to advancing the aspirations for national freedom and democracy, socialism and communism.

From the deep recesses of the hearts of all Filipino revolutionaries, the Political Bureau and the entire Central Committee expresses their deep sympathies to the children and grandchildren of Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao.

Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao were masters of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and of the theory and practice of the Philippine revolution. Guided by Comrade Jose Maria Sison, they outstandingly led the Central Committee and the New People’s Army through almost three decades of waging protracted people’s war.

Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao were both children of the revolutionary upsurge of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ka Laan was born on March 21, 1951 and grew up in Marikina, Metro Manila. Ka Bagong-tao was born on December 21, 1952 hails from Pasig City. They were both students of Jose Rizal High School. They entered the University of the Philippines around the same time in the late 1960s, became writers of the Philippine Collegian, and became members of national democratic youth organizations.

They both served as organizers of workers and peasants. Before being appointed to the central organs of the Party, both led efforts in advancing the revolutionary movements in various regions. From Manila, they were transferred to Cebu in 1974 to do organizing work among workers. They were transferred to Samar the following year to carry out initial social investigation and deepen grasp of antifeudal struggles among other tasks. In 1976, Ka Laan served as secretary of the Eastern Visayas region, while Ka Bagong-tao was deputy secretary. Ka Bagong-tao was among those who led the forces in Central Luzon during the early 1980s during which time the armed struggle and broad mass struggles of workers and peasants raged against the US-Marcos dictatorship. Ka Laan’s leadership of the revolutionary movement in Eastern Visayas was characterized by vigorous antifeudal struggles and armed resistance.

Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao played key roles in carrying out the Second Great Rectification Movement (SGRM) in 1992-1998 which reaffirmed the Party’s Marxist-Leninist-Maoist stand and basic principles, and strategy and tactics of waging protracted people’s war to carry forward the people’s democratic revolution. They superbly led the defense of Party Central Committee and frustrated the attempts of the revisionist traitors to lead astray or divide the Party. Through their leadership, they pulled the Party from the brink of dissolution and guided the Philippine revolution back to the path of advance and growth.

Through three decades, Ka Laan served as the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Central Committee in its day-to-day leadership of the Philippine revolution. Ka Bagong-tao served as the general secretary of the Central Committee. During the Party’s Second Congress in 2016, both were reelected to the Central Committee and to the central organs of the Party.

During the past decades, they performed their individual responsibilities, even as they served as partners in performing the difficult tasks of leading the Party. They worked side by side with the other leading cadres of the Party in the Central Committee, Political Bureau and Executive Committee, in serving as beacons of the people’s democratic revolution in the Philippines.

They led the drafting of the documents of the Central Committee and the Executive Committee which further enriched the theories of waging the people’s democratic revolution in the Philippines. The memoranda and directives of the EC-CC further elaborated and deepened the concept of the protracted people’s war and guerrilla warfare. They dedicated themselves to helping Party cadres tighten their grasp of the principles of waging people’s war in an all-rounded manner, and of the crucial importance of combining its three components–armed struggle, agrarian revolution and mass base building.

The writings of Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao now form part of the rich treasure chest of revolutionary theory of the Philippine revolution serving as its contribution to the enrichment of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. These will be collected by the Central Committee into one or several books to serve as reference for the Party’s cadres.

Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao were captured in 2014 and were imprisoned for more than two years. They were released in 2016 to serve in the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations with the Duterte regime. When Duterte terminated peace negotiations and ordered the capture and killing of the personages of the NDFP, the Party and NPA, Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao immediately took to the guerrilla fronts.

Duterte spent hundreds of millions of pesos to pursue the headquarters of Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao and of the Central Committee since 2017. The regime carried out wanton aerial bombing and artillery shelling which caused gross devastation to the lives and livelihood of the broad masses supporting the revolutionary movement. Thousands of fascist troops were deployed in the enemy’s vile scheme to end the life of Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao and decapitate the Party.

The enemy may have succeeded in murdering Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao, but they have been frustrated in their aim of destroying the Party’s leadership. In the same way that when giant trees fall in the forest, the sun’s rays now passes through giving warmth and strength to the new pillars of the Party and NPA.
Strong collective leadership of the Party’s Central Committee

The death of Comrades Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, followed by the passing away of Ka Joma last December 16, 2022, are without a doubt, a great loss to the Party, particularly to the Central Committee. Neither can one deny the heavy impact of the death or demise of other leading cadres of the Party over the past years including Julius Giron (Ka Nars), Jorge Madlos (Ka Oris), Menandro Villaneuva (Ka Bok), Antonio Cabanatan (Ka Manlimbasog), Eugenia Magpantay (Ka Fiel), Mariano Adlao (Ka Panoy) and others.

However, during their period of leadership of the Party and Philippine revolution, they trained thousands of cadres and revolutionaries who now are ready to fill their void and take on the heavy tasks and responsibilities. Some may have gone, but in their place are far greater number of cadres and leaders who are determined to grow amid great challenges.

Led by the Political Bureau, the Central Committee and other leading organs of the Party were quickly reconstituted and revitalized. Replacement cadres were immediately appointed and are now performing the daily work and tasks of leadership. Without fear, they have accepted the challenges of leadership. The Central Committee continues to strengthen its work of guiding the leading committees and cadres in the regional committees and its other central organs. The Central Committee is exerting all-out effort to strengthen the Party ideologically, politically and organizationally.

On the initiative of the Political Bureau and Central Committee, Party cadres at all levels of leadership are collectively undertaking all-out efforts to raise their theoretical and practical knowledge of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, the Party’s basic ideological, political and organizational principles, and the strategy and tactics of waging the people’s democratic revolution through protracted people’s war.

Party cadres are leading efforts to sum-up experiences, overcome weaknesses and rectify errors. They are determined to carry out self-remoulding in accordance with proletarian ideology, guard against and repudiate erroneous ideas, improve the democratic style of work and put into criticism and self-criticism to practice as method to strengthen unity and improve their work. All Party cadres are ready to make heavy sacrifices while harnessing the strength of the entire membership to surmount all difficulties and challenges, and advance towards the path of a new revolutionary upsurge.

The Central Committee is now leading efforts to further strengthen the people’s democratic revolution. The entire membership of the Party are firmly united on the basis of the plans and tasks set forth by the Central Committee as contained in the directives issued by the Executive Committee. All Party committees have been tasked to arouse, organize and mobilize the masses and lead their economic and political struggles, in their fight against anti-people neoliberal policies, the enemy’s fascist terrorism and intensifying US intervention, and to build the broadest united front to expose, isolate and fight the US-Marcos fascist regime. The Central Committee has also tasked the New People’s Army to roundly frustrate the enemy’s all-out offensives, further expand and strengthen links with the broad peasant masses, thoroughly galvanize antifeudal struggles, expand, strengthen and increase the number of mass organizations in the countryside, and stoke and scatter the flames of guerrilla warfare.

The Central Committee is currently strengthening the Party organization in accordance with the principle of democratic centralism. Collective leadership is being fully strengthened at all levels. Rules and discipline are firmly being observed. To build unity, efforts to hold regular meetings and conferences are being carried out in earnest. Policies and directives are firmly implemented to order that the entire Party marches as one body. Leading Party committees regularly and promptly submit reports to the higher organs. At all levels of leadership, the work at the lower levels are closely supervised alongside the situation masses.

In the face of the worsening crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system and gross suffering, exploitation and oppression under imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, the broad masses of the Filipino people are strongly determined to persevere in revolutionary struggle. The Party is resolved more than ever to arouse, organize and mobilize the broad masses of the Filipino people, and lead the revolutionary armed struggle and revolutionary mass movement across the country.

Guided by Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and by strengthening collective leadership and the unity of all patriotic and democratic classes, it is with certainty that our great Party together with the Filipino people will carry forward the national democratic revolution to greater heights and attain even bigger victories in the coming years.

Inspired by the memories of Ka Laan, Ka Bagong-tao, Ka Joma, and all great martyrs and heroes of the proletariat ang Filipino people, let us give all our energy to shoulder the difficult tasks in advancing the aspirations for genuine freedom, democracy and socialism.

Long live the memories of Ka Benito Tiamzon and Ka Wilma Austria!

Wave high the red banner of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism!

Fight for national freedom and democracy!

Persevere on the path of the national democratic revolution and its socialist future!

Carry forward the protracted people’s war!

Long live the New People’s Army!

Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!

Long live the toiling masses and the Filipino people!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/highest-tribute-to-ka-laan-and-ka-bagong-tao/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: 2 ka Intel Asset sa Guihulngan, Ginsilotan sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 19, 2023): 2 ka Intel Asset sa Guihulngan, Ginsilotan sang NPA (2 Intel Assets in Guihulngan, Punished by the NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 19, 2023

Si Joven Pasinabo, 24 anyos, soltero sang sityo Panagtugas, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan kag Nene Tobias legal ang edad sang Brgy Montilla, Moises Padilla, ang mga masupog nga intel asset sang 62nd IB nga nagagiya sa mga operasyon militar sa mga binukid sang Guihulngan kag Moises Padilla. Sila ang nagapangsaka-saka sang mga kabalayan kag nagapamahug sang pumuluyo sa mga nasambit nga lugar. Responsable man sila sa pagpilit sa mga inosenteng sibilyan sa pagpasurender para makakwarta. Samtang si Nene Tobias ang may 4 ka kasong “rape” nga wala gin-atubang sa rebolusyonaryong kahublagan. Si Pasinabo kag Tobias ang legitimate military target sang NPA.

Sandig sa desisyon sang Rebolusyonaryong Korte sang Pumuluyo tuig 2023, ginpamatbatan ang duha (Joven kag Nene) sang silot nga kamatayon. Patay si Joven kag Nene alas 10:30 kagab-i, Abril 18, 2023 sa sityo Cambairan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

Ginadayaw sang Leonardo Panaligan Command ang madinalag-on nga partisan operation batok sa mga ahente militar. Ini ang kongkreto nga sabat sang NPA sa lapnagon nga militarisasyon sa Central Negros kag padayon nga pagbayolar sang 62nd IB sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo sa kaumahan.

Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDF! Mabuhay ang masa sang pumuluyo! Mabuhay ang Demokratiko nga Rebolusyon sang Banwa kag pangmalawigon nga inaway banwa!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/2-ka-intel-asset-sa-guihulngan-ginsilotan-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Kabutigan kag Pagpatalang sang 303rd Bde PA, Ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 19, 2023): Kabutigan kag Pagpatalang sang 303rd Bde PA, Ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA  (Meritless operations of the 303rd Bde PA, Condemned by the LPC-NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 19, 2023

Hugot nga nagapanindugan ang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army nga wala sang lehitimo nga engkwentro sa tunga sang New People’s Army kag tropa sang 62nd IB sa sityo Upper Tiyos, Brgy Quinten, Moises Padilla las 5:00 sang aga, Abril 18, 2023 diin patay si Jose “Jojo” Albores, 32, may asawa kag isa ka bata. Wala sang NPA sa lugar luwas lang sang tropa sang 62nd IB nga naga-operasyon. Si Jose Albores indi gid katapo sang NPA kag saksi ang mga residente nga sibilyan, negosyante sang tabako kag mangunguma si Albores.

Butigon si B/Gen. Orlando Edralin, CO 303rd Bde PA nga nagapalayag sa media. Makahuluya nga ginahinabunan ni Edralin ang palpak nga operasyon sang nerbyuso nga tropang 62nd IB sa binukid sang Moises Padilla. Paano matabo ang engkwentro nga wala ka sang kontra? Gusto lang ni Edralin nga i-cover-up kag i-divert ang matuod nga hitabo kag isyu.

Lubos gid ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA ang pagbulad sang bangkay ni Jose Albores sa sulod sang isa ka adlaw sa isa ka mainit nga lugar, pagransak sang ila puluy-an kag pagkawat sang P50,000.00 nga kwarta sang nasambit nga pamilya Albores.

Ginakondenar man sang NPA ang padayon nga operasyon sang 150 ka tropa sang 62nd IB sa lugar, pagpangsaka-saka sa mga kabalayan sang mangunguma kag ginapahug kag pagpalupok nga “kooperar ukon patay.”

Ang pagtiner sang militar sa mga kabalayan sa komunidad sang mga mangunguma kag pagpamahug sa ila, klaro nga bayolasyon sa CARHRIHL kag laye sa gyera. Nagapamatuod lang nga desperado, mersenaryo, pasista kag berdugo ang AFP ilabe na ang 62nd IB.

Isulong ang inaway banwa kag silotan ang pasistang militar!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kabutigan-kag-pagpatalang-sang-303rd-bde-pa-ginakondenar-sang-lpc-npa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: Brutal nga Pagpatay Kay Jose “Jojo” Albores Jr, Ginakondenar sang NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 18, 2023): Brutal nga Pagpatay Kay Jose “Jojo” Albores Jr, Ginakondenar sang NPA (Brutal Killing of Jose "Jojo" Albores Jr, Condemned by the NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 18, 2023

Mabaskog nga ginakondenar sang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) ang brutal nga pagpatay kay Jose “Jojo” Albores Jr, 32 anyos, may asawa, may isa ka anak kag mangunguma sang Sityo Upper Tiyos Quinten Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental , alas 5:00 sini nga aga sa ila kaugalingon nga puluy-an.

Sandig sa pagpangusisa sang LPC-NPA, aga pa nagpanaug si Albores sa ila balay para magpreparar sang iya inugbaligya nga tabako sa Brgy Alingasaw, Moises Padilla, gulpi lang ini nga ginpa-arakan sang isa ka platun nga naga-operasyon nga tropa sang 62nd IB nga nagapalibot sa ila balay. Patay ang biktima kag naghatag ini sang kakugmat sa iya asawa, anak kag mga residente malapit sa ila nahamtangan.

Damlag pa sadtong Abril 8, si Jose “Jojo” Albores Jr ang nag-upod kag nag-witness sang ginpa-blotter ni Jeffrey kag Jessel Gella sa PNP-Moises Padilla matapos nga ginransak ang ila balay ni Gella, gingapos kag ginkastigo sila nga duha (Jeffrey kag Jessel Gella) sang tropa sang 62nd IB sa ila puluy-an sadtong Abril 7, alas 8:00 sang aga.

Kabutigan ang ginapalapnag sang tropa militar sa lugar nga may natabo nga engkwentro sa tunga sang NPA kag nasambit nga pasistang tropa kag naigo sang bala si Albores. Ang matuod, desperado ang 62nd IB sa pagpangita sa presenya sang NPA sa lugar. Wala sang NPA sa lugar kag makita sang mga pumuluyo ang masobra 150 ka tropa sang 62nd IB nga naga-operasyon sa tri-boundary sang Guihulngan, Canlaon kag Moises Padilla ilabe na sa mga sityo sang Tiyos, Tibubong, Tapas tanan sang Brgy Quinten Remo kag mga sityo sang Subo, Agogolo, Tubod kag proper Macagahay tanan sakop sang Brgy Macagahay, Moises Padilla.

Hublasan ang mga kabutigan kag pakana sang pasista, bayaran, berdugo kag desperadong 62nd IB!

NPA kag pumuluyo mag-isa kag ilunsar ang inaway banwa tubtob sa lubos nga kadalag-an!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/brutal-nga-pagpatay-kay-jose-jojo-albores-jr-ginakondenar-sang-npa/

CPP/NPA-Central Negros: #Berdugo Alert | Wala untat nga pagpanghalit sang tropa militar sa mga banwa kag syudad sa Central Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 18, 2023): #Berdugo Alert | Wala untat nga pagpanghalit sang tropa militar sa mga banwa kag syudad sa Central Negros (#Executive Alert | There is no end to the fighting of the military troops in the towns and cities in Central Negros)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 18, 2023

Abril 17 – padayon nga nagatiner ang 100 ka tropa sang 62nd IB sa mga kabalayan sa Sityo Aguntilang-3, Brgy. Riverside, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Samtang may isa ka platun sang amu gihapon nga tropa sa barangay proper sang Brgy Makilignit, Isabela. Padayon nga nagapangsita sa mga residente kag nagapanguna sa pagpabulang (tari) sa lugar.

Nagpabilin man ang presensya sang sobra 200 ka tropa sang composite nga pwersa sang 62nd IB kag 94th IB sa mga sityo sang Brgy Camang-camang, Isabela kag kasikbit nga mga sityo sang Namulo kag Pallacon sang Brgy. Payao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. Isa ka semana na nga nagapalapnag sang kakugmat kag nagapanghalit ang tropa militar sa mga nasambit nga lugar.

Abril 15 sang gab-i – may isa ka platun sang 62nd IB nga nag-abot kag nagapamalay-balay sa Sityo Omot, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan tubtob subong Abril 17.

Kag may mga kolum pa sang 62nd IB nga makita sa mga sityo sang Banderahan kag Cambairan, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Samtang makita man ang iban pa nga kolum sini sa Sityo Subo kag proper sang Brgy Macagahay, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

Padayon man nagakampo ang 100 ka tropa sang 62nd sa Punong Elementary School, Brgy Trinidad, Guihulngan City.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/berdugoalert-wala-untat-nga-pagpanghalit-sang-tropa-militar-sa-mga-banwa-kag-syudad-sa-central-negros/