CPP/NDF-North Central Mindanao: Atong itaas ang bandera sa patriyotismo aron panalipdan ang atong kaugalingnan ug demokrasya!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 24, 2023): Atong itaas ang bandera sa patriyotismo aron panalipdan ang atong kaugalingnan ug demokrasya! (Let's raise the flag of patriotism to protect our welfare and democracy!)

 


Lorena Mangahas

Spokesperson

NDF-North Central Mindanao

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 24, 2023

Sa atong pagsaulog sa bulawanong kasumaran sa National Democratic Front of the Philippines, labaw pa natong ipalapad ug ipalalom ang panaghiusa sa katawhang Pilipino ilalom sa bandera sa patriyotismo aron panalipdan ang kaugalingnan ug demokrasya sa atong mahal nga Pilipinas. Ilalom sa nagkagrabe ug garapalang pagyatak sa soberanya sa Estados Unidos sa atong nasud, makatarunganon lamang nga mobarog ang tibuok katawhan ug suklan ang tanang laraw niini.

Atol niini nga okasyon, atong ihatag ang pinakataas nga pagsaludo sa tanang rebolusyonaryong hukbo ug masa nga padayong nakigbisog sa lisod nga dalan sa rebolusyon. Ato usab ihatag ang ispesyal nga parangal sa atong mahal nga mga lider nga silang Ka Benito Tiamzon ug Ka Wilma Austria ug sa laing walo ka kauban nga bangis nga gipatay sa mga berdugong kaaway.

Sukad sa paglingkod ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa gahum, dili malilong ang pagka-itoy niini sa imperyalistang US. Sa iyang pagpanunod sa nilabay’ng mga puppet nga presidente, labaw pa niyang gipatataw ang kolonyal nga paghari sa US sa nasud. Iyang gitugutan ang hingpit nga paggamit sa nasud isip daw dulaanan alang sa linuog nga gyera sa US batok sa uban pang imperyalistang nasud.

Ilalom sa Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), nahilakip ang Lumbia Airport sa Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City sa gihimong base militar sa US ug kasamtangang gi-okupahan sa mga tropang Amerikano. Tungod sa EDCA, Visiting Forces Agreement, Mutual Defense Treaty ug uban pang dili patas nga kasabutan, labaw pang napalu-agan ang pagsulod-gawas ug pagpanghilabot sa mga sundalong Amerikano sa atong nasud, kung asa, ang Pilipinas pa ang mag-abaga sa tanang galastuhan.

Ginalaraw sa maong pagpangandam sa US nga manghagit ug momugna og dakong gyera batok sa karibal nga China. Sa laktud, nahimong base ang Pilipinas aron maangkon sa US ang papel isip nag-inusarang pinakagamhanang nasud sa tibuok kalibutan. Sa samang higayon, gipasagdan usab ni Marcos Jr. nga ilugon sa China ang teritoryo sa Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea. Nagbutang sa kini sa grabeng peligro sa kinabuhi, panginabuhian ug seguridad sa katawhang Pilipino.

Sa natad sa ekonomiya, gitugutan usab sa estado ang largadong pagkawat sa langyaw sa yuta ug bahandi sa Pilipinas. Pinaagi sa planong pag-usab sa atong batakang konstitusyon, pagatugutan ni Marcos Jr. nga sinto porsyento nga manag-iya ang mga langyaw’ng negosyo sa yuta, serbisyo ug uban pang kabtangan sa Pilipinas.

Sa atong rehiyon, ang padayong pagtunhay sa kumpanyang Del Monte, Dole Phils., SUMIFRU, Unifrutti ug uban pang multinasyunal nga kumpanya kanunay’ng nagsakripisyo sa katungod sa mga mag-uuma nga manag-iya ug magtikad og yuta. Niining tuiga, gilargahan ni Marcos ang padayong pagpalapad sa mga langyaw’ng plantasyon sa pinya, kapayas, balanghoy, tabako ug abokado. Giabli usab ang Kalalan River sa Sityo Bendum, Brgy. Busdi, Malaybalay City alang sa pagmina kung asa moapekto kini sa kinabuhi, pangunabuhian ug panglawas sa mga residente sa Malaybalay. Padayon usab nga ginailog ang yutang kabilin sa katawhang lumad pinaagi sa malinglahong National Greening Program (NGP). Sa Bukidnon ug Misamis Oriental, gipang-ilog sa NGP bisan ang mga yuta nga aduna nay tanom ug gipulihan sa mga pang-eksport nga falcatta, pine tree ug abokado. Prayoridad sa estado ang pagtumod sa atong hilaw’ng mga materyales samtang padayong nagsalig sa pag-import bisan sa mga batakang konsumo sama sa bugas ug asukar.

Kini nga kahimtang ang labaw pang naghulagway sa nagkadunot nga sistemang semipyudal ug semikolonyal sa atong nasud. Kini nga sistema ang ugat nga hinungdan kung nganong padayong nag-antos sa pagka-atrasado ang mga mag-uuma, walay trabaho ang mga mamumuo, dili maka-eskwela ang kabatan-onan, walay makaon ang mayorya sa katawhan ug uban pang suliran. Sa samang higayon, kini ra usab nga sistema ang nagtukmod sa katawhan nga labaw pang palapdon ug pakusgon ilang panaghiusa aron panalipdan ang ilang mga katungod.

Sa nilabay’ng mga tuig hangtud sa kasamtangan, nasaksihan sa atong rehiyon ang maisugong pagsukol sa katawhan, organisado man o ispontanyo. Nagpadayon ang bungkalan sa mga mag-uuma sa mga lungsod sa Quezon, Maramag ug Valencia, Bukidnon aron ipanghingusog ang ilang katungod nga makapanag-iya og yuta ug makatikad og yuta. Nagprotesta usab ang mga mag-uuma sa Jasaan ug Balingasag, Misamis Oriental aron batukan ang pagsulod sa mina sa ilang lugar.

Niini, makatarunganon lamang nga ato pang palig-unon ang atong kusog ug iasdang ang rebolusyonaryong pagsukol sa katawhan. Wala na kitay lain pang lauman kundili ang atong kaugalingong kusog. Ato pang pakusgon ang balod sa pagsukol aron mabanlas ang tanang dili-tawhanon nga pagyatak sa atong mga katungod. Karon na ang panahon aron labaw pa natong ihalad ang atong panahon, kahibalo ug kinabuhi alang sa mahal natong nasud, panalipdan ang atong kaugalingnan ug soberanya ug iasdang ang gubat sa katawhan hangtud sa hingpit nga kadaugan.

Mabuhi ang ika-50 nga anibersaryo sa NDFP!
Mabuhi ang Partido Komunista sa Pilipinas!
Mabuhi ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!
Mabuhi ang rebolusyong Pilipino!
Iasdang ang gubat sa katawhan hangtud sa hingpit nga kadaugan!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/atong-itaas-ang-bandera-sa-patriyotismo-aron-panalipdan-ang-atong-kaugalingnan-ug-demokrasya/

CPP/NDF-CNL: Christians for National Liberation salutes NDFP on its 50th Anniversary: Onward with the People’s War!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 23, 2023): Christians for National Liberation salutes NDFP on its 50th Anniversary: Onward with the People’s War!

 


Christians for National Liberation (CNL)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 23, 2023

The Christians for National Liberation (CNL), the underground political organization of revolutionary Christians, extends our warm salute and revolutionary greetings to the allied organizations of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) as it marks its golden founding anniversary today April 24, 2023. The NDFP is the formal revolutionary united front organization of the Filipino people fighting for national freedom and the democratic rights of the people.

Guided by its 12-point program, the NDFP has been waging the armed struggle, carrying out an agrarian revolution, mass base building in the countryside, and united front building in the past five decades. It represents the Filipino people’s revolutionary forces and their people’s democratic government, which are being built on the foundations of the victories attained in waging people’s war. Through the NDFP, the collective interests of the Filipino people are being represented in negotiations with the reactionary government, in the field of international diplomacy and solidarity relations with other revolutionary forces, people’s movements, and other groups.

Let us celebrate five decades of the united front building through the NDFP. Through the NDFP, the Filipino people are being united with the basic alliance of the proletariat and peasantry at its core, in alliance with the progressive forces of the petty bourgeoisie, and in further alliance with the positive forces of the national bourgeoisie and patriotic groups/individuals. The NDFP has also entered into temporary alliances with factions of the ruling classes to build broad alliances to isolate and fight the ruling clique.

The Filipino people are today confronted with the US-Marcos II tyranny, the current caretaker of the rotten semi-colonial and semi-feudal system. The Marcos II tyranny is implementing the worst of the neoliberal economic policies chiefly imposed by US imperialism and its financial and economic agencies, exhibiting the most detestable forms of subservience to its imperialist masters and employs the most brutal tactics of suppression combined with outright deception.

Amidst their worsening socio-economic conditions, the Filipino people demand to intensify their mass struggles and armed resistance. They demand to unite the broadest number based on their demands for social justice and their patriotic aspirations for national liberation.

CNL believes that the God of Moses, Jacob, and Aaron is the same God journeying with the Filipino people in their persistent quest to remove the heavy yoke of oppression among the hapless people envisioning a society that is free. God is the same God who, as Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:51-53) in part says:

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.”
(CNL 51st Anniversary Statement)

CNL is proud of its martyrs and heroes who selflessly dedicated their lives to the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective. We honor the theme, and all martyrs of the revolution, by intensifying the people’s war.

The CNL calls on all its members to exert all-out efforts to CONSOLIDATE AND EXPAND OUR RANKS, UNITE AND OVERTHROW THE US-MARCOS II TYRANNY BY ADVANCING THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION WITH SOCIALIST PERSPECTIVE, ONWARD WITH THE PEOPLES WAR. Following the recent 9th Congress, CNL has placed special emphasis on organizing the youth revolutionary Christians to serve the armed revolution. Let us further expand the NDFP to unprecedented heights. Let us build the broadest possible alliance and mobilize the biggest number of people in democratic, anti-imperialist, anti-fascist, and anti-feudal mass struggles and isolate and oppose the US-Marcos II tyranny. Let us gather the broadest possible support for the armed revolution and the people’s mass struggles.

Long live the National Democratic Front of the Philippines!
Long live the Communist Party of the Philippines!
Long live the New People’s Army!
Onward with the People’s War!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/christians-for-national-liberation-salutes-ndfp-on-its-50th-anniversary-onward-with-the-peoples-war/

CPP/NPA-Palawan: Pulang saludo kina Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, mga dakilang lider ng bagong pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon sa Pilipinas!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 23, 2023): Pulang saludo kina Benito Tiamzon at Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, mga dakilang lider ng bagong pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon sa Pilipinas! (Red salute to Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, great leaders of the new national-democratic revolution in the Philippines!)

 


Andrei Bon Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Palawan (Bienvenido Vallever Command)

New People's Army

April 23, 2023

Sa okasyon ng Linggo ng Pambansang Pag-alaala sa mga Martir ng Rebolusyong Pilipino, iginagawad ng Bienvenido Vallever Command-NPA Palawan, kasama ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Palawan, ang pinakamataas na parangal, pagsaludo at pagpupugay kina Kasamang Benito “Ka Laan” Tiamzon at Wilma “Ka Bagong-Tao” Austria-Tiamzon, mga dakila at kapita-pitagang lider ng Komite Sentral ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas at bagong pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon sa Pilipinas. Karumal-dumal silang pinaslang, kasama ang walo pang rebolusyonaryo, ng pasistang rehimen noong Agosto 21, 2022. Sa pagkitil sa kanilang buhay, inihatid lamang ng mga berdugo ang buhay nina Ka Laan at Ka Bagong-Tao sa imortalidad.

Kasabay ng pagdadalamhati at pagluluksa, nagngingitngit sa galit at poot ang buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Palawan hanggang buong bansa sa mga kapural at pasistang pumaslang sa kanila. Matapos madakip habang sakay ng dalawang van patungong Catbalogan, tinortyur sila, pinatay, isinakay sa bangka at pinasabog ito sa gitna ng dagat sa pagitan ng bayan ng Catbalogan at Tarangnan, Samar. Hindi nasapatan ang mga berdugo sa paglabag sa karapatan ng mga kasama at paghabi ng engrandeng drama ng habulan at labanan na pinalabas nila, ngising-aso pa nilang pinagmamayabang ang tropeyo ng pagpaslang sa mga lider ng rebolusyon.

Hinahatulang maysala ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang mga pangunahing responsable sa brutal na krimeng ito na sina Ferdinand Marcos Jr, commander-in-chief ng AFP, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, noo’y chief of staff ng AFP, Gen. Edgardo de Leon, noo’y pinuno ng JTF-Storm at ng 8th Infantry Division, at Brig. Gen. Marceliano Teofilo, pinuno ng Intelligence Service ng AFP. Tuwirang sangkot din ang mga pwersa ng US military sa pamamagitan ng Joint Special Operations Task Force Trident, isang yunit na tuwirang hawak, sinasanay at inaarmasan ng US. Isasakdal sa hukumang bayan, sisingilin at pagbabayarin nang mahal ang mga nabanggit na salarin sa brutalidad na ito.

Nahihibang ang mga naghaharing-uri sa pag-aakalang ang pagkamartir nina Ka Laan at Ka Bagong-Tao, pinuno ng Komite Sentral ng Partido, ang magwawakas sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa buong bansa. Mangmang ang mga kriminal na ito sa katotohanang sa mahaba at mabungang pamumuno at serbisyo nila sa tanglaw ng aral ni Ka Joma, nakagawa na sila ng malalaking tagumpay sa humigit-kumulang tatlong dekada ng pamumuno sa pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan at pagkakamit ng pambansa-demokratikong adhikain ng sambayanang Pilipino.

Nakapagpaunlad na sila ng libu-libong mga kadre at kasapi ng CPP, Pulang kumander at mandirigma ng NPA at mga rebolusyonaryong masang aktibista mula pa sa panahon ng pagpupundar ng rebolusyon sa Eastern Visayas, Central Luzon at iba pang mga rehiyon na pinamunuan nila. Nakapagtayo na sila ng maraming sangay ng Partido at namumunong organo, mga yunit at mga komand ng hukbong bayan, iba’t ibang rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa, mga alyansa sa ilalim ng NDFP at mga organo ng Pulang kapangyarihang pampulitika sa kanayunan. Gumampan din sila ng susing papel sa pagsusulong ng Ikalawang Dakilang Kilusang Pagwawasto (IDKP) na nagligtas sa Partido mula sa bingit ng pagkalusaw at muling dinala ang rebolusyong Pilipino sa landas ng pagsulong.

Sa pagtangan sa namumunong pusisyon sa Komite Sentral ng CPP, mabisang idinirehe nila ang digmang bayan na umani ng maraming mga tagumpay. Ang mga dokumento ng Komite Sentral at ng Komiteng Tagpagpaganap na pinangunahan nilang isulat ay ibayong nagpayaman sa mga teorya ng pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa Pilipinas at lalong nagpalawig at nagpalalim sa konsepto ng matagalang digmang bayan at pakikidigmang gerilya sa Pilipinas. Nag-ukol sila ng panahon para pahigpitin ang gagap ng mga kadre ng Partido sa lahatang-panig na pagsulong ng digmang bayan at ng krusyal na halaga ng pagkokombina ng tatlong sangkap nito–ang armadong pakikibaka, rebolusyong agraryo at pagtatatag ng baseng masa. Sa mahabang panahon nilang pagiging haligi ng Partido at NPA, naitanim na nina Ka Laan at Ka Bagong-Tao sa malawak na gubat ng rebolusyon ang libu-libong mga punong pinalulusog ng mga iniwanan nilang aral at pamana.

Sa darating na ginintuang anibersaryo ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines, ilulunsad ng BVC-NPA Palawan ang 21-gun salute bilang pag-alaala at pagsaludo kina Ka Laan at Ka Bagong-Tao. Gayunman, hindi sapat ang araw na ito upang alalahanin ang kanilang buhay bilang mga dakilang martir ng rebolusyon at tunay na bayani ng sambayanang Pilipino. Hindi sapat ang mga pahinang ito upang bigyang-halaga ang kanilang mga ambag. Hindi matutumbasan ang walang pag-iimbot na pag-aalay ng kanilang buhay,

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pulang-saludo-kina-benito-tiamzon-at-wilma-austria-tiamzon-mga-dakilang-lider-ng-bagong-pambansa-demokratikong-rebolusyon-sa-pilipinas/

CPP/NDF-KASAMA: Wakasan ang kahirapan, isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon, patatagin ang nagkakaisang prente! Mabuhay ang ika-50 anibersaryo ng NDFP!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 23, 2023): Wakasan ang kahirapan, isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon, patatagin ang nagkakaisang prente! Mabuhay ang ika-50 anibersaryo ng NDFP!  (End poverty, advance the national democratic revolution, strengthen the united front! Long live the 50th anniversary of the NDFP!)

 


Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa (Kasama)

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 23, 2023

Ipinagdiriwang at pinagbubunyi ng Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa (KASAMÀ) ang ika-50 anibersaryo ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Ipinaaabot din namin ang aming pinakamataas na pagpupugay sa lahat ng rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masang kasapi ng NDFP na patuloy nagtataguyod ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon at nagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka.

Sa loob ng limang dekada, patuloy na umuukit sa kasaysakan ang NDFP bilang malapad na alyansa at nagkakaisang prente ng sambayanang Pilipino laban sa imperyalistang US na naghahari kasabwat ng mga lokal na burgesya komprador at panginoong maylupa. Nananatiling matatag ang NDFP sa kabila ng mga naging matinding panunupil ng rehimeng US-Duterte at patuloy na nagsisilbing bag-as ng pakikibaka ng masa sa pagharap ng sambayanan sa tumitinding krisis at kahirapan sa kasalukuyang rehimeng US-Marcos Jr.

Sa loob lamang ng halos isang taon sa panunungkulan, walang pasubaling ipinamamalas ni Marcos Jr ang pagpapakatuta nito sa imperyalistang US na naghahari sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng mga neoliberal na pamamalakad. Ramdam sa kumakalam na sikmura ng mga maralitang manggagawa at mala-manggagawa ang kawalan ng sapat na sahod at kita sa harap ng walang humpay na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin habang patuloy pinagkakaitan ng ayuda at katiyakan sa paninirahan. Dagdag pahirap ang iba’t ibang porma ng pagpapalayas at demolisyon. Winawasak ang mga komunidad sa kaliwa’t kanang mga sunog, mga proyektong imprastraktura, pagkamkam ng lupang kinatitirikan, at reklamasyon na magtataboy sa mga komunidad sa tabing dagat.

Lalong higit na nagpapalala sa kalagayan ng maralitang Pilipino ang hayagang pagmamanikluhod ng rehimeng Marcos Jr sa US sa pagbubukas pa lalo nito ng mga karagdagang lokasyon sa bansa ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Sa ilalim nito, libreng magagamit ng mga tropang Kano ang teritoryo ng Pilipinas para gawing “playing field” ng pagsasanay sa digmaan, pagiimbak ng mga armas pandigma, at upang makipagtapatan sa dominasyon ng karibal nitong imperyalistang Tsina sa rehiyon.

Mula nang magtuloy muli ang Balikatan exercises ng US military at AFP sa bansa, ilang mga komunidad na ng mangingisda ang tahasang inagawan ng kabuhayan dahil sa mga navy drills ng tropang Kano at AFP sa mga palaisdaan. Nakaranas din ng matinding pagkagambala ang ilang mga komunidad malapit sa mga EDCA sites dahil sa alingawngaw ng mga pagpapasabog ng bomba ng mga militar.

Kahit sa labas ng mga EDCA sites, wala pa ring patawad ang mga pasistang militar sa paghahasik ng lagim sa mga maralitang komunidad sa mga lungsod at bayan. Sa maraming komunidad sa Metro Manila at mga karatig na probinsya na kumakaharap sa iba’t ibang porma ng demolisyon at panggigipit ng estado, mapailang beses na pinakatan ng mga pulis, militar, at NTF-ELCAC ang mga naturang komunidad upang maniktik, linlangin, i-redtag, at sindakin ang mga maralitang nagkakaisa at kumikilos para sa kanilang kagalingan.

Sa ganitong mga sitwasyon, lalo lamang nilalantad ng reaksyonaryong gobyerno ang sarili nito bilang anti-mamamayan at anti-mahirap. At lalo lang din nitong binibigyan ng dahilan ang mga maralitang manggagawa at mala-manggagawa sa buong bansa na kumilos, tumahak ng rebolusyonaryong paglaban, at umambag sa armadong pakikibaka.

Sa pagdiriwang natin ng ika-50 anibersaryo ng NDFP, humugot tayo ng lakas mula sa ala-ala ng mga bayani at martir ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ng mala-manggagawa tulad ni Ka Marco, isang lider-rebolusyonaryong maralita na isa sa mga naging haligi ng kilusang mala-manggagawa sa kalunsuran ngunit tahasang pinaratangang terorista ng estado at walang habas na pinaslang ng mga berdugong AFP noong 2020.

Gayundin, labis na ikinagagalit ng KASAMÀ ang ginawang brutal na pagpatay ng mga puwersa ng estado kanila Ka Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan), tagapangulo ng Komiteng Tagapagpaganap ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, at Ka Wilma Austria-Tiamzon (Ka Bagong-tao), pangkalahatang kalihim ng Partido. Gayumpaman, pinagpupugayan namin ang kanilang kabayanihan, hindi matatawarang mga naging ambag sa rebolusyon, at sa pagsusulong ng usaping pangkapayapaan sa kabila ng paulit-ulit na panunupil ng estado hanggang sa pagaalay ng buhay para rito.

Sa pag-alala natin ng mga buhay at naging ambag ng mga bayani at martir ng rebolusyong Pilipino, lalo pa nating pagtibayin ang determinasyong isulong ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan, buong-lakas na magmulat, mag-organisa, at magpakilos, buong tapang na magpunyagi para sa pagsulong at higit pang pagtatagumpay ng pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon, umambag sa armadong pakikibaka, at sama-samang itayo ang isang lipunang malaya!

MABUHAY ANG IKA-50 ANIBERSARYO NG NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES!
MABUHAY ANG IMORTAL NA ALA-ALA NILA KA MARCO, KA LAAN, KA BAGONG-TAO, KA JOMA, AT LAH

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/wakasan-ang-kahirapan-isulong-ang-pambansa-demokratikong-rebolusyon-patatagin-ang-nagkakaisang-prente-mabuhay-ang-ika-50-anibersaryo-ng-ndfp/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Drama kag lunsay kabutigan ang ginahambal sang AFP ilabi na ang 94th IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 23, 2023): Drama kag lunsay kabutigan ang ginahambal sang AFP ilabi na ang 94th IB (The AFP is talking drama and pure lies, especially the 94th IB)

Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 23, 2023

Lubos nga ginpakamalaot sang MCC-NPA ang kabutigan nga ginpagwa sang 94th IB nga may natabo nga enkwentro sa sakop sang Sitio Cabite, Brgy. Binalbagan, Negros Occidental sadtong Abril 20, 2023 kon sa diin napatay kuno si Rogelio Posadas, isa ka National Democratic Front (NDF) Peace Consultant, kag ginkapilas pa sang isa. Indi man matuod ang duha ka beses nga engkwentro nga ginhambal sang Armed Forces of the Philiipines (AFP).

Base sa pasiuna nga imbestigasyon, nagabyahe si Posadas upod sa tulo pa niya nga kaupdanan. Nagsakay siya sang motor sang gab-i sang Abril 19. Pero wala na ini nakalab-ot sa iya padulungan. Suno man sa pamilya sang driver nga wala nakapuli ang ila himata.

Ang matuod gindakop, gintortyur kag ginpatay nila si Rogelio Posadas bisan wala ini sang ikasarang nga magsukol. Lapas ini sang CARHRIHL kag sa JASIG nga ginpirmahan sang Government of the Republic of the Phils. (GRP) kag NDFP. Samtang, desaparacido hasta subong ang tatlo nga upod ni Posadas sa iya nga byahe.

Indi na bag-o ang ini nga kahimuan sg AFP-PNP/NTF-ELCAC. Nangin palisiya na sang mga mersenaryo nga kasundaluhan ang grabe nga tortyur kag patyon kon madakop ang mga NDF Consultant, mga kadre sang Partido kag mga opisyal sang NPA kaangay sa natabo sa isa man ka NDF consultant nga si Ericson Acosta sadtong Nobyembre 30, kag sa Catbalogan10 nga upod ang duha ka NDF Consultant kag mga kadre sang Partido nga sila Benito Tiamzon kag Wilma Austria sadtong Agosto 21, 2022 kag nila Ka Menandro Villanueva, Ka George Madlos, Ka Juanito Magbanua, Ka Flor Ceballos kag madamo pa sang iban. Ginapagwa nila nga napatay ini sa mga peke nga encounter para hinabunan ang ila mga kalapasan kag indi makatawo nga kahimuan. Sa hambal pa, “wala sang dakpon nga buhi” ang AFP.

Mas nagainit ang balatyagon sang rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa mga kahimuan sang militar. Ang kamatayon sang isa ka rebolusyonaryo ang nangin inspirasyon sa malapad nga masa, mga Pulang hangaway kag kumander sang NPA kag tanan nga katapo sang Partido Komunista para mas mangin maisog pa sa pag-atubang sa brutal kag mahigko nga gyera sang kasamtangan nga rehimen US-Marcos II.

Ginapasidunggan kag ginhatag sang MCC-NPA kag sa bilog rebolusyonaryong pwersa ang pinakataas nga pagsaludo kay Ka Rogelio Posadas kag sa iban pa nga mga martir kag baganihan sang rebolusyon Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang Rebolusyon!
Mabuhay ang mga Rebolusyonaryong Martir kag Baganihan!
Mabuhay ang NPA!
Mabuhay ang CPP!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/drama-kag-lunsay-kabutigan-ang-ginahambal-sang-afp-ilabi-na-ang-94th-ib/

EASTMINCOM: Top-ranking NPA leader, nine comrades surrender en masse to EastMinCom’s JTF Diamond

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 25, 2023): Top-ranking NPA leader, nine comrades surrender en masse to EastMinCom’s JTF Diamond

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - JTF Diamond of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) troops, under the supervision of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol facilitated the surrender of a high-ranking Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader and his nine members at Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City on April 24.

They were all under the Headquarters Force (HQF) Neo and Sub-Regional Committee (SRC1) of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

LtGen. Almerol identified the former CTG leader as Lino A. Namatidong alias Dahon, Commanding Officer of HQF Neo. Along with him was his wife Reyna N. Namatidong alias Miray, Regional Staff, Education and Propaganda; Nestor P. Namatidong alias Labni, Squad 3 Team Leader; Ronnie N. Polistico alias Allan, Squad 4 Leader; Angleo L. Pal-ot alias Selda, Squad 2, Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) Compaq Political Guide; Lyka N. Lagaolao alias Jelly, Squad 4 Medic; Jerry P. Inantag alias Johny Boy, Sub-RSDG MTJ Eagles, SRC1 member; and Besto Tumanan alias Lagbas, Gay-gaya Tumanan alias Longhair, and Ronald A. Dungogan alias Onad, all Squad 4 members.

The former rebels also yielded 10 high-powered and low-powered firearms composed of three shotguns, two M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, an AK47 rifle, a Carbine rifle, and a Garrand rifle.

The latest mass surrender came after the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) under the 402nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (402Bde, 4ID), and other intelligence units of JTF Diamond launched a joint intelligence operation.

LtGen. Almerol said this was also the result of their persistent calls for the CTG remnants to yield to spare their lives from the intensified military operations.

Meanwhile, the EastMinCom Commander praised the troops of the 23IB, 402Bde of JTF Diamond for encouraging the leadership of Lino Namatidong to return to the folds of government through peaceful means.

"We are looking into the possibility that the surrender of Namatidong would induce more capitulation in the coming days, especially from his downline members. Thus, I urge those remnants of the CTG to yield peacefully just like your other comrades unless you want to follow those who have already died for a useless cause," LtGen. Almerol added.#

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

WESTMINCOM: Six local terrorists yield in North Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2023): Six local terrorists yield in North Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – April 22, 2023

Six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) laid down their arms and returned to the fold of the law on Friday afternoon, April 21.

 
Joint Task Force Central Commander, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera identified the surrendered personalities as members of the BIFF-Karialan and Bungos Factions. They submitted themselves to Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, Commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade at the 34th Infantry Battalion (34IB) headquarters in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, North Cotabato. Their identities were not disclosed for security reasons.

 
The former violent extremists (FVEs) handed over their high-powered firearms and assorted ammunition to the military, including two 7.62mm Sniper rifles, one 7.62mm rifle, one .30 caliber Garand rifle, one M79 grenade launcher, and one M14 Springfield rifle.

 
Brig. Gen. Gumiran attributed the six ex-BIFF combatants’ successful surrender to the joint efforts of the intelligence units, the 34IB, and the 6th Civil-Military Operations Battalion.

 
The surrendered personalities were formally presented to Midsayap Mayor Rolly Sacdalan and are currently undergoing custodial debriefing facilitated by the 34IB.

 
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the former violent extremists for making the right decision. “Rest assured that we will immediately process their enrollment in the government’s reintegration program.”

The WestMinCom Commander lauded the Joint Task Force Central for their steadfast resolve to end terrorism in Central Mindanao. He also expressed his appreciation to all the organizations and people who never seize to support the military’s peace campaign in Mindanao.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.535149118819973/535149008819984/

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESCOM: LOOK | WESCOM troops and foreign partners train on resupply bundle drop operations

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 21, 2023): LOOK | WESCOM troops and foreign partners train on resupply bundle drop operations

April 21, 2023 - The Army 18th Special Forces under the AFP Western Command (WESCOM) and PCG’s Special Operations Group - Palawan, alongside US and Australian counterparts, performed the resupply bundle drop operations training as part of the Balikatan (BK) 38-23 events. The said training activity was conducted in the coastal waters of Brgy. Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan.

US and Australian Special Operations Forces facilitated the training activity that involved the simulation drop of resupplies employing a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules of the US Air Force flying at low altitude. After which, participating forces immediately recovered the materials utilizing Indigenous fishing boats. This realistic scenario is designed to train the participants in the effective conduct of resupply missions in a denied area.

 
This is another great opportunity offered by the ongoing BK 38-23 in which local and foreign allied forces share knowledge and skills together toward boosting their capabilities, combat readiness and interoperability.

 
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#missionfirstmenalways
#BK38-23

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=608664781295820&set=pcb.608664891295809

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: LOOK || WESCOM's elite SPECOPS Teams train with foreign allies on "Over the Beach" (OTB) in connection with BK 38-23.

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 23, 2023): LOOK || WESCOM's elite SPECOPS Teams train with foreign allies on "Over the Beach" (OTB) in connection with BK 38-23.

April 24 2023- the United States Armed Forces (USAF) and Australian Defense Force (ADF) counterparts conducted lectures and actual demonstrations on Over the Beach (OTB) Drill as part of the ongoing Balikatan (BK) 38-23 events in the AFP Western Command (WESCOM) joint operational area (JOA). WESCOM's elite Naval Special Operation Units 4, 8 and 10 participated in the said training activity which was held at Headquarters Joint Task Force (JTF) Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan.

 
OTB is a mode of insertion and exfiltration when land and air insertion is not applicable due to the level of threat and possible resistance of the enemy.

WESCOM will continue to support BK 38-23 training activities because they help maintain a high level of readiness and responsiveness, and enhance military-to-military relations and capabilities. These training activities also enhance the allied forces' tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=609850211177277&set=pcb.609850394510592

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

Kalinaw News: "Dahon" surrenders to 402nd Bde, NPA in Northern Mindanao in disarray

From Kalinaw News (Apr 25, 2023): "Dahon" surrenders to 402nd Bde, NPA in Northern Mindanao in disarray

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – A high ranking CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) leader and his nine (9) members voluntarily surrendered to the 23rd Infantry Battalion under the operational control of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City on Monday, April 24, 2023.

23IB Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Jeffrey P. Balingao, disclosed that the surrenderees belonged the Headquarters Force NEO, Regional Sentro De Gravidad COMPAQ, and Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), all under the so- called North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Alias Dahon was identified as Lino Atipan Namatidong, the Commanding Officer of Headquarters Force (HQF) Neo. Along with him is his wife, Reyna Nanganlag “Miray/Snooky” Namatidong, Regional Staff for Education and Propaganda; Nestor Panhayan “Labni/Jono” Namatidong; Ronie Namatidong “Allan” Polistico; Lyka Namulanta “Jelly” Lagaolao; Besto “Lagbas” Tumanan; Gay-gaya “Longhair” Tumanan; Ronald Abalang “Onad” Dungogan; Angleo Lomakin “Selda” Pal-ot; and Jerry Pinatubas “CJ” Inantag.

They also yielded ten (10) high-powered and low-powered firearms composed of two (2) M16 Rifles, three (3) Shotguns, one (1) AK47 Rifle, two (2) M203 Grenade Launchers, one (1) Carbine Rifle, one (1) Garand Rifle.

Lt. Col. Balingao also said that the CTG couple, who are considered high-value individuals, revealed that low morale, no sense of direction, and exhaustion made them realize to give up and peacefully surrender.

Meanwhile, BGen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, said that the fall of the HQF Neo leadership, a once leadership stronghold, has confirmed the imminent downfall of CTG’s NCMRC and resulted in the disarray of the NPA in Northern Mindanao region.

He underscored the said success as a manifestation of the effective collaboration between the Army and its civilian partners under the Task Force ELCAC.

“Our convergence of efforts under the whole-of-nation approach have continuously reaped results. We shall further strengthen our partnership with LGUs and LGAs to put more pressure on the CTG, for them to continue disintegrating with the lack of support from the masses and the leadership vaccum continues. With all these successes, we are more determined to end this fight for the benefit and progress of our people,” BGen Orio added.

Your 4ID is committed to securing sustained peace and development in its AOR. Thus, we appeal to the remaining CTG members to abandon the senseless fighting and the violence it espouses to advance their lost cause. The government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program awaits those who wish to live in peace and seek better opportunities to start a normal life with their families.

[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/dahon-surrenders-to-402bde-npa-in-northern-mindanao-in-disarray/?fbclid=IwAR3ADFOU89Ct_GDqaqVzoWDvmn2CXesFqDEcChQq-6qCmSGRM-BZx7UaTfY

Kalinaw News: Wedding of surrendered NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2023): Wedding of surrendered NPA

Carmen, Surigao del Sur – Former NPA Rebels (FRs) namely Mr. Reky Mahinay and Ms. Necalyn Catapte who recently surrendered to the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion are now officially husband and wife after they pronounced their vows during the wedding ceremony attended by the 901st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon PA who also stood as witness to the Former Rebels wedding solemnized by Reverend Monsignor Isidro H. Irizari on April 20, 2023 at Headquarters 36IB, Brgy Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

The newlywed couple was former members of the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Last 05 January 2023, the 36th Infantry Battalion was able to decimate the aforementioned guerilla front after the series of voluntary surrenders of high-ranking leaders of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs)

The wedding of the former NPA rebels couple was made possible by the convergence efforts of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) spearheaded by the Provincial Governor of Surigao del Sur Hon Alexander T. Pimentel.

The activity was sponsored by the local government units, agencies, and private sectors of Surigao del Sur, while the food and drinks for the reception were served by the personnel of the 36IB. The godfathers and godmothers subsequently give their congratulatory message and advices to the newlywed couples. Ms. Hershe L. Nunez, RSW, PSWDO SDS, (godmother) guaranteed the implementation of social welfare and development programs and services towards addressing the various risks and vulnerabilities contributing to insurgency. Hawudon Engwan S Ala, Provincial Tribal Chieftain, SDS, Hawudon Ricardo S. Iligan, IPMR Carmen, SDS, and Mr. Dermano C. Quezada, Former NPA high ranking official (godfathers) conveyed their messages in warmly welcoming the surrenderees and commended their decision to finally change their lives and return to the folds of the law and urge the remaining CTG members to return to their families and live peacefully.

On his message in local dialect, Mr. Reky Mahinay alias Amara said that, “Dako ko og pasalamat sa 36th IB ug sa nag ka lain-lain na ahensya sa gobyerno na wala mi nila gibayaan ug gipasagdaan sugod nga nag surrender kami hangtod karon gitabangan gihapon mi nila sa among pag pakasal ni Necalyn, karon malipayon mi nga naa na mi matawag na kaugalingong pamilya”.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Michael Rey S. Reuyan, Commanding Officer of 36IB thanked the sponsors and stakeholders for their generosity that made the event become possible. “We are very thankful to our various stakeholders for their sincerity in helping our FRs not only by providing benefits and assistance from our government like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) but for showing them that they are now part and well accepted by the society.” Lt. Col Reuyan said.

Likewise, the 901st Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon PA reiterated the convergence efforts of the NTF-ELCAC and other key stakeholders. “This activity serves as best illustration to entice more surrenderers. We welcome and encourage all the remaining rebels to abandon the armed struggle and accept the governments offers through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Our government instrumentalities will provide the necessary assistance to those who want to return to the folds of the law”. BGen Banzon emphasized.

The wedding was attended by FR’s family and relatives, military and civilian stakeholders.

[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/%f0%9d%97%aa%f0%9d%97%98%f0%9d%97%97%f0%9d%97%97%f0%9d%97%9c%f0%9d%97%a1%f0%9d%97%9a-%f0%9d%97%a2%f0%9d%97%99-%f0%9d%97%a6%f0%9d%97%a8%f0%9d%97%a5%f0%9d%97%a5%f0%9d%97%98%f0%9d%97%a1%f0%9d%97%97/

Kalinaw News: NPA's top leader of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor killed in Binalbagan clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2023): NPA's top leader of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor killed in Binalbagan clash

CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental – Rogelio Posadas, also known as “Putin,” Top Leader of NPA terrorists that covers Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor was killed in the recent series of encounters between the Communists Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and government troops of the 94th and the 62nd Infantry Battalions in the boundaries of Isabela and Binalbagan, all of Negros Occidental last April 20, 2023 (Thursday).

Rogelio Posadas @Putin, is the NPA terrorists top leader of Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS), a notorious figure within their group and the elusive secretary of the Unified Regional Committee for the island of Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor. He is responsible for various atrocities and illegal activities in the region, including assassinations, extortions, kidnappings, arsons and other forms of violence against innocent civilians and government personalities. He was positively identified through the help of informants and former rebels who surrendered to 94IB. The death of Posadas came less than a year after Juanito Magbanua, the Regional Commander of the NPA terrorist in Negros island who was also killed in a clash with the 94IB last October.

His cadaver is still at Soledad Funeral Homes, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

“The death of the Communist NPA terrorists top regional leader Rogelio Posadas is a result of the local resident’s vigilance and their full trusts to the government. The encounter also manifests the continuing loss of support of the NPA terrorists in the communities. This is another victory for all the countless victims of the KR-NCBS in Negros island in particular and in the region in general.

Obviously, the CPP-NPA-NDF will churn out propaganda statements in order to generate sympathy from the community whenever they suffer major setbacks. They will always claim that there was no firefight or encounter whenever the situation does not favour them. We will continue with our relentless conduct of focused military operations until all the NPA members in Negros are neutralized or have surrendered,” Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, 303rd Brigade Commander 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/category/press-release/

Kalinaw News: The NPA terrorist killed in a clash with the government troops was finally identified

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 24, 2023): The NPA terrorist killed in a clash with the government troops was finally identified

Camp Gerna, Murcia, Negros Occidental--The NPA terrorist killed in a clash with the government troops was finally identified by former rebels and his family to be Armado Atoy @Arnold/JunJun of Brgy San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental

It will be remembered that @ ARNOLD was killed in a 10-minute clash during a Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operations of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion and Escalante City PNP against NPA Terrorists who were reported by concerned civilians at Sitio Tabunoc, Brgy Libertad, Escalante City, Negros Occidental last April 20, 2023 (Thursday).

The cadaver of @ARNOLD was claimed by his parents who were assisted by the LGU of Escalante and Brgy San Pablo, Manapla so that they can give decent burial to @ARNOLD.

After the said encounter, the Troops were also able to seized the following war materials: One (1) M14 rifle, 3 M14 magazines, 20 pcs live ammunitions, 1 bandolier, 3 rifle grenades, 3 live grenade launcher ammunitions, 1 camera, 2 commercial radios, 1 backpack, 1 butane stove, 2 pcs butane, food supplies, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander said that, “The encounter in Barangay Libertad, Escalante City was a result of the timely and accurate information provided by the local residents of Brgy Libertad and also commend the LGU Manapla for the transportation and other assistance extended to the family of the killed NPA.”

“I am calling on the remaining NPAs in Negros to surrender peacefully with their firearms and avail of the government program for them to have a renewed life with their families and live peacefully with the community. As long as there are remaining armed communists-terrorists that continue to threaten the peacefulness of our communities, your Army in Negros will be relentless in pursuing the perpetrators of murder, arson, extortion and other atrocities against our localities. The long arm of the law will eventually bring them to the bar of justice,” BGen Edralin added.

[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/camp-gerona-murcia-negros-occidental-the-npa-terrorist-killed-in-a-clash-with-the-government-troops-was-finally-identified-by-former-rebels-frs-and-his-family-to-be-armado-atoy-arnold-junjun/

Marcos: Review of PH-US defense deals seen in meeting with Biden

From CNN Philippines (Apr 24, 2023): Marcos: Review of PH-US defense deals seen in meeting with Biden (By CNN Philippines Staff)

(File photo)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday he expects to discuss with US President Joe Biden possible changes to bilateral defense deals, especially in light of developments in the Indo-Pacific region.

In an interview during the radio program of former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, Marcos said the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty are among the topics that will be tackled during his meeting with Biden on May 1.


“It has to evolve,” he said of the defense cooperation between the two countries.

“Kailangan ina-adjust adjust din natin ‘yan dahil meron din talagang evolution, may nagbabago rin sa sitwasyon na hinaharap natin dito sa South China Sea, sa gitna ng mga pangyayari sa Taiwan, sa North Korea, lahat itong mga ano, na medyo umiinit ang sitwasyon dito sa atin,” the president added.  [Translation: We also need to adjust that because there is evolution, there are changes in the situation in the South China Sea, in Taiwan, in North Korea, amid all of these rising tensions.]

The chief executive said he also intends to ask for US assistance, such as in responding to climate change, and to seek improved partnership in a number of other areas, including economy, tourism, and health care.

“Marami tayong hihingin na tulong dahil tayo lahat naman ay nagre-recover sa pandemya. Kagaya ng ibang mga byahe na ginawa ko, kung ano ba mga partnership na pwedeng buuin, ano ba ang mga pwedeng bagong teknolohiya na baka pwedeng dalhin dito sa Pilipinas na magagamit natin,” he said.

[Translation: We will ask for a lot of help because we are all recovering from the pandemic. Like in my other official state visits, we will look into partnerships that we can enter into and the kinds of new technologies that we can bring to the Philippines and use.]

The May 1 Macros-Biden meeting will take place in Washington and will mark their second bilateral talks.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre earlier said the two leaders will discuss regional matters and "coordinate on efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific."

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/4/24/mrcos-biden-meeting-defense-deals.html

Marcos appoints Benjamin Acorda Jr. as new PNP chief

From Rappler (Apr 24, 2023): Marcos appoints Benjamin Acorda Jr. as new PNP chief (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

(2ND UPDATE) Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr., who headed the Philippine National Police's Directorate for Intelligence, will serve as PNP chief until his retirement in early December

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 24, named Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr. as the next chief of the 227,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP).

Acorda will replace PNP chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. during the change of command ceremony on Monday, Azurin’s 56th birthday. The PNP’s mandatory retirement age is 56.

The 55-year-old Acorda will be Marcos’ second PNP chief and the 29th head of the national police since 1991.

The new PNP chief will serve until his retirement on December 3, or for less than eight months.

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Marcos also asks newly-appointed Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. to protect the people, including journalists and civil volunteers

Prior to his appointment, Acorda headed the PNP’s Directorate for Intelligence. In 2022, he headed the Northern Mindanao regional police.

Just like his predecessor, Acorda has Ilocos Region ties – his family comes from La Union. His father, lawyer Benjamin Acorda Sr., was a counsel for the then-Citizens Legal Assistance Office – now Public Attorney’s Office – in La Union. His mother, Purificacion Acorda, worked as a government nurse in the province.

The new PNP chief finished his primary education at Gabaldon Elementary School’s Special Education Center in Laoag City, and then high school at Bacarra National Comprehensive High School in Ilocos Norte, Marcos’ home province. Acorda later graduated from the Philippine Military Academy as part of the Sambisig Class of 1991.

Before achieving high posts in the national police, Acorda held various positions in Ilocos Norte. He once served as chief of the intelligence branch and assistant provincial director for operations of the Ilocos Norte provincial police.

Reactions

In a statement, Interior chief Benhur Abalos congratulated Acorda for his appointment and said he believes the new PNP chief is the most deserving to lead the national police because of Acorda’s experience and integrity.

“Sa bagong yugtong ito ng PNP sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Acorda, patuloy ang suportang ibibigay ng DILG sa pagpapatupad ng napapanahong pagbabago sa kapulisan habang masigasig nitong tinutupad ang mandato nito na pangalagaan at proteksyunan ang ating mga kababayan,” Abalos said.

(In this new chapter of PNP under Acorda’s leadership, the DILG will continue giving support to implement the timely reformation in the police, while it eagerly fulfills its mandate to protect the people.)

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he has immense trust in Acorda because of the latter’s performance as director of the PNP Northern Mindanao regional police.

“We have seen firsthand how his leadership has led to a sharper, more active police force, and I have no doubt that what he has done for Region 10, he will be able to do for the whole country as well,” Zubiri said.

Senator Ronald dela Rosa, also a former PNP chief, said Marcos has “made the right and best choice” in appointing Acorda. Dela Rosa added the president did extensive research before appointing Acorda.

“Gen. Acorda’s exposure is in the field of intelligence, particularly counter-intelligence which is badly needed in the internal cleansing program of the PNP. He is a silent operator and a very professional officer who doesn’t give in to pressures from selfish politicians,” Dela Rosa added.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-appoints-benjamin-acorda-jr-philippine-national-police-chief/

Marcos to seek specifics from Biden on US defense commitment

From Rappler (Apr 24, 2023): Marcos to seek specifics from Biden on US defense commitment (By REUTERS)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will hold talks with US President Joe Biden in Washington this weekend, a meeting the White House said would reaffirm its 'ironclad commitments to the defense of the Philippines'

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Monday, April 24, said he will press US counterpart Joe Biden to make clear the extent of Washington’s commitment to protect his country under a 1951 security pact, citing growing regional tension.

The past two Philippine administrations have urged former colonial power United States to be specific on the circumstances under which it would defend its ally under the Mutual Defense Treaty, amid fears of an increased risk of confrontation in the South China Sea.

Marcos will hold talks with Biden in Washington this weekend, a meeting the White House said would reaffirm its “ironclad commitments to the defense of the Philippines”.

“It (the treaty) needs to adjust because of the changes in the situation we are facing in the South China Sea, Taiwan, North Korea,” Marcos said in a radio interview.

“The situation is heating up,” he added.

The push for clarity comes amid a steady buildup of military and coast guard assets by Beijing in the South China Sea, including artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago that are equipped with missile systems within range of the Philippines.

It also comes as the Biden and Marcos administrations seek to boost their military alliance, demonstrated this year by the largest-ever US troop presence at annual war games and the Philippines almost doubling the number of its military bases that Washington can access.

READ: Biden to meet Marcos at White House on May 1

The Philippines has said the agreement in bases was for its self-defense purposes.

China, however, says the pact with the United States is stoking the fire of regional tensions.

Marcos on Monday said he and Biden should discuss what exactly their alliance entails and how to manage tension with China.

“What is our partnership? What can be done to tone down or reduce rhetoric? Because there have been an exchange of heated words,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/ferdinand-marcos-jr-seek-specifics-joe-biden-united-states-defense-commitment/

Slain rebel in Escalante encounter identified

From the Visayan Daily News (Apr 24, 2023): Slain rebel in Escalante encounter identified (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The remains of slain rebel Armado Atoy being loaded by his family members to the barangay service vehicle for proper burial.* PA photo

A member of the New People’s Army who died in an encounter with Army soldiers on April 20, in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, was identified and claimed yesterday by his family, disclosed Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion.

Javines identified the slain NPA member, as Armado Atoy, with aliases of Ka Jun Jun and Atoy, among the remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front and a resident of Hacienda Pura, Brgy. San Pablo, Manapla.

He added that remains of Atoy was claimed yesterday by his family, who brought him to their residence in Brgy. Pablo, Manapla.

The Escalante encounter on April 30 also resulted in the slight injuries to two 79IB soldiers and the recovery of one M14 assault rifle, three rifle grenades, three 40mm High Explosive Grenades, and personal belongings of the fleeing rebels.

Javines confirmed that his troops encountered the group of Roger Fabillar, alias Arnel Tapang, for the second time in Escalante City, following an earlier with the same group in Brgy. San Isidro, Toboso.

Fabillar, whose group is linked to the assassination of two barangay officials and two other civilians in Calatrava and Toboso hinterlands, has a bounty of P900,000 for his arrest.

https://visayandailystar.com/slain-rebel-in-escalante-encounter-identified/

3ID gets 2 self-propelled howitzers

From the Visayan Daily News (Apr 24, 2023): 3ID gets 2 self-propelled howitzers (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The fighting capability of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division got a boost after being supplied with two units of the self-propelled 155-mm Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) 2000, by the Philippine Army.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said that the arrival of the ATMOS is a game changer to the Army’s focused military operations against the CPP-NPA terrorists in Western and Central Visayas.

As 3ID commander, Sison supervises nine Army battalions, with six assigned in Negros island, and an elite Special Forces unit in Bohol.

“These assets will bolster our internal security operations, and will largely contribute in the dismantling of the remaining CPP-NPA guerilla fronts Western and Central Visayas,” Sison said.

ATMOS 155mm has a maximum range of 41 kilometers, depending on the type of ammunition used.

The Philippine Army received 12 ATMOS howitzer units from the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in December 2021. These were procured under the Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Plan.

https://visayandailystar.com/3id-gets-2-self-propelled-howitzers/

Top NPA leader killed in gun battle

From the Visayan Daily News (Apr 24, 2023): Top NPA leader killed in gun battle (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Rogelio Posadas, tagged by the Philippine Army as secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor.

The long arm of the law finally caught up also with elusive top rebel leader in Visayas, Rogelio Posadas.

The death of Posadas, alias Ka Putin, tagged by the Armed Forces as the secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, was confirmed by the Philippine Army confirmed yesterday, six months after the death of Romeo Nanta, alias Ka Juanito Magbanua, regional commander of the New People’s Army in Negros Island, in a Himamaylan City gun battle.

Brig. Gen. Orlando Edralin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that two days after his group figured in armed skirmishes with 94th and 62nd Infantry Battalions on April 20 in the boundary of Binalbagan and Isabela, Posadas was positively identified by his former comrades who surrendered earlier to the Philippine Army.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, AFP Visayas Command chief, said justice is served to the victims of Posadas.

With the death of Posadas, Arevalo said the CPP-NPA-NDF in Western and Central Visayas is now leaderless, with no clear operational direction on the ground.

This will further contribute to the leadership vacuum that their aching organization continues to suffer, he stressed.

Aside from the cadaver of Posadas left behind by fleeing comrades at the encounter site, Army soldiers also recovered two pistols with magazines and ammunitions, two blasting caps, one backpack, personal belongings, assorted medicines, and subversive documents, including extortion letters.

Posadas succeeded former rebel priest Frank Fernandez, who was captured with his wife several years ago in Luzon, as KR – NCBS secretary, and was responsible for various atrocities, including assassinations, kidnapping, arson and other forms of violence perpetrated against innocent civilians.

Among the atrocities he committed were the attack and bombing of Takenaka Itochu Joint Ventures and Hanjin Corporation at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport in 2006; the burning of transloading station of Lopez Sugar Central and Victorias Milling Company transloading stations in Toboso, in 2008 and 2010, respectively, ambush of a civilian-loaded canter utility service vehicle, killing three civilians and wounding three others, and the bombing of Globe cellsite also in Toboso, in 2009; bombing of VMC pump station in Victorias City in 2010; according to a statement issued by Army’s 3rd Infantry Division headed by Maj. Gen. Marion Sison.

Edralin, who supervises the 62nd and 94IB soldiers in central Negros, said the cadaver of Posadas has yet to be claimed by his family and relatives at a funeral parlor in Binalbagan.

The same infantry units also neutralized Nanta, who died in an encounter in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, in October last year.

Nanta and Posadas were among the top leaders of KR- NCBS in Visayas.

Arevalo also said that the death of Posadas is a crushing defeat to the CPP-NPA-NDF, adding “this will clearly manifest the decimation of the terrorist group in the Visayas region, and will send a strong message to their already demoralized ranks that they have no safe haven to hide, and that government forces continue to gain ground on them.”

CPP BELIES MILITARY CLAIMS

A statement issued by the Communist Party of the Philippines accused the military of killing Posadas, who the CPP claims a consultant of the National Democratic Front.

Citing a report of the National Democratic Front – Negros, CPP claimed that Posadas and his companion, alias Ka Mikmik, and two motorcycle drivers were abducted on April 19, in Brgy. Camang Camang, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

In a statement issued by the Regional Task Force –ELCAC Legal Cooperation Cluster 6, Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales said that CPP-NP-NDF has a standing propaganda policy and patter to call their leaders NDF consultants, especially if arrested, or killed in engagement with state security forces.

https://visayandailystar.com/top-npa-leader-killed-in-gun-battle/

'Balikatan' troops hone airdrop resupply skills in Palawan drill

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2022): 'Balikatan' troops hone airdrop resupply skills in Palawan drill (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AIRBORNE RESUPPLY. Special forces troops from the Philippines, US and Australia on April 21, 2023 conducted a resupply bundle drop operation in Barangay Punta Baja, Palawan. The exercise aims to simulate resupply operations in the field. (Photo courtesy of the Western Command)

MANILA – Filipino, American and Australian special troops on Friday (April 21) conducted resupply bundle drop operations (also known as parachute resupply or airdrops) in the coastal waters of Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan as part of this year's "Balikatan" exercises.

The Western Command (Wescom), in a Facebook post Sunday, said participating units are from the Army 18th Special Forces, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Special Operation Group alongside their American and Australian counterparts.

"US and Australian Special Operations Forces facilitated the training activity that involved the simulation drop of resupplies employing a Lockheed Martin C-130J 'Super Hercules' of the US Air Force flying at low altitude. After which, participating forces immediately recovered the materials utilizing Indigenous fishing boats. This realistic scenario is designed to train the participants in the effective conduct of resupply missions in a denied area," it added.

Wescom said this "Balikatan" exercise is a good opportunity for local and foreign allied forces to share knowledge and skills together toward boosting their capabilities, combat readiness and interoperability.

Meanwhile, Wescom said that its 3rd Marine Marine Brigade and its subordinate units, participated in so-called "visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercises held at the Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Barangay Magarwak, Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City.

Among the participants were the PCG, 2nd Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the US armed forces.

The 10-day event, which started April 12, was facilitated by the US Marine Corps' Marine Special Operation Command. Some of the actual VBSS training was conducted on board M/V Palawan Coast at the port area of Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City.

"VBSS is a critical skill set for military personnel, particularly those involved in maritime operations. The ability to quickly and effectively board and search a vessel is crucial in preventing illegal activities at sea and maintaining security in the maritime environment. The exercise, which included scenarios involving boarding of vessels suspected of engaging in illegal activities, was designed to enhance the capabilities of troops in carrying out VBSS operations, which are often conducted in challenging situations," Wescom said.

It is one of the many training opportunities provided during "Balikatan" to enhance capabilities and maintain readiness of the two allies -- the Philippines and the US.

"The participating team performed exceptionally well during the said training event. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to the task at hand ensured that the operations were carried out safely and effectively," Wescom said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199965

Acorda vows to make PNP worthy of public’s trust, confidence

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2022): Acorda vows to make PNP worthy of public’s trust, confidence (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) leads the change of command ceremony and retirement honors for Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. (left) and incoming chief Police Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. (right) at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday (April 24, 2023). (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Monday committed that the PNP will be vanguards of peace to ensure a safe and economically stable community and to be steadfast in providing police service under his leadership,

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Acorda as the 29th country’s top cop during the change of command ceremony in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

He succeeded PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. who is celebrating his 56th birthday, the mandatory retirement age for police officers.

As he took command of the 228,000-strong, Acorda said he would put a premium on moral ascendancy in the promotion and placement of officers in key positions and also vowed that he would lead by example in order for all members of the PNP to always do what is right.

“As we give a premium to the morale and welfare of our men and women in the organization, assignment and positioning will be based on merit, ability and moral ascendancy. Under my leadership, we will be your partner in ensuring a secure, peaceful and crime-free community,” Acorda said in his speech as he expressed gratitude to the President for his trust and confidence in him.

Acorda also expressed his gratitude to Azurin for his aggressive campaign on internal cleansing.

“I will continue what you started in cleansing the PNP,” he said.

The PNP is currently facing a controversy regarding the alleged involvement of policemen in illegal drug activities.

Earlier, at least 42 members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Agency were disarmed and ordered to be restricted to quarters over the alleged lapses in the operation that led to the confiscation of 990 kilos of shabu in Manila last year.

Acorda also vowed relentless campaign against criminality and illegal drugs.

He warned erring members of the PNP involved in illegal activities.

“My stand on anti-illegal drugs is clear, no police should be involved in pushing, using or whatever means of illegal drug trade. You will be charged and removed from the service,” Acorda said.

“This is my warning to each and every one of you, our fight will be holistic in prevention and aggressive in operations. Under my leadership, rewards and punishment will be quick and decisive, it shall be fair and impartial and due process shall be observed. We will establish unity, promote patriotism, uplift morale, strengthen cooperation and instill discipline in our organization,” he added.

Acorda, who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991 and hails from the province of Ilocos Norte, said he will continuously strive to make PNP worthy of the trust and confidence of the public.

Before his appointment as the new country's top cop, Acorda was the director of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

Meanwhile, Azurin said he remained true to his promise to ensure peace and order and stability while President Marcos marks his first year in office.

“These promises I think I fulfilled in the past 8 months of my stint with help from my counterparts in the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the uniformed services and all the good senators and congressmen and women. I am fortunate to have worked with past PNP chiefs because of the values I learned from them on leadership and character,” Azurin said in his retirement speech.

“Today as I retire and stand before you Mr. President, I can honestly say that I have achieved the goals I set for you and the Filipino people. As of today, your administration is stable under my leadership since I assumed as Chief PNP, the total crime volume decreased by 9,038 and I believe that this decline directly or indirectly contributed to the economic growth of the country,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199968

PH, US troops train on minefield, obstacle clearing

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2022): PH, US troops train on minefield, obstacle clearing (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army and US Army combat engineers fire the anti-personnel obstacle breaching system (APOBS) in the second phase of the combat engineer simulation exercise held at the 1st Brigade Combat Team Demo Range, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 21, 2023. (Photo from PA)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) and US Army combat engineers on Friday (April 21) fired the anti-personnel obstacle breaching system (APOBS) as part of the "Balikatan" exercise to clear minefields and other obstacles at the battlefield.

Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement Sunday, said the firing of the APOBS is part of the combat engineer simulation exercise subject matter expert exchange held at the 1st Brigade Combat Team Demo Range at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

It is part of the second phase of the obstacle-clearing exercise, he added.

"APOBS is an explosive line charge system that allows safe breaching through complex antipersonnel obstacles, particularly on land mine fields," Trinidad said.

Meanwhile, a Bangalore torpedo was fired in the first phase of the obstacle-clearing drills.

"Combat engineers from both armies fired a Bangalore torpedo in the first phase. A Bangalore torpedo, an explosive charge placed within one or several connected tubes, is used by combat engineers to clear obstacles that would otherwise require them to approach the target directly," Trinidad said.

He added these exercises highlighted the interoperability of PA and US Army combat engineers in obstacle reduction and elimination. It also bolstered their capability to provide “close-in” demining capability in support of maneuver forces.

More than 17,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers are training side by side in the ongoing 38th iteration of Exercise "Balikatan" which started on April 11 and will end on the 28th.

"The combat engineer simulation exercise is part of the series of capability development training that enhance Filipino and American soldiers’ tactics, techniques, and procedures across a range of military operations," Trinidad said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199967

PBBM to new PNP chief: Be visible, serve with integrity

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2022): PBBM to new PNP chief: Be visible, serve with integrity (By Joann Villanueva)

COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. troops the line before the change of command ceremony at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday (April 24, 2023). Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 and will be replaced by Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. as the 29th chief of the 220,000-strong police force. (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., to make his presence felt and like other top cops before him, “serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice.”

Marcos also assured the police force of the administration’s full support, including the upgrade of personnel and equipment, during the retirement honors for Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Acorda’s installation at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

“Make your presence felt in the streets, make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our ideals. Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civic volunteers and the like,” Marcos told Acorda in his speech.

He said the PNP must “enhance operational ties with other law enforcement agencies, both at the local and national levels, ensure integrated coordinated, and systematic approaches in addressing our recent peace and order and internal security issues.”

Under his watch, the President said the administration will “boost the morale of our personnel, hone their skills, and advance their capabilities.”

The 55-year-old Acorda, who hails from Ilocos Norte, belongs to the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991.

He is the 29th PNP chief and the second under the Marcos administration. He is expected to serve until his retirement on Dec. 3.

Marcos said Acorda will face numerous challenges and he wished his leadership will be “guided to its desired path towards rebuilding and strengthening continuous improvement and capacity building.”

“Always be open to public scrutiny and practice restraint and maximum tolerance in the face of harsh criticism,” he advised Acorda. “A united police force, always strive to win the trust, respect, and admiration of our citizenry through an efficient, ethical, and compassionate brand of police work.”

Best choice

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri praised Acorda’s appointment and expect him to make the PNP “sharper and more active.”

He said Acorda was effective when he was the Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) head, lowering the crime rate by 9.40 percent during the first half of 2022.

"Our streets and communities have been safer and more peaceful, and our trust in our law enforcement agencies much higher,” Zubiri, who hails from Bukidnon province, said in a statement.

He believes that what Acorda has done for Region 10, he will be able to do for the whole country as well.

In another statement, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, the first PNP chief of the Duterte administration, said Marcos made the “right and best choice in appointing Acorda.

He said Acorda's exposure in the field of intelligence is badly needed in the internal cleansing program of the police force.

"He is a silent operator and a very professional officer who doesn’t give in to pressures from selfish politicians," Dela Rosa said of the former head of the PNP Intelligence group.

Azurin's legacy

Marcos thanked Azurin for 38 years of productive service.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, I convey our collective gratitude to General Jun Azurin for his leadership and his service to the PNP and the country,” he said.

Despite a “demanding and perilous journey,” he said Azurin served “with dedication, bravery, and selflessness.”

He stressed it holds true for the other retirees who retired anonymously but served the country with utmost competence and ethicality.

“Amid this grand ceremony that we are holding today, I convey to each one of you, wherever you are, that you do deserve profound commendation from our grateful citizenry. I hope that despite retirement, all of you will still continue to support the government in its fight against all forms of disorder and criminality for the work is never done,” he said,

Marcos said “the cost of peace and order is not only constant and continuing but also fluid, especially in today’s volatile world.”

He said various corrupt practices and heinous crimes continue to happen and these are among the challenges for the government vis-à-vis in maintaining order and justice.

“Hence, in the face of all these, we must ensure all the more that our law enforcement agencies, especially our police force, remain to be strong and formidable. They must be effective in their intelligence and investigations operations, in the enforcement of accountability, and of course, the rule of law without fear or favor,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199973

Abalos vows full support for PNP reforms under Acorda

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 24, 2022): Abalos vows full support for PNP reforms under Acorda (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. (File photo)

MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. on Monday welcomed the appointment of newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. and assured the department’s full support for the implementation of reforms in the police service.

Abalos said under a new leadership, he expects the PNP to remain relentless and vigilant in fending off criminal elements to maintain law and order in every nook and cranny of the country.

“Naniniwala akong si Acorda ang nararapat na mamuno sa PNP dahil sa kanyang malawak na karanasan at integridad upang tuparin ang hamon ng pagiging isang chief PNP (I believe that Acorda is the right person to lead the PNP because of his vast experience and integrity in meeting the challenges of being PNP chief),’’ Abalos said.

“Inaasahan ko rin po ang suporta, kooperasyon at pakikiisa ng buong puwersa ng PNP sa bagong liderato upang maayos niyang (Acorda) magampanan ang kanyang tungkulin at mandato bilang pinuno ng kapulisan (I also expect the support, cooperation and unity of the entire PNP force to the new leadership to enable him to perform his duties and mandate as the national police chief),’’ he added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. installed Acorda as the 29th PNP chief during the traditional change of command ceremony at Camp Crame on Monday.

The commander-in-chief handed over the Command Saber to Acorda signifying his official appointment to the highest post in the PNP. With Acorda's assumption of the Chief PNP post, he was promoted to the rank of Police General (4 stars).

Acorda replaced Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who retired from the police service on his 56th birthday.

During the ceremony, Marcos acknowledged the significant accomplishments achieved by the PNP in the past eight months under the leadership of Azurin.

He noted the substantial achievements in the area of peace and order, particularly in the campaigns against terrorism, carnapping, loose firearms, child abuse, gambling, smuggling, and other illegal activities.

Marcos also outlined his directives to the new PNP chief in support of the administration's development goals, emphasizing law and order and peace.

He urged the 228,000-strong officers and rank-and-file of the PNP to support the reform initiatives of the past leadership, particularly the internal cleansing program, and strict adherence to the rule of law in every police operation.

Acorda, the second PNP chief appointed by Marcos, was a member of the Philippine Military Academy's "Sambisig" Class of 1991, and previously served as the PNP Director for Intelligence.

In his message, Acorda called for a “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa,” anchored on the administration’s call for unity and nation-building, moving towards a unified PNP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1199983