Moro Islamic Liberation Front: DBM okays release of P5-B fund for conflict-affected areas in BARMM

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (May 30, 2023): DBM okays release of P5-B fund for conflict-affected areas in BARMM (By Taher G. Solaiman)


Photo Courtesy of PNA

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced on Wednesday, May 24, that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will receive P5 billion fund for the rehabilitation of its conflict-affected communities.

The DBM said in a news release that Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P5 billion for the Special Development Fund (SDF) of the BARMM.

“The release of the fund is in accordance with Section 2, Article XIV of Republic Act 11054, that the National Government shall provide the SDF with P5 billion annually, for a period of 10 years, to the BARMM Government ‘for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities,’” the DBM said.

Pangandaman said "Tulad po ng ipinangako ko, at alinsunod po sa tagubilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, patuloy po ang DBM na aalalay sa BARMM sa abot ng aming makakaya. We will ensure that we will help in its smooth transition process and strengthening its communities."

“Umaasa po kami na magagamit ng wasto ang pondong ito para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga komunidad sa BARMM. We hope that BARMM takes advantage of this funding by fully utilizing it to help those in need, and to improve areas that needs further development,” Pangandaman said.

The DBM recalled that the most recent conflict to have erupted in BARMM was the five-month siege of Marawi City from May 23 to October 23, 2017.

“The clash resulted in P17 billion in property damage and lost opportunities, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi, the government inter-agency body in charge of rehabilitation efforts in the conflict zone,” the DBM said.

The DBM cited a report by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in 2018 that claimed “in an initial estimate that at least P49.8 billion is needed to restore affected parts of Marawi.”

“The allocations shall be directly released by the Bureau of Treasury to the BARMM Government through an authorized government servicing bank (AGSB), subject to cash programming by the National Government,” the DBM said.

According to the DBM, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allotted P64.76 billion for BARMM’s Annual Block Grant; P5.0 billion as Special Development Fund (SDF) for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities; and P4.59 billion for its share in taxes, fees, and charges collected in the region.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2578/dbm-okays-release-of-p5-b-fund-for-conflict-affected-areas-in-barmm-

Moro Islamic Liberation Front: BTA consults stakeholders on Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Bill No. 44

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Jun 2, 2023): BTA consults stakeholders on Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Bill No. 44 (Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)


Photo credits to BTA-BARMM

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) invited leaders and fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation to participate in the consultation process for BTA Bill No. 44, or the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Act of 2022, in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and Cotabato City, BARMM on the last week of May 2023 respectively.

The Government of the Day introduced to the public the BTA Bill No. 44, which will create the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office (BVMAO) aimed at providing financial, medical, social, and other assistance to MILF and MNLF Mujahideen veterans who fought alongside the revolutionary forces for at least 20 years in the protracted war for self-determination between the Bangsamoro and the national government.

The hundreds of participants who attended at the provincial gymnasium of Marawi City on Tuesday, May 30 called for the immediate passage of BTA Bill No. 44, a proposal to establish the office dedicated to assisting the unfortunate Mujahideen veterans in the Bangsamoro region

Member of Parliament Basit Abbas described the public consultation as a “historic event,” with leaders and members of the MILF and MNLF coming together as one.

One of the participants, Hasana Unda, praised the proponents of the bill, calling the bill one of the “historic bills” filed by the Bangsamoro Parliament.

During the public consultations, MILF and MNLF combatants expressed several issues and concerns, including the qualifications of beneficiaries, representation of women, and the benefits and privileges of the proposal.

The consultation process was led by the Bangsamoro Parliament's Social Services and Development Committee, with Deputy Floor Leader Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman.

Meanwhile, in Cotabato City, a large number of people also gathered to participate in a consultation for the proposed proposal to establish the Bangsamoro Veteran Mujaideen Affairs Office.

Committee on Social Services and Development (CSSD) Chair Engr. Aida Silongan urged her fellow lawmakers to support the immediate passage of the bill, stressing that "those who have truly sacrificed will be the top priority.

"Both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front support the passage of BTA Bill No. 44. Some of the points laid out during the consultation were the inclusion of veterans living outside BARMM, eligibility requirements for the program, the validation process of beneficiaries, educational assistance for those veteran's child, and legal aid for combatant cases, among others.

Presiding Chair Atty. Raisa Jajurie told the stakeholders that their feedback and recommendations will be carefully considered.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2581/bta-consults-stakeholders-on-bangsamoro-veteran-mujahideen-bill-no--44-

NTFELCAC: Recognizing the harsh reality of recruitment highlights the crucial need for heightened awareness

Posted to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Facebook Page (Jun 1, 2023): Recognizing the harsh reality of recruitment highlights the crucial need for heightened awareness

Recognizing the harsh reality of recruitment highlights the crucial need for heightened awareness, relentless vigilance, and proactive measures to combat the cunning tactics employed by the CPP-NPA-NDF in exploiting our youth. This urgent call to action demands the significant attention and immediate action of society and authorities to safeguard our future generations from the detrimental consequences of armed conflict and insurgency. Together, let us take a stand against deceptive recruitment and shield our youth from harm.

#StopDeceptiveRecruitment 

#ProtectOurYouth 

#CPPNPAANDFAwareness

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=605618421670274&set=a.199097242322396

https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/

NTFELCAC: National Youth Commission Chairman in the Philippines is raising concerns about the continued recruitment by the NPA within schools

Posted to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Facebook Page (Jun 1, 2023): National Youth Commission Chairman in the Philippines is raising concerns about the continued recruitment by the NPA within schools

The National Youth Commission Chairman in the Philippines is raising concerns about the continued recruitment by the NPA within schools, despite recent setbacks within the organization.  By acknowledging the absence of national command and leadership struggles, it's clear that the NPA is experiencing internal divisions. However, recruitment efforts continue and are a cause for concern.  It's important to address and counter these recruitment activities to protect young p…
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https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=606063248292458&set=a.199097242322396

https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/

NTFELCAC: IN PHOTOS--Cagayan Valley PTF ELCAC presents 20 Former Rebels with 22 Firearms

Posted to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Facebook Page (Jun 2, 2023): IN PHOTOS: Cagayan Valley PTF ELCAC  presents 20 Former Rebels with 22 Firearms

IN PHOTOS: Cagayan Valley PTF ELCAC led by Governor Manuel N. Mamba presents 20 Former Rebels with 22 Firearms in a simple ceremony today. Included in those who surrendered to government are former activists Cedric Casano and Patricia Cierva who were maliciously reported by CPP NPA NDF Legal Fronts as "Abducted" by government forces.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=606602871571829&set=pcb.606602958238487

https://www.facebook.com/ntfelcac/

WESTMINCOM: Four local terrorists killed; 3 others rescued in Lanao del Sur clash

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command(WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 2, 2023): Four local terrorists killed; 3 others rescued in Lanao del Sur clash

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 2, 2023

Military troops recovered four dead bodies of slain members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Lanao following a gunfight in Barangay Piangologan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

 
Operating troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion engaged an undetermined number of DI-Lanao members under Abu Zacariah during a combat operation in Barangay Piangologan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur.

 
While scouring the encounter site, troops rescued three other members of the local terrorist group. Of the three, two are minors, while the other is a female. Operating troops also recovered one AR-15 Bushmaster, two M16A1 rifles, one R4 rifle, four long magazines for 5.56mm, three commercial radios, 70 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, one improvised explosive device set, one logbook diagram for IED, three cellular phones, three backpacks with personal belongings, and assorted foodstuffs.

 
According to Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, one soldier was killed in action while three others were wounded during the encounter. Their identities are withheld pending notification to their next of kin. The wounded soldiers are now in stable condition and recuperating in the hospital.

 
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, commended the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan for continuously employing more pressure on the remaining local terrorists in their area of operation. He also extended his commiseration to the bereaved families of the soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting against the enemies of the state.

 
“I urge the remnants of the Daulah Islamiyah to lay down their arms and surrender peacefully to avoid gun fights and prevent loss of lives and bloodshed,” Lt. Gen. Galido stated.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeOfNationApproach
1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army
6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
603rd Infantry - Persuader Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
Alakdan Division
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
JTF Zamboanga
54th Engineer "Sarangay" Brigade, PA

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/photos/pcb.559857186349166/559857086349176/

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

WESCOM eyes more active role of reservists in WPS patrols

From Palawan News (Jun 3, 2023): WESCOM eyes more active role of reservists in WPS patrols (By Gerald Ticke and Aira Genesa Magdayao)



The military’s Western Command (WESCOM) is looking to tap navy reserve forces in Palawan to the conduct of patrols of the military, particularly the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos broached the idea during the closing ceremony of the Mobilization Exercise (MOBEX) 2023 at the Naval Forces West headquarters in Barangay Macarascas on Friday.

Carlos said bringing in reservists to join the regular patrols in WPS will also boost the Philippines’ efforts to increase the military’s presence in the area as the country also asserts further its territorial claims in the region.

He said with the directive of increasing patrol operations, Wescom also eyes to provide more trainings for the reservists in the province.



“So this is an opportunity if we can integrate our reservists, subject to protocols and directives and guidance from higher headquarters, if we can accommodate in our regular patrols and not just in exercises so that we can level up the integration of our reservists in our operations,” Carlos said.

“Our purpose here is to increase our naval presence and show our flag which has been our resolve,” he added.

He also said as part of Wescom’s increased activities in WPS Philippine Navy ships have conducted more patrol operations having maintained presence for more number of days this year.

“Last year, we were only out at sea 11 days out of 30 days a month with only one ship. So now, we have slowly increased our up tempo and last month we had 100 percent or 30 out of 30 days and we have also increased our naval assets with an average of four ships. These are excellent training opportunities for the reservists in case you are interested in joining us at sea during our regular patrol,” he said.

He further explained that while the idea still depends on higher authorities, he personally sees it as a great opportunity for the military forces to bolster its presence in WPS.

“As commander of Wescom, I don’t see anything wrong with that because that is part of our strategic communication to ensure that we are able to socialize, we are able to promote our strategic communications objectives in WPS,” he said.

The military’s top official in the province commended the around 90 reservists who participated in the recently concluded MOBEX 2023.

He also said although there are still more improvements that can be done, the initial staging of the exercise was laudable despite not having the best training platforms.

“This is a start, and I know that the ships that we provided are very far from being the ideal platforms where we can train together but we will provide more activities like this and hopefully, we can have better platforms,” he said.

“Hopefully in the next iteration of the exercise, we can get better platforms and we can have more reservists who were not able to take advantage of this exercise,” he added.

The week-long MOBEX-23 which was held in the west coast was participated in by around 90 reservists who underwent shipboard trainings aboard Philippine Navy vessels LS-507 and AC 71.

Exercise director Capt. Tirso Chavez said the exercise particularly aims to integrate the reserve force to the operation of navy’s regular force, to test and evaluate the responsiveness of mobilization plan in the maritime situational threat, calamities and disasters which will broaden the skills and knowledge of our personnel leading to mobile mindset and enhanced capabilities of our troops.

He said that the exercise is an opportunity to show to the people that with the right training, capabilities and mindset, the reserve force can become a modern and multi-capable force

He added that it also broadens the role of the reservists not only on Humanitarian and Disaster Response (HADR) during calamities but also “during rebellion, war or invation and for our socio-economic and nation building.”

Chavez emphasized that the role of the reservists has to be brought to a higher level considering the changes in the environment where the military needs a more active participation from the reserve forces.

“As the spectrum of warfare widens in operations other than war becomes more complex, we need the usual reserve forces more on the civilian knowledges, the skills and experiences in advocating peace, development networks and response to national emergencies,” Chavez said.

“It should be emphasized that until recently, security was an issue associated mostly in military, to some extent, political. However, increasing complex interpretations of security have emerged – economic, societal, ecological and environmental aspects have become object of security,” he added.

Meanwhile, CPO Janet Oab, one of the reservists who participated in the exercise expressed gratitude to the navy for initiating the training, saying it has widened her perspective of sense of volunteerism and has added to her capacity to perform her duties.

“Napakalaking tulong sa amin dahil we were able to capacitate ourselves as to how to serve people who are harmed during disaster. At ito ay nagbigay sa amin ng malawak na kaalaman kung paano namin maisasagawa ng tama ang pag-save sa mga nasalanta like for example earthquate at bagyo,” Oab said.

“So with our capacitation, we can serve our fellow men with the same quality of service coming from the organic. Dahil ito ay volunteerism meaning walang monetary incentive or whatsoever but nandoon ang kasiyahan bilang reservist na hindi humihingi ng anumang kapalit,” she added.

https://palawan-news.com/wescom-eyes-more-active-role-of-reservists-in-wps-patrols/

Amid removal claim, PCG says 8 buoys still intact in PH waters, 2 for checking

Posted to Rappler (Jun 3, 2023): Amid removal claim, PCG says 8 buoys still intact in PH waters, 2 for checking (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Armand Balilo says this is the first time they received an allegation that buoys placed by authorities in Philippine waters went missing

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Saturday, June 3, that eight buoys placed in Philippine waters remained intact amid the allegation they had been removed. However, the PCG said they have yet to verify the condition of two other buoys.

In an interview with reporters on Saturday, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the eight buoys were still intact, according to PCG Palawan’s report. The two other buoys subject for validation were located in Balagtas (Irving) and Julian Felipe (Whitsun) reefs.

Balilo told Rappler that they were not looking for the two buoys but rather had yet to reach them because of big waves. The PCG spokesperson said once the weather conditions permit, they would immediately go to the buoy’s location.

When asked about the possibility that the buoys had been removed by other people or other countries’ coast guards, Balilo replied:

“Wala pa naman. Kailangang ma-check muna natin kung ano ‘yong reason do’n sa report. Baka mamaya, nando’n naman pala, so dapat maba-validate muna natin kung nawala nga ‘yong mga…may nawalang boya (There’s nothing yet. We have to check first the reason behind the report. What if the buoys are there? So, we need to validate if some buoys really went missing).”

Balilo added this was the first time they received an allegation that buoys placed by authorities in Philippine waters went missing.

In a report dated May 18, Sohu.com, a company based in Beijing, China, claimed that Chinese fishermen “fished out” all the buoys in Philippine waters under the Chinese coast guard’s protection. The report also alleged that the removal of buoys made the PCG “feel angry and helpless.”

Why this matters

The buoys are no ordinary devices – they are used as markers to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

In 2021, when the PCG installed the initial buoys in the Philippine Rise on the eastern seaboard, the coast guard said the area had been considered a special protected zone. The PCG added that buoys marked the designated exclusive food supply zone of the Philippines and would ensure safe navigation in the areas where they were placed.

On two separate occasions, the PCG installed the remaining buoys in May 2022 and May 2023.

China claims nearly all of the South China Sea as its territory using its so-called 9-dash line principle. The country also erroneously claims some territories and features owned by the Philippines. However, these claims were rebuked by the Hague ruling.

The Hague ruling in 2016 stated that all islands in the disputed waterway within our exclusive economic zone belonged to the Philippines. It upheld the claims of the Philippines in the disputed territories in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Despite this, China retains its presence in some parts of Philippine waters. In 2021, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea expressed concern after it spotted around 220 Chinese vessels, said to be Chinese maritime militia, in Julian Felipe Reef, about 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

China had also harassed Filipino ships on multiple occasions. In November 2021, Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons on Philippine vessels en route to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. A Chinese coast guard vessel also aimed a military-grade laser at the BRP Malapascua last February.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-coast-guard-says-buoys-still-intact-philippine-waters-others-checking/

Army chief lauds 3ID for excellent job

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 2, 2023): Army chief lauds 3ID for excellent job (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Philippine Army has lauded its 3rd Infantry Division for a job well done in Western and Central Visayas, for launching focused military and intelligence operations that effectively weakened the capabilities and influence of the New People’s Army remnants in the two Visayas regions.

In a statement, Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. disclosed that the significant accomplishments of 3ID against the “enemies of the State” bespeak of their untiring efforts to support stability in their area of responsibility.

“Hence, I commend you for upholding excellence in the performance of your tasks,” Brawner, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the 3ID founding anniversary on May 31, said.

From May 2022 to May this year, the 3ID reported that it has launched 247 combat operations that resulted in 77 government-initiated encounters, with 46 rebels killed, whose cadavers were recovered at the encounter sites, 149 surrenders, while 13 others captured.

In the same period, 60 high powered firearms and 144 guns of other calibers were also recovered.

Almost all successful focused military operations of the 3ID took place in Negros Island, where majority of top rebel leaders had been neutralized, either killed or captured in gun battles and joint military and police operations.

Last week, AFP chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino also personally led the awarding of Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals to several members of the 62nd Infantry Battalion who figured in two encounters with rebel remnants in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

The three encounters led to the death of nine rebels, recovery of 15 guns, improvised antipersonnel mines, and other explosives.

Mayor Filomeno Reyes also issued a statement assuring the people of Guihulngan City that there is nothing to fear with the series of encounters in the hinterland areas.

“Everything is under control by our law enforcement authorities,” Reyes said.

He added that the city government is diligently monitoring developments, and is ready to assist affected civilians when necessary.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-chief-lauds-3id-for-excellent-job/

Some local pols, bizmen supporting NPA – Army

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 3, 2023): Some local pols, bizmen supporting NPA – Army (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson (4th from left) presides over the 2nd quarter joint PPOC and PADAC meeting at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.* PIO photo

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that he will check with the Philippine Army, if they have a list of local politicians and businessmen supporting the New People’s Army.

If indeed there is already a list, then they (Army) can take action, said Lacson, who yesterday presided over the 2nd quarter joint Provincial Peace and Order and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Councils meeting, held at the Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City.

During a security briefing of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, it was divulged that local politicians and businessmen, although not specifically mentioned which particular areas of Negros Occidental, are supporting the rebel group.

“While there are such reports, the question is, have they been identified?” Lacson said, as he re-echoed the sentiments of a mayor who attended the PPOC meeting.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade, in a security briefing, further said they initiated 15 encounters with NPA remnants in Negros, from March 1 up to last month, that resulted in the killing of 18 rebels, including top leader Rogelio Posadas, alias Ka Poten, the capture of two others, and the recovery of 37 assorted firearms.

In the same period, 17 rebels surrendered, including three amazons, military records further showed.

With the dismantling of Northern Negros Front, the 303rd Infantry Brigade is targeting to dismantle as soon as possible the Central Negros 1 and 2, as well as the South West Front, all under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, which it considered as “weakened” due to a leadership vacuum and debacles they suffered in “focused military operations.”

Based on the security briefing of the Philippine Army, Lacson said “obviously, we are winning the war against the NPA,” although he noted attempts of the rebel group recover their lost territories.

https://visayandailystar.com/some-local-pols-bizmen-supporting-npa-army/

4 ISIS militants, 1 soldier killed in Lanao Sur clash

From MindaNews (Jun1, 2023): 4 ISIS militants, 1 soldier killed in Lanao Sur clash (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 1 June)—Four members of the ISIS-inspired Dawlah Islamiyah (DI), also known as the Maute group, and one military personnel were killed during a fierce encounter Wednesday night in an interior village of Marogong town in Lanao del Sur.

Military personnel check firearms and ammunitions belonging to Dawlah Islamiyah militants killed by Scout Rangers during a firefight in Marogong, Lanao del Sur Wednesday night (31 May 2023). Military photo

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, regional director of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said that troops of Scout Rangers conducted focused military operation (FMO) after information received that several DI members were hiding in a secluded location in Brgy. Piangolongan of the said town.

“We have our Scene of the Crime Operatives now in the area conducting further investigation, we have information received that there were also civilians rescued,” Nobleza said.

He added that the location of the encounter is around four to five kilometers away from the town center, where some residents who fled last week sought refuge, and had just started to return to their homes.

Nobleza said that past 7 p.m., operatives of Joint Task Group-Haribon led by a certain 1st Lt. Manuel from a Scout Ranger company engaged DI members in close-quarters combat. When the smoke cleared, the body of one militant was found, while one soldier was also killed, identified as PFC Jemric Pol Cotingjo. Three more soldiers were wounded.

Nobleza said that two hours later and not far from the first encounter site, troops led by a certain Capt. Legada encountered the same group, which was under the leadership of Abu Zacharia. The firefight lasted five minutes, with the DI forces withdrawing towards the west after they were overpowered by the Scout Rangers.

Three from the militants were killed in the second battle, Nobleza said.

The soldiers also reported rescuing two minors and a woman.

Nobleza said high-powered firearms—AR-15 Bushmaster, M16, and R4 rifles, including ammunitions—improvised explosive device components, grenades, radio communication equipment, and other war materials were found in the clash site.

“Based on our information, the group of Zacharia has splintered into four, and have managed to change location anytime in the jungle areas,” he added.

Military and police forces in the area are now on high alert.

Earlier last week, Zacharia warned to attack Marogong after four of their young comrades were arrested by elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and turned them over to the military.

Nobleza said that around 4,000 residents have so far evacuated due to fear of the attack. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/06/4-isis-militants-1-soldier-killed-in-lanao-sur-clash/

Security heightened in Philippines' South due to terror threats

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 30, 2023): Security heightened in Philippines' South due to terror threats

MAGUINDANAO – The Philippine military heightened its security in the restive region of Mindanao following fresh threats of attacks from pro-ISIS militants, blamed by authorities for the series of bombings and killings in the South.

The threats were made following the recent capture of four young fighters of the local ISIS group called Dawlah Islamiya (DI) - Arabic words for Islamic State - in Lanao del Sur province in the Bangsamoro autonomous region, a hotbed of Muslim insurgency in the South.

Security officials said intelligence provided by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led to the May 25 capture of the DI fighters in Pabrika village in the town of Marugong.

The MILF, in a rare operation, joined security forces in capturing the DI fighters, but the threats of attacks in retaliation to the arrest of the four young men, sparked an exodus of civilians in the town. The capture was announced only recently.

It was unknown whether the military delayed the release of the information to the press due to continuing operation between the army and the MILF against the DI, or the ongoing interrogation of the captured Islamists, two of them 18 years old and the other pair 14 and 16.

One of the fighters, Saidi, is the younger brother of DI sub-leader known by his nom de guerre Abu Sham, according to Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

"Troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion acted on information from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members under Esmail Cosain regarding the presence of unidentified armed men in Barangay Pabrika, Marugong, Lanao del Sur. While moving towards the target area, operating troops, composed of a platoon of soldiers and five MILF members, sighted a group of armed men. Sensing the presence of the government forces, the armed men scampered in different directions prompting the troops to execute a hasty raid," Nafarrete said.

He said the four DI fighters are all under Juhari Sandab, whose group is operating in the province. "Accordingly, they were waiting for supplies and foodstuffs coming from their supporters in the area," the officer said, adding, soldiers also seized weapons and explosives from the four fighters.

Among the seized weapons were one M14 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Remington R4 rifle, one M1903 Springfield rifle, M203 grenade launcher and five 40mm grenades; including five improvised explosives and assorted magazines and ammunition.

Army Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, commended Nafarrete for the capture of the four fighters and cited "the good relationship between the MILF and the military in the area, which resulted in the successful operation."

The MILF signed a peace deal with the government in 2014, but despite the accord, the members of the former rebel group are still heavily armed and continue to maintain dozens of strongholds in the region. The DI considers the MILF a rival and branded its members as "apostate Moro militia" and declared a total war with them.

The Middle East Media Research Institute which monitors, tracks, translates, researches, and analyzes cyber jihad originating from the Middle East, Iran, South Asia, and North and West Africa, reported that members of the "Islamic State East Asia Province" (ISEAP) claimed responsibility for the May 13 attack against MIF positions with machine guns in the village of Tuayan in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town in the neighboring province of Maguindanao causing MILF members to flee. ISEAP fighters also burned the MILF positions and seized an anti-tank rocket launcher. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/05/security-heightened-in-philippines.html

MNLF, MILF unite for a bill seeking to establish an office for veteran mujahideen, mujahidat

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (May 30, 2023): MNLF, MILF unite for a bill seeking to establish an office for veteran mujahideen, mujahidat

COTABATO CITY – In a remarkable display of unity and solidarity, members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered Wednesday to participate in a public consultation for a proposed measure that aims to establish an office dedicated to providing comprehensive support to MNLF and MILF veterans.Under BTA Bill No. 44, the office will provide financial, medical, social, and other forms of assistance, in recognition of the sacrifices of the brave mujahideen and mujahidat who have fought for the cause of the Bangsamoro.

The bill defines "Veteran Mujahideen" as members of the MILF and MNLF who are at least 55 years old as of the time of the measure's effectiveness and who had rendered revolutionary services in the protracted wars for self-determination between the Bangsamoro people and the national government for at least 20 years between 1969 and 2014.

The public consultations held simultaneously in the cities of Cotabato and Marawi brought together not only MNLF and MILF veterans but also mujahidat and their children, creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere.

Member of the Parliament Basit Abbas described the public consultation as a "historic event," with the MILF and MNLF uniting as one after coming from different factions. "This is very significant because we feel that both MNLF and MILF are united. We disregard our faction. We put aside our differences and work together for the interest of all mujahideen and mujahidat," Abbas added.

Abbas reiterated that “it became clear how important this bill is to the veterans who endured immense hardships and fought for the Bangsamoro people and future generations,”

Bangsamoro Parliament’s Social and Services Development Committee Chair Engr. Aida Silongan urged her fellow lawmakers to back the bill's immediate passage, emphasizing that "those who have truly sacrificed will be the main priority."

Ustadz Abdulwahid Tundok, commander of the MILF 118th Base Command, expressed his appreciation for the Bangsamoro Parliament, acknowledging that it is a long-awaited recognition of their sacrifices.

He emphasized the importance of establishing an office dedicated to meeting the various needs of MNLF and MILF veterans, including financial support for livelihood programs, medical assistance, social welfare programs, educational opportunities for their children, and psychological support for the traumas they endured.

He also asked his fellow mujahideen to have patience while the Bangsamoro government is in the transition period and building the foundation.

Rumina Malaguiok, wife of the renowned Tani Malaguiok Top 90 MNLF, passionately shared her experiences since 1970 from the front lines of the Bangsamoro struggle.

Maluiagok vividly described the difficult journey undertaken by the Bangsamoro fighters in their pursuit of peace and a brighter future for future generations as she recalled her days as a field medic in different areas in North Cotabato and Maguindanao. "To know that the government is considering an office to support veterans like us is a glimmer of hope. It shows that our efforts have not been in vain, and our contributions are being recognized," she said.

Jennatosalam Gayak, 26, a member of the MNLF youth sector in Midsayap, Special Geographic Area, whose parents are both mujahideen and mujahidat, feels overwhelmed at the chance of her parents' plight finally being recognized. She expresses her desire for the success of the law and prays that the benefits "will not just be words but will be put into action and given to the veterans who fought for the Bangsamoro."

Hundreds of MNLF and MILF members, both in Marawi and Cotabato City, actively engaged in the consultation process, raising concerns and suggestions to further enhance the proposed measure.

Some of the points raised during the consultation include the inclusion of veterans living outside BARMM, eligibility requirements for the program, the validation process of beneficiaries, educational assistance for the veteran’s children, and legal assistance for combatant cases, among others.

The bill gives priority to those who are less fortunate and lack employment opportunities due to their elderly status, lack of education, or other employment-related needs. Once approved, qualified recipients will receive a monthly financial allowance, free medical care at any hospitals, health centers, or other facilities supervised by the Ministry of Health, and be exempt from taxes, fees, and other charges imposed by the Bangsamoro Government.

The computation of financial requirements will be discussed in the committee, according to MP Raissa Jajurie. It will also establish and maintain an effective and reliable data-gathering and evaluation mechanism for determining and selecting qualified beneficiaries, as well as extend assistance to qualified beneficiaries, their spouses, and minor children.

The Bangsamoro Veteran Mujahideen Affairs Office will be placed under the operational supervision and control of the Ministry of Public Order and Safety as one of its component divisions. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/05/mnlf-milf-unite-for-bill-seeking-to.html

5 killed, 3 wounded in fresh clashes in southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 2, 2023): 5 killed, 3 wounded in fresh clashes in southern Philippines

COTABATO CITY - Government troops killed three local ISIS fighters in fierce clashes that left one soldier and a civilian dead and three more wounded in the Muslim province of Lanao del Sur in southern Philippines, police said Friday.

Police said the civilian was caught in the crossfire, however it was unclear who shot him, while a woman and two children were rescued by soldiers during the fighting Wednesday evening, May 31, in the village of Piangolongn in Marogong town, where the extremist group Dawlah Islamiya, earlier threatened to attack following the capture of four fighters recently.









Photos released by the Lanao del Sur provincial police office show the recovered weapons of pro-ISIS group Dawlah Islamiya following deadly clashes on May 31, 2023 in Marogong town that killed three militants.

Col. Robert Daculan, commander of the provincial police force, inspected the area on Thursday, June 1, said members of the Dawlah Islamiya under Abu Zacharia clashed with army troops from the 3rd, 7th and 9th Scout Ranger Companies.

Daculan did not say how many Islamists were involved in the fighting or how troops tracked down the enemies, but security forces recovered four automatic rifles, rifle grenades and ammunition, including an improvised explosive and a bomb diagram, among other items from the slain militants.

"The Provincial Forensic Unit processed the cadaver of the three DI-MG members while that of the crossfire victim was claimed by immediate relatives for proper disposition," Daculan said.

Security forces heightened its security in the restive region of Mindanao following fresh threats of attacks from pro-ISIS militants, blamed by authorities for the series of bombings and killings in the South.

The threats were made following the recent capture of four young fighters of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) - Arabic words for Islamic State - in the town on May 25. Security officials said intelligence provided by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led to the capture of the militants in Pabrika village.

The MILF, in a rare operation, joined security forces in capturing the Islamists, but the threats of attacks in retaliation to the arrest of the four young men - two of them 18 years old and the other pair 14 and 16 - sparked an exodus of civilians in the town. One of the fighters, Saidi, is the younger brother of Dawlah Islamiya sub-leader known only by his nom de guerre Abu Sham, according to Army Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan.

He said the four captured fighters were all under Juhari Sandab, whose group is operating in the province. "Accordingly, they were waiting for supplies and foodstuffs coming from their supporters in the area," the officer said, adding, soldiers also seized weapons and explosives from the four fighters.

Among the seized weapons were one M14 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Remington R4 rifle, one M1903 Springfield rifle, M203 grenade launcher and five 40mm grenades; including five improvised explosives and assorted magazines and ammunition.

The MILF signed a peace deal with the government in 2014, but despite the accord, the members of the former rebel group are still heavily armed and continue to maintain dozens of strongholds in the region. The Dawlah Islamiya considers the MILF a rival and branded its members as "apostate Moro militia" and declared a total war with them.It also attacked MILF targets in the neighboring town province of Maguindanao on May 13.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) which monitors, tracks, translates, researches, and analyzes cyber jihad originating from the Middle East, Iran, South Asia, and North and West Africa, reported that members of the "Islamic State East Asia Province" (ISEAP) claimed responsibility for the May 13 attack against MIF positions with machine guns in the village of Tuayan in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town in the neighboring province of Maguindanao causing MILF members to flee. ISEAP fighters also burned the MILF positions and seized an anti-tank rocket launcher. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/4-killed-3-wounded-in-fresh-clashes-in.html

Gunman opens fire on civilians, 1 killed, 5 wounded in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 3, 2023): Gunman opens fire on civilians, 1 killed, 5 wounded in Basilan province

ZAMBOANGA CITY - A man armed with an automatic rifle opened fire on a group people attending a gathering in the Muslim province of Basilan in Southern Philippines and killed one civilian and wounded five mostly minors.

The attack occurred on Friday evening, June 2, in Lamitan City, the police said. The lone fatality was identified as Amilhassan Asbito, 56. The motive of the attack is still unclear, but police are investigating the shooting at a baptismal gathering.

Witnesses have pointed to the alleged shooter as Arman Misa, who fled the scene after the attack. The wounded - four of them minors - were rushed to hospital, but their condition is unknown.

Gun attacks in Basilan is not uncommon due to the presence of hired killers, rebel groups and the proliferation of illegal weapons. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/gunman-open-fire-on-civilians-1-killed.html

AFP: RELEASE | Bomb expert of BIFF exploded in AFP-PNP operation in Cotabato City

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 30, 2023): RELEASE | Bomb expert of BIFF exploded in AFP-PNP operation in Cotabato City

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – Joint AFP-PNP Operatives successfully arrested the bomb expert of BIFF-Karialan Faction on Friday afternoon (May 26, 2023) after serving a warrant of arrest in the municipality of Cotabato Regional Medical Center, Barangay Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City.

90IB Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes identified the suspect Kuntong Basilan alias Tong Basilan and Michael Basilan with two cases of Double Murder and Multiple Frustrated Murder and one case of Arson filed against him in the local court.

Lt. Col. Gavilanes added that the operation was jointly conducted by 90IB, 34IB, PNP-SAF and CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit.

The arrested suspect is also known as a bomb expert, a confidant of the late Ameril Umbra Kato and triggerman of Commander Paradise.

Major General Alex Rillera, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division confirmed that it also involved some violence not only among uniformed personnel but also among civilians.

“Based on our information, the suspect was involved in gun-for-hire, harassment and landmine attack in the military installation in Sitio Risingan, Dungguan, Aleosan, Cotabato; burning of civilian properties in Sitio Poypoyon, Dungguaan, and Bagolibas, Aleosan and Baliki, Midsayap, Cotobato in 2008, and series of shooting incidents targeted by the PNP and AFP at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte during 2019 to 2020.

“Your AFP and PNP will continue to strive to eliminate threats to peace and maintain order in Central and South Central Mindanao”, statement of Maj. Gen. Rillera.

The accused is now in the custody of CIDG Maguindanao for the corresponding disposition.
(Photo and Story by: 6ID, PA)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=617625097066571&set=pcb.617625400399874

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | Philippines, Indonesian Armed Forces conclude Training Activity in Bulacan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (May 30, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | Philippines, Indonesian Armed Forces conclude Training Activity in Bulacan

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Indonesian National Armed Forces officially closed the 15th iteration of Training Activity Dolphine XV-23 on Monday, May 29 at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) headquarters in Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan.
Brigadier General Freddie T Dela Cruz, Regiment Commander of FSRR, presided over the closing ceremony that underscored the successful attainment of the goals. He also led the presentation of certificates to the participants and a token of gratitude to the TNI-AD.

A total of 40 Filipino and Indonesian soldiers trained side by side in jungle warfare operations, urban operations, and sniping operations during the Philippine-Indonesian training activity that started last May 21.

The training activity bolstered the tactics, techniques, and procedures as well as sustained the existing partnership between the two military forces.

 
Following the recent pronouncements of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the AFP is continuously pushing for improved international defense relations through military training and engagements to foster mutual trust and confidence.

 
The conclusion of TA Dolphine XV-23 marked the AFP and the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ robust partnership and collaborative efforts toward building stronger relations and enhancing training and educational programs for both countries.

 
The AFP looks forward to more defense engagements and training activities with the Indonesian National Armed Forces and other allied countries to develop its capabilities further as it shifts its focus towards external defense operations./// (Photos from FSRR, PA)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=617683377060743&set=pcb.617683830394031

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: AFP MODERNIZATION | The Philippine Navy commissioned into service two new Acero-class (Shaldag Mk. V) fast attack & interdiction craft

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 2, 2023): AFP MODERNIZATION | The Philippine Navy commissioned into service two new Acero-class (Shaldag Mk. V) fast attack & interdiction craft

AFP MODERNIZATION | The Philippine Navy commissions into service two new Acero-class (Shaldag Mk. V) fast attack & interdiction crafts last May 26, 2022 during their 125th Anniversary celebration. These new assets are intended for territorial and coastal patrol operations. The gunboats were named BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG-905) after two posthumous Medal for Valor awardees.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=620342766794804&set=a.219815943514157

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pagpatay sa brodkaster sa radyo sa Oriental Mindoro, kinundena

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Jun 2, 2023): Pagpatay sa brodkaster sa radyo sa Oriental Mindoro, kinundena (Killing of radio broadcaster in Oriental Mindoro, condemned)

 

June 02, 2023

Kinundena ng National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) ang pagbaril at pagpatay sa brodkaster sa radyo na si Cresenciano “Cris” Bundoquin sa kahabaan ng C5 Road sa Santa Isabel, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro noong Mayo 31. Nakatayo ang biktima sa harap ng kanyang tindahan nang dumating ang dalawang lalaking bumaril sa kanya bandang alas-4 ng madaling araw.

Nanawagan ng hustisya ang NUJP sa pagpaslang sa brodkaster na itinuturing nitong malupit na paalala na ang pamamahayag ay nananatiling isang delikadong propesyon sa Pilipinas.

Giit ng grupo, dapat gumawa ng aksyon ang gubyerno kaugnay sa krimen, at wakasan ang kultura ng kawalang-pakundangan sa bansa na tampok sa mga kaso ng pag-atake sa mga mamamahayag. Anang NUJP, dapat mapanagot ang mga nanggigipit, umaatake at pumapatay sa mga manggagawa sa midya.

Kung mapatutunayan na may kaugnayan sa kanyang trabaho bilang mamamahayag ang pagpaslang kay Bundoquin, ang kanyang kaso ang maitatalang ikatlo sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos at ika-198 simula 1986.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pagpatay-sa-brodkaster-sa-radyo-sa-oriental-mindoro-kinundena/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Bilanggong pulitikal sa Negros, pinaiimbestigahan ang pagkawala ng anak

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (May 31, 2023): Bilanggong pulitikal sa Negros, pinaiimbestigahan ang pagkawala ng anak (Political prisoner in Negros, the disappearance of his son is being investigated)

 

May 31, 2023

Nanawagan kahapon ang isang babaeng bilanggong pulitikal sa Negros Occidental sa Commission on Human Rights sa Western Visayas na kagyat na magsagawa ng imbestigasyon sa sapilitang pagkawala ng kanyang anak, kasama ang dalawang drayber ng habal-habal, noong Abril 19 sa bayan ng Hinigaran. Ang tatlo ay unang ibinalitang dinukot ng mga pwersa ng estado at hindi pa inililitaw hanggang ngayon.

Sa isang sulat sa CHR na may petsang Mayo 20, sinabi ni Rossine Enyong, bilanggong pulitikal na nakapiit sa Negros Occidental District Jail na ang kanyang anak na babae na si Lyngrace Marturillas, at ang mga drayber ng habal-habal na sina Renel de los Santos at Denald Mialen, ay 40 araw nang nawawala.

Ang tatlo, kasama ang pinatay ng militar na konsultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines sa Negros na si Roger Posadas, ay bumibyahe noong Abril 19 sa Aranda-La Castellana Road. Ayon sa mga saksi, ang dalawang magkasunod na motor ay hinarang ng mga van bago sapilitang isinakay dito sina Marturillas.

Labis ang pag-aalala ng mga kaanak at grupo sa karapatang-tao sa tatlo dahil si Posadas ay pinalabas na napatay sa isang engkwentrong militar noong Abril 20 sa Barangay Santol, Binalbagan.

Binigyan din ng kopya ng sulat ni Enyong ang International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) para sa posibleng tulong at karampatang aksyon na kaya nitong ipagkaloob sa mga biktima.

Naglunsad din ng isang araw na ayuno ang mga kapwa bilanggong pulitikal ni Enyong kahapon bilang pagsuporta sa panawagang ilitaw ang mga dinukot ng militar at sa laksa pang mga kaso ng paglabag nito sa karapatang-tao sa buong isla ng Negros.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/bilanggong-pulitikal-sa-negros-pinaiimbestigahan-ang-pagkawala-ng-anak/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 5 sibilyan, 1 hors de combat, sadyang pinatay ng AFP sa loob ng isang araw

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (May 30, 2023): 5 sibilyan, 1 hors de combat, sadyang pinatay ng AFP sa loob ng isang araw (5 civilians, 1 hors de combat, deliberately killed by the AFP in one day)

 

May 30, 2023

Dalawang kaso ng pagmasaker at sadyang pagpatay sa mga sibilyan at hors de combat na mga Pulang mandirigma ang naitala sa Negros Occidental noong Mayo 20. Batay sa mga ulat, pinatay ng mga sundalo ang limang sibilyang magsasaka at isang sugatang Pulang mandirigma sa dalawang makahiwalay na insidente.

Naitala ang unang kaso sa Sityo Napiluan, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla kung saan nilusob ng 62nd IB ang bahay ng pamilyang Ramirez noong araw na iyon. Pinaulanan nila ito ng bala dahilan para masugatan ang nagpapahingang Pulang mandirigma na si Alvin Bayno o Ka Dagger. Imbes na lapatan ng paunang lunas, sadyang tinuluyan siyang patayin ng mga sundalo.

Pinatay din ng mga berdugo ang sibilyang mag-asawang sina Evelyn Meren at Julieven Ramirez na may-ari ng bahay na tinutuluyan ni Bayno. Nasugatan sa walang-patumanggang pamamaril ng mga sundalo ang magsasakang si Ruben Obidas na residente ng parehong sityo. Imbes na gamutin, pinatay din siya ng mga sundalo.

Sa araw ding iyon, nilusob at pinagbabaril ng 16th Scout Ranger Company ang bahay ng pamilyang Babor sa Sityo Amumuyong, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City. Nasugatan sa pamamaril ang padre de pamilya na si Antonio Babor, 77 at anak niyang si Jurielen Babor, 27, bago sila tuluyang pinatay ng mga sundalo, sa halip na gamutin katulad ng nakasaad sa internasyunal na makataong batas.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/4-sibilyan-1-hors-de-combat-sadyang-pinatay-ng-afp-sa-loob-ng-isang-araw/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Kaagapay Exercise ng Pilipinas-US-Japan, panunulsol ng gera laban sa China

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Jun 1, 2023): Kaagapay Exercise ng Pilipinas-US-Japan, panunulsol ng gera laban sa China (Philippines-US-Japan Joint Exercise, provocation of war against China)

 

June 01, 2023

Inilulunsad ng mga armadong pwersa ng Pilipinas, Japan at US ang Kaagapay Exercise, ang bagong serye ng war games sa karagatan ng Mariveles, Bataan simula Hunyo 1 hanggang Hunyo 7. Lalahok sa trilateral o tatlong-panig na ehersisyo ang Philippine Coast Guard, US at Japan Coast Guard. Nagsimula ang ehersisyo pagkatapos ng 1-linggong pagsasanay militar sa pagitan ng AFP at ng armadong hukbo ng Indonesia sa Tarlac.

Sa udyok ng US, inilunsad sa soberanong karagatan ng Pilipinas ang ehersisyo para paypayan ang pakikipaggitgitan nito sa katunggaling imperyalistang China. Pinalahok ng US sa aktibidad ang Australia at India bilang mga tagamasid. Sa paglahok ng dalawang bansa, kumpleto sa ehersisyo ang lahat ng kasapi ng QUAD, isa sa mga binuo ng US na alyansang militar laban sa China.

Pumasok sa soberanong teritoryo ng Pilipinas ang USGCC Stratton (WMSL-752) ng US Coast Guard at ang isa sa pinakamalaking sasakyang pandagat na pampatrolya ng Japan, ang Akitsushima (PLH-32). Samantala, apat na barko ang gagamitin ng Philippine Coast Guard sa aktibidad.

Layunin ng war game ang paunlarin ang “interoperability” ng tatlong bansa para mapadali ang kontrol ng US sa mga ito, sakaling sumiklab ang gera. Ayon sa anunsyo, saklaw ng war game ang komunikasyon, pagmamaniobra, photo exercise, pagsasanay sa pagpapatupad ng batas pandagat, search and rescue, at passing exercise.

Pormal na binuksan ang aktibdiad sa Port Area sa Manila ngayong araw. Lalahok sa mapang-udyok na ehersiyo ang 200 tauhan ng PCG, 80 hanggang 100 mula sa US, at 60 hanggang 70 mula Japan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/kaagapay-exercise-ng-pilipinas-us-japan-panunulsol-ng-gera-laban-sa-china/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Ahenteng paniktik ng militar, inambus ng BHB sa Masbate

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Jun 1, 2023): Ahenteng paniktik ng militar, inambus ng BHB sa Masbate (Military intelligence agent, ambushed by NPA in Masbate)

 

June 01, 2023

Tinambangan ng mga operatiba ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Masbate ang tatlong ahenteng paniktik ng militar sa Barangay Barag sa bayan ng Mobo, Masbate noong Mayo 29, alas-8 ng gabi. Agad napatay ang dalawang ahente habang nasa kritikal na kalagayan ang isa pa.

Kinilala ang dalawa sa tatlo bilang sina Nestor Purisima (alyas Renbo) at Junjun Solicito. Si Purisima, ayon sa BHB-Masbate, ay dating Pulang mandirigma na tumiwalag sa kilusan, sumuko at naging aktibong ahente ng militar.

Sangkot ang tatlo sa iba’t ibang mga kaso ng pamamaslang, pananakot, pambabanta at pagnanakaw ng ani sa mga magsasaka sa una at ikalawang distrito ng prubinsya.

Ayon kay Ka Luz del Mar, tagapagsalita ng BHB sa prubinsya, “babala ang nasabing ambus sa lahat ng taksil sa mamamayan. Hindi na dapat magpatuloy sa pagiging sunud-sunuran at tuta ng militar at pulis sa ilinulunsad nitong maruming gera laban sa masang Masbatenyo.”

Hinamon ni del Mar ang mga CAFGU at ahenteng militar na tuluyan nang talikuran ang pagiging kasangkapan sa kontra-mamamayan at kontra-rebolusyonaryong kampanya ng rehimeng Marcos Jr.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/ahenteng-paniktik-ng-militar-inambus-ng-bhb-sa-masbate/

CPP/CIO: On Cagayan “surrenders,” torture and secret detention

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 3, 2023): On Cagayan “surrenders,” torture and secret detention

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

June 03, 2023

Like many of so-called “surrenderees” who are presented publicly by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Michael Cedrick Casano and Patricia Nicole Cierva, youth activists in Cagayan, were subjected by the military to relentless psychological torture to break their spirit and will to fight for the people.

The civil and political rights of Casano and Cierva were grossly violated by the AFP when they were kept incommunicado for more than 15 days after being taken into custody last May 18. That they eventually “surrendered” and gave up their principles after being broken by their tormentors after 15 days does not change the fact that the 501st Infantry Brigade subjected them to torture while they were under secret detention in violation of all laws of civilized societies.

They were not charged before the courts where they could have a chance to defend themselves in open trial, and instead were tried and adjudged by their military captors in secret dungeons.

In contrast, peasant activist and organizer Arthur Lucenario, who was abducted by agents of the 47th IB last April 14 in San Miguel, Bohol, was summarily killed on May 12, after close to one month of secret detention and torture. In all probability, Lucenario’s spirit was not broken and remained defiant in the face of his torturers. The AFP falsely declared that Lucenario was killed in an “armed encounter” with the NPA. Based on local reports, his body bore signs of severe torture.

Also in contrast, Negros NDFP leader Rogelio Posadas, who was in his 60s, was abducted on the night of April 19 while travelling on two motorcycles with one other companion along the road between the towns of Isabela and La Castellana in Negros Occidental. The AFP did not accord them the rights to lawyers or face charges before courts. Posadas was summarily killed by the 23rd IB, who later issued false news that he was killed in an armed encounter in a hinterland barangay of Binalbagan town. His companion, Lyngrace Marturillas, and two drivers, Renel delos Santos and Renal Mialen, remain missing to this day.

The above cases are just some of the most recent cases in the increasingly dirty war of the AFP under the Marcos regime, where civilians, activists and revolutionaries alike are being arrested unlawfully, or abducted and detained secretly, where they are made to choose: “surrender or die.”

The AFP uses all means to put pressure on their victims, including kidnapping babies (as in the case Baby Rhea and Baby Marx), harassing their families, and all other tactics to deny them lawyers and prevent them from exercising their rights. Under de facto martial law, these crimes are being carried out by the AFP with utter impunity.

These cases must be fully exposed and condemned in order to end all these cruelties.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/on-cagayan-surrenders-torture-and-secret-detention/

CPP/NDF-Negros: Resist land reclamation projects on Negros Island

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 3, 2023): Resist land reclamation projects on Negros Island

 


Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

June 03, 2023

The people of Negros has every right to resist massive land reclamation projects on the island that will displace urban poor and fishing communities and disrupt their livelihood, affect food supply and drastically destroy the environment amidst worsening climate change. These land reclamation projects are clearly for the interests of big business and for the swelling pockets of bureaucrat capitalists.

More than a thousand hectares of land is targeted for reclamation in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, particularly Barangays Banago, 1 and 2 while a 174-hectare reclamation project is threatening the coastline of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. After reclamation, these areas will accommodate international ports, economic zones and commercial facilities. Local bureaucrats of both cities are in connivance with big business and foreign investors and are staunch instruments of neoliberal policies.

Bureaucrat capitalists like Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez are relentless in pushing for these destructive projects because of huge incomes despite the dangers to people’s lives and livelihood and the ecosystem. Around 10,000 Bacolod City residents, majority from Barangay Banago and mostly urban poor, will be forced to leave their homes. More or less 2,000 fisherfolks and fish vendors dependent on the fishing grounds targeted for reclamation are about to lose their livelihood.

In Dumaguete City, more than 900 fisherfolk families will be left homeless and out of livelihood if the 5-G ready “Smart City” project will push through. Meanwhile, according to environmentalists and scientists, the rich biodiversity of the region will also be affected including 150 species of corals, 200 species of fishes, nine species of seagrass and 20 species of mangroves. The targeted reclamation area will cover 62.5% of seagrass beds and 60.5% of coral reefs and not less than four marine protected areas along the coasts of Dumaguete. The destruction of marine life will affect the food supply of the entire Negros Island and the neighboring provinces, as well.

The people and natural resources of Negros Island are in grave danger with the all-out puppetry of Marcos Jr to US imperialism and its neoliberal impositions. He is opening all doors for neoliberal onslaught of privatization, liberalization and deregulation that will only aggravate the socio-economic conditions of the island and plunder its resources. Negros Island is not only threatened with massive land reclamation projects but also large-scale mining, destructive infrastructure projects, privatization of public utilities, sugar importation and liberalization of agriculture, and many others.

The Marcos II regime is breeding power-hungry and greedy bureaucrat capitalists like himself who are eager to lick the boots of foreign and big capitalists. Their corruption knows no bounds as they leech on the people’s coffers and negotiate kickbacks and bribes in exchange for government contracts and projects.

The current de facto martial law on the island aims to suppress the people and clear the way for multinational corporations, big bourgeois compradors, big landlords and bureaucrat capitalist to accumulate big profits. The recent declaration of Bacolod City as “insurgency-free” is for the benefit of multinational corporations and plunderers, to the detriment of the people of Bacolod and the entire island.

The National Democratic Front (NDF) – Negros stands with Negrosanons in the fight against massive land reclamation and other schemes in line with neoliberal economic policies. There must be an intensified island-wide effort to arouse, organize and mobilize Negrosanon workers, peasants and Tumandoks, fisherfolk, urban poor, semi-proletariat, women, youth and students, teachers and other professionals, church people, environmentalists, human rights activists and other oppressed and exploited sectors to effectively advance their democratic rights and aspirations by carrying out collective actions and resisting state terrorism and fascism.

The struggle against massive land reclamation and other economic aggression such as destructive large-scale mining, dams and other infrastructure projects and sugar importation must go hand-in-hand with asserting demands for higher wages, employment, lower prices of basic goods, and accessible social services and public utilities such as water, electricity and transportation, and, most importantly, promoting land reform and national industrialization. The youth, in particular, must lead the propaganda and education movement to raise the people’s anti-imperialist, anti-feudal and anti-fascist consciousness.

As the economic, political and cultural crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal system exacerbates, the people will further struggle to advance their democratic mass struggles. But this will be for naught if the Party cannot muster the people and mobilize them towards revolutionary struggle, especially armed struggle, to advance the people’s democratic revolution that fights for genuine national freedom and democracy. Only through the people’s democratic revolution can the people be fully liberated from the chains of oppression and exploitation. Their strength is decisive in defeating imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/resist-land-reclamation-projects-on-negros-island/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Buklurin ang bayan upang labanan at ibasura ang Marcos Investment Fund!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 1, 2023): Buklurin ang bayan upang labanan at ibasura ang Marcos Investment Fund! (Mobilize the country to fight and scrap the Marcos Investment Fund!)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

June 01, 2023

Nananawagan ang NDFP-ST sa mamamayang Pilipino na ubos-kayang labanan at igiit ang pagbabasura ng pakana ng ilehitimong rehimeng US-Marcos-Duterte na gawing ligal ang pagnanakaw nito sa pera ng bayan sa pamamagitan ng Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) na mas dapat tawaging Marcos Investment Fund.

Nakagagalit ang pagmamadali ng dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso na ipasa ang nasabing batas sa kabila ng malinaw at malakas na pagtutol dito ng bayan. Nitong Mayo, biglaang ibinalita ang paglusot ng MIF sa ikatlong pagbasa sa Kamara at kasabay nito ang minadaling pagdinig sa panukalang batas sa Senado. At tulad ng pangako ng sugo ni Marcos Jr. na si Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, ipinasa na ng Senado ang MIF, ayon sa bilin ng reaksyunaryong pangulo na gawing “urgent” ang pagsasabatas dito. Pangita ang pagiging rubberstamp ng senado sa madaliang pagpapasa ng MIF bago magsara ang ika-19 Kongreso sa Hunyo 3.

Kalokohan ang pagbabansag na “urgent” sa MIF dahil wala naman itong emerhensyang tinutugunan. Malayo ito sa sagot sa kagyat na panawagang dagdag-sahod ng mga manggagawa o ayuda para sa mga maralitang walang kabuhayan ngayong sumisirit ang implasyon. Hindi rin ito pondong pangsagip sa mga nasalanta ng kalamidad. Walang kagyat na gamit ang MIF kaya hindi dapat pahintulutan na sagasaan ang mga proseso sa parlamento para rito.

“Urgent” ang MIF para kay Marcos Jr. dahil kabilang ito sa kanyang pagsisikap na konsolidahin ang kapangyarihan at yaman sa maagang bahagi ng kanyang termino. Katambal ng isinusulong na charter change ang MIF. Kapwa ito gagamitin ng Marcos at kanilang naghaharing pangkatin upang tipunin ang kapangyarihan sa pulitika at magkamal ng yaman. Kung maipasa ang pagbabago sa Saligang Batas, lalawig ang termino ni Bongbong Marcos Jr. at kanyang mga alipures. Magiging balon naman ang MIF ng salaping magagamit ni Marcos Jr. para suhulan ang mga burukrata kapitalista at makuha ang kanilang katapatan sa kanyang paghahari. Hihigupin din ng maluhong pamilya ang pondo para gastusin sa sarili nilang kapritso, tulad ng ginawa nila noong panahon ng batas militar sa ilalim ng matandang Marcos.

Matibay ang mga batayan para labanan at pigilan ang pagsasabatas ng MIF. Nauna nang inilantad, hindi lamang ng mga pambansa-demokratikong pwersa kundi maging ng mga ekonomista mula sa akademya at mga burges na eksperto sa pinansya, na wala sa lugar at kahangalan ang pagkakaroon ng Pilipinas ng isang sovereign fund sa anyo ng MIF. Walang sobrang pondong magagamit ang gubyerno para rito kaya’t huhugutin ito mula sa perang ipon ng mamamayan. Napakalaking kataksilan sa mga manggagawa at kawani ng gubyernong nag-impok ang paggalaw ng kanilang pensyon para ilagay lang sa MIF.

Dagdag pa, ngayong salat na salat ang mamamayan dahil sa pagliit ng halaga ng kanilang kita, mas mainam na mamuhunan ang gubyerno sa serbisyong panlipunan at mga programang may direktang epekto sa kalidad ng buhay ng masang anakpawis. Luging-lugi na ang taumbayan sa hatian sa pondo dahil sa pagtitipid ng estado sa serbisyo at pagpapauna sa gastusing militar at kontra-insurhensya—kalabisan nang ipataw pa ang MIF na kukurakutin lang ng naghaharing pangkating Marcos-Duterte!

Dapat salubungin ng mga protesta at iba’t ibang anyo ng pagkilos ng bayan ang garapalang pagraratsada ng Kongreso para ipasa ang MIF. Dapat iparating sa mga kinatawan sa Kamara at mga senador ang mariing pagtutol ng mamamayan at igiit ang pagbabasura rito. Kailangang pakilusin ang malawak na hanay ng mamamayan mula sa mga batayang sektor, makabayang lingkod bayan at pati akademya upang itambol ang kabulukan ng MIF at buuin ang malakas na opinyong publiko laban dito. Magpatupad ng mga ligal at ekstra-ligal na hakbangin upang biguin ang pakanang MIF.

Muli nating ipakita na ang kolektibong lakas ng mamamayan ay higit pa sa kapangyarihan ng mga kurakot at gahaman na tauhan ng ilehitimong rehimeng Marcos-Duterte sa Kongreso. Labanan at huwag pahintulutan ang MIF!###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/buklurin-ang-bayan-upang-labanan-at-ibasura-ang-marcos-investment-fund/

CPP/CIO: Marcos’ Maharlika Fund to bring bureaucrat capitalism to new heights

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 1, 2023): Marcos’ Maharlika Fund to bring bureaucrat capitalism to new heights

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

June 01, 2023

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the Filipino people in condemning the Marcos regime and its rubberstamp congress for railroading the Maharlika Investment Fund. The Malacañang-supported bill was ratified with unjustified and questionable rush by Marcos’ minions in the Senate and House of Representatives, in complete disregard of widespread and strong public disapproval and rejection by different sectors.

The MIF will deliver hundreds of billions of pesos of people’s money into the dirty hands of Bongbong Marcos and his cronies to fatten their pockets.

It is a cruel historical irony that public funds are now being placed under the control of the heir of the kleptocratic Marcos dictatorship under which the billions of dollars were siphoned by the Marcos family into their private bank accounts. The money that the Marcoses and their minions can mulct from the Maharlika fund is worth infinitely much more than Imelda’s jewelry and three thousand pair of shoes.

The Maharlika fund will potentially serve as one of the single biggest source of corruption, especially in the form of crony capitalism, under the Marcos regime. Marcos can use the fund to support favored private businesses in exchange for the loyalty of cronies, in the same manner that his dictator father secured the political allegiance of cronies.

Amid the acute and ever worsening economic crisis and rapid deterioration of the living conditions of millions of toiling people, the Maharlika fund will be an additional yoke on their shoulders. The broad masses of toiling people are outraged that Marcos and his minions in congress prioritized the Maharlika fund over the urgent demands of workers to raise wages. In stark contrast, funds for public health, education and other social services remain grossly lacking.

For certain, the Marcoses and a handful of other rich people will end up richer with the Maharlika fund. The worsening oppression under the bureaucrat capitalist state is further justifying the need to fight and wage revolutionary struggle.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/marcos-maharlika-fund-to-bring-bureaucrat-capitalism-to-new-heights/