CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Cases on Posadas killing and enforced disappearance of companions filed in Revolutionary People’s Court

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Cases on Posadas killing and enforced disappearance of companions filed in Revolutionary People’s Court (Cases on Posadas killing and enforced disappearance of companions filed in Revolutionary People's Court)

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 10, 2023

Ka Maoche Legislador, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the New People’s Army in Negros (AGC-NPA), announced today that cases related to the extrajudicial killing of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Consultant Rogelio Posadas and the abduction and enforced disappearance of Lyngrace Marturillas, Denald Mialen and Renel De los Santos have already been filed in the Revolutionary People’s Court in Negros.

Posadas, Marturillas and the two habal-habal drivers were abducted along the highway of Barangay Aranda going to Barangay Camalo-balo in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental on April 19, around 6:25pm.

Bystanders who witnessed the incident claimed that a white van waylaid two motorcycles, then armed men wearing bonnets forced the drivers and passengers into the vehicle.

Posadas was declared by the 303rd Brigade as an NPA casualty in a “fake encounter” in Sitio Cabite, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan a day after his abduction while the other three are “desaparecidos” or victims of enforced disappearance until now.

According to Legislador, there is no one else capable of cruel acts against revolutionary forces and the people but the mercenary and barbaric Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac under the command of Marcos Jr.

“Rogelio Posadas, Lyngrace Marturillas, Denald Mialen and Renel De los Santos are some of the many victims of state terrorism since the Marcos dictatorship up to present under Marcos Jr who, like his father, is a notorious butcher and fascist,” Legislador said.

Legislador added that they have monitored almost 300 cases of human rights violations in Negros Island under the Marcos II regime.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr will mark his first year as president on June 30.
‘Surface Lyngrace, Denald and Renel!’

Ka Maoche Legislador encouraged the Marturillas, Mialen and De los Santos families to continue to seek justice, make the 303rd Brigade accountable and demand the military to safely return their kin.

He likewise urged church people, human rights advocates, pro-people institutions, the local government unit, and other genuine peace-loving people to help the families find their loved ones together with the family of Iver Larit, an urban poor organizer who also went missing after he was abducted by state forces more than a year ago.

The entire fascist hierarchy must also be made accountable for their command responsibility, namely 3rd Infantry Division Commander MGen. Marion Sison, Visayas Commmand Chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, and their Commander-in-Chief Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr, he said.

The AGC-NPA commanded all guerrilla fronts in Negros to launch widespread tactical offensives against fascist troops on the island to make them pay dearly for their crimes and blood debts to the people.

It also ordered the NPA to defend the people of Negros from massive and sustained focused military operations while implementing the comprehensive work of armed struggle, agrarian revolution, and mass base building and strengthening of the organs of political power. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/cases-on-posadas-killing-and-enforced-disappearance-of-companions-filed-in-revolutionary-peoples-court/

CPP/NDF-ARMAS-TK: Hinggil sa awit na “Ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan” na ginamit ni Bb. Karla Estrada

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Hinggil sa awit na “Ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan” na ginamit ni Bb. Karla Estrada (Regarding the song "Ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan" used by Bb. Karla Estrada)

 


Nika Antares

Spokesperson

Artisa at Manunulat ng Sambayanan-Southern Tagalog (Balangay Debora Stoney)

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

June 10, 2023

Nag-trend sa social media ang post ni Bb. Karla Estrada sa Instagram noong Hunyo 7 kung saan nagkamali siyang gamitin ang awiting “Ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan” na anthem ng New People’s Army (NPA) bilang background music ng kanyang video reel. Sa kanyang video reel, ipinakita ang mga larawan ng kanyang pagpasok sa Philippine Army bilang reservist.

Kakatwang napili niya ang awit ng NPA laluna’t magkatunggali ang NPA at ang sinaniban niyang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Higit limang dekada na ang gera-sibil sa Pilipinas kung saan pangunahing pwersa ang NPA na naglulunsad ng armadong pakikibaka upang ibagsak ang paghahari ng mala-kolonyal at malapyudal na sistema na pangunahing pinoprotektahan ng AFP-PNP.

Para maglinaw, daigdig ang kaibahan ng prinsipyo at gawa ng NPA sa AFP. Ang NPA o Bagong Hukbong Bayan, na absolutong pinamumunuan ng Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) o Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, ang tunay na hukbo at tagapagtanggol ng mamamayan. Ipinaglalaban ng NPA ang pambansa at demokratikong aspirasyon ng sambayanang Pilipino. Habang ang AFP ang berdugong protektor ng mga naghaharing uring malalaking burgesya kumprador, panginoong maylupa, burukratang kapitalista at kasangkapan ng mapandigmang imperyalismong US.

Sa pagiging inosente sa pagpili ng awitin, lumalabas na napukaw si Bb. Estrada ng militanteng awit ng NPA. Sinasalamin ng awit kung ano ang NPA—sandata ng sambayanan, hukbo ng himagsikan at tagapagtanggol ng kalayaan. Hindi ba’t ito naman talaga ang hinahangad ng mamamayang Pilipino sa kanilang hukbo? Sa awit, kinikilala ang CPP bilang dakilang gabay sa pagsusulong ng himagsikan hanggang makamit ng sambayanan ang tunay na kalayaan hanggang tagumpay.

Sa kakatwang insidente, nagkaroon ng puwang ang NPA para ipakilala ang sarili nito sa mas marami pa. Hinihikayat ng ARMAS-TK si Bb. Estrada at iba pang mga artista na higit pang aralin ang lipunan at rebolusyong Pilipino. Pakinggan ang iba pang awit ng NPA—Karaniwang Tao, Anak ng Bayan, Tao ang Mahalaga at iba pa*. Ang mga awit ng NPA ay pumapatungkol sa kalagayan at pakikibaka ng karaniwang magsasaka, manggagawa, kabataan na nag-armas para kamtin ang kanilang mga demokratikong karapatan at kamtin ang tunay na kalayaan. Napakayaman na ng baul ng rebolusyonaryong sining at panitikan ng NPA at buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Libre itong itanghal at ipalaganap ng sinuman.

Sa kabilang panig, anumang ilabas ng AFP ay hungkag, basura at larawan ng kabulukan ng sistemang pinagsisilbihan nila. Binabaluktot at pinapatay ng mga awit at propaganda nito ang diwang makabayan at esensya ng demokrasya.

Higit na nalantad sa pangyayaring ito na walang patutunguhan ang mga PR stunt ng AFP na ginagamit pa ang mukha ng mga personalidad at artista sa entertainment industry sa desperasyong pabanguhin ang umaalingasaw nitong gabundok na krimen sa mamamayan. Patunay lamang ito na anumang kasinungalingan at pagba-balatkayo ang gawin nila ay mananaig pa rin ang katotohanan at tunay na adhikain ng bayan para sa magandang buhay at kinabukasan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/hinggil-sa-awit-na-ang-bagong-hukbong-bayan-na-ginamit-ni-bb-karla-estrada/

CPP/Negros Island ROC: Dapat buy-an sang 303rd Brigade sila Lyngrace, Denald kag Renel

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Dapat buy-an sang 303rd Brigade sila Lyngrace, Denald kag Renel (The 303rd Brigade should buy Lyngrace, Denald and Renel)

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 10, 2023

Ang Apolinario Gatmaitan Command – New People’s Army (AGC-NPA) Negros Island kag bilog nga rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa isla, nagademanda sa berdugo nga 94th Infantry Battalion (94th IB), 62nd IB kag 303rd Brigade, nga ipakita kag ibalik sa ila mga pamilya sila Lyngrace Marturillas, 28 anyos, Denald Mialen, 18 anyos, kag Renel De los Santos, 21 anyos nga ila gin-abduct sang ligad nga Abril kag 52 na ka adlaw nga mga biktima sang enforced disappearance.

Madumduman nga sadtong Abril 19, mga alas 6:25 sang gab-i, gin-abduct sila National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Consultant Rogelio Posadas (Ka Cocoy) kag ang iya upod nga si Marturillas samtang nagasakay sa duha ka habal-habal nga motor nga gindrayban nila Mialen kag De los Santos sa hi-way sang Brgy. Aranda pakadto sa Brgy. Camalo-balo sa banwa sang Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. Suno sa mga nakakita sa insidente, ginbalabagan sila sang isa ka puti nga van sa diin nagpanaug sa salakyan ang mga armado nga tawo nga naka-bonnet kag pilit nga ginkuha-pasulod sa nasambit nga salakyan sila Posadas kag Marturillas upod ang duha ka drayber.

Si NDFP Consultant Rogelio Posadas gindeklara sang 303rd Brigade nga napatay sa isa ka peke nga engkwentro sa tunga sang NPA kag mga tropa sang 94th IB kag 62nd IB sa Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental pagkaaga sang Abril 20. Samtang si Marturillas, Mialen kag De los Santos wala pa nakita tubtob subong. Wala-untat ang pagpangita sang mga pamilya sang mga biktima apang wala kaluoy ang 303rd Brigade sa pagtago sa tatlo agud hinabunan ang natabo sa ila.

Sila Rogelio Posadas, Lyngrace Marturillas, Denald Mialen kag Renel De los Santos lakip sa madamu na nga biktima sang terorismo sang estado humalin pa sa diktadurya ni Marcos Sr tubtob subong nga nagbulos ang iya bata nga si Marcos Jr nga kaangay sang amay nga bantog sa pagka-berdugo kag pasista. Sa idalum sang rehimen Marcos II, sa lapit isa ka tuig sang iya paghari, halos 300 na ang kaso sang paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung ang na-monitor sang Ang Paghimakas diri sa isla sang Negros.

Wala na gid sang iban pa nga may kapasidad sang sini nga mga makasiligni nga hinimoan batok sa rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa kag pumuluyo kundi ang mga bayaran kag mapintas nga Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) kag National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac sa mando ni Marcos Jr. Paagi sa pagtabon nga “daugon ang gyera” kag “tapuson ang insurhensya” sa bilog isla sang Negros, muklat kag wala-untat ang paglapas sang mga berdugo kag pasistang AFP kag PNP sa demokratiko kag tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo kag pila ka mga kasugtanan sa gyera kag Comprehensive Agreement on Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Ginapanawagan sang AGC-NPA sa mga pamilya Marturillas, Mialen kag De los Santos nga indi magpangluya sa pagpangita sang hustisya kag pagsukot sa 303rd Brigade sa ila hinimoan kag padayon sa pagdemanda sa militar nga ibalik sa inyo nga buhi ang inyo himata. Ginapanawagan man sang AGC-NPA sa mga tawong-simbahan, human rights advocates, mga maki-tawhanon nga institusyon, local government unit kag iban pa nga mga matuod nga peace-loving people nga buligan ang mga pamilya para makita ang tatlo ka desaparecidos, upod na sa pamilya sang urban poor organizer nga si Iver Larit nga isa ka tuig na nga nadula matapos gin-abduct man sang mga pwersa sang estado.

Kinahanglan manabat man ang bilog nga pasistang hirarkiya sa ila command responsibility, sila sanday 3rd Infantry Division Commander MGen. Marion Sison, Visayas Commmand Chief Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, kag ila Commander-in-Chief nga si Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Ginapahibalo sang AGC-NPA nga ang kaso sa pagpatay kay NDFP Consultant Rogelio Posadas kag lain pa nga kaso sang pilit nga pagkadula sang tatlo niya ka upod ang ginpasaka na sa Rebolusyonaryo nga Korte sang Pumuluyo sa Negros. Sa matuod, wala gid sang malauman nga hustisya halin sa reaksyonaryo nga rehimen Marcos Jr sa krimen nga ini mismo ang naghimo. Ang NPA, ang matuod nga hangaway sang pumuluyo, ang magpatuman sang rebolusyonaryong hustisya batok sa mga kriminal nga AFP/PNP/NTF-Elcac kag mga ahente sini.

Subongman, ginamando sa tanan nga larangan gerilya sa Negros ang lapnagon nga paglunsar sang mga taktikal nga opensiba batok sa mga pasistang tropa sa isla agud sukton sila sang mahal sa ila mga krimen kag utang nga dugo sa pumuluyo. Pangapinan sang NPA ang pumuluyong Negrosanon halin sa mga dalagku kag sustenido nga focused military operations ilabi na sa kaumhan. Himuon ini samtang nagapatuman man sang komprehensibo nga hilikuton sang armado nga paghimakas, rebolusyong agraryo, kag pagtukod sang baseng masa kag pagpabakud sang mga organo sang gahum pampulitika.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/dapat-buy-an-sang-303rd-brigade-sila-lyngrace-denald-kag-renel/

CPP/NPA-West Camarines Sur: Tatlong aksyong militar, magkakasunod na inilunsad ng BHB-West Camarines Sur

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Tatlong aksyong militar, magkakasunod na inilunsad ng BHB-West Camarines Sur (Three military actions, consecutively launched by the NPA-West Camarines Sur)

 


NPA-West Camarines Sur (Norben Gruta Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

June 10, 2023

Walang pagsidlan sa tuwa ang masang Bikolano sa tagumpay ng tatlong aksyong militar na inilunsad ng mga kagawad ng BHB – West Camarines Sur kaninang hatinggabi sa mga detatsment ng 81st IBPA at sa yunit nito na naglulunsad ng RCSP sa lugar. Matagal ng hinihingi ng masang Bikolano ang hustisyang matagal ng ipinagkait sa kanila mula ng inokupa ng mga kaaway ang nabanggit na mga lugar.

Inilunsad ang magkasunod na harasment sa mga detatsment ng 81stIBPA sa Barangay Inoyunan, Bula, Camarines Sur sa ganap na 12:20 am ng Hunyo 10 at Barangay Cambalidio bandang 12:30am habang may inilunsad na snipe sa Barangay Calabnigan parehong bayan ng Libmanan na nasa ilalim ng RCSP ng kaparehong yunit ng AFP.

Buhay ang rebolusyon sa Camarines Sur, hindi ito hihinto kailanman dahil ang digmang ito ay digma para sa pagpapalaya sa uri. Babala ito sa mga naghaharing uri na patuloy ang sabwatan sa pang-aagaw ng lupa ng mga magsasaka sa lugar sa pamamagitan ng malawakang land-use conversion (pagpapalit-gamit ng lupa) na pangunahing nakaangkla sa interes ng mga transnasyunal na mga kumpanya kasabwat ang mga sakim na lokal na mga naghaharing uri. Ang mga nabanggit na detatsment ay nagsisilbing mga bantay at goons ng mga kilalang pulitiko sa lugar gayundin sila ang pumapatay sa mga masang lumalaban para sa kanilang mga lehitimong karapatan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/tatlong-aksyong-militar-magkakasunod-na-inilunsad-ng-bhb-west-camarines-sur/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros: Isa ka intel asset ginsilotan sang RJPC-NPA sini nga aga

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Isa ka intel asset ginsilotan sang RJPC-NPA sini nga aga (An intel asset was punished by the RJPC-NPA this morning)

 


NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 10, 2023

Gin-ambush sa isa ka yunit sang RJPC-NPA si Joemarie Nabises, sa Sityo Mahusay, Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental kagaina alas 7:00 sang aga.

Si Nabises may kaso nga espionage. Siya ang responsable sa reyd sa isa ka yunit sang NPA sa Sityo Makatagak, Barangay Cambayobo sadtong 2010 kon sa diin namartir si Ka Jessie/Edong/Burgos. Siya man ang nagtudlo sa nahimutangan ni Felix Susas kag kaupdanan nga kabangdanan sa iligal nga pag-aresto sa ila. Isa man siya ka aktibo nga intelligence asset.

Narekober sa iya ang isa ka home-made shotgun (de dose), isa ka calibre .357, 18 ka bala sang shotgun, kag siyam ka bala sang calibre .357.

Natigayon ang pagsilot sa tunga sang sustenido operasyon militar sa banwa sang Toboso kag pila ka bahin sang Escalante City.

Sugod Mayo 23 tubtob subong, Hunyo 10, nagpadayon ang lapnagon nga focused military operation sang 79th IB nga naga-atake sa Escalante City, Toboso kag Calatrava, Negros Occidental: una nga bugso (Mayo 23 tubtob Mayo 28) sa mga komunidad malapit sa Stop Aguinaldo-Bug-ang haywey nga nagsakop sa mga barangay sang San Isidro, Tabun-ac kag San Jose tanan sa banwa sang Toboso; ikaduha nga bugso (Mayo 29 tubtob Hunyo 9) sa 14 ka mga nabukiran nga barangay sang Calatrava kag Toboso; kag ang ikatulo nga bugso (Hunyo 10) ang nag-pokus sa lima ka barangay kag pila ka bahin sang Escalante City.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/isa-ka-intel-asset-ginsilotan-sang-rjpc-npa-sini-nga-aga/

CPP/NPA-Albay: Dalawang operasyong haras, inilunsad ng BHB sa Albay

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Dalawang operasyong haras, inilunsad ng BHB sa Albay (Two harassment operations, launched by the NPA in Albay)

 


Florante Orobia

Spokesperson

NPA-Albay (Santos Binamera Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

June 10, 2023

Binabati ng Santos Binamera Command – BHB Albay ang magkasabay at mahusay na paglulunsad ng mga yunit ng Hukbo nito ng operasyong harasment sa dalawang detatsment ng kaaway kaninang umaga, humigit kumulang alas 7: 30 ng umaga June 10. Nagbubunyi ang masang Albayano sa nasabing mga aksyon.

Inilunsad ng isang tim ang operasyong haras sa detatsment ng CAFGU sa Barangay Pantao, Libon kasunod ng isa pang harasment sa detatsment ng CAFGU sa Barangay Cuyaoyao, Pio Duran parehong bayan sa probinsya ng Albay.

Ang aksyon ay tugon sa malaon nang hinihingi ng masang Albayano sa kanilang nararanasang mga pang-aabuso mula sa mga elemento ng AFP at nang nasabing mga detatsment.

Matatandaang nang nakaraang Mayo 24, 2023, pinatay ng mga militar ang walang kalabang-laban na si Zaldy Cañaveral sa kanyang maisan at pinalabas na napaslang na BHB sa “labanan” sa Barangay Busac, Ligao City gayundin ang ekstra-hudisyal na pagpaslang kay Vernon Bonggat, magsasaka, residente ng Barangay Tablon, Oas, Albay noong Pebrero 21, 2023. Laganap din ang militarisasyon sa maraming barangay sa Oas, pinuwestuhan ng mga berdugo ang mga Barangay ng San Pascual, Ramay, San Miguel, Mayag, Badbad, Del Rosario, Tobgon at Tablon. Gayundin, patuloy na ginagamit ng mga elemento ng AFP ang ilang kabataan upang wasakin ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan. Sa bayan din ng Oas, ginamit ng 49th IBPA ang isang kabataang may mental problem, sinamantala ang kanyang pagkakasakit upang gamitin sa kanilang mga operasyong militar.

Tuwing may okupasyon ng militar, mayroong matinding pang-aabuso sa mamamayan. Kahit kailan, hindi nagtanggol ang mga elemento ng AFP para sa kapakanan ng mamamayan bagkus sila ay tagapagbantay ng mga pag-aari ng mga lokal na burukrata kapitalista at malalaking burgesya kumprador.

Magsilbing babala sa mga elemento ng AFP ang nasabing aksyon. Hinding hindi matatapos ang rebolusyon katulad ng pangarap ni Marcos Jr. Matuto na siya sa aral ng mga nagdaang rehimen kabilang na ang kanyang ama na nagsalita ng tapos ngunit sa huli ay kinain ang kanilang mga sinabi. Lahat ng nagdaang rehimen ay nangarap kitlin sa usbong ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan pero silang lahat ay sinampal habang nananaginip ng gising!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/dalawang-operasyong-haras-inilunsad-ng-bhb-sa-albay/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Malisyoso nga pagpang-psywar sa AFP-PNP/NTF-Elcac

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Malisyoso nga pagpang-psywar sa AFP-PNP/NTF-Elcac (Malicious PSYWAR on the AFP-PNP/NTF-Elcac)

 


Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 10, 2023

Ginapakamalaot sang Mt. Cansermon Command-New People’s Army (MCC-NPA) ang pagpadala sang sulat sang 94th IB nga ginpirmahan ni Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, Commanding Officer (CO) sang 94th IB, sa pito ka pamilya sa Sityo Bulasot, Pisok kag Cantupa, tanan sakop sang Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental sadtong Mayo 20-25. Ini sila ginapasibangdan sang militar nga mga pamilya sang mga katapo sang NPA.



Nagtuga ini sang kahadlok kag kabalaka sa pamilya de Baguio, de Leon, Encancion, kag lain pa nga apat ka pamilya bangud masami sila nga nagaatubang sang mga pagpamahug, pagpang-presyur kag pagpangumbinsi nga magsurender halin sa mga elemento sang militar.

Mas nagdugang pa ang ila kahangawa subong sang ang balay sang pamilya de Leon sa Sityo Cantupa ginransak sang mga katapo sang 94th IB sini lang nga semana, Hunyo 8, ala-1:00 sang kaagahon. Ginakahadlok sa iban pa nga pamilya nga nakabaton sang sulat nga basin amo man ang matabo sa ila sa masunod nga mga inadlaw.

Kabahin ini nga taktika sang AFP-PNP sa ila ginatikal nga “localized peace talk” sa mga ginadudahon nila nga may ara himata nga katapo sang NPA kag sa mga ginakabig nila nga mga suporter sang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan. Kaangay sang pagpangred-tag, ginakondisyon sang militar ang publiko para mangin lehitimo ang ila pagpang-atake sa mga sibilyan kag pumuluyong mangunguma nga ila ginpasibangdan nga may ara kaangtanan sa hublag. Wala sang iban nga tuyo ang “localized peace talk” kundi ang pagpaluhod kag pagpasurender sa mga sibilyan, lider mangunguma kag mga aktibista. Bisan ano pa nga taktika kag pagpatalang, athag ini nga malisyoso kag kabahin sa psywar sang AFP-PNP/NTF-Elcac.

Dapat manindugan kag ipakigbato sang pumuluyo ang ila kinamatarung kag batukan ang pagpang-atake sang mga militar ilabi na sa kaumhan. Dapat ibuyagyag ang ila pagpamatay, pagpamahug, pagpang-psywar kag iban pa nga mga bayolasyon sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung nga ginkomiter sang AFP/PNP/NTF-Elcac batok sa mga mangunguma kag pumuluyo.

Ang bilog rebolusyonaryo nga pwersa kag ang MCC-NPA padayon nga handa sa pag-atubang sa mga lain-lain nga porma sang pagpang-atake sang militar sa tumong nga wasakon ang armadong paghimakas sa bilog Negros. Wala untat ang suporta sang masa pakadto sa NPA bangud amu ini ang ila matuod nga hangaway nga nagserbisyo para sa interes sa masa nga ginapigos kag ginahimuslan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/malisyoso-nga-pagpang-psywar-sa-afp-pnp-ntf-elcac/

CPP/NPA-Albay: Marcos Jr, Ano nga ba ang Interes sa Albay?

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Marcos Jr, Ano nga ba ang Interes sa Albay? (Marcos Jr. What is the Interest in Albay?)

 


Florante Orobia

Spokesperson

NPA-Albay (Santos Binamera Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

June 09, 2023

Ngayong darating na Hunyo 14, planong bumisita ni Marcos Jr sa Tiwi at Tabaco ng Albay upang puntahan diumano ang itinatayong mga pabahay sa lugar. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng pag-imbita sa kanya ni Mayor Cielo Krisel B. Lagman-Luistro ng Tabaco.

Ano nga ba ang pangunahing dapat na sadyain ng isang presidente kung siya ay bibisita sa isang probinsyang nasa gitna ng pagnanais na umunlad ang kanilang pamumuhay?

Ang Tabaco at Tiwi ay parehong bayan na agrikultura ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng hanap-buhay ng mamamayan. Sa kabilang banda, nasa coastal area ang nasabing mga probinsya kaya mayaman din sa aquaculture. Kung ang masang anakpawis ang tatanungin, mas interes nila ang matagalang solusyon sa kahirapan at kagutuman. Dahil isa siyang presidente at kalihim sa agrikultura, hindi ba’t ito’y isang bagay na napakadaling bitbitin sa kanyang pagbisita upang ibigay sa mamamayang Albayano hindi lamang sa Tiwi at Tabaco?

Gayunpaman, higit na maunlad ang Tabaco kaysa Tiwi, sa Tabaco, nanduon ang international seaport, bagay na kaduda-duda sa kanyang pagbisita. Mula nang maupong presidente si Marcos Jr, higit na lumaganap ang smuggling ng mga produktong agrikultura, bagay na lalong nagpapabagsak sa kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka.

Sa Tiwi naman, litaw at pinagkakainteresan nito ang Tiwi Geothermal Plant na matagal nang gustong isapribado at tayming sa mainit at katatapos lamang na usapin, ang RCEP na susi sa pagpasok ng mga transnational companies ng mga malalaking negosyo bukod pa sa malaking interes din nito sa produktong abaka sa lugar.

Sa isang banda, hindi masama ang proyektong pabahay kung ito’y libre para sa masang anakpawis, kung tutuusin, ito’y mula rin sa kinolektang buwis mula sa kanilang pawis at dugo na dapat lamang nilang pakinabangan.

Sa mamamayang Albayano, salubungin ang pagbisita ni Marcos Jr ng mga hinaing at manawagan ng tunay na solusyon kaugnay sa laganap na kagutuman at kahirapan. Ang pagsigaw ng mga pangkagalingang usapin ay karapatan ng sinumang Pilipino.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/marcos-jr-ano-nga-ba-ang-interes-sa-albay/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Norte: Mga sundalong nagpapanggap na rebelde, binira ng NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Mga sundalong nagpapanggap na rebelde, binira ng NPA (Soldiers pretending to be rebels, destroyed by the NPA)

 


Carlito Cada

Spokesperson

NPA-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

June 09, 2023

LABO, CAMARINES NORTE—Tatlong sundalo ang kumpirmadong kaswalti sa pinakahuling labanan ng New People’s Army at 9th IBPA noong Hunyo 8 sa Purok 5 ng Barangay Canapawan.

Naganap ang sagupaan ala-una y media ng madaling araw at tumagal ng halos 15-minuto. Walang pinsala at ligtas na nakaatras ang napalabang yunit gerilya.

Kasalukuyang nag-i-scouting ang isang tim ng NPA sa paligid ng kanilang pinagpapahingahan nang masumpungan nila ang mga sundalo sa di kalayuan. Kaagad pinagbabaril ng pulang mandirigma ang nagulat na mga sundalo.

Walang habas na nagpaputok ang sundalo kung saan-saang direksyon at kahit wala na ang NPA na kanilang target ay tuloy ang strafing. Tumagal pa hanggang alas tres ng madaling araw ang pangraratrat at pagpapasabog ng sundalo.

Bago ang labanan, napabalitang nagpapanggap na NPA ang mga CAFGU at tropa ng 9th IBPA sa naturang barangay. Tinatakot nila ang mga magsasaka at inoobligang lumikas sa kanilang mga dampa at sakahan.

Hanggang kasalukuyan ay pinagbabawalan ang mga residente na umahon ng bundok at pumunta sa kanilang mga bukirin. Labis itong ipinag-aalala ng mga magsasaka dahil mayroon silang mga alagang hayop at pananim na dapat asikasuhin.

Mariing kinondena ng Armando Catapia Command ang ganitong combat operations ng sundalo na nagreresulta sa pagkaabala at pagkapinsala ng kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka.#

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/mga-sundalong-nagpapanggap-na-rebelde-binira-ng-npa/

CPP/NPA-Albay: Panahon ng Pagkakaisa at Pagtutulungan!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 10, 2023): Panahon ng Pagkakaisa at Pagtutulungan! (Time for Unity and Cooperation!)

 


Florante Orobia

Spokesperson

NPA-Albay (Santos Binamera Command)

New People's Army

June 09, 2023

Nananawagan ang Santos Binamera Command Bagong Hukbong Bayan – Albay sa mamamayang Albayano/Bikolano para sa higit na pagtutulungan kaugnay sa pagsabog ng bulkang Mayon.

Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang dati nang nasa gitna ng kahirapan, kagutuman at tagtuyot dagdag ang delubyong hatid ng pagsabog ng bulkang Mayon. Ngayon higit kailanman, kailangan ang mahigpit na pagbibigkis ng mamamayang Bikolano.

Umaabot na sa 10, 000 mga residente ang nangangailangang kagyat na ilikas mula sa 6km permanent danger zone. Sa mga kababayan nating labas dito, nananawagan po tayo ng tulong batay sa kanilang kakayaning iambag.

Nananawagan din ang SBC BHB – Albay sa saklaw ng mga larangang gerilya nito na tumulong, mag-ambag at sumuporta sa pamamagitan ng sama-samang pag-iipon ng anumang tulong pinansyal at materyal para sa mamamayang Albayano. Kumilos at pasuportahin ang lahat ng mamamayan na saklaw nito upang dalhin ang anumang makakayanang suporta sa apektadong mga residente.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/panahon-ng-pagkakaisa-at-pagtutulungan/

EASTMINCOM: Dating stronghold ng NPA sa Davao de Oro, ngayon ay maunlad na dahil sa EO 70 ng pamahalaan

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 9, 2023): Dating stronghold ng NPA sa Davao de Oro, ngayon ay maunlad na dahil sa EO 70 ng pamahalaan (Former stronghold of the NPA in Davao de Oro, now it is prosperous because of EO 70 of the government)

Radyo Pilipinas Davao
·

Matapos ang ilang dekada ng kahirapan at takot habang nasa kontrol ng New People's Army, tinatamasa na ngayon ng mga mamamayan ng Brgy. Sangab, Maco sa Davao de Oro ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran dahil sa EO 70 o ang Whole-of-Nationa Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict o ELCAC.
Ang Barangay Sangab ay kilalang stronghold ng New People's Army sa loob ng maraming taon, kung saan ilang mga POW na ang inirelease ng NPA dito noong alkalde pa si Former President Rody Duterte.
At dahil sa agresibong hakbang ng pamahalaan sa pagsugpo ng insurhensiya sa pamamagitan ng EO 70, ramdam na ng mga residente ang kaunlaran sa kanilang pamumuhay at kanilang komunidad.

Sa tulong ng Barangay Development Program Fund na P20M, nakapagpagawa na sila ng access roads, electrification, water system pati na barangay health station na na-turnover noong 2022.

Sa pamamagitan ng Special Area for Agricultural Development o SAAD program ng Department of Agriculture, nabigyan sila ng dalawang banana farms na may lawak na 7.25 na ektarya, mga kambing, at itik para sa pangkabuhayan ng mga benepisyaryo.

Ayon kay Eugene Cabalida, chairman ng people's organization na Sangab Energetic Farmers' Association o SEFA, umabot sa P300,000 ang kanilang kita sa unang harvest pa lang ng Lakatan na saging noong Pebrero na aniyay naging malaking tulong sa kanilang mga miyembro.

Ayon kay Brgy. Sangab Chairman Delbert Cañedo, ngayon lang nila natamasa ang kaunlaran ng kanilang pamumuhay at komunidad na noo'y akala nilang isang pangarap lang habang nasa kontrol ng CPP-NPA ang kanilang barangay.

Pangako ni Cañedo na sisikapin niyang mapapanitili ang kooperasyon ng bawat miyembro ng kanilang komunidad para sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng kanilang pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pakikipagtulungan sa pamahalaan.

Ngayong June 12, ipagdiriwang ng probinsya ng Davao de Oro ang unang anibersaryo ng pagkakadeklara nitong insurgency-free kasabay ng Independence Day. | via Maymay Benedicto

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=285709493823890&set=pcb.285709937157179

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: LOOK | 45 Former Rebels (FRs) receive financial assistance

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 9, 2023): LOOK | 45 Former Rebels (FRs) receive financial assistance

26th Infantry "Ever Onward" Battalion, Philippine Army
·
LOOK | 45 Former Rebels (FRs) of this unit from San Luis, La Paz, Esperanza, Talacogon, Loreto, Vereula, and Trento all of Agusan del Sur and from Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte received financial assistance amounting to Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) each from the Community-based Program of DSWD Regional Office thru the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Agusan del Sur headed by Ms Razel O Montemor. The cash payout was held at 26IB Rear Command Post, Brgy Zamora Talacogon, Agusan del Sur on June 09, 2023.

The said activity reflects the government's relentless efforts to provide for the welfare of FRs and as part of the productive implementation of the Whole of Nation Approach to sustain conflict-resilient and peaceful communities.

Meanwhile, Ltc Sandy Majarocon, Commanding Officer of this unit, expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Regional and Provincial Offices of DSWD for the assistance as it will surely help the FRs to continue living peacefully and productively.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#NoToCPPNPANDF
#NTFELCAC
#everonward

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=570154341938250&set=pcb.570155211938163

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: IN PHOTOS || The Community Development Team (CDT) of Alpha (AVENGERS) Company, 60IB assisted in the relocation of the general merchandise livelihood of Magaud Maitom Farmers Association

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 10, 2023): IN PHOTOS || The Community Development Team (CDT) of Alpha (AVENGERS) Company, 60IB assisted in the relocation of the general merchandise livelihood of Magaud Maitom Farmers Association

60th Infantry "Mediator" Battalion
·
IN PHOTOS || The Community Development Team (CDT) of Alpha (AVENGERS) Company, 60IB assisted in the relocation of the general merchandise livelihood of Magaud Maitom Farmers Association from Sitio Maitom to Purok-7, Barangay Magaud, Loreto, Agusan del Sur last June 06, 2023.
This is to secure that their livelihood will continuously operate and generate more income to sustain their benefits from the said livelihood.

#Tatak60IB
#StrongerArmyStrongerCountry
#StrongUnitedReliable
#AFPyoucanTrust











https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=593815606268184&set=pcb.593816186268126

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: Serbisyo Habongan Launched AgNor

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 10, 2023): Serbisyo Habongan Launched AgNor

29th Infantry "Matatag" Battalion, Philippine Army 

CABADBARAN CITY, AGUSAN DEL NORTE – The Local Government Unit of Jabonga in Partnership with the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion and different agencies conducted Serbisyo Habongan at Cuyago Gym, Barangay Cuyago, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte today 08 June 2023.

Barangay Cuyago is the Second beneficiary of the Serbisyo Habongan wherein the constituents no longer need to go the Municipal Hall to ask services; the Government brings the services to them instead. There are two more Barangays for the Serbisyo Habongan.

Around 500 individuals of Barangay Cuyago, Municipality of Jabonga Agusan del Norte directly benefited from the Serbisyo Caravan who availed medical-dental check-ups, first-aid orientation, medicine distribution, livelihood grants and training, free circumcision for children, food packs, bloodletting activities, and haircuts for all the constituents. Likewise, the troops of 29IB provided security assistance, distributed leaflets and conducted information drive on the recruitment of Philippine Army recruitment and ECLIP Benefits for those who are willing to surrender.

Hon. Napoleon Montero, Mayor of the Municipality of Jabonga on his speech " Sama sauna gusto namo mapadayon ang serbisyo nga para sa inyoha. Nanghinaot kami nga kani makatabang kaninyo bisan sa gamay labi na nga sa kalisod sa panahon karon . Kita tanan makadawat hilabi na ang Food Packs. Ang akoa lang hangyo nga suportahan nato ang atong gobyerno aron magpabilin ang kalinaw sa atong lugar”.(As always, we want to continue serving. We hope that this will help even a little especially in this difficult times. Everyone can avail including food packs. I only ask that we support our Government to maintain our peace in our area).

LtCol Cresencio Gargar, Commanding Officer of 29IB said on his statement, "Kitang tanan responsable sa insurhensiya nga ginasagubang karon. Mao mag tinabangay kita aron mawala na ang mga Teroristang grupo nga maoy nagdalag kagubot sa atong nasod. Maong kita magtinabangay ug magkahiusa aron mamahimong malinawun og hapsay ang atong pinalanggang nasud og atong pagpuyo kauban ang atong mga pamilya”. (All of us have shared responsibilities to curb the insurgency in our locality. So let's work together to eliminate the Terrorist groups that are bringing chaos to our country. That's why we work together and unite to make our beloved country peaceful and orderly and we can live together with our families").

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#PhilippineArmy
#ParaSaBayan
#EndLocalCommunistArmedConflict
#ServingthePeopleSecuringtheLand
#4IDAtongArmy
#29ibAngBestfriendSaAgusanon

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=598143069123224&set=pcb.598148532456011

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

WESCOM: Look//Dr. Moya Collet, Deputy Head of Mission/Charge' d'affaires Australian Embassy Visits WESCOM

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 8, 2023): Look//Dr. Moya Collet, Deputy Head of Mission/Charge' d'affaires Australian Embassy Visits WESCOM

Look//Dr. Moya Collet, Deputy Head of Mission/Charge' d'affaires Australian Embassy in the Philippines visits WESCOM during Palawan trip.



https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=637524088409889&set=a.223973519764950

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

AFP: PRESS RELEASE | Empowered BARMM chiefs, cooperation with military key in peace success

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jun 10, 2023): PRESS RELEASE | Empowered BARMM chiefs, cooperation with military key in peace success

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City-–The Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Western Mindanao Command, attributed the successful Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) meeting on June 10 in Maimbung, Sulu to the whole-of-nation approach as it empowered local government units (LGUs) to spearhead peace and development efforts in their provinces.

"The meet, which for the first time was held in Sulu, was due to the cooperation of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) political and spiritual leaders' embracing their responsibility to maintain peace and security in the region," said LTC Enrico Gil Ileto, Chief of the Public Affairs Office, AFP

"The conduct of conventional and non-conventional military activities also helped significantly reduce threats and raised trust between the government and the local communities," he added.

The meeting was attended by various national and local leaders. It has served as a forum for thoughtful discussion and strategic planning aimed at fostering peace, stability, and progress across the region.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim led the discussions centering on the current security situation and improvement plans. He was joined by esteemed individuals including Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr; LtGen Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command; LtGen Arthur Cordura, the AFP Vice Chief of Staff; and senior military officers from the General Headquarters.

The AFP assured the council of improved cooperation with local government units, other government agencies, and pertinent organizations to address the underlying causes of disputes and strive toward comprehensive and long-lasting solutions. This includes consolidating efforts to end Local and Communist Terrorist Groups, establishment of programs to address rido and horizontal conflicts, and implementation of programs intended for former violent extremists.

The historic first RPOC meeting in BARMM signifies a strong commitment to unity and improved security by all stakeholders in the area. The AFP is committed to preserving the re-discovered stability in the region to ensure the continued prosperity and progress of the BARMM.///
(Photos by: Sgt Manzano PA, PAOAFP)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=625236836305397&set=pcb.625237969638617

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

US embassy says cybersecurity crucial in economic security

From Rappler (Jun 9, 2023): US embassy says cybersecurity crucial in economic security (By GELO GONZALES)

'Something like 90% of all financial transactions that go through Wall Street, go through the Philippines. So if you want to do a cyberattack on the US, all you have to do is attack the Philippines,' says Kanishka Gangopadhyay, US embassy press attaché

MANILA, Philippines – The US embassy at its annual media seminar held June 7 and 8 underscored an urgent need to strengthen the Philippines’ cybersecurity capabilities, and internet connectivity to bolster economic relations with the US.

Kanishka Gangopadhyay, US embassy press attaché, says, “Why do we care about cybersecurity, why do we care about cybersecurity infrastructure in the Philippines? What people don’t realize is in order to enact a cyberattack on the US, you don’t have to attack the United States.

“Something like 90% of all financial transactions that go through Wall Street, go through the Philippines. So if you want to do a cyberattack on the US, all you have to do is attack the Philippines…This is a national security priority for us.”

Ely Tingson, former data protection officer at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and currently a senior vice president at US cybersecurity firm Kroll, shared key findings on cyberattacks in Asia Pacific.

In 2022, 75% of businesses in the Philippines suffered a cyberattack, second only to Malaysia’s 76%, with Hong Kong setting the lowest benchmark at 43%, with ransomware, which locks data for a ransom, remaining the top operational threat.

93% of US businesses operating in the region experienced a cyberattack as well, which may potentially affect operations in the US homeland as well. A country with a more developed cybersecurity infrastructure and national policy may prove to be the more attractive business partner.

Tingson noted the need for more reportorial requirements for companies operating in the Philippines that have experienced a cyberattack, beyond the current National Privacy Commission regime, to cover more forms and types of cyberattacks.

In recent months, Tingson said 3 Philippine companies were found posted in the LockBit darkweb site, but because there are no requirements for reporting such incidents publicly, who these companies were remains undisclosed.

Big gap in number of cybersecurity pros

But the biggest problem may be the number of cybersecurity professionals the Philippines has.

John Avila, senior economic growth specialist at United States Agency for International Development (USAID), says that the Philippine government has to make room for cybersecurity positions. “Right now, [the] government does not have in its plantilla, a cybersecurity professional – nor the job description, nor the salary commensurate to that professional.”

“Fortunately, the government is well aware of this. We’re working with the Department of Budget, the Civil Service Commission, and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to precisely come up with those plantilla items – not just for cybersecurity but the government is upgrading all its IT positions.”

The USAID, Avila says, is providing training, as well as crafting the job description and proposed salaries. “The idea is to have a cybersecurity professional in all critical sectors of government.” It is important to be able to craft a solid compensation package to encourage cybersecurity professionals to work in the Philippines instead of going abroad to countries such as Singapore.

In 2023, Singapore has about 3,000 cybersecurity professionals while the Philippines is estimated to have 200.

In 2022, another US-based cybersecurity firm Fortinet also expressed the need for more cybersecurity professionals. Before the pandemic, the estimated deficiency of cybersecurity professionals needed was at 2 million, and this was a number, which the company says, has only increased during the pandemic.

USAID has two digital programs currently, the 5-year, $33-M BEACON project helping with infra development, policy updating, and addressing cybersecurity needs, including a project bringing wireless connections in smaller islands in Cebu in partnership with Central Visayas Information Sharing Network Foundation (CVISNET); and SPEED, a P1-B project to support digitalization of SMEs, including projects with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce to establish an online marketplace and expand digital payment options in the region.

Cybersecurity in the private sector

In the private sector, Avila says, investors are “increasingly looking at cyber-readiness or digital readiness when they make investment positions.”

Among the largest job-maker in the Philippines is US BPO firm Concentrix which counts 120,000 Filipino employees. The company says it has one of the biggest information security investments in the world, and counts more than 300 cybersecurity professionals globally. In spite of that, having a national policy would be a boost says press attaché Gangopadhyay. “The big companies have company-based policies that are good, but there is no national policy framework, and that creates great risks for the US,” he says.

Currently, Avila says, “The Philippines ranks very poorly if you compare us with the rest of ASEAN, in terms of cyber-readiness. If investors use those indices as a decision-making tool, then yes, the answer would be, that would be an important consideration for investors.”

Locally, Philippine firms are estimated to be losing about P6.16 billion every day, due to cyberattacks.

Tingson also encouraged the youth to go into the field of cybersecurity, saying that by getting the proper training and acquiring certifications, one could find 6-digit peso offers in about 3 years time, and doesn’t see job demand waning anytime soon.

Gangopadhyay noted that if the 16-year-old, 17-year-old Filipinos today can realize that cybersecurity is a growth industry, they have the potential of earning 3 times that of a call center agent, and at the same time, help with national security.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/united-states-embassy-cybersecurity-vital-economic-security/

PCG eyes use of high-end drones to boost maritime capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 10, 2023): PCG eyes use of high-end drones to boost maritime capabilities (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

TRILATERAL ACTIVITIES. Philippine Coast Guard vessels flank the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752) of the US Coast Guard during the “Kaagapay” maritime drills with the Japan Coast Guard in Mariveles, Bataan on June 1-7, 2023. The joint maritime exercises strengthened interoperability through communication exercises, maneuvering drills, photo exercises, maritime law enforcement training, search and rescue, and passing exercises. (Photo courtesy of the US-Indo Pacific Command Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is planning the use of high-end drones to boost its capabilities and strengthen border security.

Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said using drones could save the PCG more time and fuel in the conduct of maritime patrols.

“Kung kami ang masusunod, lahat ng districts ng Philippine Coast Guard, dapat magkaroon ng at least one drone (If we would have our way, all districts of the Philippine Coast Guards should have one drone each),” Balilo said during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

He also gave a recap of the PCG’s trilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in Mariveles, Bataan on June 1-7.

He said during the “Kaagapay” drills, the PCG learned that the USCG has a large drone that can conduct surveillance activities in surrounding waters.

The JCG is also using US-made surveillance drones.

“‘Yun ang wala tayo na noong nakita namin, talagang na-inggit kami. Talagang malaking bagay ito, malaking tulong ito. Imagine mo kapag nasa isang area kayo ng operations, mas mabilis na makaka-ikot ang drone (We also want to have that because we do not have one. That’s a big help. Imagine, if you are in the area of operations, the drone could man the area faster),” Balilo said.

He acknowledged that a modern drone is expensive but noted that its cost-effectiveness would outweigh the procurement of vessels because of its unmanned operability and high-security features.

Balilo said the use of drones would make it easier to monitor the presence of foreign vessels and other unlawful maritime operations.

“Kaya po in the future, halimbawa nasa base ka lang at ‘yung mga barko ay busy at merong ibang mga mission (when you are in the base and all the vessels are busy and have other missions), you can always conduct maritime awareness through drone. ‘Yun ang pinakamaganda (That’s the best thing that it could do),” he said.

Given its “limited budget,” the PCG has yet to include the planned purchase of drones in the list of equipment that would be procured amid the ongoing efforts to modernize the Coast Guard, he said.

Balilo, however, said several countries have expressed their intent to offer grants for the procurement of drones.

He expressed optimism that drones are the “future of maritime patrol” in the country.

“‘Yung ating tungkuling ginagampanan ay napakalaki. At kailangan nating madagdagan pa ang ating mga gamit para ang ating maritime domain awarenesss ay ma-sustain natin (We have a big responsibility. We have to procure additional equipment to sustain our maritime domain awareness),” Balilo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203304

42 Anakpawis members in Pampanga denounce NPA

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 10, 2023): 42 Anakpawis members in Pampanga denounce NPA (By LIEZLE BASA IÑIGO)

LUBAO, Pampanga – Forty-two members of Anakpawis renounced their support to the New People’s Army in Barangay Santo Tomas, this town, on Saturday, June 10.

Police Regional Office-3 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr. said that different law enforcement units facilitated the mass withdrawal of support of the 42 Anakpawis members.

"I commend the operating units for a job well done, this also proves that there is really gradual decline of CTGs’ strength in the region,” Hidalgo said.

Meanwhile, the PRO-3 arrested three top most wanted persons during separate manhunt operations in Central Luzon.

Henry dela Cruz, the Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Bulacan, was nabbed for two counts of acts of lasciviousness and five counts of qualified rape with no bail recommended.

Elena Valdez, top most wanted person in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, was apprehended in Barangay Valle Cruz, Cabanatuan for violation of Republic Act 9165.

Roy Galvan, Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Camiling, Tarlac was arrested by virtue of alias warrant of arrest for murder.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/6/10/42-anakpawis-members-in-pampanga-renounce-npa

Opinion: Challenges to the new Defense secretary

Opinion piece posted to the Manila Times (Jun 11, 2023): Challenges to the new Defense secretary (By Maj. Gen. Edgard A. Arevalo (Ret.))

THE Department of National Defense (DND) had two "juniors" to occupy its eminent seat in succession for a period of just a year: retired general Jose Faustino Jr. and Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. Both were former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chiefs of staff and both held the post in their capacities as senior undersecretaries. The department is again in a jubilant mood with the appointment of a third "junior" to hold the Defense portfolio for the second time — Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo "Gibo" Cojuangco Teodoro Jr., a lawyer. Just in time as the nation celebrates its 125th year of independence on June 12, 2023.

Since his appointment and oathtaking, until his actual assumption of office on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, interviews with him have hogged the news headlines. After a long-rumored designation, amid several names floating to steer national defense, Teodoro's anointment ended speculations why there has not been a regular DND secretary. With Gibo's gift of gab, no wonder his first media engagement was a blockbuster. "It was like a feeding frenzy," a DND official who witnessed the forum said. And why not? Gibo's pronouncements on major national defense issues were clear and concise, and articulated in sound bites that the media adores, and the public would love to hear from a president or a senator. And naturally, Teodoro sits at the DND high chair with expectations even higher.

MUP pension system

Gibo's first marching order from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was to find a sustainable pension scheme for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) who were agitated by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. The latter did not only declare the current pension system for MUP as causing "fiscal collapse," he particularly piqued the military — calling its retirement policy "ridiculous" and pushed for them to contribute to their pension. But the AFP believes it was the inclusion of other "uniformed personnel" that do not fit in as members of the military service that caused it.

Gibo's challenge is how to convince the military to contribute instead of seeking the removal of police personnel, coast guards, jail guards and managers, firefighters and mapping personnel whose pension the State shoulders. He must, in turn, be able to convince Congress to pass a new pension law that provides for an amount of contribution acceptable to the military, that allocates a certain percentage for indexation in the pension of veterans and retirees that would apply only to the new entrants to the AFP. The DND chief should succeed in including these provisions if only to dissuade 70 percent to 80 percent of active AFP enlisted personnel from applying for optional retirement for fear of diminutions in their pension.

Altering the AFP's ISO mindset

The government notes a massive decline in internal security threats. The acclaimed successful campaign of the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist and Local Armed Conflict led to the "irreversible decline" of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Also, with the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has ceased to be an adversary. These being the premises, Gibo can direct the AFP's campaign to be focused from internal security to external defense.

Teodoro's past stint as a lawmaker can be handy in pushing for the amendment of Republic Act 8551 and reverting to the Philippine National Police the task of internal security operations (ISO) to combat the remnants of the CPP-NPA, who are now relegated to criminals and bandits and are therefore a peace and order problem.

With the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous geopolitical situation in the region, President Marcos aptly ordered the DND to transition to territorial defense "without sacrificing the gains in internal security." But the shift will entail organizational changes and adjustments in the Defense establishment over time. For instance, in territorial defense, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy will be the lead services following the AFP's existing doctrine. Gibo is expected to push the transition.

The military can fairly expect the DND secretary to capitalize on his charisma as a former legislator to lobby for a sizeable increase in the AFP modernization budget — aside from the amount for DND capital outlay — to fund the procurement of additional and state-of-the-art aircraft, naval assets, missile systems and sensors to upgrade the AFP's current detection, deterrence, and defense capabilities. The department must be able to implement a gradual reduction in the Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) of the Philippine Army to match the shift in operational focus and optimize the utilization of the scarce DND budget.

In the pursuit of his marching orders from the President to protect our territories, we hope for Teodoro to push for the expansion and development of forsaken naval detachments in Ayungin Shoal, Kota, Lawak, Likas, Pag-asa, Panata, Parola, Patag and Pugad. He can leverage the new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites for his American counterpart to improve these stations to make them more habitable and defendable. We expect Gibo with his vast legal and negotiation skills to be able to strike a better deal with the United States government for a modernization support arrangement more equitable than, among others, Foreign Military Sales Credit and Military Logistics Support Agreement.

Daunting tasks, big expectations

Teodoro's pronouncements were clear and unequivocal. And his perspectives, while not all entirely new, were expressed eloquently in words that the media and the public want to hear from a Secretary of National Defense. Certainly, to some sectors who are not particularly happy about having former military men holding the Defense portfolio, they will bat for one who is purely civilian with vast experience and gray matter over a retired general with military education, training and experience.

But while the appointment of Teodoro was warmly welcomed by the public, something worries them.

In his own words, he declared that his policy pronouncements "will take time to implement." The MUP, the inclusion of capital outlay for the DND in the General Appropriations Act, the shift of military mindset from Army-infantry centric ISO of the Hukbalahap era to a Navy-Air Force-led territorial defense operations AFP, are but some advocacies that will take years to institute. Will he be there to see through them?

While Gibo can lay the foundations, as his predecessors had done, being essentially the same concepts and policies, there is no substitute to him to be personally at the helm for directions — giving all his time, energy, faculty and focus to DND advancement and reforms.

Will he consume all his full five years, or will he be out again to campaign and vie for a Senate seat by 2025? The nation hopes that the one year and two senior undersecretaries wait for his coming is the pudding best for the eating.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/11/opinion/columns/challenges-to-the-new-defense-secretary/1895510