NTF-WPS scores latest Chinese harassment of PH ships in Panatag Shoal

 From the Philippine News Agency (May 1, 2024): NTF-WPS scores latest Chinese harassment of PH ships in Panatag Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno)

HARASSMENT. A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel (with a green deck) blasts a Philippine civilian vessel with a water cannon while on its way for the rotation and reprovisioning of troops at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on March 5, 2024. The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea on Tuesday (April 30) condemned another incident of Chinese harassment which involved CCG ships water cannoning Philippine vessels on their way to provide humanitarian assistance to Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal. (Photo courtesy of AFP Facebook)

MANILA – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on Tuesday condemned the latest incident of Chinese harassment which involved China Coast Guard (CCG) ships water cannoning Philippine vessels on their way to provide humanitarian assistance to Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal (also known as Bajo De Masinloc and Scarborough Shoal).

"Earlier today CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, water cannoned, rammed vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) en route to Panatag Shoal to conduct a regular humanitarian and assistance mission to Filipino fishing boats in and around the area," it said in a statement.

These Filipino ships are the PCG BRP Bagacay (MMRV-4410) and BFAR's BRP Bankaw (MMOV-3004). The incident also demonstrated China's willingness to obstruct a Philippine humanitarian mission, the task force said.

These illegal actions were witnessed by members of the local and foreign press, who are routinely invited to embed in these regular BFAR humanitarian and assistance missions for fisherfolk throughout the WPS and other maritime areas.

"Today, the embedded press on the PCG and BFAR vessels have not only witnessed but also experienced first-hand, alongside the determined PCG and BFAR personnel, the illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions of the agents of the Chinese Communist Party and their CCG and CMM," NTF-WPS said.

At this time, both PCG and BFAR vessels have regrouped approximately 20 nautical miles from Panatag Shoal.

Crew members of the two ships are now conducting damage, assessments and are reorganizing following the severe water cannoning by CCG vessels.

"Initial reports from PCG and BFAR personnel onboard, as reflected by live media reports, indicate that the PCG vessel suffered some damage to a part of its superstructure from targeted high-pressure water cannoning by CCG vessels," the task force said.

Meanwhile, the BRP Bankaw sustained damage to heating,ventilation, and air conditioning systems; electrical, navigation, and radio systems; and superficial hull damage.

The BFAR ship was subjected to at least eight instances of targeted high-pressure water cannoning from Chinese vessels and was rammed a total of three times by both CCG and CMM craft.

"These latest demonstrations of China's illegal and irresponsible behavior highlight their egregious disregard for the Philippines' lawful exercise of its rights and entitlements in our own EEZ. Clearly, China has no regard for the welfare of our fishermen who only want to make a decent living in the WPS. China's act of obstructing civilian ships carrying only supplies for our fishermen calls into question the sincerity of their call for dialogue and peaceful approaches to de-escalate the situation in the WPS," NTF-WPS added.

It also said the Philippines will continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with rules-based international law, based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the valid and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

Peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved if countries, big or small, do not exercise due regard for the well-established and legally-settled rights of others.

"The Philippines will not be deterred from pursuing legitimate and lawful activities in our maritime zones, including in BDM which is a vital source of livelihood for our fisherfolk," NTF-WPS said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223792

2 NPA remnants arrested, firearms seized in northern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2024): 2 NPA remnants arrested, firearms seized in northern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

BACOLOD CITY – A joint military and police team arrested two suspected remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NFF) of the New People's Army (NPA) in a remote area of Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental on Thursday morning.

They were found illegally possessing several firearms, according to a report of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), whose troops were joined by personnel of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company during the operation.

In an interview, 2nd Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of 79IB, said the government forces received information on the presence of armed men in Barangay Pinoyawan while conducting joint law enforcement operation in the area.

The two arrested NPA remnants, whose identities were withheld by the authorities for now, are already in the custody of Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Police Station, he said.

Samoza said the troops recovered from their possession a KG-9 semiautomatic pistol, a caliber .45 pistol, and three 12-gauge shotguns.

Two minors were also found in their company, he said.

“This is still under investigation. We are validating other details with our counterparts,” he added.

Although the Philippine Army has declared the NNF as dismantled, its remnants are still operating in some areas in the northern part of the province.

The 79IB earlier said it continued to conduct focused military operations to prevent the remaining NPA rebels from regaining their lost territory.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223465

Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander slain, 4 nabbed in CIDG anti-firearms sale op

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2024): Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander slain, 4 nabbed in CIDG anti-firearms sale op (By Edwin Fernandez)

ILLEGAL FIREARMS. Three of the four arrested suspects and firearms (inset) seized from a suspected gunrunning group after an anti-illegal firearms operation of the CIDG-BARMM in Talayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday (April 25, 2024). The leader of the group, an Moro Islamic Liberation Front field commander, was slain in the brief shootout. (Photo from CIDG-BARMM)

TALAYAN, Maguindanao Sur – Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) neutralized a Moro Islamic Liberation Front field commander and arrested four others during an anti-gunrunning operation here on Thursday afternoon.

In a report Friday, Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca, regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-BARMM), identified the slain suspected gunrunner as Zaldy Usman of Barangay Tambunan in this town.

“Usman’s group (was) about to deal high-powered firearms to a poseur-buyer when (one) of them sensed they were being watched and opened fire on lawmen nearby, triggering a brief firefight near a gasoline station,” he said.

Huesca said Usman, 52, is a battalion commander of the Inner Armed Based Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Arrested were the injured Ibrahim Temanong Satogan, 26, a member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front 28th brigade; Basir Baliwan, 37; Ismael Cabagani, an Moro Islamic Liberation Front training instructor; and Ari Butuan, 43, all from Talitay town, Maguindanao del Sur.

CIDG operatives, backed by military and local police personnel, also seized four firearms, comprising two M16 rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, and a .30-caliber light machinegun, as well as ammunition, mobile phones, and boodle money.

Currently detained at the CIDG detention facility, the suspects are facing charges of violation of RA 10591 or illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223483

3 NPA rebels killed in Caraga skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2024): 3 NPA rebels killed in Caraga skirmishes (By Alexander Lopez)

NPA REBEL KILLED. The three New People’s Army rebels killed during the series of encounters from March 25 to April 20 in the hinterlands of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. The military also seized several high-powered firearms and ammunition during the skirmishes. (Photo courtesy of 901Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – Six armed confrontations were recorded by the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) from March 25 to April 20 this year that resulted in heavy losses on the side of the communist New People’s Army (NPA), particularly the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, 901Bde commander, said the series of encounters involved the various units under the brigade, including the 30th Infantry Battalion (IB), 36th IB, and 65th IB.

“The conduct of relentless combat operations aims to target the members of the Communist Terrorist Group, particularly the NEMRC in the hinterlands of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur and to defeat them to free these provinces from their terrorist activities,” Sadural said in a statement on Friday.

On March 25, an encounter in Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, resulted in the death of an NPA rebel and the recovery of an M-16 rifle.

After a week, another encounter in the same barangay resulted in the recovery of an M-16 rifle, medical paraphernalia, and personal belongings of the rebels.

On April 17, soldiers engaged a group of fleeing NPA rebels in Barangay Kolambugan, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, resulting in the death of a rebel and the seizure of a VZ58 (7.62mm) rifle with magazines and ammunition.

On April 20, another encounter took place in the vicinity of Barangay Kolambugan that resulted in the death of another NPA insurgent and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

Sadural was also optimistic on the imminent dismantling of the NEMRC, saying government forces are determined to pursue combat operations in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223485

2 NPA militias yield in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 29, 2024): 2 NPA militias yield in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

BACK TO MAINSTREAM. Members of the Philippine Army’s Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, welcomed the surrender of two active communist militias of the New People’s Army on Saturday (April 27, 2024). The surrenderers will receive support from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of 75IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Two active Milisya ng Bayan members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army’s Mobile Community Support Sustainment Team (MCSST) in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, over the weekend.

In a report on Monday, the MCSST identified the surrenderers only through their aliases “Angkol Lumpot” and “Ante Ison,” both members of the dismantled NPA Guerrilla Front 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The surrenderers also handed over to authorities one AK-47 rifle with 30 live ammunition.

“The surrender of the two rebels resulted from (our) massive operations in the different villages in Marihatag town,” the MCSST said in their report.

Lt. Col. Jan Molero, commander of the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion, lauded the decision of the two rebels to surrender.

“The government, through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, will support them as they start reintegrating to their families and communities,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223652

Hunt on vs. killers of IP village councilor in Maguindanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): Hunt on vs. killers of IP village councilor in Maguindanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSH SURVIVOR. A police officer interviews Ronald Angit, the injured driver of the slain village councilor Juanito Promboy, in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday (April 29, 2024). Promboy is representative of the Teduray tribe in the village council. (Photo courtesy of Datu Hoffer MPS)

COTABATO CITY – Police are now tracking down two gunmen on a motorcycle who ambushed and killed a village councilor representing the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Datu Hoffer town, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday afternoon.

Lt. Albert Pansoy, town police chief, identified the victim as Timuay (IP senior ancestral leader) Juanito Promboy, 55, representing the IPs of Barangay Mother Tuayan.

“Promboy’s driver-companion, Ronald Angit of South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, was injured in the 2 p.m. ambush that took place along a dirt road in Tuayan village,” Pansoy said in a report Tuesday.

Police officers rushed the two victims to the Maguindanao del Sur provincial hospital, but Promboy was pronounced dead on arrival.

Angit is still undergoing medical treatment, Pansoy said.

Meanwhile, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the provisional lawmaking body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has condemned Promboy’s killing.

“This attack on innocent tribal leaders and civilians from the Teduray tribe is a reprehensible act that must be strongly condemned,” said BTA parliament member Froilyn Mendoza, who represents the IPs in the regional parliament.

“We call on the authorities to swiftly investigate this cowardly attack and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she added.

Since 2018, at least 65 IP leaders and members have been killed in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, as documented by Jen Cornelio of the Timuay Justice and Governance Group in Central Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223730

Info officers vow to promote of Caraga’s peace, dev’t gains

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): Info officers vow to promote of Caraga’s peace, dev’t gains (By Alexander Lopez)

CARAGA COMMUNICATORS. The Mindanao Development Authority and the Philippine Information Agency in the Caraga Region lead the Mindanao Communicators Network Congress in Butuan City from April 29 to 30, 2024. Some 150 information officers from government units and government line agencies attended the event, aimed at strengthening the promotion of the peace and development of the region. (Photo courtesy of PIA-13)

BUTUAN CITY – Some 150 Information Officers (IOs) from local government units (LGUs) and government line agencies in the Caraga Region completed a two-day Mindanao Communicators Network Congress here that culminated Tuesday to promote the government's peace gains in the region.

Facilitated by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the Philippine Information Agency in the region (PIA-13), the gathering also sought the commitment of all communicators to advance the region's tourism and culture.

"This is the first leg of the series of activities of IOs in Mindanao, which MinDA will facilitate," PIA-13 Director Venus Garcia said in an interview on Tuesday.

She said the assembly also served as a venue for IOs to identify challenges and enabling conditions in their workplaces and the mechanisms that help them sustain the information network in their LGUs.

The gathering also revived the formation of an IO communications network in Caraga.

"Participants were also engaged in dynamic discussions and workshops to enhance their communication strategies and skills and effectively showcase Caraga's unique attributes to a wider audience," Garcia said.

Through effective communication, the information officers are also expected to serve as catalysts for positive change, shedding light on the region's progress while highlighting its potential as a prime destination for tourists and culture enthusiasts alike, she added.

Gracing the event was Director Olie Dagala of MinDA's Investment Promotions and Public Affairs, who represented MinDA chair Maria Belen Acosta at the opening of the assembly.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223726

P545-M infra projects to boost morale, capability of soldiers in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): P545-M infra projects to boost morale, capability of soldiers in Bicol (By Connie Calipay)

The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)

LEGAZPI CITY – A total of 22 projects amounting to PHP545 million will soon be completed in various camps and headquarters of the Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) in the Bicol Region.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9ID Public Affairs Unit chief, said the projects aimed at boosting the morale and enhancing the capabilities of over 6,000 soldiers stationed in Bicol, are undergoing construction with the support of Ako Bicol Party-list (AKB).

"We extend our sincere appreciation to Ako Bicol Party-list led by Rep. Elizaldy Co for their invaluable support in allocating PHP545 million towards infrastructure projects for the 9th Infantry Spear Division. These projects will contribute to more cohesive, motivated, and effective Army troops," Roldan said.

He said the various infrastructure projects are located in the 9ID headquarters in Pili, Camarines Sur; and the military reservations in Barangay Talahib, Daraga, Albay, and in Barangay Lamon in Goa, Camarines Sur.

"The projects mostly focus on the construction of barracks which will improve the living conditions of every trooper and other camp facilities like the perimeter fences, guard posts, solar-powered water system and powerhouses with generator sets that will ensure security and self-sustainability of 9ID camps," he added.

Roldan said the essential facilities are expected to be completed next year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223739

Military ops yield wins vs. DI, NPA remnants in NorMin

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): Military ops yield wins vs. DI, NPA remnants in NorMin (By Nef Luczon)

Google map of Northern Mindanao.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two separate military operations in the Northern Mindanao Region have yielded significant wins against the communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels and Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group (DI-MG) remnants.

On Tuesday, the Army's 48th Infantry Battalion (48IB) welcomed the surrender of four NPA fighters in its headquarters in Maramag, Bukidnon.

The surrenderers were part of the NPA's Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay led by a certain "Kaloy," the commanding officer. Joining Kaloy were "Muloy," the vice commander; "Sap-Sap," the squad supply officer; and a combatant known as "Bukol."

The 48IB, a unit under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the 10th Infantry Division, also received 18 high-powered firearms from the surrenderers.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), commended the troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) ZamPeLan for its operations in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Monday.

The operation led to the deaths of five DI-MG combatants during an encounter. The fatalities included Najib Laguindab, a sub-leader, and Ibn Sali, one of the lookouts in the Dec. 3, 2023 bombing at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of JTF ZamPeLan, said five soldiers were wounded during the encounter and were immediately given medical attention.

According to Westmincom, seven of the eight key perpetrators in the MSU Gymnasium bombing have been neutralized, and only Nasser Daud remains at large.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223751

No pullout of gov't troops from Negros Oriental: Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): No pullout of gov't troops from Negros Oriental: Army exec (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

NO TROOP WITHDRAWAL. Soldiers of the Philippine Army's 11th Infantry Battalion based in Siaton, Negros Oriental, stand in attention during a formation in this undated photo. The Philippine Army said on Tuesday (April 30, 2024) that it would not withdraw its forces from the province despite its declaration as under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security. (PNA file photo by Mary Judaline Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Government troops deployed to Negros Oriental will not be pulled out despite the province being declared already under a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), a military official said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the Army's 302nd Brigade based in Tanjay City, said the transition from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the lead agency in counter-insurgency operations would be gradual.

"This is not going to be a paradigm shift, but little by little, we will transition our role to supporting the PNP under the SIPS," Escanillas said during a Kapihan sa PIA forum here.

He said the transition, stipulated in the memorandum of agreement between the AFP and PNP, may take up to five years to complete.

This came after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) passed a resolution last month for the SIPS declaration, following the recommendation of the Provincial Peace and Order Council.

Escanillas said the declaration meant that all guerilla fronts of the New People's Army – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines – on Negros Island have been dismantled, with just a few remnants left.

This means, he said, a shift in focus of the government's anti-insurgency campaign to primarily law enforcement, involving not just the police but the local government units (LGUs) and government agencies in a whole-of-nation approach.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Don Richmond Conag, deputy police provincial director for operations, assured in the same forum that they are ready to take over the lead role from the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223754

9 NPA remnants with high-powered firearms surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30, 2024): 9 NPA remnants with high-powered firearms surrender (By Che Palicte)

GIVING UP THE FIGHT. The high-powered firearms of the five members of the NPA Guerrilla Front 33 operating in the borders of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur who surrendered to the military on April 24, 2024. The military vows to continue pursuing NPA remnants even after the declaration of Davao del Norte as an insurgency-free province. (Photo courtesy of 1001Bde)

DAVAO CITY – Nine remnants of three dismantled New People's Army (NPA) units in the Davao region recently surrendered to authorities, bringing along various high-powered firearms and war materiel, the Army said in a statement Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Ronnie Babac, the Philippine Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, said the surrenderers previously operated in their area of responsibility.

In Monkayo, Davao de Oro, four rebels voluntarily surrendered to the Army's 25th Infantry Battalion (IB) on separate occasions—one on April 15, another on April 22, and one each on April 24 and April 27.

Two surrenderers were members of the NPA Dismantled Regional Headquarters of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, while the other two belonged to the Dismantled Guerrilla Front (DGF) 2.

Babac said the surrenderers turned in four improvised explosive devices and other war materiel.

On April 24, four former members of the DGF 33 operating in the borders of Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur and one former member of the Dismantled Pulang Bagani Command operating in the periphery of Davao de Oro and Davao Oriental surrendered to the 60IB.

The group brought five high-powered firearms consisting of an AR-15 rifle, a Bushmaster rifle, two M16 rifles, and an M14 rifle when they yielded.

"I commend the efforts of the two battalions operationally controlled by the 1001st Infantry Brigade (101Bde) in facilitating the surrender of the remnants of the NPA," Babac said.

He assured that the 1001Bde "remains relentless" in going after NPA remnants despite the declaration of its area of responsibility as insurgency-free.

Davao del Norte was declared insurgency-free on June 13, 2022, and Davao de Oro on June 22 of the same year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223753

CPP/NDF-Palawan/NDF- Southern Tagalog: Balikatan 2024: Panggagatong sa apoy ng inter-imperyalistang digma sa South China Sea

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 25, 2024): Balikatan 2024: Panggagatong sa apoy ng inter-imperyalistang digma sa South China Sea (Balikatan 2024: Fueling the fire of inter-imperialist war in the South China Sea)

Leona Paragua

Spokesperson

NDF-Palawan

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 25, 2024

Mariing kinukundena ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Palawan (NDFP-Palawan) ang ika-39 na ehersisyong militar o Balikatan na inilulunsad ngayong Abril 22-Mayo 10 sa kalupaan at katubigang saklaw ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas. Ang pagsasanay na ito, na itinuturing na pinakamalaki sa kasaysayan ay mag-iimbwelto ng 16,700 tropang US at Pilipinas, bukod pa ang mga tropa ng Australian Defense Force at French Navy na lalahok din sa pagsasanay. Liban pa sa kanila, magpapadala rin ng kinatawan ang 14 pang bansa kabilang ang Brunei, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, at Vietnam para magsilbing observer sa ilulunsad na pagsasanay.

Lalamnin ng Balikatan 2024 ang pagsasanay sa seguridad sa karagatan, depensa sa himpapawid at missile, dinamikong mga pag-atake gamit ang missile, cyber defense at mga information operations. Tampok din ngayong taon ang tinatawag nilang Multilateral Maritime Exercises o magkasamang paglalayag sa pagitan ng tropang nabal ng Pilipinas, US at France sa saklaw ng EEZ ng Pilipinas, kabilang ang paligid ng inaagaw na teritoryo ng China sa West Philippine Sea. Kasabay nito, inimbwelto na rin sa pagsasanay ang mga yunit ng Philippine Coast Guard na siyang nagbabantay sa WPS.

Tinukoy mismo ng opisyal ng AFP sa Balikatan na si Col. Mike Logico ang layuning palakasin ang kakayahan ng mga bansang imbwelto sa interoperability o kakayahang maglunsad ng militar na operasyon nang sabay at magkatuwang. Ibig sabihin, sadyang paghahanda ito ng US sa napipintong pagsiklab ng gera sa rehiyon gamit bilang pangunahing piyon ang tropa ng AFP laban sa China. Mula pa sa Balikatan noong nakaraang taon, makikitang pinapamilyarisa na ng mga tropang US at mga kaalyado nitong bansa ang tereyn, karagatan at himpapawid ng Pilipinas para sa layuning ito. Kalakhan ng gagawing ehersisyong militar ay sa karagatang bahagi ng Palawan hanggang sa Batanes na hilagang bahagi ng bansa at pinakamalapit sa China.

Kasabay ng pagpapalaki at pagpapalakas ng presensya at paghahanda sa mga pasilidad militar ng US sa bansa ang papatindi—sumisinsin at nag-iimbwelto ng paparaming tropang US—ang inilulunsad na mga pagsasanay militar sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng Balikatan. Nagagawa ito ng US dahil sa tahasang pagpapahinuhod ng rehimeng US-Marcos II sa lahat ng naisin ng imperyalismong US—sukdulang iumang sa unahan ng gera ang sambayanang Pilipino. Ni wala itong pagsasaalang-alang sa soberanya ng bansa na walang pakundangang niyuyurakan ng mga imperyalistang US at China. Higit sa lahat, wala itong malasakit sa mga mangingisdang Pilipinong nawawalan ng kabuhayan dulot ng umiigting na militarisasyon ng US at China sa WPS.

Para pagtakpan ang mga kaganapang ito, na kung tutuusi’y matagal nang inirereklamo ng mga mangingisda sa Palawan at Central Luzon, kabi-kabila ang mga proyektong “ayuda” at pag-aanunsyo ng mga reaksyunaryong ahensya ng gubyerno ng mga dinoktor na datos kaugnay sa diumano’y pagdami ng mga mangingisdang naghahanapbuhay sa WPS. Ipinagmamalaki rin nila ang napakaliit, at karamihan pa’y limos ng mga internasyunal na institusyon sa pautang na naibibigay nilang tulong umano sa mga mangingisda sa pamamagitan ng LAYAG-WPS at iba pa na selektibo rin lamang at iilan ang naaabot. Gayundin ang mga panghihimasok ng mga tropang Amerikano sa tabing ng mga relief mission at huwad na programang pangkaunlaran ng US sa Palawan.

Ang pinakamalaking kabalintunaan, kuntodo bandilyo ang rehimen gamit ang mga bayarang burgis na midya, sa mga tropa ng PCG na nabibiktima ng mga pag-atake ng tropang Chinese pero tahimik, kibit-balikat o di kaya’y ginagawa pang sinungaling ang mga mangingisdang nag-uulat ng kabi-kabilang harassment ng mga Chinese sa kanila. Higit sa lahat, kibit-balikat ito at karaniwa’y ipinagbubunyi pa ang bawat pambobomba, panganganyon at pamamaril ng mga tropa ng AFP sa kanayunan ng bansa sa tabing ng gera-kontra terorismo na bumibiktima na ng milyun-milyong mamamayan. Sa kabilang banda, tusong ginagamit naman ang kalagayan ng mangingisda para manulsol ng rekrutment sa milisya o pwersang reservist sa hanay ng mga mangingisda at maging pambala sa kanyon ng AFP sakaling pumutok ang gera.

Tiyak na higit na titindi pa ang kahirapang daranasin ng bayan sa maniobrang ito ng US at labis na pagpapakatuta ng rehimeng US-Marcos II. Ang ginagawa nitong panggagatong sa tensyon sa WPS ay maaaring magsindi ng mas maigting na girian na tiyak na hahantong sa gera sa pagitan ng US at China. Tulad ng nangyari sa Ukraine, tiyak na bubuyuhin ng US ang China na maglunsad ng unang pag-atake gamit ang Pilipinas at si Marcos Jr., sa ngalan ng pagdepensa sa sarili at pagmukhain ang US bilang tagapagligtas ng Pilipinas laban sa mga agresibong aksyon ng China sa WPS.

Hindi dapat magpalinlang ang taumbayan sa pagpapanggap ng US bilang tagapagtanggol ng kapayapaan at pulis pangkalawakan. Dapat na alalahanin ang mapanlinlang na “mapagpalang asimilasyon” na pinanghele ng US nang sakupin nito ang Pilipinas sa tabing ng pagtulong dito upang mapalayas ang kolonyalistang Espanyol. Dapat ding alalahanin ang ginawang pag-atras at pag-iwan ng US sa Pilipinas kasama ang papet nitong si Manuel Quezon sa panahon ng pag-atake ng pasistang Japan noong World War II. Sa gitna ng matinding pananalasa ng Japan, magiting itong nilabanan ng mga gerilyang Pilipinong sa pangunguna ng Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon sa pamumuno ng lumang PKP. Kung babalikan, isa sa mga dahilan ng ginawang pag-atake ng Japan sa Pilipinas ang pagiging kolonya nito ng US at presensya ng tropang US sa bansa.

Dapat labanan ang lahat ng anyo ng pagpapaigting ng panghihimasok ng US sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng presensya at aktibidad militar nito at iba pang imperyalistang bansa sa ating teritoryo na lansakang yumuyurak sa ating pambansang soberanya at teritoryal na integridad. Kasabay nito, dapat ding patuloy na tuligsain at labanan ang ginagawang agresyon ng China sa WPS, pandarambong ng yaman sa exclusive economic zone at pag-angkin sa mga teritoryong saklaw ng Pilipinas.

Nananawagan ang NDFP-Palawan sa lahat ng Palaweño at mamamayang Pilipino na magbigkis at labanan ang lahat ng tipo ng panghihimasok ng US sa bansa. Sa gitna ng napipintong pagsiklab ng inter-imperyalistang digma sa pagitan ng US at China, dapat na buklurin ang mga patriyotiko at pinakamalawak na hanay ng mamamayan, laluna ang masang anakpawis para ipahayag ang pagtutol sa paggamit sa ating bansa bilang lunsaran ng gera ng US laban sa China. Hikayatin ang mga pulong sa mga komunidad, baryo, barangay, pook-hanapbuhay, eskwelahan, palengke, atbp. kaugnay sa pagsusuri at paninidigan ng mamamayan sa usaping ito. Ilunsad ang malalaki at madadagundong na pagkilos para labanan ang balikatan at iba pang aktibidad militar ng US sa bansa. Kasabay nito, ang mga kakayaning matutunog na opensiba ng BHB laban sa kampanyang panunupil na AFP na sulsol ng imperyalistang US.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/balikatan-2024-panggagatong-sa-apoy-ng-inter-imperyalistang-digma-sa-south-china-sea/

CPP/CIO: Reject $2.5B military aid to preposition US weapons in PH against China

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 18, 2024): Reject $2.5B military aid to preposition US weapons in PH against China

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 17, 2024

The patriotic and peace-loving Filipino people, together with the American people, must condemn and reject the US government’s plan to provide the Philippines with $500 million in annual military aid for the next five years, in order to dump and preposition US war matériel in the Philippines.

This huge amount of US foreign military financing forms part of its war-mongering and war preparations against China, which is raising military tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the Asian region.

The planned US military aid will completely transform the Philippine military into an auxiliary force of the US military, that will be trained and tasked to handle US-provided weapons, to achieve US military objectives in its campaign to encircle and provoke China.

The increase in US military aid will also exacerbate the human rights situation in the Philippines amid Marcos’ order to intensify counterinsurgency operations. It will provide the AFP with more lethal and brutal force to carry out its campaign of political repression against the Filipino people.

At the instigation of US military advisers, the AFP has been spending billions of pesos to buy jet fighters, helicopters, bombs, missiles and rockets that have rained terror among the people in the countryside.

With the planned $2.5 billion military funding, American public money will again be used to bankroll the military-industrial complex. After having made large amounts of profits from US involvement in the war in Ukraine and support for Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, American arms manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Boeing are drooling to pocket even more money from US war provocations in the Asia-Pacific.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/reject-2-5b-military-aid-to-preposition-us-weapons-in-ph-against-china/

CPP/NPA-Mindoro: Kriminal na 203rd Brigade muling pumaslang ng sibilyan sa Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 18, 2024): Kriminal na 203rd Brigade muling pumaslang ng sibilyan sa Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro! (Criminal 203rd Brigade murders a civilian again in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro!)

 


Madaay Gasic

Spokesperson

NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command) | New People's Army

April 18, 2024


Pinagbabaril ng mga pasistang sundalo ang sibilyan na si Jay-el Banay Maligday, isang kabataang estudyante sa Grace Mission College at residente ng Sityo Soryawon, Brgy. San Roque, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro. Naganap ang ekstra-hudisyal na pamamaslang noong April 7, bandang alas-singko ng umaga nang nilusob ang biktima sa kanyang pamamahay ng isang platun ng mga sundalo sa ilalim ng 4th IB. Muling pinatunayan ng insidenteng ito ang sukdulang pagiging berdugo at pasista ng mga yunit ng sundalong hawak ng 203rd Brigade, ang pinakautak ng mga mamamatay taong pumapaslang ng mga inosenteng sibilyan sa Mindoro.

Kasinungalingan ang ipinangangalandakan ng mga pasista na Pulang mandirigma ng NPA at may baril na hawak si Jay-el dahilan para barilin nila ito. Pawang panabing sa krimen ng mga berdugong sundalo ang ipinamamalita nitong armado ang biktima. Pinatutunayan ng mga residente sa lugar na sibilyan si Jay-el, hindi armado at isang mabuting mamamayan.

Ang pagpaslang kay Jay-el ay dagdag na namang kaso sa mahabang listahan ng mga sibilyang arbitaryong pinaslang ng mga berdugong AFP at PNP sa isla ng Mindoro. Maihahalintulad ang kasong ito sa pagpaslang ng 4th IB kay Salvador Dela Cruz sa So. Kawit, Brgy. Poblacion, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro noong 2021 matapos na kumuha ito ng kanyang payout sa 4Ps. Gayundin, ang pagpaslang kay Dante Yumanaw, purok lider ng Sityo Tiabong, Brgy. Ligaya, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro noong July 2022 kung saan nakasalubong ito ng nag-ooperasyong mga sundalo ng 76th IB habang bitbit niya ang pinamiling bigas at iba pang pagkain para sa kanyang pamilya. Isinailalim din sa karumaldumal na interogasyon at tortyur hanggang sa mapaslang si Prentice “Tatay Prentes” Gutierrez, 78 taong-gulang, sa Sityo Cambiswer, Brgy. Poblacion, Calintaan noong 2019. Pinalabas ng berdugong militar na isang Pulang mandirigma ng NPA si Tatay Prentes. Napilitan lamang na aminin ng tagapagsalita ng 203rd Bde noon na si Bgen. Marcelino Teofilo na totoong sibilyan ang kanilang napaslang matapos ulanin ng batikos sa social media ang kanilang pahayag hinggil sa insidente. Ito rin ang sinapit ng lider ng mga tricycle driver na si Omeng Kahelo ng Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro sa pangil ng mga asong 76th IB.

Malinaw na mamamatay-tao, berdugo at pasista ang 203rd Brigade at ang mga yunit sa ilalim nitong 4th IB, 76 IB, 68th IB at ang 23rd DRC na bahagi lamang ng buong institusyon ng AFP at PNP. Lantarang nilalabag ng mga ito ang batayang karapatan na inilatag ng pandaigdigang batas sa karapatang pantao ng UN at mismong saligang batas ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno. Lansakang niyuyurakan ang demokratikong karapatan ng mamamayang Pilipino ng mga kasundaluhan at pulis at saka magmamalinis o kaya ay gagawa ng mga palusot sa kanilang krimen.

Subalit hindi malilinlang ang mamamayan. Ang buong AFP-PNP ay ang pasistang haligi ng naghaharing uri at tagapagtanggol ng mapandambong na interes ng malalaking panginoong maylupa, burgesya kumprador at mga burukrata-kapitalista sa gobyerno. Ito rin ang masugid na attack dogs ng amo nitong imperyalistang US na takot sa demokratiko at makabayang paninindigan ng sambayanang Pilipino na may marubdob na hangaring maging tunay malaya at maunlad ang bansang Pilipinas.

Kinukundena ng Lucio de Guzman Command – NPA Mindoro ang kriminal na aktong ito ng mga pasistang sundalo na walang pakundangang pamamaslang sa mga sibilyan. Sa ganitong diwa, inaatasan ng LDGC – NPA Mindoro ang lahat ng mga yunit sa ilalim nito na ilunsad ang mga aksyong militar at taktikal na mga opensiba upang parusahan ang mga yunit sa ilalim ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA at ang kanilang mga ahente dahil sa pagiging mga berdugo at pinakasagad-saring kalaban ng mga Mindoreño.

Nananawagan din ang LDGC-NPA-Mindoro sa mga Mindoreño na ilantad, labanan at biguin ang panlulupig na ginagawa ng 20rd Bde sa mamamayan. Pataasin ang kamulatan sa kalagayan ng ating lipunan, maging mapanuri upang hindi madala sa mga say-ops, kasinungalinan at panlilinlang ng 203rd Bde. Kumilos tayo at organisahin ang ating hanay upang mapataas ang ating kakayahan sa koordinado at kolektibong mga hakbang para sa ating pambansa at demokratikong interes. Gamitin natin ang lahat ng paraan para sa depensa ng ating hanay. Pinakamahusay kung ang mamamayan ay mag-armas at lumahok sa digmang bayan na isinusulong ng NPA. Makatarungan ang mag-armas, ang mag-rebolusyon sa gitna ng pandarahas, panlulupig at pang-aapi ng mga lokal at naghaharing uri at ng dayuhang amo nila.

Rebolusyonaryong hustisya para kay Jay-el at iba pang biktima ng EJK ng 203rd Brigade!
Lumahok sa digmang bayan!
Isulong ang armadong paglaban hanggang sa ganap na tagumpay!
Parusahan ang mga pasistang AFP-PNP!
Bigwasan ang 203rd Brigade sa Mindoro!
Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDPF!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang lumalaban!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kriminal-na-203rd-brigade-muling-pumaslang-ng-sibilyan-sa-bulalacao-oriental-mindoro/

CPP/NDF-Southern Tagalog: Balikatan Exercises, bahagi ng gerang agresyon ng US sa Asia Pacific: Tutulan at labanan ang panghihimasok ng US at panunulsol ng gera!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 18, 2024): Balikatan Exercises, bahagi ng gerang agresyon ng US sa Asia Pacific: Tutulan at labanan ang panghihimasok ng US at panunulsol ng gera! (Balikatan Exercises, part of the US war of aggression in the Asia Pacific: Resist and resist US interference and war incitement!)

 


Patnubay de Guia

Spokesperson

NDF-Southern Tagalog

April 18, 2024


Marapat na kundenahin, tutulan at labanan ng mamamayang Pilipino ang mga mapanulsol na aktibidad ng US kagaya ng Balikatan Exercises sa Asia Pacific dahil sa bantang inihahatid nito sa mga mamamayan sa rehiyon, lalung laluna sa sambayanang Pilipino. Kailangang palakasin ang pakikibaka para ipaglaban at igiit ang pambansang soberanya at kasarinlan ng Pilipinas sa harap ng garapalang pagpapakatuta ni Marcos Jr sa US.

Sa gitna ng pagdarahop ng bayan dahil sa El Niño, inuuna pa ng rehimeng US-Marcos II ang paghahanda sa taunang Balikatan Exercises na ilulunsad sa Abril 22-Mayo 10. Lalahukan ito ng 16,700 pinagsanib na mga tropang US, Pilipinas at iba pang kaalyadong bansa. Ito na ang pinakamalaking delegasyon ng Balikatan sa kasaysayan. Isasagawa ito sa itinakda ng US na first island chain o kurdon ng mga isla sa Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Pilipinas at Borneo na magiging lunsaran ng digma laban sa China. Sa loob ng bansa, tiyak na paglulunsaran ang West Philippine Sea (WPS) upang lalupang gatungan ang tensyon laban sa China.

Tusong sinasagpang ng US ang galit ng mamamayang Pilipino sa China at ginagamit itong tabing para sa paglulusot ng Balikatan at iba pang panghihimasok ng US. Tumampok nitong Marso ang pinakahuling agresibong aksyon ng China laban sa mga barko ng Pilipinas kung saan nasugatan ang dalawang coast guard sa panganganyon ng China ng tubig. Nasa proseso ng paghahatid ng suplay ang barko ng Pilipinas sa base militar sa Ayungin Shoal. Bukod pa rito ang panghaharas ng China sa mga mangingisdang Pilipino sa WPS.

Sinasakyan ng US ang paghahari-harian ng China sa WPS upang tuluy-tuloy na manghimasok at tapakan ang pambansang soberanya ng Pilipinas. Bago pa ang Balikatan, sing-aga ng Enero nagsagawa na ng ehersisyong militar ang US at Pilipinas sa Cabra Island, Occidental Mindoro na ginulo ng China. Ngayon naman, inilulunsad ng US at Pilipinas ang ehersisyong Cope Thunder sa Pampanga. Batay sa mga ulat, aabot sa higit 500 aktibidad ang ilulunsad ng magkasanib na pwersang militar ng US at Pilipinas ngayong 2024.

Nagagawa ng US na makapanghimasok sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng tagibang na kasunduang militar na Mutual Defense Treaty, Visiting Forces Agreement at mga katulad. Sa bisa ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, nakapagdagdag ang mga ito ng apat na base militar bukod sa limang nauna nang nakaistasyon at iba pang mga lihim na base sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa. Pinakahuling kasunduang pinasok ng Pilipinas ay ang Bilateral Security Guidelines na malinaw na naglalatag ng pagpapakatuta ng bansa at ang pagpapakaladkad sa mga gera ng US sa ilalim ng ligal na balangkas.

Kabaliktaran ang ipinangangalandakan ng US na “pagtatanggol” at “paggigiit ng soberanya ng Pilipinas” dahil bahagi ang mga ehersisyong militar ng planong gerang sa China. Kinakailangan itong gawin ito ng US upang pilit na isalba ang naghihingalo nitong ekonomya, panatilihin ang hegemonya sa daigdig at pigilan ang pag-unlad ng karibal nitong imperyalistang China. Walang pakialam ang US sa sasapitin ng mamamayang Pilipino sakaling tumungo sa armadong sigalot ang pakikipaggirian nito sa China.

Wala nang naniniwala sa paghahambog ng US na ito ang “dakilang tagapagligtas” ng daigdig dahil sa malaon nitong rekord na paghahasik ng gera. Kabaligtaran, ang US ang numero-unong terorista sa buong daigdig. Malaki ang pananagutan ng imperyalismong US sa kabi-kabilang masaker gamit ang mga armas pandigma nito lalo sa Palestine kung saan pinakamaraming bata na ang pinaslang. Mariin itong kinukundena ng mamamayan ng daigdig, maging ng mamamayang Amerikano. Bukod pa, tinutuligsa ng naghihirap na mamamayang Amerikano ang gubyerno ng US sa paglustay ng pondo ng bayan para sa mga gerang proxy at gerang agresyon nito.

Sa Pilipinas, nakabatay sa US counter-insurgency guide ang kontra-rebolusyonaryong gerang inilulunsad ng reaksyunaryong gubyerno upang supilin ang pambansa-demokratikong pakikibaka ng bayan. Sinusuportahan ng US ang teroristang gera ng rehimeng Marcos II at AFP-PNP sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaloob ng mga armas at direktang paglahok sa mga operasyong pangkombat sa kanayunan at kabayanan. Sa utos ng US, pinaiigting ang kontra-rebolusyonaryong digma sa layuning kagyat na wakasan ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan at ganap na makapagpokus ang AFP sa eksternal na mga banta. Manipestasyon ito ng pagluluto at paghahanda sa nalalapit na gera sa Asia Pacific.

Dapat ilunsad ang malawakang pakikibakang bayan at padagundungin ang malakas na pagtutol ng sambayanang Pilipino sa imperyalistang gera. Batid ng bayan na maiipit ang Pilipinas sa gitna ng tunggalian ng dalawang malaking imperyalistang kapangyarihan at magreresulta ito ng labis na paghihirap at pagdurusa. Matinding pinsala ang iluluwal ng gera sa buhay, kabuhayan at ari-arian ng bayan.

Singilin si Marcos Jr. bilang tuta ng imperyalismong US. Si Marcos Jr. ang mistulang Zelensky ng Ukraine na nanlilimos sa mga imperyalistang bansa ng armas sa ngalan ng pagtatanggol sa sariling kapit sa poder. Ngunit sa likod nito, ang mga armas na ginagamit ng AFP-PNP ay itinututok sa nakikibakang mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan. Milyun-milyong piso ang winawaldas ng reaksyunaryong estado para lamang sa isinusulong nitong kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera, hindi pa para sa “pagtatanggol”. Isinasagawa ito sa gitna ng malawakang krisis at kahirapang dinaranas ng sambayanang Pilipino. Dapat ding panagutin ang US bilang numero unong terorista at tagasuplay ng armas-pandigma sa rehimeng Marcos II.

Dapat ilantad ang mga krimen ng mga tropang Amerikano sa paglabag sa karapatang tao ng mamamayan sa buong panahong nanghihimasok sila sa Pilipinas. Kailangang isadokumento at ipalaganap ang mga kaso ng pananakot, panghaharas at intimidasyon, panggugulo sa komunidad, panggagahasa sa kababaihan at ligalig na dulot ng kanilang mga ehersisyong militar sa bayan.

Mariing kundenahin ang perwisyong hatid nito sa paghahanap-buhay ng mga Pilipino laluna ng mga mangingisda na tiyak na maaapektuhan ng restriksyon sa paglaot sa panahong inilulunsad ang mga ehersisyong militar. Dapat ding ilantad ang mapaminsalang epekto ng mga pagsasanay sa kalikasan laluna sa natural habitat sa karagatan.

Bilang pagtataguyod sa kasarinlan at pagtatanggol sa mga mamamayan ng Asia Pacific, kailangang makipag-alyansa at makipagkapit-bisig ang Pilipinas sa mga aping mamamayang biktima ng imperyalistang agresyon. Lumahok sa mga internasyunal na alyansang anti-imperyalista at pangkapayapaan upang pangalagaan ang buhay at kaligtasan ng higit na nakararaming mamamayan.

Dapat ilantad ang imperyalismo bilang ugat ng kahirapan ng mga kolonya at malakolonya sa daigdig. Malawakang kundinahin ang pagwawasiwas ng imperyalismo ng mga gerang agresyon sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo bilang desperadong hakbangin sa naghihingalo nilang ekonomya.

Ubos-kayang ilunsad at ipagwagi ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan na isinusulong sa Pilipinas upang makalaya sa kuko ng imperyalismo, pyudalismo at burukrata kapitalismo. Itambol ang kawastuhan ng programa ng pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon at palahukin ang pinakamaraming bilang ng inaapi at pinagsasamantalahang mamamayan.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/balikatan-exercises-bahagi-ng-gerang-agresyon-ng-us-sa-asia-pacific-tutulan-at-labanan-ang-panghihimasok-ng-us-at-panunulsol-ng-gera/

CPP/NPA-Masbate/Bicol ROC: Mahusay na depensa ng BHB-Masbate sa tangkang kubkob ng militar sa Masbate City

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 19, 2024): Mahusay na depensa ng BHB-Masbate sa tangkang kubkob ng militar sa Masbate City (Great defense by NPA-Masbate in the attempted military siege in Masbate City)

Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

April 19, 2024

Matagumpay na naipagtanggol ng isang yunit ng Jose Rapsing Command-Bagong Hukbong Bayan Masbate ang kanilang pwersa laban sa tangkang pangungubkob ng mga teroristang tropa ng 96th Infantry Battalion-Phil. Army. Nangyari ang kontra-kubkob kahapon ng Abril 18, 5:30 ng umaga sa Barangay B. Titong, Masbate City.

Dalawa ang napatay at dalawa ang malalang nasugatan sa hanay ng militar. Ligtas namang nakamaniobra ang Pulang hukbo nang walang tinamong kaswalti sa kanilang hanay. Hindi ito maitatanggi ng 96th IBPA lalupa’t nasaksihan ng masa na dinala sa Legazpi ang kanilang sugatan at nakita ng masa ang kanilang dalawang tropa na namatay sa nasabing labanan.

Batid na walang pinipiling oras at panahon ang mga traydor at desperadong kaaway, mahusay na nakapag-alerto at nakapaghanda ang mga kasama at naipihit ang gipit na sitwasyon sa kanilang bentahe.

Nananawagan ang pamunuan ng Jose Rapsing Command-Bagong Hukbong Bayan Masbate sa lahat ng mga yunit nito na panatilihin ang mataas na diwa ng alerto, kahandaan at disiplina laluna sa harap ng tiyak na desperasyon ng kaaway na wakasan ang armadong tunggalian bago matapos ang 2024.

Sa halip, dapat nilang ubos-kayang ipatupad ang atas ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na maglunsad ng mga taktikal na opensiba upang bigwasan ang mga teroristang AFP-PNP-CAFGU at muling biguin ang deklarasyong todo-gera ni Marcos Jr laban sa mamamayan. Dapat pandayin ng bawat Pulang Hukbo ang opensibang diwa sa larangan ng militar, propaganda-edukasyon, gawaing masa at pagpapalawak bilang puhunan sa pagpapalakas. Magpalakas upang makalaban; lumaban para makapagpalakas.

Nakikiisa rin ang JRC-BHB Masbate sa mga yunit ng Hukbo sa iba pang mga prubinsya sa Bikol, laluna yaong mga naharap sa depensibang labanan, na magpakatatag, magtasa at humalaw ng aral sa karanasan upang ibayo pang makapagpalakas at magkamit ng nga tagumpay.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/mahusay-na-depensa-ng-bhb-masbate-sa-tangkang-kubkob-ng-militar-sa-masbate-city/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros/Negros Island ROC: On the 1st death anniversary of Rogelio ‘Ka Cocoy’ Posadas

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 20, 2024): On the 1st death anniversary of Rogelio ‘Ka Cocoy’ Posadas

 


Estrella Banagbanag

Spokesperson

NPA-Southeast Negros (Rachelle Mae Palang Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 19, 2024

Along with the entire revolutionary forces on Negros Island, the Rachelle Mae Palang Command-New People’s Army Southeast Negros Guerrilla Front (RMPC-NPA) commemorates the first anniversary of the gruesome death of Rogelio ‘Ka Cocoy’ Posadas, erstwhile secretary of the Negros Island Regional Party Committee (NIRPC) and peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), in the bloody hands of reactionary state troops. He was brutally murdered by the 94th Infantry Battalion after he was captured with three others in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental while traveling on a motorcycle last April 19, 2023. Lyngrace Marturillas and two drivers remain missing up to this day.

Ka Cocoy was a valiant Party leader. He was an ardent student of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism which he masterfully applied to the particularities of the revolutionary situation in Negros Island as Regional Party secretary since 2019. Despite his advanced age, he was a model to all other revolutionaries in the concept of “simple living and hard struggle.”

With his leadership and the earnest commitment of comrades and the masses, the Party, NPA, and mass organizations in Negros continuously foiled the counterrevolutionary plans of the former Duterte regime and the current US-Marcos regime. Up to now, the revolutionary movement on the island strives to resist the reactionary government’s increasingly desperate pipe dream to defeat the armed revolution in yet another “deadline.”

The AFP is diabolically delighted and proud to have claimed civilian and hors de combat lives, in direct violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). Their promotion of a culture of impunity reeks of corruption and wanton violence in service of the ruling clique of big landlords and compradors, and bureaucrat capitalists.

On the other hand, the people remains unsurprised yet outraged of the brutal crimes on Negros Island and continues to seek justice. Unsurprised of the fascist and mercenary character of the enemy, and outraged that Negros has become a vast killing field. Ka Cocoy’s death is a confirmation of this brand of reactionary violence and also an affirmation to the revolutionary forces of the correctness of the path of armed struggle to establish a society of just and lasting peace.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/on-the-1st-death-anniversary-of-rogelio-ka-cocoy-posadas/

CPP/NPA-Northern Negros/Negros Island ROC: Bantayog nga dili matay-og

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 20, 2024): Bantayog nga dili matay-og (It is a monument that cannot be shaken)

 


Cecil Estrella

Spokesperson

NPA-Northern Negros (Roselyn Pelle Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

April 20, 2024

Gikan sa kinapusoran sa kalasangan ug kabukiran hangtud sa kapatagan ug kabaybayonan, ang katawhan sa Norte ug iyang rebolusyonaryong kalihukan mihatag sa ilang pagsaludo ug pasidungog kang Kaubang Rogelio “Ka Cocoy” Posadas sa okasyon sa unang tuig nga kasumaran sa iyang pagkamartir karong adlawa pinaagi sa pagpakayab sa gatusan ka Pulang bandera kadungan sa pag-isa sa ilang mga armas ug kinumo.

Samtang ang mga yunit sa New People’s Army ubos sa Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC-NPA) mopahigayon sa hilom nga 21-gun salute nga sundan sa nagkalain-laing programa uban sa masa. Ang mga sanga ug grupo sa Partido ug organisasyong masa sa kalungsoran ug kasyudaran maglunsad usab sa simple, apan mabulukon nga mga tinagong aktibidad taliwala sa mga operasyong paniktik ug kombat nga gilunsad sa kaaway.

Usa ka bantayog nga dili matay-og si Ka Cocoy ug tinubdan sa walay pagkahubas nga rebolusyonaryong optimismo ug pagsalig sa mga batakang prinsipyo atubangan sa mga dagkong kalisdanan, internal nga kahuyangan ug uban pang babag sa pag-abante.

Ang bangis niyang gidangatan (gidakop human walay kaluoy nga gipatay) sa kamot sa pasistang militar usa ka tuig na ang milabay wala makapalong sa kalayo sa rebolusyon. Kundili dugang napanday ang masa ug mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa pakigharong sa kaaway, mahukmanong pagsulbad sa mga problema, ug pag-angkon sa militante ug opensibang postura.

Isip lider komunista, estratehista ug taktiksyan sa kasundaluhan sa katawhan, nahimong giyang iwag si Ka Cocoy sa pagpasulong sa gubat sa katawhan sa Norte sulod sa daghang katuigan.

Ang iyang bahandianon nga kabiling teoretikal ug praktikal importanteng giya karon unsaon makapangibabaw sa mga internal nga problema sama sa emperisismo, konserbatismo ug pasibidad, burukratismo ug uban pa. Kasumpay kini sa nagpadayon nga Kalihukang Pagtul-id nga gilunsad sa Partido.

Mabuhi ang rebolusyonaryong kabilin ni Ka Cocoy!
Isulong ang Kalihukang Pagtul-id ug kab-oton ang mas dako pang kadaugan!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/bantayog-nga-dili-matay-og/

G7 calls out China over ‘intimidation, militarization’ in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2024): G7 calls out China over ‘intimidation, militarization’ in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

'DANGEROUS' MOVES. The civilian vessel Unaizah May 1 is harassed, blocked, and blasted with water cannon by a Chinese coast guard vessel while on a resupply mission to troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on March 5, 2024. The Group of Seven (G7) on Friday (April 19, 2024) called out China over its militarization and “intimidation activities” in the South China Sea, particularly its “dangerous maneuvers” against Filipino vessels carrying out routine resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal. (Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines)

MANILA – The Group of Seven (G7) has called out China over its militarization and “intimidation activities” in the South China Sea (SCS), as it took note of Beijing’s "dangerous maneuvers” and water cannon use against Filipino vessels carrying out routine resupply missions to the Ayungin Shoal.

In a communiqué issued on Friday, the foreign ministers of the G7 states opposed China’s “dangerous use” of coast guard and maritime militia in asserting its claim over the vital waterway.

“We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” it read.

“We continue to oppose China’s dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in the South China Sea and its repeated obstruction of countries’ high seas freedom of navigation and we express serious concern about the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines vessels in this regard."

The group emphasized that there is no legal basis for China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea and reaffirmed its support for the 2016 Arbitral Award.

“We reiterate that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on July 12, 2016, is a significant milestone, which is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings and a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties,” it said.

The Arbitral Tribunal, through the landmark award, ruled that Beijing’s nine-dash line exceeds the geographic and substantive limits of its maritime entitlements provided for by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The invisible demarcation outlines China’s extensive claims over the South China Sea, including large parts of the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

G7 represents the world's leading industrialized democracies. It consists of Canada, France, the United States, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223047

Marcos admin rejects imaginary narratives – Nat'l Security Council

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2024): Marcos admin rejects imaginary narratives – Nat'l Security Council (April 20, 2024)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – The Marcos administration on Saturday disowned "unsubstantiated or imaginary promises" of alleged secret non-binding gentleman agreement or deals which aim to create distractions, divisions, and conflict.

National Security Council (NSC) Adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement Saturday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been very clear that his administration is not aware of any secret or gentleman's agreement regarding its territories.

"If there was such done under a previous administration, the same has been rescinded," Año said.

Any such agreement, if proven to be true, are inimical to the national interest and the constitution, he said.

"If there is any such agreement, it is the responsibility of those responsible for it to explain it before the Filipino people but it is not and will never be binding upon this administration," Año said.

He called on all Filipinos to stand their ground and push back against "corrosive narratives" that seek to undermine the national interest.

"We should not fall into a trap which clearly seeks to sow division in our country and weaken our resolve in asserting our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea," he said.

At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the Chinese government's insistence that Marcos has knowledge about deals on how to manage the West Philippine Sea obviously aims to divide the nation.

“Obviously, itong mga ganitong statement ‘no (these statements), have the purpose of pagsabungin iyong ating mga leader at pagsabungin iyong ating mga kababayan (making our leaders and the people clash),” Malaya said.

He assured the President has the full support of the police and the military.

“Ang panawagan po ng (The call of the) National Security Adviser is let us insulate our Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police from partisan political activities. Huwag po natin silang gagamitin (Let us not use them) because in any democracy, the Armed Forces is supposed to be neutral and apolitical -- kahit po sino magpalit-palit ng administrasyon, iyon po ‘yung (even if the administration changes, it is just the) commander-in-chief,” Malaya said.

“Hindi sila magbibitaw ng mga salita to (They will not) withdraw support from the President just because someone asked them to do so. They are professionals, they know the chain of command and they respect the rule of the military hierarchy and they have loyalty to the current Commander-In-Chief, President Bongbong Marcos,” Malaya added. (PND/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223063

Security exec: More countries seeking defense agreements with PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20, 2024): Security exec: More countries seeking defense agreements with PH (April 20, 2024)

"Salaknib" exercises of the Philippines and United States Armies in Nueva Ecija in March 2023 (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – Several countries are willing to assist the Philippines in enhancing its defense capabilities through a visIting forces agreement (VFA) or military exercises.

National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said at least 14 nations have expressed intentions to join "Balikatan" (literally shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises in the country.

The "Balikatan" with the United States military demonstrates and refines tactics, techniques, and procedures related to security and conflicts.

There are also humanitarian civic assistance projects to improve infrastructure and enhance medical response, including trainings in advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.

“Dati po iyong Balikatan, ilang libo lang iyan kasama, iyong Amerika. Ngayon libu-libo na at ang observer natin, 14. Ganoon kadami iyong mga bansa na hindi lang salita, gawa na ngayon. Nagpapadala sila ng tropa mula sa bansa nila (The previous Balikatan only had America but now there are thousand others and we have 14 observers. They actually join, not just talk about it. They send troops) and they are asking permission to join,” he said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

He said even New Zealand wants to strengthen its defenses alongside the Philippines, as expressed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in his meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace in Manila on Thursday.

Malaya said the support of various countries is mainly due to the clear stand of the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.

“Wala pong ni isang bansa ang nagpapahayag ng suporta sa posisyon ng Tsina sa (Not one country supports the stand of China on the) West Philippine Sea," Malaya said.

In contrast, he said the Philippines is always visited by prime ministers, foreign ministers, defense ministers and the like.

"They understand that our position is important. We stand for the rule of law. We stand for a free and open Indo-Pacific and we stand for international law,” Malaya said.

He clarified though that the Philippines is accepting alliances with other nations not to create war.

“We are exhausting all diplomatic options to resolve this issue. We wish a constructive dialogue with the People’s Republic of China. But defending, improving our defenses and improving the capacity of our forces through exercises and joint patrols do not mean that we are going to war,” he said.

“We have no intention of precipitating any form of war with anyone,” he added.

All VFA announcements will have to come from the Department of Foreign Affairs, he said.

“All I can say right now are the countries that have expressed interest to us publicly, like Japan,” he said.

The Philippines' tough stand against China is one of the reasons why the President was named one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time Magazine.

"Hindi po ako nagtataka doon (I'm not surprised with that) because the respect for the Philippines has increased. And I agree with the assessment of Time Magazine that President Bongbong Marcos has brought the Philippines back to the world stage,” he said.

Meanwhile, professor Don Mclain Gill, geopolitical analyst and lecturer of the International Studies Department of De La Salle University, noted that the country is on the right track as it handles with "clarity, transparency and consistency” the WPS issues.

“The government of the Philippines particularly under President Marcos Jr. has emphasized that we uphold the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), which are enough to let us know our legitimacy in terms of the West Philippine Sea," he said.

He urged Filipinos to continue to support the government.

“What we should now be focused on are its long-term implications and this is where we should show our unity in order to ensure that the efforts of civil society also align with the efforts that our government is putting in and that is basically the whole-of-the nation approach that we are trying to pursue,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1223060

PEACE TALK | Four Rebel Group Amnesties: CPP-NPA-NDF “Front Organizations” (4)

Posted to MindaNews (Apr 19, 2024): PEACE TALK | Four Rebel Group Amnesties: CPP-NPA-NDF “Front Organizations” (4) (By SOLIMAN M. SANTOS JR.)

4th of 5 parts

NAGA CITY (MindaNews / 19 April) – Proclamation No. 404 granting amnesty to “former members” of the CPP-NPA-NDF or “their front organizations” does not define or name the latter. “Front organizations” may be defined as those created or infiltrated, but in any case controlled, by a mother organization to serve its purposes and interests. All four rebel groups subject of the four new amnesty Proclamations have their respective front organizations, but only Proclamation No. 404 makes reference to those of the C-N-N. Aside from the obvious widening of the net, as it were, whether positively or negatively, on the national democratic front (used here generically, as distinguished from the National Democratic Front), this may in a way be a left-handed (pun intended) compliment or acknowledgment of the important role of the front organizations of the C-N-N in its “struggle for national democracy,” as shown early on since the 1960s by the “historical role and contributions of Kabataang Makabayan,” according to no less than its Founding Chairman Jose Maria Sison on its 50th anniversary (1964) on November 30, 2014.

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP, not just NDF) itself has named its member organizations, as follows, and so there is no doubt as to their being front organizations under the leading CPP-NPA tandem:

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)
New People’s Army (NPA)
Moro Resistance and Liberation Organization (MRLO)
Kabataang Makabayan (KM)
Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions (RCTU)
Pambansang Katipunan ng Mambubukid (PKM)
Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA)
Christians for National Liberation (CNL)
Katipunan ng Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA)
Makabayang Samahan Pangkalusugan (MASAPA)
Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB)
Lupon ng Manananggol para sa Bayan (LUMABAN)
Artista at Manunulat para sa Sambayanan (ARMAS)
Makabayang Kawaning Pilipino (MKP)
Revolutionary Organization of Overseas Filipinos and their Families (COMPATRIOTS)
Cordillera People’s Democratic Front (CPDF)
Revolutionary Organization of Lumads (ROL)
Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa (KASAMA)

In the related literature, after the CPP and NPA as the leading and most important organizations of the NDFP, the rest of the above-enumerated largely sectoral organizations are referred to as “underground mass organizations” (UGMOs). But these also have their corresponding aboveground, open and legal mass organizations referred to as “national democratic mass organizations” (NDMOs), in effect second-level front organizations of first-level front organizations. And here lies the rub, where it becomes tricky or sometimes bloody, both figuratively and literally, like when they are “Red-tagged.”

In this connection, there is the remarkable unappealed and therefore final Resolution dated 21 September 2022 by RTC Manila Branch 19 Judge Marlo A. Magdoza-Malagar in Civil Case No. R-MNL-18-00925-CV (Department of Justice vs. CPP and NPA) which dismissed the Petition to declare the CPP-NPA as terrorist groups under Section 17 of the RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007, even as this was already repealed by RA 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. In pp. 38-39 of this Resolution, there is a matrix based on the testimonies of prosecution witnesses Noel Minioto Legaspi and Joy James Alcoser Sanguino, both former cadres, not just ordinary members, of the C-N-N, “identifying the NDMOs targeting specific groups or sectors and their corresponding UGMOs as follows:”

Sector UGMO NDMO

Youth andStudent Kabataang Makabayan (KM) – Anakbayan- League of Filipino Students (LFS)- National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP)- College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)- Student Christian Movement of the Philippines (SCMP)

Women Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA) – Gabriela Youth- Gabriela Women’s Party

Farmers, Fisherfolks and Peasants Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid (PKM) – Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)- Unyon ng Magsasaka sa Agrikultura (UMA)- Pambansang Lakas ng mga Mamamalakaya (PAMALAKAYA)

Workers Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions (RCTU) – Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)

Urban Poor Katipunan ng mga Samahang Manggagawa (KASAMA) – Katipunan na Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY)

Transport Pambansang Samahan ng mga Makabayang Tsuper (PSMT) – Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON)

Teachers Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA) – Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)- Congress of Teachers and Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND)

Government Makabayang Kawaning Pilipino (MKP) Confederation for Unity and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE)

Health Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan (MASAPA) – Alliance of Health Workers (AHW)- Health Alliance for Democracy (HEAD)

Lawyers Lupon ng Manananggol para sa Bayan (LUMABAN) – National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL)

Scientists  Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB) AGHAM

Church Christians for National Liberation (CNL) – Promotion of Church Peoples’ Response (PCPR)

Artists Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan (ARMAS) – National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP)- Concerned Artists of the PhilippinesMusika Alay sa Bayan

The above listing of NDMOs does not appear to be exhaustive or complete, in terms of sectors and organizations, and any such listing is bound to be contested. But note that this above NDMOs list is taken from no less than a court Resolution that is deemed by the Civil Code as “form[ing] a part of the legal system of the Philippines.” Would its above-quoted matrix be considered as “Red-tagging”? Or if a similar matrix would be presented in an academic journal article based on post-graduate academic research in political science, would it be considered as “Red-tagging”? Or if a similar matrix would be presented in a newspaper or magazine based on investigative journalism, would it be considered as “Red-tagging”? OR what if the NAC through its expected IRR or some other guidelines were to list NDMOs (there should be no question with UGMOs) as “front organizations” of the C-N-N, for purposes of implementing Proclamation No. 404, would it be considered as “Red-tagging”? Just asking, while realizing that the whole issue of “Red-tagging” is best treated separately from the herein amnesty topic.

Tomorrow: The Case of “Political Detainees and Prisoners”

(SOLIMAN M. SANTOS JR. is a retired RTC Judge of Naga City, Camarines Sur, serving in the judiciary there from 2010 to 2022. He has an A.B. in History cum laude from U.P. in 1975, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in Naga City in 1982, and a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne in 2000. He is a long-time human rights and international humanitarian lawyer; legislative consultant and legal scholar; peace advocate, researcher and writer; and author of a number of books, including on the Moro and Communist fronts of war and peace. Among his authored books are The Moro Islamic Challenge: Constitutional Rethinking for the Mindanao Peace Process published by UP Press in 2001; Judicial Activist: The Work of a Judge in the RTC of Naga City published by Central Books in 2023; and his latest, Tigaon 1969: Untold Stories of the CPP-NPA, KM and SDK published by Ateneo Press in 2023.)

https://mindanews.com/mindaviews/2024/04/peace-talk-four-rebel-group-amnesties-cpp-npa-ndf-front-organizations-4/#gsc.tab=0

Lanao battle leaves three Mautes dead

 From the Manila Standard (Apr 15, 2024): Lanao battle leaves three Mautes dead

THREE alleged members of terror group Dawlah Islamiyah – Maute were reportedly killed in a shootout with the military in Munai, Lanao del Norte.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), in a statement on Sunday, identified the fatalities as Nezrin Sandab or Firdaus, Saipal Abubacar or Fariz, and Pabo Zainoden Radia or Musab.

A soldier sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital.

On Saturday, troops from the 103rd Infantry Brigade encountered an undetermined number of suspected Maute Group members in Barangay Lindongan, the statement read.

The firefight lasted for around 20 minutes.

The troopers retrieved from the encounter site three M14 rifles, 7.62 mm ammunition, and six backpacks.

Westmincom chief Lieutenant General William Gonzales commended the troops for the operation.

https://manilastandard.net/lgu/314436114/lanao-battle-leaves-three-mautes-dead.html

AMLC freezes assets of 8 terrorist groups

From the Philippine Star (Apr 19, 2024): AMLC freezes assets of 8 terrorist groups (Keisha Ta-Asan)

The AMLC also issued a freeze order against the Islamic State of East Asia or Dawlah Islamiya, Abu Sayyaf, Maute Group, Maguid Group, Turaife Group, Hassan Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. Philstar.com / Jovannie Lambayan, file

MANILA, Philippines — The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has issued orders to freeze the assets of eight groups and a person designated as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).

AMLC executive director Matthew David said the financial intelligence unit issued a freeze order against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The AMLC also issued a freeze order against the Islamic State of East Asia or Dawlah Islamiya, Abu Sayyaf, Maute Group, Maguid Group, Turaife Group, Hassan Group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Also frozen were the assets of Elizabeth Pineda Principe, a ranking member of the central committee of the CPP-NPA.

The AMLC issued Resolution TF-86, TF-87 and TF-88 to freeze the properties or funds of the groups and Principe ”who are directly related or could be tied to a particular act, plot or threat as well as the property or funds of persons and entities acting on their behalf.”

Under Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act, relevant government agencies including the Land Transportation Office, Land Registration Authority, Registry of Deeds, Maritime Industry Authority and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are mandated to implement a freeze order against persons or groups designated as terrorists by the ATC.

Concerned institutions and government agencies are directed to submit to the AMLC the details required under the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10168.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/04/19/2348715/amlc-freezes-assets-8-terrorist-groups

6 Abu Sayyaf Group members surrender in Sulu

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Apr 18, 2024): 6 Abu Sayyaf Group members surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA. Six members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrender to authorities at the 1102nd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Tandu-Bato village, Luuk, Sulu on Monday, April 15. A photo handout shows the ASG surrenderers who were presented in a simple ceremony, where they were given initial assistance by the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the autonomous region. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SIX members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered to authorities in the province of Sulu, the military said Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Brigadier General Giovani Franza, 1102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the six ASG bandits, whose identities were not released, have surrendered at his headquarters in Tandu-Bato village, Luuk, Sulu on Monday, April 15.

Franza said the surrenderers handed over four firearms, consisting of a Garand rifle, two caliber .45 pistols, and a caliber .38 revolver.

He said each of the surrenderers received initial assistance from the Ministry of Social Services and Development consisting of a sack of 50 kilos of rice, and grocery items.

Franza has expressed his gratitude to the different government agencies for facilitating the peaceful surrender of the six ASG members.

He noted there are still ASG bandits who lied-low and are in hiding that are on the government’s list, although the province of Sulu was declared ASG-free on September 8, 2023.

Franza said the doors of the government are open to welcome them and help clear their names so that they can live a peaceful life together with their respective families. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/6-abu-sayyaf-group-members-surrender-in-sulu#google_vignette

Marcos: No plans for more EDCA sites

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15, 2024): Marcos: No plans for more EDCA sites (By Darryl John Esguerra)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the Philippines has no plan to open additional bases for United States (US) forces in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“The Philippines has no plan to open, (or) to establish more EDCA bases,” Marcos said in a media forum, his first public engagement since the historic trilateral summit in Washington between the Philippines, and its allies Japan and the US.

In February last year, Marcos granted the country's long standing ally access to four more Philippine military camps on top of the five existing locations under the EDCA– the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

The first five EDCA locations were Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.

Signed in 2014, the EDCA provides for Philippine and US militaries to train together and allows the US to build facilities and preposition supplies, and equipment inside strategically located bases in the country.

Japan to join Balikatan?

In the same media forum, Marcos also welcomed the idea of having Japan participate in the annual Balikatan exercise between Philippine and US forces.

This came after the Philippines, US, Japan, and Australia held a successful quad navy exercise in the West Philippine Sea last April 7.

“I don’t see any reason why Japan should be part of those exercises in the future. That again is a good move for us to make simply because it will make it easier for us to work together and to coordinate together, and do the most,” Marcos said.

’RAA with Japan different from VFA’

Marcos also explained that the planned Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan would be different from the country’s Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US.

”It’s not the same as a Visiting Forces Agreement. It’s not similar – we’ve had problems with that with the Americans, some American forces, we all know. It’s very, very different from what the Reciprocal Agreement will be with the Japanese,” Marcos said when asked which country should take custody of erring Japanese servicemen in case the RAA is approved.

”It’s not going to be as if it’s their base and they, their seamen will come down and will go into the city and go – I don’t think that that’s a part of the agreement.”

The VFA accorded legal status to US troops who were rotated in the country for military exercises and humanitarian assistance operations.

Among its points of contention is the criminal jurisdiction related to American soldiers violating Philippine laws.

PH monitoring US polls closely

The President also admitted that the Philippines is closely monitoring the political landscape in the US as it is set to hold another presidential election in November.

President Joe Biden, who has repeatedly expressed his commitment to supporting the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea dispute, is poised for another election showdown with his predecessor, Donald Trump. Biden defeated Trump in 2020.

Asked if the Philippines is wary that a Trump administration will not offer the same ironclad commitment that the Biden leadership has repeatedly made, Marcos said the Philippine government is eagerly examining who is going to be in-charge.

“If President Biden is reelected, then we have a fairly solid ground to base our positions on because we have already spoken with him,” Marcos said.

“But, inevitably, if there is a change in government, then there would be changes in policy. We do not know what those are. But, I believe what we have agreed with the United States is beyond politics. I think that since they almost rise to treaty agreements, those treaty agreements must be honored. That, I think, puts us on ground,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222643