CPP/NDF-International: Marcos Jr. sells out PH sovereignty for US war preparations vs China

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 10, 2024): Marcos Jr. sells out PH sovereignty for US war preparations vs China

 


NDF-International

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

April 10, 2024

Marcos Jr.’s trip to the United States for a trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is an utter and complete sell-out of Philippine sovereignty to US war designs in Asia. The so-called “trilateral summit” is set to discuss “maritime security cooperation” between the three countries.

Marcos Jr. is willingly offering the Philippine archipelago to serve as a ‘theater of war’ by allowing the US to position its military arsenal on land, sea, and air. The Philippines is a crucial piece in the “US Island Chain strategy” to contain China. The Philippines’ strategic location allows the US to constrict regional waterways and position readily deployable military air power in close proximity to China. In order to achieve its objectives, the US is escalating war preparations in the region by encouraging Japan and other imperialist allies to join the geopolitical chess game.

In the said trilateral meeting, Marcos Jr. seeks to further increase US military footprint in Philippine soil while talks are underway with Japan for a reciprocal access agreement that will allow Japanese military presence in the country. In fact, preparations are already ongoing for the biggest Balikatan Exercises in history which is expected to draw at least 16,000 troops to participate. The Balikatan war games this year aims to test the so-called ‘Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CDAC)’ patterned after US imperialist war plans in the region. These actions form part of the US strategy to provoke China into “firing the first shot” demonstrating the US government’s bloodthirst.

On the other hand, Marcos Jr.’s actions prove his outright subservience to US imperialist war preparations and his readiness to drag the Filipino people in the middle of a brewing inter-imperialist conflict. Marcos Jr. must be held accountable for his reprehensible sell-out of Philippine sovereignty and his blatant disregard for the lives of the Filipino masses. More importantly, the Biden administration must be denounced for its continued exportation of wars of aggression from Ukraine to Palestine and now using the Philippines as a pawn in its attempt to stifle China’s growing influence.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/marcos-jr-sells-out-ph-sovereignty-for-us-war-preparations-vs-china/

CPP/CIO: Ka Rekka, former UP student, was unarmed and extrajudicially killed in Bukidnon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 10, 2024): Ka Rekka, former UP student, was unarmed and extrajudicially killed in Bukidnon

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 12, 2024

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the US-Marcos fascist regime and its armed minions in the 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for the extrajudicial killing of Kaliska Dominica Peralta (Ka Rekka), a Red fighter of the New People’s Army, in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon.

Based on initial information we have gathered, Ka Rekka was unarmed when she was taken in by the military and police agents last Wednesday, April 10. She was later taken to another part of the village where she was shot and killed. Three others were arrested by the AFP.

Local witnesses attest that there was no gunbattle, contrary to the statements issued by the military and police. The media and the public are being fed false information by the AFP in order to cover up their crime. The killing of Ka Rekka after she was accosted is clearly unlawful and constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law.

We support calls for an independent investigation into the killing of Ka Rekka. A postmortem examination of her remains will hopefully reveal more information.

We express our sympathies to the family and friends of Ka Rekka, who was a militant revolutionary beloved by the peasant masses and Lumad people of Mindanao. She was a former student of the University of the Philippines who decided to join the New People’s Army and dedicate her life to serving the oppressed and exploited masses.

Despite all the difficulties and sacrifices, Ka Rekka persevered and gave her all. She was a source of joy and life to the NPA and the masses. Her contributions to all fields of revolutionary work will forever be cherished and remembered by the people.

To her last breath, she was true to the people’s cause for national democracy. Her name will forever be etched in the annals of the Filipino people’s revolutionary heroes.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ka-rekka-former-up-student-was-unarmed-and-extrajudicially-killed-in-bukidnon/

CPP/NPA-Masbate/Bicol ROC: Sa pagkakaisa lamang ng NPA at mga Masbatenyo mapapanagot ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kanilang mga krimen

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 12, 2024): Sa pagkakaisa lamang ng NPA at mga Masbatenyo mapapanagot ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kanilang mga krimen (Only with the unity of the NPA and the Masbatenyos will the AFP-PNP-CAFGU be held accountable for their crimes)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

April 12, 2024

Tiyak na magbabayad ang mga militar na sangkot sa pagpatay kay Jimmy Pautan, mahigit 50 anyos nitong Abril 11, 2024, 5:00am sa Sityo Tadloy, Barangay Luna, bayan ng Placer at kay Elorde “Nonoy” Almario sa Barangay San Carlos, bayan ng Milagros noong Abril 2, 2024. Matapos patayin, pinalabas si Pautan na isang NPA na napatay sa engkwentro.

Ang pagpatay kina Pautan at Almario ay pananagutan ni Marcos Jr sa kanyang utos na todo gera laban sa sambayanan. Sa Masbate, ang todo gera ni Marcos Jr ay isang gera kontra magsasaka upang tuluyang ilayo ang mga Masbatenyo sa kanilang rebolusyonaryong armadong kilusan. Pakay ng gerang ito na lunurin sa takot ang mga Masbatenyo at isuko ang kanilang pakikibaka para sa lupa, kabuhayan, karapatan at buhay.

Sina Pautan at Almario ang ika-27 at ika-28 biktima ng pampulitikang pamamaslang sa ilalim ng gera kontra magsasakang ito. Si Pautan ay pinatay ng mga elemento ng 2nd Infantry Battalion-Phil. Army habang si Almario ay pinatay ng mga elemento ng CAFGU sa pangunguna ng isang Alvin Masamoc.

Nakikidalamhati at nakikiramay ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa mga naulilang pamilya ng mga biktima. Batid ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang pagnanais ng mga pamilya ng mga biktima na makamit ang katarungan.

Sa halip na matakot, hindi dapat mag-alangan ag mga kaanak, kababaryo at ang kalakhang Masbatenyo na ilantad ang pang-aabuso ng militar. Sa unang tingin, mistula’y wala nang laban ang mga Masbatenyo sa tumitinding terorismo at pagkahalimaw ng militar. Subalit dapat maunawaan ng mga Masbatenyo na ang walang awat na teror ng kaaway ay hindi tanda ng kalakasan ng kaaway kundi senyales ng kanilang kahinaan at kabulukan.

Sa katunayan, ang gera kontra magsasaka ni Marcos Jr. ay isang desperadong hakbang upang hadlangan ang tiyak na pagbangon ng mamamayan sa harap ng tumitinding krisis sa kabuhayan at pagkain, pang-aagaw ng lupa at terorismo sa ilalim ng kanyang rehimen. Lalong nagngangalit ang mamamayan sa pagdawit sa Pilipinas sa namumuong armadong sigalot ng US at China.

Hindi dapat malimutan ng mga Masbatenyo na mas marami sila kumpara sa kaaway. Hindi dapat malimutan ng mga Masbatenyo na taglay nila ang armas na mas malakas kaysa anumang modernong terorismo at kagamitan ng kaaway, iyon ay ang kanilang pagkakaisa. Lalong lalakas ang pagkakaisang ito kung lalahok ang mga Masbatenyo sa digmang bayan bilang natatanging paraan para makamit ang katarungan.

Sa suporta ng mga Masbatenyo, hindi titigil ang Jose Rapsing Command-NPA Masbate sa pagpapalakas ng armadong paglaban upang pagbayarin nang mahal ang AFP-PNP-CAFGU sa kanilang mga pasistang krimen.##

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/sa-pagkakaisa-lamang-ng-npa-at-mga-masbatenyo-mapapanagot-ang-afp-pnp-cafgu-sa-kanilang-mga-krimen/

Expert: PH, US, Japan trilateral a ‘strategic’ boon to WPS status quo

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2024): Expert: PH, US, Japan trilateral a ‘strategic’ boon to WPS status quo (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center), US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. (Photos courtesy of RTVM and the White House)

MANILA – The Philippines, Japan and the United States’ agreement to advance trilateral cooperation, including on defense and security, would help maintain the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, an international studies expert said Friday.

At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, Pacific Forum Director for Maritime Security Jeffrey Ordaniel believes that the partnership would further boost the Philippines' capacity to protect its rights within its maritime zones.

“My expectation is there will be more efficient and strategic coordination on how to better build Philippine capacity. (There will be) division of labor to make sure that China does not continue to coerce its way through domination of the South China Sea and the region,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a historic trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C. on April 11.

The three leaders announced a number of new investment initiatives in various areas.

Included in the expected deliverables are “at-sea trilateral exercise” and other maritime activities between the US, Philippine, and Japanese coast guards starting next year.

At the bilateral level, Ordaniel hoped the Philippines would partner with the US in ensuring the success of future resupply missions to the Filipino troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

The analyst said the situation over the feature remains the “most urgent challenge” the country needs to face.

“It’s where China is trying to act with impunity and try to dislodge our presence there. It is time for the Philippines and the United States to discuss imposing actual costs on China,” he said.

Among Ordaniel’s suggestions is for the US to “escort the resupply mission” either as part of a joint military exercise program or in tandem with the US Navy Freedom of Navigation Operations.

“Doing so would allow us to maintain the status quo in the Second Thomas Shoal and withstand Chinese coercion,” he said.

China claims territorial sovereignty over the Ayungin Shoal but Ordaniel argued that no country can claim it as a territory because it has been classified as a “low tide elevation” under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“Ibig sabihin niyan lumulubog siya kapag high tide. Kapag lumulubog iyan kapag high tide ibig sabihin niyan hindi siya puwedeng i-claim na territory ng kahit na sinong bansa (A feature that is submerged at high tide is called a low tide elevation. If that is the case, no country can claim it as a territory),” he explained.

Given that Ayungin Shoal only has a distance of 106.3 nautical miles (NM) off Palawan and at least 617.39 NM away from the Chinese mainland, it automatically becomes part of the Philippines’ UNCLOS-mandated 200-NM exclusive economic zone.

This grants the Philippines an exclusive right to exploit and explore resources, as well as the exclusive right to build artificial structures there, said Ordaniel.

“So kung mag-decide man ang Pilipinas na we reinforce that vessel (BRP Sierra Madre) and maybe build a structure on top of it, that’s within our rights under international law (Should the Philippines decide that we will reinforce that ship and maybe build a structure on top of it, that’s within our rights under international law),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222514

PBBM sees sustained peace, stability in SCS via PH-US-Japan alliance

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2024): PBBM sees sustained peace, stability in SCS via PH-US-Japan alliance (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

STRONG PH-US TIES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center, left panel) meets with United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III (center, right panel) at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on Saturday (April 13, 2024, PH time). During his meeting with Austin, Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ strong relations with the US. (Photo courtesy of PBBM official Facebook)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism on Saturday (Manila time) that the Philippines’ trilateral alliance with the United States (US) and Japan would usher in sustained peace and stability in the South China Sea (SCS).

During his meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at the Pentagon in Washington DC, Marcos said the result of his historic trilateral summit with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida would provide “continuing defense” of international law amid the growing tensions in the SCS.

“We hope that this trilateral agreement, which we formalized yesterday, will be a formalization of an added multilateral support and structure that will make the safety, the peace, and the stability of the South China a reality and continued to be a reality,” Marcos said.

“I view of the new agreements, and the new partnerships and alliances that we have forged, including the trilateral agreement, not as a response to any particular challenge or threat but merely a continuing development and evolution of the relationship that we have been fostering over a hundred years.”

Marcos expressed hope that the Philippines and the US would continue to get closer, as he emphasized that the two countries have done so much work under his watch.

He said his visit to the Pentagon reaffirms the two countries’ strong relations in the face of all of the threats and challenges that confront them.

“Thank you once again for this opportunity for us to consult with you and to see what more it is that we can do in the future,” he said.

Marcos met with Austin at the Pentagon, a day after his landmark trilateral meeting with Biden and Kishida on Friday (Manila time).

In a joint statement after their trilateral meeting, Marcos, Biden, and Kishida expressed “serious” concern over China’s “dangerous and aggressive behavior” in the SCS.

The three leaders called on China to abide by the “final and legally binding” 2016 ruling that upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its exclusive economic zone.

‘More than allies’

Austin assured Marcos of the US’ continued support to the Philippines, emphasizing that the two countries are more than just allies.

“We’re sending our help in any way we can because as what I often said, we’re more than allies, we’re a family,” he told Marcos. “We’re gonna keep building our partnership.”

Austin said the two nations have achieved great work and cooperation, adding that their alliance “has never been this strong to strengthen interoperability between our forces and to tackle common challenges.”

He cited the two countries’ expanded operational coordination on land, sea, and air.

“This whole cooperation is critical to our collective security and continued prosperity across the region,” Austin said, reiterating Biden’s “ironclad” defense commitment to the Philippines.

Enhanced defense cooperation

Austin announced that Biden is seeking USD128 million in congressional allocation budget to execute projects for Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines.

“President Biden’s new pleasant request seeks USD128 million to execute 36 projects and enhance defense cooperation agreement size, and that would more than double the amount that we’ve invested in EDCA infrastructure,” he said.

“All these underscores the strength of our alliances further, and so I look forward to hearing your views on how we can keep working together more closely than ever, including through cooperation with like-minded partners.”

In 2016, the Philippines and the US agreed on five initial sites where both sides will construct facilities and preposition equipment.

The selection of the EDCA sites is in accordance with the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) Strategic Basing Plan.

The identified sites are Philippine military bases that will be further developed based on the strategic requirements for the basing and development of the AFP.

Austin also said that an armed attack on the Philippines’ armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the Pacific, including the SCS, would invoke US defense commitments to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

The EDCA is an instrument signed between the Philippines and the US in 2014 to deepen their defense cooperation and advance the implementation of the MDT.

This will be done by addressing capability gaps, particularly in humanitarian assistance and disaster response; promoting modernization and interoperability; and helping develop maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

The diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the US span 77 years since its formal establishment on July 4, 1946.

Key deal

In a statement, House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez said Marcos scored a “strategic victory” in securing the solid commitment of the US and Japan.

“President Marcos Jr.’s steadfast leadership and diplomatic initiatives significantly advanced our country’s national interests, especially in upholding our sovereignty and safeguarding our territorial integrity, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” Romualdez said.

“The commitment of the United States and Japan to support the Philippines in defending its sovereignty and promoting regional peace is a testament to the strength of bilateral and multilateral partnerships in addressing complex security challenges.”

He reaffirmed the full support of the House for government efforts to protect the nation’s interests and in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (With a report from Jose Cielito Reganit/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222556

Marcos: PH cannot be complacent despite ‘intensified’ US ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2024): Marcos: PH cannot be complacent despite ‘intensified’ US ties (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

FORMAL DINNER. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graces the formal dinner hosted by the United States-Philippines Society in Washington DC on Saturday (April 13, 2024, Manila time). In his keynote speech, Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ and the US' robust defense and economic collaboration. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA – The country cannot afford to be complacent despite its “increased and intensified” defense and security relations with the United States (US), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Saturday (Manila time).

While Marcos acknowledged the remarkable progress in the Philippines’ and the US’ defense and security cooperation, he said the country could not just sit back considering the potentially grave repercussions of present security issues the two nations have dealt with.

“Well, we have come a long way. I think that we have responded in a proper and measured way to the challenges that have been put before us. But we cannot sit back and say that the mission accomplished quite yet,” he said during the formal dinner hosted by the US-Philippine Society in Washington DC.

“The nature, the intensity, and the potential disastrous consequences of the security threats facing us today necessitate that we work harder and continuously improve.”

Marcos welcomed US President Joe Biden’s commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), citing that the annual Balikatan exercise between Philippine and American troops is part of the pact.

Inked on Aug. 30, 1951, the MDT is an accord that stipulates that the Philippines and the US would support each other if either of them were to be attacked by an external party.

The President said the military exercises between the two nations are “going to be the largest (and) most extensive” as these would cover more areas, especially in terms of interoperability.

He also expressed elation over the two countries’ establishment of bilateral defense guidelines and expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“From the original five (EDCA) sites to now nine sites, it would be quite easy to say that we are in a good place as far as our alliance is concerned. And for me, this means our alliance matters,” Marcos said.

“It matters because our increased and intensified defense and security engagement with the United States means that we are significantly contributing to our country’s ability to defend our security and address the threats.”

He also said he had received assurance that the development of the two nations’ Security Sector Assistance Roadmap and signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement are “very close to conclusion.”

While the US is “not a direct party” to the long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea (SCS), it continued to play its part in assisting and working with the Philippines to address maritime-related issues, Marcos added.

He also expressed appreciation for the US for its firm stance to help the Philippines, in case of an armed attack by a third party, as well as its commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and the rules-based order.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222559

US vows to beef up AFP modernization support in first 3+3 with PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2024): US vows to beef up AFP modernization support in first 3+3 with PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The United States has promised to increase its support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization in the inaugural 3+3 ministerial meeting between the two nations' security, defense, and foreign affairs agencies.

The 3+3 was held in Washington DC on April 12 (US time) with Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, and National Security Advisor Eduardo M. Año representing the Philippines.

Representing the US side, on the other hand, were Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

“The parties underscored their determination to increase US support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to improve interoperability and to achieve our shared security objectives,” the six agencies’ joint statement read.

The agencies also reaffirmed Manila’s and Washington DC’s “shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific” and discussed ways to deepen coordination over shared challenges in the South China Sea, including the “repeated harassment of lawful Philippine operations by the People’s Republic of China.”

Blinken, Austin, and Sullivan reiterated the “ironclad commitment” to the US-Philippine Alliance and recalled that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea.

“The parties further decided to explore additional opportunities to strengthen global support for upholding the international law of the sea,” the statement read.

Austin in a separate statement noted that Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget request also sought USD128 million to fund 36 infrastructure projects on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites in the Philippines, more than double the amount the US has already invested in those sites.

‘PH appreciates’

On Friday, the Department of National Defense reiterated its appreciation for the US government's sustained support for the ongoing AFP Modernization Program.

On April 5, US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III visited the DND headquarters and met with DND Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino and discussed the deepening alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

Espino noted the arrival of the C-130 aircraft acquired from Lockheed Martin through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, which supports the AFP's humanitarian and disaster response operations, and bolsters the Philippine Air Force's cargo airlift fleet operations.

Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Espino also acknowledged the support of the US Congress with the allocation of USD109 million for the implementation of the EDCA projects.

"The two security officials discussed the upcoming conduct of Exercise Balikatan, which boosts the interoperability of the two countries' armed forces, as well as enhances the AFP's external defense operations. This year's iteration of the Balikatan is the largest exercise to date, with the participation of over 11,000 US troops and 5,000 Filipino troops, while 14 countries will be joining as observers," Andolong said.

Likewise, the two officials reaffirmed the Philippines-US commitment to protecting and maintaining the international rules-based order in the West Philippine Sea. (With Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222560

Remains of ‘missing’ rebel exhumed in S. Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8, 2024): Remains of ‘missing’ rebel exhumed in S. Leyte (By Sarwell Meniano)

RETRIEVED. The exhumed remains of the New People's Army (NPA) member in Sogod, Southern Leyte. The recent exhumation of remains that belonged to a rebel unfolds the NPA's negligence toward the value of human life, the Philippine Army said on Monday (April 8, 2024). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – Combined elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police retrieved the remains of a missing rebel in upland Kahupian village in Sogod, Southern Leyte last week.

The body was exhumed after former rebel, John Lamadora, revealed to authorities the location of the remains of Teofulo Arbuyas, alias Enting, and the nature of his death.

Arbuyas was a member of Platoon 1, Island Committee 47 of the New People’s Army (NPA) Eastern Visayas regional party committee, according to Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade.

Lamadora revealed that Arbuyas expressed his intent to leave the movement to seek medical help, but was not allowed by his NPA commander.

The communist movement rejected the proposition that Arbuyas could receive proper medical treatment with the help of the Army and the government, Vestuir said.

“I felt horrified upon learning the desires of Teng or Enting to go down so that his illness would be treated. It only shows the true terrorist color of the NPA commanders, who do not value human life. These people do not care about the feelings of their members’ loved ones,” Vestuir said in a phone interview.

Arbuyas, a native of Javier, Leyte, reportedly died sometime in May 2023 without the knowledge of his family.

Vestuir thanked Lamadora for the information while reiterating his call for the remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and live a normal life.

Earlier, the 802nd Brigade launched the Friends Rescued through Engagement with their Families program, optimizing the local government’s efforts to link and convince the remaining NPA members through the active participation of the rebels’ families to work for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222224

Samar’s ex-rebel housing recipients tapped as forest guards

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8, 2024): Samar’s ex-rebel housing recipients tapped as forest guards (By Roel Amazona)

HOMEOWNERS. The former rebels-recipients of the housing project in San Jose de Buan, Samar in this April 5, 2024 photo. The recipients will be trained as forest rangers to protect portions of the natural forest of the Samar Island Natural Park. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

TACLOBAN CITY – Former rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar, who recently benefited from the housing project of the provincial government, will be trained as forest rangers to protect portions of the natural forest of the Samar Island Natural Park.

Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said Monday the first 10 former rebels will be tapped as forest guards as part of the government’s livelihood assistance under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

"From former rebels, they will now become forest rangers who will guard some areas of San Jose de Buan that are within the protected area," Tan said.

They are tasked with monitoring and watching over forestlands and providing support to regular DENR forest rangers during forest protection activities.

On April 5, at least 10 housing units under the “Saad nga Balay” (promised houses) project were turned over to residents who abandoned the armed struggle of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The PHP4-million project is funded by the provincial government and San Jose de Buan municipality, with donations from various government officials and private groups.

The housing project is located on 3.4 hectares of land for which the DENR issued a special use permit due to the area’s specification as timberland.

"Our hearts are overjoyed with this assistance given to us by the government," said Tito Labong, a former rebel who now leads the San Jose de Buan peacebuilders group.

"We promise to help the government sustain the gains of fighting insurgency and keeping peace for San Jose de Buan's development," he added.

Labong also urged NPA rebels to leave the armed struggle and live a normal life.

The planning of the housing project began in 2022 while the official groundbreaking was held in August 2023.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222235

136 conflict-affected families in Albay town get gov't aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2024): 136 conflict-affected families in Albay town get gov't aid (By Connie Calipay)

GOV'T INTERVENTIONS. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel play with children affected by the recent clash between government troops and the New People's Army (NPA), in Barangay Villa Paz, Jovellar, Albay on Wednesday (April 10, 2024). Aside from essential supplies, such as family food packs, and hygiene and sleeping kits, the DSWD-Bicol also provided psychological support services to the affected families. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol) has distributed family food packs and non-food items to 136 families affected by the clash between government troops and the New People's Army (NPA) in Albay on March 28.

In an interview on Thursday, Carl James Cabarles, DSWD disaster risk reduction and management division information officer, said the agency provided relief assistance worth more than PHP666,000 to the affected families from March 30 to April 10.

"With direct supervision by DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio, we provided essential supplies, such as family food packs, hygiene and sleeping kits, and psychological support services to the affected families. The families were from Barangays Villa Paz and San Vicente in Jovellar, Albay," Cabarles said.

He said out of 136 affected families, 99 families or 380 individuals are staying in two evacuation centers in each barangay.

"We are monitoring the situation on the ground with proper coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the local government unit (LGU) Jovellar, and other concerned agencies," he said.

Cabarles added that DSWD-5 has PHP188.3 million worth of stockpiles and PHP5 million standby funds available for relief assistance.

Meanwhile, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, reported that the situation in Jovellar, Albay is under control.

"Based on the monitoring and assessment conducted after the encounter, no one was harmed among the soldiers, police, and civilians in the affected areas," he said.

The government troops encountered more or less 30 rebels belonging to the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG1) led by Ramon Adonis, alias "Ambo," in Barangay San Vicente.

Roldan said the 50-minute combat operation stemmed from information from concerned civilian villagers.

"After the encounter, soldiers recovered war materials and rebels' personal belongings," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222443

Support of Army’s partners leads to arrest of top NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2024): Support of Army’s partners leads to arrest of top NPA leader (By Sarwell Meniano)

CAPTURED. Romulo Micabalo, alias Ned, second-highest leader of the NPA Eastern Visayas regional party committee. Authorities arrested him in Consolacion, Cebu on April 8, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has welcomed the recent arrest in Consolacion, Cebu of the second-highest leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas, who orchestrated several terrorist activities in Samar Island.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo lauded the arrest of Romulo Micabalo, alias Ned, the second top leader of the NPA Eastern Visayas regional party committee on April 8, and credited the accomplishment to the Army’s counterparts in ending the local communist armed conflict.

"The support of our partner stakeholders is the key to this achievement, as we continue to crack down on communist terrorists in their smallest formations. We will be relentless in our operations. We assure you that our people will be protected and freed from violence and atrocities by the NPA,” he said.

Ligayo said Micabilo was behind several atrocities in Samar provinces.

Among these were the burning of Jipapad-Las Navas road construction equipment in upland villages of Las Navas town in July 2021, the ambuscade and massacre of a soldier and three militiamen, and the wounding of six militiamen who were building an army detachment in Jipapad, Eastern Samar, also in July 2021.

He was also tagged in the attack on soldiers tasked to secure the construction of school buildings in Dorillo and villages in Jipapad town in October 2022. A 10-year-old child was hurt in the incident.

Micabalo has a standing warrant of arrest for two counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention and robbery with violence against or intimidation of a person in Agusan del Sur.

His father, Dionisio Micabalo, alias Muling, the top leader of the NPA-North Central Mindanao regional party committee, was killed in an encounter with government troops in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on July 26, 2023.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222459

PNP-AFP-PCG cooperation pact to step up nat'l security efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2024): PNP-AFP-PCG cooperation pact to step up nat'l security efforts (By Zen Trinidad)

WORKING TOGETHER. Col. Gauvin Mel Unos (left to right) of the Philippine National Police, Brig. Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr. of the Philippine Army, and Lt. Junior Grade Mark Anthony Cuevillas of the Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday (April 10, 2024) sign a joint legal cooperation agreement on behalf of their agencies. The pact provides for closer collaboration between the three entities in Laguna province. (Photo courtesy of Laguna Provincial Police Office)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – A legal framework has been established to pave the way for enhanced collaboration between the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in this province on matters related to national security and crime prevention.

Col. Gauvin Mel Unos, director of the Laguna Provincial Police Office (LPPO), told reporters on Thursday that the three-agency pact focuses on streamlining procedures for case development, investigation, and prosecution.

He said the joint legal cooperation agreement, which was signed Wednesday by representatives of the three agencies at the LPPO’s headquarters in Santa Cruz town, will “ultimately lead to a more cohesive and effective legal system.”

Unos said the enhanced collaboration between the PNP, AFP and PCG in Laguna will be founded on existing mechanisms of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC).

“The Joint Letter Directive is expected to improve enhanced inter-agency collaboration, streamlined legal procedures, a more effective legal system to combat national security threats, and a unified front against criminal activity. By working together under this directive, the Laguna PPO, AFP, and PCG are committed to creating a safer and more secure community,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222461

29 ex-rebels, residents in Caraga get financial aid from gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2024): 29 ex-rebels, residents in Caraga get financial aid from gov’t

BUTUAN CITY – Twenty-nine former combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were provided with needed intervention from the government in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, on Thursday.

In a statement Friday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13) said the former rebels received PHP10,000 cash each.

“The provision of financial assistance is aimed to support the integration of the former rebels back to their families and communities,” the DSWD-13 said.

The assistance forms part of the continuing implementation of Executive Order No. 70 series of 2018, or the institutionalization of the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.

The beneficiaries surrendered to the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion on separate occasions late last year and early this year.

DSWD-13 said it is also working with the other units of the Philippine Army in the region to continue providing support to former rebels.

In Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, 1,819 residents received PHP3,000 each under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation during a two-day payout that ended Friday.

Of the total beneficiaries, 1,361 were from the municipality of Del Carmen, while the other 458 were from Burgos town.

More payout activities are scheduled next week, according to the local government. (With reports from Alexander Lopez/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222523

Army chief bats for more 'substantive' ROTC program

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12, 2024): Army chief bats for more 'substantive' ROTC program (By Miguel Gil)

ROTC REVIVAL. Lt. Gen. Roy Galido on Friday (April 12, 2024) says the Philippine Army is studying ways of improving the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program amid public support for making it compulsory again. The Army's highest-ranking officer cited a Pulse Asia survey showing that 69 percent of Filipinos favor the program's revival. (PNA photo by Miguel Gil)

TANAY, Rizal – The Philippine Army (PA) leadership is exploring possible areas of improvement in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program ahead of its proposed reinstitution as a compulsory course for college students.

In an interview on Friday, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commanding general of the PA, said this time around, the ROTC program should be more substantive and not merely another prerequisite to graduation that students are compelled to tolerate.

He said today’s youth must be instilled with a higher level of discipline, especially because there is a higher probability that their services will be needed in view of recent geopolitical developments in the region.

“We are already studying this (ROTC revival) and we are thinking of ways to improve it. Of course, we are aware of the survey, and we are glad that so many Filipinos feel this way,” the Army chief noted.

Galido cited a recent Pulse Asia survey showing that some 69 percent of Filipinos favor making ROTC mandatory again.

The general made these comments during the 48th foundation anniversary ceremonies of the 2nd Infantry Division in Camp Capinpin in this town.

He praised the division’s officers and enlisted personnel for their efforts, reducing the New People’s Army (NPA) into a spent force that is resorting to terrorist acts to remain somewhat relevant.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1222551