CPP/NPA-Central Negros/Negros Island ROC: Pagpatay kay Barangay Kagawad Reynaldo Jacolbe sa La Castellana, Ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (May 3, 2024): Pagpatay kay Barangay Kagawad Reynaldo Jacolbe sa La Castellana, Ginakondenar sang LPC-NPA (Killing of Barangay Kagawad Reynaldo Jacolbe in La Castellana, Condemned by LPC-NPA)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

May 03, 2024

Wala kahilabtanan ang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) sa brutal nga pagtiro-patay kay Barangay Kagawad Reynaldo Jacolbe sang Barangay Puso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental sadtong Mayo 1, pasado alas 8:00 sang gab-i.

Sa inisyal nga pagpangusisa sang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan sa lugar kaangot sa makasiligni nga hitabo, may na-istablisar na ang NPA nga mga motibo kag suspects sa sini nga krimen base sa kondukta sa pagpatay kag nga recoveries. Apang nagakinahanglan pa sang dugang kag maid-id nga imbestigasyon kag himuon ang madasig nga pagproseso sa rebolusyonaryong korte sang pumuluyo.

Kaangot sini, mabaskog gid nga ginapakamalaot sang LPC-NPA ang wala kaluoy nga pagpatay kay Barangay Kagawad Reynaldo “Jimmy” Jacolbe. Samtang ginapaabot man sang LPC-NPA ang rebolusyonaryong simpatiya sa kasubo sang mga himata kag suod nga mga abyan sang pamilya Jacolbe.

Ginpanawagan man sang LPC-NPA sa may kahimuan sa sini nga krimen nga tampad nga magsumiter na sang inyo kaugalingon sa malapit nga yunit sang CPP-NPA sa madali nga panahon agud atubangon ang inyo mga kaso. Ang NPA indi gid magduha-duha sa pagsilot sa inyo katumbas man sa kabug-aton sang kaso nga inyo nagkomiter matapos nga mapamatud-an sang korte sang pumuluyo.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pagpatay-kay-barangay-kagawad-reynaldo-jacolbe-sa-la-castellana-ginakondenar-sang-lpc-npa/

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: Mamamayang Ilokano, magkaisa! Labanan ang Balikatan 2024! Ipaglaban ang seguridad at soberanya ng bansa laban sa paghahanda sa gera ng mga imperyalista!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (May 2, 2024): Mamamayang Ilokano, magkaisa! Labanan ang Balikatan 2024! Ipaglaban ang seguridad at soberanya ng bansa laban sa paghahanda sa gera ng mga imperyalista! (Ilocano people, unite! Fight Balikatan 2024! Fight for the security and sovereignty of the country against the war preparations of the imperialists!)

 


Rosa Guidon

Spokesperson

NDF-Ilocos

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

May 02, 2024

Sadyang walang malasakit ang mga Marcos sa sambayanang Pilipino, kabilang ang kababayan nilang mga Ilokano. Wala silang iniisip kundi sariling interes sukdulang ilagay sa panganib ang buhay ng kanilang kababayan, para lamang sundin ang ganid na interes ng kanilang imperyalistang amo.

Nitong nakaraang araw, nagpaliwanag sa publiko ang mayor ng Laoag City sa Ilocos Norte na si Michael Marcos Keon (pinsang buo ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr) upang pakalmahin ang pangamba ng mamamayan ng Ilocos Norte hinggil sa pagdaos ng Balikatan 2024 sa probinsiya mula Mayo 6-10. Binanggit niya na walang dapat ikabahala ang mamamayan dahil “walang magaganap na gyera at paghahanda lamang ito sa pagdepensa sa pag-atake ng China sa Pilipinas.”

Depensa ito ni Keon sa mga naglabasang pahayag ng iba’t ibang makabayan at demokratikong organisasyon na kumatawan sa sentimyento ng maraming mamamayan sa iba’t ibang bayan sa Ilocos Norte, na tumututol sa pagsasagawa ng Balikatan Exercises ngayong taon. Partikular na mga lugar na pagdadausan ng nasabing ehersisyo militar sa probinsiya ay sa mga komunidad ng mangingisda sa La Paz sand dunes sa Barangay La Paz, Laoag City at sa Barangay Bobon, Burgos, sa may hedkwarter ng 4th Marine Brigade at US Marines.

Naalarma ang masa sa biglaang pagdagsa ng napakaraming mga sundalong Amerikano sa Laoag City patungo sa La Paz, sakay ng mga naglalakihang military truck. Hanggang Abril 30, nasa mahigit 2,000 sundalong Amerikano na ang dumating sa probinsiya. Nabigla ang masa sa pagdagsa ng napakaraming dayuhang sundalo, maging ang mga upisyal ng barangay La Paz at pati ng konseho ng syudad, kung kayat maging sila ay nagre-react. Ayon sa mga upisyal ng LGU, hindi nakoordina sa kanila ang idadaos na war exercises sa kanilang mga lugar kung kaya’t hindi napaghandaan ito at hindi rin nila maipaliwanag sa kanilang mga mamamayan ang magaganap sa kanilang komunidad.

Tahasang pang-uulol sa mamamayan ng Ilocos Norte ang pagsasambit ni Mayor Keon na “walang dapat ikabahala dahil walang magaganap na gyera.” Reaksyon ng masa, “bakit ka maglulunsad ng isang ehersisyo kung wala kang pinaghahandaan? Kung magsasagawa ka ng war games, ibig sabihin ay may magaganap na gera kung saan sasabak ka. Kung naghahanda ka sa pagdepensa sa pag-atake ng China, e di makikigera ka pag umatake ang China!” Buti pa ang masa at matalas ang lohika, kaysa kay Keon na napakapurol ang lohika. O mas presiso pa, sadyang winawala ni Keon ang kaniyang lohika dahil nagbubulagbulagan sa dikta ng kanilang among imperyalistang US.

Hinding-hindi mauulol ni Keon, sampu ng kinapapalooban niyang rehimeng US-Marcos ang masa dahil batid na batid nila ang nagaganap ngayong girian ng imperyalistang US at China. Subaybay nila na araw-araw ay tumitindi ang tensyon sa pagitan ng dalawang imperyalistang ito at anumang oras ay puedeng pumutok ang gera sa pagitan nila, kagaya ng nangyari sa Ukraine at Gaza. Alam din nila na kung bakit dito sa Pilipinas idinadaos ngayon ang war games ay dahil dito planong ilunsad ng imperyalistang US ang kaniyang ikinakasang gera sa China.

Ayaw na ayaw ng masa sa Ilocos Norte na idaos sa prubinsya ang Balikatan dahil naranasan na nila ang panganib na idudulot nito sa kanila. Sa mga live fire exercises noong nakaraan ay nagutom sila dahil binawalan silang pumalaot upang mangisda at pinabakwit ng ilang araw. Iyong mga mangingisdang di natiis na di pumalaot dahil kailangang kumita ay sumuong sa panganib na tamaan ng mga pinailanlang na mga rocket at bala. Yanig na yanig sila sa shockwave ng mga pinasabog na bomba, kahit malayo na sa mismong site. Sa Barangay Pasaleng, Pagudpud na 25 kilometro ang layo sa Barangay Bobon, Burgos na pinagpasabugan ng bomba ay ramdam pa rin ang yanig na parang linindol. Nameligro at naperwisyo din ang mga mamamayan ng Barangay San Joaquin, Sarrat, kung saan pinalahok sila sa war games sa pagbubuhat ng mga kunwari ay makakaswalti na mga Amerikanong sundalo. Hindi rin maayos na nakoordina at napagkaisahan at sapilitan lamang na payagan ng mga LGU ng Ilocos Norte ang nasabing Balikatan Exercises noong nakaraan dahil sa ito ay pinayagan ni Presidente Marcos, kung kayat hindi sila lubos na nakapaghanda.

Ngayon, mas malaking war games ang muling magaganap sa prubinsiya, kung kaya’t nagtatanong ang mamamayan dito kung masasalba kaya ni Mayor Keon, at ng mga Marcos ang mamamayan ng Ilocos Norte kung magkagyera dito sa probinsiya.

Dagdag na pag-aaburido ito sa masang Ilokanong dapang-dapa na ang kabuhayan ngayon dahil sa epekto ng El Niño at tumitinding krisis sa ekonomiya. Alam kaya ng mga Marcos, na maraming mangingisda at magsasaka sa Ilocos Norte ang nakakaranas ng gutom ngayon? Na umaabot hanggang sa 99% ang ibinagsak ng kanilang huling isda epekto ng El Niño? Na hindi makapagtanim ng palay, mais, gulay at iba pang produkto dahil sa kawalan ng tubig?

Ang pahayag ni Keon ay pagbubuntot sa tindig ni Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na nagpapaniwalang “isasalba ng imperyalistang US ang Pilipinas mula sa pandadahas ng China at pangangamkam nito sa teritoryo ng Pilipinas.” Sila ay nagogoyo, o sadyang nagpapagoyo dahil ang katotohanan ay interes lamang ng imperyalistang US na angkinin ang kayamanan ng teritoryal na katubigan ng Pilipinas, kung kaya’t binabakuran niya ito at handang digmain ang sinumang aangkin dito.

Dapat alalahanin na nagdigmaan dito sa Pilipinas noong World War II ang US at Japan dahil pinag-agawan nila ang Pilipinas at iba pang bahagi ng Asia. Sa digmaang ito, ipinangalandakan din ng US na “isasalba ang Pilipinas mula sa pananalakay ng Japan.” Pinalabas nito na siya ang nagsalba sa Pilipinas at dumurog sa Japan, ngunit ang totoo ay ang Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (HUKBALAHAP) ang dumurog sa Japan, at nang napalayas ang Japan ay tuluyan nitong inangkin ang Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga papet na rehimen.

Kung pumutok ang gyera sa pagitan ng US at China dito sa Pilipinas, mauulit lamang ang digmaang US at Japan noong World War II at hinding-hindi isasalba ng US ang Pilipinas at mga Pilipino, kundi gagamitin lamang nitong base at kalasag laban sa China, kagaya noong ginawa niya noong World War II laban sa Japan.

Tumitindi ang girian ng mga imperyalistang bansa ngayon dahil sa pagrurok ng kanilang krisis sa sobrang produksyon at sobrang ganansya, dahilan ng pag-aagawan nila ng mga teritoryong paglalagakan ng kanilang kalakal at puhunan at pagkukunan ng hilaw na materyales. Dahil sa kanilang mga krisis, ang mga imperyalistang US at China ay parehas na nagnanais na kontrolin ang pinag-aagawang teritoryo sa Pilipinas at mga kanugnog nitong mga bansa sa Asia.

Hindi talaga pumapayag ang imperyalistang US na angkinin ng ibang imperyalista ang Pilipinas, dahil sa daan-taon na niya itong neokolonya, lalo pa’t pinipilit nitong panatilihin ang sarili bilang pinakahari sa mga imperyalista. Sa pamamagitan ng mga batas at kasunduan sa Pilipinas kagaya ng Visiting Forces Agreement, Mutual Defense Treaty at ng EDCA, pinananatili nito ang kaniyang militar na kontrol at base militar sa Pilipinas.

Sa kabilang banda, pilit ding ipinupuesto ng imperyalistang China ang kaniyang paghahari sa Asia at sa mundo sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas ng kaniyang pwersang militar, gaya ng pagtatayo ng base militar sa South China Sea, kabilang ang teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea.

Ang tindig ng NDFP sa inter-imperyalistang giriang ito ay dapat na ipagtanggol ng mamamayang Pilipino ang kanilang teritoryal na integridad at soberanya laban sa anumang imperyalistang agresyon at pananakop. Dapat palayasin ang mga pwersa at base-militar ng imperyalistang US sa bansa at ibasura ang lahat ng kasunduan at patakarang nagkakadena sa Pilipinas sa kontrol nito. Dapat itakwil ang pagpapakatuta ng rehimeng Marcos sa mga dikta ng US at panagutin ito sa pagsasapanganib sa buhay ng masang Pilipino sa pagpapagamit sa Pilipinas bilang lunsaran ng kaniyang digma sa mga karibal nitong imperyalista.

Kasabay nito ay kailangang labanan ang paghahariharian ng imperyalistang China at pagtatayo nito ng base-militar sa teritoryong pandagat ng Pilipinas. Dapat igiit ang desisyon ng International Arbitral Tribunal sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Seas (UNCLOS) hinggil sa pagmamay-ari ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea na inaangkin ng China.

Sa panahon ng pag-igting ng inter-imperyalistang kontradiksyon kung saan nasasapanganib ang buhay, soberanya at kalayaan ng Pilipinas, ang mga rebolusyonaryong Ilokano ay dapat na magpursigi sa pagmumulat sa masa sa kalikasan ng imperyalistang krisis. Dapat na itaas ang antas ng kamulatan ng masang Ilokano upang mapataas ang kanilang militansya at pagkakaisa upang labanan ang imperyalismo at lahat ng mga indikasyon nito na nagpapalala sa kanilang kaapihan kagaya nitong pagdadaos ng Balikatan Exercises sa bansa. Ipakita ang pangangailangan ng pagsusulong ng demokratikong rebolusyon ng bayan at ibayong pagsusulong pa ng sosyalistang rebolusyon ang tanging magpapalaya sa bansa, at lahat ng bayang inaapi sa mundo, mula sa saklot ng imperyalistang pang-aapi.

Napatunayan sa kasaysayan ng bansa na sa armado at rebolusyonaryong paglaban ng mamamayan lamang makakamit nito ang tunay na kasarinlan, kagaya ng Rebolusyon ng 1896 na dumurog sa pananakop ng kolonyalistang Espanyol, ng armadong paglaban ng HUKBALAHAP na siyang tunay dumurog sa imperyalistang Japan, ang masang Pilipino ay dapat na sumalig sa sarili nitong hukbong bayan upang makamit ang kalayaan at soberanya ng bansa.

Sa panahong ramdam na ramdam ng masa ang direktang epekto ng krisis ng imperyalismo sa kanilang buhay, tungkulin nating mga rebolusyonaryo na imulat, iorganisa at pakilusin sila upang iabante ang pakikibakang masa at armadong rebolusyon upang ibagsak ang imperyalismo at ang papet nitong rehimeng Marcos.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/mamamayang-ilokano-magkaisa-labanan-ang-balikatan-2024-ipaglaban-ang-seguridad-at-soberanya-ng-bansa-laban-sa-paghahanda-sa-gera-ng-mga-imperyalista/

CPP/NDF-SOPC: Statement on the AFP arresting and claiming two minors as “NPA child soldiers” in Negros Occidental//SOPC to the fascist AFP: Stop Using Children for Your Dirty War Tactics

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (May 2, 2024): Statement on the AFP arresting and claiming two minors as “NPA child soldiers” in Negros Occidental//SOPC to the fascist AFP: Stop Using Children for Your Dirty War Tactics

Coni Ledesma 

Head | Special Office for the Protection of Children

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

May 02, 2024

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines’ Special Office for the Protection of Children (NDFP – SOPC) strongly condemns the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) blatant lies and brazen display of two minors, Adonis Alforque, 16 and Jonidel Alforque, 17, they claimed are members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on 25 April 2024 in Sitio Humayan, Barangay Pinowayan, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. The two minors were paraded by the AFP’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79th IB) in the area and were presented to the media as “NPA child soldiers.” However, the local NPA command and the community where they live have attested that they are civilians and residents of the area.

The AFP claiming that the NPA recruits child soldiers is a tired and worn-out tale, and has long been refuted by the NPA’s unsullied record of strongly adhering to the CPP’s strict policy of non-recruitment of persons below 18 years of age. This policy is also in keeping with the Basic Rules of the NPA and International Humanitarian Law.

The AFP’s use of children is part of their dirty war tactics meant to smear the NPA and the revolutionary movement and is in fact a violation of IHL. By mislabeling children as “child soldiers,” the AFP effectively blurs the distinction between combatants and civilians under the Geneva Conventions governing the rules of war.

The case of the Alforque siblings is just one of the many incidents of children-related grave violations of human rights and IHL perpetrated by the AFP under the Duterte and Marcos Jr. regimes.

In June last year, in the guise of supposed encounters with the NPA, AFP troops murdered 17-year-old Rey Almario Belan of Masbate and massacred the Fausto children (aged 12 and 13) and their parents in Negros Occidental. In July 2022, they killed a minor who they falsely claimed as a Red fighter, and a 9-year-old child in Oriental Mindoro and Batangas, respectively.

The AFP has also engaged in kidnapping babies and keeping them hostage, including those still in the womb. In August 2022, Cherilyn Rebita, a pregnant Red fighter on medical leave was seven months pregnant when she was abducted. Rebita gave birth while in captivity, after which her newborn was also held hostage. In November 2022, two pregnant Red fighters on medical leave, Aurily Havana and Jennifer Binungkasan, were abducted in Butuan City and kept hostage in an undisclosed location.

Meanwhile, baby Marx, who was two months old in January 2021 fell victim to the AFP’s terrorist black operations when they abducted him from his caregivers. Baby Marx was put under the government’s custody and tight military guard to force his Red fighter parents to surrender.

The SOPC strongly denounces the AFP and the Duterte and Marcos Jr. regimes’ dirty war tactics and calls on the public and the international community to condemn the AFP for their reprehensible disregard of international humanitarian law and protections afforded to children in the context of the ongoing civil war.

AFP, keep your bloody hands off Filipino children!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/sopc-to-the-fascist-afp-stop-using-children-for-your-dirty-war-tactics/

Adm. Paparo takes helm at USINDOPACOM, vows stronger regional alliances

From Palawan News (May 4, 2024): Adm. Paparo takes helm at USINDOPACOM, vows stronger regional alliances (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

(Photo courtesy of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — Admiral Samuel J. Paparo has officially taken the reins of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), assuming command on May 3 and succeeding Admiral John C. Aquilino.

In his inaugural address, Paparo made a resolute commitment to fortify regional alliances under his leadership.

Hailing from Morton, Pennsylvania, Paparo steps into the position of the 27th commander of USINDOPACOM, building upon his tenure as head of the U.S. Pacific Fleet from 2021 to 2024. A graduate of Villanova University, he brings with him decades of leadership expertise and a deep understanding of the region.

Paparo emphasized during the ceremony the important role of USINDOPACOM in maintaining regional peace and security, while also reaffirming his dedication to the area and the strengthening of partnerships with friends and allies.

He pointed out that as USINDOPACOM looks into the future, the Joint Force will approach its responsibilities with “strength, resolve, and confidence.”

“INDOPACOM, together with its partners is positioned to deny and defend against attempts to break the peace accorded by the international rules based order. With this enduring task, the United States and our allies and our partners will uphold stable and open international system that’s been a pillar of global security and well being for nearly a century,” Paparo stated.

Paparo expressed determination to confront and overcome obstacles threatening mission objectives, highlighting the challenges posed by China’s rapid military expansion and stressing the importance of readiness to counteract its escalating assertiveness and territorial ambitions in the Indo-Pacific Region.

“Our world faces a complex problem set in the troubling actions of the People’s Republic of China (PROC), and its rapid build up of forces. We must be ready to answer PRC’s increasingly intrusive and expansionist claims in the Indo-Pacific Region,” he said.

Paparo also cited in his speech the concept of the “grey zone,” a term used to describe unconventional methods employed by states to achieve their goals without engaging in traditional warfare.

He cited Gen. Brawner’s renaming of the “grey zone” as ICaD, representing “Illegal, Coercive, and Deceptive actions,” viewing it as proof to the astuteness and strategic foresight of their allies and partners.

In addition, he acknowledges that threats to peace, stability, and order come from countries like Russia and North Korea, as well as violent extremist organizations.

“We will work in concert with allies and partners and teammates to preserve the free and open Indo-Pacific itself, a phrase coined by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” he said.

“We will safeguard the international order characterized by transparency, cooperation, and fair competition and the rule of law. Finally, we’ll strive for the peaceful resolution of any crisis, but make no mistake, we will be ready to fight any adversary that threatens the peace, security and well-being of the nation and all our allies and partners,” added Paparo.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III led the proceedings, joined by General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with heads of state, military chiefs, including Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and esteemed guests.

https://palawan-news.com/adm-paparo-takes-helm-at-usindopacom-vows-stronger-regional-alliances/

U.S. Defense Sec. Austin stresses Indo-Pacific security at change of command ceremony

From Palawan News (May 4, 2024): U.S. Defense Sec. Austin stresses Indo-Pacific security at change of command ceremony (By Celeste Anna Formoso)

United States Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III. (Photo courtesy of U.S. DoD)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii — United States Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III stated that the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), backed by a robust network of allies and partners, remains steadfast in safeguarding the freedom and openness of the Indo-Pacific region.

He made these remarks while presiding over the change of command ceremony between Admiral John C. Aquilino and Admiral Samuel J. Paparo on Friday, May 1st.

Austin emphasized this commitment in the face of numerous regional challenges, highlighting China’s escalating coercive actions across the Taiwan Strait, East and South China Seas, and beyond.

“[China] is the only country with both the will — and, increasingly, the capacity — to dominate the Indo-Pacific and to reshape global order to suit its autocratic vision,” he said, noting that China remains the Defense Department’s pacing challenge.

He said the challenges in the Indo-Pacific region are made more complex by the threats posed by North Korea, Russia, and violent extremists. Despite these challenges, he believes that the USINDOPACOM0, along with its allies and partners, has effectively responded to the situation.

Austin suggests that their collective efforts have brought them closer to achieving their common goal of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region, repeatedly demonstrating their commitment to this vision.

He credited Aquilino for his leadership during a crucial period in the region’s defense strategy, overseeing significant transformations in the U.S.’ posture. The secretary acknowledged Aquilino’s advocacy for substantial investments in critical munitions and efforts to equip warfighters with essential capabilities.

Furthermore, Austin emphasized Aquilino’s role in strengthening partnerships across the region, which is vital for deterring conflicts within USINDOPACOM’s expansive area of responsibility.

Austin pointed out the progress made with allies and partners in bolstering the United States’ regional force posture, including advancements like deploying the most advanced Marine Littoral Regiment in Japan and expanding access to four new sites in the Philippines under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

He also mentioned importantant achievements such as milestones in the Major Defense Partnership with India and the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.

“Our allies are also working together in unprecedented ways, like the growing trilateral relationship among Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States,” Austin said. “And we’ve continued to strengthen our ties across the region, including with [the Association of Southeast Asian Nations], the Quad and other groups of partners.”

Demonstrating their dedication to partnerships, Austin convened a series of meetings with counterparts from Australia, Japan, and the Philippines at Indo-Pacom headquarters on Thursday, culminating in a press conference where the leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing interoperability among their forces and advancing peace and security in the region.

“We’ve gathered here because we share a vision for peace, stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific,” Austin said.

“We’ve charted an ambitious course to advance that vision together, and that’s why today’s meetings were so important,” he added.

https://palawan-news.com/u-s-defense-sec-austin-stresses-indo-pacific-security-at-change-of-command-ceremony/

Manalo: Philippine actions about national security, not US-China rivalry

From Rappler (May 5, 2024): Manalo: Philippine actions about national security, not US-China rivalry (By BEA CUPIN)

'We hope China realizes that many of the actions we are taking are being taken for our own national purposes or national security,' says Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, referring to a wide range of actions that China has reacted strongly to

MANILA, Philippines – Amid an onslaught of revelations, claims, truths, and half-truths from Beijing on the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo wants to make one thing clear: Philippine actions in security, diplomatic, or economic ties are “for our own national purposes or national security” and not to play into superpower competition.

“We just answer it back. And we’re ready to answer it back also through our own releases. One common theme is that we hope China realizes that many of the actions we are taking are being taken for our own national purposes or national security and not in the context, let’s say, of a US-China competition or rivalry. We’re doing it for our own needs,” Manalo said in a sit-down interview that aired Friday, May 3, for Rappler’s World View with Marites Vitug.

Manalo was asked if he was concerned about China disinformation or misinformation – whether from official or unofficial sources – as the relationship between Manila and Beijing turns even more tense.

By “actions,” Manalo was referring to a wide range of actions that China has reacted strongly to, from the Marcos administration’s efforts to assert the country’s sovereign rights and sovereignty claims in the West Philippine Sea to the expansion of its security ties and cooperation with different countries in the region. In early April 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with United States President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for the leaders’ first-ever trilateral summit in Washington DC.

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In early May, the defense chiefs of the United States, Philippines, Japan, and Australia met in Hawaii a month after their navies sailed the West Philippine Sea together.

Manalo himself has said US-Philippine ties are on “hyperdrive.”

Beijing has not reacted warmly at all to these developments. It claims most of the South China Sea, including parts within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or the West Philippine Sea. China has also insisted that a 2016 arbitral ruling, which validated the Philippines’ EEZ, is invalid.

Under the previous Duterte administration, the Philippines mostly played nice, even putting aside its entitlements in the West Philippine Sea. Things have taken a 180-degree turn under Marcos.

China has viewed this as a “reneging” of deals, even if those agreements under Duterte were never actually formalized. Beijing and its embassy in Manila have referred to a supposed deal concerning Ayungin Shoal as a “gentleman’s agreement” and an apparent deal on Panatag Shoal as “temporary special arrangements by the Chinese side.”

Beijing has also repeatedly accused the US of being behind the Philippines’ decisions, a concept Marcos himself has rejected many times in the past.

On these supposed deals, the veteran diplomat said: “It could be to distract us; it was China that mentioned the deal. Personally, I’m not aware of any agreement or deal. It’s very difficult, actually, to comment on what has been said. As I said, this was originally raised by China. We didn’t mention any, and it didn’t come from a Filipino source or official who said we have an agreement with them, so I don’t know what the motives are, but certainly, I’m not aware of any agreement.”

As China amps up its information operations – either through official releases from its foreign ministry and embassy or through disclosures made by officials on background – Manalo seems unperturbed.

“It means more work for us. We’re trying to bring the truth out there. We have to respond if we feel there’s a need to respond, and many times, there is, just to correct the situation, the interpretation, or the information. We don’t really have to issue anything. We had the video camera, taking it in real-time, so that speaks louder than words. So, there’s really no need for us to sometimes even issue a press release. It’s right there, but of course, we do so when China counters that, it’s difficult if you look at the video to see,” he said, referring to videos and stills of China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

“Anyway, it’s their right to issue that. We will answer it back if we feel we have to, and many times, we have to,” he added.

Visit this page to watch the interview in full. –

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/manalo-says-actions-about-national-security-not-us-china-rivalry/

‘This charade must stop’: Gibo Teodoro denies ‘new model’ with China on Ayungin Shoal

From Rappler (May 5, 2024): ‘This charade must stop’: Gibo Teodoro denies ‘new model’ with China on Ayungin Shoal

'I am issuing this statement to generate awareness on this clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ,' says the Philippine defense chief

MANILA, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. said on Sunday, May 5, that the Philippines is not a party to any new arrangement with China on managing the situation in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Teodoro made the statement a day after the spokesperson of the Chinese embassy in Manila claimed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom), supposedly with the approval of the Philippine defense chief himself, had agreed on a “new model” in relation to Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) earlier this year.

“I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense is a party to any ‘new model’ is a devious machination of China through their Embassy in Manila, and it is curious that it comes right after their actions were condemned in the recent SQUAD meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro joined his counterparts from US, Australia, and Japan this week for their second joint meeting in Hawaii. They raised concerns about China’s presence in the West Philippine Sea, strongly objecting to the “dangerous use” of coast guard and maritime militia vessels, a joint readout from the four countries said on Saturday, May 4.

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EXPLAINER: How Duterte-era deal ‘waived’ Philippines’ rights, claims in Panatag Shoal
Retired Supreme Court senior associate justice Antonio Carpio, among the leading experts on the West Philippine Sea, argues these supposed deals 'clearly violated the Constitution'

Addressing the Chinese embassy spokesperson’s claims, Teodoro said on Sunday: “I reiterate that I have disallowed any contact between the DND and the Chinese embassy since the courtesy call of Ambassador Huang Xilian, a few days after I assumed office in July of last year. During the said courtesy call, there was no discussion or briefing on any ‘gentleman’s agreement’ or ‘new model,’ which is contrary to the Chinese Embassy’s pronouncements.”

“This charade must stop,” he added.

Teodoro said he issued the statement “to generate awareness on this clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ.”

“We advise our citizens, the media, and the international community to beware of China’s methods of manipulation, interference, and malign influence in furthering its own interests,” he said.

The supposed “new model” is different from the “gentleman’s agreement” earlier forged by former president Rodrigo Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the “gentleman’s agreement,” the Philippines was supposed to have agreed to stay away from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, a feature in the West Philippine Sea that’s just over 120 nautical miles away from mainland Zambales.

MUST READ: Chinese embassy: Under Duterte, Philippines agreed to keep gov’t out of Panatag Shoal

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said that he was “horrified” by the idea that Duterte compromised Philippine sovereignty through that gentleman’s agreement. He had also said that it was kept secret from Filipinos and his administration, and that it was not binding on the Philippine government.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/gibo-teodoro-statement-china-claim-new-model-ayungin-shoal-may-5-2024/

Another ‘military informant’ killed in Binalbagan

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 4, 2024): Another ‘military informant’ killed in Binalbagan (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The killing of a civilian accused as a “military informant” in Brgy. Amontay, Binalbagan, was claimed by the New People’s Army, but at the same time they denied any involvement in the death of a barangay kagawad in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana, both in Negros Occidental.

In a statement, Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, reported that they were able to successfully carry out the imposition of the death penalty on a certain Ritoy Pedro at Sitio Cabalanti-an in Brgy. Amontay, Binalbagan, despite widespread combat operations of the Philippine Army in the area.

Investigations of the Binalbagan police indicated that the victim succumbed to gunshot wounds on the chest and neck.

Regalado accused Pedro of frequently serving as a guide in the joint operations of the police and 94th Infantry Battalion, in the boundaries of Binalbagan and Isabela, Negros Occidental, as well as Jimalalud and La Libertad in Negros Oriental.

Pedro was the 6th victim of summary executions carried out by the NPA in northern, central and southern Negros, since last month. The victims were all accused as military informants, based on press statements.

Regalado, however, denied insinuations that they were behind the killing of Kagawad Reynaldo Jacolbe on May 1 in Sitio Tayubong, Brgy. Puso, La Castellana.

The victim, according to initial police investigations, was on his way to his farm onboard his motorcycle, when he was shot by unidentified suspects who were hiding in a sugarcane field.

The victim, who managed to drive his motorcycle about 30 meters away from the area where he was waylaid, was shot again by the suspects to ensure his death, police investigations further showed.

Jacolbe, 49, serves as a kagawad of Brgy. Puso in La Castellana.

Recovered from the scene of the incident were fired cartridges of 9mm and caliber .45 pistols.

Regalado said they condemned the killing of Jacolbe.*

https://visayandailystar.com/another-military-informant-killed-in-binalbagan/

6 people wounded in Basilan clan war

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 4, 2024): 6 people wounded in Basilan clan war

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Six people were wounded in a firefight Saturday between two warring clans in the Muslim province of Basilan in southern Philippines, police said.

Police said gunmen ambushed a group of menin Upper Bato in Akbar town, sparking a firefight that also wounded a municipal councilor of Tururan town, Husin Latip Kalang. Most of the wounded belong to the Latip and Kalang families- all of Tuburan town.

Police released the names of the other victims as Algafar Naser, Abubakar Alih Latip, Ryan Seyong Latip, JeAjim Jamaluddin and Mar Kalang, Two of the attackers have been identified only by their aliases Jemar and Kidyok, who remain - at-large.

It was unclear what triggered the attack, except that the two clans were locked in a bitter feud locally known as "rido" which is not uncommon in the province. Both clans have not issued any statement to the public.

"Initial investigation revealed that the victis were enroute to Sitio Lessem, Upper Bato Bato, Akbar from Tuburan, when they were fired upon by the suspects. The victims were able to return fire and withdrew from the ambush site. They were taken by their families to Lamitan District Hospital for immediate medical attention," said Richard Falcatan, a spokesman for the provincial government.

He said the police transported the victims to Zamboanga City for further medical treatment. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/05/6-people-wounded-in-basilan-clan-war.html

PH, Japan, US, Aussie defense chiefs call out Chinese actions in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2024): PH, Japan, US, Aussie defense chiefs call out Chinese actions in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

DEFENSE COOPERATION. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro (left to right) hold a quadrilateral meeting at the Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 2, 2024. The defense chiefs collectively called out China’s “dangerous use” of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea, and called on China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea. (Photo courtesy ofthe Office of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III)

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The respective defense chiefs of the Philippines, Japan, the United States, and Australia have collectively called out China’s “dangerous use” of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea (SCS).

The statement was made after the quadrilateral meeting among Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles at the Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom) Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 2.

In a joint readout, the four ministers said they “strongly” object to the dangerous use of coast guard and militia vessels; and that they are seriously concerned over the ongoing situation in the East and South China Sea.

“They reiterated serious concern over the PRC’s (People's Republic of China) repeated obstruction of Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and the disruption of supply lines to Second Thomas Shoal, which constitute dangerous and destabilizing conduct,” it read.

They also emphasized the need to uphold freedoms of navigation and overflight, and called on China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea.

The ministers pledged to further strengthen cooperation among the Philippines, Japan, the US, and Australia “in support of regional security and stability.”

During the meeting, the four discussed ways to advance their defense cooperation – through continued maritime cooperation in the South China Sea, enhanced procedures to enable coordination and information sharing arrangements, as well as strengthening capacity building.

The meeting follows China’s most recent harassment and use of water cannon on Filipino civilian vessels conducting routine humanitarian mission to Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal on April 30.

The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Bagacay suffered some damage to a part of its superstructure while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel sustained damage to its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; electrical, navigation, and radio systems; and superficial hull.

The meeting marks the second time the defense ministers of the four nations met, an engagement the US Department of State described as a reflection to the Philippines, Japan, the US, and Australia’s common goal to “advance a shared vision for a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

What needs to be done

In a recent meeting with Filipino journalists in Arlington, Virginia, former US Air Force General Herbert “Hawk” Carlisle said the Philippines is “doing exactly what it needs to do” amid China’s continuing harassment in the West Philippine Sea.

He lauded its efforts to fortify partnerships, including with the US, Japan, and Australia, citing the need to further improve interoperability with like-minded countries in the region.

“The primary thing is to continue to grow those relationships and that interoperability with friends, partners, allies in the region,” he said.

In addition, he cited the need for Manila to improve its air and missile defense systems.

Carlisle said China’s arsenal of weapons, including long-range bombers, “indicate that integrated air and missile defense for every nation in the Pacific region is critically important.”

“I think the homeland defense of the Philippines is critical. I personally think that air and missile defense is one of the things that every nation in the Pacific has to invest in,” he said.

A pressing concern

Even from far away back home, Filipinos in the US remain concerned over the situation in the South China Sea.

In an interview in San Francisco, California, 67-year-old Delma Lumo said she is “very much concerned” about the developments in the area since she has a family in the Philippines.

She said she supports the path the Marcos administration is taking to defend the country’s rights over the area.

The same goes for 59-year-old Manolo Aquino, a Filipino-American aircraft mechanic from Newark who also had his fair share of interactions with the Chinese in the South China Sea when he was still working as a helmsman before he immigrated to the US.

“I like the policy of PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) right now, because he is concerned about the West Philippine Sea, and it's good for the future of the Philippines,” he said in an interview.

Aquino said he also supports the improving relations between the Philippines and the US on the issue of the South China Sea.

“I was a former seaman and I know that passage is very important in the maritime industry,” he said.

Aquino retired as a helmsman in 2014 but he already witnessed what he described as “the Chinese expanding their power to control” in the South China Sea has brought to the area.

“At that time, wala pang problema, wala pang militarization masyado pero naririnig na namin na they require to call Chinese maritime entities na kapag dumaan ka doon, tatawag sila to identify yourself. This was around 2010 to 2014 (At that time there was not much militarization yet but we were already hearing that they require to call Chinese maritime entities whenever you pass there. They'll call to ask you to identify yourself. This was around 2010 to 2014)," he recounted.

“Naririnig ko iyon as helmsman (I used to hear it when I was a helmsman). They require you to report. It’s like you’re entering the maritime area of the Chinese. That was in the area between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea until Taiwan,” he said.

Before that, Aquino said, they could freely pass by the area without the need to report to China.

For seafarers, he said, the South China Sea is a vital sea-lane to safely ferry commercial goods from Africa and the Middle East, to Asia and the Americas.

“We can sail on the other side of the Philippines, the Pacific Ocean pero kapag dumaan ka dito very rough, kaya dito talaga sa South China Sea ang safe passage (but if you go by that side, it's very rough. That's why the safe passage is here in the South China Sea),” Aquino said.

“Bihira ang dumadaan via Pacific kasi ang iko-konsumo mo na fuel mas marami (Ships rarely use the Pacific route because this consumes more fuel).” (with a report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224030

US Indopacom chief: Be ready vs. Chinese grey-zone operations

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2024): US Indopacom chief: Be ready vs. Chinese grey-zone operations (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. Admiral Samuel Paparo assumes the command of the US Indopacom from Admiral John Aquilino during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam in Hawaii on Friday (May 3, 2024). Paparo said the command needs to answer the continued "grey zone" operations of China in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of US Indopacom/MC1 John Bellino)

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – New United States Indo-Pacific Command (USIndopacom) chief Admiral Samuel Paparo has cited China’s “grey zone activities” as acts the US must be ready to answer.

Paparo’s statement came right after he replaced Admiral John Aquilino as US Indopacom commander during a change of command ceremony presided by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in the Hawaiian island of Oahu on May 3 (Hawaii time).

“Our world faces a complex problem set in the troubling actions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its rapid build-up of forces. We must be ready to answer the PRC’s increasingly intrusive and expansionist claims in the Indo-Pacific region,” Paparo said.

“Some call it the grey zone. My friend General (Romeo) Brawner from the Republic of the Philippines has a phrase called ICAD and he has renamed grey zone, which sounds otherwise benign and dull into ICAD which is Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive,” he added.

Security and maritime law experts define grey zone operations as tactics or activities that are below the threshold of what constitute an aggression to prevent the country from using self-defense.

In the West Philippine Sea, experts see Beijing’s dangerous use of coast guards and maritime militia vessels, and water cannons against Filipino civilian vessels as examples of grey zone tactics.

Paparo said the Indopacom will also concentrate on ways to help partners maintain peace while safeguarding their sovereign rights.

“We will safeguard the international order characterized by transparency, cooperation, fair competition, and the rule of law. We’ll bring all to bear in all domains, harnessing an integrated capability supporting partnerships to maintain peace and security while safeguard sovereign rights,” he said.

Speaking before high-ranking foreign military leaders, including Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Paparo said the US Indopacom under his command will continue working in concert with US allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“[W]e’ll strive for the peaceful resolution of any crisis or conflict but make no mistake, we will be ready to fight any adversary that threatens the peace, security, stability and well-being of the nation and of our allies and partners,” he said.

“The team is uniquely ready to shape the current strategic environment to our nation and our allies and partners’ advantage,” he added.

Austin likewise mentioned China’s “increasingly coercive behavior” in the East and South China Seas, along the Line of Actual Control with India, and the Taiwan Strait, among others.

“You know, the PRC is the only country with both the will -- and, increasingly, the capacity -- to dominate the Indo-Pacific and to reshape the global order to suit its autocratic vision. And that's why the PRC remains the Department's pacing challenge,” he said in his speech.

The Indopacom is America’s oldest and largest combatant command responsible for an area described by Austin as a “priority theater of operations” for the US.

It consists of at least 380,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, coast guardsmen, and US Department of Defense civilians.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224037

PCG exec: Damaged WPS resources strengthen case build-up vs. China

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2024): PCG exec: Damaged WPS resources strengthen case build-up vs. China

EXPERT TALKS. University of the Philippines-Diliman professors Dr. Jonathan Anticamara of the Institute of Biology and lawyer Jay Batongbacal of the College of the Law, and National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea spokesperson and Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela (from left) guest at the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant, Quezon City on May 4, 2024. Tarriela said they respect the guidance of their Commander-in-Chief, no less than President R. Marcos Jr., that the Philippines should not be the reason for escalating tension in the WPS and for China to justify its aggression; Anticamara said they have studies to prove that China is causing environmental destruction and altering the sea features in the WPS; and Batongbacal said the Philippines can follow up the previous findings in the arbitration against China for actively and deliberately destroying coral reefs as a result of its reclamation activities. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

MANILA – The marine resource assessment that showed damaged resources within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will be part of the evidence being gathered to support a case build-up against China for environmental destruction and degradation.

National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson and Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that the findings of Dr. Jonathan Anticamara have been presented to the investigating bodies, pending the arrival the completion of the official scientific study.

Anticamara is a professor at the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Biology in Diliman, Quezon City.

“From the Philippine Coast Guard together with BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources), since we are the lead agencies in doing this research assessment with support, of course, from the University of the Philippines, we’re going to formally forward this to the NTF-WPS,” Tarriela added.

Anticamara and his team conducted the marine resource assessment in Pag-asa Cays 1, 2 and 3 to provide scientific basis on the destruction of marine resources inside the EEZ.

“Now, in the case of the pile of rubble, what I found is that there are many characteristics of this pile of rubble and I’ll present the details of these characteristics that kind of convinced me that this is not a typical island formation that’s basically formed by nature. Many of these characteristics suggest that most likely these piles of rubble are somewhat… siguro ano (maybe), made by human,” he said.

Another key finding is that many of the corals in Pagasa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group and the cays are degraded.

“So, ibig sabihin ng (the meaning of) degraded is that many of the corals are now small, many of the large corals are now dead and there’s not a lot of live corals per unit area, so kaunti na lang ‘yung buhay (there are few of them that are still alive). And if you look at fish, it’s the same, all the areas that we surveyed, we swam, we dove… there’s not a lot of fish anymore,” Anticamara said.

Main suspect

Tarriela said the operations of Chinese vessels, which far outnumber Filipino ships, cause massive damage to coral reefs.

China also has the experience and capability in reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

“So, if there is one country that we need to hold accountable dito sa (for the) damage ng environment na ito, sa ating (here, in our) coral reef dito sa (for the damage in our coral reefs in the) cays, that will only be the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

Lawyer Jay Batongbacal of the UP College of Law, also the director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs & Law of the Sea, said China’s activities are violations of the international law because they contravene obligation to preserve and protect the marine environment.

“At the very least, itong destruction ng (the destruction of the) corals and deliberate alteration ng (of the) marine environment, puwedeng maging basehan iyon ng isa pang kaso na pa-follow up doon sa 2016 arbitration (it can be a solid basis for another case to add to the 2016 arbitration),” Batongbacal said.

The 2016 arbitral ruling sided overwhelmingly with the Philippine claims in the WPS and disregarded China’s nine-dash line.

Other options

Aside from the usual diplomatic protest, Batongbacal said there are other legal options for the Philippines, like calling for a fact-finding mission before an international organization, leading to another case litigation.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Undersecretary Teresita Daza said in a forum on Friday that the PCG must file an official report as basis for the next action, whether it would be a diplomatic protest or a summon.

Tarriela assured the Coast Guard shares the level of emotion the public is experiencing and brushed off public criticisms on the response to China’s provocative actions.

“We have a chain of command. We respect the guidance of our President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.). The guidance of the President is that we should not be provoked, we should not be the reason of intensifying the escalation for China to justify to once again bringing the next level of aggression, kung anuman ang plano nilang gawin (whatever they’re thinking of next),” Tarriela said. (With reports from Ferdinand G. Patinio, PND/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224044

Abalos: Anti-poverty programs ‘a must’ in all Red cleared barangays

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2024): Abalos: Anti-poverty programs ‘a must’ in all Red cleared barangays (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Once barangays formerly under the influence of insurgents have been cleared, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said anti-poverty programs must be immediately cascaded to prevent the communist rebels from returning to the rural communities.

He was referring to the Support to the Barangay Development Fund (SBDF) that has been prioritizing projects aimed at uplifting the lives of people in barangays that have been removed from New People's Army (NPA) control.

"Yes like ng ginagawa namin sa cleared barangays, ang Support the Barangay Development Fund, farm-to-market road, electrification, water, ang basic na kailangan ng tao. Kasi kung ganun lang, baka bumalik eh. So we make sure sa DILG that all these components are there (We have been doing these in all cleared barangays under the SBDF which provides farm-to-market roads, electrification, water, the basic needs of people, if these are not provided, the rebels might come back to the mountains, and we at the DILG are making sure that all of these components are there)," Abalos said.

Abalos made this comment on the sidelines of the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" Media Engagement and Workshop held at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) in San Narciso, Zambales province from May 2 to 4.

While the Philippine National Police can take over internal security operations, Abalos believes that military presence in the cleared barangays must remain along with the implementation of anti-poverty programs.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier announced that only 11 weakened guerilla fronts remain nationwide and that they are working overtime to dismantle these NPA units by the end of the year.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for the allotment of more funds to the SBDP.

The SBDF is a program under the auspices of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Through this call, the Marcos administration reiterated its "unwavering commitment" to building a stronger and united Philippines.

"By significantly increasing financial support for the SBDF, the government is laying the groundwork for a future where every Filipino community is empowered to achieve its full potential," the NTF-ELCAC said.

In addition to this financial boost, Marcos also underscored the importance of a sustained and holistic approach to development and peacebuilding across the nation.

This includes the continuous development and implementation of targeted programs and projects for the 5,430 barangays that have been integral to the BDP since its inception in 2021.

"The administration is also in the process of finalizing a comprehensive 2024-2028 Roadmap, spearheaded by the NTF-ELCAC.

This strategic plan aims to address the root causes of conflict, empower communities, and unite all sectors in the fight against terrorism, in alignment with the President’s Philippine Development Plan 2023-2038," the NTF-ELCAC said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224055

Charade, DND chief says of latest China statement on WPS agreement

From the Philippine News Agency (May 4, 2024): Charade, DND chief says of latest China statement on WPS agreement (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – China's latest statement to justify its illegal presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is a "charade" and only aims to divide Filipinos over the issue, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said on Sunday.

"This charade must stop. I am issuing this statement to generate awareness on this clear attempt by China to advance another falsehood in order to divide our people and distract us from their unlawful presence and actions in our EEZ (exclusive economic zone)," he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday claimed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom) made repeated confirmations that the "new model" for the handling of raising tensions in the WPS have been approved by key Philippine government officials, including Teodoro and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

China also claimed that it has records of "communication and negotiation" on this matter and that it has nothing to do with the sovereign positions of the two countries.

"I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense is a party to any new model is a devious machination of China through their Embassy in Manila, and it is curious that it comes right after their actions were condemned in the recent Squad meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii," Teodoro said.
Teodoro, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III, Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles met at the Indo-Pacific Command headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 2.

The four ministers “strongly” objected to the dangerous use of China Coast Guard and militia vessels and are seriously concerned over the ongoing situation in the East and South China Sea.

Teodoro reiterated that he had disallowed any contact between the DND and the Chinese Embassy since the courtesy call of Ambassador Huang Xilian, a few days after he assumed office in July last year.

"During the said courtesy call, there was no discussion or briefing on any gentleman's agreement or new model, which is contrary to the Chinese Embassy's pronouncements," Teodoro said, contradicting China's claims that there was an exchange of views on "China-Philippines military relations, and maritime issues, among other things."

Teodoro reminded all Filipino citizens, the media, and the international community to beware of China's methods of manipulation, interference, and malign influence in furthering its own interests.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224060