CPP/Ang Bayan: #KampuhanIlocos, inilunsad

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2019): #KampuhanIlocos, inilunsad

INILUNSAD NG SOLIDARITY of Peasants against Exploitation at National Federation of Tobacco Farmers Association and Cooperatives ang #KampuhanIlocos noong Setyembre 24 sa harap ng kapitolyo ng Ilocos Sur sa Vigan. Panawagan nila ang karapatan at makatwirang halaga sa kanilang mga produkto.

Itinaon ang pagkilos sa Tobacco Tripartite Consultative Conference ng National Tobacco Administration (NTA) sa Quezon City noong Setyembre 25. Ang TTCC ay ginaganap kada dalawang taon at nagtatakda ng presyo ng tabako. Nagsasabwatan ang NTA at ang mga kumpanya sa tabako para pigilan ang makabuluhang pagtaas ng produktong tabako ng mga magsasaka.

Batay sa pag-aaral ng mga magsasaka, dapat nasa P128/kilo ang presyo ng tabako, nang walang klasipikasyon. Sa kasalukuyan, ang abereyds na bentahan ng tabako ay P80/kilo lamang. Mula 2003, napako sa taunang abereyds na P3 ang itinaas ng presyo nito samantalang apat na beses nang tumaas ang gastos sa produksyon tungong P273,600.

Dulot din ng hirap sa pagtatanim at labis na pagkalugi, lumiit na ang bilang ng nagtatanim ng tabako. Noong taong 2016 mayroon na lamang 40,892 magsasaka ng tabako mula sa 53,959 noong 2013. Lumiit naman ang lupang tinatamnan ng tabako nang halos 30%.

Ang tabako na Virginia ang karaniwang gamit sa produksyon ng sigarilyao ng mga kumpanyang Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. at Fortune Tobacco. Kontrolado nila ang 90% ng merkado ng sigarilyo sa bansa. Noong 2017, nagtala ang dalawang kumpanya ng netong kita na di bababa sa P8.4 bilyon.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/07/kampuhanilocos-inilunsad/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Iligal na droga, mas kumalat

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2019): Iligal na droga, mas kumalat

Tumampok ang ribalan ng mga sindikato sa droga sa loob ng militar at pulisya nang aminin ni dating heneral Aaron Aquino na mga pulis mismo ang nagpapakalat ng mga iligal na drogang nakukumpiska. Sinabi ito ni Aquino, hepe ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, habang humihingi siya ng P2.5 bilyon badyet sa senado noong Setyembre 16. Ipinamamalas sa pagdinig na ito ang kabulukan at kriminalidad ng pinakamataas na upisyal ng PNP na pinakamasahol ngayon sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte.

Sa pagdinig, naungkat ang modus ng tinatawag na mga “ninja cop,” na hindi iniuulat ang bahagi ng nakumpiskang mga droga upang muling ibenta, gamitin bilang pansariling konsumo o di kaya’y itanim bilang ebidensya sa kanilang mga target dakpin.



Nabunyag si PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde na protektor ng mga “ninja cop” na nagtabi ng mahigit 160 kilo ng shabu mula sa kabuuang 200 kilo na nakumpiska sa isang reyd noong 2013 sa Pampanga. Naiulat na hiningi ni Albayalde kina Aquino, noo’y hepe ng PNP-Central Luzon, at kay Rodrigo Duterte ang pag-abswelto sa kanyang mga tauhan.

Liban sa paglaki ng bentahan ng iligal na droga dahil sa mga “ninja cops,” iniulat ng United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime noong Marso na makabuluhan ang inilaki ng produksyon ng shabu sa Pilipinas noong 2018. Tumaas din ang bilang ng pumasok na shabu mula sa US.

Maliban sa shabu, lumaki rin ang produksyon at pagpasok ng iba pang tipo ng iligal na droga. Kabilang dito ang pagkakaroon ng pabrika ng ecstasy at pagdami ng nakukuhang mga pakete ng cocaine sa karagatan ng bansa. Lumaki rin ang bilang ng pumasok na Fentanyl, kilala bilang drogang ginagamit ni Duterte. Ligal ang Fentanyl ngunit may epekto ng pagkalango tulad ng mga iligal na droga.

Hindi na bago ang mga pagbubunyag ng kriminalidad at korapsyon sa PNP at AFP. Ito ang marahas na mukha ng burukrata kapitalismo, kung saan kinakasangkapan ng naghaharing uri ang reaksyunaryong estado para ipagtanggol at isulong ang interes ng mga dinastiya sa pulitika at ng mga sindikatong kriminal na nakadikit sa kanila. Nasa tuktok ng burukrasyang ito si Duterte, na siya ring pinakamukha ng korapsyon at pinakamalaking protektor ng mga sindikato.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/07/iligal-na-droga-mas-kumalat/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 2 magsasaka ng abaka, pinatay sa Catanduanes

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2019): 2 magsasaka ng abaka, pinatay sa Catanduanes

Patay sina Lito Aguilar, 33, at Christopher Abraham, 31, mga magsasaka ng abaka, matapos pagbabarilin ng pinagsanib na tropa ng 83rd IB at PNP Catanduanes Provincial Mobile Force Company sa Barangay Taopon, Panganiban, Catanduanes noong madaling araw ng Setyembre 22. Sugatan naman sina Jimmy Sierra, Joseph Torado at Jomarie Calderon.

Matapos ang krimen, nagtanim ng ebidensyang riple ang mga sundalo at pinalabas na mga myembro umano ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang dalawa. Mariin itong pinabulaanan ng mga residente ng baryo. Ayon sa kapitan ng barangay, magkakapamilya ang limang biktima at nangingisda lamang sa ilog para sa kasal ni Aguilar.

Sa Sibagat, Agusan del Sur noong Setyembre 14, pinagbabaril ng nag-ooperasyong mga tropa ng 29th IB at mga Scout Ranger si Datu Carlito Anduhuyan sa Sityo Dandanon, Barangay Kolambugan sa naturang bayan. Nakaligtas sa pamamaril ang kasama niyang si Jhonny Boy Dandanon. Nagtanim din ng ebidensyang riple ang mga sundalo at ibinalita na kasapi ng BHB ang kanilang napatay.

Taliwas dito, iginiit ng mga kapamilya at kabarangay ng biktima na sibilyan si Anduhuyan. Nagpunta lamang ang mga biktima sa bundok upang maglagari ng kahoy.

Iligal na pag-aresto. Pitong aktibista ang iligal na inaresto sa isang tsekpoynt ng pinagsanib na tropa ng AFP at PNP sa Puerto Princesa, Palawan noong Oktubre 4, alas 8:30 ng gabi. Kabilang sa inaresto ang dating tagapagsalita ng Karapatan-Southern Tagalog na si Glendyhl Malabanan. Ginamit laban sa kanya ang isang mandyamento de aresto na may mga nakalistang alyas. Hindi kabilang sa listahan ang kanyang pangalan.

Inaresto si Malabanan matapos maglunsad ang grupo ng imbestigasyon sa naiulat na paglabag ng AFP sa karapatang-tao ng mga magsasaka sa bayan ng Taytay.

Sa Navotas City noong Setyembre 22, iligal na inaresto, ikinulong at binugbog ng mga pulis si Nardric Poras, 17, myembro ng Kadamay-Metro Manila. Ito ay matapos niyang isugod sa ospital ang sugatang kapitbahay na tinamaan ng bala sa isang operasyong “kontra-droga” ng mga pulis. Inakusahan si Poras na nagbebenta umano ng iligal na droga.

Inaresto naman ng 20th IB sina Christian Sabado, Anton Manoso at Edson Piczon noong Oktubre 2, alas-11 ng umaga sa Barangay San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar. Ang tatlo ay mga myembro ng Northern Samar Small Farmers’ Association na nagsasagawa ng pagsisiyasat hinggil sa paglaganap ng peste na lubhang puminsala sa mga sakahan sa prubinsya, partikular sa Catubig at Las Navas.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/07/2-magsasaka-ng-abaka-pinatay-sa-catanduanes/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Buhay na demokrasya: Demokrasya sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2019): Buhay na demokrasya: Demokrasya sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan



Sa kabila ng pag-iral ng pasistang tiraniya, binubuhay ng mamamayan ang demokrasya sa landas ng pakikibaka. Matatagpuan ito sa mga organisasyon ng mamamayan, kanilang mga organo ng kapangyarihang pampulitika at gubyernong bayan, sa loob ng Partido Komunista at ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Sa mga ito dumadaloy ang boses ng mga uring api at demokratikong sektor, ang kanilang mga hinaing at tunguhin, gayundin ang kanilang galit at pagkamuhi sa nakaupong rehimen. Sa loob ng mga ito malayang naihahapag ng mamamayan ang kanilang mga usapin nang walang takot at reserbasyon. Lumilitaw sa prosesong ito ang makatarungan at wastong resolusyon sa kanilang mga usapin, at nakaaasa silang buo itong susuportahan at ipagtatanggol ng kanilang hukbong bayan.

Dumadaloy ang demokrasya sa rebolusyon, sa loob ng NPA. Ito ang pahayag ni Ka Ando, isang kumander ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Tinitiyak ito ng mga sangay ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas na nasa loob sa hukbo. Kakambal ito ng disiplina na mahigpit na tinatangan ng mga Pulang mandirigma.

Susi sa pagdaloy ng demokrasya ang mga talakayan at pag-aaral sa hanay ng mga kumander at mandirigma at kadre ng Partido tungkol sa mga prinsipyo ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo at sa programa, mga patakaran at mga kapasyahan ng Partido bilang bahagi nito. Mahalaga rin dito na regular ang kolektibong pagpuna at pagpuna-sa-sarili ng mga Pulang mandirigma na susi sa pagpapatatag ng kanilang pagkakaisa.

Nabibigyang-mukha ang demokrasya ng hukbo sa tatlong larangan—pulitika, militar at ekonomya.

Nakikita ang demokrasya sa pulitika sa pagkakaroon ng mga pulong at malayang pagpapahayag ng saloobin sa pagitan ng mga kumander at kawal ng hukbo.
Karamihan sa mga Pulang mandirigma ay mga magsasaka at minoryang mamamayan. Sinisikap ng mga kadre ng Partido na sanayin sila sa pagbibigay ng opinyon at pagpapahayag. Bahagi ng pang-araw-araw na buhay ng mga yunit ng hukbo ang maiiksing pulong at pagtatasa hanggang sa antas iskwad.

Bahagi ng demokrasya sa militar ang karapatan ng bawat mandirigma na magpahayag ng kanilang opinyon sa mga usaping militar. Gayundin, bago at pagkatapos ng mga kampanyang militar ay kinakailangang magdaos ng mga pulong ang BHB. Tinatalakay dito ang mga planong pang-operasyon, mga paraan at teknika ng paglaban at pagtatagumpay ng mga opensiba.
Naipamamalas din ang demokrasyang militar sa pagtatalaga ng mga kadre ng hukbo bilang mga kumander at upisyal na walang pagtatangi sa edad. Binabasag nito ang kultura ng pagiging mas matanda o di kaya ay beterano bago maging upisyal.

Lubog sa araw-araw na pakikibaka ang mga kumander ng BHB, salungat sa mga heneral ng reaksyunaryong armadong hukbo. Nasa unahan sila ng mga pakikibaka at sakripisyo at nagsisilbing modelo sa mga Pulang mandirigma ng prinsipyo ng “simpleng pamumuhay, puspusang pakikibaka.”

Iisang hapag-kainan

Kanin. Gulay. Tuyo. Delata. Ito ang karaniwang pinagsasaluhan kapwa ng mga Pulang kumander at kawal sa hapag-kainan. Sa tatlong demokrasya, sa ekonomya matingkad na naipamamalas ang pagkakapantay-pantay.

Magkasalo sila sa pantay na rasyon at pantay na panggastos. Kadalasan, inihahanay ang mga lalagyan sa kusina at magkakasunod na tinatakalan ng pagkain. Tinitiyak ng mga itinalagang upisyal sa suplay ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga mandirigma.

Hindi lamang sa pagkain kundi maging sa gamit makikita ang pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga mandirigma. Walang pagbibigay ng mga pabor sa mga upisyal. Kung ano ang klase ng gamit na ibinigay sa isa, ganun din ang sa iba pa. Sinisikap na pagkasyahin at mabigyan ang higit na nangangailangan ng mga suplay na nabili o nakalap. Para matiyak ang tamang paggamit sa mga ito, pana-panahong nagsasagawa ng imbentaryo ang mga upsiyal sa suplay.

Simple ang pamumuhay ng mga kumander at mga kawal ng hukbo. Salungat ito sa bundat na mga heneral ng AFP at PNP na nagmamay-ari ng naglalakihang mansyon. Nag-uunahan ang mga upisyal nito sa pangungurakot maging sa kakarampot na pondong pang-operasyon na nakalaan para sa kanilang mga tropa. Sa kaso halimbawa ng mga CAFGU, ginagamit pa para sa personal na negosyo ng mga regular na sundalo ang sahod ng mga elemento at binabayaran lamang ang mga ito nang ilang kilong bigas at ilang pirasong sardinas.

Sa BHB, kolektibong pinagpapasyahan at ipinatutupad ang mga gawaing pamproduksyon alinsunod sa prinsipyo ng “pagtindig sa sariling paa.” Tinutuwangan ng mga kasamang may sapat na kaalaman sa produksyon ang ibang relatibong bago sa gawain.

Ang mga kumander at mandirigma ay magkasama sa parehong gipit at maluwag na sitwasyon sa loob hukbo. Sa panahon ng mga matinding opensibang militar ng kaaway, kinakailangang maghigpit ng sinturon ang hukbo. Sa ganitong mga kalagayan, parehong napagtitibay ang demokrasya at disiplina ng mga yunit ng hukbong bayan.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/07/buhay-na-demokrasya-demokrasya-sa-bagong-hukbong-bayan/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 50th IB, inambus ng BHB-ICR

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 7, 2019): 50th IB, inambus ng BHB-ICR

INAMBUS NG BAGONG Hukbong Bayan (BHB)-Ilocos-Cordillera (Chadli Molintas Command) ang isang platun ng Charlie Company 50th IB na pinamumunuan ni Lt. Pulalonan sa Aguid, Sagada, Mountain Province noong Setyembre 26. Ayon sa mga naunang ulat, isang sundalo ang namatay at isa ang sugatan. Isinagawa ang ambus sa gitna ng operasyong dumog ng Northern Luzon Command ng AFP na sumasaklaw sa limang munisipyo (Bontoc, Sagada, Besao, Tadian at Bauko) at kanugnog na munisipyo ng Abra (Tubo).

Samantala, inambus ng isang yunit ng BHB-Mindoro (Lucio de Guzman Command) ang isang trak ng pulis na bumabagtas sa haywey na sakop ng Barangay Pasi, Socorro, Oriental Mindoro noong Setyembre 24. Hindi bababa sa 12 ang kaswalti sa hanay ng kaaway. Kinakasangkapan ng 203rd IBde ang naturang mga pulis sa mga inilulunsad nitong operasyong kombat sa isla.

Sa Camarines Sur, dinisarmahan ng BHB-Caramoan (Tomas Pilapil Command) si Jose Cordial, sa Sityo Mantopo, Barangay Binagasbasan, Garchitorena. Nakumpiska sa kanya ang dalawang KG9 at apat na magasin nito, dalawang pistolang kalibreng .45 at apat na magasin nito, at mga bala. Si Cordial, isang pirata, ay inirereklamo ng mga residente dahil sa kanyang pang-aabuso, pananakot at pagpapaputok ng baril. Imbwelto rin siya sa pagtutulak ng droga at pang-aagaw ng lupa sa mga katabing parsela ng lupa na pag-aari ng ibang magsasaka.

Samantala, mariing pinabulaanan ng BHB-Albay (Santos Binamera Command) na may naganap na engkwentro sa Sityo Cadlom, Barangay Pandan sa Ligao, Albay noong Oktubre 1. Anang BHB, pakana lamang ito ng AFP-PNP para bigyang katwiran ang pagbubuo ng Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/07/50th-ib-inambus-ng-bhb-icr/

ideo Play

AFP eyes Abus in kidnap of British man, wife

From the Philippine Star (Oct 10, 2019): AFP eyes Abus in kidnap of British man, wife

With still no contact or proof of life, authorities believe that a British businessman and his wife who were snatched in a coastal village in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur and their captors are constantly on the move.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the kidnappers are on the run with their victims to evade government forces.

Sobejana said the kidnappers could be hiding the couple in mainland Zamboanga peninsula.
The couple were seized as they arrived at a resort, which they owned, about two kilometers away from the town proper on Friday last week.

The kidnappers have yet to contact the relatives of the victims.

Sobejana said the military is not ruling out the involvement of Abu Sayyaf bandits who have contact with lawless groups operating in Zamboanga.

“That’s the end game of this kidnapping,” he said, noting that Abu Sayyaf bandits are known to subcontract lawless groups for a fee.

Sobejana said a naval blockade is in place in Basilan, Sulu and Cotabato to prevent the kidnappers from handing over the couple to the Abu Sayyaf.

“We are closely monitoring the coastal areas in Zamboanga del Sur as well as the Moro Gulf, specifically Lanao del Sur... Cotabato and Basilan Strait,” he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured British Ambassador Daniel Pruce that Westmincom troopers and local police officers are doing their best to rescue the victims.

Lorenzana said Pruce is constantly communicating with him, asking for updates on the incident.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/10/10/1958902/afp-eyes-abus-kidnap-british-man-wife

The Trouble with the New Anti-Subversion Act Push for the Philippines

Posted to The Diplomat (Oct 9, 2019): The Trouble with the New Anti-Subversion Act Push for the Philippines (By Luke Lischin)

The push for a new move bears noting within the Duterte administration’s broader approach to managing security issues.

Credit: ASEAN Secretariat

Last year, the Philippines moved forward with a key executive order designed to shore up its approach to defeating a decades-old communist insurgency. The move bears noting within the broader question of the country’s overall approach to resolving the manifold security challenges it continues to confront under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Signed on December 4, 2018 by Duterte, Executive Order (EO) 70 was issued to coordinate the defeat communist insurgency, laying the foundation for a new legal counterterrorism framework. As the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council prepares to convene, senior Cabinet officials proposed revisions to the 2007 Human Security Act (HSA) and a revival of the defunct Republic Act (RA) 1700, the Anti-Subversion Act.

The executive order bears notice. The current conversation on counterterrorism legislation is inextricable from national discourses on martial law, human rights, and the role of state security forces within civilian spaces, especially universities. Fundamentally, EO 70’s mandate for reform is facilitating potentially radical changes in the Philippines’ approach to counterterrorism, granting the Duterte administration unprecedented authority to prosecute its critics and opposition.

The context for the current push for stronger counterterrorism laws is martial law in Mindanao, which remains in effect under Proclamation No. 216 issued in 2017. Senator Panfilo Lacson recently argued that martial law is “a toothless tiger” and impractical to maintain. Despite the gradual degradation Islamic State-affiliated militants like the Maute Group, other groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Jolo-based Abu Sayyaf Group led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan continue to mount mass casualty attacks including suicide bombings.

Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana stated he is open to lifting martial law so long as the HSA is amended, although it must pass before the New Year, otherwise martial law will be extended for the fourth time. Nevertheless, Lorenzana’s argument to revise the HSA has wide support from prominent figures in the administration including Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, and Duterte. According to Lorenzana’s proposal, the revised HSA would extend detention periods for suspected terrorist from 36 hours to 60 days, and lengthen wiretaps authorized by the Court of Appeals from the current limit of 30 days to 90 days.

By contrast, Senator Lacson pushed for a 14-day detention period when introducing Senate Bill No. 2204 in February 2019. This bill aims remove penalties against law enforcement personnel who fail to release or transfer a detainee to a proper judicial authority within the law’s timeframe. It would also amend HSA’s Section 50 requiring reparations of 500000 pesos (about $25,564) for every day of illegal detention a suspect endures that are “automatically charged against the appropriations of the police agency or the Anti-Terrorism Council that brought or sanctioned the filing of the charges against the accused.” Instead, the wrongly accused would have to sue the state for damages incurred while detained in order to receive restitution.

Coinciding with the push for revising the HSA is DILG Secretary Año’s push to revive RA 1700 under the mandate of EO 70. RA 1700 first passed in 1957 to address the communist Hukbalahap insurgency and subsequently expanded by the decree President Ferdinand Marcos to combat the CPP, criminalized affiliation or membership with outlawed groups determined to be antigovernment. Secretary Año believes that “the Anti-Subversion Act is urgent, critical, and inevitable,” to thwart the CPP’s ability to obtain funds and recruits, alleging that 500-1000 students are recruited to the CPP annually, of which 50-100 become NPA fighters.

Backed by the PNP and members of the Senate, Año’s proposal still encountered mild criticism from officials within the administration such as Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, while presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo merely stated that the proposal would require further review. Duterte has not officially commented on the subversion law, but warned in a recent speech that there would be “radical change” in the government’s war against communist insurgency, terrorism, and illegal drugs. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez, by contrast, voiced his support for a new subversion law, stating that it would help his office’s initiative conducting local peace talks with the NPA. Regardless, Año backed down from pushing for reviving the repealed legislation, and is instead calling for a new law outlawing membership in the CPP.ADVERTISING

Despite Año’s assurances that a new anti-subversion law would not target activists and political opposition, DILG Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya previously explained that the DILG’s desired ban on CPP-NPA membership would include individuals and groups who adhere to CPP ideology. At present, Section 17 of the HSA enables the proscription of an organization as a terrorist entity based on their links to other “outlawed organizations”, but maintains no provisions for listing entities based on ideology. A new Anti-Subversion Law would eliminate this protection by providing officials the legal means to link left-wing organizations with “outlawed organizations”, namely the CPP-NPA, which was designated as a terrorist organization under RA No. 10168 in 2017.

Banning left-wing organizations and individuals on the basis of their political beliefs is an egregious violation of civil liberties, and it would be strategic blunder in the campaign against the CPP-NPA. The opening of limited opportunities for left-wing groups to participate in government after the Marcos dictatorship provoked schisms within the CPP and its National Democratic Front, resulting in defections, and purges that severely diminished the strength of the CPP-NPA during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Without the space to organize and advocate through political parties and civil society, left-wing groups may have greater incentives work with the CPP as they are forced to operate underground in defiance of the law.

Restricting legal avenues for expressing dissent also plays directly into the propaganda of the CPP, which has always argued against participation in a “rigged” democracy. This argument gained currency when former President Ferdinand Marcos reissued the Anti-Subversion Law, driving both Leftists and opposition moderates into joining or partnering with the CPP-NPA. Drawing a deliberate comparison between the heyday of Marcos’ martial law and the current administration, CPP founder Jose Maria Sison quipped that Duterte is bound to surpass President Ferdinand Marcos as the NPA’s “best recruiter,” adding that a new Anti-Subversion Law would only “incite the masses” against the government.

Even if a new Anti-Subversion Law does not make the docket of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, the revision of the HSA is rife with potential for abuse under any administration. Some revisions to the HSA may be warranted, but the need for stronger laws is outweighed by the overall weakness Philippines’ justice system, which ranks among the worst in Asia and worldwide according to the 2019 report of the World Justice Project. While Philippine courts have made noteworthy progress in closing cases within the target of 180-days from filing, the system remains seriously understaffed and underfunded. Ultimately, stronger institutions capable of processing cases in accordance with existing laws are a better investment in justice than new laws that implement harsher penalties on suspects at the expense of due process.

[Luke Lischin is an Assistant Research Fellow at the National War College, Washington, D.C., and an independent consultant on political violence in Southeast Asia. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the National War College.]

https://thediplomat.com/2019/10/the-trouble-with-the-new-anti-subversion-act-push-for-the-philippines/

Air Force choppers drop toys, candies for Basilan kids

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 9, 2019): Air Force choppers drop toys, candies for Basilan kids



Photo from the 6th Air Reserve Center Facebook page

When the whipping blades of Philippine Air Force choppers roar in the skies of Basilan, it usually means military operations are underway.

But on Friday last week, two helicopters of the 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron did not drop bombs but poured out toys, balloons and candies for the children of Barangay Tuburan in the town of Mohammad Ajul.

Basilan is an island province near Jolo, where some members of the Abu Sayyaf are believed to be hiding. Tourists usually can only get around when they have security personnel.

The island gets in the news from time to time when deadly clashes and military operations are reported.

The activity last Oct.4 benefited over 500 children of the members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf surrenderees, government militia and other residents of Hadji Mohammad Ajul, the 6th Air Reserve Center said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

In a separate statement, the Western Mindanao Command said the helicopter drop was aimed at helping the children recover from their traumatic experiences in seeing bombs drop.

About a hundred of these children are currently enrolled in the Program Against Violent Extremism, one of the government’s programs for Abu Sayyaf members who have surrendered to the government.

The outreach program was initiated by Dr. Arlyn Jawad-Jumao-as, founder of Save the Children of War Foundation, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the Basilan government and other stakeholders.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1175825/air-force-choppers-drop-toys-candies-for-basilan-kids

Police arrests two high-ranking communist leaders in Cagayan

From the Business Mirror (Oct 10, 2019): Police arrests two high-ranking communist leaders in Cagayan

Two high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army in Cagayan Valley were arrested on Tuesday by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following the serving of warrants of arrest for multiple charges that included murder.

Col. Santiago Pascual, chief of CIDG Region 2, identified the two rebels as Violeta Ricardo, 55, resident of Barangay Tagumay, Gattaran, Cagayan, and Cristina Garcia- alias Senyang.

Ricardo, who carried a reward of P2.4 million from the government for her arrest, is reportedly the current deputy secretary of the Northern Front and finance officer of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley of the NPA.

On the other hand, Garcia is reportedly the secretary of the Western Command, Northern Front of the same rebel group’s regional committee.

Pascual said the duo were arrested at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday through the strength of four warrants of arrest that were issued by four courts in Cagayan for cases that include three murders.

In a separate operation, Pascual said they have also arrested another member of the NPA identified as Delilah Padilla, alias Delay.

Padilla, who carried a reward of P700,000 for her arrest, is a member of the Southern Front of the NPA’s Region 2.

Pascual said they served on Padilla four warrants of arrest for murder, homicide and robbery in band.

Also arrested during the operation was Carol Ballesta, 50, resident of Barangay Leonarda, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, for obstruction of justice for reportedly harboring Padilla.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/10/10/police-arrests-two-high-ranking-communist-leaders-in-cagayan/

Joint police-military force clash with suspected NPAs in Kabankalan City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 9, 2019): Joint police-military force clash with suspected NPAs in Kabankalan City



Source: Google Map

A firefight has erupted between a joint police-military team and a group of suspected rebels in a hinterland area of Kabankalan City this evening, October 9, 2019, the military said.

Members of the Philippine National Police 6th Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-6) and soldiers from the 62nd Infantry Battalion clashed with more or less 10 insurgents believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Basak, Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental at 8:20 p.m. of Wednesday.

The PNP and Army personnel were on joint combat operations in connection with the recent encounter between the troops of the 62nd IB and the 31st Division Reconnaissance Company at Sitio Bugo, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last October 6, 2019 when the encounter happened.

According to the statement of the 303rd Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo, the exchange of gunfire lasted for 15 minutes. The rebels withdrew towards northeast direction.

The government troops are still conducting clearing and pursuit operations as of this posting.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/263172/joint-police-military-force-clash-with-suspected-npas-in-kabankalan-city

DepEd-Iloilo to look into ‘NPA recruitment’

From Panay News (Oct 10, 2019): DepEd-Iloilo to look into ‘NPA recruitment’

ILOILO – The newly-installed division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) in this province vowed to look into the alleged recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in schools.
Dr. Roel Bermejo officially assumed the post on Oct. 1. He said he has yet to receive a status report on the alleged recruitment.

In August, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) announced it was ready to deploy soldiers in schools to stop the NPA recruitment of students via front organizations. A “preventive measure” was how Army Captain Cenon Pancito III, 3ID spokesperson, described the planned deployment.

On his first day as DepEd-Iloilo division superintendent, Bermejo discussed with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. priority programs in education.

“We will focus on the implementation of the K-12 basic curriculum and improve the delivery of instruction, and conduct assessment that will be the basis for the appropriate adjustment in the implementation of the curriculum,” Bermejo said.

He asked the support of the Iloilo provincial government.

Defensor, on the other hand, proposed developmental initiatives, specifically remedial reading programs and the improvement of sanitation facilities.

The 3ID will be coordinating with the local police, school authorities, Department of Education, and Commission on Higher Education, said Pancito.

“We will be there to assist school authorities neutralize communist rebel intrusions,” said Pancito. “There is no militarization of schools. This is a preventive measure. Students are vulnerable. We do not want rebels to conduct recruitment activities in schools.”

He also clarified that not all schools would be posted with soldiers

“If we see no threat, we will not deploy personnel,” he stressed.

Pancito urged to parents to monitor the activities of their children and dissuade them from joining militant groups that, he said, were “legal fronts” of the NPA.

Serving the DepEd for 28 years, Bermejo used to be a classroom teacher, principal, and educational program supervisor.

He was formerly division superintendent of Capiz. He replaced Dr. Miguel Mac Aposin who was reassigned to Aklan.

https://www.panaynews.net/deped-iloilo-to-look-into-npa-recruitment/

1 injured, 1 killed in Negros clash

Posted to the Cebu Daily News (Oct 10, 2019): 1 injured, 1 killed in Negros clash 



Recovered items after the firefight between a joint police-military force and suspected rebels include live ammunition, AK-47 magazines, medical kits and two backpacks with personal belongings. | PHOTO courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion

One police officer was wounded while one suspected rebel was killed in a clash that happened in a hinterland area in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday, October 9, the military said in a statement.

Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, said one suspected rebel perished during a firefight between the police-military force and more or less 10 insurgents believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) based on the blood stains found at the encounter site.

The wounded police officer is now in stable condition.

READ: Joint police-military force clash with suspected NPAs in Kabankalan City

In a press statement, Dacoscos said this is the third monitored positive information that the joint police-military force conducted against the group.

The military said the encounter followed after the discovery of the suspected NPA members’ encampment site last October 5 which also resulted in a firefight.

“This is just a manifestation that the areas they are currently operating are always monitored through the support of concerned individuals,” the statement reads.

The military said this is part of their continuing effort to flush out communist rebels.

Recovered at the encounter site were one rifle grenade, TWO AK-47 magazines, 117 rounds 7.62 live ammunition, two pairs of rain boots and tripwires for improvised explosive device.

A medical kit with paraphernalia and various medicines, two batteries, one pouch and two backpacks, which contained personal belongings, were also recovered at the site of the encounter. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/263186/1-injured-1-killed-in-negros-clash

Kalinaw News: Agusan del Sur town deploys troops for community support

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 9, 2019): Agusan del Sur town deploys troops for community support 

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – The local government unit (LGU) of Sibagat, together with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga conducted the send-off ceremony for the Community Support Program-Community Action (CSP-ComAct) Teams held on October 8, 2019 at the Headquarters, Charlie Company, 23IB, Brgy. Poblacion, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur.

The deployment of the CSP teams is in line with the Development Support and Security Plan “Kapayapaan” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which aims to conduct development support operations; sustain peace efforts; ensure security; and help maintain public order to foster the foundation for economic and human development.

The activity symbolizes that the LGU, PNP, AFP and other stakeholders are one in achieving conflict-resilient, as well disaster-resilient communities.

Mayor Ma. Liza L. Evangelista of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur was the honored guest speaker of said ceremony.

“It is our pleasure to fully support the program. You have been doing CSP, and the people with the local government have also been doing their best in bringing the government closer to the people. The lady mayor bared that she is thankful to this program and hopefully, this will kick-off a big difference. “I am a believer of Executive Order No. 70 and I believe that in everything we do in the government, it has to be a whole-of-nation approach. There is always this convergence of efforts; it is not always in the local government or from the people, but with all the partner agencies as well,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., commanding officer of 23IB highlighted that “The CSP operation is one of our means to help our local government units in addressing the peace and security concerns of the communities and to deliver basic government services especially in the far-flung and conflict-affected areas. It also aims to bring our government closer to the people by delivering quality services down to the grassroots.”

23rd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army

1LT ROEL T MAGLALANG
CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA
Mobile Nr. 09171440972
Facebook Page: 23rd Infantry Battalion @ TeamMasigasig23
http://m.me/TeamMasigasig23

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/agusan-del-sur-town-deploys-troops-for-community-support/

NPA suspects undergo inquest Oct 6, 2019

Posted to Palawan News Online (Oct 6, 2019): NPA suspects undergo inquest 

The seven alleged members of New People’s Army (NPA) who were apprehended in a checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City late Friday night were brought to the Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) on Sunday for inquest proceedings.



Suspected NPA members (L-R) Domingo Ritas, Ronces Paragoso, Glendhyl Malabanan, and a certain “Ka Helen” during their arrest in a checkpoint along Bgy. San Jose national highway.

(UPDATED) The seven alleged members of New People’s Army (NPA) who were apprehended in a checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City late Friday night were brought to the Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) on Sunday for inquest proceedings.

During the proceedings, the seven suspects—Glendhyl Malabanan; Ronces Paraguso; Domingo “Ka Tino” Ritas; Jenny “Ka Helen/Ka Taba” Bautista; Joelito “Ka Jebar/Ka Tangkad” Tanilon; Bener “Ka Bata” Rimbuwan; Awing “Ka Gitna” Lumpat—were told about the case filed against them, which was illegal possession of firearms and explosives under Republic Act (RA) 10591.

The presentation of evidence was also done during the proceedings.

Pieces of evidence include one caliber 9mm pistol (HS w/ serial # H81488) with two magazines loaded of live ammunition; rifle grenades; time fuse; blasting caps; improvised galvanometer; batteries; MK2 hand grenades; improvised hand grenade; several electronic gadgets (laptops and cellphones); assorted medicines; backpacks; hammocks; military/PNP and civilian clothes; subversive documents; NPA uniforms and NDF Flags.

Pieces of evidence during the suspects’ arrest on late Friday evening.

The seven suspects were arrested in a joint checkpoint conducted by the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC); City Intelligence Branch-Puerto Princesa City Police Office (CIB-PPCPO); Palawan Intelligence Branch-Palawan Police Provincial Office (PIB-PPPO); and Joint Intelligence Task Group (JITG)-West-3MDBE.

According to police sources, the suspects resisted undergoing medical validation on Saturday evening without the presence of their lawyer which caused the delay on the inquest proceeding.

The suspects maintained their claim that their arrest violated their human rights, pointing out that no warrants were served to them.

During the proceeding, the warrant of arrest docketed under CC No. ROX-19 (1)-38794-SV was presented to counter the suspects’ claim.

As of press time, authorities were waiting for the commitment order from the court to allow the transfer of the suspects to the city jail. If the commitment order will not be granted on Sunday afternoon, the suspects will be returned to the Puerto Princesa City Police Station 1 where they will again await for an order of transfer.

https://palawan-news.com/npa-suspects-undergo-inquest/?fbclid=IwAR0oQwG_xLHWzrsbY_3_8ZEv4rCa8G3gT-_s3ChVtC39m0MST9X5-u2WhYs

WESCOM: Provincial Government, Pay Tribute to the Authorities in Capturing 7 NPA Members in Palawan

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 7, 2019): Provincial Government, Pay Tribute to the Authorities in Capturing 7 NPA Members in Palawan

PRESS RELEASE
October 7, 2019

Provincial Government, pay tribute to the authorities in 7 NPA members in palawan

The Provincial Government of Palawan pays the joint operations of the law enforcement group consisting of ppcpo-CIB, ps1, cmfc, pal ppo-Pib, rid of 4 B, pal cit, jitg and western command that resulted in the catch of seven Member of the new people's Army (NPA) in the province.

At The Press Conference on 7th October 2019 in the Capitol Building, Vice Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates announced that represent Governor Jose Chaves Alvarez, the admiration of the provincial government in the initiative of law enforcement group to catch members OF NPA.

"First of all, Palawan Task Force ELCAC would like to commend the PLEDS cluster for successful joint law enforcement checkpoint operations at Barangay San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan that resulted to the arrest of Domingo Ritas, one of the top NPA leaders in Palawan and six other NPA members at around 11:00 pm of October 4, 2019.

Yesterday, October 6, 2019 at 11:00 am the above-named arrested were subjected to inquest at the City Prosecutor’s Office for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives under Republic Act 10591 and RA 9516. At 6:15 pm on the same day, filed criminal cases with no bail recommended against the seven arrested NPA personalities."

Surgery made response to the released executive order no. 70 President Rodrigo Duterte stated the building of a national task force to end the local communist armed conflict in the country.

"As we all know, on December 4, 2018 President Duterte issued Executive Order 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and under that executive order, the Local Government Units have been actively involved in the effort. So yung aking presensya po rito ay pagpapahayag ng Provincial Government of Palawan sa ilalim ng pamunuan ni Governor JCA ay kaisa ng ating pangulo, national government, at ng ating mga peace and order personnel sa pagpapatupad ng Executive Order 70...The arrest of these members of the Communist Terrorist Groups is a clear manifestation of how they have become unwelcomed and rejected by the community... This is also the result of the resolutions of Local Government Units of the province of Palawan declaring the CPP-NPA and their front organizations as undesirable in their respective townships. During the arrest, they are claiming as members of Karapatan... The arrest shows that Karapatan is a communist front organization", saad ni Vice Governor Socrates.

The Press Conference was led by Vice Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates as representative of Palawan Task Force Elcac (ending local communist armed conflict), Bgen Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Commander, 3RD Marine Brigade to represent pleds (Peace, law enforcement and development Support) Cluster and Atty. Vincent Escala representing the legal cooperation cluster.

Meanwhile, Palawan Task Force Elcac continues to perform its mandate to encourage members of CPP-NPA to return to government and community.

"Palawan Task Force ELCAC for its part will continue to urge the remaining members of CPP-NPA to choose the path of peace... The Palawan Task Force ELCAC is ready to extend assistance and will help in making our communities resilient and safe from the communists..." dagdag pa ng Bise Gobernador.

https://www.facebook.com/PalawanPio/photos/pcb.3140775055963519/3140769932630698/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PalawanPio/photos/pcb.3140775055963519/3140769939297364/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PalawanPio/photos/pcb.3140775055963519/3140773225963702/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PalawanPio/photos/pcb.3140775055963519/3140772819297076/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PalawanPio/photos/pcb.3140775055963519/3140773429297015/?type=3&theater

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