Badoy says NTF-ELCAC funds go to Filipinos, not campaign

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2021): Badoy says NTF-ELCAC funds go to Filipinos, not campaign

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy (File photo)

The PHP19-billion total budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is being used for the development of over 800 barangays cleared of insurgency, not campaign propaganda, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy said on Sunday.

Badoy, who is also NTF-ELCAC spokesperson, denied allegations made by Bayan Muna Representative and House Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Zarate who claimed that the task force is using its funds to put up tarpaulins and other campaign propaganda of their favored candidates.

“It's a very clear no. None of that is going to campaign. Who's campaigning? There's no campaigning going on. It all goes to the Filipino people who need it the most,” Badoy said in an interview over One News.

Of the PHP19 billion total budget of the NTF-ELCAC, PHP16.5 billion is allotted for the development of over 800 barangays cleared of insurgency.

The Barangay Development Program’s (BDP) core programs and projects for each recipient barangay, which would receive PHP20 million, include a 1-kilometer farm-to-market road worth PHP12 million, classrooms (PHP3 million), water and sanitation systems (PHP2 million), a health station (PHP1.5 million), and livelihood projects (PHP1.5 million).

The PHP16.5-billion BDP budget goes directly to local government units from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Badoy said she is no longer surprised over Zarate’s allegations, describing him as “the mouthpiece” of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.

“Yung mga kasinungalingan ni Carlos Zarate that's expected (The lies of Carlos Zarate, that’s expected),” she said.

Since the BDP’s goal is to prevent “generational poverty” and “ignorance” enabled by the CPP-NPA-NDF, she said it was only natural for Zarate to be unsupportive of the program.

“This will really eradicate this communist insurgency, which, of course Carlos Zarate does not want because he's a member of the CPP-NPA-NDF [Communist-Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front]. It's like, yung mga ipis gusto ba nila ng Baygon? Siyempre ayaw nila 'yan (Do cockroaches like Baygon? Of course they don’t),” she added.

She also denied Zarate’s claim that she destroyed the meaning of good governance by her alleged irresponsible red-tagging.

“I don't understand why. I'm the public official that goes down on the ground and talks to our people. I'm the appointee of a President that believes that the way to end this insurgency is good governance,” she said.

Badoy said the Makabayan bloc, which enabled crimes committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF, should be removed from Congress.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“The Duterte administration stands for good governance. Sila, ang (They in the) Makabayan bloc, they enable the most heinous and most atrocious talaga crimes against the indigenous peoples so it's him, they should be taken out of Congress,” she added.

She, however, expressed confidence that Filipinos knew better than to believe Zarate’s false allegations.

“We expected no less from Carlos Zarate. But you know, the Filipino people are awake so Carlos Zarate sounds like a clown right now,” she said.

In an earlier interview in the same program, Zarate said the NTF-ELCAC’s budget should instead be used to provide necessary assistance to those severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"That PHP19-billion allocated to them, mas mabuti pang gagamitin 'yan (it’s better if we use it) to give our people the much-needed ayuda (assistance) and not on red-tagging, not on fake surrenderers, not on tarpaulins announcing the possible run for election by these personalities associated with the NTF-ELCAC,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142758

NTF-ELCAC stands on solid ground when identifying CPP-NPA fronts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2021): NTF-ELCAC stands on solid ground when identifying CPP-NPA fronts

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) stands on solid ground when it identifies members of the Makabayan bloc as fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), a task force official said Sunday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary and NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Marie Badoy insisted that the task force is only doing its job after Bayan Muna Representative and House Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Zarate said the Makabayan bloc is exploring legal processes to take actions against the task force for retagging them as a front organization of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“It’s an old story they use, these high-ranking party members of the CPP-NPA-NDF, and we're so used to it. By now the Filipino people know when they open their mouths, it's the same old thing…We do stand on solid ground when we say these things,” Badoy said in an interview over One News.

She said identifying the Makabayan bloc as a communist front organization is not her personal opinion, but the “official stand” of the NTF-ELCAC.

“What I say when I say that, it's not a personal opinion. It's the official stand of the NTF-ELCAC which is headed by the President, which is an inter-government agency, which means that we stand on a mountain of evidence when we say something like that,” she said.

50 years of evidence

Badoy said the NTF-ELCAC has more than 52 years of evidence to back up claims that the Makabayan bloc is indeed a communist front organization.

“What is the NTF-ELCAC made of? The [Department of Justice] is there, the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] is there, the [Philippine National Police] is there, the [National Bureau of Investigation] is there, and we have 52 plus years of evidence to back up what we say. So yes definitely, we have incontrovertible truth when we say that, that the Makabayan bloc is composed of high-ranking party-members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and they are there in Congress to further the goals of the CPP-NPA-NDF, a designated terrorist organization,” she added.

Denying that they were baseless allegations, she said the proof they have is made up of powerful testimonies, documents, and even the Makabayan bloc’s own actions and words.

“There is plenty of processes involved and they involve government processes that have been vetted and very carefully studied when we say something like that,” she said.

She also shrugged off concerns that her recent statements might reignite calls to defund the NTF-ELCAC’s PHP19 billion budget.

“We're not worried at all because our courts have already spoken loud and clear and over and over. There is no such thing as red-tagging. From the Supreme Court itself. We've been brought to court over and over, plenty of times,” she said.

Red-tagging invention by CPP-NPA-NDF

She maintained that red-tagging was a term coined by communists to prevent the government from blowing their cover.

“Red-tagging is an invention by the CPP-NPA-NDF that they use to silence those who are going to blow their covers because those CPP-NPA-NDF fronts are so essential to the lifeblood of this terrorist organization,” she added.

Last December, President Rodrigo Duterte himself said government officials do not engage in red-tagging leftist lawmakers, insisting that they were actually "identifying" them as communist fronts. (See: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123408)

Duterte accused Zarate of accepting money and “defending an oligarch” but did not elaborate.

“You are friends with the NPA. You co-conspirators. Komunista ka adre, matagal na. Alam ko. Alam ko kasi alam ko (You’ve been a communist for a long time. I know. I know because I know),” he said.

Zarate, in a separate interview in the same program, earlier said the Makabayan bloc is exploring legal actions to take against the task force for red-tagging the bloc as a front organization of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“Certainly all legal processes, all legal remedies available to us, I would have certainly entertained this to make them accountable and responsible for these accusations leveled against us. This red-baiting, red-labeling, red-tagging,” he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142763

NPA-planted APMs sign of weakening capability: Army official

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): NPA-planted APMs sign of weakening capability: Army official (By Gigie Arcilla)

Army Major Gen. Henry A. Robinson, Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (Contributed photo)

A ranking military official in the Bicol Region said the recent anti-personnel mine (APM) blast that killed two civilians and wounded another in Masbate is a manifestation of communist terrorist groups’ (CTGs) weakening capability as they can no longer face the security forces head-on.

Army Major Gen. Henry A. Robinson, Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia commander, in a statement Sunday, strongly condemned the terrorist attack as he extended his condolences to the bereaved family of Kieth Absalon, 21, a promising football player of the Far Eastern University, and his cousin Nolven Absalon, 40. Kieth’s 16-year-ol nephew, Chrisbin Absalon sustained injuries.

New People’s rebels detonated an APM while the victims and a group of bikers pedaled their way in Purok 4, Barangay Anas, Masbate City at around 10 a.m. of June 6.

On May 1, two civilians were killed and five others were injured in an APM explosion detonated by NPA rebels in Uson, Masbate. On May 23, a government employee was also injured after an NPA-planted APM exploded in Milagros, Masbate.

He said that around the same time on Sunday, another explosion in Barangay Homapon, Legazpi City injuring four motorists including a lawyer.

"The incidents in Masbate and Legazpi were violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as the terrorists targeted innocent civilians. These crimes are proofs that the CTG is anti-people, anti-development, and selfish,” Robinson said.

This, he said, is the reason why Bicolanos loathe communist insurgency because they know that as long as it exists, communist terrorists, who are controlled by their leaders, will continue to spread violence and terror.

“Sinasabi nilang pinuprotektahan nila ang masa at binabatikos nila ang gobyerno dahil sa mga pagkukulang nito pero ang totoo, ang kanilang grupo ang nagpapahirap sa mamamayan dahil pansariling interes lamang ang kanilang iniisip (They claim to be protectors of the masses and criticizes the government for its inadequacies but the truth is, their groups' self-serving interest is the cause of people’s suffering), he added.

Robinson assured that JTF Bicolandia will work hand in hand with their counterpart in the Philippine National Police to arrest the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.

JTF Bicolandia, he added, also believes that the recent incidents were carried out to divert government troops’ focus on the ongoing combat operations in Sorsogon where CTG hideouts were overran, materials and supplies were seized.

He added that in the 3rd District of Masbate, massive surrenderers were recorded while firearms, voluminous CTG materials, and documents were seized, disrupting the terrorist group’s ill plans and unlawful activities.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), said he immediately directed his troops to hunt down the perpetrators while tightening the security measures in the Masbate.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, lambasted the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – NPA for their cowardly acts.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“These were conducted to intimidate the populace, the local government officials, and other sectors of the society who are now aware and denouncing the unacceptable ways and objectives of the terrorist NPAs and their cohorts, Almase said.

CTGs, he said, are attempting to regain the influence they enjoyed and the support they get from the masses who have been deceived prior to the JTF Bicolandia and Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (RTF-ELCAC) sustained and successful campaigns in the region.

“Their desperation will continue as the army will continue to hunt down the perpetrators and even intensify security operations against these terrorists,” he said.

Eye opener

Meanwhile. Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terosismo (KKDAT) shares the sorrow of the loss of one of Keith Absalon, a bright football player who plays for the Malaya Football Club and the Far Eastern University Men's Football Team.

“Keith Absalon is an example of a nationalistic youth who inspired many other Filipino youths by showing devotion and passion of a true Filipino athlete in the International Sports Arena,” KKDAT national spokesperson Franz Arabia said. “It is indeed heartbreaking that these rebels are again the main reason why someone's promising future ended in just a blink of an eye.”

He said the incident just shows us that even innocent civilians are all subject to CTGs’ defensive operations against the government.

“This incident should be an eye-opener to the masses to give our support and trust to those who are mandated by the law to serve and protect us by coordinating immediately all suspicious activities done by unknown individuals to avoid the increasing number of deaths caused by these insurgencies," Arabia added.

Hold CPP-NPA-NDF accountable

Ka Eric, national coordinator of Sentrong Alyansa ng nga Mamamayan Para Sa Bayan (SAMBAYANAN), urged Filipinos for a collective call for justice against the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) and their front organizations serving as conduits and conspirators for these dastardly acts of terrorism.

Ka Eric said SAMBAYANAN, a group established by former CPP-NPA-NDF cadres and operatives who have bonded together as an advocacy support group to the government's peace and development programs, joins the Filipino people for an urgent call to demand justice in order to hold the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders, operatives, collaborators and conspirators, criminally accountable under the crimes committed in violation to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), for crimes against humanity, as local communist terrorist group killed another two civilians Masbate.

CTGs, he said, have been executing roadside APM attacks in the last couple of months in the Bicol region.

The use of APM is a violation of the IHL and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142805

Eleazar orders hunt vs. Masbate mine blast perpetrators

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Eleazar orders hunt vs. Masbate mine blast perpetrators (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators of the anti-personnel mine (APM) blast that killed a football player of the Far Eastern University (FEU) and his cousin on Sunday.

“I am directing the local police to coordinate with the military and launch manhunt operations against the suspects. Hindi po kami titigil hangga’t hindi nabibigyan ng hustisya ang mga inosenteng nasawi at nasugatan sa pagsabog na ito (We will not stop until we attain justice for the innocent victims who died and were wounded in the blast),” said PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar in a statement.

Kieth Absalon, a midfielder for the FEU Tamaraws, and his cousin Nolven, died after an APM believed to have been planted by the New People 's Army (NPA) exploded while they were cycling in Barangay Anas, Masbate City. Absalon's 16-year-old nephew, Chrisbin, was wounded in the incident.

“Again, lives were lost because of the hostile acts of this communist terrorist group. Iyong isa sa mga inosenteng sibilyan na naging biktima ng pagsabog, si Keith Absalon, malayo pa sana ang mararating kung di dahil sa mga teroristang NPA (One of the innocent civilians who fell as a victim to the explosion, Keith Absalon, would have gone a long way if not for these NPA terrorists),” said Eleazar.

Eleazar also strongly condemned the act and condoled with the family of the victims.

Absalon was named the Most Valuable Player during the 2016 juniors football event after leading the FEU-Nicanor Reyes Educational Foundation (FEU-FERN) to the title.

He even scored a goal during the team's 6-1 mauling of the Ateneo Men's Football Team in the finals.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142804

PH would have inked submarine deal sans pandemic: Navy chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): PH would have inked submarine deal sans pandemic: Navy chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (File photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippines would have signed the contract for the acquisition of its first-ever diesel-electric submarines if not for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, according to outgoing Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, on Monday.

"If not for this Covid-19, per my timeline as the Chief of the Navy, I was expecting that the signing of the contract would have been done this second semester of 2021 or at the latest first semester of 2022," Bacordo said when asked for updates on the Navy's submarine acquisition program during his online exit interview with reporters.

Bacordo is scheduled to retire on Wednesday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

"Yung sana ang (that would have been the) timelines for this submarine acquisition project, but because of (the) government's Covid-19 response, so much of our funds have been devoted to the Covid-19 response," said Bacordo, who replaced Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad on Feb. 3 last year.

The budget for the PN's submarine acquisition program is placed at PHP70 billion. To be acquired are two submarines along with its integrated logistics support package (ILS).

"The budget for the submarine acquisition program is PHP70 billion, for two submarines and for the ILS, for the logistics support and also for some ports wherein they can accommodate the submarine, that's the package, but regarding the details as to who will be the contractor, we have not reached that part because that will be determined in the bidding," Bacordo said.

He added that prioritizing the acquisition of the submarines will greatly boost the PN's credible deterrence capability.

"Believe me kapag may submarino tayo (when we have submarines), it is (a) credible deterrence against all countries (entering) in our exclusive economic zone, going in our extended continental shelf, going in our contiguous zones, that will serve as credible deterrence already because they do not know where that submarine is," he added.

Bacordo added that countries interested in bidding in the PN's submarine acquisition program include France, South Korea, India, and Turkey.

Also, Singapore is interested to "download" some of its older submarines to the PN but there is no formal offer yet, he added.

"They (Singapore) have I think newer submarines and they want to sell their older submarines but there is no formal offer yet, only through some intermediaries," Bacordo said.

He, however, clarified that President Rodrigo R. Duterte and the PN want to acquire new submarines for its fleet.

Earlier, Bacordo said having diesel-electric submarines in its inventory will allow the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to achieve a credible defense posture aside from enhancing the PN's maritime defense capabilities.

"We have desired force mix of submarines, frigates, corvettes, OPVs (offshore patrol vessels), LDs (landing docks), FAIC-Ms (fast attack interdiction craft-missiles), MPACs (multi-purpose attack craft), AAVs (amphibious assault vehicles) etc. This is embodied in our Naval Operating Concept submitted to HHQ (higher headquarters) in 2020," he added.

Under this plan, the PN is planning to acquire six anti-air frigates, 12 anti-submarine corvettes, and three submarines along with other naval assets.

"This is the force-mix that will enable the AFP to achieve a credible defense," Bacordo said.

He also added that the acquisition and development of submarine warfare capability will better equip the Navy to fulfill its primary mandate on territorial defense, security, and stability.

"Submarines will enhance our maritime defense capability and can effectively carry out anti-access/area denial, maritime surveillance, maritime interdiction, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The submarine is the most effective ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) platform and the best killing machine in the Navy inventory," he added.

Bacordo said a submarine capability will provide deterrence against aggressors, credibility to the PN, international consideration of the Philippines, and recognition of the AFP from other armed forces.

"Submarines are undetectable and could be anywhere patrolling around the WPS (West Philippine Sea) to act firmly if necessary. Having an operational submarine at-sea will be a game-changer for the PN. Contenders will have to take into consideration the probability of facing a submarine at anytime, anywhere, without any warning, hence will affect their entire assessment of the tactical situation and their behavior," he added,

Bacordo said once acquired, these submarines will be equipped with a large number of weapons.

"It can infiltrate an enemy task force to hunt aircraft carriers and landing docks, and provide decisive superiority with a single lethal hit," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142811

Navy closer to use of Hanjin shipyard with 'term sheet' signing

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Navy closer to use of Hanjin shipyard with 'term sheet' signing (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Philippine Navy (PN) has already signed a "term sheet" with cash-strapped shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC-Phil) for the use of its facility in Subic, Zambales.

"In fact, just last week (May 31), I (have) signed a term sheet (with HHIC-Phil) for the North Yard. The term sheet means negotiation will continue (and) that (we) have accepted the terms there," outgoing PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in his exit interview with reporters on Monday.

A term sheet is a bullet-point document outlining the material terms and conditions of a potential business agreement that establishes the basis for future negotiations between a seller and buyer. It is usually the first documented evidence of a possible acquisition.

The PN is eyeing to convert and use 100 hectares of HHIC-Phil's North Yard into an installation that will house the Philippine Fleet, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Installation Command, and the Amphibious Assault Battalion.

The North Yard is located near HHIC-Phil's Graving Dock No. 5 (also known as a dry dock) and is used to construct, repair, and maintain ships.

Bacordo will bow out of military service on Wednesday upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

"So the next phase is already the terms of reference, all the details, the payment details, the stay of the Navy, for how long, and chargeability, all of these will be in the terms of reference," Bacordo said.

Bacordo said he is looking forward to moving their large ships like the Gregorio Del Pilar-offshore patrol vessels, the Tarlac-class landing docks, the Pohang-class corvette BRP Conrado Yap and the missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna into the facility once the deal is completed.

The PN has always been interested to occupy a part of the HHIC-Phil in Subic Bay due to the presence of a deep-sea harbor that can be used to accommodate its strategic sealift vessels and larger patrol ships.

HHIC-Phil's harbor has a minimum depth of about 10 meters which can accommodate the draft of the Tarlac-class landing docks and Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels and incoming frigates.

Draft refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull or keel. Aside from having a deep-sea harbor, the facility is also protected by mountains and the nearby Grande Island.

HHIC-Phil has a total of USD1.3 billion outstanding loans -- USD400 million from Philippine banks and USD900 million from South Korean lenders.

In January 2019, the shipbuilder filed a petition before the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court "to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142824

CTGs branded as thieves who rob children of their future

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): CTGs branded as thieves who rob children of their future (By Christine Cudis)

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy (File photo)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and other communist terrorist groups (CTGs) are thieves of children, making the Philippines a "valley of tears for mothers who have lost their children at such tender ages with so much promises unfulfilled".

Thus, said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy as she joined the mourning over the death of promising 21-year-old football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin after an anti-personnel mine (APM) planted by the New People's Army (NPA) exploded while the victims and their companions were biking in Purok 4, Barangay Anas, Masbate on Sunday.

“Kieth Absalon was a gifted athlete who had such a bright future ahead of him. And yet he is no more. The precious gift of life stolen from him by these violent extremists headed by the monster in Utrecht, powerfully enabled by his serfs in Congress, the Kamatayan Bloc, which romantically call the terrorism, the pain, and suffering they wreak on the Filipino people the National Democratic Revolution," Badoy said in a statement on Monday.

Nolven Absalon, 40, also died while his 16-year-old son, Chrisbin Daniel, sustained injuries.

"A seemingly harmless activity — biking — had cost Kieth and his 40-year-old uncle their very lives. Kieth’s 16-year-old cousin bore major injuries that may cause permanent deformities and disabilities," she added.

The Bicol police immediately conducted checkpoints to survey the area.

A recent attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the province also killed a passing motorist.

On March 28, 2021, 64-year-old Benhur Almodal, a retired soldier, was ambushed by insurgents in Sitio Tubod, Barangay Jamorawon while on his motorcycle on his way home to Milagros town, according to Maj. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 spokesperson.

Challenge

Badoy, also the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson, urged the Commission on Human Rights to join hands with them in seeking justice for lives claimed by NPA terrorists.

"Join us in the expression of this outrage and the ending of this tragic chapter in our country’s history by ending what must be ended — the life of this terrorist organization, CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front), that has brought nothing but pain and suffering to our people," she said.

She also challenged organizations that support the initiatives of CPP-NPA and their leaders who also "ironically identify themselves as human rights defenders” to "finally redeem themselves by doing what every human being ought to be doing — stand with us in our grief and rage".

Badoy cited Karapatan, NUPL, NUJP, NUSP, CEGP, Kabataan, Bayan Muna, ACT, Gabriela, IBon, and Save Our Schools Network.

She named Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, Arlene Brosas, France Castro, Ferdinand Gaite, and Sarah Elago and asked them to condemn the "blatant violation of human rights and the International Humanitarian Laws that ended the young life of Kieth Absalon".

"Or will they, once again, meet our challenge with a deafening silence or an endless stream of obfuscation that can only mean one thing — that this reign of terror will continue and that there will be more mothers who will be cradling the dead bodies of their children?" Badoy stated.

Absalon was the University Athletic Association of the Philippines juniors Most Valuable Player in 2016 when he led Far Eastern University to the title.

He has also played for the Philippine Youth team.

APM ban

The international community adopted the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of the weapons.

More than 160 states are party to the APM ban convention that went into effect in 1999.

APM is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Even if it is “command detonated” as alleged CPP information officer Marco Valbuena always justifies, APM kills and can kill civilian non-combatants, according to authorities.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142803

Reds attacks vs. civilians due to reverses in Southern Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Reds attacks vs. civilians due to reverses in Southern Luzon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Southern Luzon Command chief (PNA File photo)

Desperation over the growing numbers of surrenderers has prompted the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to conduct another anti-personnel landmine attack against innocent civilians in Masbate on June 6 that killed Far Eastern University (FEU) football player, Keith Absalon, and cousin, and wounded a minor.

Lt. General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command chief, labeled as desperate the latest atrocity of communist terrorists that seeks to reverse the 117 surrenders suffered by the CPP-NPA in Bicol and Southern Tagalog in the past two months.

"As a result of this, the NPAs are carelessly taking desperate actions to reverse the trend, even at the expense of killing civilians. This morning, two civilians were killed and a 16-year old boy was wounded in Masbate when they were attacked by the NPAs with an anti-personnel mine followed by gunfire.,” Parlade said in a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency Sunday night

Keith Absalon,, 21, a varsity football player, was killed together with his uncle 40-year old uncle Nolven Absalon 40. Nolven's son, 16-year old Daniel Absalon, was also wounded in the attack while the victims were biking in Purok 4, Barangay Anas, Masbate City at around 10 a.m.

Aside from this unprovoked attack against the Absalons, he said communist terrorists also torched a Globe Telecoms cell tower on the same day and rigged a landmine in a nearby light post at around 3 a.m. in Barangay Humapon, Legazpi City Albay to maim and kill responding government security troops

"The landmine exploded, wounding instead (passing) four civilians aboard a passing tricycle," he added.

Such atrocities, he said, are not new for the CPP-NPA as they committed a similar ‘anti-personnel and mine’ incident in Barangay Calumpang, Cawayan, Masbate on June 1.

"Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. In Barangay Aliang, Ligao City, Albay, a similar ‘landmining’ attack by the NPAs wounded two civilians last April 3," he added.

Ambushes, too

Another sign of communist terrorists' desperation is the series of ambushes conducted by a small band of NPA rebels against police and military units going about their mandate in Mindoro and Quezon.

"Also, ambushes committed by a handful of NPAs have been reported in Mindoro and Buenavista, Quezon. The former happened in Barangay San Nicolas, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro last May 28 that killed three policemen in a convoy assisting the LGU (local government unit) conducting a "Serbisyo Caravan at Ugnayan sa Barangay" in Barangay Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro,” he said.

In Barangay Bagong Silang, Buenavista, Quezon on June 5, a CAA (CAFGU Active Auxiliary) was killed when his team were ambushed using an APM after coming from a community gift-giving activity at a nearby Barangay del Rosario.

Panic mode

He added that these incidents are indicators that NPA rebels are in panic mode as they are losing many of their comrades due to a series of surrenders.

"The NPAs are forced to attack to show they still exist, albeit insignificantly now. They have also been losing their top cadres, like Rommel Riza alias 'Jomar', CO (commanding officer) of STRPC (Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee), Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) and Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) ," Parlade said.

On June 3, 2020, two suspected high-ranking personalities of SRMA (Sub-Regional Military Area) 4A were also apprehended when their boat took shelter in Romblon while en route to Quezon Province from Mindoro during the height of Tropical Storm Dante.

He said a Glock-17 pistol and a hand grenade were found in the boat. The two are suspected to be alias 'Elian', the Deputy Secretary of SRMA-4B operating in Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon Province, and his party wife alias 'Fiel', political officer of SRMA-4B.

He said such the "treacherous acts" of the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front cannot be tolerated.

"We condemn these heinous violations of the International Humanitarian Law," he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142878

Use of anti-personnel mines violation of IHL: CHR

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): Use of anti-personnel mines violation of IHL: CHR (By Jelly Musico)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday “strongly” condemned the death of a Far Eastern University football player and his cousin due to anti-personnel landmine attack reportedly perpetrated by guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA), armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In a statement, the CHR said the CPP-NPA and the government are bound to respect the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“CHR strongly condemns this act. The use of anti-personnel landmine is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law. Not only do they cause exceptionally severe injuries, suffering, and death, anti-personnel landmines also fail to distinguish between civilians and combatants, such as what happened in this case,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

De Guia said the CHR is now investigating the death of Keith Absolon and his cousin, Nolven Abasolon. Nolven’s 16-year-old son sustained injuries during the explosion.

“A suspected anti-personnel landmine was said to have been detonated by alleged members of the NPA while the victims were riding on a bicycle,” she said.

She said the CHR Region 12 (Soccsksargen) is also investigating the burning of a passenger bus that killed three passengers and injured six others in Barangay Bialong in M’lang, North Cotabato on June 3.

The YBL bus was set ablaze the YBL bus about 4 p.m. when one of its passengers stood up, pulled a container, and splashed gasoline on the rear side of the bus while it was travelling to M’lang.

De Guia said the motive is also still being determined by proper authorities.

“In both instances, it is reprehensible that innocent lives continue to be taken because of senseless terroristic acts. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the family and friends of the victims,” she said.

She said all concerned agencies must work together to ensure that accountability is exacted from perpetrators.

“We stress that the government, in particular, bears the obligation to protect the rights of all, as well as pursue justice for the aggrieved. Concrete steps must also be done to stop further hostilities and to reduce violence in order to prevent further loss of lives and other forms of violations of rights,” she added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142923

CPP-NPA will never get Cordillera support: mayor

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): CPP-NPA will never get Cordillera support: mayor (By Marita Moaje)

HANDS OFF. Sadanga, Mt. Province Mayor Gabino Ganggangan tells the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army to stop forcing its ideologies on the Cordillera people during a virtual forum of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict on Monday (June 7, 2021). Ganggangan said they are peace-loving people and will not support the armed struggle. (Photo courtesy of Art Tibaldo Newseum Facebook)

Leave us alone.

Mayor Gabino Ganggangan of Sadanga, Mt. Province couldn’t have put it more succinctly as he told the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to stop recruiting from the Indigenous Peoples' (IPs) ranks.

In a virtual press conference of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday, Gangganan said they have been deceived, abused, and exploited by the CPP-NPA.

“Leave the Cordillera because their agenda is not the agenda of the Cordillera people. Stop recruiting and stop exploiting the youth of the Cordillera,” he said. “Stop recruiting into the armed revolution the kabataan (youth) of the IPs in the Cordillera. We Cordillerans know our aspirations and we know how to get them.”

The IPs of the Cordillera region are peace-loving people and they are not advocates of the armed struggle, he said.

He said as much as possible, they would like to fulfill their aspirations through peaceful and democratic means.

Gangganan recalled that their struggles with the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) started way back during the Marcos years when they opposed some projects.

CTGs offered help and took advantage of the opportunity to organize Cordillerans as their fighters.

“They took advantage of issues that the tribal people were trying to raise before with the national government before,” he said.

Eventually, tribal leaders realized that the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) was just using their lands as guerilla zones.

In the end, the Cordillerans understood that the ideologies of CTGs are different from their struggles.

“When we understood that their agenda is to supplant or topple the national government through armed violence, kaya pala may NPA sila (that is why they have the NPA) and they started imposing their policies on the communities. Now they have put up a shadow government and supplanting the tribal leaders,” Gangganan said.

The CPP-NPA, he said, infiltrates school campuses, universities, and colleges to take advantage of the natural nationalistic idealism of the youth.

Those who were recruited for simple activism were later dragged to become fighters.

Exploitation

CPP-NPA-NDF rebels today are mostly composed of IPs who were forced to become combatants.

Gaye Florendo, NTF-ELCAC assistant spokesperson on IP Concerns, said 70 to 80 percent of the CTG surrenderers in the country are IP members.

"The issue has existed for a long time, rampant disinformation and intentions to deceive the people,” she said. "The CCP-NPA-NDF and organizations linked to them are disguised sas party-list groups."

Deceit

Datu Bawan Jake Lanes, a former cadre of the CPP-NPA-NDF and now executive director of Mindanao IP Council of Elders, said CTGs first pretend to help IP communities and help them solve their problems, especially on ancestral domain.

"Using church and non-government organizations as their fronts, they will offer help to the [IP] council of elders. Once they have the permission they will organize, putting up schools for the youth while the male IP members are taught to be Militia ng Bayan while the women are taught to support the struggle and the leaders would become revolutionary leaders," Lanes said.

IP leaders who try to resist will be killed, he added.

Once organized, tribe members are brought to Manila through the Manilakabayan, a yearly march by insurgents to plant combatants in strategic areas in Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, lawyer Marlon Bosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for IP Concerns, cited the case of the IP students who were trafficked from Davao to Cebu without the consent and knowledge of their parents.

The 19 IP minors were rescued by the police and social workers at the University of San Carlos (USC) retreat house in February.

They have been held in USC since March last year, trained and organized by Karapatan, a self-proclaimed human rights group.

The government has already filed for a motion for reconsideration that questioned the dismissal of the case against the seven abductors of the IP students.

The case was junked due to lack of jurisdiction, not because of lack of probable cause.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142916

No peace talks can ever succeed unless NPA stops attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2021): No peace talks can ever succeed unless NPA stops attacks (By Azer Parrocha)

NPA ATTACKS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte presides over a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members prior to his talk to the people in Davao City on June 7, 2021. Duterte said no peace talks can ever succeed unless the New People’s Army stops attacking government forces and civilians. (Presidential photo by Joey Dalumpines)

Unless communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels stop attacking government forces and civilians, no peace talks can ever succeed, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Monday.

Duterte made this statement as he condemned the ambush of a unit of the 85th Infantry Battalion by NPA rebels in Buenavista town in Quezon province on Saturday.

He said he could not understand why NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), would attack soldiers who were simply in the town to distribute food aid, and other needs in the middle of a pandemic.

“They only have the condemnation of the people, especially from me. Kaya hindi talaga tayo magkaintindihan kailanman (That’s why we will never really understand each other),” he said in a pre-recorded public address.

Duterte said peace talks could not push through unless communist rebels lay down their arms.

“No peace talks can ever succeed under me or under any other president if you do not stop attacking government forces and even civilian leaders,” he said.

He lambasted NPA rebels for being “insensitive of the plight of the people”, especially those severely affected by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, he also thanked government forces for their service to the Filipino people and vowed justice for the family of slain government militiaman Romar Gono.

“I’d like the soldiers to know and the families of the fallen heroes that the nation is very grateful to you and we would know also how to reciprocate their bravery. Justice will be served sa kanila (to them) in the end,” he said.

Reports showed that the soldiers and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) personnel were ambushed by NPA rebels in the village of Batabat Sur around 11:40 a.m. June 5, after coming from a community gift-giving activity.

The government forces were heading back to the police station at the town center for debriefing and lunch break when they were attacked.

Peace talks between the national government and the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF), have been intermittent since 1986.

Duterte held a series of peace negotiations with the NDF, but was forced to terminate the talks following the relentless NPA attacks against government troops and civilians.

Through Proclamation 360 signed on Nov. 23, 2017, Duterte formally ended the peace dialogue with the NDF.

The termination of peace talks was followed by the Dec. 5, 2017 signing of Proclamation 374 that declared the CPP-NPA as a terror organization.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142926

CPP/NPA-Quezon: Peke ang relief operations ng 85th IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 5, 2021): Peke ang relief operations ng 85th IB

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON (APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND)

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 06, 2021

Nagpapaabot ako ng pulang saludo sa matagumpay na ambus na inilunsad ng isang yunit ng Apolonio Mendoza Command-New People’s Army-Quezon laban sa mga berdugong militar ng 85th IBPA sa Brgy. Batabat Sur, Buenavista, 1140 ng umaga, ngayong araw.

Kumpirmadong patay ang isang sundalo habang dalawa ang sugatan matapos masabugan ng command detonated explosives ang 6×6 military truck na may lulang sundalo ng 85IB at pulisya. Nagbubunyi ang mamamayang Quezonin sa ginawang taktikal na opensiba ng AMC-NPA sa lalawigan.

Magsisilbi sanang security ang mga sundalo at pulis sa gagawing kunyaring relief operations sa barangay, pero ang totoo ay plano nilang iparada ang mga napilit na pasukuing taumbaryo, kabilang ang mga katutubong Manide (isang grupo ng mga Aeta).

Noong huling linggo ng Mayo, nagreklamo ang taumbaryo at mga katutubo sa kakarampot na ipinamahaging relief goods sa Barangay del Rosario, San Pedro at Mabini ng Buenavista gayong alam daw nila na daan-daang sako ng bigas ang nalikom na donasyon. Naggigiit ang taumbaryo na maglabas ng tapat na ulat ang LGU at 85IBPA sa kanilang nalikom at kung paano ito ipinamahagi.

Ang aksyong militar ng NPA ay pamamarusa sa 85IBPA sa patung-patong nitong kasalanan sa mamamayan, kabilang ang sumusunod:

1. Walang habas na pambobomba at strafing noong buwan ng Pebrero kung saan tumagal ng halos isang linggo at naapektuhan ang 22 baryo ng 4 na bayan sa South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula (Buenavista, Catanauan, Mulanay at San Narciso)

2. Panlalansi sa katutubong mamamayan gamit ang relief operations para maging makinarya ng NTF-ELCAC. Sinuhulan ng bigas at groceries ang mga katutubo at may mga pinipiling bigyan ng cellular phone para obligahing magreport sa mga sundalo.

3. Pagsisilbing private army at security ng mga negosyo ni Mayor Ma. Remedios Uri-Rivera ng bayan ng Buenavista. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/peke-ang-relief-operations-ng-85th-ib/

CPP/NPA-Western Samar: Dalawang sundalo, patay sa magkasabay na haras ng BHB sa Samar!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 5, 2021): Dalawang sundalo, patay sa magkasabay na haras ng BHB sa Samar!

NPA-WESTERN SAMAR (ARNULFO ORTIZ COMMAND)

EASTERN VISAYAS REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (EFREN MARTIRES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 06, 2021

Dalawang sundalo ang napatay sa magkasabay na operasyong haras ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Arnulfo Ortiz Command o BHB-AOC sa dalawang baryo sa San Jose de Buan, Western Samar noong Mayo 31.

Sa inisyal na ulat ng BHB-AOC, magkasabay na hinaras ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga tropa ng 87th Infantry Battaliob sa Brgy. San Nicolas at Brgy. Can-aponte sa nasabing bayan.

Tatlong Pulang mandirigma ang bahagyang nasugatan na kaagad ginamot ng mga medik.

https://cpp.ph/statements/dalawang-sundalo-patay-sa-magkasabay-na-haras-ng-bhb-sa-samar/

CPP/CIO: Denounce more US military support for Duterte’s terror war under “improved” VFA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 5, 2021): Denounce more US military support for Duterte’s terror war under “improved” VFA

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JUNE 05, 2021

An “improved” Visiting Forces Agreement, supposedly a result of weeks of negotiations between US and Philippine panels, can only mean one thing: more US military support for Duterte’s terror war against the Filipino people. Duterte pushed for the VFA’s renegotiation under his “pera-pera lang iyan” foreign policy, as a way of seeking more material and monetary support for his regime.

We expect the US government to extend bigger financial and material support to the Philippine military and police in the form of more helicopters, fighter planes, bombs, cannons and artillery shells, rifles and bullets. In doing so, the US will be even more complicit in the Duterte regime’s bloody war of suppression marked by rampant extrajudicial killings, unlawful arrests, indiscriminate bombings and strafing.

Securing an “improved” VFA from the US will embolden Duterte and his clique of state terrorists to push their scheme to perpetuate their rule beyond 2022, which is now taking the form of Duterte running as vice-president to be de facto president under his minion, or the reserve card of imposing an open fascist dictatorship before the elections.

An “improved” VFA will certainly give the US military greater access to Philippine military facilities. This is in line with US aims of transforming the entire country into a large outpost for heightened US overseas operations in the Asia-Pacific in defense of US economic and political interests.

https://cpp.ph/statements/denounce-more-us-military-support-for-dutertes-terror-war-under-improved-vfa/

CPP/NPA-Camarines Sur-West Camarines Sur: Sgt. Dominguez at tauhan nito, sugatan sa demolisyon ng BHB – Camarines Sur

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 3, 2021): Sgt. Dominguez at tauhan nito, sugatan sa demolisyon ng BHB – Camarines Sur

NPA-WEST CAMARINES SUR (NORBEN GRUTA COMMAND)

NPA-CAMARINES SUR (EDMUNDO JACOB COMMAND)

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 03, 2021

Tagumpay ang mga kagawad ng Norben Gruta Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan West Camarines Sur (NGC – BHB West Camarines Sur) sa dalawang magkasunod na operasyong demolisyon nitong nakalipas na Mayo 30, taong kasalukuyan sa Brgy. Cambalidio, Libmanan, Camarines Sur. Apat ang sugatan sa mga elemento ng 9th IB PA.

Naunang tinambangan ng mga kasama ang isang Sgt. Dominguez ganap na 7:15 ng umaga. Pabalik na noon si Dominguez sakay ng kanyang motorsiklo sa detatsment mula sa bahay na kanyang ipinapagawa para sa kanyang kinakasama. Si Dominguez ang kumander ng tropa ng 9thIB na nakabase sa Brgy Cambalidio, Libmanan.

Kasunod nito, sa parehong araw, ganap na 7:24 ng umaga din, nasugatan naman ang tatlong tropa ng 9th IB PA sa sumunod na demolisyong ipinakat ng mga kasama. Pauwi na noon ang mga sundalo mula sa kanilang operasyong militar.

Kilala ang mga sundalo ng 9thIB PA sa kanilang pambubugbog, pananakot, at pambababae sa mga baryong kanilang binabasehan.

Galit na galit na ang mamamayan ng Libmanan dahil sa kanilang walang patumanggang operasyong militar. Hindi sila makapunta ng kanilang sakahan dahil sa takot na mapagbuntunan ng galit ng mga sundalong nag-ooperasyon.

Panawagan ng NGC – BHB West Camarines Sur sa mga mamamayan ng Libmanan, patuloy po tayong maging mapagbantay sa mga pang-aabusong militar at iulat sa mga kinauuukulan. Hindi magdadalawang isip ang NGC – BHB Camarines Sur na bigyang katarungan ang mga ganitong pang-aabuso ng mga militar.

https://cpp.ph/statements/sgt-dominguez-at-tauhan-nito-sugatan-sa-demolisyon-ng-bhb-camarines-sur/