Invisible scars remain in conflict areas: ICRC

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 2, 2022): Invisible scars remain in conflict areas: ICRC

TWO SENIOR leaders of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have expressed alarm over the suffering of civilians due to violent conflicts.

ICRC Vice President Gilles Carbonnier and Regional Director for Asia-Pacific Christine Cipolla who were recently in Marawi City said they witnessed the long-lasting impact of urban warfare and engaged authorities in steps to reduce civilian harm. They also addressed relevant International Humanitarian Laws and humanitarian issues in conjunction with geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region and reaffirmed the organization’s neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian action in the country, in strong partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

“War in cities inflicts deep scars, both visible and invisible. In Marawi, the most affected area has been reduced to rubble, and livelihoods were destroyed. Families continue to search for their loved ones who have gone missing for more than five years,” Carbonnier said.

“Complying with IHL in the midst of conflict, particularly in densely populated areas, reduces civilian harm and ensuing grievances. This in turn helps create an enabling environment for peace and reconciliation, as a former commander of a non-state armed group shared with me based on his experience in Mindanao,” he added.

Carbonnier and Cipolla also had the opportunity to better understand the causes and consequences of massive overcrowding in Philippine detention facilities, seeing first-hand the situation in Quezon City Jail. The ICRC supports the Philippine authorities’ efforts to decongest places of detention and improve the treatment and conditions of detention.

“Overcrowding increases the spread of communicable diseases such as COVID-19, scabies, and tuberculosis in places of detention. We will continue to engage detaining authorities in confidential and bilateral dialogues to pursue a collective and sustainable response,” Cipolla said.

The two leaders appreciated the humanitarian response of the PRC in Mindanao, including in areas that were recently hit by Tropical Storm Nalgae (Paeng). The ICRC has been supporting the PRC and the government’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts in remote and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

With PRC Chairman Richard Gordon and Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang, they visited a PRC Bakuna Bus (“vaccine bus”) in General Santos City.

Gordon said the ICRC has always been supportive of the PRC’s COVID-19 interventions. “They donated buses equipped with a vaccine administration area and supplies, while we provided a cadre of volunteers to perform the task. In the PRC, we cannot deny opportunities to help because it’s our aim to uplift people… we do not give dole-outs, we uplift people,” he said.

During their visit, the ICRC leadership also discussed humanitarian priorities at national and regional levels with the President Marcos’ Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga, the Bangsamoro Minister of the Interior and Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo and the Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Guiling Mamondiong.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/12/invisible-scars-remain-in-conflict.html

Letters to the Editor: Death of rebel leader is big blow to NPA

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 3, 2022): Letters to the Editor: Death of rebel leader is big blow to NPA

Dear Editor,

The recent death of New People's Army (NPA) leader Ericson Legazpi Acosta and his NPA comrade Joseph Jimenez in a clash with government troops in Kabankalan City on Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2022) is another "huge blow" to the communist-terrorists movement in Visayas Regions and mostly in Negros Island.Acosta, also known as "Raffy" and "Fredo" is the NPA's first deputy secretary for Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) and head of the Political Unified Committee in the Visayas. He is the husband of the late Kerima Tariman, a female NPA leader who died in a legitimate encounter with elements of 79IB in Silay City last August 22, 2021.

Contrary to the propaganda claims of the National Democratic Front (NDF) that Acosta is an NDF consultant, peasant organizer and a poet, he and Jimenez were killed in a legitimate encounter and pursuit operations with ground forces in Makilo, a mountain community in the village of Camansi of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on November 30, 2022.





As expected, the CPP-NPA-NDF have been very quick to exploit the incident- a worn-out ploy to discredit the government troops and win public sympathy as what they always do whenever they suffer major setbacks. As their propaganda aims to glorify Acosta’s death to cover up his involvement in the NPA Terrorists underground activities and atrocities, they must realize that they can no longer manipulate and deceive the peace-loving Filipino people and that violence has no place in a civilized community of the Visayas.

The long arm of the law has finally caught up with Acosta. Unfortunately, the consequences of his atrocities and violence led to a tragic ending. He orchestrated numerous NPA atrocities in Negros Island including other neighbouring provinces particularly the ambush of Binalbagan PNP early this year, countless recruitments of farmers and students, extortion activities, and other NPA violent activities.

Based on the informants and Former Rebels, Acosta also conducted numerous NPA political trainings in different hinterland areas and communities in Negros Island to revitalize both the NPA and their Politico-Military Organizations (Underground Organizations).

With that situation, it is believed that his death is the result of the continuing coordinative effort of the populace who had grown weary of the NPA menace and the unrelenting commitment of your army troops to protect the community from the NPA terrorists.

It is the voice of the people that makes the NPA terrorist irrelevant and likewise, it is the resiliency of the Negrense to recognize the truth that will set Negros Island free from the lies and propaganda of the communist-terrorists that put the lives of Negrense people in danger.

Now, justice has been served for those innocent civilians and their communities that the NPA have victimized for several decades. For these people, Ericson Acosta is not a poet, songwriter or peasant organizer but the leader of a terrorist group that has sowed fear.

His death will greatly affect plans of the communist terrorists to plot violence against the peace-loving people in this side of the country and hopefully could be a blow for the eventual collapse of the communist terrorist group and will usher in eventual peace in the regions.

Likewise, his death will bring the remaining NPAs to their realization to choose the path of peace and lead a normal life. As one, it is nearly time that no more Negrense will close their doors and windows in nightfall and let the evils of communism and terrorism takeover their land.

Sincerely yours,

MAJOR JOE PATRICK A MARTINEZ PA
Group Commander
3rd Civil Relations Group
Civil Relations Service, AFP
Camp Lapu-Lapu, Apas, Cebu City

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/12/letters-to-editor-death-of-rebel-leader.html

164 Reds surrender in Mimaropa since January

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2022): 164 Reds surrender in Mimaropa since January (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – A total of 164 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to different police units in Mimaropa from January to December 1 this year, the regional police said Friday.

“We are committed to sustaining the success of this campaign towards a communist terrorist group-free Mimaropa,” Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-B (Mimaropa) chief, Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, said in a statement.

The latest to surrender were two members of the NPA in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday.

“Ka Gringo”, 27, and “Ka Jimbo,” 33, both members of Platoon SERNA of Kilusang Larangang Gerilya - Mark Anthony Velasco under the Lucio de Guzman Command of the Sub-Regional Military Area 4D, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, voluntarily surrendered after a series of dialogues with the 403rd B Maneuver Company (MC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 4-B, led by Lt. Sherwin Ramirez, in Barangay Cabalwa, in the town of Mansalay.

The successful surrender of the former rebels was made possible with the assistance of the Bulalacao municipal police, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Provincial Intelligence Unit, all under the Oriental Mindoro provincial police; Regional Intelligence Division; 10th Special Action Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Action Force; 4th Infantry Battalion and 23rd Military Intelligence Company, 203rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army; and Regional Intelligence Unit Mimaropa, PNP Intelligence Group.

Hernia said the surrenderers are now under the custody of the 403rd B MC for debriefing, and assistance for their enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“All those who surrendered can avail of the E-CLIP for their reintegration to the community and will be receiving livelihood program and cash aid from the government,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190005

Leader of armed group yields in Basilan town

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2022): Leader of armed group yields in Basilan town (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A leader of a clan, listed as a potential private armed group, has surrendered to authorities in the province of Basilan, a top police official said Saturday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Sabtarul Arasalun, 66, surrendered around 10 a.m. Friday at the town hall of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan province.

Verceles said Arasalun is the leader of the Hamuto clan, listed as a potential private armed group in Barangay Lagayas, Tipo-Tipo.

Arasalun turned over a .38-caliber revolver with tampered serial number and ammunition.

With the surrender of Arasalun, the Hamuto clan will be delisted in the data of potential private armed groups in Basilan as of the fourth quarter of 2022.

Private armed groups are often utilized by politicians during elections.

Verceles said Arasalun will be reintegrated back into his community where he will be closely monitored by the Tipo-Tipo Municipal Police Station to ensure that he will abide by the law.

The surrender of Arasalun was witnessed by Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul and top police and military officials in Basilan province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1190015

Army Support Command gets 21 new facilities from BCDA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2022): Army Support Command gets 21 new facilities from BCDA (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TURNOVER. BCDA chairperson Delfin Lorenzana (left) and PA acting chief of staff Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra (center) show the document for the turnover of 21 newly completed facilities in simple rites at Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City on Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2022). The facilities turned over to the Army Support Command are expected to provide a better logistics, storage and management hub for ASCOM which is tasked to provide firepower, transportation, organizational and maintenance equipment support to PA major units. (Photo courtesy of BCDA)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) announced that the Army Support Command (ASCOM) based in Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac City formally received 21 newly completed facilities from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Wednesday.

The ASCOM facilities project is part of the 2017 memorandum of agreement signed by BCDA and the Department of National Defense for the relocation of Army facilities from an 11.5-hectare portion of Fort Bonifacio to Camp Servillano Aquino, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Northern Luzon Command.

In a statement Wednesday night, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said BCDA chair Delfin Lorenzana and PA acting chief of staff Maj. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, representing Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., signed the document for the turnover of the facilities in a ceremony at Camp Servillano Aquino.

"Maj. Gen. Niembra said relocating and constructing modern ASCOM facilities at a strategic location in Camp Servillano Aquino will bolster the unit’s capability to provide logistical support to ground forces," Trinidad said.

He added that the facilities are expected to provide a better logistics, storage and management hub for ASCOM which is tasked to provide firepower, transportation, organizational, and maintenance equipment support to PA major units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189828

PH-US 1951 MDT still 'under negotiation, evolution': PBBM

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2022): PH-US 1951 MDT still 'under negotiation, evolution': PBBM (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US Vice President Kamala Harris (PNA photo by Rey Baniquet)

MANILA – The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States (US) remains under "negotiation and evolution," President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

"Well, the Mutual Defense Treaty is continuously under negotiation and under evolution. I always call it as an evolution because things are changing," Marcos said in a media interview on the sidelines of the Kadiwa ng Pasko caravan in Quezon City.

Marcos' statement came after National Security Adviser Secretary Clarita Carlos earlier revealed that the President ordered a scrutiny of MDT.

Marcos said the defense pact between the two countries are under review because the US has "many requests and proposals," particularly in the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

"So all of that is under study now to see what is really feasible and what will be the most useful for the defense of Philippine territory," he said.

Concerns on security and defense cooperation between the two nations were among those tackled during a recent meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris, Marcos said.

"We covered that and many more subjects. But essentially, on the security, ‘yun tinitingnan natin ‘yung kanilang pino-propose, ‘yung mga joint exercises (we are studying their proposal, the joint exercises), and EDCA, the use of our bases, all of these. We are in the middle of that," Marcos said.

During their meeting at Malacañan Palace on Nov. 21, Harris assured Marcos that the US would "always" stand with the Philippines in defense of international rules and norms as it relates to the highly-contested South China Sea (SCS).

Harris also stressed that any possible armed attack against Philippine forces in the SCS would prompt the invocation of US mutual defense commitments.

The 1951 MDT, the longest-running defense pact, aims to step up the defense and security cooperation between the Philippine and US troops.

Carlos on Nov. 22 said that the government has already created a group to study and review the MDT.

The group, Carlos said, is composed of officials from the National Security Council, the Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189843

Army chief fetes 11th Infantry Division for gains vs. ASG

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2022): Army chief fetes 11th Infantry Division for gains vs. ASG (By Priam Nepomuceno)

11TH ID ANNIVERSARY. Army commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (2nd from left), awards the Commanding General Philippine Army (CGPA) significant accomplishment streamer to the 11th Infantry Division during its fourth founding anniversary celebration at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo town, Sulu province on Thursday (Dec. 1, 2022). The Army chief also recognized the 11ID, also known as the "Alakdan" Division, for the recovery of assorted high- and low-powered firearms, and facilitation of the implementation of developmental projects for the internally displaced persons in collaboration with the provincial and local government units of Patikul and Talipao, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has commended the 11th Infantry Division (11ID) for its efforts in combating the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) via intelligence-driven operations as it marked its fourth founding anniversary on Thursday.

Brawner graced the celebration at the unit's headquarters at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Busbos in Jolo town, Sulu province.

The Army chief also recognized the 11ID, also known as the "Alakdan" Division, for the recovery of assorted high- and low-powered firearms, and facilitation of the implementation of developmental projects for the internally displaced persons through the "Balik Barangay Program" in collaboration with the provincial and local government units of Patikul and Talipao, Sulu.

"(He) lauded the unit's effort in maintaining lasting peace and progress in its areas of responsibility since its inception in 2018," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Friday.

During the celebration, Brawner also led the awarding of plaques to the best battalion, officers, enlisted personnel, and stakeholders.

"To the gallant servant-soldiers of the 'Alakdan' Division, continue to focus on your primary objective of defeating and eliminating the remaining elements of local terrorist groups within your area of operations. We shall continue to pursue and promote the Philippine Army's primordial objectives as enshrined in the acronym, S.E.R.V.E. I am certain that together with the steadfast convergence support of our partner-stakeholders, we will restore the old glory and facilitate a prosperous future for the people of Sulu," Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189966

3 men slain in shootout with cops in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2022): 3 men slain in shootout with cops in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

TACURONG CITY – Three men died after ignoring a checkpoint inspection and engaged the police in a predawn shootout in Lambayong town, Sultan Kudarat province, on Friday.

Major Jenahmeel Toñacao, Lambayong police chief, said cops manning a checkpoint around 1 a.m. in Barangay Didtaras, Lambayong flagged down three men onboard a motorbike heading toward the town proper.

The men instead sped away and a chase ensued. As the trio fled, their motorbike crashed, and they started firing at the pursuing lawmen.

“This prompted the police to return fire, hitting the armed men who all fell on the ground,” Toñacao said.

Police rushed the three men to the hospital, but all were pronounced dead upon arrival by the attending physician.

Police investigators recovered two .45-caliber pistols, a hand grenade, a sachet of shabu, and a Suzuki motorbike from the slain suspects.

The identities of the suspects are still being verified, Toñacao said.

The recovered firearms and grenade were brought to the police station for examination and cross-matching while the remains of the trio remained in the hospital awaiting claimants, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189956

WWII vets in NegOr honored with US Congressional Gold Medal

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2022): WWII vets in NegOr honored with US Congressional Gold Medal (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

TRIBUTE. Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. awards World War II veteran, Pvt. Felix A Sechico, the US Congress Gold Medal in the presence of US Embassy and Philippine officials at the Silliman University gymnasium in Dumaguete City on Friday (Dec. 2, 2022). A total of 45 war veterans in Negros Oriental received the award, most of them already deceased and represented by their families. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A total of 45 World War II Filipino veterans in Negros Oriental were given the United States Congressional Gold Medal during ceremonies held at the gymnasium of Silliman University in this capital city on Friday.

Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. of the Department of National Defense (DND) expressed gratitude to the United States government for giving recognition to Filipino war heroes, noting the sacrifices that they made for the sake of the country and the world.

He said this was “long overdue” and it is just but fitting to pay them tribute noting they can set a good example of bravery, courage, and sacrifice to the younger generations.

Of the 45 awardees, only four are still alive.

“This is a very proud moment for the veterans, they are a part of our history and they give us inspiration in that whatever peace we are experiencing right now, whatever we want to hand over to the next generations, we have to backtrack and relive their bravery and heroism,” Faustino said in mixed English and Filipino.

The gold medals were given to the veterans and/or their families by Faustino; Mr. Brett Blackshaw, Political Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines who represented U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson; Acting Director Kevin J. McAllister of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Undersecretary Reynaldo B. Mapagu, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator; and Dr. Henry Sojor, representing Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.

Blackshaw, in his message, said “The United States Gold Medal is the U.S. Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation to distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals and one of the highest civilian awards” in their country.

He said his country is grateful to the Filipino war veterans even though many are no longer around.

Meanwhile, Mapagu told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that there is still a lot of “hard work” to be done for the welfare and benefit of the veterans.

“Right now I can say that we have pension and non-pension benefits for them,” he said, “as actually, veterans do not actually receive a pension.

Mapagu said the monetary benefit has been recently raised from PHP5,000 to PHP20,000 monthly.

Non-pension benefits include hospitalization and educational/scholarship for their children or grandchildren as well as a death benefit, he added.

On the awarding of the US Congressional Gold Medal, Mapagu said “this is very significant because it’s a kind of a late recognition of their heroism and their contribution to our country in terms of attaining our freedom and our independence”.

Many of them were not recognized as part of the US Armed Forces, he said.

The medals handed out to the war veterans here are replicas of the last remaining original gold medal that is now displayed at the Smithsonian Institute in the U.S., he noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189963

DND exec lauds Negros military for anti-insurgency gains

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2022): DND exec lauds Negros military for anti-insurgency gains (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SALUTE. Military and police commanders honor World War II veterans in Negros Oriental during a recognition ceremony in Dumaguete City on Friday (Dec. 2, 2022). Defense Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., who attended the activity, commanded the efforts of the uniformed men in Negros Island for the accomplishments in the fight to end the communist insurgency. (PNA photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A ranking official of the Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday commended the Philippine Army for its accomplishments in the government’s fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

DND Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr., in an interview, said “at the national level, ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) will continue and the administration fully supports ELCAC and we know that this is very effective as can be seen by the remarkable accomplishments”.

Faustino particularly mentioned the gains in Negros, having "the best military commanders", saying that together with the Philippine National Police and other uniformed services, “this has become a model for others to replicate, especially in the Visayas region, on how we solve the insurgency problem.”

The DND official also cited the help of the local chief executives, the local government units and agencies, for being key in ending the insurgency.

He also noted that some areas are already “enjoying relative peace” because of the whole-of-nation efforts.

During a courtesy call with Governor Roel Degamo earlier, Faustino said they discussed the insurgency fight now being relegated to the regional or even provincial level “and that is very encouraging”.

Some regions in the country have already been declared insurgency-free, he noted.

Faustino was in this capital city for the awarding of the US Congress Gold Medal to 45 Filipino World War II veterans from Negros Oriental who fought alongside troops of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189969

4ID bestows medals on wounded troops in clash vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 1, 2022): 4ID bestows medals on wounded troops in clash vs. NPA (By Nef Luczon)

COURAGE. Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag (left), the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) chief, pins the "Wounded Personnel Medal" on Thursday (Dec. 1, 2022) on Private Danclint Patindol of the 36th Infantry Battalion(IB). Conferred with the same medal is Private Dave Calsa of the 26IB, as both were confined at the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) bestowed medals on two of its soldiers Thursday who were wounded in a recent clash with communist rebels.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID commander, pinned the "Wounded Personnel Medal" to Privates Danclint Patindol and Dave Calsa of the Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 26IB, respectively, who are both confined at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital here.

They were taken to the hospital after a Nov. 30 clash with the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) at the borders of Caraga Northern Mindanao regions.

Mamawag lauded the "selfless dedication and patriotism of the two soldiers in securing the communities and protecting the people against the atrocities and deceptive recruitment of minors" by the NPA.

He assured the soldiers of financial assistance and quality health care.

The Wounded Personnel Medal is given to soldiers who have been injured while fighting the enemy or as a direct result of an enemy attack and those who have exemplified bravery, military professionalism and heroism in the performance of their mandate.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189901

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta murdered in joint operation of 94th and 47th IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta murdered in joint operation of 94th and 47th IB

 

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Twisting truths cannot cover the fact that butchers 94th Infantry Battalion and 47th Infantry Battalion captured NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta and his companion, a peasant organizer, alive around 2:00 this morning, November 30, at Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kanbankalan City, Negros Occidental, and, few hours after, tagged them as casualties of a fake encounter.

Ka Ericson was here in Negros, particularly in Kabankalan City, to consult on the situation of farm workers in the southern part of Negros Occidental and share developments regarding the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). He was one of the NDF consultants working on the CASER.

NDF Negros, in the strongest terms, condemns the 94th IB, 47th IB and top dogs of the 3rd ID for the summary execution of Ka Ericson and his companion. The two were victims of the AFP’s despicable policy of “taking no prisoners” in their counter-insurgency campaign.

The entire revolutionary forces and the broad masses in Negros offer the highest tribute to Ka Ericson Acosta. Likewise, NDF Negros extends sympathies to Ka Ericson’s family, especially his son, and all those he has inspired.

Today, the Filipino people has lost a revolutionary, propagandist, poet, song writer, journalist, and thespian. His bloody murder is added fuel to the already seething social volcano in Negros and will bring forth an outpour of new blood to the national democratic revolution.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ndf-consultant-ericson-acosta-murdered-in-joint-operation-of-94th-and-47th-ib/

CPP/CIO: Condemn the AFP for the murder of Ericson Acosta, poet and modern-day Andres Bonifacio

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Condemn the AFP for the murder of Ericson Acosta, poet and modern-day Andres Bonifacio

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the 94th IB and 47th IB, for the abduction and willful killing while in custody of renowned revolutionary poet Ericson Acosta, who also served as peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Negros, and his companion early this morning.

The murder of Acosta and his companion is in grave violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime.

According to local reports, Acosta and his companion were accosted by armed soldiers while resting in a peasant home in Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental at 2 a.m. They were subsequently summarily executed in cold-blood. Both were unarmed. There was no unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area contrary to AFP’s claim of an armed encounter.

We have also received reports that soldiers took an entire family from the same community. Ronald Francisco was able to call his mother at around 2 a.m. today to report that soldiers strafed their house. When his mother could no longer contact him, she went to the police to report the incident. The Kabankalan police, however, refused to investigate the case, saying the family was taken by soldiers to a military camp. The whereabouts of Ronald, his wife Ronalyn, and their three children, are unknown.

Acosta and his yet unnamed companion are the latest victims of the AFP in its campaign of murder against revolutionaries in violation of international humanitarian law and the rules of war. According to a Special Report released by Ang Bayan, more than one hundred unarmed revolutionaries, hors de combat and civilians have been killed in the campaign of murder by state forces. The report covers the period 2017-2022. This list includes his wife Kerima Tariman, who was also killed by AFP soldiers under custody after being captured in Silay City, Negros Occidental on August 20, 2021.

The entire Party extends its sympathies to the Acosta family. The CPP joins the cultural community, progressive and democratic organizations, and the different sectors in their clamor for justice for Ericson. The truth about the death of Acosta and his companion must be vigorously exposed through independent fact-finding and forensics. Police investigation into the case will only serve to cover up the crimes of the AFP.

The CPP pays the highest tribute to Acosta and declares him a hero of the Filipino people for having dedicated his life and art for the cause of national and social liberation. The aspirations of the downtrodden and oppressed masses resonated in his poems, plays and songs. Like Kerima, Ericson found his muse among the workers and peasants to whom he dedicated his life and selflessly served.

Without a doubt, Ericson Acosta is an Andres Bonifacio of our times. His life of sacrifice and service inspired many artists and ordinary people to take up the cause of national democracy. The manner of his death incites greater hatred for the fascist military and its campaign of terror. Ericson’s martyrdom will surely serve to strengthen the resolve of more and more people to take the path of revolutionary resistance.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/condemn-the-afp-for-the-murder-of-ericson-acosta-modern-day-andres-bonifacio/

CP/NDF-Negros Island: Negrosanons will collectively resist the AFP’s campaign of suppression

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Negrosanons will collectively resist the AFP’s campaign of suppression

 

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Not only did the joint operation of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalion ruthlessly kill NDF consultant Ericson Acosta and peasant organizer Joseph Jimenez, these fascist soldiers first strafed the house of the Francisco family where Acosta and Jimenez were resting before they were taken forcefully and then “salvaged” early today, November 30, at Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

The mother and sibling of Ronald Francisco, 41 years old, has raised the alarm because he, his wife Ronalyn, and their three children were also taken to the headquarters of the 47th IB this morning, and, up to this time, cannot be contacted. Ronald’s mother tried to report the incident to the Kabankalan police station but the police officer (with tagname “EMAR”) dismissed her and refused to file a blotter report.

The fake encounter script of truth spinners in the 3rd Infantry Division led by MGen. Benedict Arevalo is now fully exposed as a scheme to whitewash their war crimes. According to Jimenez’ family, the bodies of Ka Ericson and Jimenez have indications that they were stabbed and hacked.

This incident raises the number of fake encounters in Negros under the Marcos Jr regime to 14. Meanwhile, Jimenez is the 7th farmer killed in the island by state forces since July 2022. All peasant killings were notably declared by state forces as “encounters”.

NDF-Negros demands that MGen. Arevalo and the entire 3rd Infantry Division be made accountable for the murder of Acosta and Jimenez, and all the crimes they have perpetrated during their focused military operations. Furthermore, the 47th IB must surface the Francisco family whole and unharmed from their headquarters.

NDF-Negros calls on human rights groups and advocates to conduct an independent fact-finding and forensic investigation to further expose the truth behind these atrocities.

Finally, the NDF-Negros urges the Negrosanons, especially the peasants and workers, to continue fighting for their democratic and economic rights while collectively resisting the AFP’s campaign of suppression. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/negrosanons-will-collectively-resist-the-afps-campaign-of-suppression/

CPP/NDF-KM-DATAKO: Pahayag ng Kabataang Makabayan — DATAKO para sa ika-58 na anibersaryo ng KM

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Pahayag ng Kabataang Makabayan — DATAKO para sa ika-58 na anibersaryo ng KM- Naturturred, Nasirsirib, #TayoAngKMD (Statement of the Patriotic Youth — DATAKO for the 58th anniversary of KM-Persisting, Establishing-We are KMD)

 

Kabataang Makabayan – Demokratiko a Tignayan kadagiti Agtutubo iti Kordilyera (KM-DATAKO)

Cordillera People's Democratic Front

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Nagkakamali ang estado sa pagsasabi nitong magagapi nito ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan.

Nagkamali na ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa ambisyon nitong wakasan ang digma sa bansa noong 2017…2018…2019…Hangal at ampaw ang deklasyong wawasakin ng NTF-ELCAC ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa pagtatapos ng 2022.

Higit na walang kapararakan ang pagbula ng bibig ng mga pasista’t berdugo sa pagsasabing “nililinlang”, “brainwashed”, “nagkakamali” ang mga kabataan sa pagtahak sa landas ng rebolusyon. Mulat at buong pusong niyayakap ng mga kabataan ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa pakikibagkapit-bisig sa saligang alyansa ng mga manggagawa’t magsasaka kasama ng iba’t iba pang mga aping sektor. Ang kainutilan at kapabayaan ng estado ang mismong naghahawan sa malawak na kaparangan upang bagtasin ng mga kabataan ang armadong paglaban.

Taglay namin ang maningning na kasaysayan ng pakikibaka ng mga kabataan mula pa Batas Militar. Nananalaytay sa amin ang dugo palaban ng lahing mandirigmang Kaigorotan. Kami ang mga nagyayabong na kagubatang naipunla nina Macliing Dulag, Chadli Molintas, Jennifer Carino at iba pang martir at bayani. Kami ang bagong salinlahi ng mga rebolusyunaryong naaarmasan ng mga dakilang aral ng mayamang kasaysayan ng paglaban ng mamamayan.

Nagkakamali ang mga berdugo sa pag-aakalang ito’y aming talilikdan. Buong pagmamalaki naming itatanghal: Kami ang Kabataang Makabatan-DATAKO. Tayo ang Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO. Nananatili, tumatatag.

Sa nagdaang taon, humarap tayo sa malaking hamon. Mula sa malubhang krisis dulot ng pandemya na sinamantala pa ng estado upang ginipit ang pagkilos ng mamamayan. Pisikal tayong pinaghiwalay ng mga rekstriksyon at ng obhetibong kalagayan.

Gayunpaman, hindi tayo nagpalimita. Sama-sama nating mapanlikhang tinuklas ang mga bagong arena ng mga laban, mga porma ng pagkilos at pag-oorganisa, maniobra at recovery, expansyon at konsolidasyon — mula kanayunan hanggang mga lungsod. Habang nagkukumahog ang estado sa pagsupil sa mamamayan, nagpupursigi ang mga kabataan sa paghahatid ng tulong sa mga komunidad na lubhang apektado ng sosyo-ekonomikong krisis at mga sakuna, nagtatambol at kumakamit ng mga signipikanteng tagumpay sa kampanyang masa, nagpapalawak at nagrerekluta sa mga rebolusyunaryong organisasyong masa at tuloy na nagpapaabot ng suportang materyal sa BHB at aktibong naglulunsad ng kampanyang pagpapasama. Sa nagdaang 2 taon, matagumpay na nakapagpalawak at nakapatayo ng mga bagong balangay at grupong pang-organisa ang KM-DATAKO sa buong Metro Baguio, nakapagpasampa sa BHB at patuloy na nakapaglulunsad ng mga pag-aaral hinggil sa rebolusyong Pilipino, pagsusuri sa mga maiinit na isyung kinahaharap ng mamamayan at mga saligang aralin hinggil sa Marxismo, Leninismo at Maoismo.

Namalas ng bansa ang di matatawarang katatagan at sigasig ng mga kabataan, sampu ng buong hanay ng mamamayang lumalaban, sa harap ng matinding pandarahas ng demonyong NTF-ELCAC.

Sa pagbabalik ng mga Marcos sa Malacanang, walang ibang inaasahan ang mamamayang Pilipino kundi ang pagpapalala sa kalagayang pagpapakutata ng bansa sa imperyalista mga dikta, pambabalaho sa pambansang pag-unlad at malawakang korupsyon at pagnanakaw. Ang pinakamasahol at sagad-saring tambalang Marcos-Duterte ang mukha ng mga halimaw at mabangis na uring naghahari’t tunay na kaaway ng sambayanang Pilipino. Gayunpaman, di rin mapigilan ang pagindhi ng tunggalian sa hanay ng mga naghahari; papalalang bitak sa pagitan mismo ng pangkating Marcos at Duterte. At habang nagkakagulo at nagtatalo-talo ang tumitinding paksyon sa pagitan mismo ng mga kaaway — nina Badoy, Quiboloy at Carlos, Salamat sa pagkabalaho ng reorganisasyon ng NTF-ELCAC, wala namang panahong dapat sayangin ang hanay ng mga rebolusyunaryo. Ito’y mapagpasyang panahon upang samantalahin ang di mapigil na pagkakabitak-bitak ng mga naghahari.

Hamon lalo sa ating mga kabataang ang lalo pangh magpakatatag. Abutin ang pinakamalwak na hanay ng mga kabataan sa mga paaralan, pagawaan at mga komunidad. Ikasa ang walang humpay na kilusang propaganda at gawaing pangkultura. Buong-panahong ialay ang lakas, talino at talento para sa rebolusyon at buong-pusong yakapin ang armadong paglaban at sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Totoo’t natitiyak nating magwawakas ang digma; ngunit ito’y hindi dahil sa NTF-ELCAC o kay Marcos. Magtatapos ang digma dahil ito’y ipagwawagi ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang militanteng tradisyon ng paglaban ng mga kabataan!
Mabuhay ang Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO!
Mabuhay ang rebolusyong Pilipino!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/naturturred-nasirsirib-tayoangkmd/