Army clashes with alleged rebels in Negros Occidental city

From Rappler (Sep 17, 2023): Army clashes with alleged rebels in Negros Occidental city (By REYMUND TITONG)

The military says the alleged rebels belonged under the Southwest Front Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor – a group which authorities claimed as weakened

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Soldiers from the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight with a band of alleged communist rebels in Sitio Tunap, Barangay San Jose, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, on Saturday, September 16.

The troops were acting on reports of rebel extortion in the area and engaged the 15 alleged communist rebels in a 10-minute firefight, the military said.

According to the military, the alleged rebels belonged under the Southwest Front Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (SWF KR-NCBS), a group which the authorities claimed as weakened.

The state forces seized a .45 caliber pistol with magazines and ammunition, a homemade shotgun, a cellphone with a memory card, medical paraphernalia, a transistor radio, other personal belongings, and subversive documents.

No casualties were recorded from the government side, the military said.

The City Social Welfare Development of Sipalay City also assisted and assisted 5 families – or 13 individuals – in a neighboring sitio of Patio-tio, who sought safe grounds to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Major General Marion R. Sison, 3rd Infantry Division Commander, lauded the persistent and unwavering determination of the troops to protect civilians in the province of Negros Occidental.

In a separate statement, 15th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Michael Cuarteros said the Army will continue to intensify its efforts to bring lasting peace to its area of operation.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/visayas/army-clashes-alleged-rebels-sipalay-negros-occidental-september-16-2023/

Alleged IP rebel leader slain in Army encounter in Bohol

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 17, 2023): Alleged IP rebel leader slain in Army encounter in Bohol (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

AN INDIGENOUS People (IP) leader in Davao Region, along with five other communist rebels, was killed in a series of clashes with soldiers of the 47th Infantry battalion under the 3rd Infantry Division of Visayas Command (VisCom) in Bohol.

The military identified him as Kerlan Fanagel, the chairperson of Pasakaday Salugpungan Kalimudan (Pasaka/Confederation of Lumad Organization in Southern Mindanao Region), who hailed from Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan in Sarangani Province.

Fanagel was previously identified as Rogelio Jorillo from Minglanilla, Cebu based on the Office ID recovered from his body, according to the report.

However, his true identity was later verified by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Accordingly, Fanagel was one of the six NPA fatalities in the encounter between the 47th Infantry battalion and remnants of the dismantled Bohol Provincial Committee (BPC), Komite Rehiyonal ng Negros, Cebu, Bohol at Siquijor (KRNCBS), in Bilar, Bohol last Sept. 7.

“This is a clear manifestation of the deceptive tactics employed by the CPP-NPA. They infiltrate the different sectors in our community to include our Indigenous People, organize them, and use them to go against the government,” Lieutenant General Benedict M. Arevalo, the commander of the Visayas Command emphasized.

Fanagel was also a council member of Katribu, a national IP organization; Kalumaran in Mindanao; and Sandugo, an alliance of Moro and IP organizations.

He was a member of the Regional Urban Committee of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Command, the group responsible for organizing indigenous peoples for mass protests in the urban centers in Mindanao and in Metro Manila, the military further said.

Arevalo added, “The presence of Fanagel here in the Visayas validates our assessment that the CPP-NPA is exerting efforts to recover their lost mass bases in the region which was cleared from NPA-infestation by our Community Support Program (CSP) Teams with the support of the local task force to end local communist armed conflict.”

He then reaffirmed their commitment to never allow the resurgence of the CPP-NPA in the region, “We will not allow the CPP-NPA from regaining their foothold anywhere in the region.”

“The people themselves have spoken. They don’t want anything to do with the terrorist group. As such, Team VisCom will sustain our momentum and push the CPP-NPA further to the point of their eventual defeat. Thus, we call on them to return to the folds of the law now, while they still have the chance.”

On May 12, 2015, Kerlan Fanagel, along with other 14 leaders of different organizations, were filed charges by the CIDG for kidnapping, serious illegal detention, and human trafficking for evacuating hundreds of indigenous people from Talaingod, Davao del Norte to Davao City.

Meanwhile, the body of Kerlan Fanagel was claimed by his brother Kernie Fanagel on Sept. 12 at Baguio Funeral Homes in Carmen, Bohol.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/09/17/alleged-ip-rebel-leader-slain-in-army-encounter-in-bohol/

Moro Islamic Liberation Front warns rogue members

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 17, 2023): Moro Islamic Liberation Front warns rogue members

DAVAO CITY – The former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front has warned its members against engaging in activities that will ruin the peace and order in the southern region.

The Department of Defense (DND) welcomed this measure imposed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front headed by Ahod Ebrahim, the current Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro autonomous region.

Arsenio Andolong, spokesperson for DND, described the Moro Islamic Liberation Front policy as manifestation of its commitment to uphold and sustain the peace process. He said a recent Moro Islamic Liberation Front memorandum also denounced the involvement in armed conflicts by its members arising from family feuds and/or political rivalries, and warned of automatic termination from the roster of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, if found guilty.

“This move, allows the security sector to stay on track in the implementation of peace and development programs, especially in Mindanao,” Andolong said.

Just last month, two former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas involved in an attack that killed a soldier and a police officer in Basilan surrendered to the military. The suspects, Adzmin Manjapal, 20, and Mudzni Sapau, 27, were among the 10  Moro Islamic Liberation Frontgunmen behind the ambushed of government security team on August 12 in Ulitan, a village of Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province.

Police said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ambushers were also joined by the Abu Sayyaf in the attack.

Andolong said the national government, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will continue to collaborate with and support the Bangsamoro government in attaining and maintaining genuine and lasting peace in the region.

In 2014, the government and  Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed a peace agreement, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front ending its long-running separatist insurgency in exchange for autonomous rule in Mindanao.

Under the peace deal’s terms, the group promised to have its tens of thousands of members turn over and decommission their weapons, but the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has struggled to meet that target. (Jeoffrey Maitem)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/09/

Barbers brothers want Surigao Norte as EDCA site

Posted to MindaNews (Sep 17, 2023): Barbers brothers want Surigao Norte as EDCA site (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 17 September) — Surigao del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers and brother Governor Lyndon Barbers want their province to be an additional site under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

If designated, Surigao del Norte will be the second EDCA site in Mindanao after the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, and will be the 10th EDCA site in the country.

The lawmaker invited the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military to inspect the province for its inclusion as an EDCA site.

Map courtesy of Google

“Our province is situated on the Northeastern tip of Mindanao facing the Pacific Ocean. Its deep waters can accommodate the huge naval ships of the United States,” Rep. Barbers said in a statement on Saturday.

Surigao del Norte has a distinct advantage as it is openly facing the Pacific Ocean yet has an outlet to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), he added.

China has been claiming the WPS as part of the South China Sea. Beijing had rejected The Hague Arbitral Ruling favorable to the Philippines involving the contested maritime area.

Rep. Barbers said that the province becoming an EDCA site has a strategic advantage in that Philippine and US ships can traverse the country from East to West and vice-versa without needing to circle around.

According to him, the presence of Philippine and US military forces in their province will discourage any hostile activity and even posturing by foreign forces both civilian or otherwise.”

Surigao del Norte is renowned for its world class surfing spot, Siargao, which has been hosting international surfing competitions. The province also hosts several mining operations.

Governor Barbers said setting up an EDCA base in Surigao del Norte “would benefit not only the province but the whole eastern regions of the Visayas and Mindanao.”

“In times of calamities, aid can be delivered fast and wide. Immediate assistance and relief will prevent loss of countless lives and massive damage. Remember that our region is always under threat from nature’s wrath, be it super typhoons or strong earthquakes,” he said.

“Best of all,” Rep. Barbers said, “the people will warmly welcome the Americans, our long time friends and allies.”

He said the establishment of an EDCA site in Surigao del Norte “will surely spur economic prosperity to the region, to which the people will be happy about.”

“The mere presence of our armed forces and our allies will greatly enhance our confidence building measures. Our fisherfolks will have nothing to worry about being driven away by hostile forces within our own territory,” the lawmaker said.

At present, the country has nine EDCA sites: the first five — Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cabu, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro – and the four additional sites established this year: TCamilo Osias Naval Base and Lal-lo Airport both in Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in the West Philippine Sea. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2023/09/barbers-brothers-want-surigao-norte-as-edca-site/

PH, Indon navies hold drills in Cebu, Negros waters

 Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 17, 2023): PH, Indon navies hold drills in Cebu, Negros waters

CEBU CITY – The Philippines and Indonesia are set to hold joint naval exercise off Cebu and Negros islands as part of the annual Maritime Training Activity (MTA) PhilIndo.

Lt. Bernabe Jay Zambale Jr., public affairs officer of the Naval Forces Central, said military exercise will begin on September 24.

“MTA PhilIndo 2023 is a yearly navy to navy exercise between the Philippines and Indonesia conducted in different naval operating forces in the Philippines, which will be reciprocated with the same event in Indonesia,” Zambale said.

He said the activity is expected to enhance interoperability between the two navies and strengthen situational awareness and mutual cooperation as it will involve navigation and operations training and developing combined operational doctrines, practices, and naval tactics. It will also highlight maritime security operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime interdiction operations, gunnery exercises, and air operations training.

“It will be conducted in three phases – preparation, harbor, and sea phase. There will also be subject matter expert exchange participated by the personnel of two warships, a landing craft, and a patrol craft of the Philippine Navy and two warships from the Indonesian Navy,” Zambale said, adding that they are also looking at the possibility of including the naval reservists in the familiarization boarding tour over any of the Indonesian naval vessels.

Zambale said the KRI Sampari and KRI Hiu will participate in the maritime drills for the Indonesian side while the BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16), BRP Batak (LC299), and BRP Enrique Jurado (PC371) for the Philippine side.

Members of the Philippine Navy SEAL and Naval Air Wing will deploy a fighter plane and an AW-109 attack helicopter for the drills. He said the participating sailors and their warships will converge at the Captain Veloso Pier along the Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Lapu-Lapu City on the opening day and will commence the drills off the waters of Cebu and up to the southwestern tip of Negros Island the next day. (John Rey Saavedra)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/09/ph-indon-navies-hold-drills-in-cebu.html

Govt., MNLF agree on new joint peace committee

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 17, 2023): Govt., MNLF agree on new joint peace committee

A photo from the Facebook page of BTA Deputy Speaker Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari shows MILF and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim with Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front during their unity meeting on September 2022.

SULU - The Philippine government and the former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front have agreed to reconstitute its joint Peace Coordinating Committee into the Peace Implementing Committee in an effort to carry out the full implementation of the peace accord signed by both sides in September 1996.

The government and the MNLF also signed a resolution to strengthen the composition of the joint Peace Implementing Committee. Both sides agreed to submit the new composition of their implementing committees which shall be composed of seven members each as follows: Chairperson,Vice chairperson (who shall come from the four subcommittee chairpersons), four chairpersons of the subcommittees as members, and two alternate members who shall also serve as members of technical working groups, which shall be created based on need.

"The implementing committee shall have subcommittees to tackle specific concerns on security, socio-economic, confidence building measures, and transitional justice," the resolution reads.

The implementation of the Bangsamoro peace agreements is one of the five-point Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Agenda of the Marcos administration. The reconstitution is needed to strengthen the collaboration of the government and the MNLF, especially in implementing remaining commitments on the Bangsamoro Development Assistance Fund and Tripartite Implementation Monitoring Committee, as well as a transformation program for MNLF combatants, their families and communities.

The Transformation Program is anchored on Article 20a of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement which states that “there shall be a special socio-economic, cultural and educational program to cater to MNLF forces not absorbed into the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), PNP (Philippine National Police), and the SRSF (Special Regional Security Forces) to prepare them for productive endeavors, provide for educational, technical skills and livelihood training and give them priority for hiring in developmental projects.”

The creation of the Peace Coordinating Committee for the government side was created through a Memorandum from the Executive Secretary issued in November 2019 under the Duterte administration.

BTA Deputy Speaker Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari

Ustadz Abdulkarim Tan Misuari, Vice-Chairman of the MNLF Central Committee and currently the Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament, said: “The MNLF is one of the champions of peace. We will do our part to sanctify our agreements.”

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Randolph Parcasio, quoting MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari, said the MNLF believes that "time will come when firearms will not be daily activity and a culture – when carrying firearms will be considered a shame."

The MNLF thanked the Marcos administration for its steadfast commitment to the Bangsamoro peace agreements. The Bangsamoro peace process in Mindanao started during the time of the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., when he forged the 1976 Tripoli Peace Agreement with the MNLF.

The pact became the basis of the succeeding peace agreements in the Bangsamoro such as the 1996 peace agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro signed in 2014 between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Just recently, the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front commemorated “The Great Bangsamoro National Unity and Solidarity Day,” according to Misuari.

In a Facebook post, Misuari wrote: “On September 11, 2022, the leaders of the two Moro revolutionary groups, MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman and BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim, met for the first time in decades to usher in a new era of unity and solidarity in pursuit of lasting peace in the Bangsamoro homeland.”

“Named as “The Great Bangsamoro National Unity and Solidarity Day” by Chairman Nur, both agreed to strengthen partnership and unification efforts towards sustainable development and a brighter future for the Bangsamoro people.” (Priam Nepomuceno and The Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/09/govt-mnlf-agree-on-new-joint-peace.html

Soldiers discover NPA hideout, seize weapons in southern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 17, 2023): Soldiers discover NPA hideout, seize weapons in southern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

OVERRUN. The firearms and other items recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion from a hideout of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army South West Front in the hinterlands of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Saturday afternoon (Sept. 16, 2023). The place was discovered after an encounter between the soldiers and communist rebels in Sitio Tunap, Barangay San Jose. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 15IB)

BACOLOD CITY – Troops of the Philippine Army's 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) discovered a hideout of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), following a clash in the hinterlands of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

The encounter in Sitio Tunap, Barangay San Jose past 3 p.m. Saturday transpired after residents informed soldiers of the presence of armed men asking for food and recruiting residents to join the rebel movement.

“The cooperation of the locals demonstrates their willingness to prevent the resurgence of the armed group in their community and their unwavering commitment to fight terrorism and maintain their safety,” Lt. Col. Michael Cuarteros, commanding officer of the 15IB, said in a statement Saturday night.

As of Sunday morning, some 38 families from Sitios Atoy-atoy and Patio-tio in the border village of Gil Montilla were still in evacuation centers but were preparing to return home by noontime.

The City Social Welfare Development Office provided assistance to the displaced families.

In a report, the 15IB said the troops engaged for about 10 minutes some 15 members of Platoon 3 of the weakened NPA South West Front, but the rebels eventually fled, leaving blood stains on their trail.

Military working dogs were dispatched to track the rebels’ withdrawal route and to detect presence of anti-personnel mines, it added

The soldiers recovered a caliber .45 pistol and a homemade shotgun with ammunition along with a mobile phone with memory card, transistor radio, 200 meters of electrical wire, solar panel and medical paraphernalia.

Other items seized were flashlights, hammocks, poncho tent, rain boots, jungle packs and subversive documents.

Cuarteros said government troops will continue to intensify efforts to dismantle rebel groups and bring peace and stability in the area.

“The Army, together with the local government unit, urges the remaining CPP-NPA members to give peace a chance by surrendering now,” he said.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the troops for their “persistent and unwavering determination” to pursue the remaining communist rebels in Negros.

“There will be no letup in our focus military operations until they will have no place to hide,” he said.

In January this year, an encounter also took place in Barangay San Jose’s Malipayon sub-village during the pursuit operation for rebels from the NPA’s South West Front.

A soldier of 15IB was injured, hundreds of residents were displaced and classes were canceled.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1210018

P8.9M in rewards for WV rebel leaders

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 15, 2023): P8.9M in rewards for WV rebel leaders (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Philippine government is offering a total of P8.9 million in rewards for any information that may led to the arrest of remaining top leaders of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Panay (KR-P) and Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 3rd Infantry Division Civil Military Operations officer, said that fugitive NPA leaders from Negros with bounties for their arrest include Arlo Vargas of the KR- NBCS Regional Striking Force, and Magno Flores, 1st deputy secretary of Central Negros 2.

Vargas, who has pending arrest for robbery in band, and Flores, who is facing murder charges in court, have a bounty of P550,000 each, according to Javines.

Several other top leaders of KR-NCBS, including Rogelio Posadas and Romeo Nanta, have been killed in gunbattles with Army soldiers in central Negros, according to the Philippine Army.

Javines disclosed that Ma. Concepcion Bocala, alias Concha, 1st Deputy Secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, being the highest ranking leader with an arrest warrant for rebellion, has a bounty of P5.3 million; followed by Roberto Cabales, alias Ted/Lloyd/William, KR- Panay Central Front Committee secretary, with a reward of P3.1 million; Roberto Gomia, 1st secretary of KR-Panay Southern Front, with a bounty of P1.05 million; Severino Geonago, political guide and team leader of SYP Platoon of KR – Panay; and Nahum Camariosa, commanding officer of KR Panay Southern Front SYP Platoon.

Military records also indicated the Cabales has pending arrest warrants for robbery in band, frustrated murder and damage to property; Gomia for destructive arson; Geonago for robbery with serious physical injuries; while Camariosa is facing charges for multiple murder and frustrated murder, robbery in band with frustrated homicide and damage to property, as well as robbery with serious physical injuries.

The 3ID leadership urges the public to report any information leading to the arrest of these individuals to the nearest PNP/Military Stations or contact Division Public Affairs (DPAO) at 3ID Hotline – 0927623 9321 or message the Division’s Facebook Page – Philippine Army Spearhead Troopers.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the cooperation of every resident of Western Visayas is vital to their anti-insurgency effort, especially in locating and neutralizing the fugitive NPA leaders, whom he said orchestrated various terroristic activities in the region, as indicated by their criminal charges.

“Let us work together to end the menace these personalities pose,” Sison said.*

https://visayandailystar.com/p8-9m-in-rewards-for-wv-rebel-leaders/

CPP/NPA-Quezon: Bukas na Liham ng BHB-Quezon sa mga kawal ng AFP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Sep 15, 2023): Bukas na Liham
 ng BHB-Quezon sa mga kawal ng AFP (NPA-Quezon Open Letter to AFP soldiers NPA-Quezon Open Letter to AFP soldiers)

 


Cleo del Mundo

Spokesperson

NPA-Quezon (Apolonio Mendoza Command)

Southern Tagalog Regional Operational Command (Melito Glor Command)

New People's Army

September 16, 2023

Para sa mga kawal ng Armed Forces of the Philippines,

Ang liham na ito ay para sa inyong kawal ng Gobyerno ng Pilipinas. Walang-saysay ang pag-aalay ng inyong buhay sa isang gobyernong nagsisilbi lang sa interes ng iilan at dayuhan. Hindi pa huli ang lahat para hubarin ang marungis na unipormeng pinili ninyong isuot. Marami sa inyong hanay ay nagmula rin sa uring magsasaka at manggagawa na dahil sa hirap ng buhay ay nakipagsapalaran bilang sundalo.

Ngunit ang gobyerno na inyong pinagsisilbihan ay tinuruan kayo na maging berdugo at uhaw-sa-dugong mamamatay-tao. Ginagamit nila kayo bilang mga utusan sa walang kapararakang gera laban sa mamamayan, na naghahangad din ng maayos na pamumuhay at inyo ring mga kapatid at kauri.

Isinusubo sa inyo ang oryentasyon na maging marahas at kilalaning mali ang hinaing at pakikibaka ng sambayanan para sa lupa, sahod, trabaho, karapatan at kalayaan ng bayan. Biktima kayo ng isang gobyerno na naglilingkod sa interes ng dayuhan at iilan. Nabubuhay kayo sa araw-araw na may piring ang mata at maling paniniwalang isang anyo ng terorismo ang makibaka para sa kalayaan at demokrasya.

Dapat ninyong malaman na ang imperyalismong US ang nagtatag sa organisasyon ninyong Armed Forces of the Philippines upang tiyaking kontrolado nila ang armadong pwersa ng papet na Gobyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas (GPH). Maitim na balak nitong gamitin ang Pilipinas para sa pagpapanatili ng    kanyang hegemonya sa Asya Pasipiko at daigdig. Dahil dito, mahigpit ang kontrol ng US mula sa nilalaman ng kolonyal, anti-mamamayan at pasistang oryentasyon ng inyong pagsasanay militar hanggang sa mga aktwal na operational plan (OPLAN) na ipinapagawa sa inyo. Sinusuhulan kayo ng mga kagamitang militar na karaniwang mga pinaglumaan na. Sa isang banda, malayang nakakalabas-masok ang mga pwersang militar ng US sa ating teritoryo kaalinsabay ng pandarambong sa ating likas na yaman. Sila ang hari sa mga base-militar na kanilang inookupa dahil hindi sila saklaw ng batas ng GPH. Tahasang paglabag ang mga ito sa soberanya at patrimonya ng bansa.

Lahat ng mga nabanggit ay binasbasan ng inyong kasalukuyang commander-in-chief – ni Bongbong Marcos – isang papet, mandarambong at ilehitimong pangulo na mas inuuna pa ang pamamasyal kaysa pamamahala, isang pangulo na minana ang paggamit ng kamay-na-bakal at ang hindi bababa sa sampung bilyong dolyar ($10B) na ninakaw ng kanyang amang diktador.

Kung ang pinuno ay haling, ang mga basalyos pa ba ang gumaling? Yan ang magpapaliwanag kung bakit laganap ang nakaugaliang korapsyon sa AFP na pinangungunahan ng inyong matataas na opisyal.

Magbubulag-bulagan pa ba kayo sa pagtatakip ng inyong mga heneral sa mga katiwaliang kinasasangkutan nila? Sila ang pasimuno na gawing palabigasan ang mamamayan sa ngalan ng inyong kampanyang pagpapasuko. Huwag kayong pumayag na masangkot at palampasin ang mga katiwaliang ito, isang kasalanan sa sinumpaang tungkulin sa Inang Bayan ang hindi kumibo at magsawalang-bahala.

Habang kayo ay ipinambabala sa kanyon, naglalamyerda at nagpapakabundat ang inyong mga heneral gamit ang pondo ng bayan. Naghihinagpis at nangangamba ang inyong pamilya sa bawat ninyong pag-alis habang nakikinabang sa salapi at medalya mula sa inyong dugo at pawis ang mga heneral at opisyal.

Ito ba ang mga pinuno sa isang institusyon na magtatanggol sa soberanya at teritoryo ng bansa?

Hindi pa huli ang lahat, malaya kayong tumiwalag at lisanin ang inyong propesyon. Alam namin na marami pa sa inyo ang tunay na nagmamahal sa Inang Bayan. Isang tunay na kawal na handang pumanig sa inaaping mamamayan. Sa harap ng lumalalang krisis sa bansa, higit nilang kailangan ang inyong serbisyo.

Tinatawagan namin kayong iwaksi ang papet, kolonyal, pasista, anti-mamamayan at elitistang organisasyon ng AFP-PNP. Kabaliktaran, dapat ninyong tanganan at ipagpatuloy ang hindi pa natatapos na pambansa-demokratikong pakikibaka ng ating mga ninunong sina Gat. Andres Bonifacio. Ipinaglaban ng mga ito ang kalayaan ng bayan sa dayuhang mananakop at ang demokratikong karapatan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Tulad ni Bonifacio at ng KKK, dapat ninyong taglayin ang diwa ni General Antonio Luna na lumaban para sa kalayaan ng bayan hanggang sa kanyang huling hininga. Sa kabilang panig, dapat na labanan at iwaksi ninyo ang mga kauri nina Aguinaldo noon na kinakatawan ngayon ng mga Marcos at Duterte at kanilang mga alipures na sa ngalan ng salapi at kapangyarihan ay ipinagkanulo ang kalayaan at demokrasya ng inang bayan.

Sa diwa ng di natapos na rebolusyon nina Andres Bonifacio, ipinagpapatuloy ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang pakikibaka upang ibagsak ang imperyalismong US, pyudalismo at burukrata-kapitalismo at kamtin ang tunay na pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya. Tinatawagan namin ang lahat ng mga tunay na Pilipinong nagmamahal sa kapakanan at interes ng sambayanang Pilipino, kabilang na kayo na suportahan at itaguyod ang pakikibakang ito hanggang sa tagumpay.

Tularan si Lt. Crispin Tagamolila na noong hindi na masikmura ang brutal na diktadura ng matandang Marcos ay tumiwalag at sumapi sa NPA upang tunay na maglingkod sa mamamayan. Namartir siyang nasa panig ng mamamayan at lumalalaban para sa tunay na kalayaan.

Laging bukas ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, Bagong Hukbong Bayan at rebolusyonaryong mamamayan sa lalawigan na makatuwang ang mga namumulat na sundalo ng AFP-PNP sa pagpapalaya ng ating bayang sinilangan sa dayuhang kontrol at pasismo.

Ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang tunay na hukbo ng sambayanang Pilipino. Ang magrebolusyon kapiling ang mamamayan ang paglilingkod na may katuturan at maghahawan ng landas sa ganap na paglaya, katarungan, kaunlaran at kasaganaan.

Sa ngalan ng Hukbong tunay na naglilingkod sa sambayanan,

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/bukas-na-liham-ng-bhb-quezon-sa-mga-kawal-ng-afp/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Duha ka mangunguma gindakop sang AFP kag PNP sa Binalbagan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Sep 14, 2023): Duha ka mangunguma gindakop sang AFP kag PNP sa Binalbagan (Two farmers were arrested by the AFP and PNP in Binalbagan)

 


Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

September 14, 2023

Paagi sang mapanghalit nga Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation (JEMPO) sang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) kag Philippine National Police (PNP), duha ka mangunguma ang biktima sang mga kalapasan sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag gindakop sang gintingub nga tropa sang 62nd IB, 2nd PNP-SAF, 300th Air Intelligence Wing, Philippine Air Force kag Regional Intelligence Unit 6 sadtong Setyembre 10 sang kaagahon sa Sityo Mainit, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Ginkilala ang duha ka mangunguma nga sanday Judy Blazer kag Junjie Camanso pareha nga nagapuyo sa bukiron nga bahin sang Binalbagan. Magluwas nga gina-alegar nga may kaangot sila sa NPA, ginpasakaan man sila sang pato-pato nga kaso.

Si Judy Blazer, 61 anyos, isa ka mangunguma nga kilala sa halos bilog pumuluyo sa ila baryo. Miyembro siya sadto sang panatiko nga grupo nga Greenan, isa ka paramilitar nga grupo nga gin-armasan kag ginapunduhan sang AFP halin pa sadtong dekada 90 sang pagpungko ni anay Presidente Cory Aquino. Nagalunsar sang indi makatawo nga mga aktibidad ang AFP upod ang ila paramilitar nga grupong Greenan batuk sa pumuluyo kag rebolusyonaryo nga kahublagan sa sakop sang boundary sang Binalbagan, Isabela, Negros Ocidental, kag sa Jimalalud kag La Libertad sakop sang Negros Oriental.

Bangud sang indi mabatas ni Blazer ang ginahimo sang iya mga kaupdanan sa panatiko nga grupo sadto kag sa militar, wala siya naglawig sa amo nga grupo kag nagpili nga mangabuhi sang matarung. Amo man ini ang rason ngaa gin-initan ini siya sang mga katapo sang AFP kag ginapangita bangud madamo man nga kagrupo niya nga nagpahuway nga nag-upod ni Blazer.

Ang pagdakop sa duha ka mangunguma isa ka pagpahamot sa publiko para tabunan ang ila kahuy-anan nga sa pihak sang ila ginlunsar nga JEMPO kag sustenido nga pokus operasyon sa amo nga lugar, wala sila nakaangkon sang kadalag-an kag wala nakakita sang ila ginapangita nga yunit sang NPA. Kahuluya sa ila nga naglab-ot sang halos 200 ka tropa sa nagkalain-lain nga yunit sang militar kag pulis ang nag-operasyon kombat apang wala man sila sang nadakpan nga NPA ukon natabo nga engkwentro.

Desperado ini nga tikang ang pagdakop sa tigulang nga halos indi na gani makakita kon maglakat para lang ipresentar nga nakanyutralisa naman sila sang duha ka NPA. Nagakinahanglan bala sang pila ka gatos nga gintingub nga tropa para lang dakpon ang isa ka tigulang? Ukon nagapakita lang sang pwersa agud magsabwag sang kahadlok sa pumuluyo kag mahatagan rason ang ila sobra nga gasto kag korapsyon?

Ang pagdakop sang mga lunsay mangunguma sa Brgy. Santol kaangay sang natabo sa katambi nga baryo sini, sa Carabalan sakop sang Himamaylan City, nga gindakop man sang gintingub nga pwersa sang PNP kag AFP ang duha ka tigulang nga mangunguma nga sanday Romeo Balsimo kag Lodorico But-ay.

Mas nagpakita lang ini sang kapintas sang AFP-PNP. Ang sunod-sunod nga pagdakop sa mga mangunguma nga ginapasibangdan nga may angot sa NPA kabahin sa ila maitom nga propaganda kag paagi sang pagsusteni sa ila kuno momentum nga lubos mawasak ang NPA sa bilog Negros.

Akig na ang pumuluyo sa madamu nga mga pagpanglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung sang mga pasista nga AFP kag PNP. Segurado nga maghinulsol ang mga pwersa sang estado sa ila pagtulod sa pumuluyo nga magbato paagi sa armado nga paghimakas. Ang hanay sang NPA nga may lubos nga suporta sang pumuluyo ang padayon nga maglapad bangud mas athag pa gid subong ang pagkamakatarungan sang inaway banwa.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/duha-ka-mangunguma-gindakop-sang-afp-kag-pnp-sa-binalbagan/

CPP/NPA-Masbate: Kumilos at hadlangan ang bantang pagbomba ng Filminera – MGP at 2nd IBPA sa bundok ng Bagulayag sa bayan ng Uson

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Sep 13, 2023): Kumilos at hadlangan ang bantang pagbomba ng Filminera – MGP at 2nd IBPA sa bundok ng Bagulayag sa bayan ng Uson (Filminera – MGP and 2nd IBPA took action and stopped the bomb threat in Bagulayag mountain in the town of Uson)

 


Luz del Mar

Spokesperson

NPA-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command)

Bicol Regional Operational Command (Romulo Jallores Command)

New People's Army

September 13, 2023

Kasuklam-suklam at isang kahibangan ang planong pagbomba ng 2nd Infantry Battalion Phil. Army sa bundok ng Bagulayag sa bayan ng Uson. Ilalagay sa panganib ng militar ang buhay at kabuhayan ng mga residente upang bigyang-laya ang ekspansyon ng Filminera – Masbate Gold Project sa mga bulubunduking nagdudugtong sa mga bayan ng Uson, Milagros at Mobo.

Ipinatawag ng militar ang Mayor sa bayan ng Uson na si Salvadora Sanchez upang pasabihan at bigyan ng pormat ng barangay resolution ang mga barangay Kapitan ng Madao, Simawa at Bonifacio na magpapahintulot sa pagbomba sa bundok ng Bagulayag.

Balak ng militar na gamitin ang bagong isyu sa prubinsya na attack drone sa tatlong araw na pagbomba sa bundok ng Bagulayag mula Setyembre 16 – 18. Hindi isinasaalang-alang ng militar ang magiging troma ng mga matatandang maysakit, buntis at mga bata sa kanilang kahibangan.

Kagyat na maaapektuhan ang 12 barangay na nasa paanan at palibot ng bundok kabilang ang Centro, San Vicente, San Ramon, Matagbac, Sawmill, Barag, Mapuyo, San Antonio at San Carlos kung matutuloy ang pagbomba. Iilang residente na ang bumakwit sa mga sentrong baryo matapos mabalitaan ang planong pagbomba sa takot na mapahamak ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay.

Ang pag-bakwit ng mga residente ang pinaka-inaasam ng militar at dayuhang kumpanyang Filminera upang higit pang mapadali ang kanilang operasyon sa lugar. Aasahang mas pinasinsin pang mga operasyong militar ang ilulunsad ng 2nd IB upang itaboy ang magmamatigas na mga residente sa maaapektuhang mga barangay.

Matagal ng nangangamba ang masang Masbatenyo sa magiging epekto sa kanilang buhay at kabuhayan ng ekspansyon ng Filminera na tiyak ay matutulad rin sa bayan ng Aroroy at Baleno. Subalit, binalewala lang ng inutil at taksil sa masang Masbatenyo na si gubernador Antonio Kho ang mga hinaing at panawagan ng masa. Sa halip, tinalikuran nito ang kanyang mandato sa mamamayan kapalit ng suhol at kurakot na makukuha mula sa Filminera.

Sa halip na sumunod sa dikta ng militar, hinihikayat ng pamprubinsyang kumand si Mayor Salvadora Sanchez na tulungan at makiisa sa mga barangay upisyal at residente sa paghadlang sa bantang pagbomba at ekspansyon ng Filminera sa kanyang bayan. May pananagutan po kayo sa inyong nasasakupan at hindi sa militar.

Hinihikayat rin ng JRC – NPA Masbate ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) na tuparin ang kanilang tungkuling proteksyunan ang kalikasan at kagubatan. Ang inyong kagawaran ay may kakayahang sampahan at panagutin ang lumalabag sa batas na mga mapaminsalang kumpanya ng mina. Nawa ay magamit niyo ang inyong tungkulin hindi upang piringan ang iyong mga mata ng salapi kundi upang paglingkuran ang interes ng masa.

Sa mga incumbent at kumakandidato sa eleksyong pambarangay hamon ngayon sa inyo na patunayan sa inyong nasasakupan na kaya niyong pangalagaan at protektahan ang kanilang kabuhayan at buhay. Ipakita niyo sa militar na mayroon kayong otoridad bilang mga lokal na upisyal ng gubyerno. May mandato kayong dapat gampanan sa inyong mamamayan. Pinili at pipiliin nila kayo hindi para sila ay ipahamak at pagtaksilan sa pagiging takot at sunud-sunuran sa kagustuhan ng militar.

Hindi dapat magpatinag ang masang Masbatenyo sa anumang pakana at banta ng 2nd IB at Filminiera – MGP upang wasakin ang mga bundok ng Bagulayag, Uac at Irong-irong. Sa halip, dapat tularan ng mga residente sa pangunguna ng kanilang mga barangay upisyales ang ginawang pagpalayas sa 2nd IB ng mga residente ng So. Baclay, Barangay Bacolod, Milagros. Sa sama-samang pagkilos, pagpasa ng petisyon at barangay resolusyon ay napalayas ang militar sa dati nilang hedkwarters. Tiyak na magagawa rin ito ng mamamayan sa mga bayan ng Uson, Milagros at Mobo na higit na mas marami kung magkakaisa at magtutulungan.

Dapat tandaan ng masang Masbatenyo na walang imposible basta’t sama-samang kumikilos at lumalaban. Makakayang tibagin ng kapangyarihan ng mamamayan kahit ang tatlong salot pa ng ating lipunan – ang imperyalismo, burukrata kapitalismo at pyudalismo na nasa likod sa lahat ng paghihirap at pagdurusa ng sambayanang Pilipino.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/kumilos-at-hadlangan-ang-bantang-pagbomba-ng-filminera-mgp-at-2nd-ibpa-sa-bundok-ng-bagulayag-sa-bayan-ng-uson/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Desperado nga loudspeaker operations sang 94th IB, nangin kaladlawan sang pumuluyo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Sep 13, 2023): Desperado nga loudspeaker operations sang 94th IB, nangin kaladlawan sang pumuluyo (Desperate loudspeaker operations of the 94th IB, it became a nightmare for the residents)

 


Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

September 13, 2023

Masobra isa ka bulan na nga nagatiner ang 94th IB sa sakop sang Sityo Cunalom-Lunoy, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negors Occidental. Nagpatigayon sila sang Community Support Program (CSP) nga sa esensya isa ka matiplangon, kontra-pumuluyo kag operasyon paniktik sa bilog komunidad.

Ang ila ginapabugal nga “loudspeaker operations” nga naggamit sang trompa may tuyo nga magpalapnag sang maitom nga propaganda, pagpatalang kag pagpamahug sa pumuluyo. Ginalawag sang isa ka katapo sang 94th IB ang mga pangalan sang ila gina-supetsahan nga mga supporter sang NPA nga magsurender sa nasambit nga militar para wala sang lain nga matabo sa ila.

Psywar kag pag-intimidar ini sa mga pumuluyo nga naga-organisa, nagasulong kag nagapakigbato para sa ila kaayuhan kag interes. Ginatarget sang sini nga operasyon nanguna ang mga pumuluyo nga katapo sang lehitimo nga organisasyon sang mangunguma. Nagapati ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nga paagi sini nga mga padihot mahinabonan na ang ila mga kalapasan nga ginahimo batuk sa pumuluyo.

Mas lanog pa sa ila pagwaragwag gamit ang mga trompa ang nagalab-ot sa mga kaingod nga baryo nga mga mapintas nga kahimoan sang mga pwersa sang estado batuk sa pumuluyo sang Brgy. Carabalan. Indi matago ang mga balita sang duha ka tigulang nga mangunguma sa lugar nga ila gindakop kag ginpasakaan sang pato-pato nga kaso, ang anum pa ka mga mangunguma nga ila ginkastigo kag pagpamahug sang mga kabataan nga menor de edad.

Ini tanan mas nagapa-ibwal sa kaakig sang pumuluyo. Kon may mga taktika ang militar nga makabuyagyag sang ila mga black propaganda, magahimo man ang pumuluyo sang paagi para ma-expose ang matuod nga nagakatabo sa ila ilabi na sa mga kahalitan nga dala sang AFP kag PNP.

Dapat manindugan ang pumuluyo kag ang mga biktima sa Brgy. Carabalan ilabi na sang mga militarisado nga lugar nga gamiton ang lain-lain nga paagi para indi mahinabonan ang ila tingog kag madulaan sang pulos ang operasyon loudspeaker sang 94th IB.

Idalom sa Mt. Cansermon Command-New People’s Army (MCC-NPA), magpaninguha ang mga Pulang hukbo nga mapalanog ang tingog sang biktima sang kontra-insurhensya sang rehimen Marcos II paagi sang lupok sang pusil kag paglunsar sang taktikal nga opensiba para mahatagan sang hustisya ang mga biktima sa pagpanglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag mapangapinan ang pumuluyo.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/desperado-nga-loudspeaker-operations-sang-94th-ib-nangin-kaladlawan-sang-pumuluyo/

PH, US to collaborate in 500 military activities in 2024

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 16, 2023): PH, US to collaborate in 500 military activities in 2024 (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

(L-R) Admiral John Aquilino, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, and Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, discuss the agreements reached by both forces during the conslusion of the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Sept. 14, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

More than 500 bilateral engagements between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and United States Armed Forces will be carried out in 2024 including large-scale exercises, joint patrols, and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) projects among others.

This was agreed upon by AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Admiral John Aquilino, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, during the conclusion of the annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City last Sept. 14.

The number of engagements between the two militaries next year was bigger compared to the 496 activities set this 2023.

“The meeting is the culminating activity of the PH-US planning cycle that assessed previous activities and set out over 500 bilateral engagements for 2024 to include exercises and high-level exchanges between the allied nations, matters of security cooperation activities, and the strategic vision including maritime security, information sharing, and capacity and capability development, among others,” Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto, chief of AFP public affairs office, said on Saturday, Sept. 16.

“Ang very significant lang ngayon siyempre ‘yung EDCA projects tapos ‘yung siyempre this time may interest sa joint exercises ‘di ba and magkakaroon ng inclusion ngayon ng mga key international partners and other countries (What’s very significant now are the EDCA projects, then there is an interest in the conduct of joint exercises, and the inclusion of key international partners and other countries),” he added.

During the MDB-SEB meeting, Brawner and Aquilino agreed to expedite the completion of 63 additional EDCA projects on top of the 32 projects allocated earlier.

There are nine EDCA sites established in the Philippines.

Five of them are original sites that were identified when the agreement was signed in 2014 and these are located at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.

Meanwhile, four additional sites were established earlier this year as part of efforts to expedite the implementation of the agreement. These are the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Development projects are being funded by the US government at the EDCA sites so these can be used optimally by both Filipino and American troops in various ways such as disaster response, security operations, and military exercises.

The projects include the construction of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) warehouse and hangar with electrical and water facilities; billeting facilities, mess hall, and barracks for the military personnel; command and control (C2) fusion system; pier with water supply; as well as rehabilitation of runways.

Meanwhile, there are various military exercises being conducted annually between the AFP and US Armed Forces, most prominent of which is the Balikatan exercises.

Both militaries have also expressed interest in conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid the continued aggression of China.

Just last Sept. 4, the Philippine Navy and US Navy sailed together in the WPS, and Aquilino said this will be followed by similar joint sails.

"We'll continue to do that for a long term, ultimately to ensure that we can maintain the freedom of the seas, freedom of airspace so that all the nations in the region can enjoy peace and prosperity," he said.

All of these efforts reaffirm the “steadfast commitment” of both countries in safeguarding their nations and the Indo-Pacific region, Brawner said.

“These underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and the United States in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts. It signifies our commitment to further strengthen our cooperation, ensuring that both militaries are equipped and well-prepared to respond to evolving security challenges,” he noted.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/9/16/ph-us-to-collaborate-in-500-military-activities-in-2024

Philippines and U.S. Hold Annual Mutual Defense and Security Engagement Boards

Posted to the US Indo-Pacific Command Website (Sep 16, 2023): Philippines and U.S. Hold Annual Mutual Defense and Security Engagement Boards



CAMP AGUINALDO, Philippines — Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Adm. John Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, led the 2023 Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) at Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines, Sept. 14.

The annual convening of the MDB-SEB highlights the long legacy of sustained relations between the U.S. and Philippine militaries and concludes a years’ worth of bilateral planning and training between the allied forces. During the meeting, U.S. and Philippine leaders agreed to over 500 joint activities scheduled for 2024 to include exercises, high-level exchanges between the allied nations and capability building in maritime security, combatting terrorism and transnational crime, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and many other national security interests.

“These underscore the continued partnership and collaboration between the Philippines and the United States in enhancing national defense capabilities, as well as the shared commitment to regional security and disaster response efforts,” Brawner said. “It signifies our commitment to further strengthen our cooperation, ensuring that both militaries are equipped and well-prepared to respond to evolving security challenges.”

The successful completion of the MDB-SEB furthers cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines and renews their shared commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the joint pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific region against a backdrop of a rules-based international order.

In the days preceding the meeting, Brawner and Aquilino visited three Enhanced Defense Cooperation Arrangement (EDCA) sites and their surrounding communities: Lal-lo Airport, Cagayan; Naval Base Camilo Osias, Santa Ana, Cagayan; and Basa Air Base, Pampanga.

“All of the EDCA sites are sovereign Philippine territory. We identified a number of projects that benefit the AFP and allow the United States and the Philippines to operate together,” said Aquilino during the site visit at Basa Air Base. “Lal-lo airport was a place where we came together to support the most recent humanitarian assistance effort to the Philippine people. This is the best example of why these sites are important.”

During the MDB-SEB, Brawner and Aquilino agreed to 63 new projects within the nine existing EDCA sites. These locations strengthen the interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces, enabling the forces to respond more seamlessly together to address a range of shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The MDB was established in 1958 and the SEB was established in 2006. Together, the two boards form the framework that directs and enables defense and security cooperation between the U.S. and Philippine militaries.

As friends and allies, the United States and the Philippines will continue to work in lockstep to rapidly pursue modernization projects and opportunities to plan and train together to support our treaty commitments and shared vision for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous region.

https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3528030/philippines-and-us-hold-annual-mutual-defense-and-security-engagement-boards/

Former Reds seek justice for NPA amaz

Posted to Head Topics Philippines (Sep 16, 2023): Former Reds seek justice for NPA amazon (By Manila Bulletin)

CAMP Aquino, Tarlac City – The Balik-Loob Organization of Mountain Province (BLOMP) has condemned the human rights violation committed by the New People’s Army against amazon Brenda Antonio. Ka Sibat, a member of BLOMP, described the harsh realities faced by individuals like him and Michelle who have experienced the dark tactics employed by the NPA.

“The Balik-Loob Organization of Mountain Province stands united in the demand for justice for Michelle and all those who have suffered similarly at the hands of the CTG,” he said.

"We call out to all concerned agencies, within and outside our region, to acknowledge the gravity of this situation and unite in condemning such blatant violations of human rights.” The 17th Infantry Battalion under the Armed Forces-Northern Luzon Command and other law enforcement agencies unearthed the remains of Antonio in Cagayan after receiving information from her former comrades.

They banded together to ensure a dignified burial for Antonio. BLOMP is composed of former rebels who have chosen to return to the path of peace and uphold the rule of law. 

https://headtopics.com/ph/former-reds-seek-justice-for-npa-amazon-44464186