CPP/NPA-Central Negros/Negros Island ROC: Pursigido nga Tadlungon ang mga Kasaypanan kag Isulong ang Inaway Banwa sa Mas Mataas pa nga Halintang

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 29, 2024): Pursigido nga Tadlungon ang mga Kasaypanan kag Isulong ang Inaway Banwa sa Mas Mataas pa nga Halintang (Persistence to Correct the Mistakes and Promote the Warring Nation to a Higher Level)

 


JB Regalado

Spokesperson

NPA-Central Negros (Leonardo Panaligan Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

March 29, 2024

Sa okasyon sang ika-55 ka tuig nga anibersaryo sang New People’s Army gikan sa pagkatukod sadtong Marso 29, 1969, ang Leonardo Panaligan Command-New People’s Army (LPC-NPA) sa Central Negros nagasingkal, nagabalingaso nga kainit kag militante nga nagabayaw sang amon mga inumol tanda sang pursigido nga pagtadlong sang mga kahuyangan kag padayon nga pagsulong sang masobra lima na ka dekada nga armadong paghimakas sa pungsod tubtob sa lubos nga kadalag-an.

Kadungan sini, nagasaludo man kita sa aton mga rebolusyonaryong martir nga naghalad sang ila mga kinaalam, kaisog kag makatarunganon nga nagsakripisyo sang ila kabuhi sa pag-angat sang inaway banwa paagi sa boluntaryo kag matutom nga paghikot sa pagpatuman sang integradong rebolusyonaryong hilikuton sang demokratikong rebolusyon sang banwa padulong sa sosyalismo. Ginapasidunggan naton sila Jose Maria “Ka Joma” Sison, Benito “Ka Laan” Tiamson, Wilma “Ka Bagong-Tao” Austria, Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, Rogelio “Ka Cocoy” Posadas, Ericson “Ka Fredo” Acosta, Romeo “Ka JM” Nanta, Leonardo “Ka Jessie” Panaligan kag iban pa nga mga kaupod. Ginapasidunggan man sila Bernard Torres, Dionesio Baloy, Jose Albores, Evelyn kag Julieven Meren, Orlando Fat, Victor Baldonado, Christina Jacolbe kag Everly Kee Jacolbe kag iban pa halin sa hanay sang pumuluyo diin wala-kaluoy kag brutal nga ginpamatay sang mga pasista kag berdugong 62nd IB sa Central Negros.

Sila ang buhi nga handumanan kag magserbe nga inspirasyon sa aton padayon nga pagsulong sang armadong rebolusyon. Ang ila mga inagihan kag kontribusyon ang magapabilin sa aton paminsaron kag balatyagon nga magsindi kag magpasingkal sang kalayo sang rebolusyon sa mga kaumahan sang bug-os nga larangan gerilya.

Ginapasalamatan man naton ang wala-paghubas nga suporta sang malapad nga masa sang pumuluyo kag wala-kataka nga paggiya sang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) sa Bag-ong Hangaway sang Banwa sa pagpangibabaw sa tunga sang mga internal nga kahuyangan. Subong man, ang pagpangibabaw sa bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan batok sa masingki nga pagpamintas kag pagpang-atake sang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) kag iban pa nga makinaryas sang reaksyonaryong estado.

Bangud sang pursigido kag ululupod nga paghimakas sang bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan dira sa pag-isa sang nagkalain-lain nga sahi sa balayon sang nagahiliugyon nga prente, mas aktibo nga nagpabilin ang pagluntad sang mga larangan gerilya ilabe na ang LPC-NPA sa Central Negros sa pihak sang tudo-gyera nga kampanya militar, pasismo kag terorismo sang rehimen ni US-Marcos Jr.

Sa kahiwatan sang ika-55 nga pagsukat sang NPA, ginasaulog naton ini nga puno sang militansiya bangud sang aton mga kadalag-an sa tanan nga patag sang pagsulong kag pag-uswag sa sulod sang isa ka tuig (Marso 29, 2023-Marso 29, 2024), sa pihak man sang pagpugong sang AFP, PNP, NTF-Elcac kag iban pa nga makinaryas sang reaksyonaryong estado.

Sa patag sang armadong paghimakas; taas moral kag ara ang inisyatiba nga nagapadayon sa pagtungod sang integrado nga hilikuton masa paagi sa pagpakamaayo sa linyang masa. Paagi sini, nakarekrut sa gihapon sang halos seksyon nga kusog sang Pulang hangaway halin sa hanay sang mga pamatan-on. Boluntaryo sila nga nagsumiter sang ila kaugalingon sa lubos panahon nga mag-alagad sa masang ginahimuslan kag ginapigos nga pumuluyo sa kaumhan dira sa pagpakigbahin sa NPA. Nangin maayo ang mga Pulang hangaway sa pagkumbinar sang pagbalhin, konsentrasyon kag dispersal nga moda sa paghulag gerilya dira sa platun bilang sandigan nga pormasyon.

Sa tunga sang foused military operation (FMO) kag Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), madinalag-on nga nakalunsar ang LPC-NPA sang konsentrado nga paghanas politiko-militar kag madinalag-on man nga nakalunsar sang indi magnubo sa 12 ka taktikal nga opensiba nga nagpatay sang kapin 16 gikan sa hanay sang tropa militar diin nakapatuhaw sang mga armas nga sarang ipa-armas sa bag-ong napatapo sa NPA kag iban pa nga yunit gerilya. Sa pihak nga bahin, lima ang nangin rebolusyonaryong martir sa mga Pulang hangaway nga sanday Ka Kris, Ka Marnie, Ka Bryan, Ka Dagger kag Ka Ryan.

Namentinar man ang kusog sang mga yunit gerilya nga nangin katimbang sang NPA sa pagtungod sang mga hilikuton masa paagi sa tatlo ka integrado nga hilikuton (pagtukod sang baseng masa, agraryong rebolusyon kag pagsulong sang armadong paghimakas).

Paagi sini, nasusteni ang pagpalapad kag konsolidasyon sa baseng masa. Namentinar ang 38,000 nga organisadong masa nga may malapit 200,000 nga isip sang baseng masa. Bunga sang hilikuton pagpalapad, dugang nga naabot ang 2,000 nga isip sang baseng masa halin sa malapit 80 ka baryo kag 400 ka sityo nga nahulagan katumbas sang tatlo ka larangan gerilya. Tuman ka ligwa ang paghulag sang mga yunit gerilya nga naghatag sang taas nga inisyatiba sa NPA kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan agud palapitan ang malapad nga masa kag pursigido nga matungdan ang mga rebolusyonaryong hilikuton kaangay sang edukasyon masa, hilikuton propaganda, kultural, arbitrasyon, produksyon, ikaayong-lawas, seguridad kag iban pa.

Sumugod nga nagpungko sa poder si Marcos Jr, sa Central Negros lang, nakarekord sang 22 ka mangunguma ang brutal nga ginpamatay samtang lima naman ka hors de combat nga mga Pulang hangaway sa Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental kag Canlaon City, Negros Oriental ang hungod nga gin-utas ang ila kabuhi sa mga tropa sang 62nd IB sa pagpamuno ni Col. William Pesase Jr bilang Commanding Officer. Naglab-ot man sa 336 ka insidente sang human rights violations ang hinimoan sa nasambit nga militar nga nag-imbolbar sa masobra 10,800 ang biktima (212 sini ang mga menor de edad). Sa bilog isla sang Negros, responsable ang 62nd IB sa halos katunga sa 654 nga kaso sa pagpanglapas sa tawhanon nga kinamatarung nga nagbiktima sa indi magnubo sa 46,000 (988 sini ang mga menor-edad) nga narekord sang National Democratic Front (NDF)-Negros idalum sa rehimen US-Marcos II.

Bangud sini nga mga panghitabo, mahapos para sa mga Pulang hangaway kag iban pa nga mga yunit gerilya ang pagpukaw, pag-organisa kag pagpahulag sa masa. Nangin mahagup kag malapit ang masa sa NPA kag bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan. Dasig nga naglab-ot sang masobra 2,000 ka pumuluyo ang naabot sang hilikuton edukasyon kag propaganda. Nakalunsar sang mga epektibo nga pagtuon sa PADEPA kag edukasyon-propaganda sa hanay sang masa kabangdanan sang pagka-anting, sekreto kag aktibo nga paghikot sini diin dugang nga pagpatapo sa mga bag-ong natukod nga organisasyon masa sang PKM, KM, MAKIBAKA kag ARMAS sa lebel sityo tubtob munisipalidad. Samtang ngipon sa ngipon nga nagpakig-away kag nagbuyagyag paagi sa rebolusyonaryo, makatarunganon kag Marxista nga propaganda batok sa mga kabutigan, pagpatalang, pagpanginto kag korapsyon sang AFP, PNP kag NTF-Elcac ilabe na sang inutil, pasista, papet kag korap nga rehimen US-Marcos Jr.

Sa sulod sang isa ka tuig, ang NPA naglunsar man sang mga serbisyo-sosyal kaangay sang medikal, literasiya-numerasiya kag iban pa. Malapit sa 1,000 ang nahatagan serbisyo medikal samtang ang mga kabataan sang masa ang ginlunsaran man sang libre nga pagtuon sang literasiya kag numerasiya. Halos ang tanan nga yunit sang NPA kag iban pa nga yunit gerilya ang nakalunsar man sang arbitrasyon sa pagsolbar sang mga kontradiksyon sa tunga sang masa kaangay sa pagsolbar sang mga problema sa duta, palangabuhian kag iban pa.

Paagi sa giya kag pagpanguna sang NPA, nangin kinaandan na sa Central Negros ang ululupod kag kolektibo nga pagbinuligay sang masang katapuan paagi sa simple nga kooperasyon agud padasigon kag pataason ang ila produksyon sa pagpanguma. Nangin kinaandan man sa rebolusyonaryong masa kag NPA ang pagbinuligay sa tion sang mga kalamidad sa pihak sang grabe nga pag-antus sa kaimulon bunga sang kakulang sang serbisyo-sosyal kag ka-inutil sang mga rehimen ilabe na ni Marcos Jr.

Karun nga kalamidad sang tig-ilinit (El Niño), naghiliusa ang masa sa paghimakas upod sa NPA agud pukawon, organisahon kag pahulagon ang malapad nga pumuluyo sa kaumhan para pangibabawan ang nasambit nga kalamidad kag ang militarisasyon nga ginkabig bilang kalamidad man tuga sang pasismo kag terorismo sang estado. Namobilisa kag napahulag ang masa sa pagpanghawan kag pagpalapad sang ulumhan nga ila palangabuhian, pagpangita sang tubig nga mainom kag tubig nga para sa ila mga talamnan kag iban pa nga pananom. Kadungan man sini ang pagtigayon sang alternatibo nga pagpamulong sa epidemya nga sakit nga gina-atubang sang pumuluyo sa kaumhan resulta sang kasingkal sang init kaangay sang ubo, hilanat, trangkaso, high-blood, stroke kag iban pa. Samtang nagatungod man sang hilikuton masa sa pagpukaw, pag-organisa kag pagpahulag sa pumuluyo sa pagduso sang ila mga demokratikong kinamatarung kag interes agud kuhaon ang epektibo nga sabat sang inutil, korap, papet kag reaksyonaryong gobyernong US-Marcos Jr.

Ang malawigon nga krisis sa resesyon sang sistemang kapitalismo ang magtuga sang pag-eskalar sang gyera sa bug-os nga kalibutan. Mas mag-igting imperyalista kontra sa mga kolonyal, neo-kolonyal kag mala-pyudal nga mga pungsod, kapitalista batok sa mga mamumugon kag pag-alsa sang mga pumuluyo batok sa pagpamigos sang mga kapitalista sa kaugalingon nga pungsod. Samtang mag-isa ang sahing proletaryado sa bug-os nga kalibutan nga maghimakas para sa isa ka pagbag-o sosyal.

Sa sini nga kaangtanan, tuman ka paborable ang sitwasyon sa pungsod ang pagsulong sang demokratikong rebolusyon sang banwa padulong sa sosyalismo. Ang papet nga rehimen ni Marcos Jr ang ginabayo subong sang masingki nga krisis sa ekonomiya kag pulitika. Nagamanipestar ang maigting nga banggianay sa tunga sang Duterte batok Marcos Jr nga hubon idalum sa kroniko nga krisis sang mala-kolonyal kag mala-pyudal nga sosyedad Pilipino. Wala sang malauman ang kadam-an nga pumuluyo sa lunsay nga maki-dumuluong, elitista, pasista kag papet nga rehimen US-Marcos II. Paagi lamang sa pag-usoy sa husto nga banas sang armadong rebolusyon maangkon sa pigos kag ginahimuslan lakip ang malapad nga pumuluyo ang ginahandum nga matuod nga demokrasya kag pungsodnon nga kahilwayan. .

Tampad nga tul-iron ang mga kahuyangan nga nagasagabal sa aton pag-uswag kag pagsulong! I-angat ang inaway banwa sa mas mataas nga halintang sa masunod nga mga panag-on.

Mabuhay ang Demokratiko nga Rebolusyon sang Banwa!
Mabuhay ang CPP-NPA-NDF!
Mabuhay ang masa!
Mabuhay ang ika-55 nga Anibersaryo sang New People’s Army!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pursigido-nga-tadlungon-ang-mga-kasaypanan-kag-isulong-ang-inaway-banwa-sa-mas-mataas-pa-nga-halintang/

CPP/NDF-Cavite/Southern Tagalog: Ipagbunyi ang ika-55 anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Itaguyod ang kilusang pagwawasto at itulak sa mas mataas na antas ang ating rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 29, 2024): Ipagbunyi ang ika-55 anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Itaguyod ang kilusang pagwawasto at itulak sa mas mataas na antas ang ating rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka! (Celebrate the 55th anniversary of the New People's Army! Support the rectification movement and push our revolutionary struggle to a higher level!)

 


Simeon Magdiwang

Spokesperson

NDF-Cavite

NDF-Southern Tagalog

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

March 29, 2024

Sa araw na ito, mainit nating salubungin at gunitain ang ika-55 anibersayo ng pagkakatatag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB). Ipinapaabot ng National Democratic Front-Cavite at ng lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa lalawigan ang pinakamataas na pagpupugay at pulang pagsaludo sa lahat ng pulang kumander, pulang mandirigma at milisya na nag-aalay ng kanilang buhay para sa ubos-kayang pagsusulong at pagtataguyod ng digmang bayan sa kanayunan.

Sa okasyon din ito, marapat lamang na mag-alay tayo ng ating pinakamataas na pagpupugay at pulang pagsaludo kina Jose Maria “Ka Joma” Sison, Benito at Wilma Tiamzon, Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, at Josephine “Ka Sandy” Mendoza bilang mga proletaryong lider na nagsilbi bilang mga tanglaw ng rebolusyong Pilipino. Muling inaalayan ng NDF-Cavite ng pinakamataas na pagpupugay sina Robert “Ka Hassan” Dolleton, Joy “Ka Kyrie” Mercado, Jay-ar “Ka Sander” Mercado, Jun Eric “Ka Japs” Perey, Armando Alvarez Jr., Amado “Bong” Montes, Ronald “Ka Recca” Malijan, Armando Maala, Alipio “Ka Boy-C” Hernandez, Carl “Ka CJ” Labajata, Marjorie “Ka Fort” Manto, Jayson “Ka Udyr” Pagalan at maraming pang iba. Sila ay mga magigiting na bayani at martir ng lalawigan na namatay sa labanan.

Limang dekada nang sumusulong, nagpapatuloy at nagpapanibagong-lakas ang BHB. Kailanman ay hindi ito nagapi at hindi ito natalo kundi tumagal pa ng limampu’t limang taon dahil sa mahigpit na gabay ng Partido at malawak na suporta ng masa. Nakapagkamit ang BHB ng malalaki at maliliit na tagumpay sa lahat ng larangan ng digma kahit nasa gitna ng matinding mga operasyong militar ng kaaway, panganganyon, strafing, at demonisasyon. Sa harap ng lahat ng kasinungalingan ng rehimeng US-Marcos, napatunayan at naipatupad ng BHB ang kanilang tungkuling magsilbi bilang tunay na hukbo ng mamamayan. Ngayong tumitindi ang agresyon ng mga Imperyalistang bayan at ang operasyon ng kaaway upang “durugin” ang rebolusyon, may mas mabigat at mahigpit na tungkulin ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa upang magpanibagong-lakas at higit na sumulong.

Umiigting ang krisis at pasan-pasan ito ng mamamayan. Lubog na lubog sa krisis ang ating ekonomiya habang binabalikat ng mamamayan ang bigat nito. Ang mga mamamayan sa probinsya ng Cavite ay nakakaranas ng pananalasa sa kanilang kabuhayan sa pangunguna ng mga lokal na naghaharing-uri tulad ng pamilyang Revilla-Remulla at pamilyang Tolentino na patuloy ang paghahari sa lalawigan. Sa tabing ng pagpapaunlad ng lalawigan bilang commercial center, pinahihintulutan ng mga malalaking pamilya ang dambuhalang proyekto ng mga dayuhang kumpanya sa iba’t ibang distrito na sumisira sa kalikasan at sumisira sa kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda, maralita at magsasaka.

Isa rito ang mga talamak na banta ng demolisyon at panununog sa mga komunidad ng maralita at pamayanan ng mga mangingisda sa tabing-dagat upang mabilisang palayasin ang mga naninirahan sa mga eryang saklaw o matatamaan ng proyekto. Talamak rin ang pangangamkam ng lupa at land-use conversion projects (LUC) na sumisira sa kalupaan at nagbabanta na pumatay sa agrikultural na produksyon sa Cavite.

Samantala, patuloy ang AFP-PNP sa kanilang pangrered-tag, pagkakampo, pambabanta, harrassment at paniniktik sa mga maralita, mangingisda at magsasaka kung saan nagdadala ng madilim na lagim at matinding takot sa loob ng kanilang mga komunidad. Pilit na pinapasok ng mga kapulisan at militar ang mga komunidad. Sa likod ng lahat ng ito, walang ginagawang aksyon ang Provincial Government para sa kapakanan ng ating mamamayan. Ito ang mga dahilan na nagtutulak sa mamamayan upang lumaban. Ito ang mga pangunahing dahilan upang humawak ng armas ang mamamayan.

Ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa lalawigan ng Cavite ay nagluwal na ng maraming Pulang mandirigma na sumampa sa NPA at nag-alay ng kanilang buhay upang palayain ang sambayanang Pilipino. Iginuhit na sa kasaysayan ang mayaman at matagal na karanasan ng mamamayang Kabitenyo sa rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka magmula sa panahon pa ng pananakop ng kolonyalistang Espanyol hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Ngayong tumitindi ang Imperyalistang agresyon laban sa mamamayang Pilipino at tumitindi ang pasistang atake at terorismo ng rehimeng US-Marcos, hinihimok namin ang mamamayan na sumampa sa kanayunan at sumapi sa New People’s Army.

Sa diwa ng panawagan ng Komite Sentral ng Partido para sa paglulungsad ng kilusang pagwawasto, ang lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa lalawigan ay nasa yugto ng pagwawaksi at pagwawasto sa kanilang mga pagkakamali at pagkukulang sa pamamagitan ng pag-iibayo ng kanilang mga tungkulin sa rebolusyon. Pangunahin dito ay ang pagbabalik-aral sa mga akda ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo at mga turo ni Ka Joma na isasalin sa praktika sa paglulungsad ng mga kampanyang masa at pagpapaigting ng gawaing masa sa mga eryang kinikilusan.

Samantala, ang mga pagsisikap upang itaguyod ang kilusang pagwawasto sa lalawigan ay nagbibigay-diin sa pagpapalawak ng rebolusyonaryong kilusang lihim. Mula rito ay sinisikap nitong muling buhayin ang sigla ng mga rebolusyonaryong pwersa sa kalunsuran upang makaani ng malaking suporta para sa armadong pakikibaka. Inaasahan sa proseso ng pagtataguyod ng kilusang pagwawasto ay iigting rin ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka sa lalawigan.

Higit lalo ngayong muling pumirma ang GRP-NDFP sa isang Oslo Joint Statement na nagsasaad sa muling pagbubukas para sa usapang pangkapayapaan, marapat lamang na itulak ang rebolusyonaryong pakikibaka sa mas mataas na antas upang makamit ang demokratikong interes ng mamamayan. Sa usapang pangkapayapaan, hindi isusuko ng Partido ang lampas limang dekadang simulain. Hindi ibababa ng NPA ang kanilang mga armas. Hindi titigil ang sambayanan na lumaban.

Ang limampu’t limang taon ay lampas limang dekadang punong-puno ng maniningning na karanasan at aral. Ang limampu’t limang taon ay bata pa kumpara sa siglo nang umiiral na pandaigdigang kapitalistang sistema. Mamamayang Kabitenyo, ipagtanggol ang karapatan, kabuhayan at kalayaan ng bayan! Sumapi sa New People’s Army!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ipagbunyi-ang-ika-55-anibersaryo-ng-bagong-hukbong-bayan-itaguyod-ang-kilusang-pagwawasto-at-itulak-sa-mas-mataas-na-antas-ang-ating-rebolusyonaryong-pakikibaka/

CPP/NPA-Agusan del Sur/Northeast Mindanao ROC: Serye ng mga pag-aaral at talakayan matagumpay na nailunsad!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 30, 2024): Serye ng mga pag-aaral at talakayan matagumpay na nailunsad! (Series of studies and discussions successfully launched!)

Amihan Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Agusan del Sur

Northeast Mindanao Regional Operational Command

New People's Army

March 30, 2024

Magkakasunod na pag-aaral at talakayan ang matagumpay na nailunsad ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa probinsya ng Agusan del Sur sa unang kwarto ng taong 2024. Bunga ng marubdob na pagtanggap ng komite at mga kasapi ng Partido sa panawagan ng Komite Sentral sa kilusang pagwawasto sa gawaing pang ideolohiya, pinagsikapan at determinadong inilunsad ng BHB sa probinsya ang nasabing pag-aaral at talakayan sa kabila ng sustenidong operasyon ng kaaway.

Sinimulan ang pag-aaral sa pahayag ng Partido sa ika-55 anibersaryo nito, tatlong batch ang nakapagtapos sa istagard na pag-aaral sa nasabing dokumento. Ang unang batch ay pinangunahan at dinaluhan ng mga kasapi ng komiteng seksyon at larangang gerilya. Karamihan sa mga dumalo ay mga nakababatang kadre na bumubuo sa 74% at 26% naman ang nakatatandang kadre habang 60% sa mga ito ay 5 hanggang 10 taon ang tagal sa serbisyo sa hukbo at 40% naman ang may tagal na 11 taon pataas.

Tumagal ang buong pag-aaral ng 18 oras at 30 minuto. Basa-talakay at chalk talk ang ginawang paraan sa pagtalakay ng mga kasama, sa kolektibong diskusyon, naging buhay ang talakayan ng mga kasama dahil sa pagbabahagi sa kanilang mga karanasan sa pagpukaw, pag-organisa at pagpapakilos sa masa at kung paano pinamunuan ang pagsusulong ng digmang bayan sa probinsya kasabay ng mapagkumbabang pagsuri at pagtanggap sa mga partikular na kahinaan at kakulangan na nagresulta sa ilang mga kabiguan sa pagharap sa atake ng kaaway.

Samantala, masiglang sinimulan ng mga kasama ang ikalawang batch ng pag-aaral na binubuo ng lahat ng kasapi ng Partido sa loob ng hukbo mula sa mga kandidatong kasapi na 40% at 60% naman ang ganap na kasapi, nagsilbing instruktor nila ang mga kasamang una nang nakapagtapos. Pinagsikapang mapagaan ang daloy ng talakayan sa paglikha ng mga simpleng biswal katulad ng drowing sa mapa ng daigdig upang mas madaling mailarawan sa mga mag-aaral ang mga bansang imperyalista at kung saan ito naglulunsad ngayon ng proxy war, naipakita rin sa mga kasama ang latag ng mga bansang atrasado o kolonya at semi-kolonya na nagsusulong ng armadong pakikibaka. Bagama’t chalk talk at basa-talakay parin ang ginawang paraan sa pag-aaral, mas maagang natapos o napaikli na ang kabuuang tagal ng talakayan sa 16 na oras at 21 minuto. Sa ikatlong batch naman ay mapangahas na tinanggap ng ilan sa mga kasamang may potensyal sa pagtuturo ang tungkulin na magsanay na magsilbing instruktor para sa huling batch na binuo ng mga Pulang mandirigma na hindi pa kasapi ng Partido.

Ayon sa mga kasama, malaki ang naitulong sa kanila ng nasabing pag-aaral sa pahayag ng Partido. Nakapagbigay ito ng panibagong lakas at dagdag na tatag upang mas pagtibayin ang kapasyahang lumaban at magpatuloy sa armadong pakikibaka. Ayon naman kay kasamang Del, mas naging kongkreto sa kanila ang pagiging gabay ng Partido upang mas maunawaan ang mabilis na pagbabago ng kalagayan, nagsilbing tanglaw rin ito sa mga kasamang pinaghinaan ng loob at inagapan din silang bumangon mula sa pagkakalugmok sa mga negatibong kaisipan tulad ni Ka Maja na isang inang nangungulila sa kanyang mga anak. Nagsilbing hamon naman kay Ka Che na mas magpakatatag at harapin ang mga pagsubok sa paggampan sa komprehensibong gawain. “Dama ko rin ang pangangailangang dobleng magsikap upang sumulong at tumibay bilang kasapi ng Partido” dagdag pa niya.

Ang sumunod na mga talakayan ay bahagi ng functional na pag-aaral mula sa mga topiko sa PADEPA upang muling alalahanin at unawain ang mga partikular na tungkulin lalo na sa hanay ng komite ng Partido at buong kasapian maging ng gawain sa platun at mga katuwang nito. Sinimulan rin ang kampanyang pag aaral at balik pag aaral sa kurso sa padepa bilang paghahanda sa planong maglunsad ng Batayang Kurso ng Partido (BKP).

Sa kabuuan, masaya at masigasig ang bawat kasama sa pagharap sa mga hamon at naabot ang layuning simulan ang kilusang pagwawasto, magkonsolida, tukuyin ang bawat partikularidad kung saan nagkulang at nagkamali at determinadong igpawan ang mga kahinaan upang mas higit pang sumulong sa susunod na mga panahon.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/serye-ng-mga-pag-aaral-at-talakayan-matagumpay-na-nailunsad/

CPP/CIO: CPP honors fallen NPA fighters in Batangas, Quezon

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 31, 2024): CPP honors fallen NPA fighters in Batangas, Quezon

 


CPP Information Bureau

Communist Party of the Philippines

March 31, 2024

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today paid tribute to the fallen Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Batangas and Quezon skirmishes last week.

The CPP’s Chief Information Officer, Marco L. Valbuena, honored the Red fighters and leaders of the Party as heroes and martyrs of the Filipino people’s revolution for national and social liberation.

In Batangas, three Red fighters were martyred in a firefight in Barangay Elvita (Tubahan), Rosario last March 26. Killed were Junalice “Ka Arya” Arante-Isita, Bernardo “Ka Mamay/Mike” Bagaas and Erickson “Ka Ricky/Vale” Cueto. Arante-Isita, 37, served as a leading cadre of the revolutionary movement in Batangas and was a member of the Regional Committee of the CPP in Southern Tagalog.

In Quezon, two beloved warriors of the people were killed in an encounter in Guinayangan town last March 28. Martyred were Divine Sureta (Ka Zoe), who hailed from the indigenous Manide tribe, and Paul Cruz (Ka Isko), who at the time of his death was a member of the CPP’s Quezon Provincial Committee.

“Their deaths are huge losses to the Party, the NPA and the masses whom they wholeheartedly served,” Valbuena said. “Their sterling examples in struggle and ultimate sacrifice, however, serve as inspiration for more people to take the hard path of waging armed struggle.”

“Even now, more and more young people are joining the NPA as they see the necessity and justness of waging revolutionary armed struggle against the puppet, corrupt, and fascist Marcos regime,” Valbuena added.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/cpp-honors-fallen-npa-fighters-in-batangas-quezon/

CPP/CIO: The NPA must fight more to defend oppressed Filipinos, and to stop US from dragging PH in war against China

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Mar 31, 2024): The NPA must fight more to defend oppressed Filipinos, and to stop US from dragging PH in war against China

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena\\

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

March 31, 2024

1.The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) and all revolutionary forces roundly reject Gen. Romeo Brawner call for Red fighters to abandon the armed struggle. The need to wage armed struggle is now greater than ever before amid the worsening socioeconomic conditions and oppression of the Filipino people and threats to the country’s sovereignty.

For the broad masses of peasants, workers, and other toiling people suffering from land grabbing, economic dispossession, low wages, joblessness, and other forms of gross social injustice, waging armed struggle now is ever more just and necessary. The US-Marcos regime has aggravated the situation of the people by serving the interests of foreign capitalists to the detriment of the Filipino people’s welfare and rights.

Under Marcos, the fascist reactionary armed forces has become even more aggressive and brutal in driving the peasant masses and indigenous minorities from their land to allow mining companies, plantations, real estate, energy and other infrastructure projects to expand their environmentally-destructive business operations.

Only by having the New People’s Army can the peasant masses effectively fight back against the onslaught of foreign and big business economic aggressors. In the interest of the broad toiling masses, the armed struggle can never be abandoned. To fight with arms is the only way for the oppressed to defend their life and dignity and fight for a better future.

2. In the face of increasing danger of the Philippines being dragged by the US military to its conflict with China, there is even greater need for the NPA to fight vigorously. The NPA must further intensify the armed struggle to help prevent US plans to fully utilize the country as a springboard for its acts of aggression. The US imperialists want to see an end to the NPA’s armed struggle so it can fully utilize the AFP as a pawn in its plans of aggression and hegemonic expansion.

General Brawner is a remorseless US mouthpiece when he declared in his statement that “external forces”, clearly referring to China, “undermine Philippine sovereignty and challenge our rights.” Brawner is utterly hypocritical to claim defending the country’s freedom against external forces when as chief of the armed forces, he has opened a number of AFP camps to give foreign military forces from the US extraterritorial rights to station its troops and military equipment, and turn the country’s land and water as their playground.

The US military forces in the Philippines have been using the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard to raise the temperatures of military conflict in the West Philippine Sea through joint patrols, as well as US-backed “supply missions.” These operations are succeeding in pushing back against China’s incursions into Philippine maritime territory, but are being done at the expense of allowing US and its NATO allies to position their naval forces in Philippine waters.

The US plans to turn Marcos into a new Zelensky–a shameless beggar of military and economic aid from the US and NATO. They want to portray Marcos as a defender of Philippine freedom against the “empire”, while actually turning the Philippines into a protectorate of US-led Western imperialist powers, against their imperialist rival China.

Over the next few days or weeks, the Marcos regime is set to receive a major shipment or deployment of US military equipment for use of the AFP to turn it into a more aggressive force against China. This is timed with US plans to hold the Balikatan exercises in April as cover to deploy more of its troops in the country’s outlying islands, from the northernmost tip of Batanes, to the westernmost tip of Palawan. Even now, the US has already deployed Special Operations Forces in the Kinmen Island in the Taiwan Strait, a mere five kilometers off the eastern coast of Xiamen, China.

The Filipino people reject claims of the US imperialists of being “friends, allies, and partners” of the Philippines. It is utterly repugnant at all levels for the Marcos regime to ally itself to the number one terrorist who has connived with the Zionists in Israel in raining bombs and missiles on the civilian population of Palestine in Gaza, killing more than 32,000, more than half of whom are children. The US and Israel has also been supplying bombs to the AFP to carry out the same terrorist act in the Philippine countryside. The same imperialist US is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos during the US war of occupation of the Philippines, and the subsequent plunder of the country’s economic and human resources.

All the patriotic and revolutionary forces of the Filipino people must heighten their struggle for national freedom and draw inspiration from their long history of resistance to US military intervention and war–from the anti-colonial war of the early 1900s, to the mass protests leading to the eviction of US military bases and American troops in 1991.

Presently, they must vigorously resist US schemes and resist the plans to drag the country into US war provocations against China. Such a scenario will endanger the lives of the Filipino people and further place the country’s fate in the hands of the US imperialists.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/the-npa-must-fight-more-to-defend-oppressed-filipinos-and-to-stop-us-from-dragging-ph-in-war-against-china/

CPP/NPA-Central Luzon ROC: Pasistang AFP, bigong pulbusin ang NPA!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Apr 3, 2024): Pasistang AFP, bigong pulbusin ang NPA! Fascist AFP, failed to pulverize the NPA!

 


Central Luzon Regional Operational Command

New People's Army

April 03, 2024

Habang tila sirang-plakang paulit-ulit na inihahayag ng AFP na pupulbusin nila ang NPA sa katapusan ng Marso, paulit-ulit din silang napapahiya sa bawat enkwentro. Wala ni isang nasugatan sa hanay ng NPA sa naganap na engkwentro sa Barangay Galintuja, Aurora noong Marso 22, 2024.

Sa takot na mapahiya, minanipula ang balita at social media. Walang inakong kaswalti ang magkasanib na batalyong nag-ooperasyon—84th IB at 91st IB. Habang nagpapakalat naman ng mga pekeng balita at letrato ng mga sundalong patay at sunog ang katawan ang kanilang mga troll accounts sa Facebook para palabasing “terorista” ang NPA.

Sa labis na desperasyon ng AFP, mga walang kalaban-labang masa ang kanilang pinagdidiskitihan. Mula pa Disyembre 2023, walang patid na nanghahalihaw na sa kagubatan ang mga sundalo at pulis sa probinsya ng Aurora. Nagpakat ng mga RCSP o Retooled Community Support Program sa 10 baranggay para maghasik ng teror sa masa. Binabantaang kakasuhan at raratratin ng bala ang sinumang magbibigay ng tulong o magpapatuloy ng NPA. Labis na pangamba rin ang dulot sa mga masa ng madalas nilang pagpapalipad ng drones sa mga pook obrahan. Ipinagbabawal ang pagbabaon ng maraming bigas sa mga bukid. Sinisita maging mga pinamiling paninda ng may mga tindahan. Ginigipit at tinatapakan ang otoridad maging mga opisyal ng barangay. Mas masahol pa sa panahon ng batas militar at pananakop ng mga Kastila ang pagkontrol ng sundalo sa populasyon. Inoobliga ang lahat na magpagawa ng cedula at dalhin ito saanman magpunta. Pinakikialaman ng sundalo maging ang personal na buhay ng masa. Ultimo bumibisitang kamag-anak sa bahay ay inoobligang iulat sa sundalo.

Hindi pa nasapatan sa dulot ng perwisyo ng ilang buwan nang operasyon, pilit pang inaabala ang mga masa sa trabaho para obligahing dumalo sa mga papulong ng sundalo at pilit na paniwalain sila sa itim na propaganda laban sa NPA.

Bukod dito, ginagamit din nila ang estilo ng pagpapanggap para linlangin ang masa. Ngunit sila’y bigo, pagkat kilala ng masa kung sino ang tunay na terorista. “Marami sila kadua, mga nakabota rin tapos ganyan sa damit nyo, yung iba butas-butas pa, pero nahalata naming hindi NPA dahil tinapak-tapakan nila ang tanim namin at hinarabas pa ang mga kamote,” ani ng isang magsasaka.

Taliwas sa pahayag ng AFP na tinip ng mga sibilyan ang NPA, sa katunayan ay mga masa mismo ang umalalay sa mga kasama na ligtas na makalayo sa lugar.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/pasistang-afp-bigong-pulbusin-ang-npa/

DSWD execs hold dialogue with ex-Dawlah Islamiyah members to improve peace and development programs

From the Journal Online (Mar 26, 2024): DSWD execs hold dialogue with ex-Dawlah Islamiyah members to improve peace and development programs

DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Alan Tanjusay hands over financial aid to an ex-member of Dawlah Islamiyah through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, during a dialogue held in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur from March 19 to 20. Usec. Tanjusay said the Marawi City dialogue was the third leg of the DSWD’s benchmarking study on former combatants of non-state armed groups to improve its case management strategy for peace and development.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officials led by Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns (ISPSC) Alan Tanjusay has conducted a dialogue with former members of the Dawlah Islamiyah in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur from March 19 to 20 as part of their efforts to improve the agency’s peace and development programs.

“The focus group discussions and interviews with ex-members of the non-state armed group are part of DSWD’s continuing efforts to enhance the case management strategy for peace and development through a series of field visits and benchmarking activities,” Usec. Tanjusay said on Tuesday (March 26).

“These series of activities are based on the directive of Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the Department to identify effective ways to provide psychosocial interventions for long-term behavioral outcomes of ex-combatants instead of short-term cash assistance only,” he said.

Tanjusay said the DSWD team met with adult ex-members who had been recruited as children by the Dawlah Islamiyah, as well as with young widows of the armed group’s commanders who were killed in clashes with government troops.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officials led by Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Alan Tanjusay engage former members of the Dawlah Islamiyah in a dialogue held in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur from March 19 to 20. Usec. Tanjusay said the series of field visits and dialogues with ex-members of the non-state armed group are part of DSWD’s continuing efforts to enhance the case management strategy for peace and development.

“The goal of the activity is to gather inputs from those directly involved, and package these into a module that can help social workers and other professionals provide better services to children and women in armed conflict,” he said.

“Through the dialogue, we want to identify the factors that pushed them to engage in violent extremism at such a young age and know how their combat experience affected them. After the discussion, the DSWD team also debriefed the respondents following the protocols of ethical research involving human subjects,” the DSWD official said.

The former Dawlah Islamiyah members also received cash aid through the agency’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Usec. Tanjusay said the dialogue with former Dawlah Islamiyah members was the third leg of the DSWD’s benchmarking study on former combatants of non-state armed groups to improve its case management strategy for peace and development.

Earlier, the DSWD team visited conflict-affected communities in Sulu, where the Abu Sayyaf Group used to operate; and interviewed former members of the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA), a CPP-NPA breakaway group in Mt. Province.

Joining Usec. Tanjusay during the dialogue were DSWD Field Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) Assistant Regional Director for Operations Ronald Cui, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Salmah Basher, and peace and development focal persons.

https://journal.com.ph/dswd-execs-hold-dialogue-with-ex-dawlah-islamiyah-members-to-improve-peace-and-development-programs/

BARMM commemorates 10-year-old peace accord, Murad cites gains

From Rappler (Mar 29, 2024): BARMM commemorates 10-year-old peace accord, Murad cites gains (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

BARMM Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim says the 2014 peace pact opened the doors to correcting historical injustices and dismantling oppressive systems in the region

MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – A veteran Moro fighter, 63-year-old Abubakar Usop, continues to report for guard duty to help secure the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat town and the communities around it.

Darapanan is where Moro Islamic Liberation Front leaders, who are now government officials and lawmakers, chose to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB), a peace accord on March 27, 2014, that led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Usop, like many of his colleagues in the Darapanan security detail, is not from Darapanan but has come to render guard duty for 15 days and wait to be replaced with another group.

“We have to make sure that all is safe here,” he said on Wednesday, March 27, pointing out the big difference in what they do now compared to recent years.

“There is now peace, and people here can sleep undisturbed,” said the survivor of the government’s all-out offensives against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front more than a decade ago.

Declining poverty rate

During the commemoration rites on Wednesday, March 27, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, who is also the Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman, said the CAB signing during the presidency of the late Benigno Aquino III in 2014 opened the doors to “correcting historical injustices and dismantling oppressive systems,” which hindered the development of the region and its people.

Expressing gratitude to past and present leaders of the country for their support in implementing the CAB, Ebrahim said the new Bangsamoro government was able to “reduce the region’s poverty rates, increase investments, make available employment opportunities, and work for the opening of economic activities.”

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show a significant decline in BARMM’s poverty incidence by 29.8% in 2021 from 54.20% in 2018. This was accompanied by a 56% increase in investments.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the CAB symbolizes the government’s desire to uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people and transform their areas into peaceful, progressive, and resilient communities.
Survivor’s story

A few meters from the gates of the camp where the commemoration rites were being held, 32-year-old college student Zoraini Rashid tended to her uncle’s small sari-sari (variety) store.

Rashid told Rappler that in her desire to help her family, she decided to remain single, “so I can freely work with the intention to lift my siblings and parents out of poverty.”

Left with no other option, her parents had to agree with her decision to work as a domestic in the Middle East to be safe from the frequent armed clashes in their town in Talayan, Rashid said as she narrated her story of dodging bullets as a young girl.

DISPLAY. Zoraini Rashid tends to her uncle’s small store with an Moro Islamic Liberation Front flag conspicuously displayed in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat. Rommel Rebollido/Rappler

On her return from abroad in 2018, Rashid opted to stay with her relatives in Darapanan for security reasons even as she observed that “malaki ang pinagbago, wala nang giyera, nakakapagaral na ako (there is a big difference now, no more war, I can go to school).”

She is about to complete a course in Islamic Studies at the Cotabato State University, made possible by the free education program of the Bangsamoro government. Free education means free tuition only, no allowance or stipend.

Rashid wanted to be a physician, a childhood dream, but she said, “Hindi na kakayanin, tumatanda na ako at wala nang pera (I can’t afford it anymore. I’m getting old, and I don’t have the money for it).”
Can gains be sustained?

Abet Soledo, 53, a resident of Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, also fled the fighting during the government’s all-out war launched by the administration of then-president Joseph Estrada.

He went to work abroad as a utility worker for a carpet dealer in Saudi Arabia and returned home when he learned that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government came to a truce in 2014.

“Nakabalik ako tapos na ang giyera, hindi talaga maganda ang giyera (I was able to return when the war was over; war is really no good),” Soledo said, recalling the days when his family would evacuate to avoid hostilities.

Soledo said it was good that the Bangsamoro stood their ground and fought.

Asked about the ongoing celebration, he said, “Wala nang giyera, tahimik na. (No more war, it is already peaceful).”

He, however, had no answer when asked if he thought the present gains can be sustained.

In nearby Datu Odin Sinsuat town, also in Maguindanao del Norte, residents fled their homes on Monday, March 25, to avoid fighting between a group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The Muslim-majority region will hold its first parliamentary elections since its creation, simultaneously with the mid-term national and local elections, next year. The International Crisis Group, based in Brussels, earlier cautioned that armed groups and political disputes ahead of the 2025 elections pose potential threats to BARMM’s stability.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/barmm-commemorates-decade-old-peace-accord-murad-cites-gains/

Philippines reminds China: We’re not aggressors in West Philippine Sea

From Rappler (Mar 29, 2024): Philippines reminds China: We’re not aggressors in West Philippine Sea (By BEA CUPIN)

'China’s defense ministry statement clearly reflects their isolation from the rest of the world on their illegal and uncivilized activities in the West Philippine Sea,' says the Department of National Defense

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ defense department reminded its Chinese counterpart on Friday, March 29, that Filipinos are not the “aggressors” in the South China Sea.

“The world has seen and knows that the Filipino people are not aggressors. We will never seek a fight or trouble. Neither will we be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience,” the Department of National Defense (DND) said in a statement.

The DND was reacting to China’s defense ministry, who said in a statement on Thursday, March 28, that Manila’s “harassment and provocations [were] the immediate cause of the recent escalation of the South China Sea issue.”

“China’s defense ministry statement clearly reflects their isolation from the rest of the world on their illegal and uncivilized activities in the West Philippine Sea. It also shows the inability of the Chinese government to conduct open, transparent, and legal negotiations. Their repertoire consists only of patronizing and, failing that, intimidating smaller countries,” said the Philippines’ defense department.

Other Stories

Manila asks Beijing: Are you sincere in promoting South China Sea peace?
(1st UPDATE) In its protest to China, Manila reminds the Asian superpower that it 'has no right to be in Ayungin Shoal'

China causes ‘heavy damage’ on Philippine resupply ship in Ayungin Shoal – AFP
(3rd UPDATE) The Philippine military says a Chinese Maritime Militia boat, with the help of Chinese rigid-hulled inflatable boat, 'deployed and installed floating barriers to prevent further entry of any vessels in the shoal'

After Ayungin harassment, China tells PH: Prepare ‘to bear all potential consequences’
(UPDATED) The Philippines, meanwhile, says it 'will not be deterred – by veiled threats or hostility – from exercising our legal rights'

The Chinese defense ministry’s statement was released to media in Manila shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a “countermeasure package” in the face of China’s “open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks.”

Marcos, in a post on his social media accounts, said the plan was a result of meetings with Philippine defense officials, as well as communication with allies in the international community.

The Philippine President, in his statement, added: “We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield.”

The latest exchange between the two Asian countries are indicative of rising tensions between Manila and Beijing over activities in the West Philippine Sea, which includes the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.

China insists practically the entire South China Sea is theirs, ignoring a 2016 arbitral award that deemed this claim illegal.

Under Marcos – in direct contrast to his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte – the Philippines has been more assertive in protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, as well as exposing China’s harassment whenever Filipinos conduct missions in those waters.

Last Saturday, March 23, three soldiers were hurt and a civilian supply ship was badly damaged after the China Coast Guard used water cannons against the smaller Unaizah May 4. Just weeks before, the same wooden supply ship was damaged for the same reason.

But the March 2024 incidents in the West Philippine Sea are only the latest in a long list of maritime confrontations between the two countries. The Philippines has reported collisions, dangerous maneuvers, and blocking attempts, particularly during missions to bring supplies to a military outpost in Ayungin Shoal, as well as attempts to bring supplies to fisherfolk in Scarborough Shoal.

Both features are just a little over 100 nautical miles from Philippine shores.

Under Marcos, too, the Philippines has upped defense ties with its allies and partners – most notably the United States, which China accuses of “interference” in the South China Sea. Marcos has repeatedly said issues in the South China Sea must be viewed beyond the lens of the US-China competition, and as the Philippines’ assertion of its own interests.

China has also lashed out at journalists who join Philippine missions to Ayungin Shoal, claiming “manipulation” of video and reports. Journalists in the Philippines have hit back, calling Beijing’s allegations a “barefaced lie.”

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/defense-department-statement-china-sea-dispute-march-29-2024/

94IB CAA awarded at Philippine Army 127th founding anniversary

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 25. 2024): 94IB CAA awarded at Philippine Army 127th founding anniversary (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. presents the Command Plaque to CAA-I Jordan Quiador during the Awarding Ceremony of Army’s exemplary individuals, stakeholders, and People’s Organizations on March 22, at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.* PA photo

The Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion stepped into the limelight during the 127th founding anniversary on March 22 at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, after one of its Cafgu Active Auxiliary was adjudged Best CAA of the Year.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, said that CAA Jordan Quiador, also known as Miguel, got the prestigious award, in recognition of his significant role throughout numerous combat operations and civil-military initiatives, including community engagements and information dissemination, in central Negros.

The 94IB was credited by the Philippine Army for the dismantling of Central Negros 2 guerilla front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, and contributed also to the dismantling of KR NCBS Regional Strike Force.

In a statement, Almonte said CAA Quiador’s journey from a life entrenched in armed conflict, to becoming a symbol of courage and resilience within our ranks, “serves as a powerful testament that change is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.”

He added that the transition of Quiador’s from conflict to contribution, “underscores the belief that mending ways is never too late.”

Col. Eufracio Malig, former deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, was also conferred with an Outstanding Achievement Medal by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who was assisted by AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.

Dr. Ramel Uy, Chief Executive Officer of 5K Broadcasting Company, Clinica De Alternativo Medicina, and Wellness Center Incorporated, was also among the stakeholder awardees.

Uy owns 44 radio stations nationwide and produces popular herbal products.

He contributed to the 3rd Infantry Divisions’ and the Philippine Army’s peace campaign by donating state-of-the-art Radio Broadcasting Studios to disseminate accurate and timely public information that increased public awareness on government peace, security, and development efforts.*

https://visayandailystar.com/94ib-caa-awarded-at-philippine-army-127th-founding-anniversary/

Negros Occ. declared in state of Stable Internal Peace Security

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 26. 2024): Negros Occ. declared in state of Stable Internal Peace Security (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who presided over the RPOC 6 meeting held in Bago City on March 25, awards a certificate of appreciation to Mayor Nicholas Yulo.* Capitol PIO photo

The Regional Peace and Order of Western Visayas yesterday declared Negros Occidental in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), during its 1st quarter meeting held in Bago City.

At the same time, Negros Oriental will also be declared under SIPS status, said Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, chairperson of the RPOC Western Visayas.

However, this doesn’t mean that the Philippine Army will be leaving the province. They will still be around, according to Lacson.

According to the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, all five guerrilla fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros Island have been dismantled.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID, disclosed that a SIPS status in a locality would attract investments, generate jobs, and bring more opportunities to its people, while Lacson said that investors will feel more secure investing in Negros Occidental.

Achieving the SIPS status shows that the campaign against local terrorist group is really gaining ground, said Lacson, who presided over the quarterly RPOC 6 meeting held in Bago City, Negros Occidental.

After the approval of SIPS status in the regional level, Lacson said it will be presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for his approval, with a target date of either next month or May, and the declaration is expected to be made in Negros Island.*

https://visayandailystar.com/negros-occ-declared-in-state-of-stable-internal-peace-security/

Pro-IS militants yield in Southern Philippines

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 27, 2024): Pro-IS militants yield in Southern Philippines

COTABATO CITY – Over a dozen pro-IS fighters in southern Philippines have surrendered to the military with security officials saying the Islamists belonged to the Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

A photo released by the Western Mindanao Command shows the weapons surrendered by pro-IS fighters in the southern Philippines.

Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of Western Mindanao Command here, said eight members of the Dawlah Islmiya and seven from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, all based in Maguindanao del Sur province, also yielded high-powered weapons.

“Surrendered personalities handed over various firearms, including one 81mm mortar, two Barret Cal. 50 Sniper rifles, two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, one Garand rifle, one Cal. 7.62mm Sniper rifle, one Cal. 50 Sniper rifle, one Cal. 5.56mm Sniper rifle, one Cal. 30 Sniper rifle, and one Cal. 45 pistol,” he said.

“The surrender of the local terrorists is a result of the collaborative efforts of the military, the local government units, stakeholders, and the peace-loving citizens of Maguindanao del Sur,” he added.

It was unclear if any of those who surrendered were involved in the recent ambush of four soldiers in the village of Tuayan 1 in Datu Hoffer town. The soldiers were travelling in a civilian vehicle and returning to their base when gunmen attacked them with automatic weapons

The province is a stronghold of the Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Moro Islamic Freedom Fighters, blamed by authorities for the spate of deadly attacks on military and civilian targets in the South.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/03/pro-is-militants-yield-in-southern.html

Wescom troops to continue WPS resupply missions amid challenges

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 27, 2024): Wescom troops to continue WPS resupply missions amid challenges

ARMED FORCES of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., told troops of the Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) to continue persevering with their rotation and reprovisioning (RORE) and other missions aimed at ensuring the country's sovereign rights despite challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"What you are doing here has strategic implications. The whole world is watching us so let us continue with our determination and resolve to accomplish our mission and the conduct of our RORE operations,” Brawner said during his visit to the Wescom headquarters in Puerto Princesa City on Tuesday.

Brawner also checked on the condition of wounded personnel and awarded those who contributed to RORE missions.

Three military personnel were reported injured in the March 23 RORE mission to the Philippine Navy ship BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) which was stationed in Ayungin Shoal last March 23, following a water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard on the civilian resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 (UM4).

Brawner was accompanied by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan during his visit to the Wescom headquarters.

The PCG is providing ships to escort the RORE missions to Ayungin Shoal.

Adjustments in resupply missions eyed

Meanwhile, Brawner said that RORE missions for troops manning the BRP Sierra Madre will continue as adjustments will be made for the next operation.

"Definitely, tuloy yung ating RORE mission dahil yung (our RORE missions will continue because the) BRP Sierra Madre is considered a commissioned Philippine Navy (PN) ship at mga nakatao po dito ay mga sundalo ng (those who man the ship are soldiers of the) AFP so it is our duty to continue bringing supplies to them to sustain them in their operations and to make sure that their morale, their welfare is taken care of," he said in an interview with reporters at Wescom headquarters.

The AFP chief also said they are now talking with the PCG, PN, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and other government agencies on what steps to prevent a repeat of the March 23 incident.

"So we will be adjusting our operations but definitely hindi po namin pwedeng sabihin kung ano po yung mga adjustments na yun (but definitely, we won't be telling anyone about those adjustments)," he stressed.

Brawner also said the March 23 incident is not only the "most dangerous" but also marks the first time that a Filipino resupply ship was prevented from closing in on the BRP Sierra Madre.

However, despite severe damage to the vessel and injuries to some of its crew, the AFP chief said the RORE mission was still classified as a "partial success" as they were still able to conduct a rotation of personnel and delivered some of the supplies through RHIB or rigid-hulled inflatable boat.

"But then again, we are all of course concerned because of the amount of aggressiveness that was shown during the latest resupply mission," he added.

Based on reports, pressure from the CCG water cannoning against UM4 was so strong that it hurled bodily one of the crew aboard and injured him.

This crew member, however, hit a wooden partition that have prevented him from being thrown overboard. (Priam Nepomuceno)

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2024/03/wescom-troops-to-continue-wps-resupply.html

US slams latest Chinese aggression in WPS, reaffirms commitment to MDT

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24, 2024): US slams latest Chinese aggression in WPS, reaffirms commitment to MDT (By Darryl John Esguerra)

RESUPPLY MISSION. Philippine Navy soldiers transfer essential cargoes from Unaizah May 4 and BRP Cabra to the BRP Sierra Madre off Ayungin Shoal on Saturday (March 23, 2024). The resupply boat Unaizah May 4 was damaged by yet another water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – The United States (US) has denounced China for its "dangerous actions" that could destabilize the region and disregard international law after Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) water cannon attack that severely damaged a Philippine vessel and injured its crew members during a routine resupply (RORE) mission to the country’s outpost in Ayungin Shoal.

The US State Department has also reaffirmed its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the US and the Philippines.

“The United States reaffirms that Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft – including those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea,” US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement dated March 23.

The seven-decade old defense pact dictates that the US and the Philippines would support each other if either of them were to be attacked by an external party.

The Philippines’ National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported Saturday morning that CCG vessels, along with Chinese maritime militia vessels, “acted recklessly and dangerously” against the country’s resupply boat Unaizah May 4 (UM4) and its Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) escort vessels.

This ended with two CCG ships water cannoning the UM4, causing severe damage to the boat and injuries to the Filipino crew members onboard.

The NTF-WPS said the Chinese vessels even attempted to obstruct the PCG escort vessels from providing immediate relief and assistance to the disabled UM4 and its crew, but the PCG ships were able to break through and provide medical attention to the injured crew.

To complete the RORE mission, BRP Sierra Madre which serves as the Philippines’ outpost in Ayungin Shoal, deployed rigid-hulled inflatable boats to UM4 to ferry personnel.

READ: PH resupply boat heavily damaged after another CCG water cannon attack

READ: Filipino crew injured; PH reprimands China over latest harassment

According to Miller, China’s actions “are destabilizing to the region and show clear disregard for international law,” adding that the 2016 Arbitral ruling clearly disregarded Beijing’s expansive claims to the waters around Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) and that the submerged reef is clearly within the Philippines exclusive economic zone.

“As provided under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the 2016 arbitral decision is final and legally binding on the PRC (People’s Republic of China) and the Philippines, and the United States calls upon the PRC to abide by the ruling and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct,” the US official said.

The Philippines, along with Southeast Asian neighbors Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, along with China, which is claiming virtually the entire resource-rich region, including maritime features in the West Philippine Sea that are well within Manila’s EEZ.

Japan stands with PH

Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has also expressed “grave concern” over what it described as China’s “repeated dangerous actions” in the South China Sea.

“Japan stands in solidarity with the PH as confirmed at the (Japan-PH-US) Vice Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in this week,” the embassy said in an X (Twitter) post.

The incident comes ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington where he is set to hold a trilateral leaders’ summit with his US and Japanese counterparts on April 11.

According to the White House, Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Fumio will discuss a broad range of areas, including economic and security cooperation, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221425

PH security exec to Reds: Consider gov't amnesty grant

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2024): PH security exec to Reds: Consider gov't amnesty grant (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)

MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Tuesday renewed his call for remnants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to avail of the amnesty program offered by the government.

Año, also chair of the National Security Council (NSC), said this invitation is open to all rebels wishing to reunite with their families and loved ones and integrate with mainstream society.

"The National Amnesty Commission has begun accepting applications for amnesty after Congress concurred with the Amnesty Proclamation of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. This is a significant development and a game changer in ending the more than 50-year communist armed conflict in the country," he said in a statement.

Año also said the amnesty program will allow these rebels to build a peaceful and brighter future for themselves and their families.

"We encourage all the remaining active members of the armed rebel groups to seize and embrace this chance for reconciliation and renewal of hope as we all work together towards lasting peace and development," he added.

The NSA also noted that thousands of former NPA members and their Militia ng Bayan have already surrendered in 2023 alone, marking a major success to integrate former rebels into the society.

He also noted that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is on track to dismantle all remaining weakened guerilla fronts before the end of the year.

"Choosing to apply for amnesty by laying down arms and returning to the fold of the law is in itself an act of courage that stands to benefit not only former rebels individually, but also contributes to the healing, progress, and stability of our country," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221541